Category Archives: Education

VIBGYOR Schools Successfully Hosted the 8th School Cinema International Film Festival (SCIFF) 2025 Across Mumbai Campuses

Mumbai, Nov 21: VIBGYOR Schools successfully concluded the 8th edition of the School Cinema International Film Festival (SCIFF) 2025, held across its Mumbai and Navi Mumbai campuses in Goregaon, Belapur, and Kalyan. The festival celebrated creativity, cultural exploration, and meaningful learning through cinema.

The opening ceremony featured vibrant student performances and screenings from an international line-up, attended by notable dignitaries including Mishka Arora, Pari Tonk, Rajendra Misal, Atul Zende, and Dr. Prashant Patil. They engaged with students and teachers, sharing insights from their artistic journeys and inspiring children to approach cinema as a medium of self-expression and cultural exploration.

Organised in collaboration with LXL Foundation, SCIFF 2025 showcased over 100 children’s films from 25 countries, spanning animation, live-action, and documentary genres. The screenings were divided into four age categories  below 7, 7+, 10+, and 13+ — ensuring stories resonated with every stage of learning. Films for Grades 1–5 were presented in English or non-verbal formats, while those for Grade 6 and above retained their original language with English subtitles, fostering cultural understanding and global awareness.

Ms. Kavita Kerawalla, Vice Chairperson of VIBGYOR Group of Schools, said;

“Education must engage the mind while nurturing empathy, curiosity, and creativity. Our partnership with LXL Foundation enables students to explore new perspectives and connect with stories that inspire. SCIFF reflects our commitment to holistic learning and aligns with NEP 2020’s vision of using film and media as catalysts for creative expression.”

Syed Sultan Ahmed, Managing Director of LXL Ideas, added;

“At SCIFF, our mission is to make education meaningful and engaging through cinema. Films are powerful tools to inspire curiosity, empathy, and reflection among students, introducing them to world languages, cultures, and stories that enhance holistic learning.”

Supported by international festivals such as Annecy (France), AniMela (India), Giffoni (Italy), and ZERO PLUS (Russia), SCIFF 2025 aims to reach over 40,000 government schools and 1,000 private schools across India. Films from countries including France, Spain, Germany, UAE, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan brought diverse global narratives to young audiences, expanding their worldview beyond the classroom.

As the festival concluded across 22 VIBGYOR campuses, students engaged deeply with the films and discussions, gaining new perspectives, fostering creativity, and developing a stronger appreciation for storytelling as a medium of learning.

University of Worcester Invites Final Applications for Scholarships and Industry-Ready Postgraduate Courses, January 2026 Intake

Nov 21: The University of Worcester is now accepting final applications for its January 2026 postgraduate intake, offering a range of industry-aligned programmes that prepare students for global careers. The available courses include MBA, MSc International Business Management, MSc Project Management, MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, MSc Human Resource Management, and MA Education, each designed with a 12-month professional placement. By combining academic excellence with real-world experience, these programmes help students build the skills, confidence, and international exposure needed to succeed in a competitive job market.

To support aspiring Indian students, the University of Worcester is offering merit-based scholarships of up to £3,000, along with a £500 early payment discount for those who pay their fees in full by 31 January 2026. Applications for the January 2026 intake close at the end of November 2025, with a deposit deadline of 1 December 2025. The University of Worcester’s commitment to academic excellence and student success has been reinforced by its recent recognition as a finalist for the prestigious University of the Year 2025 award by Times Higher Education. This nomination acknowledges the University’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of innovation, employability, and student support.

In line with the University’s commitment to employability, the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024 highlights that 96% of University of Worcester Graduates secure jobs or progress onto further study within 15 months of completing their degree. This demonstrates the University’s strong emphasis on practical learning and industry exposure, preparing students to transition smoothly from classroom to career.

“At Worcester, our goal is to prepare graduates who can think critically and work globally,” said Nick Slade, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and External Affairs) at the University of Worcester. “Indian students are an essential part of that vision. Their presence enriches our academic community and strengthens the long-standing educational partnership between India and the UK. Through a balance of academic rigour and hands-on experience, we aim to help students build meaningful and successful global careers.”

Worcester’s postgraduate programmes are designed around employability, combining academic learning with work placements, internships, and industry-led projects that help students build practical skills and professional networks. Dedicated career support, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and networking sessions, ensures that students are confident and career-ready when they graduate.

