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Canada Announces $100 Million Scholarship Initiative for Indian Students

Canada scholarship programme

Canada has unveiled a $100 million scholarship programme aimed at expanding higher education opportunities for Indian students and strengthening academic collaboration between the two countries. The initiative forms part of a broader Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy focused on boosting student mobility, research partnerships, and institutional cooperation.

A major component of the initiative is the provision of up to 200 fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study at Canadian universities. These scholarships will be administered through the University of Toronto and will support students admitted to participating institutions across Canada.

The programme is designed to attract talented Indian students across multiple academic levels, including undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programmes. The scholarships are expected to cover major expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, and research support, making Canadian education more accessible for high-achieving students.

Also Read: Centre Targets 2 Lakh Foreign Student Admissions Annually by 2030

In addition to scholarships, the initiative also aims to expand academic partnerships and joint research programmes between universities in India and Canada. New collaboration measures include institutional partnerships, cross-border academic programmes, and hybrid learning hubs to enhance educational cooperation.

The announcement highlights Canada’s continued effort to attract global talent and deepen educational ties with India, one of the largest sources of international students worldwide.

Centre Targets 2 Lakh Foreign Student Admissions Annually by 2030

Foreign Student Admissions

The Government of India has set an ambitious goal to increase the annual intake of international students in Indian higher education institutions to two lakh by 2030. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to position India as a prominent global destination for higher education.

Currently, around 50,000 foreign students enrol in Indian institutions each year, and the government aims to quadruple this number over the next few years. Officials from the Ministry of Education stated that intensified efforts under the ‘Study in India’ programme are underway to achieve the target.

To support this expansion, the Centre is working closely with central and state universities to increase capacity and improve infrastructure, including better hostel facilities and support systems for international students. Discussions are also ongoing with state governments, as many foreign students are expected to enrol in state universities as well.

Also Read: IIT Kharagpur Launches School of Digital Learning, Applied AI and Machine Learning

Additionally, foreign universities establishing campuses in India will be permitted to admit international students, further strengthening India’s appeal as a global education hub. The government also plans to conduct outreach programmes in multiple countries to attract more students to Indian institutions.

According to government data presented in the Rajya Sabha earlier, over 72,000 students from nearly 200 countries are currently studying in India, highlighting the country’s growing international academic presence. 

IIT Kharagpur Launches School of Digital Learning, Applied AI and Machine Learning

IIT Kharagpur

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has announced the establishment of a new School of Digital Engineering, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, aimed at strengthening research and innovation in emerging technologies. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of AI solutions across multiple sectors.

The institute stated that the school will function as a research-driven and industry-integrated innovation hub, operating under the Office of the Dean (Research and Development). Unlike traditional academic departments focused primarily on degree programmes, the new school will adopt a translational model that emphasises collaboration between academia, industry, and government to develop practical AI applications.

Supported by a philanthropic commitment of up to $5 million from alumnus Dr. Jyoti Chatterjee, the initiative aims to create a multidisciplinary ecosystem that integrates digital engineering, next-generation computing, artificial intelligence, and deep neural systems.

Also Read: Ministry o Education Opens Registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase VI

The school will also collaborate with existing institutional facilities, including the School of Medical Science and Technology and the Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Super Speciality Hospital, enabling real-world testing and deployment of AI-driven healthcare solutions.

According to IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty, the new school represents a structural shift in how applied AI is institutionalised. The initiative aims to position IIT Kharagpur as a global hub for responsible and sovereign AI development, contributing to innovations in healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and smart systems.

Ministry of Education Opens Registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase VI

Yuva Sangam Phase VI

The Ministry of Education has announced the launch of online registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase VI, an initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme aimed at strengthening cultural exchange among young people across India. The registration portal opened on March 2, inviting youth from different states and union territories to participate in the programme.

Yuva Sangam is designed to promote people-to-people connections and experiential learning by enabling young participants to visit partner states and explore their culture, traditions, language, and development initiatives. Through this initiative, participants gain a deeper understanding of India’s diversity while fostering national integration.

