Amazon Expands Future Engineer Scholarships in India, Empowering 2,000 Women in Tech Careers

• Amazon to provide ₹2 lakh in financial assistance over four years to female engineering students from low-income backgrounds
• Amazon has invested ~₹50 crore (approx. USD 6 million) in the program since 2022; broader computer science education initiatives have reached 4.8 million students in over 50,000 government schools
• First graduating cohort in 2025 achieves 89% placement rate across Amazon and other leading companies

Amazon, on Wednesday, announced 500 new scholarships for 2026 under its Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program in India, providing female engineering students from low-income families with financial support, mentorship, and career opportunities in technology. Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) is Amazon's global computer science education program designed to increase access to technology education and career opportunities. With this expansion, the program currently supports 2,000 active scholars.

The AFE scholarship provides ₹2 lakh in financial assistance over four years to female students pursuing B.E. or B.Tech degrees in computer science or allied branches, from low-income backgrounds. Beyond financial support, scholars receive a laptop, technical training through bootcamps, webinars from Amazon Women of the World (WoW), one-on-one mentorship from Amazon engineers, and paid eight-week internship opportunities at Amazon after their second year.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential. With the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships, we're investing in the leaders who will shape the future of work—the talented, determined students in communities across India” said Candi Castleberry, Vice President of Amazon eXperiences and Upskilling. “The 2026 scholarship recipients demonstrate what's possible when we create upskilling pathways together and remove the barriers standing between young people and their dreams."

Announced on the sidelines of the inaugural Together India Summit, the expansion reflects Amazon’s continued focus on creating pathways to learn and build careers in technology so we are future ready. As part of the internal summit, Together at Amazon is an initiative focused on helping employees grow, thrive, and connect through access to skills development, workplace support, and community engagement. As part pf this framework, In This Together is an initiative helping students, customers, communities, partners, and business owners discover pathways to Amazon.

First cohort graduates with 89% placement rate

Launched with 200 scholars in 2022, the program has expanded significantly year on year, increasing to 500 annual scholarships from 2023 onwards. Scholars are selected through a rigorous process evaluating academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential. The program's first graduating cohort in 2025 has achieved an 89% placement rate, with graduates securing roles at Fortune 500 companies including Amazon. To date, about 400 scholars have completed internships across various technical roles at Amazon, with hundreds of others set to take up internships in the coming months as newer cohorts become eligible.

Many scholars are first-generation college graduates from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, reflecting the program’s reach across underserved regions in India. Graduates such as Sreya Mula from Telangana, now a Software Development Engineer, Keerthi Sankara from Andhra Pradesh, a Cloud Support Associate, and Anjali Ashtake from Nagpur, Maharashtra, now a Graduate Analyst at Deutsche Bank, are among those who have gone on to build careers in technology, demonstrating the program’s impact in enabling access to long-term opportunities.

Reaching 4.8 million students in government schools

Amazon has invested ~₹50 crore (approximately USD 6 million) in the AFE program since 2022, building a structured pathway from scholarship to career for young girls in technology. The scholarship program is implemented in partnership with the Foundation for Excellence, while NavGurukul delivers technical training to help scholars build industry-relevant skills and prepare for internships.

Beyond engineering scholarships, the program has reached 4.8 million students across more than 50,000 government schools in India between 2021 and 2025, providing computer science and AI education.

Japan Invites 1,000 Indian Researchers for LOTUS 2026 with ₹25.6 Lakh Funding

Japan has officially launched the LOTUS 2026 programme, inviting 1,000 Indian Master’s students, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers to pursue fully funded research opportunities at leading Japanese universities. Applications are open until June 9, 2026, with funding support of up to ₹25.6 lakh per researchers.

The LOTUS Programme is a Japan–India bilateral research fellowship that funds Indian Master’s students, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers to conduct research at leading Japanese universities, with support of up to ₹25.6 lakh per researcher. It is designed to deepen scientific collaboration and provide international exposure for young Indian researchers.

Key Highlights of LOTUS 2026

• Eligibility: Indian Master’s students, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers under the age of 40.
• Funding: Up to ₹25.6 lakh per researcher for living, travel, and research expenses.
• Deadline: June 9, 2026 (strict cut-off).
• Tracks Available:
  • LOTUS Basic: Short-term research stays (up to 12 months).
  • LOTUS-ASPIRE: New long-term track allowing stays up to 36 months.
• Fields: Open to all disciplines — science, technology, social sciences, interdisciplinary research.
• Host Institutions: Leading Japanese universities and research centers coordinated by JST.

Comparison of LOTUS Tracks

Track	Duration	Focus Area	Funding Coverage	Career Impact
LOTUS Basic	Up to 12 months	Short-term research projects	Living, travel, research costs	Exposure to Japanese labs & networks
LOTUS-ASPIRE	Up to 36 months	Long-term, high-impact research	Extended funding for multi-year projects	Stronger career-building, deeper collaboration

Important Considerations

• Competition will be intense: Only 1,000 slots for all of India.
• Age limit (under 40) may exclude senior researchers.
• Application process requires coordination with Japanese host institutions — early networking is crucial.
• Deadline is strict: Missing June 9, 2026 means waiting for the next cycle.

Action Steps for Indian Researchers

• Identify a Japanese host institution aligned with your research.
• Prepare a compelling proposal highlighting novelty, feasibility, and collaboration potential.
• Apply before June 9, 2026 via the official LOTUS portal (JST).
• Plan funding usage strategically — living costs in Japan can be high, so budget carefully.

Uttar Pradesh Bets on Space Future with Shukla Scholarship, Science University, and Space Park

Uttar Pradesh has announced a major science push – a new scholarship named after astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, alongside plans for a dedicated space park in Lucknow and a science university. These initiatives aim to nurture talent in space technology and expand public access to science education.

Key Highlights

Shubhanshu Shukla Scholarship

• Purpose: To support students pursuing careers in space technology and advanced sciences.
• Launch Year: Expected to begin in the 2026–27 financial year.
• Eligibility: Students in technical fields such as M.Tech and space sciences.
• Background: Shubhanshu Shukla, a Lucknow-born astronaut, became the first Indian in four decades to travel to space in 2025. His achievement inspired the scholarship.

Space Park in Lucknow

• Planned Facilities:
  • Science parks and observatories for public engagement.
  • A space park designed to showcase space technology, research, and interactive exhibits.
• Objective: To make Lucknow a hub for space education and tourism, encouraging curiosity among students and the general public.

Proposed Science University

• Focus Areas: Advanced research in space sciences, physics, and technology innovation.
• Goal: To position Uttar Pradesh as a national leader in scientific education and research.
• Integration: Likely to collaborate with existing institutions and leverage Shukla’s expertise for curriculum development.

Why This Matters

• For Students: Provides financial support and recognition, reducing barriers for those interested in space technology.
• For Uttar Pradesh: Enhances the state’s profile in India’s scientific landscape, aligning with national ambitions in space exploration.
• For Industry: Opens pathways for collaboration between academia, government, and private space-tech firms.

