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Category: Education

  • The next postgraduate intake cycle takes shape ahead of January at BIMTECH

    Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director of Birla Institute of Management Technology, explains how programme intake, eligibility and timelines are structured for the upcoming academic session

    Preparations for the upcoming postgraduate management intake are underway at Birla Institute of Management Technology, as the institute outlines the academic structure, eligibility criteria and timelines for its 2026–28 programmes. The intake cycle covers four full-time, two-year PGDM programmes approved by AICTE, including PGDM, PGDM in Insurance Business Management, PGDM in International Business and PGDM in Retail Management.
    The programmes are designed for graduates seeking structured management education with exposure to industry-facing coursework and applied learning. Eligibility requires a minimum of 50 percent marks at graduation along with valid scores from national level management entrance examinations. Applicants can apply using CAT 2025, XAT 2026, GMAT 2024 or 2025–26, or CMAT 2026 scores. In addition, candidates for the Insurance Business Management and Retail Management programmes may apply using MAT 2025–26 scores.

    Speaking on the academic approach, Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director of Birla Institute of Management Technology, stated that the institute’s focus remains on building managerial capability through a combination of academic rigour, practical exposure and industry engagement. She noted that the structure of the programmes is intended to support skill development in critical thinking, problem solving and professional communication, alongside subject-specific learning.
    The intake distribution for the forthcoming academic session includes over 300 seats for the PGDM programme, with 60 seats each for PGDM in Insurance Business Management, International Business and Retail Management. These cohorts are supported by BIMTECH’s alumni network of more than 8,000 professionals working across sectors and geographies.

    Placement outcomes from the previous academic year provide context for the current intake cycle. The highest compensation packages recorded were ₹22 lakh for PGDM, ₹16.42 lakh each for PGDM in International Business and Retail Management, and ₹14.50 lakh for PGDM in Insurance Business Management. Alongside academic delivery, the institute also offers merit-based financial support through the Late Basant Kumar Birla Admission Merit Scholarship, linked to CAT and XAT performance.

    With applications open until 31 January 2026, the current intake cycle reflects BIMTECH’s ongoing approach to postgraduate management education, combining structured academics, defined evaluation pathways and institutional planning aligned to industry requirements.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Interactive mathematics challenge Infinity completes 12 years at Aditya Birla World Academy

    Principal Shalini John and convener Prodipta Hore spoke on the programme’s learning approach

    The interactive mathematics challenge Infinity has completed 12 years at Aditya Birla World Academy, continuing its focus on engaging students with mathematics through reasoning, collaboration, and application rather than speed-based testing alone.
    The 2026 edition of Infinity brought together 360 students forming 120 teams from 68 schools across five countries. Along with participation from schools across India, students also took part from the UAE, Qatar, Dubai, and Kuwait, reflecting the programme’s expanding international footprint.

    Founded by Neerja Birla, Infinity is anchored in the school’s broader commitment to nurturing students who think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply learning in real-world contexts. Designed as a school-led initiative, the challenge encourages students to approach mathematics as a process of exploration and discussion rather than a race against time.
    The three-day programme featured a mix of individual and team-based rounds aimed at assessing logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and conceptual understanding. The format places emphasis on clarity of thought and methodological approach alongside accuracy, allowing students to explore multiple solution pathways while working with peers from different schools and regions.

    In the 2026 edition, Agastya B. Khare from Oakridge International School, Bengaluru, was named Mathematician of the Year in the senior category, while Yerin Choi from Indus International School, Pune, received the honour in the junior category. Utpal Shanghvi Global School secured the Champion Trophy in the senior category.
    Over the past 12 years, Infinity has seen participation from more than 6,000 students from schools in India and overseas, underlining its sustained relevance within the school education ecosystem.

    Commenting on the initiative, Shalini John, Principal of Aditya Birla World Academy, said, “Infinity was started to give students a different experience of learning mathematics — one that values thinking and discussion as much as arriving at the right answer. Its continuity over 12 years reflects the sustained interest among schools and students.”
    Prodipta Hore, Convener and Conceptualiser of Infinity, highlighted the importance of such platforms in contemporary education. “Platforms like Infinity allow students to apply classroom learning in a collaborative setting. Such experiences are increasingly important as education systems place greater emphasis on analytical and problem-solving skills,” he said.

