Internshala & AICTE Join Forces To Provide Internships & Enhance Student Skills

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May 28, 2024

Internshala, a career-tech platform, and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have renewed their strategic partneship to provide internship opportunities and enhance skill development for students nationwide.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Internshala and AICTE aims to facilitate student placements in internships aligned with their academic and career goals. By leveraging Internshala’s vast network of industry partners and internship management expertise, AICTE seeks to improve students’ practical learning experiences, equipping them with essential skills for today’s competitive job market and fostering their professional growth.

Commenting on the partnership renewal, AICTE Chairman Prof. T. G. Sitharam said, “Our collaboration with Internshala is a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience, ensuring that Indian youth gain practical skills crucial for their professional development. By combining our expertise and broad reach, we aim to enhance employability for millions of students nationwide, preparing a workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”

Sarvesh Agrawal, CEO and Founder of Internshala expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with AICTE to empower students with valuable internships and skill-building opportunities. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to bridge the industry-academia gap and prepare over 45 million college students in India for their careers by providing practical learning experiences.”

Also Read:- AICTE Launches PhD, M.E, M.Tech Programs For Diploma Faculty

Dr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, CCO of AICTE, added, “The AICTE internship portal has over 4.8 million internships posted, with a target of 10 million by 2025. We are pleased to collaborate with Internshala, which publishes more than 10,000 internships daily, connecting our students with various industries to gain real-time experience.”

Through this partnership, students will gain access to a broad range of online training programs, workshops, and internships across various sectors, including technology, management, finance, and more. These initiatives aim to address the changing needs of the job market and equip students with relevant skills. Internshala will actively encourage students to explore and engage with these opportunities in their areas of interest, thereby bridging the industry-academia gap and enhancing their professional skills.

Edtech Platform Adda247 Sees Revenue Surge 88% To Rs 243 Crore

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May 27, 2024

Adda247, an edtech startup supported by Google, has seen a remarkable surge in its financial performance, with its revenue for FY24 nearly doubling to Rs 243.39 crore from Rs 129.65 crore in the previous year. Moreover, the company has successfully reduced its net losses by two-thirds, bringing them down to Rs 101 crore from Rs 296 crore in FY23.

Established in 2016 by Nagar and Saurabh Bansal, Adda247 has evolved into a leading provider of educational services targeted at aspirants of public sector bank jobs, government positions, and railway opportunities. The startup delivers an extensive array of educational products, including live online classes, video courses on demand, mock tests, E-books, and printed materials tailored for various competitive exams.

The substantial growth of the company is attributed to strong performances in established sectors like government job exams and UPSC preparation, along with a significant boost from the newly introduced K13 vertical, which contributed about 15% to the overall revenue. Adda247 has found particular success in regions where non-Hindi languages are predominant, benefiting from less competition. A spokesperson from the company highlighted, “Our vernacular offerings for state-level exams are thriving, especially in non-Hindi areas where the market is comparatively open, unlike in Hindi-speaking regions which are highly competitive.”

Live online classes have proven to be the most profitable source of revenue for Adda247, making up almost 70% of its total earnings. The highest demand comes from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for about 30-35% of the total revenue. Presently, the platform serves over 40 million monthly users and provides courses in 12 regional languages.

Looking forward, Adda247 is set to broaden its geographical and linguistic reach within the year while also enhancing its skilling and upskilling courses. The company is on a path to reach profitability by the end of this year and is aiming for a potential public listing by 2027. Currently, with around 1 million paid users, Adda247 aims to increase this figure to 1.7 million by the end of the year. To date, the startup has acquired two significant entities—StudyIQ in 2021 and Veeksha in 2023—and has raised a total of $63 million, including a pivotal $35 million investment in 2022 led by WestBridge Capital, with additional funding from Google, Info Edge Ventures, and Asha Impact.

