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Union Budget Expectations: Ranjita Raman on Advancing Ed-Tech in India

By
Kapil Suri
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Ahead of the Union Budget, Ranjita Raman, CEO, Jaro Education, shared her insights on anticipated educational reforms. With her expertise in ed-tech, she highlighted the need for enhanced technological integration and skill development to align India’s education sector with global standards.

“Interested to see the upcoming Union Budget’s approach to the sector. A focus on technology-driven learning holds tremendous promise. Increased investments in online higher education and upskilling space could be a game-changer.
Unlocking the potential of new-age technology like Al, GenAl, AR and VR to make education not just accessible nationwide, but truly engaging for students. This can foster a dynamic environment where industries and academia collaborate. We can create innovative solutions that address the ever-evolving skillsets required by our workforce. A well-crafted budget has the power to position India as a global leader in online education, empowering learners not just to learn, but to thrive in the digital age. This is an exciting time for the education sector.”

UGC’s Strategy to Expand Academic Bank of Credits in HEIs

By
Kapil Suri
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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification encouraging higher education institutions (HEIs) and students to support and achieve the objectives of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) initiative. Launched under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in 2021, the ABC initiative aims to facilitate the accumulation and transfer of academic credits.

In its notification, the UGC requests institutions to implement specific measures to expand the reach of the ABC portal. Students are required to register for the ABC and upload their academic data, including credits earned from the academic year 2021-22 onwards, along with their ABC ID.

The official notification states, “UGC and Digi-locker are putting a lot of effort and hand-holding of institutions to make their experience on the ABC portal smooth and easy. Institutions are requested to take the following steps and enhance the outreach of the ABC portal at this time of the year when the academic session is about to start.”

The UGC emphasizes that it will regularly share the status of HEIs on the ABC portal with state governments to update them regarding the onboarding progress of the institutions. This initiative aims to motivate institutions to upload data and operationalize the ABC portal completely.

The ABC initiative is a significant step towards realizing the vision of NEP 2020 by promoting flexibility in higher education and enabling seamless credit transfers for students across institutions. The UGC’s proactive measures and the collaboration with Digi-locker are expected to streamline the process, ensuring a smooth experience for both institutions and students.

As the new academic session approaches, the UGC urges all HEIs to prioritize the implementation of the ABC initiative and encourages students to actively participate by registering and uploading their academic records. This collective effort is expected to enhance the outreach and effectiveness of the ABC portal, benefiting the entire academic community.

Centurion University Pioneering Skill-Based Education

By
Kapil Suri
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Centurion University is a pioneer in ‘Skill-Integrated Higher Education’. Its unique model specifically emphasises creating sustainable livelihoods (aligned to SDGs) in challenging geographies through education that results in employability and ignites entrepreneurship. This model has been recognised by multiple Governments (central and State), International Organizations such as UNESCO and the World Bank, and Policy Think Tanks like the NITI Aayog.

We strive to excel as a best-in-class human resource development hub that builds employable, enterprising, and society-centric youth through industry-relevant education, skill development, new ventures, production, and technology development.
Living by the values of Inclusion, Integrity, Equity, Respect, and Sustainability, our founders, faculty, and staff are fully committed to our philosophy of shaping Lives and Empowering Communities.

Focusing on experience-based and practice-oriented learning to create transformative impact through community-centric innovation and action research, the university has built an ecosystem that includes and integrates communities, industries, entrepreneurs, and other education and research institutions.

The university encourages its students to participate in the WorldSkills Competition, and many students have won gold and silver medals at the national level.
The Centurion curriculum is aligned with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) as per the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). It is the only university accredited by the Government of India to contribute to the development of NSQF by creating new job roles and Qualification Packs (QP).

Interview Insights

Define the Core Model of Centurion University and how It’s making an Impact.
Centurion University believes in integrating skills into everything we do. Over 50 industry-based labs foster hands-on, practice-oriented, experience-based teaching and training, ensuring students are prepared for Industry 4.0. Further, product design and development focus has enabled several patents to be filed and some start-ups to be established. Employability and employment/ entrepreneurship are honed through the many manufacturing units (apparel, furniture, paper and chalk, transformer, e-vehicles) that have been nurtured on campus.