    The 2026 edition was supported by academic partners including BITS Pilani and Plaksha University. Faculty members and education leaders from these institutions engaged with students through keynote addresses and interactive sessions.
    Students also interacted with Mark Saul, a US-based mathematician and educationist known for his work in mathematics education and gifted student programmes, and for his leadership roles with the Mathematical Association of America. Additional support for the initiative came from organisations including the Lodha Foundation and Britannia Industries.

    This year’s Infinity Trophy was sponsored by ABWA alumni who went on to build sortmyprep, an AI-powered exam preparation platform supporting IB, IGCSE, and A-Level students. Founded by Aryaman Adhikary, Naman Kothari, and Ananya Pritam, all members of the ABWA Class of 2021, the venture reflects the school’s emphasis on extending learning beyond the classroom.
    Reflecting on the journey, Aryaman Adhikary, Co-founder of sortmyprep, said, “At ABWA, we learn to think beyond boundaries, take initiative, and believe in our ideas. The values and exposure we received here laid the foundation for our entrepreneurial journey.”
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Entry-level digital marketing hiring remains steady, Kraftshala report flags skill shift

    Varun Satia said recruiters are hiring selectively with sharper expectations from early-career candidates

    New Delhi, January 21, 2026: Entry-level digital marketing hiring in India remained steady through 2025, with recruiters placing greater emphasis on skills and role readiness, according to Kraftshala’s Digital Marketing Hiring Trends Report 2025.
    The report is based on an analysis of more than 750 entry-level roles offered through Kraftshala’s placement processes across its flagship programs. The findings point to sustained hiring activity at the early-career level, alongside a shift in how employers assess and select candidates.

    Agencies continued to drive the bulk of hiring, accounting for close to 70 percent of entry-level roles. Brand-side hiring volumes were lower, but the report noted that these roles were 62 percent more likely to offer higher CTCs, reflecting expectations around ownership, analytical ability, and direct business impact.
    Hiring remained concentrated in major metros. Delhi-NCR accounted for 30 percent of roles, followed by Bangalore at 27 percent and Mumbai at 18 percent. Together, these cities made up more than three-fourths of all entry-level opportunities. At the same time, cities such as Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Chandigarh showed increased participation, pointing to a gradual geographic expansion.

    Workplace preferences showed limited change during the year. The report found that 91.5 percent of roles in 2025 were in-office or hybrid, with employers continuing to prioritise collaboration, faster learning cycles, and on-ground problem-solving for early-career hires.
    The report also highlighted a shift in the types of roles attracting entry-level talent. Growth marketing, e-commerce and D2C, programmatic roles, account management, and brand marketing emerged as some of the more in-demand and higher-paying opportunities.

    Varun Satia, Founder and CEO of Kraftshala, said entry-level digital marketing hiring in India is becoming more deliberate rather than slowing down. He said recruiters are continuing to hire, but with sharper expectations around fundamentals, application of skills, and readiness for real-world work.
    Recruitment processes also evolved during 2025. As AI tools made resumes and assignments easier to standardise, recruiters placed greater emphasis on live problem-solving, case-based discussions, and practical exercises, making hiring processes more competitive but also clearer for prepared candidates.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Industry participation comes into focus during PM SETU discussions in Pune

    The consultation convened by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with the Government of Maharashtra brought together leading manufacturing and service sector companies to review industry linked skilling plans

    The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship convened an industry consultation in Pune as part of the ongoing rollout of the PM SETU scheme aimed at transforming Industrial Training Institutes across the country. The programme was held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration and brought together senior government officials and industry representatives to discuss implementation priorities and industry participation.
    The consultation was led by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, along with Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra. Officials outlined the objectives of PM SETU and highlighted the role of industry in governance, curriculum alignment, trainer development, and employment outcomes.

    More than 40 companies participated in the discussions, representing sectors such as automotive, construction, textiles, fast moving consumer goods, electronics, oil and gas, and renewable energy. Industry participants included Mahindra, Tata Group, Tata Motors, Bharat Electronics, Godrej, and Fiat. The sessions focused on the proposed hub and spoke model for ITIs, the creation of industry led Special Purpose Vehicles, curriculum updates, trainer upskilling, and mechanisms to improve placement outcomes.
    Speaking at the consultation, Debashree Mukherjee said that PM SETU is designed to make ITIs more aligned with industry requirements by strengthening training quality, modern pedagogy, trainer performance, and measurable employment outcomes. She noted that the scheme goes beyond infrastructure upgrades and seeks deeper industry engagement in governance and training delivery.

