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India is doing well in higher education with seven leading Indian institutions ranking in the top 100 Asian Universities in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025-26. This accomplishment underlines the increased competitiveness, research quality, and international status of Indian universities. 

Top-Ranked Indian Universities in Asia

Leading the list is the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), placed 59th in Asia. Other prominent institutions in the top 100 include the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (64th), IIT Madras (70th), IIT Bombay (71st), IIT Kanpur (77th), IIT Kharagpur (77th), and Delhi University (95th). These rankings highlight India's stronghold in quality education and pioneering research, especially in science and technology.

Although IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay were ranked in the top 50 last year, due to increased regional competition, they both have slipped in positions by a bit, as the rankings of universities are dynamic. However, there has been an increase in the overall scores of these top institutions, which means a further growth of academic and research excellence.

Broader Indian Higher Education Growth

India’s representation in the QS Asia rankings has dramatically increased, with 294 institutions featured in 2026 compared to just 24 in 2016. Apart from the top 100, universities such as Chandigarh University and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani have shown significant improvements, signaling expanding quality across the nation’s higher education landscape.

India holds the lead in Asia for research output and the number of PhD graduates, testament to a growing academic ecosystem supported by government funding, strategic reforms, and international collaborations.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite ambitious gains, Indian universities face stiff competition from counterparts in China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong. These nations lead in research impact, internationalization, and employer reputation metrics.

Still, the upward trajectory of Indian universities signals a bright future. Focus on interdisciplinary research, technology-based education, and innovation are expected to further improve India’s standing in global academic rankings.

The QS Asia University Rankings 2025-26 reaffirm India’s rising influence in global higher education. As more funds are pumped towards research, infrastructure and good teaching, Indian universities will continue to rise, leading to innovation and socio-economic development

The five free AI courses are being offered by the Ministry of Education through the SWAYAM platform. Professionals and students can avail the courses to get the essential skills of AI and data science in various fields, such as sports, education, science, and finance.

The courses involve Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning with Python, AI for Teachers, AI in Physics, AI in Chemistry, AI in Accounting, and Cricket Analytics with AI. Each program is specially developed to provide useful insights into its usage and applications through case studies.

Course Details

AI/ML Using Python

This course will introduce concepts in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning using Python as the programming language of Data Science. The course will cover data visualization techniques, linear algebra, statistics, optimization concepts, and more. By the end of this course, participants will have developed skills in the design and evaluation of Python-based data science solutions.

Analytics in Cricket using AI

This Sport Analytics course is specifically designed to show learners how data science is used currently in cricket. It would cover the collection and preparation of data, performance metrics like strike rate and BASRA index, and visualizing complex cricket data in Python.

AI for Educators

The course explores the possible uses of AI in education, assessment, and engagement in great detail. It was designed specifically for educators. This increases classroom productivity, helps teachers integrate AI tools into their existing methods, and gives students a more personalized experience.

AI in Physics

By providing practical instruction in machine learning and neural networks, it connects experimental physics with AI technology, allowing students to employ AI-based tools and simulations to tackle real-world physics problems.

AI in Chemistry

This course targets undergraduate students in the scientific field, introducing them to the uses of AI in molecular prediction, reaction modeling, and the process of designing drugs. The students engage directly with realistic datasets and learn how to apply Python-based methods in solving problems in chemistry. 

AI in Accounting: 

The interaction between finance and technology is the basis for this course. This course will cover a number of important subjects, including how AI helps with automation, fraud detection, financial forecasting, and data-driven decision making in accounting procedures. 

The SWAYAM portal offers all of these courses for free, with certification upon completion. This is in line with the government's goal of democratizing AI education and increasing sector-wide digital readiness.

Indian International Model United Nations (IIMUN) had the privilege of inviting a distinguished retired Indian Administrative Service officer in their Civil Services Tour that was conducted in partnership with the Parul University. Having a renowned career of a total of 38 years, Mr Swarup has worked in some of the most decisive posts in the Government of India.