The programme focuses on youth engagement across several themes, including tourism, education, governance, innovation, and people-to-people interactions. Participants get the opportunity to experience local customs, heritage sites, institutions, and community initiatives in the host state.

Read More: CBSE postpones board exams in several Middle East nations

Students, young professionals, and other youth interested in learning about India’s cultural diversity are encouraged to apply through the official portal. The initiative continues to serve as a platform for promoting mutual understanding, cultural appreciation, and unity among India’s youth.

CBSE postpones board exams in several Middle East nations

CBSE board exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in select countries across the region, in view of the ongoing Iran–US–Israel tensions affecting parts of the Middle East.

The Board issued an official communication to school principals in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, informing them that the scheduled examinations have been deferred due to the prevailing situation. Fresh dates for the postponed papers will be announced in due course.

CBSE has also stated that it is closely monitoring developments and will take an appropriate decision regarding the remaining examinations scheduled in the region. Students and schools have been advised to stay updated through official channels for further announcements.

Also Read: India to welcome 19 foreign universities this academic year

The Board conducts Class 10 and Class 12 examinations across multiple centres in India and abroad for its affiliated institutions. For the current academic session, CBSE has established examination centres in 26 countries outside India. A majority of these international centres are located in the Middle East – including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain – along with centres in countries such as Nigeria and Uganda.

With over 43.6 lakh students appearing for the board examinations this year, including those enrolled in overseas CBSE-affiliated schools, the development impacts a significant number of candidates in the affected countries.

The Board has now further postponed the examinations that were scheduled to be held on 5 and 6 March 2026 in the affected countries, citing continued security concerns. In an official notice issued on 3 March, CBSE stated that it will review the situation again and take a call on examinations scheduled from 7 March onwards. The circular has also been marked to Indian ambassadors in the seven countries, the Consul General of India in Dubai, and CBSE’s regional office in the UAE for necessary coordination. Students have been advised to remain in close contact with their respective schools for timely updates.

Further updates on the revised schedule are expected once the Board completes its review.

India to welcome 19 foreign universities this academic year

Union Education Minister

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that nearly 19 international universities are poised to set up campuses in India within the current academic year. The announcement was made during the Study in India Edu Diplomatic Conclave 2026 held in New Delhi.

Highlighting India’s expanding academic footprint, the Union Education Minister noted that Indian institutions are actively partnering with leading global universities across high impact sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, critical minerals, agriculture and sustainable management. These collaborations, he emphasised, are designed to place India at the forefront of innovation driven education.

Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended a warm invitation to students worldwide, positioning India as an emerging destination for quality higher education. He reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening academic standards, improving global rankings, and aligning education with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young citizens.

Stressing the demographic advantage, he pointed out that nearly 65 percent of India’s population is under the age of 35, calling it the country’s greatest strength and a catalyst for economic transformation.

Also Read: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for stronger global academic ties at Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026

Looking beyond national boundaries, the Minister spoke about India’s ambition to build a “knowledge bridge” connecting diverse nations and civilizations. He further indicated that India is working towards developing an inclusive growth model that could serve as a framework for countries of the Global South.

With policy reforms and international partnerships gathering pace, India’s higher education landscape appears set for a transformative chapter.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for stronger global academic ties at Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan underscored India’s growing role as a global education hub at the Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026, organised by the Ministry of Education at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. The high-level gathering brought together Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and representatives from diplomatic missions of over 50 countries, along with senior officials from the Ministry, to discuss ways to deepen international collaboration in higher education.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the National Education Policy, noting that the reforms have reshaped India’s academic landscape with a focus on flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, research, and global engagement. He emphasised that India is actively advancing the internationalisation of its higher education ecosystem by encouraging foreign partnerships, student mobility, joint research initiatives, and cross-border academic exchanges.

Also Read: Unacademy announces ₹50 crore ESOP buyback to offer liquidity to employees

Shri Pradhan reiterated that India’s education framework is anchored in three core pillars – quality, innovation, and affordability. He pointed out that the country’s expanding network of world-class institutions, digital learning platforms, and research-driven universities positions it as an attractive destination for international students.

The conclave served as a platform for dialogue on building stronger academic bridges, promoting student exchanges, and enhancing mutual recognition of qualifications. It also reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering meaningful global partnerships in line with its broader vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.