    She further stated that PM SETU is intended to create sustained partnerships with industry, where employers play a direct role in curriculum design and trainer development to ensure alignment with evolving technologies and shopfloor requirements. She added that the initiative also offers benefits to industry in the form of a steady pipeline of job ready trainees, reduced recruitment costs, and access to modern training facilities and equipment.
    Reaffirming the state government’s support, Manisha Verma said that Maharashtra will provide an enabling environment for industry participation under the scheme. She stated that the state will facilitate implementation through coordination with stakeholders, supportive administrative arrangements, and regular engagement with industry partners so that ITIs in Maharashtra develop strong linkages with employers and improved employment outcomes for trainees.

    Industry representatives expressed interest in the collaborative framework proposed under PM SETU. Inputs from participants in the automotive and renewable energy sectors highlighted the potential of the initiative to support the development of a future ready workforce while enabling ITIs to function as centres for industry aligned training and innovation.
    The discussions also highlighted strategic benefits for participating companies, including involvement in governance structures, opportunities to contribute to curriculum development and training delivery, enhanced employer visibility, and closer alignment with corporate social responsibility and environmental social governance objectives.
    As part of the engagement, participants visited ITI Aundh Pune, ITI Girls Pune, ITI Pimpri Chinchwad, and Fronius India Pvt. Ltd. in Bhosari. The visits provided first hand exposure to institutional infrastructure, training ecosystems, and examples of industry integrated skilling models.
    PM SETU was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2025 with an outlay of ₹60,000 crore over five years. The scheme aims to convert ITIs into government owned but industry managed institutions by upgrading infrastructure, introducing new courses, and embedding industry led governance. The objective is to build a skilled and employable workforce aligned with growth sectors and the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • 7 reasons today’s job realities are changing how parents look at schools such as Eklavya Early Years

    Niyati Handa, Co Founder and Director of Eklavya Early Years School in Bengaluru, explains what early education must offer beyond academics

    The seeds for job prospects and employment opportunities are sown long before high school, where you’re at a crossroads of choosing a particular career path.

    It begins in early childhood with institutions such as parents, teachers, and schools nurturing qualities like curiosity, asking questions, and confidence in children in their early years. This is why school choice matters from the very beginning.

    In fact, choosing the right school is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make as a parent. Its importance cannot be overstated; it’s not just about academics and exams; it’s about laying a strong foundation for every aspect of your child’s overall growth, personality, and future career.

    1. The Future Is Not Linear, And Neither Should Education
      The world is changing more rapidly than ever, and “adapting” is becoming a critical life skill. Pivoting and diversification characterise careers more than any predefined ladders. So, schools that enable children to make connections across subjects prepare them for an ever-evolving world where adapting matters more than following rigid pathways. In early years, it starts with encouraging an inquisitive mind, play, and exploration, which later translates into multidisciplinary learning.
    2. The Door Might Be Open; Skills Decide How Far You Go
      Today’s workplace is increasingly valuing how individuals think. Parents must assess whether a school prioritises thinking skills and application. For this, schools must emphasise communication, listening, and collaboration during early years, eventually progressing into critical thinking, problem-solving, and articulation.
    3. The Ability To Constantly Learn Outlasts Any Degree
      Job roles have started evolving, and will continue to evolve faster than the syllabi taught in classrooms. This is why the most valuable skill is learning itself. The ability to constantly learn and upskill is what keeps one relevant in their respective fields long after formal education ends. And schools that foster inquiry-based learning by encouraging research, reflection, and independent thought empower children to always stay ahead of the curve.
    4. Emotional Intelligence Is Not An Option But A Necessity At Work
      A school’s approach to an all-round physical, social, and emotional growth is as crucial as academics. This is because collaboration and emotional maturity are cornerstones of modern workplaces. It is a school where children first develop emotional intelligence and social skills through peer and teacher interactions. They learn to navigate social complexities, become aware of and understand their own emotions, and build healthy, meaningful relationships. Additionally, they also learn teamwork, practice empathy, and improve communication skills – critical life tools they’ll use forever.
    5. Early Exposure Matters More Than Early Pressure
      Another important consideration is balancing academics and extracurricular activities without boxing children into labels. Professionals thrive when they discover their strengths through practical experience, and not compulsion. While academics are essential, children organically discover their interests and talents by being exposed to real-world contexts and activities such as music, sports, and art. In early years, this can start with broad sensory and experiential learning. This helps cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped for success in both academic and personal spheres.
    6. Real-World Relevance Beats Rote Learning
      The modern job market rewards those who can apply knowledge, not just memorise and recall it. What’s important is making “learning through doing,” creative expression, and exploration a core aspect of the curriculum. Schools that connect textbook/classroom concepts to real-life situations and global perspectives through projects, discussions, and practical applications build confidence and competence simultaneously.
    7. Character Is The Most Transferable Skill
      Technology may advance. Roles may shift. But it is the character that endures. It is vital to look for schools that emphasise value-based education, where the growth of a child’s moral character is given equal weight with academic brilliance. Children will witness long-term success beyond any specific profession by the honesty, integrity, independence, accountability, and ethical thinking instilled in them from a young age.
    Choosing the right school today is less about predicting a child’s future career and more about preparing them for an unpredictable world. The most future-ready schools focus on nurturing thinkers and emotionally grounded individuals with a lifelong love for learning – ready not just for jobs but for life.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • School level reading takes national focus through Food 4 Thought Foundation and Cyient Foundation

