3, Sep 2026
NMIMS SoBA Celebrates Academic Achievements at 2026 Degree Ceremony
Mumbai, Sep 3: The School of Branding & Advertising (SoBA), SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University) celebrated the graduating BBA (Branding & Advertising) cohort at its Degree Distribution Ceremony 2026, bringing together students, faculty, parents and industry leaders to mark an important milestone in the students’ journey from the classroom to the professional world.
The ceremony was graced by Shashi Sinha, veteran advertising and media leader and former Chairman & CEO of IPG Mediabrands, who brings nearly four decades of experience in shaping India’s advertising and media ecosystem. A recipient of the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2023, Sinha has held key leadership positions across the industry and continues to engage with the evolving marketing landscape.
Speaking about the growing influence of AI and technology in advertising, Sinha highlighted the need to balance technological capabilities with human emotion, referring to the idea of “Heart and Science.” He encouraged the students to stay connected to life and culture, noting that advertising ultimately draws from the world around us. He also emphasised collaboration, pointing out that bringing together different people, experiences and perspectives can lead to stronger ideas and solutions.
The ceremony witnessed the presentation of degrees and scrolls to the graduating students, with Dr. Kiran Desai, Director, NMIMS School of Branding & Advertising, in attendance. The Dean’s List, SoBA Excellence Awards and Faculty Awards were also presented, recognising students and faculty members for their academic and overall excellence.
Dr. Kiran Desai, Director, NMIMS School of Branding & Advertising, said, “Our learning design aims to inspire all young dreamers who want to follow their dreams. We go beyond traditional knowledge delivery by integrating practical and experiential learning into every course. This approach cultivates the development of strategically sound, innovative and relevant media elements that are instrumental in crafting successful brand campaigns.”
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of “The Decision Point – Marketing Dilemmas for the Boardroom and the Classroom”, a book that explores contemporary marketing challenges and decision-making. Shashi Sinha unveiled the book alongside its editors, Dr. Kiran Desai, Director, NMIMS School of Branding & Advertising, and Dr. Rishika Bhojwani, Assistant Professor, NMIMS SoBA.
The event reflected SoBA’s commitment to bridging academic learning with industry perspectives, providing students with the knowledge, skills and exposure to navigate the evolving landscape of advertising, branding and communications.
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- By Neel Achary
2, Sep 2026
Ariel University Celebrates First Graduates of English-Language International Medical Sciences Program
Inaugural International Medical Sciences class graduates alongside students from Ariel University’s established Hebrew-language program, as the Adelson School of Medicine later celebrates its third M.D. graduating class
Ariel University has celebrated the first graduating class of its English-language International Medical Sciences (Pre-Med) B.Sc. program, as part of a day of graduation ceremonies highlighting the University’s growing strength in medical sciences and physician education.
The first ceremony brought together graduates of Ariel University’s established Hebrew-language Medical Sciences (Pre-Med) B.Sc. program and the inaugural graduating class of its English-language International Medical Sciences program.
Launched in 2022, the three-year English-language program was developed from Ariel University’s established Hebrew-language program. Introduced as Israel’s first three-year English-language International Pre-Med B.Sc. program, it was created to provide English-speaking students from Israel and around the world with a rigorous medical-sciences education in Israel.
For the International Medical Sciences students, this year’s graduation carries a particular significance: they are the first cohort to complete the English-language program.
The program provides students with a broad scientific foundation spanning the basic sciences, biological sciences and pre-clinical medical disciplines, while also incorporating research, behavioural and social sciences.
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree and can pursue a range of pathways, including further medical studies, advanced degrees and careers in medical research, biotechnology and clinical research.
Prof. Izhak Michaelevski, Academic Director of the International Pre-Med Academic Program at Ariel University:
“There is something particularly meaningful about seeing the first graduates of a program that began as a vision only a few years ago. These students chose to be pioneers. They placed their trust in a new English-language academic pathway and, today, they leave Ariel University with the scientific foundation to take their next steps in medicine, research and the life sciences.”
“Our ambition was never simply to translate an existing degree into English. We wanted to create an international academic environment that combines rigorous medical science, research, critical thinking and preparation for the rapidly changing world of modern medicine. Our first graduating class demonstrates what that vision can achieve.”