Risks & Challenges

• Funding & Implementation: Scholarships and infrastructure projects often face delays if budget allocations are insufficient.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that rural and underprivileged students benefit will be critical.
• Sustainability: Long-term success depends on consistent investment and integration with India’s broader space program.

Quick Comparison

Initiative	Launch Timeline	Target Audience	Impact Goal
Shubhanshu Shukla Scholarship	2026–27 FY	Students in space tech	Financial aid & talent development
Space Park (Lucknow)	Proposed	Public & students	Science engagement & tourism
Science University	Proposed	Researchers & students	Advanced research & education

Emversity Raises $30 Mn (₹271 Crore) in Series A Funding

• Emversity has emerged as a category leader, supporting 4,500 learners across 40 campuses, with employer-co-created workforce pipelines in healthcare and hospitality
• The company will use the proceeds to expand to over 200 campuses, launch new skilling verticals in EPC and manufacturing, and unlock access to select global workforce demand for India-trained talent.

Emversity, a higher-education embedded training and employability platform operated by Beyond Odds Technologies Pvt. Ltd., has raised $30 million (₹271 crore) in a Series A round led by Premji Invest, with participation from Lightspeed and Z47, taking total funding raised to $46 million.

Emversity acts as a bridge between universities and employers, working with higher-education institutions to strengthen the link between academic learning and workforce readiness. By embedding industry-aligned curricula, work-integrated training, and advanced learning infrastructure—including simulation-based and AR/VR-enabled learning—the platform helps universities deliver more employable graduates. In parallel, Emversity works directly with employers and operates dedicated skill centres in affiliation with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), offering short-term training programs for healthcare and hospitality. Together, these efforts address workforce shortages in critical sectors while enabling predictable education-to-employment outcomes.

In under two years, Emversity has scaled into a category-leading platform, supporting over 4,500 learners across 40+ campuses through employer-co-created workforce pipelines. Its healthcare and hospitality programs are developed in collaboration with leading employers to ensure curriculum relevance and job readiness, with early cohorts working at organisations such as Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Aster, KIMS, IHCL (Taj Hotels), and Lemon Tree Hotels. This employer-integrated model spans university-embedded programs and Emversity-operated skill centres, strengthening employability outcomes while enabling predictable, job-ready talent pipelines at scale.

The company plans to deploy the capital toward long-term priorities, including:

• Expanding Emversity’s campus footprint from 40+ to over 200 locations
• Deepening its leadership position in healthcare and hospitality skilling
• Launching skilling programs for infrastructure-led EPC and manufacturing industries
• Continuing to strengthen its technology-enabled careers platform spanning career discovery, training, employability, and workforce mobility

Vivek Sinha, Founder & CEO, Emversity said “India has added significant capacity in higher education over the past decade, but the alignment between education and employability has not kept pace with the needs of a rapidly changing economy. Universities have built academic scale and depth, while skill requirements across sectors have evolved far more quickly. Emversity was created to work alongside universities—adding industry relevance, applied training, and employer linkage where it is most needed.

This funding allows us to scale that model responsibly: strengthening proven sectors, extending it to new areas of workforce demand, and continuing to build a durable institution focused on employability outcomes. Our objective is to enable a capital-efficient education-to-employment platform that leverages existing university infrastructure and can operate at a global scale over the long term.”

Kaveesh Chawla, Partner at Premji Invest, said, “Our investment in Emversity reflects our strong conviction in the role of outcome-oriented education and skilling in driving long-term social and economic impact in India. As the need to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world employability grows, Emversity’s student-centric approach, focus on apprenticeships, and strong alignment with industry partners position it well to address this gap at scale.”

Rajat Agarwal, Managing Director at Z47, added, “Emversity is building employability infrastructure in sectors that are critical to India’s long-term growth and capacity. The team has demonstrated consistency and resilience in a complex operating environment, and this round supports the next phase of scaling a durable, employment-led higher education platform. We believe Emversity is well positioned to strengthen employability outcomes in India, and we’re pleased to continue partnering with the team.”

Harsha Kumar, Partner at Lightspeed, said, “Emversity is addressing a fundamental gap between education and employability in India by working within existing institutions rather than around them. Vivek and the team have built a disciplined, outcomes-led platform that aligns universities, employers, and learners over the long term. We believe this approach is well suited to building education-to-employment infrastructure at scale, and we’re pleased to continue supporting Emversity in its next phase.”

About Beyond Odds Technologies

Beyond Odds Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is an education-to-employment platform building long-term employability infrastructure for India’s workforce. Founded in 2023, the company operates across higher education, skilling, and talent outcomes, with a focus on large, under-served, and nation-building sectors. Its flagship platform, Emversity, works with higher-education institutions and employers in an asset-light partnership to strengthen the link between academic learning and workforce readiness. By embedding industry-aligned curriculum, applied training, technology-enabled learning infrastructure, internships, and placement support into existing university programs, Emversity enables institutions to deliver more employable graduates at scale.

For more details, visit www.emversity.com

Historic Shift: NCERT to Transform into Deemed University by 2026

NCERT is set to be granted deemed-to-be-university status by the end of January 2026. This upgrade will allow the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to award its own undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, moving beyond its traditional role of school-level curriculum and textbooks.

Key Highlights of the Transition

• Status Change: NCERT will become a deemed university, pending final approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Timeline: The groundwork is complete, and the UGC is expected to finalize the decision in its upcoming meeting by January-end 2026.
• Funding: NCERT will continue to be primarily funded by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education.
• Academic Powers: Once granted, NCERT can independently award UG, PG, and PhD degrees.
• Global Collaboration: The move is expected to open avenues for international partnerships and strengthen India’s research ecosystem.

What Changes for NCERT?

Current Role	Future Role (Deemed University)
Designs school curricula and textbooks	Offers UG, PG, and PhD programs
Provides teacher training modules	Conducts advanced teacher education and research
Advisory body for school education	Full-fledged research university with global collaborations
Limited to school-level focus	Expands into higher education and multidisciplinary research

Why This Matters

• For Students: Opens new pathways to pursue higher education directly under NCERT, known for its academic rigor.
• For Teachers: Enhances professional development opportunities through advanced degrees and research programs.
• For India’s Education System: Strengthens the country’s position in global education by enabling NCERT to contribute beyond school-level reforms.

Potential Challenges

• Transition Management: Shifting from a curriculum body to a university requires structural and administrative overhaul.
• Maintaining Focus: Balancing school-level responsibilities with higher education ambitions could stretch resources.
• Global Standards: To succeed internationally, NCERT must ensure its research output meets global benchmarks.

CII-IGBC, University of Mysore Sign Landmark Pact to Advance Green Education

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Mysore to advance green education and accelerate capacity building among students and faculty across Karnataka. The agreement marked a significant step toward institutionalizing sustainability-focused learning within higher education. The signing took place at the University of Mysore campus in Mysuru, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to foster an environmentally responsible future built on knowledge, innovation and industry-academia collaboration.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Lokanath N. K., Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore, Mr. Vinod Maroli, Chairman, IGBC Mysuru Chapter, and Mr. Srihari D, Co-Chairman, IGBC Mysuru Chapter. The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Smt. M. K. Savitha, K.A.S., Registrar, Prof. N. Nagaraja, Director & Registrar (Evaluation), Mr. K. Sriram, IGBC Executive Board Member & Fellow, Mr. Somashekhar, Past Chairman, IGBC, Prof. Shamsundar, Mr. Ramesh Kikkeri, and Mr. Adithya Sajjan from IGBC Secretariat. Their presence underscored the importance of this collaborative initiative in shaping a new generation of green building professionals.

