Category Archives: Education

Higher Education Institutes in India lack in Gender Diversity

By – Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partner

The higher education scenario in India today is at a Crossroads. While employment generation, competency mapping, and entrepreneurship development are critical, equally pressing is the need to have more women in leadership positions. A survey conducted by EduShine Search Partners found that out of 1352 HEIs in India including IITs, IIMs, public, private, and deemed universities, only 152 are headed by women. This translates into an abysmally low ratio of 11.24%, clearly underlining the lack of gender diversity in the leadership positions in HEIs.

The low participation of females in HEIs indicates the structural flaw and deep bias that continues to run into our society. In a similar survey in 2021, EduShine found the ratio of female participation in the leadership position at 9.56%. The current survey shows an increase of around 2% although at 11.24%, even today much is left to be desired. Especially when one starts making comparisons. In the US, UK, and Australia, 25% of the women head the HEIs with Brazil standing out at an exceptional ratio of 47.3%. Just so you know, around 25% of the world’s top 200 universities are headed by women.

Deliberating on the reason behind this low participation ratio, Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners says, “There is a pressing need to undertaker structural reforms and project their success stories so that next-gen get inspired to achieve excellence in the field of education,”

One bright spot in the results of the survey is the performance of the Government Institutions. Central Universities with 14.04% women leaders outperformed deemed universities (13.76%) and state public universities (13.2%). The performance of private Universities is just about average (9.18%) while Institutes of National Importance (INI) are stacked at the bottom with 8.53%.

The worrisome statistic from the survey is the complete absence of women’s leadership in the technical domain – not even a single IIT is headed by a women leader. The scenario is not very different in the case of premier management institutes with only 2 out of 21 IIMs headed by the women. Similarly, only 1 has women at the helm of the affairs when it comes to AIIMS which are total 15 in the country.

“The low enrollment of women in technical education explains the complete absence of women leadership in technical institutes,” Kalpesh reasons, “this explains that out of 120 IITs, IIITs, NITs, and IISER, only 2 (1 NIT and 1 IIIT) are headed by women.”

A multi-pronged approach is required to increase the women leaders ratio in HEIs in India. This entails combining policy measures with socioeconomic reforms to push for enriching the diversity at top leadership positions. Summarily, the time has come to join the forces and put in decisive efforts so that gender diversity in HEIs in India reaches a respectable figure.

IIM Bodh Gaya launches ambitious EMBA programme

Mindful leaders for the fastest-growing economy: IIM Bodh Gaya launches ambitious EMBA programme

Bodh Gaya, August 18, 2025: The Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, inaugurated its first-ever Executive MBA (EMBA) programme with a grand orientation ceremony held on the campus for the 2025-27 batch.

The EMBA program extends IIM Bodh Gaya’s key differentiator of developing mindful and socially responsible leadership to working professionals through a specially crafted curriculum and pedagogy that blends academic rigour with the flexibility for the industry.

Mr. Ninad Gadgil, CEO of Wendt India, and Mr.Siddharth Balakrishna, Senior Partner at BOD Consulting, along with Prof. Vinita S Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, were the key speakers at the inaugural function who shared valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and navigating the ever-changing global business landscape.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof.Sahay emphasised the institute’s commitment to designing future-ready programs that balance academic excellence with industry relevance. She noted that the launch of the EMBA reflects IIM Bodh Gaya’s mission to nurture mindful leaders for the global economy who can drive meaningful impact in organisations and society.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ninad Gadgil urged everyone to define themselves not by their titles, but by their work, habits, and the impact they have on others’ growth, while Mr.Siddharth Balakrishna hailed the importance of clarity and precision in bringing greater impact.

Prof. Manoj Kumar, Chairperson of the Executive MBA programme, further elaborated that the EMBA programme has been tailored to empower working professionals to accelerate their leadership journeys by gaining holistic business insights, strategic perspectives, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. He reiterated that Bharat, being the world’s fastest-growing economy and now the fourth largest, needs a new generation of visionary business leaders.