Later that day, in a separate graduation ceremony, the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson School of Medicine celebrated the third graduating class of its M.D. program, as another cohort of Ariel University-trained physicians completed their medical studies.
The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson School of Medicine offers a four-year M.D. program for bachelor’s-degree graduates, combining basic and clinical medicine with an emphasis on areas including personalised medicine, digital medicine, molecular biology, human genetics and evidence-based decision-making.
Together, Ariel University’s established Hebrew-language Medical Sciences (Pre-Med) B.Sc. program, its English-language International Medical Sciences (Pre-Med) B.Sc., and the Adelson School of Medicine’s four-year M.D. program reflect the University’s growing strength across medical sciences, medical research and physician education.
For the pioneering graduates of the English-language program, however, this year’s ceremony will always carry a special distinction: They were the first
25, Aug 2026
Over 30 CFOs and Big Four Leaders Join Simandhar Education–LPU Initiative to Shape the Future of Finance and AI
The engagement focused on the changing nature of the finance and accounting profession, with discussions around the impact of AI, evolving industry requirements and the importance of developing globally relevant skills. The initiative also provided students with greater exposure to professional pathways and career opportunities across the global finance and accounting ecosystem.
“The convergence of technology, academia and industry is increasingly important in preparing students for the future of work. At LPU, we are committed to creating opportunities that allow students to engage with industry leaders, understand emerging technologies and gain exposure to evolving career pathways.”
“At Simandhar Education, we believe that the future of finance will be shaped by professionals who can combine strong technical knowledge with an understanding of technology and global business practices.“Our engagement with LPU provides an opportunity to bring these conversations closer to students and help them understand how professional qualifications, industry exposure and emerging technologies are influencing finance careers. We are pleased to work alongside LPU in creating greater awareness of the opportunities available to students in the evolving global finance ecosystem.”
“As artificial intelligence continues to reshape finance and accounting, professionals need to look beyond traditional technical knowledge and develop a broader understanding of technology, analytics and business. Professional certifications can play an important role in helping students build specialised capabilities and align their knowledge with global industry expectations. We are pleased to support initiatives that give students greater awareness of these evolving opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven finance ecosystem.”
20, Aug 2026
16,000 Scholarships in Focus at Shiksharatan India Foundation Training Programme
New Delhi, August 20, 2026
Shiksharatan India Foundation, Gurugram, organised a one-day training programme on education and scholarships at the H.K.S. Auditorium, Inderjit Gupta Marg, Delhi. Trainees from around 20 states participated in the programme.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of SC/ST. Addressing the trainees, Dr. Kulaste said quality education is essential for securing a better future for children. He said scholarships can provide important support to students from economically weaker families and help them continue their higher education.
Dr. Kulaste appreciated Shiksharatan India Foundation’s initiative to provide 16,000 scholarships. He said scholarships give students an opportunity to continue their studies and develop their potential. He also said that greater participation from the government, industry, donors and social organisations can help connect more students with educational opportunities through scholarships.
During the programme, Mr. Satish Kumar, Founding Member of the Foundation, briefed participants about the organisation’s work and its scholarship campaign. He said the Foundation is conducting a national-level examination for meritorious students from economically weaker sections and is working towards providing 16,000 scholarships to top-ranking students.
He said the Foundation is also focusing on skill development and mentorship along with scholarships. It is also undertaking an initiative to recognise schools, educational institutions, principals and teachers for their contribution to education at the national level. The Foundation said the participation of parents, teachers and educational institutions is essential for the success of the campaign.
Mr. Somjibhai Damor, former Member of Parliament and National President, Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad, and Ms. Mayatai Ewnate, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, also addressed the trainees.
During the programme, Mr. Shankar Lal Bodat, National Vice-President of the Parishad, shared details of the organisation’s activities. He said the organisation runs four colleges and 38 secondary and higher secondary schools. He added that it has organised 16 national-level conferences so far, covering issues related to the constitutional rights of tribal communities as well as water, forests, land, education, healthcare, agriculture and employment.
