May 8, 2025

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an expansive Rs. 11,828.79 crore plan to enhance academic and infrastructural capacities at five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This initiative aims to add 6,576 new seats across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs over the next four years, effectively increasing the total student capacity from 7,111 to 13,687.

The expansion encompasses five third-generation IITs established post-2014, those being IIT Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, IIT Palakkad in Kerala, IIT Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, IIT Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir, and IIT Dharwad in Karnataka

The expansion will be implemented in phases from the fiscal year 2025-26 to 2028-29, with student intake increasing per year. In the first year, 1,364 students will be added, followed by 1,738 additional students in the second year, 1,767 additional students in the third year, and 1,707 additional students in the fourth year.

The expansion includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, addressing the increasing demand for high-quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in India.

To support the increased student body, the creation of 130 new faculty positions at the professor level was sanctioned by the Cabinet. Additionally, five state-of-the-art research parks will be established, one at each IIT.. These parks are modeled after the successful ones at IIT Madras and IIT Bombay and will serve as innovation hubs, facilitating collaboration between academia and industry, supporting start-ups, and enabling translational research that meets national priorities.

The development of these IIT campuses is expected to stimulate local economies by increasing demand for housing, transportation, and services. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, aiming to create a skilled workforce, drive innovation, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Over the past decade, the total student strength across all 23 IITs has doubled from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh. This expansion plan continues that trajectory, particularly focusing on IITs established after 2014, which initially operated from temporary campuses and have since transitioned to permanent locations.

Also Read: Rs. 60,000 Crore Scheme for ITIs Approved By the Union Cabinet

This initiative is poised to contribute significantly to India’s educational and economic development. By expanding five of its newest IITs, the government aims to make elite technical education more inclusive, support innovation ecosystems in emerging cities, and contribute toward a self-reliant and technologically advanced India. If implemented effectively, this plan could become a blueprint for future educational reforms in the country.5 IITs adding 6000 seats over 4 years, Rs 11,828 core budget approved

Rs. 60,000 Crore Scheme for ITIs Approved By the Union Cabinet

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 8, 2025

In a significant move to bolster vocational education and skill development, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹60,000 crore scheme aimed at upgrading 1,000 government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and establishing five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling.

The scheme is structured as a centrally sponsored initiative with a collaborative funding approach. The financial outlay includes Rs. 30,000 crore from the central government, Rs. 20,000 crore from state governments, and Rs. 10,000 crore from industry partners. Notably, 50 per cent of the central share will be co-financed equally by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

A total of 1,000 government ITIs will be upgraded under a hub-and-spoke model. Hub ITIs will offer specialized short-term courses tailored to specific industry needs, while spoke ITIs will focus on broader vocational training. This approach aims to align training programs with industry requirements, ensuring the courses offered are relevant and up-to-date. The scheme includes the capacity augmentation of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) located in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana. Each of these NSTIs will host a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling, envisioned to serve as premier institutions for advanced skill training and development.

To ensure high-quality instruction, the scheme plans to provide pre-service and in-service training for 50,000 trainers. This initiative aims to enhance the pedagogical skills of trainers, thereby improving the overall quality of vocational education. Over the next five years, the scheme also aims to provide skills training to 2 million youth. The focus of the training will be to align workforce capabilities with industry demands in different important sectors like electronics and renewable energy.

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, led by industry experts, will be used by the scheme to make sure its implementation leads to fruitful outcomes. This approach is designed to foster deep industry collaboration in the planning and management of ITI upgradation, marking a significant shift from previous efforts.

By addressing long-standing challenges such as outdated infrastructure and course content, the scheme aims to transform ITIs into aspirational institutes that produce employment-ready workers, thereby supporting India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing and innovation powerhouse.

Also Read: SIU Launches AI Institute Within Its Pune-Based University

While the scheme presents a comprehensive plan for revitalizing vocational education, its success will depend on effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and adaptability to evolving industry trends. Ensuring that the upgraded ITIs maintain high standards of training and that graduates are readily absorbed into the workforce will be critical metrics of success.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing vocational education and bridging the skill gap in the country, aligning with the broader objective of achieving a developed India by 2047.

