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Campus to Career in the Age of AI and Automation

Campus to Career

India produces over 10 million graduates every year. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that by 2030, automation will displace 92 million jobs globally while creating 170 million new ones. The question every university must answer, and what the Campus to Career Summit 2026 is built to address is whether today’s students are being prepared for what comes next, or what already exists.

NASSCOM estimates that 69% of Indian jobs face automation risk over the next two decades. The immediate impact is already visible in the tech sector, India’s IT and services headcount, which stood at 7.5–8 million in 2023, could fall to 6 million by 2031. More strikingly, a recent report found that fewer than 25% of graduating students at top engineering institutions secured job offers before course completion in 2026. This is not a future problem. It is a present one.

Employability among Indian graduates has declined from 44.3% in 2023 to 42.6% in 2025, according to the Mercer-Mettl India Graduate Skill Index. The data also reveals a sharp institutional divide: graduates from Tier-I colleges show 48.4% employability, Tier-II at 46.1%, and Tier-III at just 43.4%. The gap between elite institutions and the rest is widening precisely as automation compresses the time available to bridge it.

A significant reason is faculty readiness. Only 14% of faculty in India’s public universities have received any form of AI training, according to recent research. Institutions cannot teach what their educators have not learned.

What Academia Must Rethink

Three things need to change urgently.

First, the curriculum must shift from teaching tools to teaching adaptability. Specific software and platforms become obsolete. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn does not.

Second, industry integration cannot be limited to final-year internships. Automation is reshaping roles mid-career. Students need exposure to real-world automation challenges from Year 1, not Year 4.

Third, universities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations need the same infrastructure access as metropolitan institutions. The employability gap between tiers is not a talent gap — it is an exposure gap.

Also Read | Campus to Career Summit 2026: Building India’s AI-Ready Workforce

Campus to Career Summit 2026

These are not distant concerns. They are decisions universities need to make now before another batch of students graduates without the skills the workforce is already demanding.

The Campus to Career Summit 2026, organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, brings exactly that room to life on 15–16 May 2026 at The LaLiT Ashok, Bengaluru.

The institutions that act now will not just survive automation. They will shape what comes after it.

Express your interest at campustocareersummit.com

Delhi to Upgrade 376 ICT Labs, Add 31 New Digital Labs in Government Schools

ICT Labs

In a major push to strengthen digital learning, the Delhi government has announced the upgradation of 376 existing ICT labs and the establishment of 31 new digital labs in government schools during the 2025–26 academic year.

The initiative, approved under the Ministry of Education’s Samagra Shiksha programme, aims to enhance technology-driven education and improve access to modern learning tools for students.

Expanding Digital Infrastructure

Out of the 31 new labs, 24 will be ICT labs set up in schools with enrolment exceeding 700 students at the secondary and senior secondary levels. In addition, seven schools will receive advanced digital hardware and software facilities, further strengthening the digital ecosystem.

The move is part of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) 2025–26, approved by the Project Approval Board (PAB).

Enhancing Learning Outcomes

Officials highlighted that ICT labs play a key role in improving digital literacy, subject understanding, and access to global educational resources. These labs also help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills—essential for future careers.

Teachers are expected to benefit as well, with better digital tools improving classroom delivery and administrative efficiency.

Focus on Inclusion and Accessibility

The initiative is designed to ensure that students across all districts have access to modern technology. District-wise allocation shows a higher number of new labs in areas like North East II, ensuring balanced development.

Additional Budget Support

Alongside this initiative, the Delhi government has also allocated ₹50 crore in the 2025–26 budget to set up 175 new computer labs in line with CBSE norms, indicating a broader commitment to digital education.

With these upgrades and new facilities, Delhi is taking a significant step towards making government schools more technology-enabled, inclusive, and aligned with the demands of modern education.

Campus to Career Summit 2026: Building India’s AI-Ready Workforce

Campus to career

India accounts for 16% of the world’s AI workforce. Yet 82% of Indian employers reported difficulty filling AI-related roles in 2026, the highest ever recorded, according to the India Skills Report 2026. Demand for nearly one million AI professionals is projected by 2026, with supply covering barely half that number. Bridging this gap is precisely why platforms like the Campus to Career Summit 2026 have never been more critical for India’s higher education ecosystem.

The gap isn’t a pipeline problem. It is a curriculum problem. And it sits squarely inside India’s universities.

The Numbers Are Too Large to Ignore

The Mercer-Mettl India Graduate Skill Index 2025 found that only 42.6% of Indian graduates are industry-ready. The NIIT India Skills Gap Report 2026 identifies AI Model and Application Development and AI Literacy as the two hardest skills for employers to find today. A degree without AI fluency in 2026 is the equivalent of entering the workforce without basic computer literacy in 2005.

Karnataka Is Already Acting

Karnataka has announced one of India’s most comprehensive state-level AI education frameworks. Under its IT Policy 2025–2030, the state has allocated ₹10 crore to establish AI Data Labs in 50 government engineering colleges across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. A Centre of Excellence for AI is being set up at IIIT Raichur with ₹5 crore. AI-powered digital tutors are being deployed in collaboration with IIT Dharwad, reaching 12.28 lakh students from Classes 8 to 12.