Unacademy announces ₹50 crore ESOP buyback to offer liquidity to employees

Unacademy

Unacademy has rolled out a ₹50 crore Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) buyback, creating an opportunity for both present and former employees to monetise their stock options. The initiative was approved by the company’s board, with Co-founder Gaurav Munjal confirming that a dedicated cash reserve has been set aside for the programme, despite the company currently being valued below its previous funding round.

As per internal estimates shared by Munjal, eight employees are likely to receive payouts exceeding ₹1 crore each. Around 17 team members could realise more than ₹50 lakh, while nearly 38 employees may earn upwards of ₹10 lakh through the buyback. The company is expected to reach out to eligible participants in the coming weeks with detailed instructions on the process.

Also Read: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation partners with McGill University to establish AI Centre of Excellence

In a related development, Unacademy recently provided a one-time 30-day window allowing former employees to exercise their vested stock options. However, the company clarified that its present valuation stands lower than earlier rounds and that preference shareholders retain priority over equity shareholders in payout structures.

The buyback comes at a time when Unacademy is recalibrating its growth strategy amid ongoing shifts in the edtech landscape following the pandemic-era boom. As part of its restructuring efforts, the company plans to transition from operating company-owned offline centres to adopting a franchise-led model, aiming to optimise costs and strengthen margins.

Earlier discussions around a potential acquisition by upGrad did not materialise, reportedly due to differences in valuation expectations.

Jubilant Bhartia Foundation partners with McGill University to establish AI Centre of Excellence

Jubilant Bhartia Foundation

The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation has entered into a strategic partnership with McGill University, Canada, to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on AI education and research.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised on the sidelines of a high-level engagement attended by Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.

The agreement was signed by Shyam S. Bhartia, Founder & Chairman, and Hari S. Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, along with Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University.

The upcoming Centre of Excellence aims to narrow the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry requirements in artificial intelligence. With a strong focus on producing industry-ready AI professionals and future research leaders, the initiative seeks to combine academic depth with practical exposure.

The Centre will initially roll out a Master’s programme designed to integrate theoretical rigour with hands-on industry engagement. Students enrolled in the programme will work on live projects addressing emerging technological challenges and AI-driven opportunities relevant to India’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Drawing on McGill University’s research-intensive AI ecosystem, the partnership will create a curriculum that balances foundational knowledge with applied innovation. Beyond academics, the Centre will function as a research hub, encouraging the development of AI solutions aligned with India’s digital transformation priorities.

Also Read: Delhi High Court pauses school fee hike, bringing relief to parents

The Master’s programme will admit graduates from across India each year and will emphasise academic excellence, adaptive curriculum design to meet evolving industry needs, applied learning through case studies and live assignments, and mentorship from international faculty and leading industry professionals. Continuous evaluation and global best practices in AI research will remain central to the programme’s design.

This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to building a future-ready AI talent pool and fostering research that supports India’s ambitions in advanced technologies.

Delhi High Court pauses school fee hike, bringing relief to parents

Delhi High Court

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has welcomed the interim order of the Delhi High Court putting a temporary halt on recent school fee hikes until the 12th of next month. Calling the court’s direction a reflection of the government’s firm resolve, Sood said the decision would bring significant relief to thousands of parents across the national capital.

In his statement, the Minister noted that many families had been burdened by what he described as arbitrary increases in fees by certain private schools. He emphasised that no revised fee structure would be enforced until the School Level Fee Regulation Committee (SLFRC) is formally constituted following the upcoming hearing scheduled for the 12th.

Also Read: Global Schools Group to Invest ₹1,051 Crore in Uttar Pradesh for Skill-Driven K-12 Expansion

Ashish Sood further remarked that the court’s intervention marks a decisive step against what he alleged to be a nexus involving the Aam Aadmi Party, select NGOs, and some private school managements. He reiterated that the Directorate of Education would closely scrutinise any complaints of excessive fee collection for the 2025–26 academic session and initiate appropriate action wherever necessary.

The Minister assured that regulatory measures would be implemented promptly after the next hearing, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in school fee structures.

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