New Delhi, 10th September 2026: Pearl Academy, in partnership with the British Council, is bringing Indian and UK higher education together through design education, creating a platform for cross-border collaboration, cultural exchange and knowledge sharing. Over the past year, students from Pearl Academy, four UK higher education institutions and an independent British contemporary artist have worked together across time zones, developing design projects without ever sharing a physical space.

The collaboration now comes together publicly through Design Without Borders: Creative Futures Collective at the British Council in New Delhi, showcasing the outcomes of this year-long academic exchange. The opening reception was attended by distinguished guests including Ben Mellor, British Deputy High Commissioner, alongside leading voices from academia, design and sustainability. The programme featured a panel discussion, “Creativity is the New Currency of the 21st Century,” with Rachelle V. Knowles, Head of International at Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; Sunita Kohli, President and Co-founder, K2 India; Payal Jain, Indian couturier and sustainability advocate; Shannon West, Deputy Director India and Director North India, British Council; and Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy.

The partnership brought Pearl Academy together with Manchester Metropolitan University, Nottingham Trent University, London College of Contemporary Arts, and Birmingham City University. The collaboration used Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), an approach that enables students in different countries to work together on academic projects through digital platforms. The exhibition also features a parallel collaboration between fashion design students of Pearl Academy and contemporary British artist Alexander Gorlizki, who worked directly with students to reinterpret traditional Indian block and screen printing techniques.

Across the projects, Indian craft traditions met contemporary design and technology, as students from India and the UK reimagined materials, techniques and ideas across cultures. With the London College of Contemporary Arts, students collaborated on a khadi collection inspired by the idea of Satyagraha. With Birmingham City University, discarded cricket material (including gloves, pads, uniforms, etc.) was transformed into two garments finished with Kantha embroidery, exploring women’s place in the sport. With Nottingham Trent University, students turned a broken clamp into a functional lamp and reclaimed mesh into a necklace, both finished with 3D printing, as well as exploring textiles under the coveted Rebel Tartan Project. With Manchester Metropolitan University, students worked on AI-assisted fashion, a satirical take on greenwashing, and a garment built around public transport safety. Pearl Academy’s Interior Design students designed the exhibition space, centered around a textile installation in the British Council’s foyer.

The collaboration reflects a shift in design education towards more international and interdisciplinary models of learning, allowing students to work continuously with peers in other countries while bringing different cultural and academic perspectives into the creative process. Rather than relying solely on physical mobility or study abroad programmes, the model enables students to experience international collaboration as part of their everyday academic learning.

The British Council is a key collaborator in bringing the outcomes of this year-long India–UK academic exchange to a wider audience, providing a platform for the outcomes of the India–UK academic exchange to be presented to a wider audience and creating opportunities for dialogue around international education, culture and creative practice. The exhibition, Design Without Borders: Creative Futures Collective, is on display at the British Council’s premises on 17, KG Marg, New Delhi. Running until 31st October, the exhibition will be accompanied by panel discussions, masterclasses and workshops for school and college students, bringing together industry professionals, educators, government representatives, diplomats and other members of the creative community.

Commenting on the partnership, Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy, said: “Centuries of shared history between India and the UK have shaped the creative landscapes of both nations. This collaboration gives our students the opportunity to contribute to that evolving story, working across cultures and time zones to co-create in a truly global classroom. It demonstrates how international collaboration can become an integral part of design education, opening new ways for students to learn, create and see the world through different perspectives”

Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council added, “Creative partnerships like this one between the British Council and Pearl Academy demonstrate the depth and impact of India-UK international collaborations in design education. Connecting students across borders through innovative models can enable creative exchange and intercultural learning as well as be the catalyst for future engagements. We are pleased to showcase the creative outputs of these collaborations at the British Council and hope it will inspire more institutional creative partnerships between our countries.”

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creative education that enables students to learn, create and collaborate across cultures, disciplines and geographies.

• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) to modernise its Student Life Cycle Management platform by leveraging Agentforce and related solutions, deploying 50+ AI agents across academic and administrative systems over the next two years
• MAHE to establish a Salesforce Academia Center of Excellence to develop AI-ready digital talent and prepare students for the future workforce.