Mr. K.C. Ghumaria, State President, Rajasthan Branch, and Mr. Lukkibhau Jadhav, National President, Youth Wing, also addressed the trainees. Both appreciated Shiksharatan India Foundation’s scholarship initiative and emphasised the need to take the campaign to more students.
During the programme, speakers suggested creating separate groups of urban and rural students for the scholarship initiative. They said this approach could help ensure that more students from both areas benefit from the campaign.
At the conclusion of the programme, Mr. Satish Kumar thanked Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste and all the guests, trainees, students, teachers and other associates for their participation and support. He also thanked members of the media for their cooperation in making the programme a success.
20, Aug 2026
University of Houston Biologists Awarded Nearly $1M NSF Grant to Study How Mutation Rates Evolve
Multi-institutional Research Could Offer Insights into Cancer Progression, Antibiotic Resistance
HOUSTON, Aug. 20 — A nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation will allow University of Houston researchers to investigate how mutation rates evolve across species — work that could offer critical insights into cancer progression and antibiotic resistance.
Over the next four years, UH professors and evolutionary biologists Ricardo Azevedo and Rebecca Zufall, alongside scientists Maurine Neiman from the University of Iowa and Stephen Wright from the University of Toronto, will examine how an organism’s reproductive mode — whether sexual, asexual or self-pollinating — alters the speed at which its DNA mutates. This mutation rate dictates how quickly species can adapt to changing environments.
Supported by a combined $2.08 million in total NSF funding across partner institutions, the multi-institutional project builds on previous research by Azevedo and Zufall that found Tetrahymena, microscopic single-celled freshwater organisms, has the lowest mutation rate ever recorded. The discovery provides a foundation for the researchers’ next question: what determines how quickly mutation rates evolve across different organisms and reproductive systems?
“This collaboration is really powerful because we have three empiricists who work on these three different systems, and then Ricardo is the theoretician and modeler,” Zufall said. “We won’t only focus on the outcome of our specific species. We want to find broad patterns that underlie how populations evolve across all of life.”
Researchers from the two other institutions will examine snails and mustard plants, respectively, with the UH team focusing on Tetrahymena. By comparing closely related organisms within each group that differ primarily in their mode of reproduction, the researchers can isolate the exact impact reproduction has on mutation rates without interference from other biological variables.
“If we understand how mutation rates evolve, potentially, we’re helping understand evolution more broadly in all kinds of systems — from cancer to the evolution of antibiotic resistance or drug resistance in active infections,” said Azevedo, the grant’s principal investigator. “That’s something that has a lot of practical, interesting applications.”
Azevedo noted that cancer cells inside growing tumors reproduce asexually and often elevate their mutation rates, enabling them to adapt quickly and resist treatment. And although the project is driven by basic science rather than immediate clinical applications, understanding mutation rate mechanics addresses fundamental questions in medical research and overall human adaptation and survival.
20, Aug 2026
University of Houston Awarded $3.8M Grant to Expand Access for Prediabetes Prevention
HOUSTON, Aug. 20 – The University of Houston has received a $3.8 million award from the National Institutes of Health to launch a five-year study evaluating whether continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can be an effective and accessible tool for preventing or delaying progression to Type 2 diabetes among underserved populations.
With an estimated 115 million U.S. adults living with prediabetes, researchers and clinicians from UH Health, the University’s academic health enterprise, will work with community partners to test how CGMs can be used as an effective and accessible tool for preventing Type 2 diabetes.
“This is not just about rolling out new technology—it’s about putting an actionable diabetes prevention tool in the hands of people who have historically had limited access to these advances,” said Lola Adepoju, leader of the study and executive director of the Humana Integrated Health Systems Science Institute at UH. “As diabetes care continues to advance, we have an opportunity to close some of these access gaps and make sure people who could benefit most aren’t the last ones to gain access.”
Turning Real-Time Data into Action
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 80% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have the condition, potentially missing a critical window to make changes that could prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. Even after diagnosis, the challenge is turning that diagnosis into action. CGMs provide a real-time window into how blood sugar responds throughout the day, helping patients better understand how their daily habits affect their health.