Veranda Learning Steps In To Upskill Government College Students In Karnataka

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May 27, 2024

Veranda Learning Solutions, a prominent educational firm on the stock exchanges, has announced a strategic partnership with the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC). This collaboration is set to introduce upskilling programs in Karnataka, as stated in a recent press release by the Chennai-based company, which was established by Kalpathi AGS Group in 2018.

The new initiative is part of the ‘Kalike Jothege Kaushalya’ project, a government-led effort designed to enhance skill development and provide career guidance to students in state-run colleges throughout Karnataka. The partnership specifically supports the implementation of a wealth management course, marking a significant step towards educational enhancement in the region. Initially, this project will roll out as a pilot program in the Raichur and Gulbarga districts of Karnataka.

Suresh Kalpathi, Chairman and Executive Director of Veranda, expressed the company’s dedication to extending its educational outreach, emphasizing that this partnership with KSDC represents a crucial expansion of Veranda’s geographic presence and its commitment to delivering superior skill development programs nationwide.

This isn’t Veranda’s first foray into such partnerships. In 2022, the company successfully collaborated with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, training over 20,000 students in advanced skills like cloud computing and big data analytics. This history of successful collaborations highlights Veranda’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational growth and skill enhancement across India.

AICTE Launches PhD, M.E, M.Tech Programs For Diploma Faculty

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May 25, 2024

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has unveiled new full-time ME, MTech, and PhD programs for the academic year 2024-25 as part of its Quality Improvement Program (QIP). These programs are specifically designed for full-time faculty members at AICTE-accredited polytechnic engineering institutes who are interested in advancing their education under the QIP initiative.

The programs, which include an 18-credit course, will last six months and are delivered in a hybrid format. They are hosted by institutions such as the IITs, IISc, and C-DAC, with funding provided by AICTE, according to the official release.

Selection for these programs involves assigning candidates to appropriate host institutions based on received applications. The post-graduate certification programs at these institutions will only commence if at least thirty candidates are enrolled in each course.

AICTE Admission Timeline:

Candidates must submit their applications by June 6. The interview process at the respective institutions is scheduled from June 18 to 20. Institutions must then submit a candidate list to AICTE by June 20, with final results announced on June 24. The program begins on June 30.

The mandatory on-campus session of the program will run from June 30 to July 12, followed by a combination of online and possibly on-campus sessions from July 14 to December 11. Mandatory on-campus sessions will resume from December 14 to 26, with final evaluations by the host institutions occurring from December 21 to 26. The final results will be disclosed on January 13, 2025.

Also Read | AICTE joins hands with Starburst Aerospace to propel Innovation in Aerospace, Space, and Defence Sector

Subjects Covered:

The program will cover subjects including AI/ML, Data Science, Data Analytics, Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), Cyber-Physical Systems, IoT & Drone Technology, Intelligent Transport Systems, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Additive Manufacturing.

AICTE Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility for the AICTE-QIP-PG Certificate Programme includes being a full-time regular and permanent faculty member in core engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Materials/Metallurgical, Electrical and Electronics, Chemical, etc., at degree or diploma level institutes approved by AICTE. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of teaching experience at the graduate or diploma level in an AICTE-accredited institution. Additional criteria set by the host institutions may also apply. The program’s duration is six months, with each session hosting up to 50 candidates at a designated host institution. The hybrid course requires a minimum of four weeks of offline attendance. Enrolled candidates are entitled to two casual leaves per session, and attendance requirements include at least 80% for lectures and 90% for lab work to qualify for final evaluation and certification.

UGC Permits 18 Karnataka Universities To Partner With International Universities

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May 25, 2024

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has sanctioned a plan for 18 state universities and higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Karnataka to partner with overseas universities to offer twinning, joint, or dual degree programs.

Among these 18 institutions are prestigious ones such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bengaluru, University of Mysore, Visvesaraya Technological University (VTU), and private institutions like Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Christ University, which are both deemed to be universities.

These collaborations will cover a variety of fields including psychology, nursing, engineering, information technology, biotechnology, law, human rights, and arts and humanities, all of which have been approved.

