Category Archives: Education

Scrum.org Launches New Self-Paced Professional Scrum Master Advanced Fundamentals Training Course

Scrum.org Launches New Self-Paced Professional Scrum Master™ Advanced Fundamentals Training Course. The new course helps Scrum Masters enhance their capabilities and includes an attempt at the PSM II certification

BOSTON – June 3 – Scrum.org, the Home of Scrum, announced that it has added a new self-paced course, Professional Scrum Master Advanced Fundamentals, to its online learning platform. This course for new and experienced Scrum Masters goes beyond the basics, where students explore the unique blend of skills and practices needed to support the Scrum Team and organization. By the end of the course, students will understand what it takes to be a successful Scrum Master and their importance to the entire product delivery process. This course is highly recommended for people preparing to take the globally recognized Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) certification test and includes an attempt at the test upon completion of the course.

Throughout this course, students will develop the ability to act and grow as a Scrum Master who enables Scrum Teams to deliver value effectively, demonstrates leadership to enact positive change, and fosters a culture of Professional Scrum, self-management and continuous improvement across the organization. Students will work through real-world scenarios, case studies, and interactive exercises that challenge them to assess and respond to complex situations that Scrum Masters face daily. 

“We are very excited to announce our newest self-paced training course – Professional Scrum Master Advanced Fundamentals,” said Dave West, CEO, Scrum.org. “There are many facets to being a Scrum Master, often facing the balance of leadership, enabling the Product Owner to maximize value, fostering continuous improvement and more. This course enables Scrum Master to learn how to grow these skills and more at their own pace and at a time that suits them. We understand that people learn in many different ways and look forward to building out our online learning platform.”

Professional Scrum Master Advanced Fundamentals is optimized for interactive learning including activities where students take action and make choices, reading, watching videos and quizzes.This course helps students prepare for the Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) certification test. Students taking the Professional Scrum Master Advanced Fundamentals course will receive a password to take the certification test upon completion of the course.

This course can be purchased together with the Professional Scrum Fundamentals course as part of a bundle. The bundle is ideal for those who want foundational Scrum training prior to taking the Professional Scrum Master Advanced Fundamentals course. The bundle includes attempts at both the PSM I and PSM II certification tests. The bundle is available at the discounted price of $490.

Students can purchase the new course or bundle on the Scrum.org website.

People with disabilities often experience poorer oral health – training could drive improved care

Study Suggests Popular GLP-1 Drug May Slow Biological Aging

Glucagon-like peptide-1  receptor agonist medications have gained widespread attention for effectively treating obesity, lowering blood sugar and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some researchers have proposed that these drugs may also influence the biology of aging, but direct evidence in humans has remained limited. Now, a new study provides the first randomized, placebo-controlled clinical evidence that semaglutide, a widely used GLP-1 drug, slows down the accumulation of biological aging markers in the DNA of adults with HIV. The study is published in Nature Communications.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego and several partner institutions analyzed data from a previously published clinical trial of 108 adults with HIV‑associated lipohypertrophy, a condition in which excess fat builds up around the abdomen. About half of the participants received weekly injections of semaglutide, with the rest receiving placebo injections.

The team used a set of biological “epigenetic clocks” to track cellular aging over the 32-week treatment period. These clocks detect DNA methylation, chemical marks on DNA that help regulate how genes are turned on or off without changing the genetic sequence itself. By measuring changes in these marks, the team could assess whether the treatment was associated with a slower or faster biological aging pattern.

People with HIV often experience accelerated aging, even if it is well-controlled with antiretroviral therapy, according to first author Michael Corley, PhD, associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and the Stein Institute for Research on Aging. However, the study found compared to the placebo group:

• Participants treated with semaglutide exhibited a broad pattern of slower biological aging across epigenetic clocks linked to inflammation and blood, brain, heart, kidney, liver and metabolic health.
• The drug slowed the pace of biological aging by 9 %, as measured by the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock.
• The drug significantly slowed biological processes associated with the risk of all‑cause mortality and age-related disease, as measured by the PCGrimAge epigenetic clock.

Research suggests there are several mechanisms by which semaglutide may influence biological aging. By reducing inflammation and metabolic stress, GLP-1 drugs decreased chronic immune activation, a primary driver of accelerated aging in people with HIV. They also reduce visceral and ectopic fat that accumulates around the abdomen and organs, which may help curb the inflammatory and metabolic signals that promote aging.

“Emerging data also suggest that GLP-1 drugs may reprogram certain cells in different organs, which could help explain why we see effects across multiple aging clocks,” said Corley.