SIU Launches AI Institute Within Its Pune-Based University

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 8, 2025

In a landmark move for higher education in India, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU) has established the country’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) institute within its Pune-based university. The Symbiosis Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (SCAAI), based in Pune, aims to integrate AI into academic curricula, research, and industry collaborations, positioning SIU at the forefront of AI education and innovation.

SCAAI is structured around three primary verticals: AI Research, AI Applications, and AI Education. The AI Research division focuses on developing novel methodologies in machine learning, deep learning, and probabilistic reasoning. The AI Applications wing is dedicated to creating solutions in healthcare, natural language processing, and robotics, translating research into practical innovations. Meanwhile, the AI Education vertical offers specialized training and certification programs, catering to both academic and industry professionals.

SCAAI will also be offering two main programmes, those being a B.Sc. (Artificial Intelligence) Honours programme and a B.B.A (Artificial Intelligence) Honours. The bachelor’s in science will focus on five different sectors and the application of AI in those industries. Those sectors are health sciences, sports sciences, agriculture, data science, and cybersecurity. The bachelor’s in business administration will instead focus on how AI can be used to make tasks easier in different parts of a business, such as finance, marketing, global supply chains, media, and human resource management. Another thing to note is that students can mix and match majors and minors from the two programmes, leading to a more personalised education.

In February 2024, SIU partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Association of African Universities, and Obreal Global to promote AI-driven solutions addressing global challenges. This initiative funds 25 student-led projects annually over five years, with additional support for ten standout projects. The collaboration provides mentorship and financial assistance, empowering students to develop innovative solutions with real-world impact.

Symbiosis International University’s commitment to AI excellence has garnered significant recognition. In December 2024, SIU was honored as the “AI Pioneer” at the LinkedIn Talent Awards, acknowledging its innovative use of AI in academia. The university’s proactive integration of AI into its curricula, including specialized B.Tech and M.Tech programs in AI and Machine Learning, reflects its dedication to preparing students for the evolving job market.

Also Read: Five Free AI Courses Released On SWAYAM Plus by IIT Madras

With the establishment of SCAAI, Symbiosis International University sets a precedent for integrating AI into higher education in India. The institute’s multifaceted approach—encompassing research, application, and education—positions it as a leader in cultivating AI talent and fostering innovation, aligning with India’s broader goals of technological advancement and global competitiveness.

Five Free AI Courses Released On SWAYAM Plus by IIT Madras

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 8, 2025

In a very generous move for AI education, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled five new online courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through its SWAYAM Plus platform. This new initiative aims to democratize AI education by eliminating prerequisites such as prior coding experience.

There are five total free courses released by IIT Madras on SWAYAM Plus. Those are ‘AI in Physics’, ‘AI in Accounting’, ‘AI/ML using Python’, ‘AI in Chemistry’, and ‘Cricket Analytics with AI’. Each course has a duration of anywhere between 25 to 45 hours.

‘AI in Physics’ explores the application of machine learning and neural networks to solve real-world physics problems, incorporating hands-on labs and interactive modules.

‘AI in Chemistry’ introduces AI applications in chemistry, covering topics from molecular predictions to modeling chemical reactions, utilizing real-world datasets and Python programming.

‘AI in Accounting’ is designed for commerce and management students, this course integrates accounting principles with AI applications, focusing on automation and data analysis using Python.

‘Cricket Analytics with AI’ focuses on sports analytics. Real-life cricket data is analyzed by students through case studies and visualization techniques. There is heavy use of data science and Python in this course as well.

‘AI/ML using Python’ is a foundational course on the popular programming language, Python, as well as its many applications in the field of AI. The course will go into topics such as statistics, linear algebra, optimization, and data visualization. The main goal of the course will be to give students the ability to apply their knowledge of Python and AI to solve problems in the real world.

Also Read :- MIB Minister Launches IICT to Advance AVGC-XR Sectors

These courses are open to individuals from all academic backgrounds, as the courses are foundational by nature. Anyone who understands how to operate a computer and is open to learning will find something fruitful from these courses.. The courses are also designed in such a manner that a person from any level of education can learn from them, whether they are an undergraduate, postgraduate, or even a professional.

Students, teachers, and professionals can register for the courses through the SWAYAM Plus platform by May 12, 2025. These courses listed above are all free, with students not needing to spend anything to get all the resources available from each course. While the courses are free, participants have the option to obtain certification for a nominal fee.