Through this MoU, IGBC and the University of Mysore agreed to jointly introduce specialized courses on Green Built Environment across the University’s affiliated colleges. The collaboration aimed to equip students from civil, mechanical, electrical and architecture streams with contemporary knowledge, practical insights and industry exposure to help them become career-ready in the rapidly growing green building sector. IGBC has committed to developing high-quality course content, providing faculty training and facilitating accreditation, while the University took responsibility for integrating the course as an elective or core subject within its academic programmes. The initiative also included classroom sessions, online training modules, and expert-led engagements to strengthen students' technical understanding of green building concepts.

Mr. Vinod Maroli, Chairman, IGBC Mysuru Chapter while signing the Memorandum of Understanding, said, “The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to build a more sustainable future. By collaborating with the University of Mysore, we are integrating green building knowledge at the academic level and empowering students to become future-ready professionals in the green built environment. This partnership will not only strengthen capacity-building in the region but also inspire young minds to lead India’s sustainability movement with innovation, responsibility and purpose."

Prof. Lokanath N. K., Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore, said, "This collaboration with IGBC is a meaningful step toward strengthening our commitment to sustainability-driven education. By introducing specialized learning on the green built environment, we are preparing our students to meet the emerging needs of industry and society. The University of Mysore has always championed knowledge that creates impact, and this partnership will enable our faculty and students to contribute actively to India’s sustainable development journey."

In addition to curriculum development, the MoU laid strong emphasis on experiential learning. Both institutions planned to organize joint programmes on sustainability, encourage participation in IGBC’s flagship events such as the Green Building Congress, Green Education Conclave, World Green Building Week, and various webinars and conferences. Students were also to be supported in pursuing the IGBC Accredited Professional – Associate certification, giving them a competitive edge in India’s expanding green building industry. Furthermore, the partnership sought to invigorate IGBC’s local chapter activities by providing students with meaningful opportunities to volunteer, network with industry leaders and gain first-hand exposure to sustainable design practices through site visits and expert sessions.

This collaboration strengthened IGBC’s ongoing mission to create a nationwide ecosystem of sustainability champions by integrating green concepts into mainstream education. With the University of Mysore being one of India’s oldest and most respected institutions, the partnership represented a major milestone in expanding IGBC’s footprint in academia. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing skilled professionals who will play a critical role in driving India’s transition toward a sustainable built environment. The MoU symbolized a shared vision of enabling youth to lead with knowledge, responsibility and innovation in shaping a greener tomorrow.

Govt to Fund 100 Engineering Colleges with ₹1 Crore Each for Quantum Labs

The Government of India will provide ₹1 crore each to 100 engineering colleges to establish quantum teaching labs, marking a major push to build capacity in quantum technology education.

These labs are aimed at undergraduate minor programmes, not advanced research, and are part of a broader initiative to strengthen India’s quantum ecosystem.

The official announcement about funding 100 engineering colleges with ₹1 crore each for quantum teaching labs was made by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), during an event at IIT Bombay on November 24, 2025.  The Indian Express was among the first outlets to report the announcement on November 25, 2025, citing Prof. Karandikar’s remarks at IIT Bombay.  News18 also carried the story the same day, highlighting the ₹720 crore quantum fabrication facilities planned at IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru.  

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Key Details

• Funding: ₹1 crore per college, covering lab setup, course design, and faculty development.
• Scope: Labs will focus on teaching quantum technology at the undergraduate level.
• Institutions: 100 engineering colleges selected from over 500 proposals.
• Lead Agencies: Department of Science and Technology (DST) and AICTE.
• Announcement: Made by DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar at IIT Bombay.
• Complementary Investments:
  • ₹720 crore quantum fabrication facilities at IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru.
  • Quantum algorithms technical group to support startups and advanced research.

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Strategic Importance

• Capacity Building: Creates a pipeline of skilled graduates in quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
• Global Positioning: Aligns India with global quantum initiatives, reducing dependence on foreign technology.
• Startup Ecosystem: Supports Indian startups innovating in quantum technologies.
• Education Impact: Embeds quantum technology into mainstream engineering curricula.

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Challenges Ahead

• Infrastructure readiness: Colleges must adapt existing facilities to host quantum labs.
• Faculty training: Ensuring teachers are equipped to deliver quantum courses effectively.
• Sustainability: Long-term funding and industry partnerships will be critical.

IB Launches First-Ever Community Inspiration Award to Honour Global Changemakers

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has launched its inaugural Community Inspiration Award during the IB Global Conference in The Hague, Netherlands.

This new global initiative marks the IB’s first formal award programme honouring outstanding individuals across its worldwide community who have demonstrated excellence and made a significant impact in advancing the IB’s mission. Starting in 2026, three exceptional recipients will be recognised each year — one representing each of the IB’s global regions: Asia-Pacific (APAC), the Americas, and Africa, Europe and the Middle East (EMEA).

For 57 years, the IB has celebrated educators, students, alumni, and other community members who bring its mission to life and make a difference locally and globally. This new award formalises that recognition on an individual level, shining a light on those who truly exemplify IB values through their voice, impact, innovation and shared humanity.

“Today, thousands of our community members across APAC are advancing the IB mission in new and inspiring ways — from driving technology and innovation to fostering greater intercultural understanding in a changing world," said Stefanie Leong, Head of Development and Recognition, Asia Pacific at the IB. “Their compassion, creativity and leadership continue to reflect the very best of what IB stands for and shape the future of our community. We are excited to celebrate these individuals and their impact through this new award.”

Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open until 14 November 2025. Eligible nominees include individuals from the IB community of candidates and World Schools – such as students, alumni, parents, educators, and administrators – or anyone with direct ties to an IB school, association, network or system.

Nominees will be evaluated by a judging committee based on four criteria that reflect the spirit of the IB:

• Use of Voice – How the nominee uses their voice effectively – whether locally, nationally, or globally – to support the IB’s mission and advocate for “more IB”.
• Impact – How the nominee’s role and contributions demonstrate sustained impact reflective of IB community values.
• Innovation – How the nominee takes risks and overcomes obstacles to drive innovation, in line with the IB learner profile.
• Shared Humanity – How the nominee exemplifies the qualities of being human, such as care, compassion and open-mindedness.

Award recipients will be honoured at IB Global Conferences within their respective regions. The Asia-Pacific awardee will be announced at the Asia-Pacific IB Global Conference in March 2026.

For more information about the award and nomination process, please visit the official IB website.

About the IB

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneered a movement of international education and now offers four high quality, challenging educational programs to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and proficiency for solving complex problems while encouraging multiculturalism, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence. In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than two million students in over 6,000 schools across more than 160 countries. To find out more, please visit www.ibo.org/.