While the study focused on people with HIV‑associated lipohypertrophy, Corley says it may also offer lessons for the wider population.

“Many of the biological processes we study in HIV are also central to aging in the general population,” he said. “Because these processes can emerge earlier or be more pronounced in people with HIV, this community can help us identify interventions that may improve healthspan more broadly.”

In a related pilot study published in npj Aging last month, Corley and another team of researchers found that taking semaglutide for 24 weeks:

• Reduced the rate of biological aging for 42% of participants with HIV and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — also known as fatty liver disease — as measured by the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock. Those participants also had a greater reduction in liver fat compared with participants whose pace of aging sped up. 
• Slowed aging associated with the risk of all‑cause mortality in 34% of participants as measured by the PCGrimAge epigenetic clock.
• Increased the length of telomeres — repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect genetic material — in nearly 49 % of participants as measured by the PCDNAmTL epigenetic clock. Those participants also tended to walk faster after treatment, suggesting better physical function.

Together, these studies add to growing evidence that GLP-1 drugs may influence pathways involved in biological aging.

“We are not saying that semaglutide reverses aging or makes people younger,” said Corley. “What we are seeing is a signal that it may slow some of the biological processes associated with aging. With newer GLP-1–based therapies now emerging, the field has an opportunity to test whether different drugs in this class have distinct effects on aging biology and to identify which patients may benefit most.”

Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings, determine how long treatment effects last, and establish optimal dosing and treatment duration for both people with HIV and the broader population. Future studies will also be needed to test whether the effects of GLP-1 effects on aging biology are enhanced when combined with lifestyle interventions such as diet, exercise and sleep optimization.

The Stein Institute for Research on Aging plans to translate these results into individualized “aging dashboards” to track biological aging with epigenetic clocks, enabling clinicians to design personalized therapies that target the underlying mechanisms of aging and help prevent age‑related diseases.

CBSE Opens Class 12 Answer Sheet Verification and Re-Evaluation Portal After Technical Delay

New Delhi, June 2 (BNP): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially launched the online portal for Class 12 students to apply for answer sheet verification and re-evaluation, following delays linked to technical upgrades and system improvements.

The portal became operational on June 2, 2026, allowing eligible students who have already accessed scanned copies of their evaluated answer sheets to report discrepancies, seek clarification on marking issues, or request re-evaluation of specific answers. The application process will remain open until midnight on June 6, 2026.

The move comes after concerns were raised over the rollout of CBSE’s new On-Screen Marking system, which reportedly faced technical glitches and delayed the reopening of post-result activities. CBSE is understood to have worked with technical experts to strengthen the system and address operational issues before reopening the portal.

According to board guidelines, students can apply for verification of answer book-related concerns, including issues such as blurred or incomplete scanned pages, by paying a fee of ₹100 per answer book. Re-evaluation of individual questions can be requested at ₹25 per question.

To access the facility, students must log in through the CBSE portal using their Roll Number, School Number, and Admit Card ID. Aadhaar-based verification has been made mandatory for authentication. In cases where a student does not possess an Aadhaar number, details of a parent or guardian may be used, subject to identity matching requirements.

CBSE has clarified that only students who have already downloaded and reviewed their scanned answer sheets are eligible to apply. No offline applications or requests submitted after the deadline will be entertained.

Education experts have advised students to carefully review answer sheets and act within the limited application window to avoid missing the opportunity for corrections or reassessment.

200 Over Students Celebrate Learning, Creativity, and Fun at OWIS Summer Camp 2026

Bengaluru, June 1: One World International School successfully concluded its much-awaited OWIS Summer Camp 2026 across its Sarjapur and Whitefield campuses. Bringing together more than 200 enthusiastic young learners, the camp offered an exciting blend of fun, fitness, creativity, friendship, and skill development. Over the course of the programme, students immersed themselves in a variety of engaging activities, discovering new interests, building confidence, and creating lasting memories.

Designed for students across multiple age groups, the camp offered a diverse range of activities spanning sports, wellness, performing arts, and creative expression, including Football, Basketball, Swimming, Skating, Yoga, Art & Craft, Athletics, Chess, Cricket, Dance, Music, and Martial Arts. With the flexibility to choose two activities based on their interests, each child enjoyed a personalised experience that encouraged both learning and self-discovery.