How do you think Centurion University is fulfilling the aspirations of NEP 2020?
Centurion University is completely aligned with the NEP 2020. The university has a well-established choice-based credit system, enabling students to enter multiple-entry/ multiple-exit, including creating a career path for school dropouts. Students can take domain specialisations from any discipline that focuses on multidisciplinarity. In addition, 20 Research Centers have been established to encourage multidisciplinary research to solve real-time problems. In pursuit of Internationalisation, the University conducted a Future Nexus Seminar Chaired by the Minister of State, MEA, attended by Ambassadors of all African Nations and Joint Secretaries of all four African Divisions, MEA. This has led to several international students choosing Centurion as a destination for advanced study and research. Further, beyond employability and employment, Centurion focuses on entrepreneurship, has established several outreach enterprises, and has supported student-led start-ups on campus.

What will Centurion’s approach be for the next ten years?
Centurion will focus on extending its teaching-learning model of action learning to encompass not just employability, employment, and enterprise but also research, product design and development, simulation, testing, prototyping, patent and publication, and commercialisation. Centurion will build on its MoUs for collaborative research and implementation of new knowledge and technologies in new geographies.
Views Expressed By Prof. Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor, Centurion University, Odisha

ByteXL Secures $5.9 Million Funding for Engineering Education

By
Kapil Suri
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ByteXL, a Hyderabad-based edtech startup dedicated to transforming engineering education, has successfully raised $5.9 million in a Series A funding round. This round was led by Kalaari Capital, with significant participation from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.

“ByteXL is revolutionizing the education landscape for engineering colleges in India. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, it is set to make a substantial impact on the lives of students in tier II and tier III cities. This investment aligns with our goals of enhancing quality education and ensuring students meet industry demands,” stated Sanjay Modi, Senior Director at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

The startup plans to utilize the newly acquired capital to expand its team, develop new products, and introduce advanced digital tools and technologies. Additionally, ByteXL aims to extend its reach to more colleges and universities across the nation.

“At ByteXL, we’re not just teaching coding; we’re shaping futures and driving innovation in tech education across India. This funding boosts our confidence in empowering the engineers of tomorrow with cutting-edge skills and technologies, helping us bridge the gap between academia and industry at a faster pace,” said Karun Tadepalli, CEO and Co-Founder of ByteXL.

Sampath P, Partner at Kalaari Capital, emphasized the evolving needs of engineering schools in India and other markets. “Engineering schools are striving to maintain high standards of curriculum, pedagogy, and industry readiness in rapidly evolving technology disciplines. Accelerated progress in AI has underscored the critical need to equip students for the next generation of technology jobs. ByteXL is committed to being a true partner for universities and colleges, offering operational expertise, high-quality educators, and an interactive digital learning platform,” he said.

With this significant investment, ByteXL is poised to enhance its educational offerings and solidify its position as a key player in the edtech sector, driving forward the future of engineering education in India.

A Hub of Knowledge and Culture: Swami Vivekanand Subharti University

By
Kapil Suri
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Staunch believer and practitioner of the dictum “Knowledge is Power”, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU) has been delivering quality education by nurturing the young human resources with ethical and moral values while bolstering their leadership qualities, research culture, collaborative and innovative skills. The university was established under the aegis of Mahayana Theravada Vajrayana Buddhist Religious and Charitable Trust, Meerut, which has acquired a commendable record of service in the fields of Education, Health care and Social Welfare.
SVSU is pioneering in promoting education and has become one of the most successful Universities in the placement field in North India. The University was recently awarded “Most Promising University with Excellence Placement” in North India. Subharti University is spreading the glow of its mantra, which is Education, Service, Culture, and Nationalism worldwide. The borders are no longer acting as boundaries to spread education. Students from various countries are studying at Subharti University, and the traditions of Indian culture are enriching their lives.
The University believes in the holistic development of an individual and firmly believes that an individual should strive for what they can give back to society rather than seeking it. It provides an opportunity to hone an individual’s skills so that they become employment generators rather than seekers. The university endeavours to connect the students with the mainstream society and make them partners in fulfilling the dream of self-reliant India as envisioned by our freedom fighters.
Built on a lush green campus, this ‘temple of learning’ has remarkable, state-of-the-art infrastructure amenities most suited to a higher teaching-learning environment, research, and innovation. The university’s objective is to provide higher education that meets global standards, and therefore, all the programs are designed to meet international standards. Experienced and highly acclaimed faculty members from different walks of life continuously preserve and enhance student-centric learning environments through ground-breaking pedagogy.
Different programs offered by SVSU follow the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) with an Outcome Based Approach. The suppleness in the curriculum has been designed with industry-specific goals in mind, and the educator enjoys complete autonomy to appropriate the syllabus by incorporating the latest knowledge and inspiring the creative minds of the students. Our curriculum, a result of brainstorming efforts of illustrious think tanks ranging from faculty members and experts from industry and research organisations, is contemporary and relevant. The evaluation mechanism employs continuous assessment with grade point averages. We strongly believe that it will meet the aspirations of all stakeholders – students, parents, and employers of graduates, postgraduates, and PhD holders at Swami Vivekanand Subharti University. At SVSU, research, consultancy, and innovation are the pillars of success. Most of the university’s faculty members are in research projects funded by various funding agencies. The entrepreneurial ardour of the students is encouraged and fostered.
The university has commenced structured training programs on soft skills and preparatory training for competitive examinations to improve the employability quotient of the students. The development activities support budding entrepreneurs in cultivating their ideas with innovation and ingenuity and establishing a venture for knowledge transfer and wealth creation.
SVSU is marching in the right direction, providing a holistic education to the future generation and playing a constructive role in nation-building. We restate our endeavour to provide the finest quality education accessible to all and an environment for the blossoming of global professionals’ overall personality development.
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University lives up to one of Swami Vivekanand’s most immaculate thoughts: “There is only one purpose in the whole of life education.”

