Category Archives: Education

Paytm Foundation launches second mobile learning bus to expand digital education in Odisha

Apr 17 (BNP): Paytm Foundation has launched its second “Wisdom on Wheels” mobile learning bus in Odisha, expanding its effort to bring digital and computer education directly to rural and school communities.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The initiative is designed to reach students in remote areas where access to computer labs and digital infrastructure is limited. The specially equipped mobile bus will travel across villages and schools, offering hands-on training in basic computer skills, digital literacy, and financial awareness.

The bus functions as a fully functional mobile classroom, equipped with computers, internet connectivity, and learning tools, allowing students to practice real-world digital skills during sessions.

According to officials, the programme aims to:

• Improve digital literacy among government school students
• Bridge the urban–rural technology gap
• Promote basic coding and computer skills
• Support financial and internet awareness in rural communities

This is the second such bus in Odisha, indicating an expansion of the programme after earlier success in reaching students through mobile learning units.

The initiative was showcased at an event at VSS University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, as part of broader collaborations between industry and educational institutions in the state.

Anant National University Announces Scholarships for UCEED 2026 Rank Holders

Odisha Mandates Odia Language in All Educational Institutions

Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the Odia language will be made compulsory in all schools across the state, reinforcing efforts to strengthen linguistic heritage and cultural identity.

The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the ‘Odia Paksha’ celebrations, highlighting the state government’s focus on promoting the mother tongue among students from an early age.

The Chief Minister stated that the directive will be implemented across all educational institutions in Odisha. As part of the initiative, more than 18,000 copies of Odia Barnabodha and Shishu Lekha Pustak will be distributed to students to deepen their understanding of the language and its cultural significance.

Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening students’ connection with Odia language, literature, and traditions, while ensuring its wider usage in academic learning.

The government also reiterated its commitment to expanding educational infrastructure and promoting inclusive learning through initiatives aligned with national education objectives.

EDII Announces National Entrepreneurship Summer Camps for Youth & Children for 2026

New Delhi, Apr 16: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, a pioneer in the field of entrepreneurship development, education, and training, has been organising national summer camps since 1992. These unique summer camps, organised for children in the age group of 12–16 years and youth aged 16–22 years, aim to imbibe winning skills in them, alongside building an entrepreneurial mindset at an early stage.

This year, the 46th and 47th editions of the camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Stimulation for Children’ will be held from May 3–8 and May 24–29, respectively, at the institute’s campus. Similarly, the 49th and 50th editions of the camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Adventures for Youth’ will be held from May 11–20 and June 1–10, respectively.

• Over the last three decades, through the national summer camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Stimulation for Children’, EDII has provided a platform to help children understand their strengths and weaknesses, develop a growth perspective, and imbibe in them, learning that fosters winning skills. So far, 45 camps have groomed 3,228 children. Participants develop a strong ‘spirit of enterprise and achievement’, enabling them to aim for higher-order success. After the camp, parents receive a comprehensive report on their ward, highlighting personality traits and suggesting future developmental directions.
• Similarly, through its national summer camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Adventures for Youth’, EDII has been developing entrepreneurial traits among youth across the country. A total of 2,100 youth have been trained so far. Participants discover their hidden potential and build capabilities to face future challenges by acquiring entrepreneurial traits such as risk-taking, creative thinking, conflict management, effective communication, teamwork and problem solving. Career counselling is also extended during the camps.

Interactions with achievers and field visits to observe classroom learnings in practice leave a lasting impact on participants of both the camps.

With such focussed, competency-based training, the participants have evolved into high-achieving individuals.

Dr Pankaj Bharti, Faculty at EDII, is the camp leader and can be reached at pbharti@ediindia.org / camps@ediindia.org.

 

IncluEd Shiksha Samvaad Highlights Need for Practical Inclusion in Classrooms

The British School New Delhi Hosts Global Education and Admissions Forum

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The British School New Delhi hosted the first CIS India Institute on International Admission and Guidance from April 10 to 12, 2026.