Manipal, Karnataka, India, March 30: Salesforce, the world’s #1 AI CRM*, announced a collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, to modernise its Student Life Cycle Management (SLCM) platform and accelerate its transition to an AI-driven university. This collaboration will enable the deployment of AI-powered agentic systems across academic and administrative ecosystems, enhancing how the institution engages with students, faculty, and operations at scale. MAHE will leverage Agentforce Education, Agentforce, Data 360, MuleSoft, and Tableau to accelerate its shift from traditional systems to AI-driven operations. This forms part of MAHE’s MAGIC (MAHE Agentic Intelligent Console) program—a strategic initiative conceptualised and led by MAHE to deploy AI agents across academic and administrative systems and drive institution-wide transformation.

MAHE operates a complex academic ecosystem, supporting over 40,000 students from 60+ nations across multiple campuses. Agentforce Education will unify the entire student lifecycle — from admissions and enrollment to academic progress and alumni engagement — providing a 360-degree view of the student journey. MuleSoft will connect MAHE’s existing student, learning, and document systems through real-time, API-led integration, while Tableau will deliver advanced analytics and dashboards for data-driven decision-making. Agentforce will introduce intelligent AI agents to support processes such as student queries and admissions, improving responsiveness and helping scale services across the institution.

Deloitte will serve as the implementation partner, supporting MAHE in deploying Salesforce’s unified platform and ensuring seamless integration across systems to modernize the university’s digital infrastructure.

Building the Next Generation of AI Talent

In addition to transforming MAHE’s digital infrastructure, the collaboration with Salesforce will also focus on empowering students with future-ready skills as they prepare to enter the workforce of tomorrow. Salesforce and MAHE will establish a Salesforce Academia Center of Excellence and launch the “Agentic AI for All” initiative, introducing specialized learning programs, micro-credentials, and hands-on technology labs across institutions including Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal and TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI). These initiatives will provide students and faculty with practical exposure to enterprise technologies, particularly the Salesforce platform and Agentforce, through experiential labs, innovation programs, and faculty development initiatives.

Comments on the news

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said “At Manipal Academy of Higher Education, our focus has always been on strengthening academic governance, student experience, and institutional effectiveness through thoughtful and responsible use of technology. The MAGIC initiative reflects MAHE’s long-term vision to embed artificial intelligence across academic and administrative systems in a manner that is student-centric, ethically grounded, and academically led. Our collaboration with Salesforce is aligned with this vision, enabling us to modernise core university processes while ensuring that technology remains firmly in service of education, research, and learner success.”

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO at Salesforce – South Asia, said “India stands at a defining moment in the AI era, where the strength of our future economy will depend on the talent we build today. Universities will play a central role in shaping that future by combining academic excellence with real-world technology exposure. Institutions like MAHE are demonstrating how AI, data, and digital platforms can reimagine both how universities operate and how students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Initiatives like this will be critical in building a workforce that can power India’s innovation and growth in an increasingly AI-driven world.”

Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director, Salesforce India, said “Leading universities are increasingly looking at technology not just to digitize processes, but to create more intelligent and connected campus experiences. MAHE is taking a bold step in that direction by building an AI-powered university ecosystem that reimagines how institutions engage with students across their entire journey — from admissions to alumni. We are proud to partner with MAHE on this journey and demonstrate how agentic AI can enhance institutional agility while enabling more personalized and responsive experiences for students and faculty.”

The Institutional Strengthening Program Showcase and Dashboard Launch marks an
important milestone in Rajasthan’s journey towards strengthening teacher education
institutions and leveraging technology for better monitoring, collaboration, and informed
decision-making.
Sterlite EdIndia Foundation works in the areas of teacher education, data analytics support,
and institutional strengthening of education systems. The Foundation is a CSR initiative
supported by Sterlite Electric, Resonia, and Serentica.

New Delhi, February 25, 2026: At a time when evolving geopolitical realities are reshaping the global study-abroad landscape, the third edition of ShiftED concluded, bringing together over 1500+ students, 30+ global universities, and 8 Financial Institutions under one roof. Inaugurated by Shri Ashish Sood, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Power, and Education, Government of Delhi, the summit underscored his vision of fostering new paradigms of collaboration in global higher education and positioning Delhi as an emerging hub for international academic partnerships.

Curated by GradRight, the platform convened students, global university leaders, financial institutions, and policymakers for a day focused on dialogue, access, and opportunity, reinforcing India’s growing role in the global education ecosystem and providing much-needed clarity and confidence to aspiring students. Amid tightening visa regimes, shifting immigration norms, and currency volatility across the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe, Indian students and families are seeking clearer, practical guidance before committing to overseas study. Platforms like ShiftED are therefore critical in demystifying admissions, funding, compliance, and post-study pathways and turning uncertainty into actionable choices.

