PhysicsWallah set to launch ₹4,600 cr IPO after SEBI approval

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July 28, 2025

India’s edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah is on track to launch its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO), having received a nod from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its confidential draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). The Noida-based company is aiming to raise approximately ₹4,600 crore (nearly $533 million) through a mix of fresh equity issuance and offer for sale (OFS).

While the DRHP hasn’t been made public yet, insider sources confirm that the fundraise will support PhysicsWallah’s expansion, branding, and governance goals. As part of its IPO readiness, the company recently welcomed three independent directors to enhance corporate governance. In addition, Satish Sharma was appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to strengthen brand positioning and lead strategic growth.

Also Read: 1,364 new seats added across five campuses for 2025-26

Earlier this year, PhysicsWallah transitioned into a public limited company, fulfilling a critical step toward listing on Indian stock exchanges. The move reflects its commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and scalability as it prepares for life as a listed entity.

1,364 new seats added across five campuses for 2025-26

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 28, 2025

In a major step toward strengthening technical education in India, five third-generation Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have received approval to add 1,364 seats across their UG, PG, and PhD programmes for the 2025–26 academic year, a senior official from the Ministry of Education confirmed.

The institutions receiving the expansion are:

IIT Bhilai – 378 seats
IIT Dharwad – 343 seats
IIT Jammu – 251 seats
IIT Tirupati – 199 seats
IIT Palakkad – 193 seats

This seat hike is the first phase of a four-year expansion plan aimed at scaling capacity at IITs established after 2014. These five institutes will collectively add 6,576 seats between 2025 and 2029, backed by a government investment of ₹11,828.79 crore, approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2025.

The year-wise seat distribution will be:

2025–26: 1,364 seats
2026–27: 1,738 seats
2027–28: 1,767 seats
2028–29: 1,707 seats

Once the project concludes, the combined intake at these IITs will surge from 7,111 to 13,687, reflecting a 92.47% jump in student capacity.

In addition, 130 new faculty positions have been sanctioned to support the academic growth, with recruitment already underway.

Also Read: Education Ministry mandates urgent school safety audits and mental health support nationwide

Notably, IIT Goa was excluded from this expansion as it has yet to transition to a permanent campus—one of the prerequisites for eligibility under the scheme.

The expansion comes in line with the Union Budget 2025–26 announcement, where Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman committed to increasing seats in IITs to accommodate India’s growing pool of engineering aspirants.

Education Ministry mandates urgent school safety audits and mental health support nationwide

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 28, 2025

The Ministry of Education has directed all States and Union Territories to implement immediate measures ensuring both physical and psychological security for children and youth in schools and public facilities.

According to an official release issued on Saturday, comprehensive school safety audits have been made mandatory across all institutions frequented by children, including public spaces. These inspections are to be conducted in line with national safety codes and disaster management protocols.

Key Safety Measures Mandated

The directive highlights several critical actions to be undertaken by educational authorities:

Compulsory structural and safety audits: Schools must assess structural stability, fire safety systems, emergency exits, and electrical infrastructure to ensure full compliance with national standards.
24-Hour incident reporting: Any incident or near-miss posing a threat to students’ safety must be reported to the respective State or UT authority within 24 hours. The ministry has emphasized strict accountability for delays or negligence.
Mental health support: Recognising the importance of emotional and psychological health, the directive stresses the need for counselling services, peer support programs, and community engagement to promote overall well-being.
Training & preparedness: Schools must organise regular emergency evacuation drills, first-aid training, and awareness sessions for students and staff in collaboration with local agencies such as NDMA, fire departments, police, and medical teams.
Community vigilance: Parents, guardians, and local communities are urged to actively participate in identifying and reporting unsafe school environments or transportation facilities.

The Ministry reiterated its shared responsibility with States and UTs to ensure that no child is placed in avoidable danger, reinforcing the need for proactive and coordinated action by school boards, education departments, and affiliated institutions.