Following the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the UGC announced the University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions to offer Twinning, Joint Degree and Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022, on May 2, 2022. These regulations aim to foster superior academic partnerships with international educational institutions, thereby enhancing the academic and research stature of Indian HEIs. It is anticipated that such academic collaborations and the exchange of students and faculty will propel Indian institutions toward higher international standings.

A twinning program involves a collaborative framework where students registered at an Indian HEI will split their study time between India and a foreign institution, ultimately earning a degree from the Indian HEI.

In joint degree programs, the curriculum is collaboratively designed by the Indian and partnering foreign institutions, with graduates receiving a unified certificate from both upon completion.

Dual degree programs are also designed collaboratively but are awarded separately by each institution upon the student fulfilling both degree requirements. This approach is distinct because it does not equate to pursuing two different degree programs simultaneously in separate disciplines or levels.

The UGC also stipulates certain prerequisites for such collaborations; Indian HEIs must secure approvals from their respective governing bodies, such as the Board of Governors, Board of Management, Syndicate, or Executive Council. Additionally, for programs in specialized fields like technology, medicine, law, agriculture, and other professional areas, further approvals from relevant statutory councils or bodies are required.

Also Read | UGC Instructs Universities to Establish Up to 25% Additional Seats Exclusively for International Students

S. Vidyashankar, the Vice Chancellor of VTU, shared with The Hindu that preparations for memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with foreign universities are well underway. VTU has previously engaged in teaching exchanges and research collaborations with various international universities, permitting students to undertake internships and projects globally. Now, VTU is advancing agreements for twinning programs, notably with Temple University in Philadelphia, USA, with discussions progressing smoothly. Furthermore, plans are in place to establish agreements allowing foreign universities to offer twinning programs in India.

LG Sets Sights On India’s Edtech Sector With Interactive Whiteboards

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May 24, 2024

LG Electronics Inc. is accelerating its entry into India’s B2B market by targeting the rapidly growing Ed-tech sector with its interactive whiteboards, known as smart boards. Leveraging the Digital India initiative launched in 2015, LG aims to tap into India’s $10 billion education market, bringing its expertise as the world’s leading OLED TV brand. This initiative aligns with India’s goal to boost online infrastructure and enhance digital education across state-run institutions, propelling the nation towards digital empowerment.

Over the past three years, LG has already made significant inroads by supplying 10,000 units of its LG CreateBoard to 2,900 public high schools in Odisha, one of India’s three government-designated technology hubs. The LG CreateBoard is designed to enhance instructional efficiency in classrooms and conferences, allowing easy transitions between a blackboard and digital presentation modes, and includes educational templates for figures and diagrams.

This move is part of LG’s broader strategy to transform from a traditional white goods manufacturer to a software-driven platform company, bolstering its B2B services which are key growth drivers. The CreateBoard’s multitouch screen can detect up to 40 simultaneous touches, and its built-in app, LG Create Board Share, allows for displaying up to nine screens at once during classes, facilitating interactive learning.

According to LG, these electronic whiteboards not only enhance the efficiency of classroom instruction but also enrich lessons with diverse digital content. As part of its commitment to this market, LG directly delivers these interactive displays across India, providing hands-on demonstrations to illustrate their use.

The demand for interactive whiteboards has seen a tremendous increase, with their supply in India growing at an average annual rate of about 80% over the past five years, as reported by Omdia. Moreover, Statista predicts that India’s ed-tech market will expand at an average annual rate of 30%, reaching $10.4 billion by 2025, up from around $2.8 billion in 2020. In its 27th year in India, LG continues to strengthen its presence with local sales, production, and R&D operations. The company’s CEO, Cho Joo-wan, underscored this focus with a visit last June to explore new opportunities in edtech and other IT solution-based businesses.

