Over 2 Lakh UP Students to Receive AI Training Under Skill Development Mission

News

By

-

April 6, 2026

More than 2 lakh students in Uttar Pradesh will receive training in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a skill development initiative under the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission. The programme will be implemented across nearly 1,200 government secondary schools in the state.

The initiative is being rolled out under Project Praveen, a vocational education programme aimed at integrating emerging technologies with school-level learning. Students from Classes IX to XII will be introduced to AI through a specialised module titled “AI for All.”

The course is designed to build digital literacy, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking skills, while also providing foundational knowledge in data analysis and practical AI applications.

In addition to general AI concepts, the programme includes customised modules aligned with specific job roles, such as IT customer care, healthcare assistance, tailoring, digital services, and small-scale manufacturing. This approach aims to link AI learning with real-world employability skills.

Also Read: Why India needs a new Education-to-Employment model in 2026, and why Karnataka is leading the shift

Before the rollout in the 2026–27 academic session, instructors will undergo mandatory training to deliver the AI curriculum effectively. Advanced training modules will also be introduced for trainers handling specialised vocational subjects.

Project Praveen itself is a 210-hour free skill development programme, offering training in sectors such as IT, healthcare, beauty, and electronics alongside regular schooling. The inclusion of AI marks a significant step toward preparing students for a technology-driven job market.

Officials noted that the initiative aims to equip students with future-ready skills, enabling them to adapt to evolving technological demands and improve their career prospects in an increasingly digital economy.

From Scale to Credibility Building Trusted Education Ecosystems in the Middle East

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

April 4, 2026

As the Middle East positions itself as a global education hub, the focus is shifting from access and scale to outcomes and global credibility. Institutions must now align academics, industry relevance, and regulation through trusted digital foundations. In an exclusive conversation, Gurudev Somani, CEO & Co-founder, MasterSoft, shares with Dr. Asawari Savant of Elets News Network (ENN) how governance-led technology and responsible AI can turn ambition into measurable impact. Edited excerpts

The Middle East is emerging as a global education hub; how will the region evolve from importing education to creating and exporting knowledge and talent?

“The UAE has already proven it can attract global education. The next decade is about a tougher milestone, becoming a net exporter of capability: research that reaches industry, credentials the world recognises, and graduates who build at global standards.
This becomes real only when every stakeholder feels the difference: leadership gets decision clarity, faculty get time back, students get momentum, and employees get better ways of working. The region won’t export knowledge through scale alone, it will export it through trustworthy digital foundations, where data, credentials, and quality evidence are consistent, auditable, and decision-ready.” – Gurudev Somani, CEO & Co-founder, MasterSoft

“At MasterSoft, we see our role as strengthening that foundation, helping institutions connect the academic and operational lifecycle so outcomes improve in ways people can feel and measure.” – MasterSoft

How can integrated e-Governance and cloud-based ERPs align academics, industry needs, and regulatory compliance while improving outcomes?

“Integrated e-Governance and cloud ERPs create a single institutional backbone, so alignment becomes a workflow, not a meeting. They help universities connect curriculum to employability outcomes, make compliance continuous through audit-ready processes, and improve student success by surfacing early signals that trigger timely intervention.
In fast-scaling, multi-campus environments, cloud adds secure standardisation and resilience, but governance must be clear: ownership, access control, and process discipline.” – Gurudev Somani, CEO & Co-founder, MasterSoft

“Our view is that the future is not just systems integration, but decision integration, turning institutional data into governed intelligence leaders can trust.” – MasterSoft

Also Read: Redefining Employability for SEND Students

With growing focus on upskilling and lifelong learning, how can ERP platforms enable continuous education while ensuring data ethics, transparency, and trust?

