Andhra Pradesh Launches First-Ever Skill Census in Mangalagiri

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October 1, 2024

In a landmark move, Andhra Pradesh has initiated its first-ever skill census, starting in the Mangalagiri Assembly constituency, led by Nara Lokesh, Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics. The goal of this initiative is to map the skills of young people across the region, improving their access to relevant training and boosting employment opportunities.

According to an official statement, the census will cover 100 villages in the Mangalagiri segment, where local village secretariats have already been authorised to log in and begin the process. A team of 675 enumerators will collect data from 161,421 families, including 135,914 families from the Mangalagiri constituency and 25,507 from Thullur mandal.

A specially designed mobile application will be used to streamline the data collection process, and enumerators have undergone extensive training for the task. The initiative is backed by a dedicated technical team and thorough mapping of the area. Officials from the Skill Development Headquarters will oversee the operation, ensuring its smooth execution. “Any issues identified during the pilot phase will be addressed before scaling the project statewide,” added the statement.

Also Read: Kerala Launches ‘Key to Entrance’ Programme for 800,000 Students

This pioneering census, launched by the Chief Minister in June, aims to identify untapped talent among the state’s youth and provide targeted training programs, paving the way for better job prospects and future growth.

Kerala Launches ‘Key to Entrance’ Programme for 800,000 Students

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digitalLEARNING Network

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September 30, 2024

Kerala has introduced a groundbreaking initiative through the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), aiming to provide support for over 800,000 students in government and aided schools as they prepare for various undergraduate entrance exams. Titled ‘Key to Entrance,’ this programme was launched by General Education Minister V Sivankutty to enhance learning opportunities for students across the Science, Humanities, and Commerce streams.

New ‘Key to Entrance’ Programme for Kerala Students

The initiative, part of the state’s commitment to quality education, offers students access to a vast array of learning resources, including question papers, assignments, and mock tests. These materials are available via the official portal www.entrance.kite.kerala.gov.in, providing free login access to higher secondary and vocational students from public schools.

Live Classes and Accessible Learning Materials

Starting from September 30, live classes will be broadcast daily on the KITE VICTERS channel and two PM eVidya channels dedicated to Kerala. Students who miss live broadcasts can access the recordings through the KITE YouTube channel, ensuring flexibility in learning.

Subjects covered include Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, History, Political Science, Business Studies, English, and Geography, with plans to expand into additional areas over time.

Self-Assessment and Continuous Evaluation

Each class within the ‘Key to Entrance’ programme will feature self-assessment opportunities, enabling students to gauge their understanding and track their progress. Continuous evaluations will also be facilitated through online model exams, ensuring students are prepared for their entrance exams.

Also Read: Vedantu Raises INR 19.25 Crore in Strategic Debt-Equity Mix

State-Wide Support and Implementation

To ensure smooth implementation, the Director of General Education (DGE) has instructed all schools to provide the necessary technical infrastructure for students to participate in the programme effectively. KITE’s Chief Executive Officer, K Anvar Sadath, emphasised that this is Kerala’s largest public entrance exam training system, aiming to reach nearly 8 lakh students.

Sadath also noted the success of the previous ‘Crack the Entrance’ course, which saw impressive results for students preparing for Medical and Engineering entrance exams, setting high expectations for the new programme.

Vedantu Raises INR 19.25 Crore in Strategic Debt-Equity Mix

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digitalLEARNING Network

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September 30, 2024

Vedantu, one of India’s leading online education platforms, has raised INR 19.25 crore (approximately $2.4 million) in a fresh round of funding, combining debt and equity. This move underscores Vedantu’s strategic approach to navigating the challenges facing the Indian edtech sector while positioning itself for sustainable growth.

Key Highlights of Vedantu’s Funding:

Debt Financing Through NCDs: Vedantu secured INR 17.5 crore via non-convertible debentures (NCDs), a form of debt security offering fixed interest rates for a specified period. This allows the company to access necessary capital without significant dilution of ownership.
Equity Investment: The remaining INR 1.75 crore was raised through equity financing, providing investors with a stake in the company’s future growth. This balanced approach ensures that Vedantu can grow while retaining control over key aspects of its operations.

Vedantu’s Financial Performance and Sector Challenges

Vedantu reported operating revenue of INR 152.5 crore for FY23, marking an 8% drop from INR 166 crore in FY22. The decrease in revenue mirrors the broader difficulties faced by India’s edtech startups, driven by factors such as increasing competition, concerns over student screen time, and ongoing economic challenges.