In his glorious career, he was appointed to important posts in GOI such as School Education & Literacy and Coal Secretary. His experience in these positions was characterized by major contributions to policy reform and governance innovation, and handling the aftermath of the coal scam with transparency and success.

During their meeting with students, Mr. Swarup provided priceless information on nation-building by highlighting the significance of ethics in the public and by showing how tenacity can lead to meaningful change. He also motivated the future civil servants to build their careers abstaining from compromising compassion, integrity, and devotion to the service.

It was an informative and inspiring experience for the students who were encouraged to contribute positively to society through thoughtful governance and leadership. 

His outstanding career in innovation and writing are considered to be influential books like the ones by Mr. Swarup, which inspire the upcoming generations to this field who believe in public administration and ethical service.

This was a significant highlight in the Civil Services Tour of IIMUN and supported the need to engage in constant learning with the experienced leaders and inspire the spirit of responsibility and quality among budding civil servants.

On X, industrialist Harsh Goenka posted a sweet and motivational video about three young Bengaluru entrepreneurs who started a novel company called Eco Wala.

The kids excitedly introduce their project in the video: biodegradable paper bags made without the need of glue or scissors.The most striking thing is their intelligent subscription model of Rs 10 per month, wherein customers get two handmade paper bags delivered every Sunday at their doorstep.

Explaining their idea, one of the young founders says, “We have a subscription, Rs 10 a month. We will drop two paper bags every Sunday at your house. Just give the address.” She goes on to mention that people can request extra bags for events and even get free samples to try them out.

Clearly moved by their creativity and confidence, Goenka captioned the post, “Forget Shark Tank, forget Ideabaaz, this pitch stole my heart…”

Since then, thousands of people have shared the benign film online, praising the kids' inventiveness and dedication to sustainability. Many of them also commended Goenka for showcasing such youthful entrepreneurial potential.

One X user commented, "We've been using these bags for years. Its mandatory in our community to throw medical waste in these bags." Another user commented, "This isn't just a startup.it's a lesson in environmental responsibility delivered for Rs 10 a month. Truly heartwarming!"

A third user added, “Nowsdays I see most kids glued to their electronic gadgets in spare time.they don't even go out to play.these kids are an inspiration.”

A fourth remark was, “Forget just textbooks, when kids sell paper bags as subscriptions, they’re learning real-life skills: creativity, confidence, problem-solving & money management. These hands-on experiences build future leaders who can turn any idea into impact. That’s education that truly sticks!”

The state government will establish an AI-powered Skill Intelligence and Strategy Unit, KSISU, under the Karnataka Skill Development Authority, KSDA, according to the new state Skill Development Policy, 2025–2032.

This seven-year policy charts an investment plan of Rs 4,432 crore to skill 3 million youth and make Karnataka a global hub for a future-ready workforce.

The Rs 4,432 crore-backed seven-year blueprint will make Karnataka a global hub for a skilled and future-ready workforce. We will skill 3 million youth by 2032, raise women's ITI enrolment to 33%, and double district-level skilling capacity, said CM Siddaramaiah after unveiling Karnataka Skill Development Policy 2025-32 at Bengaluru Skill Summit.

AI-driven strategy and data framework

The new policy would revolve around the Karnataka Skill Intelligence and Strategy Unit, powered by artificial intelligence and data analytics, to drive workforce planning and training delivery. It shall conduct skill gap studies at the district level, demand assessments, drawing data from District Skill Committees, ITIs, and GTTCs.

An AI-enabled forecasting model will map the emerging labour market trends, while a Skills Intelligence Framework and Dashboard will track the training outcomes. The state also proposes to introduce a Karnataka Skill Index (KSI) that will measure the progress of each district on parameters of access, quality, and employment outcomes.

"We are introducing institutional innovation through the Karnataka Skill Intelligence and Strategy Unit, District Skill Committees, and a Chief Minister's Fellowship to accelerate implementation on the ground," said the Chief Minister.