Where Education is a Passion
The University was established to produce self-confident and dynamic young people who are both professionally competent and fully aware of their duty to society, the nation, and humanity. The institution is committed to helping young minds thrive and realise their full potential.

Subharti University — A Venerable Institution that makes a difference
It is one of the premier universities in the country, with international acclaim for its highest academic standards, diverse courses, distinguished faculty, varied co-curricular activities, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Subharti has a leading role in shaping the future of the country
Constantly contributing to the nation’s economy, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, Subharti has always encouraged young minds to have original and creative ideas and has made enough space for forward-thinking. As a centre of holistic development, Subharti University takes care of every aspect of students’ lives, whether physical, mental, intellectual, social, or moral.

The whole Subharti Campus is truly a hive of activity
Magnificent buildings with busy individuals moving around, classrooms with immense enthusiasm for learning, labs with an endless quest for innovation, libraries with relentless pursuit of knowledge, playgrounds buzzing with energy, and packed auditoriums with outstanding performances.
The serene environment and lush green surroundings of SVSU provide a mesmerising setting for higher attainments not only in the professional careers of the students but also contribute significantly to their physical, mental, spiritual and intellectual growth. The university offers every student an equal opportunity for boundless growth through an integrated structure of curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
At SVSU, students are central to all our academic and co-curricular activities. We work to bring out the best in our students and prepare them to become competent enough to meet the challenges of today’s world. Our learned and dedicated faculty members create an exciting and friendly environment conducive to learning. We focus on our students’ professional development and spiritual growth to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in different sectors and make them grow into moral persons ready to rid society of its deep-rooted evils.
The university is unwavering in its resolve to contribute to National’s development as a ‘Centre Of Excellence’ with the wonderful potential to develop confident leaders, self-sufficient thinkers, resourceful entrepreneurs, and great human beings. SVSU is more than just a university—it is a movement that transforms the lives of youngsters.
SVSU inspires and helps in realising dreams, ignites curiosity, motivates actions, and defines the vision for tomorrow by following its guiding principle as pronounced by Swami Vivekanand, “Educate our people so that they may be able to solve their problems. Until that is done, all these ideal reforms will remain ideals only.”

Views Expressed By Shalya Raj, CEO, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Secretary, School Education Department.

