Category Archives: Education

Tier 3 College Grads Thrive at Zoho, Apple, NVIDIA, Say “Anyone Can Be a Tech Rockstar”

Over one‑third of Zoho, Apple and NVIDIA employees come from Tier 3 colleges, proving that “anyone can become a tech rockstar”

India, 22nd October, 2025: While elite college names still open doors, a new survey by Blind, the anonymous community app for verified professionals, shows that they are no longer the golden ticket many assume. According to the survey of 1,602 Indian professionals conducted between September 17–24, 2025, graduates from lesser-known ‘Tier 3’ colleges comprise over one-third of the workforce at top global tech firms like Zoho, Apple, and NVIDIA.

Colleges were grouped into four tiers based on National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025: Tier 1 (IITs, IISc, top IIMs, BITS Pilani), Tier 2 (NITs, DTU, Jadavpur University, and similar), and Tier 3 (other state or private universities), with an additional category for overseas institutions.

While traditional financial firms still place value on college names, major tech firms tend to prioritize skills. At companies like Zoho, Apple, NVIDIA, SAP, and PayPal, where many respondents said college had no influence on their careers, an average of 34% of surveyed employees were Tier 3 graduates.

In contrast, traditional financial and other tech firms such as Goldman Sachs, Visa, Atlassian, Oracle, and Google still rely heavily on campus hiring. Yet even there, an average of 18% of respondents came from Tier 3 colleges. The message is clear: in today’s job market, talent speaks louder than your alma mater.

How people judged the importance of pedigree often reflected their own backgrounds. While the vast majority of Tier 1 and Tier 2 alumni agreed that campus recruitment shaped their careers more than any other factor, 59% of Tier 3 graduates and 45% of overseas graduates said their college was no more than another line on a résumé.

When asked about salary, only 15% of Tier 3 alumni reported a strong benefit from their education; 74% said it helped only early on or not at all. More than half of overseas graduates (53%) also felt college had little or no effect on their earnings.

These findings align with global trends. A recent Forbes analysis notes that 90% of companies see better hiring outcomes when they prioritise skills over degrees, describing the rise of skills‑based hiring as a “fundamental transformation”. For Indian professionals from lower-ranked universities, it’s proof that global tech careers are no longer out of reach, as long as they can demonstrate relevant skills.

A Salesforce professional who noted that they’ve taken over 300 interviews shared their observation on Blind: “In general, people from IIT/IIIT/NIT do better in the interviews…50% of the screened candidates from IIT/IIIT/NIT usually end up getting an offer. The other lot, the success rate is around 20%.” Yet a Goldman Sachs employee emphasized that opportunity is not closed off to others: “Companies aren’t just looking at IITs anymore, they’re hunting grads from small towns and Tier 3 colleges. They’re literally betting that with some training, anyone can become a tech rockstar.” 

Methodology

Blind surveyed 1,602 verified Indian professionals via its app between September 17 and 24, 2025, to examine how college background influences career outcomes.

Questions asked:

• Which category best describes your college?
  • Tier 1 – IITs, IISc, top IIMs, BITS Pilani, etc. (41%)
  • Tier 2 – NITs, DTU, Jadavpur, other leading state/private universities (30%)
  • Tier 3 – Other Indian state or private universities (25%)
  • Overseas university outside India (4%)

• Which opportunity from your college has had the greatest impact on your career?
  • Campus placement (49%)
  • Strong entry into tech roles (13%)
  • Access to global career opportunities (5%)
  • Higher starting salary (7%)
  • None of the above, it’s just another line on my CV (26%)

• How much has your education affected your salary?
  • Strong – Major factor in salary offers and growth (36%)
  • Moderate – Other factors matter equally (19%)
  • Slight – Helped early, but performance counts more (25%)
  • None – No link to salary (20%)

Colleges were grouped into four categories based on the NIRF 2025 university ranking, which lists the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru first, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE):

• Tier 1 includes perennial top performers like the IITs, IISc, top IIMs and BITS Pilani.
• Tier 2 covers reputable institutions such as NITs, DTU, and Jadavpur.
• Tier 3 consists of all other state or private universities in India.
• A separate category for overseas institutions.