Gracing the event, Shri Ashish Sood, Education Minister, Government of Delhi, said, “As we accelerate work on Narela Education City, we are building a shared, world-class ecosystem where universities collaborate, focusing on outcomes. We are working to align Narela with the Union Government’s university township initiative and invite institutions at ShiftED to join our Global Board of Mentors and partner in this vision. With a target of 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio by 2035, we are expanding opportunity at scale. We believe that higher education must be Indian in character and global in outlook. We are preparing Delhi for Industry 4.0 and giving students the platform to succeed.”

Speaking on concluding ShiftED 2026, Aman Singh, Co-Founder, GradRight, said, “The recent changes in the global education ecosystem should be seen in perspective. Students must know that doors are not closing, but that standards are rising. For them, it is a call to prepare better and choose programs with strong employability and industry alignment. Temporary policy signals may create hesitation, but the fundamentals remain strong. At GradRight, we help students look beyond these uncertainties and make outcome-driven decisions built for long-term global success.”

Since 2023, the forum has convened 9,000+ students, 52 international and 35 domestic institutions and 18 financial partners; this year deans and senior faculty from University of San Diego, Washington University in St. Louis, Rutgers Business School, Lehigh University, Lancaster University, University of Arkansas and BITS Pilani Dubai, along with lending partners including Ponnawala and ICICI Bank, were present to engage directly with students. At the event, students received preference allocation of scholarships worth over ₹80 lakhs.

Commenting on making global education accessible to Indian students, Dr. Robert Chell, Dean of the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering at the University of San Diego, said, “In our engagements across India, we’ve seen exceptional talent and an appetite for collaboration,n and our response is to create multiple, practical ways that make world-class engineering education accessible and relevant. We’re expanding dual-degree and executive options, launching online master’s tailored for Indian tech professionals, and working with partners to increase scholarship and internship opportunities so students can study efficiently without losing local context. We aim to help Indian universities to integrate AI into their curriculum and work on their faculty development programs. At ShiftED, we look at creating opportunities for Indian students who are prepared to solve global challenges while building careers that begin at home.”

Commenting on ShiftED, Dean Michael Mazzeo of WashU, St. Louis, said, “We are truly inspired by the vision of Shri Ashish Sood. India and Delhi definitely hold the promise and hope for a new world of higher-education. We will do our very best to contribute to his mission of developing Narela Education City”.

Over 300+ students immersed themselves in various sessions and gamified workshops. A defining highlight this year was the launch of the GradRight App, powered by Graddie, an AI copilot for higher education designed to give Indian students real-time, data-driven clarity through tools such as a University Shortlist Builder, Visa Chance Predictor, and Admit Probability Checker. Practical workshops on financing, loan structures, and repayment options led by senior representatives from lending and insurance partners saw strong participation from parents and students. Visa counselling for the US, Germany, and New Zealand also witnessed impressive engagement.

India records over 160,000 road deaths each year. In Telangana, fatalities stood at 7,660 in 2023 and 7,281 in 2024. Against this backdrop, the campaign aims to drive a cultural shift toward safer road behaviour among families and youth.

• Comprehensive road safety education program rolled out across six government colleges, combining orientation sessions, structured training, and emergency response workshops.
• Road Safety Clubs institutionalized under a formal MoU with the Commissionerate of Collegiate Education, enabling continuous student-led activities and long-term programme ownership.
• Aims to engage over 1,200 students and faculty directly, with community outreach expected to impact 10,000+ individuals through peer-led awareness drives and club initiatives.

Hyderabad, 18 December 2025: Stellantis India, in partnership with Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety, has rolled out the ‘Safe Journey’ campaign in Hyderabad, reinforcing its commitment to building safer mobility ecosystems. The initiative brings together students, educators, and local authorities to transform road safety awareness into lasting community action.

The program kick-started this week and is being rolled out across six government colleges in Hyderabad including – Government Degree Colleges at Nayapul, Begumpet, Nampally, Vidyanagar, Khairatabad, and Golconda. These sessions aim to engage over 1,200 students and faculty, with the outreach expected to influence 10,000+ community members through peer-led activities and awareness workshops.