The first EMBA cohort comprises a diverse mix of professionals with 3 to 21 years of work experience, representing industries across various sectors, including Deloitte, PwC, Accenture,
Tata Consultancy Services, NTPC, Ultratech Cement, Godrej Properties, Warner Bros. Discovery, Apollo Tyres, Siemens Technologies, Indian Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Hilton.

The orientation also witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty as well as students of IIM Bodh Gaya’s MBA, MBA-Digital Business Management, and MBA-Hospital & Healthcare Management program, who gained exposure to the insights shared by senior industry leaders and the accomplished professionals of the first EMBA batch, fostering cross-learning and collaboration.

With this milestone, IIM Bodh Gaya has entered a new era of growth, reaffirming its role as a dynamic bridge between academia and industry, and further positioning itself as a hub for nurturing visionary leaders of tomorrow.

ITM University Hosts “Creativity and Inclusion” Exhibition by Special Children from Aakanksha Lions Institute

Raipur, August 18, 2025 – In a heartwarming celebration of Friendship Day, the Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, ITM University, Raipur, hosted “Creativity and Inclusion”, a unique exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of special children from the Aakanksha Lions Institute of Learning and Empowerment.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, graced by the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Gunjan Mishra, Head of the Department of Psychology and Event Coordinator, along with Mr. Sourav Chatterjee, Registrar, ITM University. The visiting delegation was led by Ms. Pratistha Shukla, Principal of Aakanksha Lions Institute, accompanied by 11 talented children and 5 dedicated faculty members.

The exhibition featured an impressive array of handcrafted items including friendship bands, Rakhis, decorative lamps, pooja thalis, Janmashtami-themed matkis, and creative envelopes. The vibrant display reflected not only the children’s creativity but also their enthusiasm and joy, which resonated throughout the university campus.

Students from the Department of Psychology played a key role in organizing the event, ensuring smooth coordination and meaningful interactions between the visiting children, university students, and faculty. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the children as a gesture of gratitude and encouragement.

“This exhibition is a testament to the power of inclusion and creativity. The joy these children bring through their art is inspiring, and it reminds us all that true education embraces every voice and every talent,” said Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro Vice Chancellor, ITM University.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and artistic expression. It reinforced ITM University’s unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive education, nurturing creativity, and upholding social responsibility.

The “Creativity and Inclusion” exhibition left a lasting impact on all attendees, celebrating not just Friendship Day, but also the spirit of togetherness, acceptance, and shared joy.

Knowledgeum Academy Bring Civic Responsibility to Centre Stage with Independence Day Street Play

IIT Roorkee Celebrates 79th Independence Day

IIT Roorkee Celebrates 79th Independence Day with Pride, Innovation, and a Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Aug 16 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Asia’s first engineering college with a legacy of over 178 years, celebrated the 79th Independence Day and the 78th anniversary of India’s freedom with grandeur and patriotic fervour in front of the historic James Thomason Building. The event brought together students, faculty, officers, staff, and their families in a vibrant expression of unity and national pride.

The celebrations began with the soulful rendition of the Kulgeet – Jayati Jayati Vidya Sansthan, composed by Jnanpith Award-winning poet Sumitranandan Pant. Revered as a lyrical ode to the Institute’s spirit, the Kulgeet blends poetic grace with timeless values, inspiring generations of students to serve the nation with knowledge, integrity, and innovation. Following this, the Director inspected the Guard of Honour and hoisted the National Flag, greeted by a resounding cheer from the gathering.

Highlighting the institute’s achievements, Prof. Pant underscored IIT Roorkee’s expanding global collaborations, record-breaking patent filings, successful technology transfers to industry, and its recent recognition as a Centre of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission, along with several other milestones that reaffirm the institute’s leadership in research, innovation, and nation-building.

In his address, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “Independence Day is a reminder of the sacrifices and ideals that shaped our nation, and an inspiration to work towards a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally competitive India. At IIT Roorkee, our vision goes far beyond research papers and rankings, it is about delivering real-world impact. From creating sustainable technologies for rural communities to pioneering advancements in AI and data science, semiconductors, sustainable clean energy technologies, critical minerals and disaster management, we are developing solutions that empower people and strengthen the nation. With innovation at our core and future-ready talent as our driving force, we are steadfast in our journey towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.”