Also Read: Prof. Uma Kanjilal takes charge as IGNOU’s first woman Vice Chancellor

This nationwide safety overhaul comes at a time when increasing concerns over child safety in educational settings demand urgent attention.

Prof. Uma Kanjilal takes charge as IGNOU’s first woman Vice Chancellor

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 28, 2025

Prof. Uma Kanjilal has been officially appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), becoming the first woman to ever lead the institution since its inception in 1985. The university made the announcement on Thursday, July 25, 2025, marking exactly one year since she stepped in as the Acting Vice Chancellor on the same date in 2024.

With an illustrious career spanning over 36 years in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Prof. Uma has held several pivotal academic and administrative positions at IGNOU. Before assuming the top post, she served as Pro Vice Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024, playing a vital role in shaping the university’s digital and academic roadmap.

Prof. Kanjilal has previously helmed key institutional bodies such as:

Centre for Online Education
Inter-University Consortium for Technology-Enabled Flexible Education
Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning
School of Social Sciences

As a Professor of Library and Information Science since 2003, she is widely recognised for her significant contributions to digital education, e-learning, and ICT integration in libraries. Her efforts have been central to advancing online learning platforms in India.

She is currently the National Coordinator for SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA, two flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed at expanding equitable access to online and televised education across the country.

In a statement released on Friday, IGNOU hailed her appointment as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing that Prof. Kanjilal brings a unique combination of academic leadership, technological expertise, and deep institutional experience to the role.

Also Read: Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasizes safety, innovation & parent involvement in government schools

Her global academic exposure includes being a Fulbright Fellow at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (1999–2000), and she has also worked with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Jordan, adding valuable international perspective to her leadership.

Prof. Uma Kanjilal’s elevation to Vice Chancellor is being celebrated as a powerful step forward for gender representation, academic innovation, and inclusive leadership in higher education.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasizes safety, innovation & parent involvement in government schools

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 25, 2025

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood reaffirmed the government’s commitment to children’s safety and all-round development, calling it a top priority in both policy and resource allocation.

Speaking at an orientation programme at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Chirag Delhi, Ashish Sood addressed students and parents beginning the new academic year. Highlighting the government’s initiative, he said, “These orientation sessions are designed to help parents understand their child’s learning environment and build a connection with teachers and school staff.”

He acknowledged the anxiety of parents whose children are attending school for the first time, and encouraged them to engage closely with school activities. “Only by visiting schools and interacting with educators will you truly understand the atmosphere your child is stepping into,” he added.

He emphasized that government schools in Delhi have a legacy of producing top professionals, from doctors to civil servants and urged parents not to view them as inferior to private institutions. “Don’t let perceptions limit your child’s potential,” he said.

Also Read: Odisha upgrades 102 high schools to higher secondary level

Looking ahead, the Minister announced a major revamp of Delhi government schools over the next five years, including AI-enabled smart classrooms, modern computer labs, and technology-driven learning tools aimed at preparing students for the future.

“A school is where a child begins their journey of transformation. As parents, your involvement is key,” he concluded.

Odisha upgrades 102 high schools to higher secondary level

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 25, 2025

Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department has upgraded 102 high schools to higher secondary schools, set to begin operations from the 2025–26 academic session.

Announced by Nityananda Gond, Minister of School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, and Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of Odisha, the initiative has received approval from the Ministry of Education’s Project Approval Board (PAB) under Samagra Shiksha. Of the newly upgraded schools, 28 will offer Science, 6 will offer Commerce, and the rest will provide Arts stream.

Gond emphasized that this move will benefit students in remote areas who previously had to travel far to pursue Plus II education. “Now, students can continue their studies locally without compromising on quality,” he stated. Most of these institutions are located in rural pockets, aiming to strengthen the state’s inclusive and equitable education framework.

Also Read: Government expands ‘Palna’ scheme to support working mothers

Last year, 74 schools were similarly upgraded, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to expand access to senior secondary education across Odisha.