Speaking on the successful completion of the programme, Ms. Aparna Achanta, Principal, OWIS, Sarjapur, said,

“Summer breaks offer children a valuable opportunity to develop skills beyond academics, especially in non-scholastic areas that nurture confidence, creativity, and personal growth. Through OWIS Summer Camp 2026, we aimed to create a fun and engaging environment where children could explore new interests and stay active. It was wonderful to see students from OWIS and neighbouring schools participate with such enthusiasm, building friendships, confidence, and new skills along the way.”

Adding further, Ms. Madhu Khanna, Principal, OWIS Whitefield, said,

 “At OWIS, we strongly believe that learning extends far beyond academics, and initiatives like our summer camp play an important role in nurturing creativity, teamwork, resilience, and self-expression among children. The overwhelming response to OWIS Summer Camp 2026 reflects the growing importance of experiential learning and well-rounded development for young learners. We are delighted to have created a joyful and engaging summer experience for students across both campuses.”

The camp also ensured a comfortable and student-friendly experience, with refreshments provided to all participants, coaching equipment arranged by the school, and transport available to enrolled students who opted for the service. Participation certificates were awarded to all students at the conclusion of the programme in recognition of their active involvement and enthusiasm throughout the camp.

With the successful conclusion of the summer camp, One World International School continues to strengthen its commitment towards creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom education. Known for its learner-centric approach, global outlook, and emphasis on holistic development, the school consistently provides platforms that encourage students to discover their interests, build confidence, and grow into well-rounded individuals.

CBSE to Soon Activate Class 12 Re-Evaluation, Verification Portal; Students Asked to Await Official Notice

New Delhi, June 1 (BNP): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the online portal for Class 12 post-result verification of marks and re-evaluation will be activated soon, bringing clarity to students awaiting the application process following board examination results.

Representational image

The update comes amid growing concerns among students over delays in the activation of post-result services, which allow candidates to seek verification of marks and request re-evaluation of answer sheets.

Responding to queries raised by students on social media platform X, CBSE confirmed that the verification and re-evaluation portal would go live shortly and stated that a detailed official announcement would follow.

The board had earlier indicated that the portal was expected to open during the final week of May. However, activation was reportedly deferred to ensure a secure, transparent and error-free process for handling post-result applications.

Once operational, the portal will enable eligible students to apply for various post-result services, including verification of marks, access to photocopies of evaluated answer sheets and re-evaluation of specific responses as per prescribed guidelines.

Under the verification process, CBSE examines whether all answers have been evaluated, marks correctly totalled and final scores accurately uploaded. Students dissatisfied with their performance may subsequently apply for re-evaluation, subject to eligibility norms and procedural requirements.

Officials are expected to release detailed instructions regarding application dates, service fees, timelines and submission procedures shortly after the portal is activated.

Meanwhile, students have been advised to regularly monitor official CBSE websites and notifications for updates and keep important credentials, including roll numbers and admit card details, readily available to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

CBSE officials reiterated that students are not required to take any immediate action and should wait for the formal notification before initiating post-result applications.

Bodycraft Academy of Clinical Excellence Debuts in Bangalore with Clinic-First Training Model

India, May 29: Bodycraft Clinic has officially launched the Bodycraft Academy of Clinical Excellence in Bangalore, a new institution focused on bridging the growing gap between certification and real-world clinical competency in India’s rapidly expanding aesthetic medicine industry.

Built on over a decade of clinical experience across 34+ clinics, the academy has been designed to train practitioners not only in technical procedures, but in clinical judgement, patient safety, and outcome accountability. The launch marks Bodycraft’s entry into structured clinical education, with a curriculum shaped directly by live patient outcomes, real treatment environments, and operational learnings gathered across thousands of cases.

The academy was founded on a recognition that while aesthetic medicine in India has grown significantly, the training infrastructure supporting it has not evolved at the same pace. According to the academy’s leadership, many practitioners enter the industry technically certified but insufficiently prepared for the complexities of real clinical practice.

“The founding idea came from repeatedly seeing the gap between being certified and being genuinely ready,” said Dr Mikki Singh, Founder and Medical Director of Bodycraft Clinics. “Every module we teach has been tested in our own treatment rooms. Refined across thousands of real patient outcomes. Designed around one question: what does this doctor need to know to never let a patient down?”

Unlike conventional cosmetology training, which largely focuses on baseline procedural knowledge, the academy’s curriculum addresses advanced injectables, energy-based device (EBD) protocols, clinical case diversity, patient management, and real-world complication handling. The programme also incorporates training for non-clinical teams, reinforcing the idea that clinical excellence extends beyond doctors alone.