Organised in collaboration with the Council of International Schools (CIS), the event brought together representatives from over 60 universities across 14 countries, along with 20 schools from India.

The institute served as a platform for interaction between Indian schools and global universities, aiming to strengthen guidance systems and create clearer pathways for students seeking higher education abroad.

Participants discussed international admissions processes, student counselling strategies, and opportunities for expanding global academic collaboration.

Ashoka University’s Economics Professor Kanika Mahajan Receives Prestigious Elizabeth Adiseshiah Award 2026

New Delhi, April 14: Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR, India’s premier institution for interdisciplinary higher education and research, is delighted to share that Kanika Mahajan, Associate Professor of Economics, has been selected for the prestigious Elizabeth Adiseshiah Award 2026 by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust, in recognition of her impactful contributions to development studies. This recognition comes at a significant moment for the Department of Economics at Ashoka University, which has recently been ranked #1 in India by the Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) rankings, reflecting the strength and depth of its research output.

The Elizabeth Adiseshiah Award is conferred annually to a young scholar below the age of 45 for outstanding contributions to development studies. The award carries a citation and a cash prize of INR 1 lakh and is widely regarded as a recognition of impactful research shaping policy and discourse in India’s development landscape. The awardees are selected by a jury of eminent scholars, with the final decision reflecting excellence in research and its contribution to development studies. As part of the honour, Kanika Mahajan will deliver the Elizabeth Adiseshiah Memorial Lecture at the award ceremony scheduled for August 2026.

Kanika Mahajan’s research lies at the intersection of labour economics, firms, and gender, with a strong focus on understanding the structural constraints shaping women’s economic participation in India, as well as firm growth and adaptation in the country. Her widely cited work has examined issues such as declining female labour force participation, wage inequality, and firm adaptation in the face of economic shocks. Her research has been published in leading international journals and has contributed significantly to policy conversations around inclusive growth.

“It is an honour to receive the Elizabeth Adiseshiah Award. It is particularly meaningful given the award’s emphasis on research that engages directly with policy and development challenges. Much of my work has focused on understanding the persistent gaps in women’s participation in India’s labour markets, as well as the factors that can sustain employment growth in the country, issues shaped by both structural constraints and evolving economic opportunities. There is still much to uncover, and I hope this recognition draws greater attention to the need for sustained research in these areas, while also encouraging more women to contribute to the field.”, said Kanika Mahajan, Associate Professor of Economics, Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR.

The Department of Economics at Ashoka University has further institutionalised its commitment to data-driven research and public engagement through the Centre for Economic Data and Analysis (CEDA). CEDA serves as a key platform for enabling informed debate on India’s economic and social landscape by making high-quality data accessible to researchers, policymakers, and the public. Its work spans critical themes such as work and wages, agrarian economy, household economics, and human development, alongside the development of tools like the Economic Enterprise Tracker, which provides integrated insights into India’s formal and informal economy, and publishing of the monthly newsletter, Women and Work, which examines the structures shaping women’s economic realities, mapping women’s participation in the workforce and persistent gaps.

Commenting on the recognition, Ashwini Deshpande, Head of the Department of Economics and Founding Director, Centre for Economic Data and Analysis (CEDA), Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR said,

‘Kanika’s recognition is well-deserved and a source of genuine pride for the Economics Department at Ashoka. Her work exemplifies the kind of rigorous, policy-relevant research that we have always believed economics must aspire to. This award is not just a personal milestone — it reflects the intellectual environment we have collectively worked to build, one that takes empirical questions seriously and engages with the world beyond the seminar room.’

“Ashoka University has been building a culture of rigorous, inquiry-driven research that engages meaningfully with real-world challenges. We place a strong emphasis on academic excellence that is both interdisciplinary and socially relevant. The Economics Department exemplifies this approach through its growing body of high-quality, policy-relevant research and its commitment to advancing data-driven public discourse. Kanika Mahajan’s recognition is a testament to this ethos and this honour is both well deserved and deeply encouraging for the wider academic community” stated Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR.