Government expands ‘Palna’ scheme to support working mothers

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 25, 2025

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is strengthening child care support for working mothers through the Palna Scheme, launched on April 1, 2022, under the Samarthya vertical of the Umbrella Mission Shakti. This initiative provides safe, accessible day-care and crèche facilities for children across all States and Union Territories.

As more women enter the workforce—driven by government efforts in education, skills development, and employment, there is a growing need for reliable childcare support. With the rise of nuclear families, especially in urban areas, traditional joint family caregiving structures are no longer a fallback option. Lack of quality day care is one of the major barriers preventing women from pursuing full-time work, especially in both organized and unorganized sectors.

What is Palna Scheme?
Palna aims to offer day-long crèche services for children aged 6 months to 6 years. These centres provide not only care but also nutrition, immunization, cognitive development, and health monitoring in a secure environment. The scheme is inclusive—open to all mothers, regardless of employment status.

A unique feature of the scheme is the integration of crèche facilities with existing Anganwadi centres, creating Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs)—leveraging India’s extensive Anganwadi network to ensure last-mile delivery of childcare. This approach supports Sustainable Development Goal 8 by promoting decent work and enabling more women to take up paid employment by easing their unpaid caregiving burden.

Also Read: India launches ‘SOAR’ to equip school students & educators with AI skills

Targets & Progress
Under the 15th Finance Commission cycle (up to FY 2025–26), the government has planned to set up 17,000 AWCCs. State governments and UTs submit proposals and co-fund implementation. As of now, 14,599 centres have been approved based on proposals from various states and UTs.

The update was shared in Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur.

India launches ‘SOAR’ to equip school students & educators with AI skills

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 25, 2025

To mark 10 years of the Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has rolled out a national-level initiative — SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) — focused on building AI literacy among school students (Classes 6–12) and teachers across the country.

SOAR aims to introduce young learners to core artificial intelligence concepts like machine learning, natural language processing, neural networks, and ethical AI practices. Designed in partnership with leading tech companies and academic experts, the curriculum meets international benchmarks.

The program offers a mix of online learning and hands-on workshops, encouraging schools to set up AI labs and student-led AI clubs. This initiative ensures that even students in remote areas have access to quality AI education, supporting the government’s goal of bridging the digital divide.

Structured Modules for Students and Teachers

For Students: Three progressive 15-hour modules — AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire
For Teachers: A standalone 45-hour course titled AI for Educators

Topics covered include generative AI, ethical use of AI, basic programming, cybersecurity, and insights into AI-driven careers.

Also Read: What if the future of Indian higher education is being rewritten at this education summit in Delhi?

Highlighting a results-driven approach, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary announced that MSDE has secured $14.4 million through the Skill Impact Bond (SIB) in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), aiming to reshape skill financing with a strong focus on employment outcomes.

What if the future of Indian higher education is being rewritten at this education summit in Delhi?

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 24, 2025

Every few years, higher education in India hits a breaking point, where old systems crack, new rules emerge, and only those who adapt fast stay relevant.

That moment is now.

And the decisions shaping what comes next?
They’re not being made in ministries or on social media.
They’re being made in person at the 33rd Elets World Education Summit in Delhi, happening 19–20 August 2025.

If you’re leading an institution, building bold initiatives, or steering through the shifts of NAAC reforms, AI integration, and evolving policy, this isn’t just another event.

It’s the war room.

The agenda isn’t “what’s trending.” It’s: What do we build next? Who do we partner with? And how fast can we move before someone else takes the lead?

NAAC is changing the rules. Are you still playing the old game?

Let’s be honest: accreditation is no longer a box-ticking exercise. It’s a battleground for relevance.

With Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NAAC, NBA, and NETF, leading a top-down shake-up of quality frameworks, institutions are under pressure to evolve fast.

This Education Summit in Delhi is where insiders will break down:

The new NAAC playbook: transparency, tech, and transformation
How top institutions are leveraging reforms to raise rankings and unlock autonomy
What not to do as the old system phases out

Miss this, and you’re stuck navigating blind.