At the core of the academy is its proprietary five-stage POC framework, structured around Selection, Training, Assessment, Re-training, and Deployment. Candidates are evaluated before entry, trained through hands-on clinical exposure and live patient demonstrations, assessed on applied competency rather than theoretical retention alone, and only deployed after successfully meeting defined standards of performance.

The academy emphasises multi-competency assessment, where practitioners are evaluated not only on technical execution, but also on judgement, adaptability, and clinical decision-making under real conditions.

“Aesthetics isn’t about a single procedure. It’s about combining the right treatments, the right way, for results that last. That’s what a clinical approach actually means,” added Dr Mikki Singh.

According to the organisation, the academy’s clinic-first model is what differentiates it from standalone training institutes. Every protocol taught within the academy has been developed and refined through Bodycraft’s own clinical infrastructure and patient populations.

Sahil Gupta, CEO of Bodycraft Clinics said,

“We built this Academy because the standard of care in this industry needed raising, and we had a decade of knowing exactly how. Aesthetic medicine has evolved far beyond what standard dermatology training covers, including injectables, energy-based devices, advanced skin and hair protocols, and practitioners are entering the field underprepared for that reality.”

He further added,

 “This Academy is here to bridge that gap. Because ultimately, this is about what a patient experiences when they walk in, the confidence that the person treating them has been trained to think, not just to execute.”

The academy has been in development conceptually for several years, with active execution and infrastructure building taking place over the final year leading up to launch. The institution now aims to evolve into one of India’s most trusted clinical training brands in aesthetic medicine, with future plans including fellowship programmes, international collaborations, and expansion of practitioner training standards nationally.

By focusing on competency validation rather than certification alone, the academy intends to create a stronger benchmark for clinical readiness in India’s aesthetic medicine ecosystem and contribute toward improving patient outcomes across the industry.

GREMI City Campus at Million Minds Tech City Unveils Vision for India’s first dedicated Real Estate University

New Delhi, May 29: Ganesh Real Estate Management Institute (GREMI), Gujarat’s first AICTE-approved institution exclusively focused on the real estate sector, today inaugurated its City Campus at Million Minds Tech City, Ahmedabad. Backed by an initial investment of INR ₹500 crore, GREMI will admit its Founding Cohort of 70 students from August 2026, marking the formal beginning of structured, degree-linked real estate education in India.

The launch of the campus marks a significant step in GREMI‘s journey to establish a formal, industry-aligned academic home for real estate education in India, supported by a Ganesh Housing Limited and grounded in the recognition that balanced urban development is only possible when town planning is supported by structured education and modern thinking.

The inauguration, held alongside the Phase 1 launch of Million Minds Tech City, reflects the intentional integration of education, employment and innovation within the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar growth corridor. GREMI‘s City Campus will serve as a live learning environment — connecting students directly with the built-environment industry — while its long-term vision of a 100-acre dedicated university campus, for which a Deemed University application has already been submitted to the UGC, positions India’s real estate sector on the path to having its own world-class academic home. An application for GREMI to transform into a Deemed University under distinct category has already been submitted to the UGC.

The launch brought together a convergence that is rare in Indian education — a sector-specific institution, co-located within a live employment district, backed by committed long-term capital, and supported at the highest levels of government. Addressing the industry and education leaders Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel, reiterated the commitment of Central and State Governments towards quality housing, urban development, quality infrastructure and holistic approach to real estate development and management. The public unveiling of GREMI‘s long-term vision: a 100-acre integrated teaching, research and residential university campus in Ahmedabad, with initial investment of Rs 500 Crores marks the beginning of a world-class centre of excellence exclusively for the built-environment sector.

Speaking at the launch event, Hon’ble Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said, “Gujarat has already established itself as one of India’s strongest industrial growth engines, and now the state is moving decisively towards becoming a global hub for technology, innovation and high-skilled services. Projects like Million Minds Tech City will not only create world-class infrastructure and employment opportunities but will also position Ahmedabad alongside the country’s leading technology destinations. Equally important is the launch of GREMI City Campus, which reflects the need to build strong industry-linked talent and knowledge ecosystems that can support Gujarat’s next phase of growth in technology, real estate, infrastructure, and innovation-led sectors.”

Commenting on the development, Mr. Shekhar Patel, MD & CEO, Ganesh Housing Limited and Chairman, Governing Council, GREMI said, “India is urbanising at a scale and speed that has few parallels in history, and the expectations from that urban development are far more nuanced and future-focused than ever before. That scale demands a different kind of professional — one who understands not just how to construct, but how to plan, finance, govern and sustain the urban environments we are creating. GREMI exists to produce that professional. Our commitment to the Ganesh Foundation is a reflection of how seriously we take that responsibility — because the institutions we build today will determine the quality of the cities we live in tomorrow.”