Strategic Utilization of Funds

Vedantu plans to allocate the newly raised funds to several critical areas:

Course Expansion: The company aims to diversify its course offerings, potentially targeting new subjects and grade levels to serve a broader student base.
Technology Enhancements: Investments in cutting-edge technologies will be made to improve the online learning experience and increase platform efficiency.
Marketing and User Acquisition: Vedantu is likely to ramp up its marketing efforts to attract more students and boost brand visibility across India.

Sustainability at the Core of Vedantu’s Strategy

Vedantu’s decision to raise funds through both debt and equity reflects its commitment to sustainable growth. While debt financing requires repayment with interest, it allows Vedantu to avoid excessive dilution of ownership, a crucial advantage in a highly competitive market. This balanced approach ensures the company maintains a solid financial foundation while pursuing growth initiatives.

Also Read: Google-Backed Adda247 Acquires Placement Platform PrepInsta

The Future of Indian Edtech and Vedantu’s Role

Despite the challenges faced by the Indian edtech sector, including increased competition and economic headwinds, Vedantu’s successful funding round signals a positive outlook for the company and the broader industry. India’s large population, growing internet penetration, and rising disposable incomes create a fertile environment for the continued growth of online education platforms.

As the sector evolves, edtech companies that can innovate and adapt quickly are likely to thrive. Vedantu’s focus on expanding its offerings, improving technology, and enhancing user acquisition puts it in a strong position to lead in this rapidly changing landscape.

Vedantu’s INR 19.25 crore fundraising effort marks an important milestone in the company’s journey. By strategically leveraging both debt and equity, the company is well-positioned to continue its expansion, improve its platform, and reach a broader audience. As India’s edtech industry continues to evolve, Vedantu’s ability to innovate and navigate market challenges will be key to its long-term success.

Google-Backed Adda247 Acquires Placement Platform PrepInsta

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digitalLEARNING Network

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September 30, 2024

Adda247, a leading Google-backed edtech startup, has announced the acquisition of PrepInsta, a top placement preparation platform. This acquisition aligns with Adda247’s goal of expanding its reach in both public and private sector job education programs. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

This marks Adda247’s fourth major acquisition, following its buyouts of StudyIQ, a UPSC preparation platform in 2021, Veeksha, a virtual and augmented reality learning modules platform in 2023, and Ekagrata Eduserv, a chartered accountancy (CA) test preparation company, acquired earlier this year.

Expanding Focus to Private Sector Jobs and Skilling

“We had been primarily focused on government jobs until recently when we announced our entry into the skilling and higher education space. Our vision is to become an integrated player in both public and private sector job preparation, helping individuals acquire the necessary skills while working with enterprises to build talent,” said Bimaljeet Singh Bhasin, CEO of Adda247’s skilling and higher education business.

Bhasin emphasised that the company has identified key sectors for its skilling programs, including banking, financial services, insurance, and technology. “Tech is one of the largest employment sectors, and our focus on this area is crucial to our growth as a major player in job-related programs. The acquisition of PrepInsta is a key part of this broader initiative,” he added.

Adda247’s Growth and Offerings

Founded in 2016 by Anil Nagar and Saurabh Bansal, Adda247 has built a strong reputation by offering courses tailored to government job preparation, including state-run banks, government departments, and railways. The platform provides a variety of learning formats, including live online classes, on-demand video courses, mock tests, e-books, and books designed for specific exams. Adda247 offers courses in 12 regional languages, allowing it to reach a wide audience.

The platform currently serves over 40 million monthly users, with 2 million students enrolled in its premium courses. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the company reported revenue growth of 88%, reaching ₹243.39 crore, while its net loss was reduced by 66% to ₹101 crore.

PrepInsta to Enhance Digital and Tech Skilling Programs

PrepInsta’s co-founder, Atulya Kaushik, believes the acquisition will allow the platform to expand its reach further further. “Adda247’s user base includes a significant number of engineering students and freshers, providing an excellent opportunity to offer tech and digital skilling programs to over 1.2 million paid users,” Kaushik said.

Also Read: IIT Bombay and BITS Pilani Sign MoU to Collaborate on Research, Innovation, and Skill Development.

Future Plans and Investment

Adda247 raised $35 million in a 2022 funding round led by WestBridge Capital with participation from Google and other investors, including Info Edge Ventures and Asha Impact. The company has raised a total of $63 million to date, fueling its growth and expansion into new sectors.