“CGMs help patients connect everyday choices — what they eat, how much they move and how well they sleep — with what’s happening inside their bodies,” Adepoju said. “That feedback is immediate and personal, which can give people the information and motivation they need to make healthier choices before prediabetes progresses to Type 2 diabetes.”
Researchers will examine whether those insights translate into measurable health improvements. The study will track changes in blood sugar awareness, health behaviors and HbA1c, a key measure of glucose control, as well as whether participants return to normal glucose levels or delay progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Expanding Access Through Community Health
Even as CGMs become more widely available, cost remains a significant barrier for some people. The devices are not typically covered by insurance for prediabetes, and while some are now available over the counter, the out-of-pocket costs can still prevent patients who could benefit from the technology from getting it.
Adepoju’s team hopes to close that gap by working with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community partners to broaden access to CGMs, while training community health workers to help patients understand and use the technology effectively.
“If this study is successful, prediabetes care could become more proactive and accessible, combining earlier intervention, effective technology and ongoing support tailored to each patient’s needs,” Adepoju said. “We also hope to show insurers and policymakers the value of covering CGMs for people with prediabetes, particularly those who may not be able to afford these devices on their own.”
The focus on prevention, technology and community-based care also makes the study a natural fit for the UH Health mission.
“This study reflects exactly what UH Health is about — bringing together researchers, clinicians and community partners to turn new ideas into better health and healthcare,” said Dr. Jonathan McCullers, vice president for health affairs at UH and dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. “By pairing innovative research and technology with community-based care, we have an opportunity to improve how we prevent chronic disease while expanding access to the tools that can help people live healthier lives.”
17, Aug 2026
Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College Expands Clinical & Research Infrastructure in Modinagar
Modinagar, Aug 17: Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital has expanded its clinical training, research and integrated healthcare ecosystem with strengthened OPD infrastructure, specialised Ayurveda clinics, Panchakarma facilities and research-oriented academic initiatives aimed at supporting growing demand for Ayurveda education and holistic healthcare learning in North India.
The expansion comes amid rising student interest in evidence-based Ayurveda education and increasing patient demand for integrated and preventive healthcare systems. Ranked No. 1 in UP AYUSH Counselling for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, the institution has continued strengthening its academic and clinical ecosystem through practical learning infrastructure, patient-centric training and community healthcare engagement.
Located within the larger DJ Group of Institutions healthcare campus in Modinagar, the institution currently operates a 100+ bedded teaching hospital supported by active OPD and IPD facilities, a dedicated Panchakarma centre and more than 10 specialised clinics focused on areas including skin diseases, joint disorders, pediatric care and lifestyle disorders. The institution currently records over 200 OPD patient visits daily, enabling broader clinical exposure and hands-on learning opportunities for Ayurveda students. The college also continues conducting regular medical outreach and free health camps across rural and urban communities as part of its preventive healthcare initiatives.
Speaking on the expansion, Mr Rhitik Jassar, Chairman, DJ Group of Institutions and Jassar Dental Medical Education Health Foundation, said,
“India is witnessing growing global recognition for Ayurveda and holistic healthcare systems, making it important for educational institutions to strengthen clinical exposure, research capabilities and modern learning infrastructure. At Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, our focus remains on building an integrated ecosystem where traditional Ayurvedic knowledge is supported by scientific learning, patient-centric training, innovation and community healthcare engagement. We remain committed to preparing future Ayurveda professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to both Indian and global healthcare systems.”
Dr. Sharada, Principal, Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, said,
“Quality Ayurveda education is built on the integration of strong academic foundations with extensive clinical exposure and research-oriented learning. At Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, we are continuously strengthening our academic ecosystem through faculty development, research initiatives, practical training and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, enabling students to develop the knowledge, clinical competence and professional skills required to contribute effectively to the evolving healthcare landscape.”As part of its ongoing academic and research expansion, the institution has strengthened its skill-development and research ecosystem through CME programmes, seminars, workshops, institutional collaborations and exposure visits to premier institutions including the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. The institution is also expanding collaborative learning initiatives, research-oriented academic frameworks and innovation-led activities aimed at strengthening practical healthcare education and industry exposure for students.