Adding perspective on the institute’s vision, Dr. Anil Kashyap, Director General and CEO, GREMI, said, “ Our goal is not just to produce industry-ready talent, but to contribute to research, policy dialogue and innovation in the built environment discipline.” 

The main campus, once completed, is set to accommodate over 2,000 students in a fully integrated academic ecosystem offering postgraduate education and advanced professional learning across real estate development and finance, construction technology and project management, urban planning and infrastructure, housing and policy studies, sustainability and green development, smart cities and future urban systems, real estate law and governance, and technology integration in the built environment.

GREMI‘s flagship Postgraduate Certificate in Management (PGCM) in Real Estate Development and Management will continue to anchor its academic offerings, with the Founding Cohort of 2026 comprising approximately 70 students already admitted for the August 2026 start. GREMI’s ambition is to position real estate education as a credible and aspirational career choice for India’s next generation of professionals, while creating a rigorous foundation for research, innovation and policy engagement in the built environment.

GREMI is associated with Mahamati Skill and Education Foundation (MSEF), a not-for-profit organisation established under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, envisioned by Mr. Shekhar Patel, Director of Ganesh Housing Limited and National President of CREDAI. MSEF operates independently and undertakes its initiatives through funding support received from associated entities and family trusts.

Ashiana Anmol Organizes Interactive Robotics Workshop for Young Innovators at The Learning Hub

Gurugram, May, 29: Ashiana Anmol, the premium kid-centric homes in Gurugram by Ashiana Housing, successfully conducted an engaging and interactive Robotics Workshop at its signature Learning Hub, bringing together over 40 enthusiastic children for a day filled with innovation, creativity, and experiential learning. Designed to encourage curiosity and future-ready skills among young residents, the workshop created a highly enriching environment where children explored robotics, drones, and coding through hands-on participation and live demonstrations.

The workshop was conducted under the guidance of Dharm Raj Panwar, a NASA STEAM Gateway Educator and ISRO-registered Space Tutor, whose extensive experience in STEAM education, robotics, AI, and interdisciplinary learning added significant depth to the session. With a strong focus on practical engagement, the workshop introduced children to foundational concepts in robotics and drone-building in a simplified and enjoyable format that encouraged participation across age groups.

The Learning Hub is one of the defining features of Ashiana Kid Centric Homes  a structured, after-school enrichment environment built into the residential community itself. Staffed by a full-time Learning Coordinator and a team of trained coaches, the Hub runs year-round activities. The Robotics Workshop is part of a broader calendar of experiential learning initiatives at Ashiana Anmol’s Learning Hub, which continues to deepen its programming in line with the community’s commitment to raising children who are curious, capable, and confident.

To ensure a comfortable and effective learning environment, children were divided into groups according to their age. Each team selected its own leader, helping nurture qualities such as leadership, accountability, collaboration, and communication. Participants actively worked together to build robots and drones while also gaining exposure to basic coding concepts through interactive activities designed to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

One of the most exciting moments of the workshop came during a creative exercise where every team named their robots and drones, adding imagination and storytelling to the technical learning process. The activity encouraged children to think creatively while building confidence and strengthening teamwork.

The workshop was hosted at Ashiana Anmol’s Learning Hub, a thoughtfully designed in-community enrichment space that serves as a bridge between home and school. As one of the defining pillars of Ashiana’s Kid-Centric Homes philosophy, the Learning Hub offers children access to structured after-school programs, STEM activities, reading zones, creative exploration spaces, and life-skill workshops under the guidance of dedicated coordinators and professional instructors.

Parents also responded enthusiastically to the initiative and appreciated the opportunity for their children to engage with emerging technologies in a safe, collaborative, and inspiring environment. Several parents expressed interest in participating in similar workshops and future learning programs at the community.

Commenting on the initiative, Varun Gupta, Director, Ashiana Housing, said,

 “At Ashiana, we believe children learn best when curiosity meets experience. Workshops like these go beyond classroom learning and create opportunities for children to explore, collaborate, and build confidence through practical exposure. The Learning Hub at Ashiana Anmol has been designed to nurture creativity, innovation, and holistic development, and it is encouraging to see such enthusiastic participation from both children and parents.”

The Robotics Workshop at Ashiana Anmol concluded on a highly positive note, successfully combining technology, creativity, and experiential learning into a memorable experience for families within the community.