With this acquisition, Adda247 continues to strengthen its position as a leading edtech platform, offering a comprehensive range of job-related education and skilling programs. The integration of PrepInsta will support Adda247’s efforts to bridge the gap between government job preparation and private sector skilling, positioning the company to serve an even broader audience in the future.

IIT Bombay and BITS Pilani Sign MoU to Collaborate on Research, Innovation, and Skill Development

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 27, 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and BITS Pilani have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, innovation, and skill development. This agreement will enable both institutions to collaborate on joint research initiatives, share facilities, and engage in external collaborations with industry partners to achieve common objectives.

The MoU aims to establish a framework that encourages academic and industrial cooperation, promotes knowledge sharing, and supports the development of technologies to address societal issues. Key goals of the partnership include conducting joint research projects, offering consultancy services, facilitating student internships, enabling faculty exchanges, and creating advanced technologies.

A major focus of the collaboration will be enhancing knowledge management, driving technological innovation, and upskilling human resources through continuous learning and education. The partnership is intended to bridge the gap between academia and industry, enabling the two institutions to develop solutions to real-world problems while providing valuable opportunities for students and researchers.

Professor Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that it brings academia and industry closer together. He emphasised that the partnership would provide students with opportunities to thrive in emerging fields such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and engineering.

Also Read: Government to Launch Skill Voucher System, Partner with Industry to Modernise 1,000 ITIs

Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that it unites the top talent from two of India’s leading institutions. He looks forward to breakthrough research projects that address practical challenges and contribute to the nation’s growth.

This partnership will also open avenues for research collaborations, industry-focused consultancy services, student internship programs, and joint applications for research funding. Both IIT Bombay and BITS Pilani will focus on building a stronger academic-industrial ecosystem by hosting visiting faculty, creating research consortia for emerging technologies, and fostering closer ties between education and industry.

Government to Launch Skill Voucher System, Partner with Industry to Modernise 1,000 ITIs

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 27, 2024

Atul Kumar Tiwari, secretary at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, announced that the government will introduce a skill voucher system to enhance India’s skill development landscape during Ficci’s Global Skills Summit 2024. Tiwari emphasised the government’s intent to partner with industries to modernise 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country.

The skill voucher system aims to transform 200 ITIs into hub institutions, with 800 additional institutes serving as spoke facilities. This hub-and-spoke model is a significant part of the government’s larger strategy to upgrade India’s skill development ecosystem, ensuring that vocational training aligns more closely with industry needs. While Tiwari shared details of this ambitious plan, he did not disclose specifics regarding the upcoming skill voucher system, indicating that further announcements would follow soon.

During his speech, Tiwari underscored two major changes reshaping the country’s approach to skill development. The introduction of the National Credit Framework under the National Education Policy now allows students to earn credits for vocational and skill-based education, integrating skilling more directly into mainstream education. Regulations now mandate that up to 50% of the content in degree courses must be skill-based, further emphasising the government’s focus on hands-on, practical learning.

Additionally, efforts are being made to embed skilling within school curricula. Tiwari explained that the curriculum for classes 6 to 12 has been revised to incorporate more application-based learning, ensuring students develop practical skills alongside their academic education. The government is also working on apprenticeship-embedded degree programs, providing a structured way for industries to collaborate with academic institutions and students.

Also Read: UP CM Shares Key School Reforms with Himachal Delegation

Tiwari stressed the need for greater industry, academia, and government cooperation to scale up the country’s skilling efforts. “The government’s intent is very clear,” he said, “that they would like to engage with the industry on different methods so that we can bring the skilling part in line with the industry’s requirements.”

This collaboration between sectors aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, creating a workforce that meets the evolving demands of the economy.

UP CM Shares Key School Reforms with Himachal Delegation

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 26, 2024

Lucknow: A delegation from Himachal Pradesh’s Education Department, led by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, visited Uttar Pradesh to study the state’s educational initiatives and explore potential collaboration opportunities. The delegation’s goal was to understand ongoing programs in Uttar Pradesh and identify ways the two states could work together to improve education.

During their visit, the team met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. The CM provided an overview of the various educational programs currently being implemented across primary, middle, and secondary schools in Uttar Pradesh. Key initiatives highlighted during the discussion included Operation Kayakalp, the CM Model Composite School Scheme, and Alankar, all designed to enhance the quality of school education in the state.