BIMTECH Completes 38 Years as Blockchain Innovation, Global Accreditation, and UN Recognition Strengthen Its Position Among India’s Top B-Schools

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) marked its 38th Foundation Day with a grand celebration that reflected the spirit of dedication and excellence. The event was graced by distinguished guest, Shri P. Balaji, Group Head- Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Corporate Affairs, Air India Ltd.

In recognition of outstanding contributions, the Best Researcher Award 2024 was conferred upon Dr. Archana Shrivastava, and Best Researcher (Runner-up) Award 2024 was conferred upon Dr. Neha Sharma. Long-serving faculty and staff members who have completed a decade at the institute were also felicitated.

In her Foundation Day address, Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH, shared, “Since our founding in 1988, BIMTECH has always aspired not merely to teach management, but to shape leaders who act with integrity, think globally, and bring positive change to society. Days like this remind us that great institutions are not built in a day. Over the years, we’ve built innovative programs, and built bridges between academia and industry. As we celebrate our journey, we recommit to society, environment and the future. As we celebrate this day, remember the legacy, you inherit, of courage, conviction and contributions.”

Shri P. Balaji, Group Head- Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Corporate Affairs, Air India Ltd., motivated students and said, “Know yourself first and don't measure yourself against somebody else's timeline. Because fulfillment comes from internal alignment. It's okay to take a few years to finally figure out your passion. What you know today will definitely become obsolete tomorrow. So, stay curious and learn new skills. Read widely, take online courses and invest in networking. In short, delve deeper and gain diverse experiences, because each new experience adds a layer to your professional career. And organizations truly value those who bring diverse perspectives.”

Reflecting the institute’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and compassion, the institute invited students from various schools and orphanages. Faculty, staff, and students collectively contributed to organize a special lunch and distribute thoughtful gifts to the visiting children.

The ceremony also witnessed the release of the Annual Activity Report 2024–25 along with Rural Immersion Programme Report 2025, showcasing the institute’s achievements in research, student engagement, international collaborations, and community initiatives.

Adding to the week of celebrations, the institute also celebrated the Silver Jubilee of its PGDM–Insurance Business Management (IBM) Program. The event welcomed the Chief Guest Mr. Sanjay Joshi, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd., to celebrate 25 years of academic excellence and contributions to the insurance sector. A key highlight of this occasion was the engaging ‘Kal, Aaj Aur Kal’ session, led by eminent alumni Mr. Pankaj Tomar, Head- India & South East Asia - AXA Climate, Ms. Surbhi Goel, CEO, Munich Re India and Mr. Sudip Indani, Managing Director, Head People Solutions, India.

Over the year, BIMTECH has continuously set benchmarks with the launch of Bloomberg lab, BIMCOIN, a blockchain-based campus currency, and a strategic partnership with UNIQLO for retail talent development. Students from institute had won the PRME Global Students Sustainability Award 2025 at the United Nations, while the Google AI Startup Day fostered innovation among 150+ startups. Recently, BIMTECH’s Centre of Education for All (BCall) organised a Train the Trainer workshop for inclusive higher education. With AACSB accreditation, the B-school reinforces its position as a globally recognized business school, committed to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.

Inspired by its founders, Late Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, BIMTECH has pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. BIMTECH is amongst the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools that excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 8000 individuals.

Why ACCA Course in Mumbai Is the Smartest Career Move for Young Graduates in Finance

What to do next is always a question asked by our acquaintances at every stage of life, be it studies, a job, a company, salary or anything else.

Today, let us talk about what’s next after graduation. There is always that constant pressure coming from teachers as well as parents to make the right choice. Some graduates rush into jobs, while others prepare for competitive exams, and still others get stuck comparing endless professional courses.

We understand that this confusion is natural, and let me tell you, the finance industry offers many paths. But not all of them promise global recognition, flexibility, and long-term career growth. And this is where the ACCA course in Mumbai steps in as one of the smartest career moves for young graduates.

It not only answers the "what to do next” question with clarity but also opens doors to opportunities across the world. You should read further as we explore why ACCA is the smartest career move for young graduates in finance.

Smart Qualification for Young Finance Professionals

ACCA is a smart qualification, especially for young finance graduates, and we are saying so because of the various reasons listed below:

• Firstly, a 10th-grade pass student is eligible for it. So, you get a head start on your career.
• Graduates doing it simultaneously or afterwards can avail of exemptions (in some cases) and fast-track their ACCA journey.
• It is so flexible that you can easily manage it along with your personal commitments.
• Even if you are a working professional, you can do ACCA and showcase your experience if it is in a relevant field to become an ACCA member.
• As soon as you enroll in a trusted ACCA institute like edZeb, you become a part of the global community.
• Employers also value ACCA professionals for their well-rounded training in strategy, management, and business analysis.
• Globalisation has led to the ever-increasing demand for finance experts across banking, consulting, audit, and corporate finance.
• The best ACCA coaching in Mumbai ensures young professionals are not only employable but also future-ready.

So, choosing the right qualification, like ACCA, can change the entire course of your career. It stands out because it combines global recognition, flexibility, and strong career prospects. ACCA is accepted in 180+ countries, making it ideal for those who dream of working abroad. The structure of the ACCA course is flexible. It allows students to learn at their own pace and even pursue it alongside jobs or higher studies.

The Global Demand for Skilled Finance Professionals

The finance industry is evolving fast, and so is the demand for professionals. It is mainly for their industry-relevant expertise in both technical and practical business skills at the table.

The qualification covers everything from financial reporting and taxation to audit, strategy, and business management, so employers actively seek out ACCA graduates. Here are some facts that prove the demand is increasing globally.

• Firstly, the global market value of ACCA courses was around USD 1.1 billion in 2023. It is expected to double to USD 2.3 billion by 2031. The fact is that its market is growing at a CAGR of 9.6%.
• Secondly, ACCA has become the fourth-largest professional accounting body in the world. Also, the ACCA community has nearly 258,000 members and 530,000 students across more than 180 countries.
• Moreover, a Global Talent Trends Survey was conducted by the ACCA organisation in 2025. It showed that 52% of more than 10,000 finance professionals from 175 countries aim to become entrepreneurs. It is definitely a strong sign of the qualification’s versatility and appeal.
• It has been reported that accounting vacancies are growing, but employers report difficulties in hiring due to a lack of skilled professionals. So, ACCA bridges this gap between theory and practical application, so they are highly in demand.

Therefore, the growing shortage of globally qualified accountants is causing an increased demand for ACCA professionals.

Why Wait?

At the end of the day, every graduate wants clarity about their future. While the options may seem endless, very few qualifications truly prepare you for a global career in finance. ACCA is one of them. It gives young professionals recognition across borders, flexibility to balance life and learning, and the skills that today’s employers are actively searching for. So what are you waiting for? You must join the best institute for ACCA classes in Mumbai and gain an edge over your peers.

If you are a finance graduate wondering “what’s next?”, ACCA is the smartest career move for young graduates like you in the finance industry. It does not just prepare you for a job, but it prepares you for a career that can take you anywhere in the world.