“Lifelong learning only scales when it carries credibility. A modern platform must support a lifelong learner identity, stackable credentials, and flexible pathways, without compromising academic governance.
Trust is the differentiator: clear consent and purpose, explainable analytics, fairness checks, strong access controls, and audit trails, so learners feel protected and employers trust what credentials represent.” – Gurudev Somani, CEO & Co-founder, MasterSoft

“We believe the next era of continuous education will be built on scale with trust, where transparency and ethics are designed into the system, not added later.” – MasterSoft

Bonus: As AI moves from experimentation to institutionalisation, what governance model should universities adopt to improve outcomes without compromising integrity, privacy, or trust?

“AI must be institutionalised like any other critical capability, through governance, not enthusiasm. The model is straightforward: purpose-first use cases, data governance before AI governance, transparent decisioning with human accountability, and continuous ethics and assurance.
If AI influences advising, progression, or eligibility, it must be explainable and contestable. Trust isn’t built at launch, it’s maintained through ongoing assurance.” – Gurudev Somani, CEO & Co-founder, MasterSoft

“Our role is to help embed AI into governed workflows, so institutional intelligence remains auditable, explainable, and outcomes-aligned.” – MasterSoft

d-Matrix Acquires GigaIO’s Data Centre Business to Strengthen AI Infrastructure Capabilities

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

April 4, 2026

d-Matrix has acquired the data centre business of GigaIO, in a strategic move to enhance its capabilities in rack-scale AI infrastructure and low-latency inference systems.

The acquisition includes GigaIO’s core technologies such as the SuperNODE platform and FabreX PCIe-based memory fabric, which are designed to enable high-performance, scalable AI workloads across data centre environments.

By integrating these technologies, d-Matrix aims to strengthen its end-to-end AI inference platform, combining them with its existing solutions including Corsair accelerators, JetStream networking, and Aviator software. This will allow the company to deliver more efficient, low-latency AI deployments at scale.

Also Read: India Introduces AI Curriculum for Students from Class 3, Says Dharmendra Pradhan

The deal builds on an existing collaboration between the two companies that began in 2025, where their combined technologies enabled highly scalable AI inference systems.

As part of the acquisition, d-Matrix will also onboard key engineering talent from GigaIO, strengthening its expertise in system-level infrastructure and expanding its presence in Southern California.

Meanwhile, GigaIO will continue to operate independently, shifting its focus toward edge computing solutions, including its portable AI systems designed to bring data centre-level performance closer to end users.

The move highlights the growing importance of rack-scale and system-level AI infrastructure, as demand rises for faster, more efficient processing of complex AI workloads across industries.

Why India needs a new Education-to-Employment model in 2026, and why Karnataka is leading the shift

Blog

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

April 3, 2026

What if a degree is no longer enough, and what if platforms like the Campus to Career Summit are exactly what India needs right now?
What if the true success of education is not graduation, but employability from day one?

India’s higher education system has expanded significantly in recent years. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education 2021–22, total enrolment has reached 4.33 crore, with a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 28.4%. Karnataka stands notably ahead, with a GER of around 36%, reflecting stronger participation in higher education compared to the national average.

Yet, the real challenge lies beyond access.

As highlighted by the India Skills Report, India’s overall employability stands at approximately 56%, signalling progress but also revealing that a significant portion of graduates still struggle to meet industry expectations. At the same time, sectors such as AI, advanced manufacturing, BFSI, and deep-tech industries are facing increasing demand for job-ready talent.

This disconnect between education and employment is exactly what the Campus to Career Summit, organised by the Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka, aims to address.

The summit brings together policymakers, academia, and industry to reimagine Employability in Higher Education. It focuses on outcome-based learning, AI-ready workforce development, and strengthening industry-academia alignment which are the critical pillars for building a future-ready talent ecosystem.

Karnataka, with Bengaluru at its core, has long been a hub for innovation, startups, and technology-led growth. But even in such a dynamic ecosystem, the need to strengthen the campus to career transition remains urgent. Education can no longer operate in silos, it must evolve alongside industry.

Also Read: India Introduces AI Curriculum for Students from Class 3, Says Dharmendra Pradhan

This is where the summit becomes more than just a dialogue, it becomes a direction.