TOEFL iBT and Study.com Launch Official TOEFL Test Prep Ahead of Enhanced Test Debut on January 21, 2026

ETS, the organization behind the TOEFL iBT® test, has partnered with Study.com, an award-winning online learning platform, to introduce the Official TOEFL Test Prep. This comprehensive, adaptive preparation program is designed specifically to align with the upcoming enhancements to the TOEFL iBT test, set to debut on January 21, 2026. The new prep program offers Indian students and global learners a tailored study experience that mirrors the updated test format, ensuring they are fully prepared for success on test day.

The Official TOEFL Test Prep includes a variety of TOEFL-style practice questions, interactive lessons, and personalized AI tutoring that adjusts to each student’s skill level. It also provides detailed feedback, progress tracking, and adaptive practice that helps students build the strategies they need to perform well in all sections. With enhancements including personalized reading and listening sections, the program aims to reflect the evolving demands of academic environments and offers students the tools needed to succeed in the highly competitive global education landscape.

“TOEFL has been the global benchmark in academic English proficiency for more than 60 years, trusted by 13,000 institutions worldwide,” said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS. “We’re proud to partner with Study.com to deliver an official preparation experience for the enhanced TOEFL iBT. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fairness, access and quality – giving every learner, everywhere, a clear path to success in today’s global education landscape.”

The enhanced TOEFL iBT will feature adaptive sections, including reading and listening, for a more personalized test experience. The updated score scale will be aligned with the globally recognized CEFR, providing a more intuitive and globally applicable measure of language proficiency. The test is designed to reflect the real-world academic tasks that students face in higher education, ensuring that the results are a better indicator of a student’s ability to succeed in an academic setting. Fast-tracked score reporting within 72 hours will further enhance the process for international students.

“This collaboration with TOEFL brings together decades of assessment expertise and Study.com’s strength in adaptive, AI-driven learning and exam prep,” said Adrián Ridner, CEO of Study.com. “As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, I am proud of how Study.com is transforming how students succeed in the 2026 TOEFL iBT exam; making it personalized and enabling users to practice all TOEFL sections with confidence and detailed feedback.”

“This partnership represents a powerful alignment between two leaders in education innovation,” said Chris Mancini, chief growth officer of Study.com, “Together, we’re expanding access to authentic, high-quality TOEFL preparation worldwide; a collaboration I’m proud to have helped bring to life for the millions of learners whose journeys begin with TOEFL.”

The Official TOEFL Test Prep introduces new task types such as sentence-building, email writing, and interview-style speaking, mirroring the format of the enhanced TOEFL iBT test. These updates ensure students receive an authentic preparation experience with instant feedback and detailed progress analytics across all four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. This enables learners to fine-tune their skills, boosting their confidence and readiness for test day. With over 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries accepting TOEFL iBT scores, this globally recognized test remains a vital component in academic admissions. Through this partnership between ETS and Study.com, students gain access to adaptive, research-backed prep that is fully aligned with the 2026 updates, equipping them with the resources they need for success. For more information about the enhanced TOEFL iBT and Official TOEFL Test Prep,

Panasonic Life Solutions India Marks 10 Years of Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program; Reinforcing Commitment to Education and Empowerment

New Delhi, Nov 20: Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), in the 10th year of its flagship scholarship initiative, Ratti Chhatr, in association with its NGO partner, Buddy4Study India Foundation, has awarded scholarships to 10 students across India.

This year, the program received more than 1,600 applications, out of which 10 students were selected after a comprehensive process involving screening, an online test, and interviews. Since its inception, the initiative has supported over 260 students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing higher education at IITs across the country.

Mr. Tadashi Chiba, MD & CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said, “Welcoming the new batch of Ratti Chhatr scholars, we at Panasonic remain committed to empowering young talent through education. We believe education enables individuals to build a better future and contribute meaningfully to society. We look forward to seeing these students grow and make a positive difference in their chosen fields.”

Ms. Anju Malhotra, General Manager- Factory HR & CSR, added, “Through the Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program, we aim to support deserving students in continuing their academic journey with confidence. By easing their financial challenges, we hope to enable them to focus on learning and personal growth.” 

Over the years, the Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program has become a platform to identify and nurture promising young talent, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to education, empowerment, and nation-building through meaningful CSR initiatives.

Guwahati to host workshop on ‘A–Z of opening a successful school’ on November 23

Guwahati, Nov 20:  Guwahati is set to host a specialised workshop titled “AZ of Opening a Successful School” at Hotel Vivanta on November 23, offering aspiring school founders, trusts and education investors practical guidance on setting up new schools in Assam and the wider North East region.