NSBT’s New AI Lab with Findability Sciences Turns Students into Builders of the Future

Nath School of Business & Technology (NSBT), a social initiative of Shri N. Kagliwal and part of MGM University, has joined hands with global AI leader Findability Sciences to establish a cutting-edge AI Lab in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, extending their existing partnership. Findability Sciences also has a similar long standing partnership existing with Worcester institute, USA and NSBT finds itself fortunate to treat this path here.

This initiative does not treat industry and academia as separate silos — rather, it dissolves the boundaries. At NSBT, we believe that education and enterprise must not merely collaborate but interweave. This AI Lab will be a shared space where students, faculty, and professionals build, think, and solve together.

Students enrolled in the BCA (Artificial Intelligence & Data Science) program will gain hands-on exposure to generative AI, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP). Through direct engagement with enterprise-grade platforms (such as Findability’s Agentic AI), global mentorship, and real-world projects, students will develop both technical competence and industry fluency.

Anand Mahurkar, Founder & CEO, Findability Sciences, “At Findability Sciences, our journey in Shambajinagar has always been anchored in talent, not location. Collaborating with NSBT, we’re bringing world-class AI infrastructure and mentorship right here—to create an ecosystem where students solve real problems, contribute to global innovation, and uplift their own communities.”

A hallmark of the initiative is the Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP) — a capstone experience where every final-year student tackles a real-world challenge co-mentored by NSBT faculty and Findability engineers. These aren’t academic case studies, but working AI solutions — giving graduates an immediate edge in careers and entrepreneurship.

“Quality tech education, jobs, and innovation can emerge from small towns, not just big tech hubs,” said Harsh Vardhan Jajoo, Director of NSBT.

This initiative positions Sambhaji Nagar as an emerging AI innovation hub, empowers local talent with global tools, and pioneers a future where learning and innovation thrive in the same ecosystem.

Meritto Launches Mio AI, the Autonomous Agent Suite Purpose-Built for Education

At a time when institutions face rising enrollment volatility, higher student expectations, and increasing operational complexity, Meritto, a product of NoPaperForms Solutions Limited, today announced the launch of Mio AI, its industry-ready Agentic AI built ground-up for education. Unveiled at the Delhi NCR Chapter of #EvolveByMeritto, attended by top education leaders, technologists, and changemakers, Mio AI represents a new class of intelligence that doesn’t just assist teams, but operates with purpose, alignment, and autonomy across the student lifecycle.

Built natively into Meritto’s Vertical SaaS platform, Mio AI brings a fleet of domain-trained, configurable AI agents that work across enrollment portals, marketing sites, communication channels, and internal workflows. These agents are not prompted, they’re proactive. They take initiative, adapt in real-time, and optimize for institutional outcomes like conversion, retention, and efficiency. With Mio, AI shifts from being a tool institutions use, to a teammate they rely on.

What makes Mio AI distinct is its architectural intent. While traditional automation tools operate at the surface responding to inputs, handling tickets, Mio AI embeds itself within the institution’s actual rhythm. It draws knowledge from the institution’s knowledge hub. It syncs in real time. It learns continuously. And through a no-code command interface, institutions define exactly how their agents should act: what to say, when to escalate, what tone to carry, ensuring every interaction is accurate, contextual, and brand-aligned.

In a sector like education where context, transparency, and sensitivity matter deeply, Meritto has taken a human-in-the-loop approach to AI deployment. Every Mio agent action is auditable, every conversation traceable, and every decision accountable.

“This is not about launching a feature. This is about launching a future,” said Naveen Goyal, Founder & CEO of Meritto. “Mio AI is our statement of intent: to build the intelligent infrastructure education needs next, not just to catch up with technology, but to lead with it. Education deserves more than generative gloss. It needs purpose-built intelligence that reflects its depth, scale, and human stakes.”

Built natively on Meritto’s vertical SaaS stack, Mio AI reflects the company’s broader vision for SaaS 2.0, where software is no longer just about digitizing workflows, but about infusing them with decision-making, adaptability, and autonomous execution. The platform is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing systems and teams, offering institutions an AI layer that is trained, trusted, and tuned to their brand and business logic from day one.

Over the coming time, Meritto will continue to expand the Mio suite, introducing agents that support lead nurturing, financial workflows, academic advising, and internal team operations, creating a truly distributed digital workforce for education.

“Mio doesn’t just save time. It makes time more valuable,” said Narendra Pal Singh, SVP Engineering at Meritto. “Mio AI agents don’t ask what to do, they know. And they act. That’s the shift from automation to autonomy. That’s the infrastructure we’ve built.”

The launch, hosted at Taj Palace, New Delhi, brought together leaders from India’s top universities, business schools, and EdTechs. In one of the day’s most anticipated sessions, Hitesh Oberoi, MD & CEO of Info Edge, spoke about what the AI convergence means for everyone shaping or stepping into tomorrow’s workforce.

This launch follows Meritto’s continued commitment to deep-tech innovation in education, including recent announcements like Collexo Pixi, a smart, unified student ID card. As India’s education sector prepares for its next wave of digital transformation, Meritto remains focused on what it has always done best: building systems that institutions grow on.

To learn more about Mio AI, visit getmio.ai.

Mio AI, Meritto’s purpose-built Agentic AI platform, is designed exclusively for educational institutions. Mio AI brings a fleet of intelligent, autonomous agents that proactively support enrollment, engagement, and operational workflows helping institutions scale smarter, act faster, and deliver seamless student experiences.

IPO Bound Imarticus Learning acquires MyCaptain for ₹50 Crore

• Imarticus Learning envisions impacting the lives of 5 million learners by FY28

India’s leading professional education firm, Imarticus Learning, today announced that it has acquired MyCaptain for INR 50 crores. MyCaptain is an Edtech company empowering College Students, Fresh Graduates and Early professionals with skills and jobs in new-age, non-tech careers. MyCaptain has over 5L learners on its platform and witnessed a strong growth, clocking a revenue of INR 27Cr last year, with an EBITDA breakeven. MyCaptain also boasts an NPS of 70, one of the highest in the Education industry in India. Imarticus Learning is looking to support the company scale by at least 5X over the next 3 years.

Tier 2 and 3 cities in Bharat are faced with significant challenges in terms of skilling and awareness about new-age career opportunities. Addressing these gaps, this acquisition of MyCaptain marks a significant milestone in Imarticus Learning's mission to deliver industry-relevant education even in the hinterlands.

With this acquisition, Imarticus Learning has expanded its reach by entering the college skilling segment through the 60+ Live Cohort-Based Programs across new-age careers. Through MyCaptain’s employability bootcamps in creative and new-age fields like Digital Marketing, Design, and Content, Imarticus is set to expand into new verticals — bringing these high-demand new age programs offline across their 20+ classroom centres in 16+ cities. 

MyCaptain has built a powerful grassroots network with students across 1,500+ campuses. Notably, 60% of its customers come from Tier 2 and 3 cities, while 80% hail from creative and entrepreneurial fields. This move reinforces Imarticus’s position as a lifelong career partner, engaging learners from college to leadership roles.

