West Bengal introduces QR-enabled textbooks

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June 25, 2025

The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has announced the integration of QR codes into all higher secondary textbooks. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that learners receive only authorized and verified academic content.

Every year, soon after the secondary board examinations, pirated versions of textbooks flood the markets, particularly in areas like College Street. These unofficial copies are often slightly altered and sold at inflated prices, misleading students and compromising academic standards. According to Council President Chiranjib Bhattacharya, the QR code initiative is a strategic solution to eliminate such practices and maintain content integrity.

Each official textbook will carry a unique QR code printed on its back cover. When scanned, this code will confirm the book’s authenticity by displaying the WBCHSE logo along with detailed book information. If a QR code is missing or provides incorrect data upon scanning, it indicates that the book is not approved by the council and may be pirated.

But that’s not all—this feature also unlocks access to enriched digital learning resources, including:

Video Tutorials: In-depth explanations and problem-solving guidance.
Animated Content: Visually engaging tools to help simplify complex subjects.
Model Papers: Sample questions and answers to aid in exam preparation.

This blend of physical and digital learning is designed to make education more interactive, accessible, and aligned with 21st-century learning practices.

Council Secretary Priyadarshini Mallick has urged students and parents to remain vigilant and only purchase textbooks with verified QR codes. Before buying any book, scanning the code should be a mandatory step. If the book fails the scan or lacks the code altogether, it should be avoided to prevent academic misinformation.

Also Read: Delhi to set 6+ as minimum age for Class 1 from 2026

This QR-backed system not only deters the illegal circulation of study materials but also marks a major stride toward digitizing education in the state. As West Bengal embraces this secure and student-centric approach, it sets a benchmark in preserving academic authenticity while enhancing the overall learning experience.

Delhi to set 6+ as minimum age for Class 1 from 2026

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced that from the academic year 2026–27, only children who have completed six years of age will be eligible for admission to Class 1 in Delhi schools.

This decision aims to restructure the foundational stage of schooling—which includes Nursery and Kindergarten (KG)—in accordance with both the NEP and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The department shared this update via an official circular issued on Saturday.

As per the new guidelines, admission to Class 1 will strictly require the child to have attained six years of age by the start of the academic session.

Also Read: Gujarat transforms schools with Mission Excellence

To ensure the implementation process is inclusive and transparent, the DoE has opened the floor for public input. Teachers, parents, students, school associations, academic experts, and other stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback and suggestions to help fine-tune the policy and make its rollout smooth and effective.

Gujarat transforms schools with Mission Excellence

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

An empowered and educated society forms the backbone of national progress. Recognising this, the Government of Gujarat, under the visionary leadership of then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, launched the ambitious Mission Schools of Excellence — a statewide initiative aimed at revolutionizing the school education ecosystem through infrastructural and pedagogical upgrades.

This transformative initiative, launched in 2022, envisions holistic development of nearly 40,000 government and grant-in-aid schools across Gujarat. With a planned investment of approximately ₹12,000 crore and support from the World Bank to the tune of $750 million, the mission is among India’s most extensive education modernization efforts to date.

Aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality education, the mission emphasizes enhanced school infrastructure, digital learning, and STEM-based pedagogy. According to official data, considerable progress has already been made:

13,353 new classrooms have been built, with an additional 31,469 under construction.
27,872 existing classrooms have been modernized, while 63,860 more are currently being upgraded.
21,000 new computer labs are now operational, and work is ongoing to equip 18,000 more schools with digital learning spaces.
1,09,000 smart classrooms have been completed out of a planned 1,50,000, with another 26,000 underway.
5,000 STEM labs have been developed to boost science and innovation skills among students.

The initiative also focuses on co-curricular development, aiming to foster well-rounded student growth. By enhancing foundational learning and integrating modern teaching tools, the mission seeks to prepare students for a competitive future.

Also Read: Tripura becomes third fully literate state

The state-wide implementation of the project is expected to directly and indirectly impact nearly one crore students, marking a decisive step toward building a strong educational framework that supports inclusive and future-ready learning.

Tripura becomes third fully literate state

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 24, 2025

Tripura has been officially recognised as the third fully literate state in India, joining the ranks of Mizoram and Goa. The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Education during a special ceremony held at Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala, attended by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and other dignitaries.