The courses are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF), allowing higher education institutions to incorporate them as credit-earning programs in their academic curricula. This alignment aims to enhance employability by providing industry-relevant skills.

Through the release of these courses, IIT Madras contributes to the efforts made by India to upskill portions of its population to meet the skill requirements of AI-adjacent jobs and industries that will be making a boom in a few years.

MIB Minister Launches IICT to Advance AVGC-XR Sectors

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 8, 2025

In a landmark move to bolster India’s position in the global creative economy, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) at WAVES 2025. Elaborating more on the plans that the government has for the new institution, Minister Vaishnaw stated, “IICT will follow the same template as the IITs and IIMs in India to transform itself into a massive world-class education and training hub for students who aspire to be professionals in the AVGC-XR sector. We have started an initiative that is completely novel in the world of film and entertainment. It follows the vision of our Prime Minister that India can take the global lead in the world in the media and entertainment sector.”

The IICT is envisioned as a premier institution dedicated to the study of many different creative media such as Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. Modeled after the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), IICT aims to provide world-class education, research, and innovation in the creative technology domain.

Leading technology companies like Google, NVIDIA, and Microsoft have already shown support for the launch of the new institution by signing Letters of Intent as a way to create early and strong ties with IICT. These partnerships are set to enhance skill development, co-create platforms, and foster innovation within the institute.

The Government of India has allocated around Rs. 400 crore for the establishment of IICT. A 10-acre piece of land at Dadasaheb Phalke Film City has also been set aside for the institute’s permanent campus. Until the campus is fully established in Mumbai’s film city, IICT will set up a temporary campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) building.

With over 40 million creators living in India, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted India’s vast creative potential that needs to be fully utilised. He emphasized that IICT will serve as a catalyst for nurturing this talent, providing them with the necessary tools and training to excel in the global digital content industry.

Also Read: Gujarat CM Finalizes Online Admissions for Over 20,000 CET-Qualified Students into State Residential Schools

With the launch of the IICT, India is getting closer to its goal of becoming a global hub for art industries and making use of its large population that works with many different creative media. By fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, IICT is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the AVGC-XR sectors, driving innovation, and creating employment opportunities for the youth.

Gujarat CM Finalizes Online Admissions for Over 20,000 CET-Qualified Students into State Residential Schools

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 8, 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has officially concluded the state-wide online admission process for more than 20,000 students from Standard 5 who successfully passed this year’s Common Entrance Test (CET). These students have now been allotted placements in 115 government-run residential schools across the state. The event was held in the presence of Minister of State for Education Shri Praful Pansheriya and Education Minister Dr. Kuber Dindor.

The initiative, overseen by the Chief Minister, reflects the government’s continued efforts to make quality education accessible to all sections of society, especially those from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. To streamline the process, the Education Department introduced a centralized digital portal, specifically developed to manage admissions under various state education schemes. This digital infrastructure allows CET-qualified students to apply for and receive admission into specialized residential schools without administrative delays or manual interventions.

The CET for Standard 5 students was organized by the State Examination Board on March 22, 2025. Following the successful execution of the test, eligible students were admitted to schools under programs such as Gyan Shakti and other tribal and merit-based residential initiatives. The entire admission and allotment process was conducted digitally, ensuring transparency and ease of access for both students and their families.

In addition to school placements, financial aid in the form of scholarships was provided to bolster the students’ educational journeys. Under the Mukhayamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana, over ₹16 crore was distributed directly to more than 30,000 beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The scholarship beneficiaries included 14,595 boys and 15,405 girls, all studying in government and grant-in-aid institutions across Gujarat. The scheme is designed to support students from Class 6 to Class 12, ensuring that deserving candidates receive consistent academic assistance throughout their schooling years.

Applications for the scholarship were processed entirely online, reflecting the state’s commitment to adopting technology-driven governance models in the education sector. This move not only simplifies the application process but also reduces paperwork and enhances accountability.

Also Read :- ‘Kalalaku Rekkalu’ Approved By Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister, Aimed At Boosting Education For Girls

The event marking the completion of the admission process was attended by several senior government officials. Among them were Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Chief Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister; Shri J.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tribal Development Department; Shri Mukesh Kumar, Principal Secretary of Education; and Shri Ranjith Kumar, Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Their participation underscored the collaborative efforts of multiple departments in successfully executing such a large-scale education initiative.