AI-powered learning tools

SDEL will introduce AI Counsellors, AI Tutors, and AI Assessors to make learning more adaptive and available through one digital portal. These tools will offer personalized career guidance, automated assessments, and modular learning pathways to students and job seekers.

A new Skill University is proposed at Sandur, Ballari district for the strengthening of academic-industry linkages and for advanced training.

Academia-industry partnerships and curriculum reform

The proposed 100 AI Academic-Industry Initiative will involve 100 industries and 100 academic institutions working toward alignment of training with industry demand. It will also provide training in AI and other emerging technologies to 10,000 students.

ITI, GTTC, and KGTTI courses will be continually upgraded to global standards in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy, and Advanced Manufacturing, among others. Further, a State Challenge Fund of Rs 1 crore per year shall be provided to support innovation in district-level skilling.

New infrastructure and funding

To improve access, Multi Skill Development Centres will be established in Kalaburagi, Koppal and Mysuru in association with the Visvesvaraya Technological University. A Rs 300 crore Skill Park is also proposed at Sandur in Ballari district.

Though the funding will be available under various heads, the major contributors are: the ADB for Rs 1,386 crore, public-private participation with Rs 410 crore, and state resources with Rs 887 crore.

Embedding Skills in Education The Kalike Jothege Kaushalya or Learning with Skills programme would entail credit-based skill courses in all semesters at the undergraduate level in communication, digital literacy and technical training in emerging technologies. “This aims to create a seamless education-to-employment pathway and foster lifelong learning”. the policy said. 'Skills gateway to the world'. "Our goal is to make Karnataka the 'Skills Gateway to the World' - focusing on innovation, inclusion, and international employability," said Siddaramaiah. "Every skilled worker - from artisans in Mysuru to AI students in Hubballi - builds the new Karnataka. Our mission is clear - To make Karnataka the Skill Capital of India and a $1-trillion economy by 2032, powered by talent, technology, and tenacity," he added

Mental health has been a big problem for students in the modern-day fast-moving and highly competitive environments of academics, indeed needing immediate and further attention. This would therefore be indicative of the wide effect elicited by academic stress. 

These current tendencies give rise to the call for students' well-being to be at the core of the learning process, both in academic achievement and in building emotional resilience, creativity, and long-lasting life satisfaction. Unsatisfactory support for their mental health would make it hard to go through university life and thus hinder personal and professional growth.

Identification of the student without his explicit admission of the problem is thus one important step toward a solution or curbing of the issue. The second major problem facing us in our fight against mental health issues is that while a student may look normal and well mentally on the surface, he could be wrestling with ups and downs inside.

These include substance abuse and self-injury--high-risk behaviors that denote ways of dealing with overwhelming feelings; these may be linked to an increase in the number of students who make efforts during mental health crises. 

Other symptoms include sudden outbursts of emotion or a hypersensitivity to the criticism of others since students with mental health issues cannot control their feelings. According to Active Minds, more than 60% of students reporting changes in emotional well-being showed a statistically significant decline in well-being in 2023. Also, various kinds of mental health disorders can be triggered or exacerbated in cases of some problems in society, and among the most prevalent ones, gender bias is included.

It is beyond a social issue; gender bias is a very critical driver of widespread mental health disorders. Issues have to be brought to awareness, enabling policies have to be formulated, and equality of access to care has to be provided before one can be assured that a society exists in which all citizens, regardless of gender identity, can thrive psychologically and emotionally. But there remains one critical barrier: students simply do not want to seek counseling for their mental health problems. Among the main reasons, stigma about seeking help is the major one. A 2023 survey done by the American Psychological Association showed that close to 70 percent of the students were afraid their peers would think poorly of them if they sought out mental health support. Another major factor is plain lack of awareness. According to a 2022 study in The Journal of American College Health, only 50 percent of students knew about campus counseling services available to them; thus, they stand in their own way. General campaigns for raising awareness of mental health promotion may help in nurturing feelings of destigmatization of the need to seek professional help.