Also Read: Four Indian MBA Programs Rank in QS Global Top 100

Education Minister Thakur noted that both Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh face similar challenges in the education sector, particularly with declining enrollment in government schools. He expressed interest in adopting and adapting some of Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives to address these issues in Himachal Pradesh and strengthen cooperation in the education sector.

Four Indian MBA Programs Rank in QS Global Top 100

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 26, 2024

New Delhi: Four premier Indian full-time MBA programs have earned spots in the prestigious QS Global MBA Rankings for 2025, cementing India’s standing as a leading hub for business education. Topping the Indian list is the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, which ranks 53rd globally, though it saw a slight dip from its previous 48th position in 2024.

India continues to dominate in Asia, with a total of 14 MBA programs featured in the QS rankings, making it the top-ranking country in the region. Newcomers to the list this year include IIM Kozhikode, debuting in the 151-200 band, and Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad and Somaiya Vidyavihar University, both entering the rankings in the 251+ band.

Joining IIM Bangalore in the top 100 are IIM Ahmedabad, which secured the 60th position (down from 53rd), IIM Calcutta, ranking 65th (down from 59th), and the Indian School of Business (ISB) at 86th (down from 78th).

Indian MBA Programs Shine in Employability Rankings

One of the standout features of Indian MBA programs is their exceptional performance in global employability rankings. Three Indian institutes are ranked in the world’s top 50 for employability:

IIM Bangalore at 33rd
IIM Calcutta at 34th
IIM Ahmedabad at 47th

In addition, IIM Bangalore’s full-time MBA program is recognised for delivering the highest return on investment (ROI) in India, ranking 53rd globally. Both IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta are also featured in the global top 100 for ROI.

Challenges for Indian MBA Programs: Diversity

While India’s MBA programs excel in employability and ROI, they face challenges in student and faculty diversity. None of the 14 Indian programs ranked in the top 250 globally for diversity, highlighting a critical area for improvement. Increasing international representation among students and faculty could further boost the global competitiveness of Indian institutions.

Also Read: CBSE and ISTM Conduct Training Programme to Empower Educators

India’s Leading Role in Asia’s MBA Rankings

India leads the Asian MBA landscape, with the highest number of programs ranked among the global top 100. The QS Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings for 2025 evaluated 340 MBA programs across 58 countries, with a focus on employability, ROI, diversity, and specialisations in finance, business analytics, management, and more.

As Indian institutions continue to rise on the global stage, their strength in employability and ROI remains undeniable. However, increasing diversity will be crucial for maintaining their competitive edge in the future.

Elets World Education Summit Concludes its 30th Edition in Chennai

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 25, 2024

Chennai, September 24, 2024 – The 30th edition of the Elets World Education Summit (WES), one of the foremost platforms in Asia and the Middle East spotlighting innovation in education, concluded triumphantly at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. Hosted by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with the ICT Academy, Information Technology and Digital Services Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, the summit attracted key decision-makers and thought leaders from the education, government, and technology sectors to discuss groundbreaking strategies for revolutionising education through innovation and digital transformation.

Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, served as the esteemed Chief Guest at the 30th Elets World Education Summit 2024. His presence and insightful perspectives on the transformative role of technology in education left an indelible mark on the event. Dr. Rajan’s visionary address highlighted the immense potential of digital tools in shaping future-ready institutions. It underscored the critical need for inclusive, tech-driven learning solutions that empower both educators and students. Heartfelt gratitude was extended to Dr Rajan for sharing his wisdom and guiding the conversation towards a brighter, technology-empowered future for education.

The event showcased a rich array of panel discussions, keynote addresses, fireside chats, and networking sessions, offering participants an immersive experience. Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder and CEO of Elets Technomedia, delivered the inaugural address, setting the tone for a forward-thinking event. A keynote by Kumar Jayant IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of IT & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, underscored the pivotal role of digitalisation in shaping the future of education.

Shaping the Future of Learning and Innovation

Key themes throughout the summit included the future of higher education, harnessing AI for skill development, and preparing educational institutions for a tech-driven future. Industry experts from across the country shared their vision for next-generation classrooms, where the integration of cutting-edge technology is transforming how students learn and engage. Topics like meta-learning, AI in education, and digital learning platforms captivated attendees, revealing a dynamic roadmap for the future of education.

In a special address, Dr. Sanjay Tyagi, Director of Software Technology Parks of India, emphasised the synergy between education and IT innovation, highlighting how these forces can drive India’s development. Panel discussions explored the evolving relationship between technology and human values, focusing on how AI can enhance educational tools while maintaining the integrity of traditional learning principles.