With this, Imarticus Learning has marked its fourth acquisition in the last four years, further accelerating its growth journey and strengthening its leadership in the education sector. The strategic move is a part of Imarticus Learning’s goal to reach 5 million learners over the next three years and expand to tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

This acquisition expands Imarticus Learning’s team to over 850 employees and enhances its senior leadership with a dynamic group of ex-founders, bringing invaluable entrepreneurial expertise to the organization.

Nikhil Barshikar, Founder and CEO of Imarticus Learning, said, “Our collaboration with MyCaptain marks a pivotal step in strengthening Imarticus’ vision to be the lifelong career partner for learners across their journey. What Zeeshan, Ruhan, and Sameer have built with MyCaptain is a company rooted in strong values, vision, and real-world impact. We’re thrilled to welcome them into the Imarticus family as we shape the next phase of growth together.

While previous acquisitions have helped us diversify our portfolio and address evolving learner needs, with MyCaptain, we aim to deepen accessibility in non-tech career domains and significantly expand our reach in Tier 2+ cities. As we set our sights on both India and global expansion, our shared goal is to impact 5 million learners by FY28, driven by innovation, inclusion, and long-term growth.”

Mohammed Zeeshan, Co-Founder and CEO, MyCaptain added, “MyCaptain began as a movement to challenge the status quo and open up alternate career paths for students across the country. Over the years, more than 5 lakh learners have trusted us to help them find direction, build real skills, and pursue careers that truly matter to them. With Imarticus’ scale and Nikhil and Sonya’s shared belief in our mission, we now have the chance to take everything we’ve built and scale it even further, making new-age careers more accessible and achievable for more than 1 million students across India. We’re excited about the journey ahead with Imarticus and look forward to reaching new milestones.”

Imarticus Learning in April 2023, acquired Hero Mindmine, the Hero Group training arm. It had also acquired game-based learning platform StratOnBoard in 2022, as well as social learning platform, Eckovation, in 2021. The IPO bound company has a robust presence across the country with over 20+ training centres and offices, and it has impacted the lives of 1 million learners through its transformative education and upskilling. It has collaborations with 25+ premier institutes and industry leaders, including IIMs, IITs, ISB, XLRI, London Business School, Oxford, PwC, and KPMG. The company is India’s first and only authorized prep provider for the top 5 global accounting & finance certifications- CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), and FRM. Till date, Imarticus has placed 75,000+ learners in top companies across diverse fields.

About Imarticus Learning

Imarticus Learning is India’s foremost professional education company. It is dedicated to bridging the skill gap through high-quality, industry-relevant education, specialised training, career assistance, and mentorship from industry professionals. Founded in 2012 by Nikhil Barshikar and Sonya Hooja, the company aims to upskill professionals to fulfil various industries' current and upcoming job market demands. The company offers programs that prepare learners for successful careers in finance, data science, analytics, technology, marketing, and management.

The Mumbai-headquartered company is India’s first and only approved preparation partner for five global accounting and finance certifications: CMA, CFA, ACCA, CPA, and FRM. Since its inception, the company has impacted over one million careers, placing 75,000+ learners in top MNCs through its association with 3,500+ global hiring partners.

With 20+ offices and training centers across India and a team of 1,000+ skilled professionals, Imarticus Learning continues to drive growth and innovation in the education sector. It has collaborated with 25+ premier institutes and industry leaders, including IIMs, IITs, ISB, XLRI, London Business School, Oxford, PwC, and KPMG.

Piyush Goyal Inaugurates AI Lab as Galgotias commits to scale investment to INR 50 Crores into AI-Driven Future

Strengthening its leadership in future-ready education, Galgotias University inaugurated a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education Lab. The event marked a significant announcement of scaling the University’s investment in AI-driven growth to INR 50 Crores over the next three years. In presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, the university reaffirmed the strong commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure with a mission to embed innovation, hands-on learning, and advanced technology into the heart of its academic ecosystem.

The event was witnessed participation of prominent leaders that included Shri Brijesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Aman Gupta, Co-founder and CMO of boAt; alongside Mr. Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor, and Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University.

The new AI Lab is equipped with next-generation infrastructure to provide students with real-world exposure to AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies. The lab is designed to accelerate innovation, encourage interdisciplinary learning, and nurture industry-ready graduates.

Marking the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia said, “This AI Lab is a testament to our commitment to create a world-class, innovation-driven university. At Galgotias, we are not just teaching students about the future—we are building it with them. We aim to consistently contribute to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through cutting-edge research, technology integration, and skill-first learning. This initiative will power the expansion of AI-based infrastructure, research capabilities, and global academic collaborations.”

Designed to provide students with round the clock access to advanced computing, the lab is installed with NVIDIA GPU-powered systems that support high-performance AI applications differentiating it from standard computers. The move will democratise access to experiential learning enabling students to bridge the gap between theory and application.

Galgotias University has been at the forefront of educational transformation that also includes the recent launch of India’s first AI-powered Active Learning Block, developed in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Among other initiatives, the university is also exploring collaborations with leading global tech companies to set up labs for cybersecurity, machine learning, and robotics. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, industry alignment, and global engagement, the university continues to set benchmarks in higher education.

The newly inaugurated AI Lab will also serve as a hub for innovation, faculty development, and industry collaboration, bridging the gap between academia and the rapidly evolving demands of the AI economy.

AICTE and IG Drones Partner to Establish 50 Drone CoEs in Engineering Institutes Across India

AICTE and IG Drones Join Hands to Establish 50 Drone Centres of Excellence in Technical Institutes across India

In a landmark move towards creating a technologically skilled and self-reliant India, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with IG Drones to set up 50 Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across 50 engineering colleges in India. This initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, aiming to bridge the skill gap in emerging technologies by empowering youth with cutting-edge training in drone technology.

The Drone Centres of Excellence will serve as dynamic hubs for innovation, hands-on training, and research, embedding advanced drone technology into technical education. Students will gain industry-relevant skills and certifications in drone operations, manufacturing, and applications. Under this initiative, 200 students from each university will be trained, equipping over 10,000 learners with specialized expertise in drone technology. These centres aim to foster entrepreneurship and indigenous innovation, creating a skilled workforce for high-impact sectors like agriculture, defence, disaster management, logistics, and urban planning. This initiative will play a vital role in driving economic growth and preparing youth for future-ready, impact-driven careers in a self-reliant, tech-enabled India.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, said, "This collaboration with IG Drones is a step towards realizing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ powered by skilled youth. By embedding drone technology into our technical education framework, we are not only preparing our students for tomorrow’s jobs but also strengthening India’s capabilities in home-grown, high-end technology sectors. These Centres of Excellence will serve as vibrant hubs of innovation—democratizing access to advanced technology, promoting inclusion, and fostering entrepreneurship and indigenous development. They will not only equip students with industry-ready skills but also encourage them to launch their own startups and build solutions in high-end tech drone sectors."