A key strength of the programme is its strong institutional backing. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Commissionerate of Collegiate Education, Government of Telangana, along with guidance from Hyderabad-based NGOs SOURCESS and TOPDriver.

The programme features road safety orientation sessions, structured training modules, and emergency response workshops. To deepen participation, Road Safety Clubs have been formed in each college and formally launched through student-led community activities. These clubs position students as ambassadors of road safety, helping embed a culture of safer mobility both on campus and in the wider community.

“At Stellantis, we believe safety and education are the cornerstones of responsible mobility. Through ‘Safe Journey’, we are empowering young people with the knowledge and confidence to practice safer road behavior and influence their communities. This programme, delivered in partnership with government institutions and local expert, reflects our long-term commitment to building a culture of safe and sustainable mobility across India,” said Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director, Stellantis India.

Neha Khullar, Director – Projects, Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety, added: “This campaign is translating knowledge into leadership. By enabling students through structured training and Road Safety clubs, we are enabling them to become role models within their campus and communities. The Hyderabad rollout demonstrates how education-led collaboration can drive meaningful change on our roads.”

To track effectiveness, the program includes baseline and endline training assessments to measure learning outcomes, alongside formal Road Safety Club documentation to support sustained engagement. A dedicated survey will be rolled out across all six Road Safety Clubs, enabling them to share ideas, resources, and activities, creating a continuous support system for sustained progress.

According to MoRTH’s Road Accident in India 2023 report, Hyderabad ranked 7th among India’s million-plus cities for road fatalities, with nearly 19% in Telangana recorded in the 18-25 years age group.

In this light, the ‘Safe Journey’ campaign reaffirms Stellantis India’s commitment to going beyond automotive excellence and championing community well-being; evidenced by its successful rollout across several high-risk cities in India.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham will close Phase 2 Ph.D. admissions for the December 2025 intake on December 15, 2025.

The university offers Ph.D. scholars monthly fellowships between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000 for three years, along with financial support for publications and conference travel, tuition waivers, and access to laboratory and research facilities. Amrita allocates funding annually to support doctoral research across its campuses.

Ph.D. programmes are offered in Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Agricultural Sciences, Architecture and Management.

Admissions are open across nine campuses: Amaravati, Amritapuri, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, Faridabad, Kochi, Mysuru, and Nagercoil. Applicants must have a minimum of 60% in postgraduate studies. NET/GATE/CSIR-qualified candidates may attend a direct interview, while others will take a written test followed by an interview.

Further information and applications are available at www.amrita.edu/phd or by email at phd@amrita.edu.

Avni Nautiyal, a 16-year old Mumbai resident and native of Masaan Gaaon in Pauri District, conducted a field-research in 6 villages of Kot Block to evaluate the effectiveness of JJM implementation. The study was supported by the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan and Uttarakhand Jal Nigam departments, and findings were presented to the Honourable Secretary, Uttarakhand Drinking Water Department.

Through detailed one-on-interviews and focused group discussions with more than 60 women, a clear picture emerged of the status of the JJM implementation.

The Har Ghar Jal program of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has been a massive success. By providing functional tap water connection to every household, in many villages, this program has transformed lives: access to tap water at home reduces women’s labour related to bringing water to the household. This, in turn, has a clear impact on the physical and mental health of women, as well as freeing up time for them to take care of their families and engaging in leisure and productive employment, and increased ability of children to attend school.

Mrs Chauhan (name changed), a resident of Kot Block and participant in the research, said: “Earlier, we had to walk as much as 30 minutes, several times a day, to fill water for drinking. The effort, constant fear of falling and of wild animals would give me headaches. When tap water is available at home, that stress goes away.”

However, there is scope for improvement. Tap water is abundantly available for only 8-9 months in the year, with April-July being the toughest months with respect to water availability, given influx of residents for the summer vacations and poojas and reduced water supply in the natural water sources and JJM sources. In certain villages, tampering with control valves could lead to reduced water availability in downstream households – this can be easily addressed by installing inexpensive sensors with the control valves, to alert against tampering. In addition, having a clearly defined escalation matrix that is available to all village residents, and clearly defined Service Level Agreements regarding the time within which all complaints would be handled, would allow residents to raise complaints regarding misuse and maintenance and expect speedy resolution.

Speaking of the research, Avni said, “the Har Ghar Jal program of the Jal Jeevan Mission has been a transformative program. It has vastly improved the quality of life of village residents who have received such access. Making a few improvements / modifications could help improve the efficacy of the program even more.”