Education as the Backbone of the ‘Viksit Bharat’

By
Kapil Suri
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Education will be a big catalyst for driving India’s growth and development in the Amrit Kaal. As the fifth-largest economy poised to be the third-largest in the next two years, India is ready to make strategic technological, infrastructure, and education advancements. The nation’s diverse and skilled workforce, nurtured by world-class educational institutions, will boost innovation and productivity. Several progressive educational institutions are driving this change through world-class education. A leading name among them is Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions.
A legacy of 79 years in education lends this group an interesting concordance with the story of Independent India. Founded in 1945 with the establishment of Seth Anandram Jaipuria College in Kolkata, the group has evolved into a conglomerate comprising institutions delivering education from KG to PG. Today, the group boasts 21 K-12 schools, five preschools, two management institutions and a teachers’ training academy. The group has a base of 20,000 students and over 15,000 alumni, making a real difference in the world. The Jaipuria Group delivers education aligned with NEP 2020, focusing on holistic development and active learning. The emphasis is on multidisciplinary studies, skill development, and digital literacy. By fostering inclusivity and innovation, these institutions ensure students are well-equipped for future challenges and global competitiveness.
Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, says, “When India was on the cusp of gaining Independence from the colonial British, my grandfather Padma Bhushan Mungturam Jaipuria started the group with the vision of empowering the country’s youth to drive growth. My father, Dr. Rajaram Jaipuria, carried forward the vision, an ardent industrialist, educationist and philanthropist who believed in a harmonious blend of Indian values and progressive pedagogy. To date, we are committed to stimulating holistic development in learners through knowledge, new-age skills, and positive values.”
To better understand how the group creates a seamless educational journey from cradle to career, one needs a deeper look into the different aspects of this conglomerate.

Preschool Education: Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Little Ones, the Jaipuria Preschools, operate in several cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Ghaziabad and Kanpur. The preschools adopt unique developmentally appropriate practices conceptualised and designed to stimulate learning in the early years when 85% of the child’s brain development occurs. Some of these practices include the reading programme to develop literacy, Jodo Gyan to build numeracy and play-based pedagogy to make every lesson a game and every game a lesson.

K-12 Education: Shaping Minds for a Bright Future
Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Schools are located across 20 cities in North India, including Kanpur, Ghaziabad and Lucknow. The schools deliver new-age education focused on project-based, personalised, and social-emotional learning. Atal Tinkering Labs are innovation hubs, fostering creativity and interest in STEM education. The schools feature smart classrooms, radio jockey studios, and state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment. A strong parental connection and community outreach are emphasised, alongside a commitment to sustainability. The school in Lucknow was chosen among the top 30 in the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, showcasing its global impact. The schools also strongly emphasise career and college counselling, guiding students towards successful futures. These comprehensive efforts ensure that students are well-rounded, socially responsible, and equipped with the skills needed for the 21st century.

Management Education: Making Learners Industry-Ready
Jaipuria Institute of Management (JIM), Ghaziabad, offers a full-time, two-year Master’s Degree Program in Business Administration (MBA), Business Analytics (BA), and Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI). The institute boasts an NAAC Grade A accreditation. JIM’s pedagogy includes case-study methods, live simulated projects, hands-on decision-support systems, summer internships, industrial visits, and MOOCs. It hosts a skill development centre and an Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), fostering innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Jaipuria School of Business (JSB), Ghaziabad, is a prestigious PGDM institute with NBA accreditation and recognition by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), granting MBA equivalence to its PGDM programs. The 2-year full-time PGDM program integrates functional knowledge, industry practices, and employability certifications. Beyond business education, JSB provides various value-added certifications to enhance industry readiness. The institute’s International Immersion Programme develops a global perspective among students, supported by collaborations with the University of Denver, USA, Sunway University, Malaysia, UCSI University, Malaysia, and Skyline University, Sharjah. Adhering to the i-Lead philosophy, JSB aims to inspire and elevate its aspiring managers. Both JIM and JSB have a 100% placement record.

STTAR: Equipping Educators With New-Age Pedagogical Skills
Saamarthya Teachers Training Academy of Research (STTAR) was founded in 2020 with the exclusive purpose of professional development of educators across all domains. The academy has since helped to transform the educational landscape with active engagement in various verticals such as teacher training, teacher competence testing, student assessments, academic research, curriculum development, and school enrichment.
The academy’s flagship events are the National Teachers Olympiad (NTO), National Students’ Olympiad (NSO), and STTAR Global Education Conference. The conference sees the convergence of the best leaders and educators from across India and the wider world to deliberate upon re-imagining and redefining pedagogy and teacher development in the technology-driven future. One of the most outstanding offerings of STTAR is the certificate course on ‘Transformative Teaching With AI’, which is presently an online programme delivered by global AI experts and specialists from Silicon Valley, USA

The Vision Ahead: Education For Viksit Bharat
Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions envisions a future of vertical growth and horizontal expansion. By 2027, the group aims to establish 70 K-12 schools, serving an expanded base of 50,000 students.
Shishir Jaipuria says, “We are committed to integrating technology and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of education, improve teacher productivity, and increase work efficiency. Professional development for teachers is a key focus, ensuring they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge. Our ultimate goal is to deliver education that contributes to a “Viksit Bharat”, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and holistic development in our students. This vision underscores our dedication to excellence and our role in shaping the future of education in India.”