Chief Minister Saha described the moment as a significant milestone for the state, applauding the collective effort that made this possible. “This is a moment of pride for every citizen of Tripura. Becoming fully literate is not just an achievement—it’s a step forward in building a stronger, more empowered state,” he said. He further linked the milestone to the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, stating that continued learning would play a crucial role in realising this ambition.

Also Read: Goa becomes India’s second fully literate state

Preeti Meena, Director of the Adult Literacy Division at the Ministry of Education, praised Tripura’s commitment to literacy. “We identified over 23,000 adults in the state who lacked basic reading and writing skills. Through targeted interventions, training, and community participation, Tripura has succeeded in achieving full literacy,” she shared. She also emphasized the importance of sustaining this progress by encouraging newly literate citizens to continue learning, including acquiring digital skills.

Tripura’s Special Secretary of Education, Raval H. Kumar, extended his gratitude to the central government for its consistent support. “From funding to resources, the Centre’s contributions have been pivotal in reaching this goal,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative approach that led to this success.

Also Read: India’s first fully literate state – Mizoram

This milestone brings India one step closer to its broader national objective of achieving full literacy by 2030.

APSCHE pushes Quantum and AI into Higher Education

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 24, 2025

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has initiated a comprehensive curriculum framework focused on Quantum Computing, Quantum Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This bold initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and AICTE’s evolving academic guidelines, with the broader vision of establishing Andhra Pradesh as a national hub for tech-led education and innovation.

The newly constituted expert committee, headed by Dr. JBV Reddy—who also leads the Quantum Technology Cell at the Department of Science and Technology (DST)—convened its inaugural session under the leadership of APSCHE Chairman Prof. K Madhu Murthy. Prof. Murthy highlighted the critical importance of India’s National Quantum Mission and articulated an ambitious goal of transforming Amaravati into a ‘Quantum Valley’, modeled after global tech innovation clusters.

As part of its initial roadmap, the committee approved the launch of specialized minor degree programs:

An 18-credit minor in Quantum Technologies for engineering students
An 18-credit minor in AI, open to both engineering and non-engineering students
A 16-credit minor in Quantum Technologies for students from general disciplines

To ensure effective course delivery, APSCHE will launch Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) aimed at training over 500 educators from Physics, Electronics, Mathematics, and Computer Science departments. These will be supported by key collaborators including DST, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and IBM.

A proposal to set up dedicated Quantum Labs across major institutions such as Andhra University, JNTU-Kakinada, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Sri Venkateswara University, JNTU-Ananthapur, and RGUKT received strong backing.

Also Read: iSchool acquires SEEDS to fuel AI-driven education expansion across Saudi Arabia

Further strengthening its ecosystem approach, APSCHE has proposed partnerships with IITs, IISERs, and leading tech companies to bolster academic research, facilitate startup incubation, and fuel innovation. Initiatives like student hackathons and boot camps are also on the horizon to stimulate active learning and real-world problem solving.

The meeting, coordinated by APSCHE Secretary TV Krishna Murthy, brought together eminent academicians, industry leaders, and research professionals to shape this vision into reality.

iSchool acquires SEEDS to fuel AI-driven education expansion across Saudi Arabia

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 23, 2025

iSchool, a leading K-12 artificial intelligence and coding education platform in the MENA region, has announced its acquisition of SEEDS, the EdTech division of Egyptian-Saudi software firm Algoriza. The move marks a pivotal step in iSchool’s regional expansion strategy, particularly within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving education landscape.

With this acquisition, iSchool gains access to SEEDS’ established operations, academic alliances, and growing learner base across Saudi regions. It also reinforces iSchool’s emerging model of offering AI and coding education to employees’ children as part of corporate HR initiatives—a concept that’s been piloted successfully with major banks, telecoms, and energy companies.

“This partnership allows us to scale both reach and impact,” said Muhammad Gawish, Co-Founder and CEO of iSchool. “We’re now positioned to institutionalise a new category of education—where future tech skills become a core benefit for families and a long-term talent strategy for employers.”

SEEDS has earned recognition for its AI-first approach, robust curriculum, and teacher enablement efforts across local markets. By combining forces, iSchool and SEEDS plan to accelerate bilingual curriculum rollout, build public-private school alliances, and deploy scalable programs tailored for the Saudi market.