TeamLease Edtech Identifies 7 Key Skills Driving Fresher Hiring Trends

India’s fresher hiring market is undergoing a structural shift. According to the TeamLease EdTech Career Outlook Report employers are increasingly moving away from “degree-first” hiring toward skills-first recruitment models that prioritise practical capability, digital readiness, and proof-of-work over academic pedigree alone.

The report highlights that employers are no longer evaluating freshers solely on marksheets or resumes. Instead, they are hiring for adaptability, technical fluency, and real-world application across emerging business functions. Here are the seven skills shaping fresher employability in 2026:

1. AI Fluency & Automation Readiness

AI is no longer restricted to core tech roles. Employers are increasingly looking for freshers who can work alongside automation tools, AI-led workflows, and intelligent systems across marketing, operations, and customer functions.

The report identifies roles such as AI Marketing Associate and AI Chatbot Support Engineer among emerging fresher opportunities. Skills like AI & automation tools, campaign execution, and digital workflow management are becoming highly employable competencies.

Courses such as the Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence and Digital Marketing with GenAI Advanced Program are also listed among the most in-demand employability credentials.

2. Cybersecurity & Digital Risk Awareness

As organisations become more digitally dependent, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the strongest employability drivers for freshers.

The report identifies Cybersecurity Analyst among the top fresher roles in demand, with employers prioritising skills such as security fundamentals, threat analysis, and networking basics.

Cybersecurity also features among the top domain skills employers are actively seeking across industries.

3. Cloud & DevOps Capabilities

Cloud operations and DevOps are becoming mainstream entry-level career pathways, especially within Information Technology and telecom hiring.

Roles such as Cloud Operations Associate and Jr. DevOps Engineer are seeing strong demand across cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Employers are specifically seeking networking fundamentals, scripting, automation, Linux proficiency, CI/CD fundamentals, and cloud platform knowledge.

The Certified Cloud Practitioner credential is also among the report’s most in-demand employability courses for freshers.

4. Marketing Analytics & Digital Campaign Management

Marketing hiring is becoming increasingly data-driven. Traditional communication skills alone are no longer sufficient for entry-level marketing roles.

The report highlights rising demand for roles such as Digital Campaign Analyst, Ads Operations Executive, and Digital Marketing Executive, particularly across Pune, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Employers are prioritising skills like campaign analytics, web analytics, data reporting, marketing automation, and performance optimisation.

Marketing automation itself is listed among the top domain skills in demand for freshers in 2026.

5. Learning Agility & Problem Framing

Beyond technical expertise, employers are increasingly valuing cognitive adaptability and workplace readiness.

The report identifies learning agility, problem framing, and digital fluency among the top soft skills employers want in freshers across industries.

Importantly, the report’s key takeaways note that these skills are becoming essential because employers now require adaptable talent capable of operating in technology-enabled environments.

6. Data & Business Intelligence Skills

Data-centric roles are rapidly expanding beyond core analytics firms into consulting, BFSI, e-commerce, and operational functions.

The report lists Business Intelligence Analyst among the top fresher roles in demand, with employers prioritising data visualisation, programming skills, and data handling capabilities.

Additionally, Financial Analytics appears among the top domain skills employers are seeking in fresh graduates.

7. Proof-of-Work & Portfolio-Based Employability

Perhaps the biggest change is not a technical skill, but the hiring model itself.

The report notes that employers are increasingly validating candidates through “proof-of-work” including projects, internships, hackathons, apprenticeships, portfolios, and real-world problem-solving rather than relying solely on degrees or resumes.

It further highlights how hiring models are shifting:

• from degree & resume filters to skills, proof-of-work and behaviour,

• from campus-centric recruitment to ecosystem-centric recruitment,

• and from one-time interviews to continuous observation.

This transition is also driving the rise of apprenticeships, innovation labs, online talent communities, and industry-linked learning ecosystems as new gateways into employment.

The Bigger Shift

The larger takeaway from the report is clear: fresher employability in 2026 is being defined less by academic credentials and more by industry-ready capabilities.

While employer intent to hire freshers has risen to 73% in HY1 2026, the strongest opportunities are emerging for candidates who combine technical skills with adaptability, digital fluency, and practical exposure.

In many ways, the future of employability is no longer about what degree a student holds — but about what they can actually do.

Methodology

The survey was conducted between November 2025 and January 2026 with inputs from 1,051 employers across industries to assess fresher hiring intent and employability trends for HY1 2026.