Established in 2017, with its associated hospital founded in 2012, the institution offers a 5.5-year BAMS programme approved by NCISM and affiliated to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University. The academic ecosystem is supported by over 110 faculty members, 14 specialised Ayurveda departments, digital learning systems, advanced laboratories, herbal gardens and dedicated student mentorship initiatives focused on continuous academic and clinical development.
With over 500 graduates placed across hospitals, wellness centres and healthcare organisations including Yashoda Hospital, Felix Hospital, Patanjali, Sri Sri Tattva and IMS BHU, the institution continues strengthening its position as a growing centre for Ayurveda education, clinical learning and integrated healthcare training in North India.
15, Aug 2026
NHAI Opens Applications for 2026-27 Winter and 2027 Term Internship Programmes
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened applications for its Winter Internship Programme 2026-27 and Term Internship Programme 2027, offering students an opportunity to gain practical experience through live projects in India’s national highway development ecosystem.
The one-month Winter Internship will run between December 2026 and January 2027, while the six-month Term Internship is scheduled from January to June 2027. Students will have some flexibility to select their preferred duration within the prescribed internship period, taking into account different academic calendars.
NHAI has identified 541 positions for the Winter Internship and 542 positions for the Term Internship. Interns will be placed across 125 ongoing National Highway projects, as well as various divisions of NHAI and the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL).
The programme will give students exposure to areas including highway planning and construction, operations and maintenance, asset management, road safety, legal affairs, finance, media and other functions. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced NHAI professionals.
The programme is open to eligible pre-final and final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students from recognised institutions in India and abroad. Disciplines covered include engineering, computer science, IT, AI and data science, law, journalism and mass communication, human resources, finance and marketing, among others.
To encourage participation from leading technical institutions, 100 seats have been reserved for IIT students and 150 for students from NITs. Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 and a certificate after successfully completing the programme.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the NHAI Internship Portal. Students are required to provide their academic details, indicate internship preferences and, where applicable, specify preferred project locations. Applications will subsequently be verified and recommended by the respective institutions.
The last date for students to apply is October 20, 2026, while institutes are required to complete their recommendations by November 10, 2026.
The internship initiative is part of NHAI’s broader effort to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and develop a skilled talent pool for India’s expanding highway and infrastructure sector. By combining academic learning with exposure to live infrastructure projects, the programmes are expected to give students a practical understanding of one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors.
15, Aug 2026
Jason Prevelige Named Director of Sacred Heart University’s Doctor of Medical Science Program
FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University has appointed Jason Prevelige founding program director of its Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) program.
Prevelige, a Sacred Heart alum and longtime educator, returns to the University with more than 17 years of clinical experience and a distinguished record of leadership in physician associate (PA) education, health care advocacy, and professional organizations. As founding program director, he will provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the University’s newly established post-professional doctoral program, overseeing its launch, curriculum, faculty, assessment, and continued growth.
Before joining Sacred Heart full time, Prevelige played an integral role in developing the University’s physician associate studies program, serving on its founding advisory committee, developing the pediatric curriculum, and teaching pediatrics and emergency medicine since the program’s inaugural cohort. He also helped shape the foundation of the Doctor of Medical Science program alongside colleagues Reynold Jaglal, director of the physician associate studies program and Eric Nemec, clinical professor and director of research, assessment, and program development.
Throughout his career, Prevelige has practiced emergency medicine as well as pediatric hospital medicine, neonatology, and urgent care. He has held health care leadership positions for more than a decade and most recently served as assistant medical director in emergency medicine at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Nationally, he completed a three-year leadership succession culminating in his term as president and chair of the board of the American Academy of Physician Associates. He also served two terms as president of the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates and continues to chair its legislative committee.
“Dr. Prevelige is a visionary leader whose expertise spans academia, clinical practice, and national professional leadership,” said Karl Minges, dean of the College of Health Professions. “I am confident he will build a distinctive and innovative D.M.Sc. program that empowers physician associates to advance their careers and lead in an increasingly complex health care environment. We are excited to welcome him to Sacred Heart University and look forward to the impact he will have on our students and the profession.”