The session will be led by Amol Arora, Managing Director of the SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD Group of Schools, who has worked with hundreds of school promoters across India. The workshop aims to clarify the operational, academic and administrative processes involved in establishing a school  an area where many first-time promoters often face regulatory and planning challenges.

With growing urbanisation and increasing demand for quality schooling in the region, the programme will discuss the steps involved in starting a school from the ground up. Topics include approvals and compliance requirements, infrastructure planning, admissions strategy, budgeting, branding and academic systems. Participants will also receive a structured 100-point School Launch Checklist intended to simplify the planning process.

Speaking about the workshop, Amol Arora, Managing Director of the SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD Group of Schools said, “Many first-time promoters struggle with navigating approvals, infrastructure norms, admissions and academic planning. This workshop is meant to offer a clear, step-by-step understanding so that they can make informed decisions during the school setup journey.”

He added, “The North East region has seen steady demand for quality schooling, especially in urban centres, where parents are increasingly looking for structured, future-ready education. Many promoters in the region have strong intent but often lack access to technical guidance on approvals, planning and academic systems. This workshop is an attempt to bridge that gap.”

The workshop is open to education entrepreneurs, investors, existing school owners planning expansion and organisations exploring opportunities in the schooling sector. It also aims to offer practical clarity for those navigating the early stages of school planning.

ASCI Hyderabad and Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA signed an MoU

Hyderabad, Nov 20 :The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the College Park Campus, Banjara Hills.

The partnership aims to strengthen professional education in management accounting and enhance global career readiness for students.

Under the MoU, ASCI and IMA will collaborate to:

•  Create awareness about IMA’s global certification programs, including Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate (FMAA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA).
• Develop joint programs and academic activities that provide ASCI students opportunities to pursue these globally recognized professional certifications.
• Organize seminars, conferences, research collaborations, and publications related to accounting, finance, and management accounting.
• Facilitate information sharing on emerging opportunities within the accounting and finance profession.
• Explore additional mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.

IMA will support ASCI through recognition as an IMA-affiliated institution and assist in the College’s application to the IMA Higher Education Endorsement Program. As part of the collaboration, IMA will also provide up to 10 distinguished scholarships annually, based on eligibility criteria and academic guidelines specified by IMA.

ASCI will offer platforms for student engagement and awareness sessions on the IMA certification programs. The Department of Commerce will lead the coordination and monitoring of these initiatives at the campus.

The MoU will remain in force for three years, with the option for renewal on mutually agreed terms. Provisions ensure continuity for students enrolled in ongoing programs even in the event of termination.

The MoU was signed by Dr. N. Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd.), Director General, ASCI, and Mr. Michael DePrisco, President and CEO, IMA.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Nirmalya Bagchi, Dean & Head, CPC, and Director, CMS & PGDM, ASCI, Sunil Deshmukh, CMA, Chair-Emeritus of the IMA Global Board of Directors and Mr. Arindam Ghosh, Country Head, IMA India Pvt. Ltd., along with other faculty members, officers of ASCI, and representatives from IMA.

This strategic agreement highlights ASCI’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and the advancement of specialized education in finance and management accounting.

Established in 1956, ASCI is a premier institution known for developing managerial excellence among corporate managers, administrators, entrepreneurs, and academicians.

IMA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is one of the world’s largest associations dedicated to advancing the management accounting profession, with a global network of about 140,000 members across 150 countries.

ISB Online and Emeritus Launch Digital Marketing and Analytics Programmes, to empower Marketers with AI-Driven Strategies for the Future

The marketing industry is in the midst of its most profound transformation in decades. With the rise of AI in digital marketing, programmatic advertising, and Web 3.0 marketing, customer engagement has shifted from being campaign-led to intelligence-led. Marketers today are navigating ecosystems defined by Generative AI, automation, predictive analytics, and hyper-personalised experiences.

Consumers expect instant, relevant, and seamless interactions, forcing brands to rely on data-driven strategies that go far beyond traditional playbooks. In this rapidly evolving landscape, marketing professionals must rethink their skill sets—not just to keep up with technological change but to lead it.

It’s against this backdrop that ISB Online, the digital learning arm of the Indian School of Business (ISB), in collaboration with Emeritus has rolled out two specialised upskilling pathways: the Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing and the Digital Marketing and Analytics Programme. These programmes are designed to help professionals master the convergence of strategy, data, and technology. With a strong focus on Generative AI, SEO, programmatic advertising, and marketing automation, they equip learners with both strategic vision and hands-on capability.