The partnership gains further significance against the backdrop of the Government’s 2025–26 Union Budget, which has reaffirmed skilling as a top national priority. The establishment of five National Centres for Excellence in Skilling, a Centre of Excellence in AI, and 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs is part of a broader effort to equip youth with industry-relevant, specialized skills in a rapidly transforming economic landscape.

Adding a strong regional dimension to this national initiative, India’s first-ever Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) were established in Odisha in February, where Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar, under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), partnered with IG Drones to set up Drone Training Centres in the Kalahandi district. These centres are a crucial part of IG Drones’ larger mission of preparing India’s youth for the Industrial 4.0 Revolution, with a goal to skill over 10 million students in advanced drone technologies through its Drone Centres of Excellence. Focused on tribal and rural upskilling, particularly among women and youth, the Kalahandi centres aim to create future-ready talent pools in underserved areas.

Two such centres have already been established in the gram panchayats of Sagada and Bhatangpadar, offering hands-on training to develop certified drone pilots and technicians. These programs not only provide pathways to meaningful employment but also spark STEM interest among schoolchildren, driving the long-term technological empowerment of the region.

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder of IG Drones, said, 

Our mission is deeply rooted in the principles of indigenous innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to build a drone ecosystem that is truly ‘Made in India’, powered by local talent, and equipped to serve global standards. We believe this is how we make technology inclusive, equitable, and meaningful, especially for rural and tribal communities.

IG Drones is at the forefront of research-led, locally manufactured drone technology, minimizing reliance on foreign imports and strengthening India's position as a leader in drone innovation. The company’s focus on indigenous design, development, and deployment aligns with the national goal of creating a resilient and self-sufficient technological landscape.

This collaboration between AICTE and IG Drones marks a significant step in transforming India's technical education system by connecting classrooms with cutting-edge industry practices. It exemplifies how public-private partnerships can accelerate progress towards a skilled, empowered, and globally competitive Bharat—ready to lead the world in new-age technologies.

Union Government Committed to Modernizing Maritime Education, Says Sarbananda Sonowal at IMU Kochi Event

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for girls hostel building and virtually inaugurated infrastructure development projects across six campuses of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) for the upgradation of maritime Education and Infrastructure. The projects, with a total estimated cost of Rs 67.77 crore, were announced during a ceremony held at the IMU campus in Kochi.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurating the infrastructure development projects at Indian Maritime University campus at Kochi. MP Hibi Eden and Indian Maritime University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Malini V. Shankar were also seen.

Among the key projects is a new girls' hostel at IMU Kochi, for which Shri Sonowal laid the foundation stone in person. Developed at a cost of Rs 13.11 crore, the facility will significantly improve residential accommodation for female maritime students.

Simultaneously, the Minister also virtually inaugurated several infrastructure projects across five IMU campuses—Chennai, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai Port, and Visakhapatnam. These include the installation of state-of-the-art simulators, establishment of solar power plants, enhancement of sports facilities, and renovation of student hostels—all aimed at boosting the quality of both academic and residential experiences.

The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Shri Hibi Eden, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing Ernakulam, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Sunil Mukundan, MD, INdia Ports Global, B Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson, Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor of IMU; and other senior officials and stakeholders from the maritime education sector.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sonowal reiterated the Union Government’s resolve to transform maritime education in India by providing world-class infrastructure and training environments.

“These 17 projects mark a significant step in our mission to strengthen India’s maritime education landscape. With modern infrastructure and advanced facilities, we are enabling students to excel and meet global maritime standards,” he said.

The event concluded with an interactive session featuring discussions on the future of maritime education, innovation in training, and the roadmap for continued infrastructure development across IMU campuses.

NextLeap Acquires PM School to Expand Product Management Education in India

NextLeap, a Bengaluru-based workforce skilling platform helping professionals transition into technology roles, has acquired PM School, a product management education provider. This acquisition strengthens NextLeap’s leadership in product management training, providing learners with enhanced resources, mentorship, and career support. The integration is already underway, with new offerings launching later this year.

Mohammad Yasir  ( CTO) and Arindam Mukherjee ( CEO)

Founded in 2021, NextLeap is a fast-growing startup revolutionizing career transitions for early-career professionals in India. 15000+ learners have already benefited from its bootcamp-style Fellowship programs designed to help individuals break into technology roles in Product Management, UX Design, Data Analytics, and Software Engineering. The company’s AI-driven, full-stack learning platform delivers outcome-focused education at an affordable cost, making career transitions more accessible.

Co-founded by former Flipkart leaders Arindam Mukherjee (CEO) and Mohammad Yasir (CTO), NextLeap has been recognized as one of the Top 100 EdTech startups in South Asia by HolonIQ in 2022. The company’s mission aligns seamlessly with PM School’s structured approach to product management training, making the integration a natural fit. With this acquisition, the goal is to build India’s most accessible and effective product management education ecosystem.

Arindam Mukherjee, co-founder and CEO of NextLeap, said, “At NextLeap, we believe career growth starts with the right skills and the right opportunities. Product management is a growing function in tech, but many professionals struggle to break into the field due to a lack of structured and practical learning. PM School has built a strong foundation in this space, and by coming together, we can bridge this gap at scale. This is not just about expanding our courses—it’s about giving learners the right guidance, industry exposure, and a clear path to meaningful careers in product management.”

Mohammad Yasir, co-founder and CTO of NextLeap, added, “This acquisition is about making product management education more structured and accessible. Many aspiring product managers find it difficult to navigate their career path because traditional learning methods don’t prepare them for real-world challenges. By combining PM School’s reach and expertise with our AI-driven learning platform, we’re creating a system that is more practical, hands-on, and aligned with industry needs. Our goal is simple, to help more people build the skills they need and connect them with the right opportunities.”

Ankit Bareja, Nikunj Sharma and Kushaal Devanahalli, co-founders of PM School, shared their thoughts, “We started PM School to give aspiring product managers a structured path into the industry. After 4.5 years of helping learners break into product management, we’re excited to see PM School continue its journey with NextLeap. This transition ensures our learners will have access to more resources, deeper mentorship, and a stronger bridge between learning and employment.”

NextLeap is backed by leading investors, including InfoEdge Ventures, Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Meraki Labs, Cult.fit, Myntra), Kalyan Krishnamurthy (CEO, Flipkart Group), Kunal Shah (CEO, CRED), and Amar Nagaram (CEO, Virgio). The company raised a $2M Seed round in 2021 to accelerate its mission of bridging the gap between traditional education and real-world skills.

Meritus AI Launches Asia’s Largest Teacher Training Initiative to Empower 72,000 Educators in AI

Meritus, a global leader in AI-powered education solutions, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with a leading multinational corporation to provide AI professional training to over 72,000 teachers across Asia. This transformative initiative, aims to revolutionize classrooms by equipping educators with cutting-edge AI knowledge and practical skills, empowering them to prepare students for an AI-driven future, bridging the gap between traditional education and the demands of the AI era.

Transforming Education Across Asia

This ambitious initiative is designed to create a new generation of AI-ready educators by providing:

• Comprehensive AI Training – Covering machine learning, prompt engineering, generative AI, and big data applications.
• AI-Powered Teaching Methods – Helping educators integrate AI tools seamlessly into their classrooms.
• Localized AI Curriculum – Tailored to address the unique educational challenges of each country.
• Inclusive AI Education – Special modules dedicated to special needs education and adaptive AI learning.
• Future-Proof Learning Environments – Schools will receive AI-powered tools, robotics kits, and interactive learning platforms.