Karnataka has also launched India’s first AI-Powered Skills Intelligence Unit, integrating university, college, and government data through APIs to identify sectoral gaps and workforce needs in real time. Every district will have a dedicated Skill Group building localised employment plans.

The infrastructure is being assembled. The question is whether universities will adapt fast enough to use it.

What Must Change Inside the Classroom

AI cannot be taught as a standalone elective. It must be embedded across engineering, medicine, law, and business because it is reshaping all of them. Universities must also move from fixed curriculums to continuous exposure, given that the half-life of a specific AI skill is now under 18 months. Career development must become a strategic function, not a final-semester activity.

Also Read: From Campus to Careers: The Urgent Need to Redefine Employability

Campus to Career Summit 2026

Closing this gap requires the government, universities, and industry to work from the same plan. That alignment is the mandate of the Campus to Career Summit 2026 organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka. Bringing together university leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators on 15–16 May 2026 at The LaLiT Ashok, Bengaluru, the summit addresses one question: what does a future-ready university actually look like and how do we build it at scale?

The institutions that answer this question today will define Indian higher education for the next decade.

Express your interest at campustocareersummit.com

MoE Launches Free 4-Day Autism Training Programme for Educators

4-Day Autism Training Programme

In a step towards strengthening inclusive education in India, the Ministry of Education has announced a free four-day online training programme focused on autism awareness and classroom inclusion.

Scheduled from April 27 to April 30, 2026, the initiative is part of Autism Awareness Month and aims to equip teachers, school staff, and parents with practical tools to better support children with diverse learning needs.

Titled “Understanding Autism: Seeing Strengths Beyond Differences,” the programme encourages a shift in perspective—from focusing on limitations to recognising the unique strengths of learners with autism. The goal is to help educators create more supportive, engaging, and inclusive classroom environments.

The training will cover important aspects such as early identification of autism, understanding behavioural patterns, and adapting teaching methods to suit different learning styles. It is designed to offer practical, easy-to-implement strategies that educators can use in their daily teaching.

Officials say the initiative reflects a growing emphasis on inclusive education, where every child—regardless of their abilities—gets equal opportunities to learn and grow.

Registrations for the programme opened on April 17 and will remain available until April 27, 2026, at noon. Being completely free and online, the course is accessible to a wide audience across the country.

Also Read | Ministry of Education Launches SATHEE Portal with IIT Kanpur to Support Competitive Exam Aspirants

With this initiative, the Ministry is taking a meaningful step towards building awareness, improving classroom practices, and ensuring that education becomes more inclusive and responsive to every learner’s needs.

Edtech Firms Turn to AI to Personalise Learning Experiences

EdTech

Edtech companies are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform learning models, moving away from traditional one-size-fits-all approaches toward more personalised and adaptive education experiences.

With the rapid integration of AI into their platforms, companies such as Physics Wallah and Coursera are reshaping how students engage with content. These platforms are deploying AI-driven tools that adapt learning materials based on individual student performance, helping identify strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning styles.

AI-powered systems are enabling features like customised video content, adaptive assessments, and real-time feedback. For instance, AI tutors can now analyse millions of queries, recommend targeted solutions, and even generate practice questions tailored to a learner’s progress. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also ensures that students receive support aligned with their unique needs.

The shift is particularly significant in a diverse market like India, where learners come from varied educational and linguistic backgrounds. AI helps bridge these gaps by offering regional language support and personalised pacing, making quality education more accessible and inclusive.

However, industry experts note that AI is not replacing traditional teaching but complementing it. Educators continue to play a critical role in guiding students, while AI handles scalability and efficiency. The combination of human expertise and machine intelligence is creating a more balanced and effective learning ecosystem.

Also Read: Maharashtra Makes NEP Training Mandatory for College Principals and Faculty

As edtech platforms continue to innovate, AI is expected to play a central role in redefining education delivery. By focusing on personalisation, accessibility, and engagement, these advancements are setting the stage for a more learner-centric future.

Maharashtra Makes NEP Training Mandatory for College Principals and Faculty

NEP Training Mandatory
In preparation for the rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for college principals, directors, and faculty members to undergo structured training starting May.
The announcement was made by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil during a departmental discussion, highlighting the state’s focus on ensuring a smooth and uniform transition to the new academic framework.
To support this initiative, the Maharashtra State Faculty Development Academy (MSFDA) is developing an online Learning Management System (LMS)-based course. The training is expected to begin in mid-May and will be conducted in phases through May and June, covering both aided and unaided colleges.
Officials said the training will be self-paced but compulsory, ensuring that educators and administrators fully understand the structural and academic changes introduced under NEP 2020. The move is aimed at avoiding implementation challenges and ensuring consistency across institutions.
The training comes ahead of the introduction of four-year undergraduate programmes from the 2026–27 academic session. These programmes will include options such as honours and honours with research, offering greater flexibility to students.
Key features of the new system include a credit-based structure, multiple entry and exit options, and the Academic Bank of Credits, allowing students to store and transfer their academic credits.
Minister Patil emphasised that the success of NEP implementation depends largely on how well teachers and administrators are prepared. The training programme, he said, is designed to equip them with the necessary clarity and skills to adopt the new system effectively.
With this step, Maharashtra is taking a proactive approach to educational reform—ensuring that institutions, faculty, and students are all aligned with the evolving vision of higher education in India.