Mohamed Aldmohy, CEO of Algoriza, emphasized the alignment of vision: “We’ve always believed AI education should begin early. Partnering with iSchool enables us to take that belief to the next level—reaching more families, employers, and institutions.”

Also Read: Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Wraps Up Successfully in Hyderabad

With over 131,000 students trained across 20+ countries, iSchool offers live interactive classes in AI, cybersecurity, game development, and more for learners aged 6–18. The platform empowers students to not only acquire future-ready skills but also launch real-world projects and early entrepreneurial ventures.

Saudi Arabia—with one of the world’s youngest populations—is becoming a hotspot for transformative EdTech solutions. This acquisition firmly positions iSchool as a key player in shaping the future of learning in the Kingdom, bridging digital skills development from classrooms to corporate corridors.

Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Wraps Up Successfully in Hyderabad

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 19, 2025

The city of Hyderabad witnessed an inspiring convergence of policy-makers, education visionaries, and technology leaders at the inaugural edition of the Elets FutureEd Summit 2025, held on June 17 at Le Meridien, Hyderabad. The summit, presented by the ICFAI Group and hosted by the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Government of Telangana, brought together over 250+ influential stakeholders from across the education ecosystem to explore the theme “Educating Minds for an AI-Powered Future.”

From forward-thinking policy discussions to hands-on tech showcases, the one-day summit lived up to its promise of reimagining education in the age of AI and innovation.

A Day of Dialogue, Innovation & Recognition

The summit featured 11+ high-impact sessions, showcasing insights from 100+ education leaders across school and higher education. With 15+ government dignitaries in attendance, including IAS officers, department heads, and sectoral experts, the event opened powerful conversations around the role of policy, skills, digital transformation, and equity in future-ready learning.

Inaugural Session

The summit was inaugurated by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., who set the tone for the event with a warm welcome to all participants.

Key Speakers Who Shaped the Dialogue:

B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of Assam, reflected on India’s educational journey and the need to bridge the public-private divide. He mentioned, “We must urgently address the deep divide between public and private institutions. Quality and equity continue to be tied to economic privilege, and this gap hinders a truly inclusive ecosystem,”.
Prof. (Dr.) L S Ganesh, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, highlighted the foundational questions that education must help answer. “True education must develop both competence and character, in equal measure, to shape a balanced, meaningful, and humane society,” he remarked.
Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education, outlined five forces shaping the education system: globalisation, liberalisation, privatisation, digitisation, and ‘Covidisation.’ “Technology is the most critical factor that will shape the future of education,” he said, adding that education must be the primary vehicle to realise the dream of Atma Nirbhar Bharat 2047.
Ashish Modi, Director, Secondary Education Department, Government of Rajasthan, focused on AI as the next big disruption in education. “AI will fundamentally change how students are taught—not just what they learn, but how they think. The time to reform is now,” he mentioned.
Smita Bharadwaj, Chairperson, Board of Secondary Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh, shared how AI is enhancing examination and evaluation systems. “We’ve used AI to monitor question paper movement, catch paper leak gangs, and ensure zero FIRs this year. Excellence must become the norm,” she emphasised.

The summit hosted engaging sessions led by academic leaders, principals, edtech founders, and education entrepreneurs from across the country.

Thought Leadership Meets Tech Innovation

From NEP implementation to AI in classrooms, and from future skills to micro-credentials, the summit sessions were both forward-looking and practical. Exhibitors, including CodeTantra, CodeChef, MyClassboard, SmatBot, and Acculekhaa, showcased cutting-edge technologies reshaping the learning experience in India.

A Souvenir that Chronicles Change

One of the summit’s standout moments was the launch of the special publication “Telangana Driving Education Transformation.” The souvenir documents Telangana’s progressive initiatives and success stories in education reform, digital innovation, and institutional excellence.

Honouring Education Trailblazers

The evening culminated in the Elets FutureEd Excellence Awards 2025, celebrating outstanding contributions by education leaders, institutions, and innovators across categories. The awards night brought together the spirit of recognition, celebration, and commitment to quality education.