With a scalable implementation model, this program will create a long-lasting impact on education systems across Asia.

A Vision for the Future of Education

Mr. Ramana Prasad, Founder & Chairman of Meritus, and an alumnus of IIT Madras, emphasized the program’s significance:

Education is the foundation of societal progress. By focusing on practical, hands-on AI education, we are setting a global benchmark for teacher training and student readiness. Educators are the architects of the future, and this initiative represents a paradigm shift in how we prepare them for that role.

Ms. Aditi Prasad, COO of Meritus AI, stated:

Our goal is to create a mindset of innovation and problem-solving that will define the future of learning. This initiative is not just about teaching technology; it’s about empowering educators to unlock the potential of AI and inspire their students to thrive in a digital world.

Key Highlights of the AI Asia Teacher Training Program

• Hands-On AI Training – Teachers will gain expertise in data visualization, machine learning, prompt engineering, and generative AI.
• Customized Curriculum – Modules tailored to the unique needs of secondary school educators, ensuring inclusivity for diverse learning environments.
• AI-Powered Creativity – Training in AI techniques such as image generation, avatar creation, and innovative teaching material design.
• AI-Powered Special Needs Education – Implementing AI solutions for inclusive and accessible learning environments.
• Industry-Aligned Certification – Teachers will receive globally recognized AI teaching certifications, enhancing their professional growth.
• AI Integration for Schools – Supporting schools in setting up AI labs, coding clubs, and interactive AI-powered tools.
• Sustainable & Scalable Model – Ensuring long-term institutional adoption of AI education.

About Meritus

Meritus is a pioneer in AI-driven educational solutions, dedicated to empowering educators and students with innovative tools, comprehensive curriculums, and hands-on learning experiences. With a global footprint and a passion for shaping future-ready education, Meritus continues to lead the way in AI education.

Meritus is excited to embark on this transformative journey, shaping the future of education and empowering educators to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Aakash Educational Services Launches Aakash Invictus – The Ultimate Game-Changer JEE Preparation Program for Aspiring Engineers

• Best-in-Class Courseware
• India’s Best JEE Faculty Under One Roof – More than 500 faculty members in 25 cities who amongst them have helped over one lakh students realise their goal of studying at an IIT.
• A state-of-the-art tech and AI supported platform to deliver an enhanced personalized learning experience.
• Backed by Aakash processes and systems to ensure high quality and consistent delivery at all 25 locations.

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services, proudly announces the launch of Aakash Invictus, a groundbreaking and first-of-its-kind Advanced program for JEE preparation designed for the best and brightest engineering aspirants. This elite, high-intensity, personalized, AI driven and result-oriented initiative is engineered to enable students preparing specifically for IITs or reputed Universities abroad.

Aakash Invictus brings together around 500 best JEE Faculty, offering unparalleled mentorship backed by a track record of success in guiding over one lakh students to IITs. The curriculum is cutting-edge and meticulously designed for ambitious students aiming for top IIT ranks. The program features integrated phygital learning and exclusive study resources, ensuring precision-focused, AI-enabled, and adaptive preparation for JEE Advanced.

The rigorous program includes a comprehensive revision and testing module that emphasizes targeted preparation during the final stages before the JEE (Advanced) exam. Students will benefit from specialized curriculum, doubt-clearing sessions and a meticulously crafted test series aimed at maximizing their performance. Aakash Invictus will have small batches so as to give more personalized attention to students.

Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, MD & CEO of Aakash Educational Services Limited, emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “Aakash Invictus is not just a coaching program; it is a transformational journey for students aiming to secure top IIT ranks. This program brings together top-notch faculty with decades of experience, cutting-edge teaching methodologies and personalized, AI and tech-driven learning. Over the years, our educators have successfully mentored millions of students to secure admissions in top IITs. The study material has been completely revamped, covering the entire curriculum and developed by some of the best experts in the industry. We firmly believe this is the best—if you can create better material, we will award you and welcome you to our team.”

He further added, “This programme, which started a few months ago has already attracted 2500+ top students. Built on three key pillars – innovative pedagogy and courseware, expert faculty and advanced AI tools – Aakash Invictus will set new benchmarks in JEE preparation. All these brand-new features are backed by the credibility, trust, and technical expertise of Aakash.”

A significant highlight of the program is its focus on innovation in study resources. Students will receive chapter-wise practice worksheets embedded with QR codes that provide detailed solutions and stepwise marking schemes, ensuring they excel in school and board exams alongside JEE preparation. Additional features include workshops for competitive Olympiads, access to an extensive archive of past JEE question papers with chapter-wise breakdowns and solutions, and the JEE Challenger resource, which offers detailed insights, practice questions and analysis to refine their strategies.

Furthermore, the program integrates phygital study materials, combining the strengths of physical and digital resources to simplify complex problems, and provides recorded video lectures by expert faculty for flexible, on-demand learning.

Admission to Aakash Invictus is highly selective, with students chosen through a specialized entrance test to ensure only the brightest and most committed minds join the program. Designed as a two-year program for 11th joining students or a three-year program for 10th joining students, Aakash Invictus will be available at 25 cities across India- Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Meerut, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Varanasi, Jaipur, Kota, Patna, Ranchi, Bokaro, Kolkata, Durgapur, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Indore, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. A dedicated team of researchers has developed the course to align with the highest academic standards and evolving exam patterns, ensuring a transformative educational experience for its participants.

For more information, parents and students can reach out at 7303759494 or email at support.invictus@aesl.in.

Karnataka to Set Up ₹2,500 Cr CoE Focused on Skill Development Spurring Innovation

The Karnataka government has announced plans to set up a Centre of Excellence at a cost of ₹2,500 crore (approximately $296 million USD. This initiative aims to enhance higher education in line with new innovations and emerging technologies.

The project will be funded with a World Bank loan of ₹1,750 crore, while the state government will contribute ₹750 crore.

The Centre of Excellence will focus on skill development in higher education, updating curricula to meet industry needs, and fostering entrepreneurship. It will benefit polytechnic, engineering, and humanities students, with a portion of the curriculum dedicated to emerging technology innovation and start-ups.

M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education, said:

The Center of Excellence is mainly related to higher education, and skill development will be given high priority. In addition, the curriculum will be implemented on the basis of skill development and a credit system will be adopted to provide space for serious study by students. Instead of implementing skill development in the internship model, it will be implemented as part of the curriculum from the first semester itself, as per the needs of the industries. 

The project is expected to be implemented within four years. The center will provide a platform for students to engage in serious study and practical application of skills from the first semester itself.

The curriculum will be designed to incorporate emerging technology innovations and start-ups. About 60% of the standard templates will be used for all departments, with the remaining 40% dedicated to emerging technology innovation and start-ups.

The center aims to make engineering and other courses more relevant and attractive to students by adapting new skills according to industry development and new innovations.