Breakdowns by tier, company, and detailed response ratios can be found in the accompanying data sheet: full dataset

Legacy, Grace and Grandeur Converge as Welham Girls’ School Observes 68th Founders’ Day

Dehradun, 20th October 2025: Welham Girls’ School, the premier legacy all-girls school in Dehradun, came alive with joy and nostalgia on its 68th Founders’ Day as faculty, students and alumnae commemorated the founding visionaries Miss Hersilia Susie Oliphant and Miss Grace Mary Linnell, who took the brave step of laying the foundation of an all-girls school way back in 1957 to shape confident and compassionate young women. A vibrant two-day programme celebrated the essence of its thriving legacy while embracing the exciting promise of tomorrow in a joyful confluence of learning, creativity, and achievement.  

The festivities began with the Annual Sports Meet, which saw the school grounds coming alive with spirited displays of athletics, track events, karate, and aerobics, reflecting Welham’s deep commitment to physical fitness and holistic education. Students who had excelled in sports, including several state, national, and international medallists, were felicitated for their achievements in the concluding Prize Distribution Ceremony.

Gracing the sports meet as the Chief Guest was Sonya Philip, Founder and CEO of Learning Matters and an alumna from the Batch of 1975.  She commended the school for nurturing well-rounded individuals  who pursue excellence with empathy and integrity.

This edition of the Founders’ Day was special as the Class of 1975 marked their Golden Jubilee year and the Class of 2000 their Silver Jubilee year. It called for endless laughter, talks, and reliving that Welham feeling once more that continues to bind all who have lived it.

The main Founders’ Day programme had Ambassador Gaitri Issar Kumar, former High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, gracing the event as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she said, “It is truly wonderful how the small school started by Ms. Linnell and Ms. Oliphant has now grown into such a reputed institution. Your motto, Aartt Shanti Phala Vidya, seems more relevant than ever before. It reminds us that education builds wisdom, the wisdom to use our learning for the betterment of this planet. The school’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary relevance makes it a living institution of thought and action.

Romesh Sobti, President, Board of Governors, Welham Girls’ School Society added, “Welham is, in many ways, a living laboratory for education. It is far more than a school; it is an enduring community of women. Our vision is to make the school future-ready. We are building AI fluency at all levels, helping students understand how AI technology works and the impact it creates, enabling them to engage with technology thoughtfully. We are making our curriculum truly transdisciplinary.”

Adding to the joyous reflections, Vibha Kapoor, Principal, Welham Girls’ School, said, “Today is not only a celebration of achievements but also a moment of reflection, on the journey of our girls and the true purpose of a boarding school like ours. At Welham, education goes far beyond academics; it builds character, nurtures resilience, and equips young women to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This year, we inaugurated Echoes of Eternity, our very own school museum that lovingly preserves Welham’s story and honours our founders, Ms. H. S. Oliphant and Ms. Grace Mary Linnell. Welham will continue to nurture young women who carry forward a legacy of excellence and empathy, one that would make our founders smile with pride, knowing their vision lives on.”

Among the core highlights on the first day, an insightful career counselling session on ‘Subject Choices and Career’ set the conversations rolling. The interactive session guided parents of Classes VIII and X students on aligning subject selection with individual strengths and aspirations while highlighting the comprehensive guidance offered by the school’s Careers Department.

The second day witnessed a series of creative exhibitions under the theme Neti Neti – Neither Defined, Nor Undefined. Students explored this philosophical idea of boundless inquiry through scientific experiments, mathematical models, psychological studies, historical interpretations, and art installations. The displays reflected critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and innovation, inviting visitors to engage with the idea of questioning definitions and embracing ambiguity.

Evenings were set aside for cultural exuberance as the school auditorium transformed into a theatre of laughter and wit with the inaugural student production of Arsenic and Old Lace. The play, brought to life by 14 talented student actors, combined humour, suspense, and farce in a delightful performance that enthralled the audience. The second day’s schedule saw a dance drama, Anhad Naad taking the audience on a mystical exploration of the eternal cosmic vibration, the ‘unstruck sound’ that transcends time and form. Through intricate choreography and evocative storytelling, students traced the seeker’s journey of awakening the seven chakras, symbolising the path to inner peace and unity.

The celebrations concluded on a reflective note, honouring the spirit of the founders and the generations who have carried their vision forward. Rooted in tradition yet attuned to the times, Welham Girls’ School continues to inspire learning that is thoughtful, purposeful, and timeless.

JIS Group Chooses D2L Brightspace to Transform Learning Across Campuses

JIS Group Selects D2L Brightspace to Help Power the Future of Learning Across All Their Campus Institutions

Kolkata, India, October 14, 2025 : D2L, a global leader in learning technology, announced that the JIS Group, one of Eastern India’s largest and respected educational conglomerates has chosen D2L Brightspace as its new learning platform. This strategic move is a key milestone in JIS Group’s goal to fully digitize its campuses, enhance academic delivery, and elevate the learning experience for both students and faculty.