By enabling conversations around skill development, sector-specific talent pipelines, and real-world learning integration, this summit reflects a larger shift in how India approaches education. The focus is no longer just on degrees, but on outcomes that matter.

Because the future of higher education will not be defined by how many students graduate but by how many are truly ready to contribute from day one.

The question now is if Karnataka is already ahead in education, can it lead India in turning education into employability?

To get all these answers, be a part of the Campus to Career Summit, Bengaluru, on 15–16 May, an exclusive, invite-only gathering of leaders shaping the future of education and employment.

Reach out at secreatariat@campustocareersummit.com
For More info: https://www.campustocareersummit.com/

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Students from Class 3, Says Dharmendra Pradhan

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

April 3, 2026

India is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and computational thinking into school education for students from Classes 3 to 8, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced.

The new curriculum will be rolled out across Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools starting from the 2026–27 academic session, marking a significant step toward integrating emerging technologies into early education.

The programme includes structured learning modules, teacher handbooks, and assessment frameworks, designed to introduce students to foundational AI concepts and problem-solving skills at an early stage.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to equip students with future-ready competencies, enabling them to better understand and engage with rapidly evolving technologies. He also emphasised the importance of expanding AI education in Indian languages, ensuring wider accessibility and inclusivity.

The move reflects India’s broader push to embed digital and AI literacy within the school ecosystem, preparing students for a technology-driven future while strengthening foundational learning outcomes.

DPS International Shaping Future Ready Learners Through Resilience and Innovation

Interviews

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

April 2, 2026

In an engaging conversation with Rima Singh, Head of School at DPS International, Kaanchi Chawla of Elets News Network (ENN) explores how the institution is navigating a transformative phase in education. From embracing inquiry-led learning and digital innovation to aligning with the vision of National Education Policy 2020, she shares insights into DPS International’s evolving academic landscape. She also reflects on the critical balance between AI-driven tools and human-centric teaching, while outlining the school’s forward-looking priorities for building globally competent, socially responsible learners. Edited excerpts:

How would you describe the academic year 2025 so far DPS International? What were the standout achievements or defining moments for the school community?

The 2025 academic year at DPS International showed resilience and strong growth. Key achievements included important accreditation milestones, a wider rollout of inquiry-based learning, and richer global student engagement through a variety of cultural experiences. Notable developments were the integration of digital learning tools and a focus on holistic development, reinforcing DPSI’s commitment to raising lifelong learners with solid values in a connected world.

What is your perspective on the balance between AI-powered learning and human-centric teaching?

Balancing AI-driven learning with human-centered teaching is key to keeping the heart of education, empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. AI can tailor lessons and offer data-driven insights, but it can’t replace the nuanced guidance, mentorship, and moral framework teachers provide. Schools should combine technology with a human touch to raise well-rounded people who can adapt in a constantly changing world.

How is DPS International progressing in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines?

To align with NEP 2020, DPS International has been proactive in aligning its curriculum and pedagogy so that learning experiences, develop critical thinking and promote experiential teaching and learning. The integration of holistic development is accomplished through the IB framework with consideration of India’s cultural and linguistic diversity. The way that DPS International has thoughtfully approached NEP’s vision of supporting creativity, inquisitiveness, and values-based education in a globally relevant framework.

What is your school’s top strategic priority for 2026?

In 2026, DPS International’s focus will be to further develop inclusive education and bring about global citizenship by enhancing the capacity of their teachers to deliver differentiated instructions, expanding sustainability initiatives and collaborating with various community partners to provide students with opportunities to develop empathy, resiliency and intercultural competence. These goals will enable all students to become responsible members of society and be ready for the future.

What is your long-term vision for shaping globally competent, socially responsible students as we move toward 2026 and beyond?

The long-term vision is to build learners who practice international-mindedness anchored in social responsibility, critical inquiry, and ethical leadership. DPS International seeks to engender agile thinkers who embrace diversity, drive innovation responsibly, and add value to society. Such transformational efforts at the school help create an environment where knowledge merges with empathy to prepare students for meaningful global impact.