With this step, Gujarat reinforces its commitment to fostering inclusive education through merit-based selection and financial support, using technology as a key enabler for efficient public service delivery.

‘Kalalaku Rekkalu’ Approved By Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister, Aimed At Boosting Education For Girls

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 6, 2025

In a move to promote higher education among girls, Andhra Pradesh’s Human Resource Development, IT, and Electronics Minister, Nara Lokesh, has approved the ‘Kalalaku Rekkalu’ scheme. The initiative, which translates to “Wings to Dreams,” aims to provide financial assistance to girls pursuing professional courses, ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder their educational aspirations.

The ‘Kalalaku Rekkalu’ or ‘Wings to Dreams’ scheme facilitates access to bank loans for girls who have completed their intermediate education (Class 12). The state government will act as a guarantor for these loans and bear the interest for the entire duration of the course, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and their families. Eligible candidates can register for the scheme through the official website, where they receive a certificate to present to banks when applying for educational loans. This streamlined process ensures that deserving students can access the necessary financial resources without undue complications.

By facilitating higher education for girls, the scheme aims to empower women, promote gender equality, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state. It reflects the government’s commitment to creating an environment where young women can pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. The approval of the ‘Kalalaku Rekkalu’ scheme is not the only initiative that the government is taking to enhance education, though.

In addition to the ‘Kalalaku Rekkalu’ scheme, Minister Nara Lokesh also has measures in mind to enhance the educational landscape of Andhra Pradesh, some of which have already been implemented, and some that the government is still working towards.

Efforts are underway to upgrade 205 government libraries to support unemployed youth with skill development and study resources. Additionally, the revival of the Ambedkar Videshi Vidya Scheme and the strengthening of government degree colleges are on the agenda to enhance higher education opportunities. The minister has also set an ambitious goal to position at least two state universities within the QS Top 100 global rankings, reflecting a commitment to elevating the quality of higher education in Andhra Pradesh.

Also Read: UAE Eases Foreign Degree Recognition to Attract International Students and Professionals

The ‘Kalalaku Rekkalu’ scheme represents a pivotal step towards empowering young women in Andhra Pradesh through education. By addressing financial barriers and promoting inclusive access to professional courses, the initiative not only supports individual aspirations but also contributes to the broader goal of societal development and gender equality. Coupled with comprehensive educational reforms and infrastructure enhancements, the state is poised to create a more equitable and progressive educational environment for all.

UAE Eases Foreign Degree Recognition to Attract International Students and Professionals

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 6, 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) just recently made some reforms in order to simplify the recognition of foreign academic degrees. This was done to make the country a more appealing option for international students and professionals. The overhaul, introduced by the UAE Ministry of Education, has added more guidelines to the ‘University Certificates Recognition’ framework to make the process of certificate recognition for international students even easier.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has overhauled the recognition system, reducing required documents from 14 to just four, a 70% decrease. This change has led to a substantial increase in students with recognized qualifications, with numbers rising from 5,780 to 12,180 in the past year.

Key updates include the elimination of residency proof requirements and the removal of prior qualification verification for postgraduate applications, simplifying the process for master’s and PhD degree holders.

Unlike the previous system, which excluded online or hybrid learning models, the current policy now accepts degrees earned through distance learning, including fully remote programs, if they meet certain quality and accreditation standards. This change comes as global demand for flexible learning continues to surge.

The application system has been digitized, allowing applicants to submit credentials online without the need for in-person visits or fixed timelines. Verification is conducted through trusted third-party agencies such as Dataflow and QuadraBay, and the Ministry aims to maintain an average turnaround time of 30 working days.

The new guidelines are part of the UAE’s broader push under the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which aims to make public services more efficient and citizen-friendly. The simplified recognition process not only benefits students and academic institutions but also supports the country’s goals in attracting international talent in key sectors such as healthcare, engineering, education, and IT.

Also Read: BHES 2025: Aligning Indian Education System With Global Standards

The Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR, Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, had the following to say on the new guidelines, “The updated system seamlessly integrates with various local scholarship bodies to streamline the recognition of foreign qualifications, using two unified standards across all specialisations and universities. This enhances the graduate experience, simplifying certificate recognition for employment or continuation of postgraduate studies.”