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Education

By
Kapil Suri
-

Throughout history, a constant drive for innovation to surpass what has already been discovered or achieved has remained the cornerstone of human intelligence. Each age has been defined by significant advancements that have propelled society forward. The evolution of technology, especially in the 21st century, has brought the human race to this point where it would not be exaggerated to call the times we live in the ‘Age of Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences’.
With the advancements made in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and the way it has revolutionised various industries and several aspects of our lives in recent years, no sector has remained aloof from its influence, including the field of education. Just as the invention of computers and the internet revolutionised how information is accessed and shared, the integration of AI and ML in education has the potential to transform education in numerous ways.

Taking knowledge gain beyond geographical boundaries:
Only recently has the education sector needed to catch up in adopting digitalisation and using data and AI to accelerate learning. However, the post-COVID period saw the need and rise of online and blended learning in education systems, as it gave us the liberty to overcome the limits of geographical boundaries or physical presence to gain quality education from faculty.

As the means of personalised learning:
Today’s times call for a personalised or competency-based learning approach. Every student has different skill sets and interests, so they should be mentored according to their abilities and pace of learning. But, simultaneously, it is also easier said than done because of the shortage of trained teachers/faculty members and the required human hours.
The biggest asset AI and ML bring to the table is personalisation. Here, various tools and algorithms of artificial intelligence and machine learning/data analytics can be employed to analyse students’ learning patterns and customise the curriculum or instruction practices according to their needs, abilities, past progress, and personal goals. This targeted approach can make the educational content more resourceful and effective. Teachers/educators can use the overall learning progress and larger inferences through a dashboard to modify their in-class pedagogy whenever needed.
Furthermore, the predictive model of data analytics and machine learning can also identify patterns of student engagement or attention, such as reduced participation in online discussions, inconsistent attendance, sporadic assignment submissions, or a sudden dip in grades etc. Informed by robust data-driven evidence, it can provide real-time feedback to comprehensively understand each student’s unique learning profile and learning outcomes.

Helping automate the administrative tasks:
Besides providing opportunities for students to manage the process of their learning and aid a personalised journey of their professional transformation, the AI & ML-based models can also benefit the educators/faculty members by saving their time spent on the arduous tasks of assignments grading, reports and metrics analysis, attendance tracking, schedules creation, and so on, by offering automation of these administrative tasks so that they can focus on creating high-quality teaching pedagogy, new instructional methods, learning materials for face-to-face sessions, and providing individual student support.
Besides these, institutions can incorporate AI-driven chatbots that are available 24/7 to provide quick answers to frequently asked questions related to admissions, course details, campus facilities, etc. These virtual assistants can also be proactive by sending reminders about assignment deadlines, fee submissions, or upcoming events. This can lead to greater efficiency and cost savings for educational institutions, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively.

Expanding interactive E-learning and immersive virtual laboratories:
While the significance of one-to-one and on-campus education cannot be replaced, the possibilities provided by AI, AR & VR technologies can effectively enhance students’ learning experiences who may not be able to pursue or afford in-person education/degrees/immersive field visits.
For example, imagine students at a rural school being able to understand geography/environmental studies subjects by seeing Amazon forests or glaciers with AR/VR and starting to think about solutions to some of the pressing climate change problems. Similarly, they can immerse and explore ancient civilisation sites in one of the history classes, all from the safety and comfort of their classroom, and become fascinated to gain more knowledge about them. The use of such technologies can enhance retention and comprehension considerably.
A good case in point is also the “Virtual Labs” project, an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, under the aegis of the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) through a consortium of twelve participating institutes. It is a commendable example of ICT-based education, in which more than 100 Virtual Labs with about 700+ web-enabled experiments have been designed for remote operation and simulation-based viewing by students, educators, and researchers of schools and Science and Engineering Colleges who do not have access to good lab facilities and instruments or want to collaborate. It can also encourage students to pursue STEM by arousing curiosity and enabling them to learn at their own pace.
In management education, interactive learning tools, virtual business simulations, cross-continental and interdisciplinary collaborative projects, business intelligence analytical software, and data analytics enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Challenges:
While the potential of AI and ML in education is vast, and it is the road ahead, we must also address concerns about data security, privacy, and ethical considerations. Forming robust protocols is the need of the hour to safeguard student data, preserve teacher-student interactions, and ensure transparency and fairness in AI algorithms. While the technology-enabled operations address the shortage of quality teachers/faculty, we also need effective teacher training to train educators to use AI-powered solutions to fill the gaps and provide quality education.
Additionally, we also need to ensure equitable access to AI-powered educational tools, necessary hardware, and internet connectivity and reduce the digital accessibility gap for students and institutions with limited financial resources to harness the potential of these technologies seamlessly.