Also Read: Driving Skill Development for a Future-Ready Uttar Pradesh

If you had to describe 2025 in one word and 2026 in another, what would they be, and why?

2025 can be defined as “Resilience”—a year of adapting and thriving amid change. 2026 will be “Empowerment,” reflecting a focused drive to equip students with skills, values, and confidence to lead in a complex, interconnected world.

What is your hope for the Indian school education landscape in 2026 with respect to equity, innovation, and global outlook?

The hope for 2026 is a more equitable Indian education landscape that champions inclusive access, fosters innovation in pedagogy and assessment, and nurtures a global mindset. By blending tradition with modernity and technology with human values, schools can produce capable, compassionate learners ready to actively participate in and shape a rapidly transforming world.

United Learning League Raises ₹100 Crore Seed Funding, Enters Premium K–12 IB Education Segment

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

April 2, 2026

United Learning League (ULL) has announced its entry into India’s premium K–12 international education space, backed by a ₹100 crore seed funding round—one of the largest early-stage investments in a greenfield school network in the country.

The organisation has also submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) to the International Baccalaureate (IB), signalling its intent to establish a network of globally benchmarked schools across India.

As part of its strategic engagement, ULL recently held a high-level meeting at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School with senior IB leadership, including Haif Bannayan (Director – IB, EMEA & Canada), Nicole Bien (Chief Community Partnership & Development Officer), Mahesh Balakrishnan (Senior Manager – South Asia), and Ashish (Head – Government Partnerships).

The funding round is led by Pritam Agrawal, founder of the Hello Kids preschool chain, along with a syndicate of experienced educators and young entrepreneurs. The backing combines deep domain expertise with agile execution, positioning ULL for rapid growth in the evolving education landscape.

Also Read: MeitY’s Abhishek Singh Appointed Director General of NTA

ULL has outlined an ambitious expansion roadmap to establish five premium IB-aligned campuses over the next five years. The first flagship campus is currently under development and is expected to set new benchmarks in infrastructure, pedagogy, and student outcomes.

The organisation’s model emphasises global academic standards, future-ready learning ecosystems, values-driven education, and scalable operations that can be adapted to local contexts.

With demand for international education continuing to rise in India, ULL aims to build a globally competitive school network, contributing to the transformation of the country’s K–12 education ecosystem.

MeitY’s Abhishek Singh Appointed Director General of NTA

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

April 1, 2026

Abhishek Singh, a senior IAS officer and key figure behind India’s AI initiatives, has been appointed as the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) as part of a recent bureaucratic reshuffle.

Previously serving as the CEO of the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Singh has played a pivotal role in driving India’s ₹10,000 crore AI strategy, along with overseeing the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and key digital infrastructure initiatives.

In his new role, Singh will move to the Ministry of Education, where he will lead the NTA—an agency responsible for conducting major national-level entrance exams such as JEE and NEET.

Also Read: BIMTECH Partners with Swiss Re India to Build Future-Ready Insurance Talent

The appointment comes at a critical time for the NTA, which has been under scrutiny over the conduct and management of competitive examinations. Singh’s experience in technology, governance, and large-scale digital systems is expected to play a key role in strengthening the agency’s operations and restoring trust.

This leadership transition also reflects a broader alignment between AI-driven governance expertise and the need for more robust, tech-enabled examination systems in India.

BIMTECH Partners with Swiss Re India to Build Future-Ready Insurance Talent

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

March 31, 2026

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global reinsurance leader Swiss Re India to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and nurture future-ready talent in the insurance sector. The partnership is aligned with BIMTECH’s Post Graduate Diploma in Insurance Business Management (PGDM-IBM) programme and focuses on delivering industry-relevant education and research.

As part of the collaboration, Swiss Re will contribute to the co-development of specialised courses in reinsurance and offer executive mentoring programmes. Students will benefit from enhanced exposure through summer and final placements, short-term industry projects, and direct engagement with industry experts via training sessions, webinars, live projects, and workshops.