JIS Group has 45,000+ learners across campuses and is currently implementing D2L Brightspace Core with D2L Creator+ across all its institutions. D2L Brightspace will benefit students by helping to provide them with a unique experience through a blended learning approach. D2L Brightspace will also support faculty by helping to enable more dynamic, highly interactive teaching methods. 

“D2L Brightspace expands the possibilities beyond simple course delivery, allowing our faculty to work more efficiently, create better learning experiences, enhance learning engagement, improve decision-making capabilities through real-time analytics, and ensure that every student has long-term access to their academic journey,” said Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director – JIS Group. “With D2L Brightspace’s intuitive design and robust data capabilities, we can now foster a truly connected, collaborative environment where students continue to learn and grow well beyond the classroom.”

“This marks a significant milestone for D2L in India, strengthening our vision to redefine how learning is delivered and experienced across the country,” said Vivek Iyer, Managing Director for D2L India. “With D2L Brightspace, faculty and students will have access to a versatile, data-driven, and innovative platform that can help empower them to adapt and thrive in an education landscape that is evolving faster than ever before.”

D2L’s work with JIS Group reflects their effort to help digitize their campuses and lead with innovation, accessibility, and data-driven education. With its industry-recognized capabilities and robust support for blended and personalized learning, D2L Brightspace can offer a strategic, long-term solution to help empower JIS Group in delivering exceptional learning experiences and measurable outcomes.

QNu Labs Partner to Shape India’s Quantum-Ready Workforce

India, October 13th, 2025: During India Mobile Congress 2025 (IMC-2025), in a move that will shape the future of quantum technology education in India, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Government of Karnataka (Public State University), one of India’s largest technical universities, is partnering with QNu Labs to establish a first-of-its-kind Quantum Communication Lab. The facility will be set up at the University’s Research and Industry Incubation Facility in Bangalore.

With over 200 affiliated engineering colleges under its wing, the university educates 4 Lakh students every year. This partnership represents a major step forward in making quantum technology accessible to the next generation of Indian engineers and researchers.

“Under the visionary leadership of Honourable Vice Chancellor Dr. Vidyashankar S, VTU is committed to ensuring future skilling of students in collaboration with QNu Labs for Quantum Technologies”, stated by an ex-Navy Officer, Dr. Cdr. Devendra Singh, Director, (Research and Development), (Aerospace, Defence and Allied Programs). He further added, “This partnership reflects VTU’s commitment to prepare students for Viksit Bharat-2047 by aligning with the National Quantum Mission (NQM). It will further strengthen our strategic military capabilities and fulfil the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

“We’re excited to work with a university that’s taking such a bold step into quantum education,” said Sunil Gupta (CEO QNu Labs).  “This isn’t just about setting up a lab; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where students and faculty will actually work with quantum systems and understand what this technology means for India’s future.“

“Quantum technology is no longer a distant future; it’s here, and our students need to be ready for it”, stated Dr. Ajith Padyana, Director, VTU-VRIF Centre for Deep Technologies. 

The collaboration will roll out across key areas over the coming months, as stated by VTU leadership.

The new lab will give students and faculty hands-on experience with working quantum technologies, which are typically only found deep inside research facilities. QNu Labs is partnering to design and install this infrastructure, ensuring it’s both robust enough for real-world research and easily accessible for educational learning.

Faculty development is a key pillar of this partnership. Faculty from the university’s various colleges will receive specialised training to effectively teach quantum concepts and supervise student work. This is vital because the quantum field requires educators who can translate complex physics principles into practical engineering applications.

Students will soon be able to enrol in various different programs focused on quantum technology. These programs are designed to give engineering students from different branches.

QNu Labs will help establish a comprehensive quantum lab facility equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources, majorly focusing on Aerospace and Defence. This facility will serve as a hub for practical learning and experimentation in quantum technologies.

Faculty Development Programs: The initiative includes specialised training programs to upskill professors and researchers, empowering them to effectively teach and conduct research in quantum technologies across the university’s many affiliated colleges.

Introducing Student Minor Degrees in Quantum: The university to introduce minor degree programs in quantum technology, allowing students from various engineering disciplines to gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in this emerging field.

Potential Master’s Degree Program: Building on the foundation of the minor degrees, the collaboration envisions launching a dedicated master’s program in Quantum Technology, creating specialised graduates ready to contribute to India’s quantum ecosystem.