Together, these developments mark a forward looking moment as Ashoka University continues to expand its academic and research pursuits in the years ahead.

Knowledgeum Academy Hosts Owen Richards at Transcendence 2026 Graduation Ceremony

Bengaluru, Apr 13: Knowledgeum Academy, a premier IB World School, successfully hosted its third annual graduation ceremony, Transcendence 2026 – the beginning of becoming, celebrating the achievements of its International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) cohort. Held near its campus in Jayanagar, the event marked a significant milestone as learners transition from academic excellence to global leadership pathways.

The ceremony underscored the academy’s commitment to delivering a holistic and internationally recognized curriculum, aligned with the IBDP’s mission to nurture independent thinkers equipped to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Distinguished Presence and Global Perspective

The event was graced by Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru, as the Chief Guest. Drawing from his extensive international experience across Geneva, Bucharest, Jakarta, Mumbai, and New Delhi, he shared valuable insights on leadership, values, and global citizenship.

Addressing the graduating class, he said:

“Try not to make a short-term gain at the expense of your values. Staying true to your principles is key to long-term success.”

Visionary Leadership and Academic Excellence

Chenraj Roychand, Founder Chairman – JAIN Group and Founder of Knowledgeum Academy, also attended the ceremony, reflecting on the deeper purpose of education.

“The most important life lessons come through experience, reflection, and resilience. What you have gained here is not just education, but a way of thinking,” he said.

Backed by the legacy of the JAIN Group, Knowledgeum Academy has emerged as a leading IB institution in Bengaluru, known for its experiential, project-based, and learner-centric approach.

Strong Academic Outcomes and Global University Placements

Continuing its tradition of excellence, the Class of 2026 has secured early admissions to leading global and national institutions, including:

• University of San Francisco
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Sydney
• Ashoka University
• Krea University
• FLAME University

These outcomes reflect the academy’s robust university guidance framework and focus on strategic profile building tailored to each learner’s aspirations.

A Learner-Centric Educational Ecosystem

Knowledgeum Academy continues to offer a personalized learning environment, characterized by small class sizes, IB-trained educators, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking, inquiry, and global awareness.

As Transcendence 2026 concluded, the graduating cohort stepped forward as confident, future-ready individuals, prepared to make meaningful contributions on a global stage.

EduBlock Pro Wins Tech Award in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Apr 13 (BNP): EduBlock Pro, a blockchain-based examination management platform developed by Antier Solutions, has been honoured by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Incubation Center, Mohali, at TiECON Chandigarh 2026.

The award recognises the platform’s contribution to building secure and tamper-proof digital examination systems aimed at improving transparency and integrity in academic assessments.

The recognition was presented by the Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, and received by Vikram Raj Singh, CEO and Founder of Antier Solutions, during a formal ceremony.

EduBlock Pro is designed to strengthen examination infrastructure using blockchain technology, ensuring data security and reducing the risk of manipulation in digital testing systems.

Hungary Emerges as a Rising European Destination for Indian Students – One of the most prominent universities in Hungary focuses on Indian student

One of the most prominent universities in Hungary focuses on Indian students

Apr 11: Europe’s higher education landscape is being quietly but decisively reshaped. As traditional study destinations face growing saturation and rising costs, an increasing number of Indian students are turning their attention towards Central Europe as a region offering strong academic ecosystems, internationally recognised qualifications, and expanding research opportunities. Within this evolving map of global student mobility, Hungary has begun to stand out with particular clarity, especially in engineering, applied sciences, and technology-driven disciplines.