The MoU also includes the joint development of modules in key areas such as Reinsurance, Risk Analytics & Data Science, Insurance Penetration and Protection Gap, Leadership & Professional Development, Sustainability & Climate Risk, and Technology & InsurTech.

Amit Kalra, MD & Head, Swiss Re India, highlighted the evolving partnership between the two institutions and encouraged students to adopt a mindset of continuous learning. He emphasised the importance of adaptability, urging them to “learn, unlearn, and relearn,” while also sharing insights from his dynamic career journey. He further noted that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to bridge India’s insurance protection gap, which remains influenced by the perception of insurance as merely a tax-saving tool rather than a risk management solution.

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH, underscored the significance of the partnership, stating that India’s insurance sector presents both challenges and opportunities. She noted that the collaboration will help build a structured interface between academia and industry, enhancing curriculum design, mentorship opportunities, internships, and hands-on learning experiences through Swiss Re’s expertise.

A key objective of the MoU is to promote research, awareness, and outreach initiatives while strengthening leadership development through industry-led training and executive mentoring. The partnership aims to develop “T-shaped” professionals equipped with both deep domain expertise and broad interdisciplinary skills.

Also Read: K-12 EdTech Startup Qweebi Raises $500K to Expand Virtual STEM Learning

The MoU was formalised during an industry interaction session held on campus, attended by senior leadership, faculty, and students.

Established with the vision of its founders, Late Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, BIMTECH offers a wide range of programmes including PGDM, PGDM (International Business), PGDM (Insurance Business Management), PGDM (Retail Management), PGDM-Online, and Fellow Programme (FPM/E-FPM). The institute continues to be recognised globally for excellence in management education, supported by a strong alumni network of over 8,000 professionals.

K-12 EdTech Startup Qweebi Raises $500K to Expand Virtual STEM Learning

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

March 27, 2026

Qweebi, a K-12 online makerspace platform, has secured $500,000 in a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The round also saw participation from global leaders including Jeroen Tas and Arpit Jain.

Qweebi enables schools to conduct hands-on engineering and robotics projects entirely through a web browser, eliminating the need for costly physical kits and infrastructure. The newly raised funds will be directed toward product enhancement and expanding its presence across school districts in the United States.

The platform has already gained strong traction, with over 5,200 schools across all 50 U.S. states onboarded—representing nearly 4% of schools nationwide—and more than 100,000 students engaged. Notably, this growth has been driven organically through teacher-led adoption and word-of-mouth.

Highlighting the investment, Mitesh Shah, Co-founder, Inflection Point Ventures, noted that while STEM education is critical for future workforce readiness, schools often face logistical and cost barriers in delivering hands-on learning. Qweebi’s browser-based model addresses these challenges by offering scalable, accessible solutions.

Traditionally, implementing engineering and robotics projects in classrooms demands significant preparation—from sourcing materials to managing classroom logistics within limited timeframes. This often results in reduced hands-on learning experiences for students.

Qweebi simplifies this process by bringing practical learning fully online. Teachers can access ready-to-use projects, complete with lesson plans and guides, reducing preparation time from hours to under 30 minutes. Students can build and test virtual prototypes that replicate real-world functionality, maximizing learning time without setup constraints.

As a result, schools can deliver comprehensive hands-on learning experiences within just 3–4 class sessions—something that would typically take weeks to organise.

Vivek Seetharaman, CEO of Qweebi, emphasised the importance of experiential learning, stating that true mastery comes from doing rather than passive learning. He added that Qweebi aims to remove barriers and make hands-on education accessible to every student.

Founded by a team with expertise in 3D platforms and venture-backed startups, Qweebi is positioning itself at the intersection of technology and education to transform how STEM learning is delivered globally.

LATEST NEWS

EDITOR PICKS

Top Trending News

POPULAR POSTS

Top Trending Categories

POPULAR CATEGORY

Latest Articles