Intrinsically linked new-age education:
Despite challenges, integrating AI, ML, Data Analytics, and AR/VR technologies in education can provide tremendous opportunities and significantly transform how students learn and educators teach. They can foster a holistic environment where traditional pedagogy intertwines seamlessly with cutting-edge technology to nurture today’s agile, adaptable minds and empower them to reach their full potential in today’s evolving and ever-expanding global landscape.

Views expressed by Prof Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM, Ahmedabad.

Innovating Tomorrow’s Education

By
Kapil Suri
-

Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Education, delivered an enlightening speech at the Fourth Elets Education Innovation Summit in Pune. This event centred around fostering educational advancements and provided a platform for discussing the future trajectory of India’s educational sector. Dr. Jere emphasised the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship within academic institutions, sharing key initiatives and valuable insights on transforming technical education.
Dr. Jere’s core message was clear – Innovation is not just a concept but a necessity for evolving educational systems to meet future demands.

The Journey of Innovation: Smart India Hackathon
In his speech, Dr. Jere recounted the inception and growth of the Smart India Hackathon, initiated in 2016 and officially launched in 2017. This nationwide event has become the world’s largest open innovation model, involving over 10 lakh students annually. The hackathon encourages students to solve real-world problems provided by various ministries and industries, fostering practical learning and creativity. “We took this movement to the people, making innovation accessible to every technical college in the country,” Dr. Jere emphasised, illustrating the widespread impact of this initiative.

Institution Innovation Council (IIC)
He also introduced the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) as a home-grown model aimed at comprehensive support for innovation in educational institutes. The IIC program has engaged 78,000 unique participants through 78 programs in the past year alone. This initiative has created a robust ecosystem for nurturing innovation within technical education. “Our goal is to create a seamless integration of innovation in technical education,” said Dr. Jere, highlighting how the program’s widespread impact fosters a culture of innovation in India’s educational landscape.

Training Faculty for Future-Ready Education
Recognising the pivotal role of educators in this transformation, Dr. Jere detailed the Innovation Ambassador Training Program. This program has trained about 15,000 faculty members nationwide, covering design thinking, pre-incubation, incubation, and startup registration modules that equip educators with the tools to nurture student innovation effectively. Dr Jere stressed, “Faculty members are key to fostering a culture of innovation. Their training ensures the right mentorship for students,” underscoring the importance of empowering educators to lead the charge in educational innovation.

Predictions and Future Trends in Education
Looking ahead, Dr. Jere forecasted significant changes in the education sector, driven by technological advancements like AI and the metaverse. He urged educational institutions to envision their future roles and emphasised the need for adaptive strategies to stay relevant. “Education will require new formats, and institutions must start planning for the next 25 years,” he predicted, encouraging a forward-thinking approach.
Dr. Jere’s address provided actionable insights for educational leaders. He advised institutions to explore converting student projects into viable ventures and ensure concrete technology outcomes from higher studies. He highlighted the importance of comprehensive hand-holding and mentorship, suggesting that institutions adopt design thinking workshops and innovation-focused curricula. These practical recommendations aim to enhance the effectiveness of educational programs and better prepare students for future challenges.

Views expressed by Dr Abhay Jere Vice Chairman AICTE & Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at Ministry of Education, Govt. of India.

Bridging the Gap: AICTE’s Vision for Modernising Technical Education

By
Kapil Suri
-

The landscape of Indian technical education is undergoing a significant transformation,
driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving industry demands, and a renewed
focus on skill-based learning. With initiatives like updated curricula, enhanced industry
collaboration, and increased emphasis on research and innovation, India is poised to become a global leader in technical education. Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), delves into the transformative strides made in technical education across India in an exclusive interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

Before discussing AICTE’s plans, could you share your journey and contributions to the education sector over the past decades?