Powered by Visionary Partnerships

The summit was supported by a strong ecosystem of partners:

Presenting Partner: ICFAI University
School Curriculum Partner: Academica
School EdTech Partner: Quest Plus
University Partner: Anurag University
Credential Partner: TruScholar
British School Partner: Shrewsbury International School, India
Creative Skilling Partner: World Design Council
Silver Partner: Vision Digital India
Pre-School Partner: Safari Kid
Supporting Partners: Hyderabad Sahodaya Schools Complex, Woxen University
Exhibitors: CodeTantra, CodeChef, MyClassboard, SmatBot, Pine Labs

Also Read: Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Debuts in Hyderabad to Reimagine Education in a World of AI

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

With the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the Elets FutureEd Summit has not only sparked meaningful dialogue but also ignited a movement toward collaborative innovation in education.

Building on the momentum and overwhelming response from stakeholders across the country, Elets Technomedia is thrilled to announce the 2nd edition of the Elets FutureEd Summit, scheduled to be held in Chennai in October 2025.

“The journey has just begun. Elets FutureEd will continue to grow as a national platform to accelerate the transformation of India’s education ecosystem,” said Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia.

Stay tuned for more details as we take Elets FutureEd to Tamil Nadu, bringing together changemakers once again to shape the future of learning.

Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Debuts in Hyderabad to Reimagine Education in a World of AI

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 16, 2025

As India strides toward becoming a global knowledge powerhouse, the spotlight is on how we prepare our students and educators for a future shaped by innovation, disruption, and intelligent technologies. The education sector is evolving, and a new platform is emerging to lead this conversation.

Introducing the Elets FutureEd Summit 2025, a first-of-its-kind national summit dedicated to shaping the future of education through innovation, policy, and technology. The inaugural edition will take place on 17th June 2025 at Le Meridien, Hyderabad, and will bring together top policymakers, academic leaders, edtech innovators, and government dignitaries from across India.

This summit is presented by ICFAI Group and hosted by the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Government of Telangana, centred around the theme “Educating Minds for an AI-Powered Future.”

With the Telangana Council of Higher Education and the Department of Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Government of Telangana as Government Supporting Partners, the event is being recognised as a vital step in driving conversations on future-ready learning in the country.

Why Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Matters

In an era when AI is redefining learning outcomes, industry demands, and student engagement, the education sector needs direction, innovation, and collaboration. The Elets FutureEd Summit offers exactly that, a curated space for bold ideas, live demos, networking, and actionable insights.

By 2030, AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy, while India is expected to supply the largest tech-savvy talent pool globally.

Key Highlights

250+ curated attendees, including educators, edtech leaders, and policymakers
100+ top education leaders from K-12 and higher education institutions
15+ government dignitaries and senior bureaucrats
11+ power-packed sessions on policy, NEP, AI in education, skills, and digital learning
25+ exhibitors & partners showcasing cutting-edge education solutions
Live product demos & tech showcases
10+ hours of strategic networking
Glamorous Awards Night recognising excellence in education leadership
Launch of a Special Souvenir titled “Telangana Driving Education Transformation”

Notable Speakers & Dignitaries

The summit will be graced by Sri Damodar Rajanarasimha, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Science & Technology, Government of Telangana, as Guest of Honour.

Key Thought Leaders Speaking at the Event Include

B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of Assam
Navin Mittal, IAS, Secretary, Revenue Department
Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education
A. Sridevasena, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate & Technical Education, Govt. of Telangana
A. Malla Reddy, Formerly Additional Secretary, Higher Education; now Municipal Administration & Urban Development
Shrikant Sinha, CEO, Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK)

The summit also features an engaging lineup of speakers from universities, schools, edtech startups, and global learning ecosystems.

Powering the Future of Learning: Partners That Make It Possible

Presenting Partner: ICFAI University
School Curriculum Partner: Academica
School EdTech Partner: Quest Plus
University Partner: Anurag University
Credential Partner: TruScholar
British School Partner: Shrewsbury International School, India
Creative Skilling Partner: World Design Council
Silver Partner: Vision Digital India
Pre-School Partner: Safari Kid
Supporting Partners: Hyderabad Sahodaya Schools Complex, Woxen University
Exhibitors: CodeTantra, CodeChef, MyClassboard, SmatBot, Pine Labs

A Souvenir to Chronicle Telangana’s Education Transformation

A key moment during the event will be the launch of a Special Commemorative Publication: “Telangana Driving Education Transformation”
This souvenir has been thoughtfully curated and produced by Elets Technomedia. It highlights Telangana’s progressive reforms, institutional success stories, and its vision for future-ready education.