Industry and Academia Collaboration: The lab will function as a central resource for all colleges within the university’s network, effectively democratizing access to quantum technology education across its extensive affiliated institutions throughout Karnataka. This hub will also facilitate collaborative learning with industry partners.

Perhaps most importantly, this lab is designed as a central hub that multiple colleges in the university network can access. This structure will effectively democratize access to quantum education across the whole of Karnataka.

This timing is ideal, aligning perfectly with both India’s National Quantum Mission and Karnataka’s goal to become a major quantum technology hub. With the potential to benefit hundreds of thousands of engineering students, this partnership is poised to play a significant role in building the specialised quantum workforce India needs to support its national ambitions.

Imperial and Science Gallery Bengaluru unite to accelerate UK-India innovation

-Imperial College London has partnered with Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) – a cutting-edge hub for innovation, research and public engagement

10th October 2025: A partnership between Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) and Imperial will drive the exchange of talent and knowledge between the UK and India, with the development of new facilities, a joint fellowship programme, and public engagement activities.

The announcement was made as Imperial’s President Professor Hugh Brady joins a UK delegation led by the British Prime Minister, who is making his first official visit to India, alongside Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru. Through this new partnership, the two organisations plan to co-develop cutting-edge open research facilities on-site at SGB, boost UK-India and global talent exchange through a joint Fellowship, and explore public engagement, research and education collaborations based on shared expertise and facilities. By joining forces, the two organisations will train the innovators of the future and cultivate the next generation of talent.

The new partnership between SGB and Imperial sees a commitment to grow the international impact of the Science Gallery’s Public Lab Complex and co-develop a new portfolio of initiatives spanning innovation and discovery challenges, science and technology fellowships, and public engagement.

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, said: “This exciting partnership is a launchpad for UK-India innovation and scientific collaboration. Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise will create a unique lab and convening space with Science Gallery Bengaluru where cutting-edge solutions to global issues will be discovered, designed and delivered. “

“Our participation in the Prime Minister’s first India visit signals the role Imperial plays in strengthening UK-India partnerships, following the launch of our Imperial Global India hub earlier this year. By joining forces across continents, we are deepening research and innovation collaboration between the two countries, and building bridges that will empower the next generation of scientists, thinkers, leaders and changemakers.”

Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Imperial College London to co-develop our Public Lab Complex. This is an important step in creating shared spaces where inquiry, creativity, and learning thrive across borders. We are excited about what we can build together.”

”Together we want to drive locally rooted and globally relevant innovation through community-engaged science that encourages researchers to draw in diverse perspectives and influences to shape and inspire their ideas. This will equip the next generation of innovators and scientific leaders to translate their research into real-world impactful applications and bring us closer to solving shared global challenges.”

The Public Lab Complex is partially and generously supported at present by Tata Trusts, TTK Prestige, and the Samagata Foundation. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and a SGB Board Member, said: “As a founding patron of Science Gallery Bengaluru, I’m heartened by this partnership with Imperial College London. “It brings together shared values of curiosity, creativity, and public engagement in science. Bengaluru has always been a city that embraces new ideas, and this collaboration will further empower young people to explore, question, and co-create solutions for our collective future.”

Shared Imperial and SGB future ambitions

This commitment was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) at Imperial and Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at the Science Gallery Bengaluru.

Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) of Imperial said: “We are especially pleased to strengthen our relationship with Science Gallery Bengaluru following the official launch of Imperial Global India that convened hundreds of researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and alumni in this beautiful and fitting scientific exhibition space in May 2025.”  “Imperial Global India represents our commitment to co-creating partnerships within India’s dynamic science and technology ecosystem. It is the latest addition to our international network that spans San Francisco, Singapore and Accra. With this initiative in Bengaluru, we are moving forward in our ambition to co-develop programmes that foster impactful two-way exchanges of ideas, talent and innovation between the UK and India.”

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Science is international by definition. We can aim higher and go further when we work together. This is especially true for the UK and India, where deep links in areas like life sciences are bolstered by our deepening trade relationship, and our unique historical and cultural bonds – all of which are being highlighted by the Prime Minister’s landmark trade mission to India, this week.”

“Imperial deepening its ties with Bengaluru will enable its international community of students, researchers and innovators to work with their India-based counterparts, on efforts that could drive growth, unlock investment, and deliver breakthroughs from health to energy, and beyond. It also boosts a formidable global network the University is building, across the world.”