    Cyient DLM Managing Director Rajendra Velagapudi and Food 4 Thought Foundation co founder Shefali Rao discuss building reading cultures

    School level reading and comprehension took national focus with the hosting of the India Reading Decathlon National Finale, organised by Food 4 Thought Foundation in collaboration with Cyient Foundation, along with Monocept Consulting. The finale was held at Cyient’s Manikonda campus in Hyderabad, bringing together students, educators, and literacy advocates from across the country.
    The national finale marked the culmination of a four month competition that saw participation from 69 schools nationwide. Following multiple rounds, the top 11 teams qualified to compete at the final stage. The Reading Decathlon is an international school level quiz format designed to encourage deep reading, comprehension, critical thinking, and sustained literary engagement among children.

    The programme is anchored in the belief that reading habits require structured encouragement, particularly among urban students who may have access to books but limited engagement with reading beyond academic requirements. Through a competitive yet learning driven format, the Reading Decathlon seeks to place reading back at the centre of intellectual development.
    Speaking at the event, Rajendra Velagapudi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cyient DLM, said that education and literacy form the foundation of long term societal progress. He noted that Cyient Foundation’s involvement in the Reading Decathlon aligns with its focus on sustainable education initiatives that aim to create lasting impact rather than short term interventions.

    Shefali Rao, Co Founder of Food 4 Thought Foundation, said that the Reading Decathlon was conceived as a way to ignite interest in reading among urban children and youth. She added that collaborations between organisations working in education and literacy are essential to building consistent reading cultures that go beyond classrooms and examinations.
    Food 4 Thought Foundation works with schools to promote reading as a habit rather than a task, using formats that reward curiosity, analysis, and discussion. The partnership with Cyient Foundation reflects a shared approach toward literacy that emphasises continuity, access, and engagement over scale alone.

    By bringing together schools from different regions, the India Reading Decathlon National Finale underscored the role of reading based programmes in strengthening comprehension and critical thinking at an early age. The organisers noted that such initiatives are increasingly relevant as education systems seek to balance digital exposure with sustained reading practices.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Academic led innovation gains momentum as a new startup catalyst centre takes shape at Galgotias University

    Galgotias University CEO Dr. Dhruv Galgotia discusses collaboration with IIT Mandi and partner institutions

    Academic led innovation is gaining renewed momentum with the inauguration of the IIT Mandi Catalyst Satellite Centre at Galgotias University, marking a step toward strengthening research driven entrepreneurship and startup creation within higher education ecosystems. The centre has been established to support early stage ventures, promote deep tech innovation, and bridge the gap between academic research and real world application.
    The inauguration positioned the campus as a collaborative node for innovation, bringing together academic leadership, researchers, and ecosystem partners focused on translating ideas into scalable solutions. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on university anchored platforms as contributors to national capacity building and technology led entrepreneurship.