Alef Education Set To Be The Third IPO In The UAE for 2024, Marking The First Such Offering In Abu Dhabi

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May 21, 2024

Alef Education Holding is launching its initial public offering (IPO) in the UAE, releasing 1.4 billion shares, which constitute 20% of its equity capital. The subscription period is scheduled from May 28 to June 4. This IPO will also be the inaugural listing of the year on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Alef Education, known for its AI-enhanced educational solutions, is indirectly controlled by a majority stake from Abu Dhabi Capital Group. The company has achieved full market penetration in public schools for Cycle 2 (Grades 5-8) and Cycle 3 (Grades 9-12) and holds a 40-50% share in the private school sector across the UAE, according to a recent announcement.

Tech Nova Investment – Sole Proprietorship LLC and Kryptonite Investments LLC are the entities offering their shares through this IPO. Alef Education has announced an ambitious dividend strategy, planning to distribute a minimum of 90% of its net profits as dividends for 2024 and 2025.

The anticipated date for the ADX listing is around June 12. Abdulhamid Mohammed Saeed Alahmadi, the Chairman, highlighted the rapid expansion of the global ed-tech market, driven by increased governmental spending and initiatives that incorporate digital and AI technologies to revolutionize education and learning processes.

Earlier this year, Parkin and Spinneys marked the beginning of the UAE’s IPO season in Dubai, attracting substantial interest from investors. Alef Education has allocated 8% of its IPO for retail investors, with the remainder for institutional investors, and guarantees 2,000 shares for each subscriber. The company could adjust the size of the offering or the allocation of shares at any point during the subscription phase.

Furthermore, Alef Education has decided on a semi-annual dividend distribution policy, with payments scheduled for the fourth quarter of a year and the second quarter of the subsequent year. It aims to distribute a minimum of Dh135 million in dividends between 2024 and 2025. If necessary, to ensure that all shareholders receive the projected dividends, selling shareholders may waive their dividend rights, complying with AAOIFI Shariah standards, to meet these targets.

Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Alef Education, stated that the company’s efficient, asset-light business model allows it to generate substantial cash flow and sustain growth with minimal capital investment. With a strong balance sheet, leading profitability margins, and robust revenue projections, Alef Education is well-placed to leverage favourable market conditions to expand its platform, accelerate growth, and create enduring value for all stakeholders.

Sharda University Enhances Higher Education Quality By Launching UGC-Recognized Online Programs

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May 20, 2024

Sharda University, Noida, one of the country’s leading institutions in higher education with almost three decades of inspirational legacy, continues to spearhead innovation in the online learning space by introducing several online programs during a press conference at Le Meridien, New Delhi. With the recent approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to introduce its online degree programs, Sharda University opens new avenues for aspiring learners and working professionals where they easily strike a balance between career and academic life while realising their dreams to scale newer heights.

As per Regulation 22 of the UGC, online degree programs by a recognised university are equivalent to programs available under the conventional on-campus mode. Hereby, Sharda University is determined to provide higher education to aspirants through both offline and online modes. Besides, the online curriculum at Sharda Online is meticulously designed to impart a comprehensive learning experience, incorporating various experiential learning opportunities. Through live weekend online classes, recorded video lectures, self-learning material, assignments, discussion forums, and industry-driven projects, students will equip themselves with the skills and knowledge imperative to excel in their chosen fields. Moreover, the state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) will help enhance interaction between students and faculty, ensuring a near face-to-face learning experience.

Shri P K Gupta, the Chancellor of Sharda University expressed his views, stating, “We believe that every student deserves a fair chance to access quality education and build a successful career. Our online programs aim to break down barriers to higher education by giving students the flexibility to learn from the comfort of their homes without compromising on the quality of education they receive”.

Furthermore, Sharda Online is dedicated to offering online degree programs equivalent to those provided by their on-campus counterparts. The University offers many programs, including post-graduate programs such as MBA, M.Com, and MCA and undergraduate courses in BBA, BCA, and BA (Hons.). Recognizing every student’s aspiration to access quality education, the university has embraced technological advancements and recent reforms in higher education by the UGC. This move ensures that students can pursue their academic goals from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to relocate or incur additional expenses.

Sharda University is committed to preparing students to tackle real-world business challenges with the same understanding as established corporations. Accredited with an NAAC A+ grade, Sharda University is renowned for its commitment to excellence in education.