Imperial’s reputation for cutting edge convergence science research, combined with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s dynamic public engagement expertise and platforms, will power programmes and spaces where early-career researchers and emerging innovators can experiment, collaborate, and connect across boundaries.

Proposed joint initiatives being explored include:

Diversifying and expanding the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex with five existing areas: the Nature Lab, the Materials Lab, the Food Lab, the New Media Lab, and the Theory Lab. Activities will be supported through accompanying research spaces already constructed within Science Gallery Bengaluru such as a dark room, tissue culture room, and microscopy.

Co-developing programmes that create a bridge between the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex and the WestTech London innovation ecosystem and Imperial Schools of Convergence Science.

A reciprocal Fellowship and Apprenticeship programme where a cohort of talented individuals from India, the UK and across the world, from different disciplines, will work on creative approaches to develop open-ended experiments and problem solving that expand the horizons of science and technology.
Co-creating an annual programme of public and community engagement events that align with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ‘Late Labs’ and ‘Science with Society’ initiatives.

Connecting London and Bengaluru ecosystems

This knowledge bridge between the WestTech London innovation ecosystem, which currently houses 1,000 frontier innovation businesses who turned over £9 billion in 2023, and Bengaluru, home to over 400 industrial R&D units, will give fellows the opportunity to develop their skills in two of the world’s most vibrant environments for innovators, including the Advanced Hackspace (pictured).

Sommet Education and HCF Forge Partnership to Advance Hospitality Training and Insights

India, October 9, 2025 – Sommet Education, the global leader in higher education for hospitality management with prestigious institutions such as Les Roches, Glion Institute of Higher Education and École Ducasse, has officially entered into a partnership with the Hospitality Community Foundation (HCommunity) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today at Les Roches Crans-Montana, ranked #2 worldwide in Hospitality and Leisure Management by the QS Universities Ranking by Subject 2025, host of the event.

This strategic alliance is built upon a shared ambition to combine academic expertise with real-time economic data to deliver tangible solutions to the current challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism industries.

A shared vision for a sustainable and equitable hospitality sector

This partnership reflects the strong commitment of both organizations to return data to the hands of hospitality professionals, guided by ethical and collaborative principles. By contributing to education, research, innovation, and territorial competitiveness, this initiative marks a new step toward a more sustainable industry ecosystem.

Florent Varanne, Head of Business Solutions Development at Sommet Education, is also joining HCommunity’s Academic Committee. This direct involvement ensures strategic alignment between the Foundation’s mission and Sommet Education’s academic priorities. “Real-time data only holds value when it serves a shared vision. Through this partnership with HCommunity, we have a unique opportunity to turn data into collective intelligence, for the benefit of destinations and the entire tourism ecosystem. Sommet Education is mobilizing its academic teams, faculty, researchers, and experts, to interpret, structure, and transmit this data in a useful and strategic way. In a world where destinations compete long before individual establishments do, the pooling of anonymized data becomes a powerful tool to anticipate demand, adapt offerings, and build lasting attractiveness. This partnership opens exciting perspectives to collectively advance performance, innovation, and fairness in hospitality,” said Florent Varanne, Head of Business Solutions Development at Sommet Education.

Christopher Meignier, President of HCommunity Foundation, added: “Every day, thousands of professionals carry the hospitality industry on their shoulders. They deserve to fully benefit from the fruits of their labor. With HCommunity, our goal is to give them back control of this value, to help them move forward with greater clarity, better tools, and stronger recognition. The partnership with Sommet Education serves exactly that purpose: it directly supports those who keep this industry alive and allows us, together, to move an entire ecosystem forward toward greater collaboration, intelligence, and fairness.”

Giovanni Odaglia, Managing Director of Les Roches Crans-Montana, highlighted the school’s role in this initiative: “Hosting the signing of this new strategic partnership at Les Roches Crans-Montana underscores our role as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and leadership in hospitality. Beyond hosting, our campus and students will actively contribute by creating videos and educational materials to help hoteliers understand and leverage the data generated by the HCommunity platform. By combining academic excellence, student engagement, and industry-driven innovation, we strengthen our position as a catalyst for impactful strategic projects and prepare our students and partners to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

A collaboration built on three key pillars

More specifically, this partnership focuses on three main areas: training around sector KPIs, applied research and educational projects, and the international deployment of the HCommunity platform.

Training around sector KPIs: Free webinars will be offered to help professionals understand and use the key indicators derived from the HCommunity platform. These sessions will be complemented by in-depth modules led by Sommet Education experts, integrated into the group’s B2B learning solutions.