    The event was attended by senior academic leaders including Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, who served as Chief Guest, and Prof. Goutam Sutradhar, Director of National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, as Guest of Honour. Their presence highlighted the role of inter institutional collaboration in strengthening India’s innovation and startup landscape.
    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer of Galgotias University, said that innovation and entrepreneurship need to be embedded within the academic environment. He noted that the IIT Mandi Catalyst Satellite Centre is intended to provide students and researchers access to mentorship, infrastructure, and industry exposure required to build ventures with real world relevance and impact.

    A key outcome of the event was the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding aimed at expanding collaborative research and startup support. The agreements were signed between Galgotias University and the National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, and between Galgotias University and Jharkhand University of Technology Ranchi. These partnerships will enable joint research projects, faculty and student exchange, access to advanced laboratories, and shared incubation and acceleration programmes.
    The collaborations are expected to strengthen pathways for research commercialisation by supporting deep tech startup creation, improving access to funding networks, and enabling students to engage with innovation ecosystems beyond their home institutions. The event also saw participation from senior academicians and ecosystem stakeholders, including Prof. N. K. Goyal of CSAI and CMAI.

    With the launch of the IIT Mandi Catalyst Satellite Centre, Galgotias University reinforces its focus on aligning academic excellence with entrepreneurship. The initiative positions universities as active contributors to India’s startup pipeline by enabling research translation, institutional collaboration, and student led innovation at scale.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Student talent and cultural expression take centre stage as Anvesh 2026 unfolds at Vivekanand Education Society Polytechnic VESP Principal

    Vikrant Joshi and VES President Suresh Malkani highlight participation of over 400 students and the theme Virasat From Heritage to Horizon

    Vivekanand Education Society Polytechnic successfully hosted Anvesh 2026, its annual cultural and talent festival, bringing together more than 400 students for two days of performances, competitions, and student led activities. The festival was organised around the theme Virasat From Heritage to Horizon, reflecting a focus on India’s cultural legacy alongside the aspirations of young learners.
    The event opened with a formal inauguration marked by a traditional Lazim welcome that set the cultural tone for the festival. The Chief Guest, Dr. Dipti Joshi, Managing Partner and Advisory at HEVIX FusionTech LLP, addressed the students and spoke about the importance of cultural grounding, social responsibility, and youth participation in nation building.

    The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior leadership from the Vivekanand Education Society including Shri Suresh Malkani, President, Vivekanand Education Society, Shri Vishu Lalla, Managing Trustee, Vivekanand Education Society, Shri Sunil Kishanchandani, Associate Trustee, Vivekanand Education Society, and Santosh Mulye, Incharge of Anvesh 2026.
    Day one featured Dance Ka Mahasangram, an inter departmental competition that presented Indian folk and heritage forms such as Lavani, Koli, and historical narratives. The competition was judged by performers Aruna Panchal and Shradha Bhuwad. Academic toppers from various departments were felicitated during the day, alongside E Sports knockouts and Talent Hunt preliminary rounds that saw wide student participation.

    Day two included performances by the college band and a Powada by Yuva Shahir Swapnil Dumbre that highlighted the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Talent Hunt Finale was judged by Abhishek Shastri and Sanjay Kuril, while the Mr. and Miss VESP pageant was evaluated by Sonali Vardam and Parag Jain. The festival concluded with the E Sports finals, prize distribution across cultural, academic, and sports categories, followed by a closing ceremony led by the student core team.
    Speaking on the occasion, Vikrant Joshi, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society Polytechnic, said, “Anvesh 2026 reflects our commitment to holistic education where technical learning coexists with cultural awareness, creativity, and leadership. The festival allows students to build confidence, teamwork, and a strong sense of identity.”

    Shri Suresh Malkani, President, Vivekanand Education Society, said that the institution continues to focus on balancing tradition with progress. He noted that Anvesh 2026 connected India’s cultural roots with the ambitions of students who will contribute to the nation’s future.
    Anvesh 2026 received support from industry and community sponsors including McDonald’s, GaamUP Infra Pvt. Ltd., Orientbell Tiles, Hindustan Associates, HEVIX FusionTech LLP, Arihant Industries, The Knot Nest by Vedika, Baubles, Aradhya, Isha Celebrations, and Darkest Fantasy.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.