The celebration featured captivating cultural performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School, Anushruti Academy for the Deaf, and the Cultural Society of IIT Roorkee, reflecting India’s rich heritage and the values of freedom and unity.

Adding to the day’s spirit, the Tiranga Yatra, organised by Think India, IIT Roorkee, in the afternoon, saw enthusiastic participation from students, staff, and faculty. The procession, starting from the MAC Gate in front of Rajiv Bhawan, symbolised the collective commitment of the IIT Roorkee community towards the ideals of the nation.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to uphold excellence, integrity, and innovation, reaffirming IIT Roorkee’s role as a catalyst for transformative change in India and beyond. Steeped in tradition yet propelled by innovation, the Institute remains committed to empowering the nation’s journey towards excellence, progress, and a sustainable future.

Resonance Schools Marks I Day with Bharath Darshan

Resonance Schools, Patancheruvu celebrates 79th Independence Day with ‘Bharath Darshan – Chakra Formation!’

Hyderabad, 16th August 2025: Resonance Schools, Patancheruvu Campus, proudly celebrated the 79th Independence Day with grandeur and patriotic fervour, under the inspiring theme “Rising with Pride, Leading with Purpose.” The event brought together over 1500 students, faculty, and staff to honour the spirit of freedom and unity.

One of the major highlights of the celebration was the “Bharath Darshan – Chakra Formation”, an extraordinary display where students showcased the cultural diversity and unity of India through vibrant formations, traditional attire, and synchronized performances. This symbolic representation embodied the theme, reflecting India’s resilience, progress, and collective vision for the future.

The celebrations also featured the “Parade of Honour – March Past and Salute“, where students displayed exceptional discipline, coordination, and pride as they saluted the national flag and dignitaries. This ceremonial march symbolized respect for the nation and its armed forces, leaving the audience inspired.

The event was graced by Mr. Purna Chandra Rao N, Director of Resonance Educational Institutions, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, addressed the gathering and inspired students to strive for excellence while staying rooted in the values of our nation. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the role of education in shaping responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth. The Independence Day celebration is more than just a commemoration of our nation’s freedom, it is an occasion that deeply instils patriotic fervour in the young minds of our students. It reminds them of the sacrifices made by countless brave hearts and inspires them to uphold the values of unity, integrity, and service to the nation. Through such celebrations, we not only honour our past but also shape our students into responsible, compassionate, and conscientious future citizens who will lead our country with pride and purpose.

The program also included flag hoisting, cultural performances, and patriotic songs. Students and staff applauded the dedication and creativity that made the event a grand success.

With this celebration, Resonance Schools reaffirmed its commitment to not only academic excellence but also holistic development, instilling patriotism, discipline, and cultural awareness among its students — truly rising with pride and leading with purpose.

British Lingua Celebrates Freedom with a Voice for India

British Lingua Celebrates Independence Day with Dr. Birbal Jha’s Visionary Call — “Speak Up for India”

Patna, August 16: In a stirring celebration of patriotism and purpose, British Lingua marked Independence Day with the launch of a national civic awakening movement — “Speak Up for India, Rise for India” — under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Birbal Jha, acclaimed author, celebrated English litterateur , and visionary founder of British Lingua.

At the institution’s Boring Road headquarters, the tricolour soared high in the morning breeze as Dr. Jha, often hailed as a “People’s Linguist” and a pioneer of English skills empowerment in India, unfurled the flag. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, pride, and a renewed sense of mission.

Delivering his keynote address on the theme “Speak Up and Rise for India” in alignment with the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision, Dr. Jha electrified the audience with his words:

“Speaking up for India is not mere rhetoric; it is an act of responsibility, a pledge to shape her destiny with courage and conviction. A silent citizenry weakens a nation; a vocal, visionary people elevate it. Let us speak up for India and rise together.”