Applied research and educational projects: Sommet Education will contribute to the Foundation’s projects through the development of case studies and research materials leveraging territorial data. This collaboration will strengthen academic transmission and foster pedagogical innovation.

International deployment of the HCommunity platform: The partnership also includes a joint expansion into key markets such as the Middle East and South Africa, with the creation of Data Lakes to support governments and businesses in structuring their tourism development based on real-time, shared data.

HP Govt, Crack Academy Launch Phase II of 100 Ratan Scholarship Test

HP Government & Crack Academy to Conduct Phase II of Statewide Scholarship Test under “Mere Sheher Ke 100 Ratan” Program on October 9

India, 8th october 2025: Himachal Pradesh, 8th October 2025: The Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Crack Academy, is set to conduct the second phase of the “Mere Sheher Ke 100 Ratan” Scholarship Program on October 9, 2025. The test will be held across all Government and Government-aided colleges of the State, with the participation of leading universities, including Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi.

This initiative is being implemented under an MoU between Crack Academy and the Government of Himachal Pradesh, aimed at empowering meritorious and deserving students through free and subsidized coaching for national-level competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, Defence, Judiciary, JEE, and NEET, along with skill development programs. Selected students will also receive individual career counselling to guide them on suitable academic and career paths.

Following the successful completion of the first phase in May 2025, which covered over 2,500 Government and private schools across the State for students of Classes 6 to 12, the program now extends to higher education institutions in its second phase.

Under this initiative, 100 students from each Vidhan Sabha Constituency will receive 100% free coaching. Of these, 75 students have already been selected from the first phase, while the remaining 25 students will be shortlisted through the upcoming test. Additionally, 75% and 50% scholarships will be awarded to other deserving candidates. To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, only students enrolled in Government or Government-aided colleges with a family income below ₹12 lakh per annum are eligible for this phase.

Speaking about the program, Neeraj Kansal, CEO & Founder of Crack Academy, said, “The Mere Sheher Ke 100 Ratan initiative is a heartfelt commitment to nurture the academic potential of Himachal’s youth. Through this program, we aim to empower deserving students from every corner of the State with access to national-level coaching, mentorship, and guidance. Our vision is to ensure that talent, not geography or financial constraint, defines a student’s success. We are proud to work with the Government of Himachal Pradesh in building a stronger future for our young achievers.”

With an 18-year legacy, Crack Academy has helped over 5,000 students successfully clear various government exams, including more than 1,000 selections in UPSC alone. The Academy has also set up 50+ centers across Himachal Pradesh to deliver high-quality coaching through top educators from Delhi, ensuring that students in smaller towns receive the same opportunities as those in metropolitan cities.

This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Himachal Pradesh’s representation in national-level examinations, helping more students from the State secure success in highly competitive domains.

Galgotias Students Secure INR 22 LPA Dream Package at Cisco

Greater Noida, 07 October 2025: For Jai Sindhu and Anushka Raj, final-year B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering students (Batch 2021–2025) at Galgotias University, landing a prestigious role at Cisco with an impressive ₹22 LPA package demonstrates the culmination of passion, preparation, and perseverance. Their journey showcases how an ecosystem built on innovation and experiential learning can empower students to achieve extraordinary results.

Turning Curiosity into Career Success

From their first semester, both Jai and Anushka were fascinated by how networks and systems keep the world connected. Choosing Computer Science at Galgotias was not just about earning a degree, it was about turning their curiosity into opportunity. Through projects, teamwork, and practical learning, they gained the skills and confidence to think beyond books and solve real-world problems like true engineers.

Cisco Centre of Excellence: Bridging Academia and Industry

A key catalyst in their journey was the Cisco Centre of Excellence (COE) at Galgotias University, a collaborative initiative with Cisco Systems that provides students access to advanced training in networking and digital technologies.

This centre helps students gain hands-on exposure to Cisco-certified tools and programs, participate in innovation-driven projects, and earn globally recognized certifications. The COE serves as a bridge between classroom concepts and industry practices, enabling students like Jai and Anushka to align their skills with real-world demands and stand out in competitive placement drives.

Where Learning Meets Application

Galgotias University’s strong focus on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), hands-on coding labs, and industry-aligned hackathons played a defining role in shaping their technical edge. Regular coding bootcamps and mock technical interviews helped them hone not only their programming proficiency but also their strategic approach to problem-solving.