Who’s in the room and what are they not telling the internet?

It’s not just a summit. It’s a strategic gathering of the people shaping India’s education narrative:

Prof. (Dr.) Tankeshwar Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Haryana
Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi
Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Ahmedabad
Dr. Prafulla Agnihotri, Director, IIM Sirmaur
Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya
Prof. M. P. Gupta, Director, Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
VCs from Adani University, Sharda University, Delhi Skill & Entrepreneurship University, and more.

This isn’t where they give rehearsed keynotes. This is where they talk frankly about what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next.

If you’re not there, you’re not part of the conversation.
You’re catching up late.

Is your institution still teaching for the past or building for what’s coming?

AI in classrooms. Industry-ready degrees. Startup campuses.

The future of education isn’t theoretical anymore, it’s real, it’s fast, and it’s happening now.

This summit will reveal:

How leading universities are embedding AI, XR, and data literacy into core programs
What it takes to attract top industry collaborations
Why your competition is moving faster than you think, and what they’re doing differently.

Panels will go deep. Private rooms will go deeper. This is where ideas turn into pilots, and pilots scale into breakthroughs.

Also Read: Why global educators are flying to Delhi for the 33rd Elets World Education Summit Delhi 2025

One Room | Two Days | Infinite Impact

If your institution is still waiting for policy clarity, internal alignment, or “the right time”, you’re already behind.

This isn’t an academic ritual. This is where the country’s top minds collide and collaborate.

So here’s the real question:

Will your next big leap begin in that room or will you be stuck reading about it a week later on LinkedIn?

Join the Waitlist for the 33rd Elets World Education Summit in Delhi | 19–20 August 2025

Seats are limited. Stakes are high.
The leaders are already confirmed. The only question is are you?

Free laptops for students under Delhi’s digital education drive

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 24, 2025

The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Mukhyamantri Digital Education Scheme, aimed at modernising government school infrastructure and empowering students with access to technology. Education Minister Ashish Sood announced the initiative during a press conference on Tuesday, outlining key highlights of the scheme that includes free high-performance laptops for meritorious students and the establishment of 175 state-of-the-art ICT (Information and Communication Technology) labs across the national capital.

As part of the scheme, 1,200 top-performing Class 10 students will receive free laptops with advanced i7 configurations, supporting their academic and digital needs. The total budget earmarked for the scheme stands at ₹8 crore.

Minister Sood emphasized that each ICT lab will feature 40 computers, built in line with CBSE-approved specifications, aiming to bridge the digital divide and align with the broader objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. “This marks a transformative step in preparing Delhi’s youth for the digital future,” he stated.

However, Sood also criticized the previous AAP-led administration, alleging that no functional ICT labs currently exist across the 1,074 government schools in Delhi. He claimed that the existing labs, developed between 2015 and 2019 under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in partnership with the central government, are now non-operational.

In response, an Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson dismissed the allegations, accusing the minister of engaging in political blame games. “Instead of repeatedly targeting the former government, the minister should initiate a proper investigation through the Anti-Corruption Branch if there is any substance in his claims,” the spokesperson said.

Also Read: PhysicsWallah launches Aryabhata 1.0

Contradicting the minister’s assertions, some school officials claimed that their ICT facilities remain operational. A school principal, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “Our computer lab is fully functional with 40 working systems.”

The Mukhyamantri Digital Education Scheme aims not only to enhance access to technology for students but also to lay the foundation for future-ready learning environments in government schools, promising a digitally empowered education landscape for Delhi.

Structured Modules for Students and Teachers

NAAC is changing the rules. Are you still playing the old game?

Who’s in the room and what are they not telling the internet?

Is your institution still teaching for the past or building for what’s coming?

AI in classrooms. Industry-ready degrees. Startup campuses.

The future of education isn’t theoretical anymore, it’s real, it’s fast, and it’s happening now.

One Room | Two Days | Infinite Impact

Join the Waitlist for the 33rd Elets World Education Summit in Delhi | 19–20 August 2025

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