In a question-and-answer session, Prevelige discussed what drew him back to Sacred Heart University, his vision for the D.M.Sc. program, and how his experiences have prepared him to lead the University’s newest doctoral program.
What attracted you to Sacred Heart University and the D.M.Sc. program?
When the Doctor of Medical Science program was proposed, I was honored to be asked and jumped at the opportunity to assist my colleagues, Drs. Reynold Jaglal and Eric Nemec, in shaping the foundation of the program. When the position of program director was open, it seemed natural for me to apply. I feel now that I have come full circle in my SHU journey and am so thrilled to once again return in such a significant capacity to SHU.
What excites you most about leading the program?
While something new and different can be scary, it can also be exciting. For me, the opportunity to develop a world-class program, built for PAs who are looking for that next step in advancing their knowledge base and career, is an incredible one. I have had a variety of experiences, including my own education, that I am bringing with me, and to take the best of those experiences and share them with others is so unique and does not happen every day!
How have your previous experiences prepared you for this role?
I have been so fortunate in my career that I have been surrounded by phenomenal leaders who have mentored, supported, and helped shape my journey. After my PA education at Quinnipiac University, I quickly became involved in our state’s professional organization, the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates. I have held a variety of roles, including two terms as president, and I continue to serve as the chair of the legislative committee. That work has provided me the opportunity to help shape health care and health care education in our state through advocacy efforts that have included authoring and amending language that later became law and working closely with our state’s legislators.
That eventually led to my service to our national organization, the American Academy of Physician Associates, where I first served in the House of Delegates, which is the policy making body for the Academy, later as a director at large, and most recently was elected president and chair of the board of directors, with my term just ending June 30.
In that role I had the amazing opportunity to travel across the country and internationally where I engaged PAs, physicians, nurses, and other health care leaders. I advocated for patients and PAs at the federal level and even internationally, had the opportunity to engage the national media and do my part to shape health care in different ways.
Along the way I completed an MBA at Quinnipiac, and my own Doctor of Medical Science at University of the Pacific.
What do you hope students gain from their experience in the program?
I hope to see our students find their own areas of personal growth. My own doctoral education helped me to grow as a leader as I self-reflected, but my own education also grew my network which is where opportunities in leadership often come from. I want to help our students achieve their goals in life by enhancing their already solid foundations with new areas of focus that will allow them to provide even better patient care through a stronger ability to advocate, to lead teams, to educate the health care providers of tomorrow.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the program?
The opportunities for this program are endless in my opinion. With our SHU Dingle campus, there is an incredible opportunity to expose our students to international models of health care to help inform their work in our system. At the same time, there is opportunity to provide our education to international PAs and carry the SHU mission further abroad. I see the ability to grow relationships, not just among classmates in the program, but between our doctoral students and our PA students so we can create bonds between our PAs of today, with our PAs of tomorrow. Through the Doctoral Capstone, our students will have the ability to make real change in their workplaces, in the literature and in health care.
14, Aug 2026
NITI Aayog Consults Stakeholders on Transforming Vocational Education in Schools
New Delhi, August 14, 2026: NITI Aayog organised a stakeholder consultation on “Transforming Vocational Education in India: Vocational Education in Schools”, chaired by Dr. Joram Aniya, Member, NITI Aayog, with the objective of strengthening the integration of vocational learning into school education.
The consultation brought together representatives from the Department of School Education & Literacy and other stakeholders to discuss ways to make vocational education more relevant, accessible and aligned with the changing requirements of the economy and labour market.
The discussions focused on improving the delivery of vocational education at the school level, strengthening links between education and employment, and creating greater opportunities for students to acquire practical and industry-relevant skills alongside academic learning.
The consultation also underlined the importance of closer coordination among policymakers, educational institutions, industry and skill-development organisations. Such collaboration can help ensure that vocational programmes reflect emerging opportunities and equip young people with skills needed for the future of work.
The initiative is in line with India’s broader efforts to build a more flexible and skills-oriented education system, where vocational pathways are integrated into mainstream schooling rather than being treated as an alternative to academic education. NITI Aayog’s ongoing work on education and skills seeks to support policy approaches that can contribute to a more capable and future-ready workforce.