Certainly, I began my career as a mathematician, completing my Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and my master’s from IIT Roorkee. I initially joined DCR University of Science and Technology, Haryana, as a mathematics faculty member. Later, I pursued an M.Tech in computer science, which led to my transition from mathematics to computer science and engineering. In 2016, I joined AICTE as an advisor and Chief Vigilance Officer. Since 2019, I have been serving as the Member Secretary. During my tenure, we’ve implemented key policy changes, including revising outdated engineering, management, and pharmacy curricula and introducing a model curriculum that universities nationwide have widely adopted.

One significant initiative is the National Credit Framework (NCF). How do you see NCF impacting the employability of graduates in the next five years?

The National Credit Framework is pivotal in integrating skills into higher education. It provides a structured level system, from level 3 (10th grade) to level 8 (Ph.D.). This framework allows students to switch disciplines and offers flexibility with multiple entry and exit points, incorporating skill-based courses. For instance, 50% of the courses can be skill-oriented, allowing students to earn credits through various skill development courses.

Recently, AICTE developed model curricula for BBA, BCA, and BMS programs. How have educational institutions responded to these new curricula?

This year, we integrated BBA, BCA, and BMS programs under AICTE’s purview, and we’ve already approved over 4,500 institutions. Our goal was not just to grant approvals but to enhance students’ employability through structured education. A committee was formed to revise the curricula, and the new model curricula for these programs will be released within a few days. We have designed curricula for both three-year and four-year programs, incorporating minor degree courses to offer students more options. We expect universities to adopt these curricula soon, benefiting students significantly.

With the emphasis on integrating skill-based courses into technical education, how is AICTE ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with industry requirements?

Ensuring curriculum relevance is crucial. We collaborate closely with industry representatives to align our curricula with their needs. For example, our new BBA, BCA, and BMS curricula were developed with industry experts. We are also integrating skill-based courses into engineering curricula, leveraging inputs from industry to prepare students for emerging technologies.

Another excellent initiative is AICTE’s Support to Students for Participating in Competition Abroad (SSPCA) scheme. What led to its creation, and how does it benefit students?

The SSPCA scheme was created to support students participating in international competitions. Through this scheme, we provide up to INR 10 lakhs to support teams selected for international competitions. This funding covers transportation and other costs, enabling students to showcase their talents globally. The scheme, started six years ago, has been highly beneficial for many students.
Yes, we have several schemes to support students. For example, we fund visits to technological marvels and historical sites to enhance students’ learning experiences. We also help students present papers at conferences and fund student clubs in institutions.

What are AICTE’s top priorities for the next few years?

Our top priorities include creating a workforce for chip manufacturing and design, logistics, travel and tourism, and advanced communication technologies. We are building capacities in these areas within our institutions. For instance, we recently collaborated with a Taiwan delegation to connect Indian institutions working in VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) with their Taiwanese counterparts.

How does AICTE’s work align with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ as our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned?

Our initiatives are closely aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ We are committed to creating a skilled workforce in emerging technologies, logistics, and blue economy sectors. We aim to contribute to India’s growth and development by providing relevant education and skill development. Our students, equipped with the right skills and knowledge, will be the driving force behind realising this vision.

Can you elaborate on the structural changes the National Credit Framework (NCF) brought about and how educational institutions and students receive these changes?

The National Credit Framework (NCF) is designed to be transformative. By defining levels from grade 10 to PhD, we offer a standardised yet flexible approach to education. Students can transition between different disciplines seamlessly. This framework promotes a holistic learning experience by allowing students to accumulate credits from various skill-based courses. The feedback from educational institutions has been overwhelmingly positive, as this framework aligns with the contemporary educational goals of flexibility, inclusivity, and skill development.

Could you provide more details on the development process of BBA, BCA, and BMS programs curricula and how they address current educational and industry needs?

Developing the model curricula for BBA, BCA, and BMS programs involved extensive collaboration with industry experts, academic leaders, and educators. Our primary objective was to ensure these programs aligned with industry trends and demands. We formed a committee comprising industry professionals and educational experts to revise and develop these curricula. The new model curricula include core subjects, elective courses, and minor degree options to provide students with a comprehensive education covering theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

How does AICTE plan to continuously update these curricula to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and changing industry requirements?