Also Read: Telangana – Modernising education through policy reform

Elets FutureEd Excellence Awards Honouring Change-Makers

The day will conclude with the Elets FutureEd Excellence Awards 2025, a celebratory evening to felicitate outstanding institutions, educators, and innovators who are redefining India’s education landscape.

Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 is more than an event; it’s a movement toward collaborative innovation, policy transformation, and education excellence.

Join us to shape the future of learning.
Register now: events.eletsonline.com/futureed

Adani GEMS Education and Research Institute Launches Education Development Projects

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 16, 2025

In a landmark move aimed at revolutionising the educational ecosystem in India, the Adani GEMS Education and Research Institute (AGERI) has officially launched its Education Development Projects (EDP). This strategic initiative is designed to uplift and transform K–12 schools and teacher education institutions across the country, with an emphasis on institutional excellence and sustainable growth.

Backed by over 65 years of global expertise in managing diverse educational institutions, Adani GEMS brings a unique blend of international best practices and indigenous insights to the forefront of Indian education reform. The EDP framework is rooted in a vision of holistic development, prioritising not just academic outcomes but also the overall health, safety, and growth of students and educators alike.

At the core of EDP lies a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach aimed at institutional capacity building. This includes:

Academic innovation tailored to the local socio-cultural and educational context
Empowering educators through sustained capacity-building programs and professional development
Leadership development and operational excellence to ensure smooth and strategic management of institutions
Balanced integration of technology, prioritising mental health and well-being alongside digital advancements
Commitment to safety, compliance, and institutional accountability
Blending global best practices with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) for a culturally resonant and globally competent education

The initiative is not a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, Adani GEMS Education and Research Institute emphasises collaborative engagement with institutions based on their specific needs, readiness for change, and shared vision for educational impact. This may take the form of programmatic support or long-term institutional partnerships.

“What matters is your intent and purpose,” the organisation emphasised, signalling its openness to work with schools and teacher training centres that are committed to growth, innovation, and change. The EDP is positioned as a transformative enabler, offering pathways for institutions to evolve and scale while staying rooted in core educational values.

Also Read: Maharashtra Unveils India’s First International Education City in Navi Mumbai

By synergising global educational leadership with local contextual relevance, Adani GEMS Education and Research Institute aims to set a new benchmark in the Indian education sector. As the nation increasingly recognises the critical role of quality education in driving socio-economic development, initiatives like EDP are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of learning.

Institutions interested in exploring partnerships with AGERI are encouraged to align their goals with the vision of EDP and contribute to building an education system that is inclusive, future-ready, and impactful.

Maharashtra Unveils India’s First International Education City in Navi Mumbai

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 14, 2025

In a historic development set to redefine the landscape of higher education in India, the Government of Maharashtra has announced the establishment of the country’s first International Education City in Navi Mumbai. The initiative, titled “Mumbai Rising – Creating an International Education City”, marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to elevate its global educational standing.

As part of this groundbreaking venture, Letters of Intent (LOIs) are being granted to five globally acclaimed foreign universities to set up their campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. This landmark decision is the result of visionary planning inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the effective execution led by Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.

The LOI Granting Ceremony, held on June 14, 2025, at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar lent their esteemed presence. Also attending was Shri Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Maharashtra.

The five international institutions awarded LOIs include:

University of Western Australia (Australia)
University of York (United Kingdom)
University of Aberdeen (United Kingdom)
Illinois Institute of Technology (USA)
Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) (Italy)

These universities are internationally recognised for their excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Their upcoming campuses in Navi Mumbai will bring world-class graduate and postgraduate programs to Indian soil, aligned with global academic standards.

The International Education City is being spearheaded by CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation), which is overseeing the development of a futuristic academic infrastructure within a 5-kilometre radius of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. This strategic location ensures seamless global connectivity, making it an attractive destination for international faculty and students alike.

The initiative promises numerous benefits:

Indian students will gain access to global curricula without needing to travel abroad.
The campuses will promote multicultural academic exchange and collaborative research.
The project will enhance India’s stature in global higher education rankings and curtail the outbound migration of Indian students.

Also Read: Intellinez launches MeraTutor Homie in under 60 days

The Education City is envisioned as a multi-university hub, with five more foreign institutions expected to join in the near future. This transformative step positions Maharashtra as a trailblazer in integrating global academic excellence within the Indian education ecosystem.

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