Honoring Excellence in Education

The summit concluded with the prestigious Elets World Education Awards 2024, celebrating individuals and institutions championing excellence in education. Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for IT & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, honoured the efforts of educators who are leveraging technology to shape the future of learning.

Inspiring Keynote Highlights

Dr. Sanjay Tyagi, Director of STPI, spotlighted Tamil Nadu’s rise as a key player in the IT industry, dubbing Chennai the emerging Silicon Valley of India. His insights into talent development and the expansion of IT infrastructure resonated with the summit’s theme of digital transformation in education.
Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, discussed the critical role of flexible education in fostering innovation. Highlighting interdisciplinary programs and startup culture, Prof. Murty illustrated how institutes can cultivate entrepreneurial minds that drive societal change and economic growth.
Prof. V. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director of IIT Madras, advocated for a paradigm shift from job seekers to job creators. He emphasised bridging the skills gap through initiatives like the SWAYAM Plus platform, offering industry-relevant courses to prepare future leaders.
Kumar Jayant IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of IT & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, stressed the importance of peer learning and continuous mastery in education. He called for an educational model that goes beyond exams to empower students with lifelong learning skills.

Also Read: Literacy Extends Beyond Basic Skills Of Reading & Writing

A Platform for Global Collaboration

The 30th Elets World Education Summit demonstrated the power of collaboration between governments, academia, and industry in addressing the pressing challenges facing modern education. As the summit closes in Chennai, the conversations sparked here are set to continue in Mumbai at the next edition of WES in December 2024—promising another groundbreaking platform for innovation and global exchange in education.

Explore More: https://wes.eletsonline.com/

CBSE and ISTM Conduct Training Programme to Empower Educators

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 25, 2024

Bengaluru, September 25, 2024: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), in collaboration with the Institute of Secretariat and Training Management (ISTM), successfully conducted a two-day Training for Trainers (TOT) Programme on September 20-21, 2024, at St. Joseph’s School, Bengaluru. The initiative aimed to empower trainers with the latest skills and knowledge to enhance teaching effectiveness and foster academic excellence in schools across the country.

Prominent figures such as Vipin Kumar Bhargava, Deputy Director, ISTM, DoPT, Govt. of India; P. Ramesh, Regional Officer, CBSE Bengaluru; Sandeep Kumar Jain, Head of COE, Bengaluru; Sajeev S., Professor at the Institute of Management in Govt, Trivandrum; Bharath Gopalan, Professor and Programme Chair at PGDM GIBS Business School, Bengaluru; and Deepa Dogra, Director/Principal of Cambridge Innovative School, Jalandhar, graced the event as guest speakers. Their sessions provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education and the pivotal role of trainers in shaping it.

The programme was closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates 50 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) annually for teachers and head teachers. This requirement encourages educators to adopt innovative pedagogical strategies, upskill in modern teaching techniques, and become empowered resource persons within their schools.

Also Read: Rajasthan Governor Calls for Holistic Education to Drive Nation-Building

The training sessions equipped participants with effective methodologies designed to create a more engaging learning environment for students, ensuring improved academic outcomes. By focusing on hands-on experience and practical application, the programme aimed to bridge the gap between traditional teaching practices and the modern educational landscape, making it easier for trainers to disseminate knowledge within their respective institutions.

With NEP 2020 setting a robust framework for teacher development, initiatives like the TOT programme play a critical role in upskilling educators and ensuring that India’s educational system remains dynamic and forward-looking.

New ‘Key to Entrance’ Programme for Kerala Students

Live Classes and Accessible Learning Materials

Self-Assessment and Continuous Evaluation

State-Wide Support and Implementation

Key Highlights of Vedantu’s Funding:

Vedantu’s Financial Performance and Sector Challenges

Strategic Utilization of Funds

Sustainability at the Core of Vedantu’s Strategy

The Future of Indian Edtech and Vedantu’s Role

Expanding Focus to Private Sector Jobs and Skilling

Adda247’s Growth and Offerings

PrepInsta to Enhance Digital and Tech Skilling Programs

Future Plans and Investment

Indian MBA Programs Shine in Employability Rankings

Challenges for Indian MBA Programs: Diversity

India’s Leading Role in Asia’s MBA Rankings

Shaping the Future of Learning and Innovation

Honoring Excellence in Education

Inspiring Keynote Highlights

A Platform for Global Collaboration

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