“Our online programs transcend mere knowledge acquisition, empowering students to apply learning effectively in real-world scenarios. Through the integration of technology, global exposure, project management, critical reasoning, and business communication skills, we equip students for success in today’s dynamic business landscape,” Shri Y K Gupta, the Pro-Chancellor of Sharda University, added.

While emphasizing a holistic approach to learning, Prof Dr Sibaram Khara the Vice-Chancellor of Sharda University stated, “With Sharda Online’s programs, students not only learn but also prepare to make a significant impact on the global stage. By building a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability, the university aims to shape the leaders of tomorrow and drive positive change in society.”

NEP Aims to Boost Student Competitiveness, Says AICTE Chief

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May 16, 2024

At a recent roundtable organised by the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI) at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, T G Sitharam, chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), highlighted the transformative potential of the National Education Policy (NEP). According to Sitharam, the NEP’s innovative four-year degree model and interdisciplinary approach are designed to elevate Indian students to global competitiveness, equipping them to stand on par with their international counterparts.

During his address, Sitharam emphasised the NEP’s focus on transparency in higher education. “We have mandated universities to disclose critical information, including financials, infrastructure, courses, and faculty details, to the public,” he explained. This move will enhance accountability and foster trust among students and parents.

Adding to the discourse, S P Thyagarajan, advisor to the chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology, likened the implementation phase of NEP to a “logarithmic phase” commonly observed in microbiology. “Just as bacteria adapt and multiply rapidly before reaching a stationary phase, educational institutions are currently experiencing rapid changes as they adapt to NEP,” Thyagarajan noted.

The EPSI conference also served as a platform for broader discussions on the role of various stakeholders in the education sector. MR Jayaram, president of EPSI, remarked, “This is a pivotal moment as it marks the first new education policy in 75 years. Institutions, industries, and government bodies at both state and union levels must collaborate and reflect on these changes.”

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s pioneering role in higher education, EPSI alternative president H Chaturvedi pointed out that the state introduced the concept of autonomous colleges three decades ago, a practice that has yet to be widely adopted across India. “Tamil Nadu has always been a leader in educational innovation, and with NEP, there are new opportunities for other regions to follow suit,” Chaturvedi said.

As Indian educational institutions navigate these changes, the NEP is set to redefine the landscape of higher education in India, promising a future where Indian students are competitive and well-prepared to thrive globally.

Deepspatial Announces AI-Powered Education Platform Aligned With India’s National Education Initiative

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May 14, 2024

Canadian AI leader Deepspatial announced the successful launch of its AI-powered education platform in India. This marks a major step forward for the country’s Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) initiative, a program aiming to revolutionise education through real-time data and analytics.

Pilot Success in Meghalaya:

Deepspatial’s platform is already up and running in Meghalaya.
The AI system analyses data on attendance, student performance, and even teacher-student interactions.
This information provides valuable insights to improve educational quality and identify areas needing attention.

Nationwide Impact:

The VSK platform holds immense potential.
Expected to reach millions of students and teachers across India, it promises to improve learning outcomes and empower educators.
The success in Meghalaya has even drawn interest from other states looking to replicate the model.

Collaboration and Innovation:

Deepspatial’s platform is a product of collaboration with a leading Japanese tech giant.
Deepspatial highlights its commitment to continuous improvement and will work on adding new features to enhance the platform further.

Quotes:

“We are excited to see the successful launch of the VSK platform. Our platform is designed to empower teachers, engage students, and improve learning outcomes,” stated Dr Rahul Kushwah, CEO of Deepspatial
“The system is designed to understand the reality of the ground situation of our children and our schools… By having the system in place, we can now track the performance… more efficiently.” – Shri Rakkam A Sangma, Education Minister of Meghalaya.

Overall, this news highlights the positive impact Deepspatial’s AI technology is having on education in India. The VSK platform offers a glimpse into the future of education, where data-driven insights guide improvements for teachers, students, and the entire education system.

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