UAE Schools to Reopen on April 20 with Flexible Return Plans and Hybrid Learning Options

UAE Schools

Schools across the United Arab Emirates are set to resume in-person classes from April 20, with authorities and schools introducing flexible return plans and hybrid learning options to support students still overseas or unable to return immediately.

The reopening follows more than a month of distance learning that was introduced in March amid regional tensions linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. With the situation stabilising, the UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed the return of students, teachers, and administrative staff to campuses across public and private schools, nurseries, and kindergartens.

Schools have been asked to ensure a smooth transition back to classrooms while recognising that some families may still face travel or logistical challenges. Many institutions are allowing students to continue temporarily through online or hybrid learning models until they are able to return physically.

Read More: Telangana Launches AI Literacy Drive for 2 Million Govt School Students

Authorities have also announced that school bus services will remain suspended during the current phase, with the arrangement to be reviewed weekly. Parents are being encouraged to make alternative transport arrangements, while schools have been directed to offer attendance flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

Education regulators across the UAE are conducting readiness checks, staff training, and safety reviews to ensure campuses are prepared for reopening. Several schools have also surveyed parents regarding preferred return dates and classroom attendance plans.

Telangana Launches AI Literacy Drive for 2 Million Govt School Students

AI Literacy Drive

In a landmark move to future-proof school education, the Telangana government has launched a large-scale Artificial Intelligence literacy programme aimed at nearly two million students studying in government schools across the state. The initiative is designed to equip young learners with foundational AI knowledge, digital skills, and computational thinking from an early stage.

The programme will be introduced for students from Classes 5 to 9 through a structured Digital Learning curriculum developed by SCERT Telangana. Moving beyond basic computer education, the curriculum will cover areas such as data awareness, decision-making systems, design thinking, digital citizenship, and real-world uses of AI.

To support hands-on learning, the state has also launched a dedicated platform, CodeMitra, where students can experiment with data, coding, and AI-led problem-solving activities.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Amazon Future Engineer and Pi Jam Foundation. As part of the rollout, 2,000 laptops have been distributed across Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, KGBVs, and CURE schools to strengthen digital access and classroom learning.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Zoho Skill Hub at VSSUT Odisha

The programme also includes training for more than 28,000 teachers to ensure effective classroom delivery and meaningful adoption of AI concepts.

With this move, Telangana joins a growing list of Indian states prioritising AI readiness in education, positioning students in public schools to participate in the technology-driven economy of the future.

Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Zoho Skill Hub at VSSUT Odisha

Zoho Skill Hub

Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated the Zoho Skill Hub and flagged off Gyana Vahan at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, in a significant step toward boosting skill-based education and employability in western Odisha.

Established in collaboration with Zoho Corporation, the Zoho Skill Hub aims to equip students and local youth with advanced technology and software skills. The centre will offer hands-on training through modern classrooms and industry-linked exposure, helping learners gain practical experience and improve job readiness. Officials said successful candidates may also receive employment opportunities through Zoho’s partner network in India and overseas.

Also Read: IIT Kharagpur Launches Online AI, ML & Tech Leadership Courses

Alongside the hub, Gyana Vahan—supported by Paytm Foundation—has been introduced as a mobile digital learning unit. The initiative is designed to promote digital and financial literacy in rural communities by bringing modern learning tools directly to underserved areas.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan said the initiatives would help create a future-ready workforce and strengthen Odisha’s position as a growing knowledge and innovation hub. He also emphasised the importance of competency-based learning and stronger industry-academia collaboration. 

IIT Kharagpur Launches Online AI, ML & Tech Leadership Courses

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has introduced a new set of online executive programmes focused on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Technology Leadership, aimed at helping working professionals build future-ready skills in high-demand technology domains.

Launched as part of the institute’s Platinum Jubilee initiatives, the programmes include Executive Post Graduate Certificate courses in Generative AI & Agentic AI, AI-Native Software Engineering, and Applied AI & Machine Learning. The institute has also introduced an Executive Programme in Technology & AI Leadership.

The courses will be delivered by multiple academic units within IIT Kharagpur, including the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the Department of AI, and the Partha Ghosh School of Leadership. The programmes are designed in a live online format, allowing learners to access IIT Kharagpur’s academic expertise remotely while continuing their professional careers.

Also Read: S. Vineeth, IAS, appointed as Private Secretary to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

According to the institute, the curriculum focuses on practical applications of AI technologies, covering areas such as large language models, generative systems, agent-based technologies, and real-world system design. The aim is to align academic learning with industry requirements and deployment-focused capabilities.

Suman Chakraborty said the initiative reflects the institute’s emphasis on building systems that work at scale under real-world constraints, adding that the programmes are intended for professionals seeking capability rather than just exposure. 

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