A defining feature of these programmes is their focus on hands-on, industry-aligned learning.

Participants work on live simulations using Stukent Mimic Pro and Mimic Social—designing, running, and optimising campaigns in real-world scenarios. Case studies from brands like Netflix, Lenovo,

Swatch, and The Honest Company bring complexity and nuance into the classroom. Participants engage in assignments such as;

• Crafting AI-powered SEO strategies and programmatic ad campaigns

• Designing influencer marketing and content strategies

• Building performance marketing funnels

• Allocating and optimising paid media budgets

 To keep pace with evolving digital ecosystems, participants gain hands-on exposure to 25+ marketing tools including Google Analytics, SEMRush, ChatGPT, Claude, Modash, Canva, Hotjar, DALL·E,

Similarweb, DeepSeek and more. Complimentary certifications on Mailmodo and optional credentials in Google Ads and HubSpot further strengthen their technical skill set.

These technical foundations are complemented by live masterclasses on topics such as application of AI and Generative AI in SEO/SEM, copywriting with ChatGPT, display advertising, and influencer  marketing. Sessions led by senior marketing leaders bring market trends and execution strategies to life, ensuring participants don’t just learn the tools, but understand how to use them in fast-moving business contexts.

A Legacy of Impact and Trust ;

Over the years, these digital marketing programmes have evolved into trusted upskilling pathways. What sets these programmes apart is not just the content, it is the transformative learning experience. Learners consistently speak of rigorous learning that sharpens strategic thinking, builds confidence, and turns marketing knowledge into impact. They highlight the balance of foundational concepts with emerging trends, the quality of mentorship, and the immersive, hands-on approach that makes learning practical and immediately applicable.

Many credit these programmes with helping them redefine their professional identity, moving from traditional marketing to data-led, AI-enabled strategies. The sentiment is clear: this isn’t just a digital marketing certificate programme; it’s a catalyst for growth. From deep dives into SEO, social media, and analytics to building real campaigns, learners describe the journey as demanding yet deeply rewarding.

ITM–IHM Highlights Creativity and Culture with Mélange and Elements 2025

Navi Mumbai, Nov 20: ITM Institute of Hotel Management is hosting two major intercollegiate festivals in 2025, bringing together creativity, culture, global cuisines, and exceptional student talent across its Nerul and Oshiwara campuses.

At the Nerul campus, preparations are underway for the flagship annual fest Mélange 2025, scheduled for 28th and 29th November at ITM–IHM, Navi Mumbai. The event continues its tradition of fostering entrepreneurial spirit, culinary innovation, and cultural expression. Over the past seven years, Mélange has provided a platform for young hospitality professionals, and this year’s edition, themed “Cine Munch – Light | Masala | Action,” is expected to be even more immersive. Third-year students will curate fifteen creatively designed food stalls inspired by regional cuisines and iconic Hollywood, Bollywood, and Tollywood films. Each stall will blend flavours, traditions, and cinematic storytelling, creating a vibrant two-day experience enriched by live performances, interactive activities, and diverse culinary showcases.

Meanwhile, ITM–IHM Oshiwara recently concluded Elements 2025; held on the 18th and 19th of November, themed “GLOBETROT: Explore the World with Us.” With a legacy spanning more than twelve years, ELEMENTS continues to draw enthusiastic participation from colleges across the city. Rooted in the elements of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth, the fest encouraged students to explore creativity and global cultural appreciation. This year’s theme transformed the campus into a celebration of world cultures through captivating parades, artistic displays, dynamic performances, and engaging games inspired by traditions across the globe.

“These festivals reflect the passion, creativity, and global spirit of our students, showcasing the future of hospitality in its brightest form,” said Ms. Purva Tadwe, Director & Dean, ITM Skills University.

With Mélange at Nerul and the successful completion of Elements at Oshiwara, ITM–IHM reinforces its commitment to nurturing future leaders in hospitality and tourism by fostering curiosity, innovation, and experiential learning. Sponsorship and marketing collaborations for Mélange 2025 are open, offering partners strong visibility and engagement with a vibrant youth audience.

ITM–IHM welcomes students, faculty, industry partners, media, and the community to join the celebration and support the next generation of hospitality innovators.