Continuous curriculum updates are essential to keep pace with technological advancements and industry changes. AICTE has established a system of regular review and revision cycles involving feedback from industry partners, academic experts, and alums. We conduct periodic workshops and consultations to gather insights on emerging trends and skills required in the job market. Additionally, we encourage institutions to integrate industry-led courses and certifications, ensuring that students receive the most up-to-date education.

Moving on to the Support to Students for Participating in Competition Abroad (SSPCA) scheme, could you share some success stories or examples of how this initiative has positively impacted students?

The SSPCA scheme has profoundly impacted many students. For instance, a team from a leading engineering college participated in an international robotics competition in the United States. With the SSPCA scheme’s financial support, they could transport their equipment and cover travel expenses, which would have otherwise been a significant barrier. The team participated and won accolades, showcasing their innovation and technical skills on a global platform. Such experiences boost students’ confidence and enhance their learning and career prospects.

Beyond financial support, what other measures is AICTE taking to prepare students for international competitions and global exposure?

Besides financial support, AICTE focuses on comprehensive preparation for students. We organise workshops and training sessions to enhance their technical skills, presentation abilities, and cultural awareness. We also facilitate mentorship programs where experienced faculty and industry professionals guide students through preparation. Furthermore, we encourage institutions to establish dedicated clubs and centres for innovation and competition preparation. These measures ensure that students are financially supported and well-prepared to excel in international competitions and gain valuable global exposure.

NAAC Announces Strategic Reforms for Improved Higher Education Accreditation

By
Kapil Suri
-

The quality of higher education, a key aspect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is set to undergo significant improvements with the introduction of reforms from the Dr Radhakrishnan Committee. Approved by the Ministry of Education and adopted by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), these reforms include the introduction of Binary Accreditation and Maturity-Based Graded Levels to enhance educational standards.

To implement these changes, the Apex Committee and various Discipline-wise Committees conducted approximately 40 meetings, consulting stakeholders to finalize the necessary manuals and processes for Binary Accreditation. In the coming months, NAAC will conduct five regional workshops to gather feedback from universities and colleges on the Binary Accreditation manual before its official launch. NAAC also plans to engage with Higher Education Departments and Councils across states to ensure widespread participation in the new accreditation process.

The proposed framework aims to reduce cycle time, lower accreditation fees, and eliminate the need for physical peer team visits. Data validation, primarily quantitative, will be conducted by the institutions to ensure objectivity and correctness in assessments. The framework includes 59 metrics for universities, 56 for autonomous colleges, and 46 for affiliated colleges. NAAC has also developed discipline-specific manuals for fields such as law, health sciences, and management to meet their specific requirements.

During the inaugural workshop, Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Former Chairperson of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, underscored the importance of integrating skill development into the accreditation framework. He also highlighted the relevance of the National Curriculum Framework to skill development.

Professor Kalsi emphasized the necessity for changing NAAC parameters stemming from NEP 2020, particularly in integrating the national curriculum framework and skill development. He introduced major approaches for incorporating skills into disciplines like humanities and social sciences and also proposed Education 5.0, which focuses on online and blended learning, further stressing the need to integrate innovations into the accreditation framework.

The Binary Accreditation Framework (BAF), presented at the workshop, is derived from the 10 Attributes proposed by the Dr. Radhakrishnan Committee. These attributes are classified based on input, process, and outcome dimensions essential for achieving quality assurance in higher education. The framework shifts focus to ‘outcome and its impact’ on the contribution of higher education to the nation’s socio-economic development. It is designed to accommodate the requirements of universities, autonomous, and affiliated colleges, and captures the uniqueness of institutions impacting specific stakeholder groups.

Dr. Devendra Kawday, Adviser, NAAC, detailed each metric, explaining the rationale for new metrics essential for the quality of higher education in the current context. The first of the five regional workshops was organized in partnership with IISc Bengaluru on July 16.

In the coming months, NAAC will continue to gather feedback from universities and colleges through these workshops to refine and finalize the Binary Accreditation manual before its official launch. NAAC’s engagement with higher education departments and councils across states aims to ensure widespread participation in the new accreditation process, marking a significant step towards enhancing the quality of higher education in India.

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