The UAE’s easing of foreign degree recognition is part of the country’s goal to become a popular international education hub. With simplified procedures, faster turnaround times, and recognition of online learning models, the country is opening its doors wider to international students and professionals than ever before.

BHES 2025: Aligning Indian Education System With Global Standards

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 6, 2025

The Bharat Higher Education Summit (BHES) 2025, hosted at Mahindra University and convened by the Confederation of Indian Private Universities (CIPU), served as a platform for academic and industry experts to emphasize the urgent need to elevate India’s higher education system to global standards. Central to the discussions was the promotion of research-driven, interdisciplinary education.

The summit, themed ‘Building Next Generation Leaders in Higher Education’, brought together over 150 Vice Chancellors and senior academics from institutions nationwide to deliberate on future pathways for the sector. Throughout the two-day event, attendees explored themes such as global academic exchange, institutional partnerships, and strategies to boost the international credibility of Indian universities.

Panel sessions addressed a wide range of topics, including Public-Private Partnerships for research development, digital leadership, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in education, and promoting innovation-led academic leadership.

In his opening remarks, Professor T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), stressed that, amid fast-paced technological evolution and shifting global dynamics, higher education institutions are tasked with shaping forward-thinking leaders. He more specifically stated that India’s private universities are going to be the key to reaching a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035.

Professor Yajulu Medury read a message by Anand Mahindra, Chancellor of Mahindra University, at the event. In the message, Mahindra emphasized the importance of continuing India’s rise in the global knowledge ecosystem through innovation and originality. The message also pointed to the summit’s success in fostering meaningful collaboration between academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and policy leaders.

Professor Medury, also Chairperson of CIPU’s Southern India Regional Council and Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, personally welcomed participants by calling the summit a vital step in promoting leadership, technological progress, and sustainable innovation. He expressed pride in Mahindra University’s role as host for such an impactful dialogue focused on nurturing globally aware and socially responsible leaders.

Dr. Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT-World Peace University and Chief Patron of CIPU, underlined the value of unity and cooperative advancement within a democratic framework. He advocated for stronger representation and support systems for the growing network of private universities, facilitated by platforms like CIPU.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and NAAC, talked about the accreditation process and the importance of ethical governance.

Also Read: Ministry of Education Approves New IIFT Centre at GIFT City

The summit concluded with closing remarks by Prof (Dr) GK Shirude, Honorary Vice President of CIPU, who thanked the attendees. Academic leaders pledged to carry forward the insights gained through continued engagement and collaboration aimed at transforming India’s higher education landscape.

Ministry of Education Approves New IIFT Centre at GIFT City

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digitalLEARNING Network

May 6, 2025

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has granted formal approval for the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, to establish an off-campus centre at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar. The new centre will be developed in line with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.

This development follows the successful completion of all requirements stipulated in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January 2025. IIFT submitted a comprehensive proposal detailing its plans for a multidisciplinary institution accommodating over 1,000 students, the recruitment of qualified faculty, academic programmes, and the blueprint for a permanent campus. Additionally, provisions for a modern library and other infrastructural facilities were part of the compliance process.

The approval, granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, marks a significant step in expanding India’s capacity for specialised education in international trade. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, congratulated the institution, stating, “Heartiest congratulations to IIFT on obtaining approval to establish its new off-campus centre in GIFT City, India’s global financial hub. This initiative will facilitate talent development through the flagship MBA (International Business) programme, as well as various short-term training programmes and research initiatives in international trade.”

The GIFT City centre will be housed on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower 2. It will offer IIFT’s renowned MBA (International Business) programme, along with a variety of specialised short-term training courses aimed at enhancing expertise in international trade and associated fields. The centre also plans to foster cutting-edge research to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the global trade landscape.

This move aligns closely with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to broaden access to high-quality education and promote multidisciplinary learning. By establishing its presence in GIFT City, IIFT aims to create a vibrant hub for trade education that not only benefits students but also contributes to India’s broader strategy of export-led growth.

Established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, IIFT has built a distinguished reputation in international trade education and capacity building. Recognised as a deemed-to-be University since 2002, the institution holds an A+ accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing it among an elite group of global business schools.

Also Read: UAE to implement AI education as early as kindergarten

The new campus at GIFT City is expected to bolster India’s trade education infrastructure and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market. It reflects a strategic effort to integrate academic excellence with the nation’s growing ambitions in international trade and finance.

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