Shri Shailesh Bagauli, Honourable Secretary, Uttarakhand Drinking Water Department, said “It is very encouraging to see Uttarakhand’s youth take so much interest in working with the government and trying to find solutions to Uttarakhand’s most pressing challenges. Ms. Nautiyal’s report is a very strong effort in this regard.”

Going beyond infrastructure support, he also introduced PW’s latest educational innovation, the PI Box, as a long-term solution to provide offline and online immersive learning experience. Developed in-house, the PI Box transforms any television or screen into a smart, offline, interactive learning hub. It is designed to bring high-quality, personalized education to low-resource environments, making it especially valuable for government schools. The PI box which comes enabled with academic content of PWs classroom lecturers can not only help students with their regular class curriculum but also help them prepare for many competitive exams including JEE, NEET etc. He also said that students can learn from any other educational platform or app of their choice also through the PI Box by connecting it to the Internet.

During his visit, Alakh Sir engaged directly with students, asking about their dreams and aspirations. He encouraged them to pursue their goals, especially the young girls, whom he urged to prioritise their education and believe in their potential.

“Your starting point doesn’t define your destination,” he told the students, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and determination.

He also highlighted how technology can be a great enabler in transforming learning outcomes and discussed how PW aims to extend further support to similar schools across the country. The visit marked a significant step in PhysicsWallah’s ongoing mission to bridge educational gaps through a combination of technology, empathy, and ground-level action, particularly in underserved communities.

Silvassa, 06 August 2025: In a meaningful step towards transforming rural education,
Dabur India Limited, in partnership with Ennoble Social Innovation Foundation, today
unveiled the newly transformed Prathmik Gujarati Shala, Shalkharapada, Silvassa. As
part of the redevelopment, an aging government primary school has now been reimagined
and converted into a vibrant, future-ready learning space, including a new library for the first
time!
A School with Roots—Now Growing Stronger
Established over four decades ago, Prathmik Gujarati Shala has long been a cornerstone for
primary education in Silvassa. However, like many government schools in the region, it
struggled with deteriorating infrastructure, poor sanitation, and minimal learning resources.
According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), a significant number of
schools across India still lack functional toilets, adequate classroom conditions, or access to
libraries and science labs—challenges that often hinder student attendance, motivation, and
outcomes. In this context, the Silvassa school’s transformation serves as a beacon of what’s
possible through committed collaboration.
From Problems to Possibilities: Interventions and Outcomes
This transformation focused on holistic development and learning-friendly spaces. Key
infrastructure and educational interventions include:
Physical Revamp & Safety
 Renovation of 6 classrooms with fresh flooring, plastering, and vibrant painting
 Installation of 12 new windows for better ventilation and natural light
 Upgraded ramp and stairway access, prioritizing safety and inclusivity
 Complete renovation of 4 toilets, including units for Children With Special Needs
(CWSN)
 Clean drinking water facility and structured handwashing station
 Refurbished main gate and enhanced internal pathways for child safety
Learning & Engagement
 New green boards, storage units, fans, and lighting in all classrooms
 A dedicated Mini Science Lab with VR tools and robotics kits to enable
experiential learning
 Creation of a well-stocked library and a fun-filled Brain Gym area
 Age-appropriate classroom furniture and displays to enhance engagement
Sustainability & Environment
 Rainwater harvesting system installed
 Miyawaki forest patch and tree plantations for microclimate and awareness
 Structured waste management system promoting hygiene and eco-consciousness
This project contributes meaningfully to India’s Sustainable Development Goals:

 SDG 4: Quality Education — by ensuring inclusive, equitable learning spaces
 SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation — through hygiene and drinking water systems
 SDG 13: Climate Action — with green initiatives like rainwater harvesting and tree
plantations
The outcomes are already visible:
 300+ students will now enjoy a dignified and stimulating learning environment.
 Hands-on experiments and STEM engagement will be part of daily classroom life.
 Improved sanitation will lead to better health, reduced absenteeism, and
increased enrolment interest from nearby communities.
 Children will have access to a library for the first time—making reading a joyful
habit.
“Earlier, the school felt dull. Now, I love going to school because we can read books and try
science activities. I want to become a doctor,” said a Class 5 student, beaming with pride.
Teachers share how student attendance and participation will improve in just a few
weeks—reaffirming how a child-friendly environment drives learning gains.
Mr. Chirag Bhandari, CEO of Ennoble, shared: “At Ennoble, transformation means building
spaces where learning thrives, students feel valued, and teachers are proud. This project
with Dabur is proof that scalable, high-impact school transformation is possible when intent
and investment meet. Our model schools are not the end—they’re the beginning of how
India’s public education can truly evolve. We aim to take this movement to hundreds more
schools across the country.”
Dabur India Limited’s CSR Head Mr. Byas Anand said: “This initiative reflects our CSR
philosophy of long-term community impact through education, health, and sustainability.
Through this partnership with Ennoble, we are not just upgrading buildings—we are
upgrading possibilities. As a brand that has been committed to health and well-being for over
140 years, this project reflects our belief that well-being begins with a safe, inspiring, and
inclusive learning environment. We’re proud to be part of this transformation.”

Chandigarh, July 29, 2025 — In a significant step toward enhancing employability and global readiness among university students, Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Panjab University, Chandigarh, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a collaborative English language programme under the Cambridge English Education Partner (CEEP) initiative.

This strategic partnership establishes the Department of English and Cultural Studies at Panjab University as a Cambridge English Education Partner (CEEP), enabling students to access internationally benchmarked English language instruction and certifications that align with global standards of communication and workplace readiness. The programme, in its first year, is expected to benefit as many as 1000 students.

Arunachalam TK, Regional Director, English, South Asia, said, “We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Panjab University on this forward-thinking initiative. Through the Cambridge English Education Partner programme, we aim to enhance the effectiveness and engagement of English language learning, creating meaningful impact for students across the region. This partnership supports their academic growth and strengthens their readiness for future opportunities.”

Prof. Meenu A. Gupta, Chairperson of the Department of English and Cultural Studies, said, “This partnership with Cambridge is a pivotal moment for our students, enabling us to deliver high-quality English language education rooted in international standards. It’s about building a robust foundation that empowers them with the confidence and competence needed to thrive in a globalised professional landscape, ensuring they are not just proficient, but truly effective communicators.”

As part of the collaboration, Panjab University will introduce a hybrid Communication Skills course under its skill enhancement programme. Designed to integrate traditional classroom learning with advanced digital resources, the course offers students a dynamic, flexible learning experience. The programme will begin in the current academic session, with enrollment opening to students across all faculties and affiliated colleges.

The course is structured to provide a balanced and immersive learning experience, combining 30 hours of in-person instruction led by Cambridge-trained educators with access to the Cambridge Evolve digital platform for flexible, self-paced learning. To further enhance their credentials, students will also have the option to take Linguaskill, Cambridge’s AI-powered English proficiency test, which is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—a globally recognised standard for assessing language ability. Students who complete the foundation-level course will receive joint certification from Panjab University and Cambridge, enhancing their academic credentials and employability.

Distinct from many similar programmes currently offered at a high cost, this initiative provides an accessible and high-quality alternative, thus democratising opportunities for students across socio-economic backgrounds. The collaboration is expected to enhance career prospects, professional competence and also contribute meaningfully to the development of a trustworthy and ethically responsible academic and social environment.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior university officials including Prof Y.P. Verma, Registrar, Panjab University; Prof. Meenu A. Gupta, Chairperson, Department of English and Cultural Studies; and Prof. Akshaya Kumar, Senior Faculty Member, Department of English and Cultural Studies. This initiative also responds to recent findings from NITI Aayog, which identified limited English proficiency as a key barrier to employability among graduates of public universities. The policy body has recommended that higher education institutions engage with international language providers to improve outcomes—citing successful state-level models in Punjab and Karnataka.

Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar, Panjab University, added, “The introduction of this hybrid English communication programme is a testament to Panjab University’s unwavering commitment to fostering global readiness and lifelong learning among our students. By integrating cutting-edge digital tools with expert instruction, we are proactively equipping them with the essential communication skills”

This partnership envisions active participation from stakeholders across all disciplines and affiliated colleges of Panjab University, with a focus on inclusivity, academic excellence, and ethical orientation. College and institutional authorities are encouraged to integrate this programme into their induction and orientation sessions to facilitate wider student participation from the very beginning of their academic journey.

This MoU marks a significant step in aligning academic vision with global best practices, while reinforcing Panjab University’s commitment to inclusive, future-ready education.