The numbers reflect this momentum. Across Europe, around 90,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in higher education, a figure that has grown by nearly 80 per cent over the past five years. Hungary’s position within this broader trend is becoming increasingly visible: in 2023–24, approximately 1,127 Indian students were studying in Hungarian universities, placing India among the country’s top ten source nations for international enrolment. With English-taught programmes, EU-accredited degrees, comparatively moderate living costs, and a stable, secure environment, Hungary is emerging as a compelling destination for Indian families seeking both quality and value.

At the heart of this shift stands Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Hungary’s leading institution for engineering and technology. The university continues to consolidate its standing internationally: BME came in 246th, improving its position by one place compared to the previous list, while maintaining its 12th place in the Eastern European region in the widely acknowledged latest QS European rankings, compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, a global university ranking organisation.

The growth of the Indian student community at BME has been particularly striking. In the 2015/16 academic year, the university enrolled only 15 students from India; by 2024/25, this number had risen to 89 full-time Indian students – a nearly six-fold increase in less than a decade. The demographic profile mirrors global STEM patterns, with 77 per cent male and 23 per cent female students. Crucially, the expansion has been matched by strong academic outcomes: since 2016, 96 Indian students have graduated successfully from BME, including eight PhD recipients, underscoring the university’s ability not only to attract talent but also to support students through to high-level degree completion.

“My BME degree has given me a strong technical foundation, international exposure, and research experience, preparing me to work in global engineering environments and tackle sustainability, structural and infrastructure challenges,” says recent BME graduate Salman Ali.

BME’s appeal lies in its distinctive integration of education, research, and innovation. The university’s mission extends beyond classroom teaching into the full innovation chain, encompassing fundamental and applied research, technological development, and the real-world application of scientific results. Its academic strengths align closely with strategic global priorities shared by Europe and Asia alike: digital transformation, sustainable energy systems, industrial innovation, and the engineering foundations of the green transition. For Indian students, this translates into an environment where theoretical excellence is inseparable from hands-on research engagement and industry relevance.

As Vice Rector for Internationalisation András Nemeslaki notes, “Indian students contribute significantly to the academic and cultural life of our university. Their strong presence in engineering and technology programmes reflects BME’s strengths and the global relevance of our degrees.” This relevance is reinforced by the university’s expanding international profile: BME currently offers 13 bachelor’s, 24 master’s and 11 doctoral programmes in English, supported by Budapest’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and reputation as one of Europe’s safest capitals.

Among the programmes drawing the strongest interest from Indian applicants, the BSc and MSc in Computer Science Engineering stand out as particularly strategic choices. At undergraduate level, the Computer Science Engineer BSc is designed to train engineers capable of developing solutions across a wide spectrum – from advanced web services and artificial intelligence-based applications to high-reliability industrial software systems. With a rigorous theoretical foundation and early opportunities for specialisation in Software Engineering or Infocommunication, students graduate prepared for both high-impact employment and advanced academic pathways.

The MSc in Computer Engineering deepens this trajectory further. Structured around independent work, research and development projects, and a mandatory industrial or faculty-based placement, the programme reflects the expectations of a global technology labour market increasingly shaped by AI, data infrastructure, and complex software ecosystems. Graduates are positioned either to enter competitive international careers or to continue into doctoral research – a route already taken by a growing number of Indian alumni at BME.

Hungary’s strengthening ties with India provide an additional layer of strategic context. Economic cooperation has intensified, with bilateral trade exceeding one billion euros in 2023 and major Indian companies such as Tata Consultancy Services, Motherson, and Apollo establishing significant operations in Hungary. More than fifty Indian firms now employ over ten thousand people in the country, creating an industrial environment in which internationally trained engineers are in rising demand. Student interest is accelerating accordingly: in 2023, a record 2,400 Indian applicants competed for 200 Hungarian scholarships.

Against this backdrop, Hungary – and BME in particular – is increasingly recognised as a serious European hub for Indian talent: academically rigorous, research-driven, internationally connected, and positioned at the intersection of education and innovation. As Europe and India move toward deeper cooperation in trade, technology, and mobility, institutions such as BME are becoming platforms for long-term global engineering careers.