Dr. Jha’s speech was not just a patriotic address — it was a clarion call to action. Emphasising the crucial role of citizens, particularly the youth, in steering the country towards a developed India by 2047 — the centenary of independence — he urged Indians to move beyond passive patriotism and embrace active civic engagement.

To translate words into action, Dr. Jha inaugurated the “Speak Up for India, Rise for India” social campaign, drawing a spirited response from dozens of young change-makers. The highlight was the “Bolo Dil Se, Bharat Ke Liye” march — a vibrant rally from British Lingua to Boring Road Crossing — turning heads and stirring conversations about the power of an awakened citizenry.
“Every citizen’s voice matters,” Dr. Jha told participants. “If we speak up for India today, we rise together for a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow.”

With his blend of eloquence, vision, and ground-level activism, Dr. Birbal Jha once again demonstrated why he is regarded not merely as an educator, but as a nation-builder — inspiring millions to find their voice and use it for India’s collective ascent.

Crack Academy Empowers 350 Students at RKMV Shimla with Career Seminar

Crack Academy, India’s first ed-tech platform dedicated to nurturing talent in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, successfully hosted an engaging and impactful seminar at RKMV College, Shimla. The event drew an enthusiastic participation of more than 350+ students from B.Com, BSc, BA, and Tourism streams, aiming to equip them with essential skills, career awareness, and competitive exam readiness.

The seminar, conducted by Crack Academy’s expert counsellors, covered a range of impactful topics aimed at enhancing students’ personal and professional growth. Sessions on Personality Development and Communication Skills included interactive activities to boost confidence, improve public speaking abilities, and encourage teamwork. Career Awareness and Guidance segments provided in-depth insights into SSC, Bank Exams, Tally, Skill Development Programs, and various other competitive examinations. The Exam Awareness component offered valuable guidance on eligibility criteria, preparation strategies, and opportunities across both government and private sectors. Additionally, a Scholarship Test was organized to identify meritorious students, rewarding them with scholarships, fee concessions, and exclusive benefits.

Speaking about the initiative, Neeraj Kansal, Founder & CEO, Crack Academy, said, “At Crack Academy, we believe that every student, regardless of their location or financial background, deserves access to quality guidance and skill development opportunities. Our seminar at RKMV College was designed to not just inform students about career paths, but to inspire them to believe in their potential and take concrete steps towards achieving their dreams.”

The session received an overwhelming response from students and faculty, who appreciated the academy’s practical and student-focused approach. Crack Academy will continue to roll out similar programs in other educational institutions, reaffirming its mission to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement for students across India.

Plaksha University celebrates first undergraduate convocation, marks strong career outcomes for the founding cohort

India, August 12, 2025: Plaksha University, a technology university reimagining higher education and research in India, celebrated a major milestone with the convocation of its founding BTech cohort, the Class of 2025. The event highlights Plaksha’s vision of nurturing a new kind of engineer who can address the challenges of an ever-evolving world. The university’s strong industry connects and the diverse career trajectories of its graduates, reaffirms Plaksha’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The graduating cohort was addressed by the chief guest, Dr V Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO at the university campus in Mohali, who emphasised the importance of lifelong learning.  He said “Great students are shaped by great teachers and Plaksha has that strength. This is a true temple of knowledge, and it’s inspiring to see the calibre and purpose in its graduates. Keep learning, work hard, serve the country, and above all, be good human beings. You now have the chance to help build a Viksit Bharat,  make it count.”

The university’s first graduating batch saw strong career outcomes, securing roles across diverse functions such as data science, AI/ML, business analysis, software engineering, product management, and consulting. Of the students who opted for industry roles (65% of the eligible cohort), 100% successfully secured job offers.

The average CTC stood at little above ₹20 lakh per annum, with top offers reaching up to ₹60 lakh per annum. Top 25 percentile of the class received average CTC of ₹36 lakh per annum, underscoring the strong demand for talent trained in interdisciplinary and future-facing skills.