Admissions are now open for the 2026 batch at ITM–IHM, inviting aspiring hospitality professionals to be part of an institution that champions creativity, innovation, and experiential learning in the world of hospitality and tourism. Students, faculty, industry partners, media, and the community are encouraged to join the celebration and support the next generation of hospitality innovators

CDSL kicks off Ideathon inviting students to reimagine investor education and engagement for Atmanirbharta

Mumbai, Nov 20th: Central Depository Services (India) Limited (“CDSL”), Asia’s first listed depository and the trusted custodian of over 16.7 crore demat accounts, has launched its first-ever Ideathon, an innovation challenge for students. The Reimagine Ideathon is an initiative under the flagship 3rd Edition of CDSL’s Annual Reimagine Symposium.

The Ideathon aims to engage young innovative minds in designing solutions that transform how India learns, invests, and grows – to make market participation more responsible and inclusive.

The depository ecosystem secures the assets of over 21 crore investor demat accounts. There remains a huge potential to further deepen participation in the securities market and strategically address the barriers preventing citizens from benefitting from this growth story.

Building on similar initiatives by regulators such as SEBI and RBI, CDSL joins the effort to encourage young innovators to contribute their perspectives to bringing more people into the financial fold.

The initiative seeks to democratize market access by enhancing investor education, and conscious and responsible participation at scale. Participants are open to explore solutions utilizing avenues of their choice, whether through gamification, behavioral nudges, communication, design, technology or community-building. The solution should reflect three core principles: Empowerment, Inclusion, and Trust.

“Reimagine Ideathon is a celebration of responsible innovation. In the ever-evolving market landscape, technology serves as a catalyst and flywheel of trust that empowers investors with the right tools and insights. The securities market must be intuitive, inclusive, and accessible to every investor, and this Ideathon reflects CDSL’s commitment to nation building and to strengthening the vision of an Atmanirbhar investor. An educated investor is a protected investor; empowered to make informed decisions that reflect their aspirations. We invite students to participate in shaping that future.” said Mr. Nehal Vora, Managing Director & CEO, CDSL.

The Ideathon will reward innovation and creativity, with a total prize pool of ₹11.5 lakh, including ₹5 lakh for the winning idea, ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh for the runners-up, and ₹75,000 each for the fourth and fifth positions.

Mahindra University and University of Southampton sign MoU to advance global research and academic exchange

Hyderabad/New Delhi, 20 Nov: Mahindra University today has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Southampton, UK, aimed at fostering extensive academic exchange and joint research.

The agreement aims to strengthen international cooperation and create new pathways for innovation, knowledge exchange and global learning.

According to Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, “We are elevating our global presence through strategic international collaborations. We are expanding such partnerships to foster a more diverse academic ecosystem for multidisciplinary learning, facilitate exchange of knowledge and prepare students for an interconnected world.”

The strategic partnership is designed to leverage the strengths of both institutions across multiple disciplines, particularly in Life Sciences and Engineering, to advance and disseminate learning globally.

“The University of Southampton’s deep expertise in life sciences and multidisciplinary research aligns perfectly with our vision for growth. This collaboration will not only accelerate joint research initiatives and encourage faculty mobility but also create opportunities for our students to access advanced laboratories and global research networks,” said Dr Rajinder Singh Chauhan, Professor and Dean, Centre for Life Sciences, Mahindra University.

This partnership promises a bright future for both institutions and the students and faculty involved. Under the MoU, Mahindra University and the University of Southampton will embark on a comprehensive collaboration. This will include the exchange of scientific and technical information, reciprocal visits by students and faculty, joint research and development activities, participation in academic events, and the identification of opportunities for technology commercialisation.

Prof. Amritpal Mudher, Associate Dean (International), School of Life Sciences, University of Southampton said, “We have identified several areas of natural synergy between our institutions, in both research and education. This MoU provides a structured pathway for us to combine our strengths, co-develop programmes, and undertake meaningful research together. We look forward to building a dynamic partnership that delivers tangible academic and scientific outcomes for both universities.”

Highlighting University of Southampton’s focus on the triple helix of research, education and enterprise, Prof. Gilberto Brambilla, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton said, “Our collaboration with Mahindra University reflects this philosophy, with significant overlap in engineering and innovation-driven disciplines. We see this MoU as a promising start to creating long-term value for students, researchers and industry partners across both countries.”

As a part of the partnership, both institutions will jointly develop programmes of cooperation, including advanced research initiatives, interdisciplinary academic activities, and initiatives aligned with global scientific and educational priorities.