“The university’s emphasis on practical learning and mentorship gave us the right foundation to tackle real-world challenges,” shares Anushka. “Every project pushed us to go a step further to think deeper, and build smarter.”

Mentorship, Preparation, and Momentum

From early placement guidance to rigorous mock sessions, Galgotias ensured that students were not just job-ready but industry-ready. Faculty mentors offered individualized feedback, ensuring that both technical and communication skills grew in tandem.

For Jai, these structured touchpoints made all the difference. “Continuous mentorship and exposure to competitive coding culture gave me the clarity and confidence to perform under pressure,” he says.

Shaping Future Innovators

Their success at Cisco reflects more than just personal achievement, it’s a testament to Galgotias University’s mission of nurturing global tech talent ready to lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“At Galgotias University, we are committed to transforming potential into performance through world-class academic excellence and industry collaboration,” said Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University.

By blending strong academic foundations with real-world exposure and sustained institutional support, Galgotias continues to be a launchpad for future innovators, students who don’t just adapt to technology, but shape it.

Imarticus Learning Launches ISFB, India’s First School of Finance & Business

Mumbai, 07 October 2025: Imarticus Learning, India’s leading professional education company, today announced the launch of the Imarticus School of Finance & Business (ISFB), the country’s first dedicated institution focused on bridging the persistent quality gap in finance education. Backed by a ₹25 crore venture fund in partnership with BLinC Invest, ISFB will empower entrepreneurial students with seed capital from day one to build and scale their ventures. For aspirants aiming for global B-schools, ISFB’s collaboration with Ambitio opens pathways to elite institutions such as NYU, Cambridge, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon, leveraging AI-powered admissions tools and mentorship from top admissions experts.

India produces over one million commerce graduates every year, yet less than 10 percent transition into sector-relevant finance roles. The issue is not supply, but quality. Recruiters consistently report that only one in ten candidates they meet is job-ready, with over 80 percent lacking the applied skills employers demand. Outdated curricula, rote-led education, and limited exposure to global practices have left graduates holding degrees but not careers. This is happening at a time when demand for finance talent is set to touch 16 million new jobs by 2030 across banking, investment, insurance, asset management, and fintech. Globally, finance education is racing ahead, embedding AI, fintech, and ESG at its core, while India lags.

ISFB has been established to close this gap by creating an institution where finance education is not just theoretical, but applied, practical, and benchmarked against international standards.

At the heart of ISFB is its proprietary R.E.A.L. pedagogy (Reflect, Experience, Apply, Learn), a framework where academic depth and industry exposure constantly reinforce each other. Reflection happens in classrooms led by industry leaders, where students examine real-world problems and decision frameworks. Experience comes through global and domestic immersions such as a week in Singapore with SP Jain School of Global Management, bootcamps at IIM Visakhapatnam, and grassroots finance explorations through the Explore India Mission. Application is built into the journey with M&A negotiations, Big4-led competitions, and simulation-driven trading labs that pressure test every concept. Learning is anchored throughout by academic leaders from IIMs, ISB, Ivy League schools, and leading economists, ensuring every concept is grounded in research and rigor.

The School launches with a three-year Bachelors in Finance & Business and will soon add an 11-month PG in Global Finance & AI. Both programmes are structured to deliver deep specialisations in fintech, financial analysis, and global accounting, with integrated CFA and ACCA pathways.

Industry integration is a defining feature of ISFB. Partnerships with Ambit (Investment Banking), Motilal Oswal (Asset & Wealth Management), and Cognizant (Digital Finance & AI) ensure students graduate with the exact skills employers demand.

Under the leadership of Joy Parekh, CEO of the Imarticus School of Finance and Business (ISFB), the institution is guided by a distinguished Advisory Council, chaired by Nikhil Barshikar (Founder & CEO, Imarticus Learning), and co-chaired by Ajay Srinivasan (Financial Services Veteran). Council brings together leaders such as Ajay Rajan (Country Head of Transaction Banking and New Economy Business, Yes Bank), Ravindra Pandey (Dy MD & CIO, State Bank of India), Garima Batra (MD and Partner, BCG), , Vikas Khattar (MD, Ambit), Dr. Avantika Tomar (Partner, EY Parthenon), Rajat Mathur (ex-MD, Morgan Stanley), along with policy experts, fintech innovators, and global academic leaders.