Prominent recruiters included Arcesium, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), D.E. Shaw, Flipkart, Fractal Analytics, Info Edge, Jefferies, McKinsey and Company, Wayground (formerly Quizizz) and Wayfair. Students secured positions in leading sectors such as Deep Tech, Startups, Consulting, BFSI, and Emerging Technologies.

In addition to placement outcomes, 27% of students chose to pursue higher studies and research, securing admissions from leading global institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, UPenn, University of Chicago, University of California San Diego, King’s College London, New York University, TU Delft among others. This underscores the academic rigor and research-driven approach at Plaksha, preparing students for advanced studies in cutting-edge fields. Remaining students have chosen to start their own startup ventures.

“This moment represents not just the graduation of a cohort but the emergence of a new model for tech education in India,” said Neeraj Aggarwal, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Plaksha University and Chair, Asia-Pacific at Boston Consulting Group. “Our first batch exemplifies what’s possible when students are nurtured in an ecosystem that encourages curiosity, leadership, and deep engagement with the world’s most pressing problems.”

“This is not just a proud moment for us and our students, these career outcomes reaffirm our belief in interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, and a strong focus on research,” said Prof. Rudra Pratap, Founding Vice Chancellor, Plaksha University. “Our graduates are stepping into roles that will shape the technological future of India. Whether joining global firms, pursuing research, or launching ventures, they reflect a commitment to building with purpose.”

The two-day convocation celebration brought together founding donors, global faculty, and industry leaders who have played a pivotal role in shaping Plaksha’s journey. Highlights included the inauguration of the Bharti Academic Building and a ceremonial address by the Hon’ble 14th President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and the Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria on August 8, 2025. The event culminated in a celebration of the achievements and aspirations of the university’s first graduating cohort, reaffirming Plaksha’s mission to reimagine tech education in India on August 9, 2025.

Rising Indian Education Costs Push Tier 3 and Tier 4 Students Toward Global Degrees

Prodigy Finance Sees Rising demand in Education Loans from India’s Tier 3 and 4 Cities

London, 12th August 2025: quiet revolution is underway in the Indian education landscape. Students from Tier 3 and Tier 4 towns are increasingly opting for postgraduate programs at top global universities, not just for prestige, but for practical reasons rooted in cost and career outcomes.

Driven by rising tuition fees in India’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, families are reevaluating where their education investments truly yield the best returns. Private MBA programs in India now range between ₹18–25 lakh, often with limited global exposure. In comparison, many postgraduate programs in the UK, Germany, or France fall nearly under the same price bracket, while offering international credentials, work visa options, and stronger long-term returns.

“Studying abroad is no longer seen as out of reach or an extravagant dream,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “For students in places like Bhubaneswar, Jalandhar, and Guwahati, it has become a strategic choice. They’re asking: If the cost is the same, why not invest in a global opportunity with better exposure and earning potential?”

This shift in mindset is reflected in application trends. There’s a sharp increase in loan applications from Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, particularly for courses in data science, health sciences, business analytics, and engineering.

Prodigy Finance, a global student loan provider offering no-collateral, no-cosigner education loans, has played a pivotal role in enabling this access. Unlike traditional lenders, Prodigy Finance assesses applicants based on their future earning potential, rather than their current income or assets, making it possible for students from semi-urban and rural areas to study at world-class institutions.

This transformation is not just about affordability, it’s about value. More families are comparing the return on investment (ROI) of education at home versus abroad. For many, international degrees offer a more comprehensive package: a global network, English-language instruction, and the chance to work abroad after graduation.

Countries like the UK and Germany have helped fuel this interest by offering favourable post-study work rights, allowing students to recoup their investment and establish global careers.

“We’re seeing a new kind of ambition from students in smaller towns,” added Kapoor. “They’re digitally savvy, globally aware, and determined to make smart decisions for their future. At Prodigy Finance, we’re proud to support their journey.”

Prodigy Finance expects this momentum to continue, reshaping the global classroom with students who are determined, prepared, and ready to lead on the world stage.