Beyond academics, ISFB equips students with career pathways at a scale rarely seen in Indian education. Preparation is shaped by 200+ industry experts who bring the boardroom into the classroom, and a hiring network of 1,000+ companies that translates training into real jobs. AI-driven mock interviews and masterclasses ensure graduates are job-wanted, not just job-ready. Structured internships with BFSI firms, fintechs, VC funds, and startup incubators give learners hands-on experience that often converts into full-time roles. Mentorship is woven into the journey, with 15+ personal mentors and access to an active alumni community that includes leaders at Goldman Sachs, PwC, and BlackRock. A ₹25 crore venture fund with BLinC Invest supports entrepreneurial ambitions, providing seed capital for student-led startups from day one. And for those who dream of attending global B-schools, ISFB’s partnership with Ambitio opens pathways to elite institutions such as NYU, Cambridge, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon, with AI-powered admissions tools and mentorship from top admissions officers.

The credibility of ISFB is rooted in Imarticus Learning’s decade-long legacy in finance education, having trained over 7,50,000 learners, placed 50,000+ professionals into Fortune 500 companies, and powered by a network of 3,500 hiring partners worldwide. Today, one in five investment bankers in India is an Imarticus alumnus. This placement record and employer trust provide ISFB with a strong foundation that few institutions can claim.

The campus, located at Hiranandani Knowledge Park, Powai, Mumbai, places students at the heart of India’s financial capital, surrounded by banks, fintechs, regulators, and investors. With smart classrooms, simulation labs, deal studios, ESG forums, and fintech clubs, the campus is designed to provide not only academic learning but also a professional environment that supports innovation and leadership.

Nikhil Barshikar, Founder of Imarticus Learning and Chairman of the Advisory Council, ISFB, said: “India doesn’t suffer from a shortage of graduates. It suffers from a shortage of graduates who are prepared for the future of finance. Outdated curricula and degree-led education no longer serve the needs of an industry that AI, digital lending, ESG, and globalisation are reshaping. ISFB has been created to address this gap. We’ve built an institution where practice is as important as theory, where global exposure is integral, and where industry sits inside the classroom. Our vision is simple: to give students a launchpad into careers that are globally relevant, future-focused, and real-world ready.”

Ajay Srinivasan( Executive and former CEO of Aditya Birla Capital Ltd), Co-Chair of ISFB’s Advisory Council, added: “Having spent over three decades helping to build large financial institutions, I know how critical talent is to driving and sustaining growth. ISFB is a bold response to a gap that exists. By bringing together top talent from academia and industry, it aims to create a new generation of professionals who can help shape the future of finance, both in India and on the world stage.”

With its cutting-edge pedagogy, strong industry partnerships, and the credibility of Imarticus’ legacy, ISFB represents a new chapter in higher education. More than a school, it is an institution built to prepare India’s next generation of finance professionals for the opportunities ahead.

7 Workforce Shifts Redesigning Professional Development in 2025

India, 6th october 2025:The workplace today is rapidly changing. Professionals today are working in a dynamic world driven by technology, open spaces, and changing employer expectations. To stay ahead, one has to be adaptable, learn on the go, and have skills that are future-proof. Following are seven shifts revolutionizing professional development in 2025:

1. Remote-First and Hybrid Work Models

Remote and hybrid workspaces are quickly becoming the standard. Workers require digital collaboration abilities, self-management, and familiarity with virtual tools to thrive in distributed settings.

2. Upskilling and Continuous Learning

The skills half-life is decreasing, so lifelong learning is no longer optional. Working professionals are acquiring certifications and training in AI, cloud computing, data analysis, and other new technologies.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making

Businesses are turning more to data to inform strategy. Those workers with the ability to interpret between the lines and communicate insights to business decision-making are in high demand.

4. Prioritize Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Other than technical abilities, communication abilities, leadership abilities, and flexibility are essential. Those who can manage change, influence groups, and navigate conflict are likely to move ahead.

5. Gig Economy and Project-Based Work

Short-term employment, freelancing, and temporary contracts are increasing. Professionals are compensating by acquiring skills, developing portfolios, and mastering the art of selling themselves.

6. Using AI and Automation in Day-to-Day Work

AI technology and automation are making processes more efficient in industries. Employees who know how to use technology to do things better are at an advantage.

7. Customized Career Paths

Old-fashioned career staircases are being replaced with elastic, customized development routes. The experts are talking about cross-functional transitions, micro-credentials, and competence-based progress.

The workplace in 2025 is that of flexibility, acceptance of technology, and constant skill development. Experts who are willing to adapt to this transformation and invest in formal learning on websites such as Intellipaat, UpGrad, and Simplilearn will have the best chance for long-term growth and success.