Parul University, Vadodara, has become the first university from Gujarat to win the West Zone Inter‑University Chess Championship (Men). The university’s chess team secured 1st position at the AIU‑recognised tournament, which concluded at HSNC University, Mumbai, in March 2026.

The event, officially listed as the “West Zone Inter‑University Chess (Men) Tournament 2025–26”, was organised under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and brought together 81 universities from Western India. Parul University finished on top of the final team‑ranking table, ahead of Marwadi University (runnersup), University of Mumbai (third), and Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune (fourth).

Historic Win for Gujarat

According to official tournament results published on chess‑results.com and coverage by HSNC University and Parul University, this is the first time a university based in Gujarat has claimed the top spot in the West Zone Inter‑University Chess Championship.

Parul University’s team average rating is listed at 1,870 points on the chess‑results.com leaderboard, with strong performances across individual boards. Social‑media posts by Parul University confirm the milestone: “With this achievement, we become the first university from Gujarat to claim the top spot at the West Zone Inter‑University Chess Championship.”

Tournament Details

  • Organiser: Association of Indian Universities (AIU), hosted by HSNC University, Mumbai.
  • Format: 9‑round Swiss system, open to men’s university teams from Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and nearby states.
  • Top finishers:
    • 1st – Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
    • 2nd – Marwadi University, Gujarat
    • 3rd – University of Mumbai
    • 4th – Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune

Why This Win Matters

Parul University’s victory highlights:

  • Growing strength of chess in Gujarat’s higher‑education institutions.
  • Increased visibility for non‑Metro Indian universities in national‑level AIU sports events, alongside traditional centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata.

The team’s 1st‑place finish in the West Zone also qualifies Parul University for future AIU‑governed inter‑university championships, where top‑ranked Indian institutes, including some IITs and central universities, regularly participate in chess and other sports.

For the latest standings and AIU‑linked university‑chess updates, readers can refer to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) website and chess‑results live‑score pages

NorthCap University's Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) conducted its two-day International Conference on NEP Implementation in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through Outcome-Based Education and Internationalisation from March 30 to March 31 in 2026. The conference was co-organised with ASIC, UK, and supported by the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), with sponsorship from Metisoft Labs and Somah EduSolutions Pvt. Ltd.

What the Conference Was About

The event brought together Vice-Chancellors, Deans, international quality experts, and industry leaders from across India and the world, with research contributions from institutions spanning more than eight states. The Indian National Education Policy 2020 provides a base for educational institutions to develop their programs through outcome-based educational practices and artificial intelligence technologies and academic internationalization. 

Key Voices at the Inauguration

The inaugural session featured two keynote addresses from senior figures:

  1. Prof. (Dr.) Raj Nehru, Director General of the Swaran Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management and OSD to the Haryana Chief Minister, emphasised the importance of outcome-based education, skill development, and the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems in higher education, arguing that the learner must remain at the centre of every reform effort. 
  2. Dr. Abhay Sinha, Director General of the Services Export Promotion Council, spoke on the internationalisation of Indian education, outlining the schemes and opportunities available through SEPC and the role the council can play in taking Indian academic institutions to a global audience.

Three Panel Discussions Over Two Days

The conference organized three panel discussions which dedicated their focus to specific topics that guided the discussion throughout both days. The first session studied how artificial intelligence implemented in academic systems developed through NEP 2020. The second session focused on artificial intelligence systems which provide quality assurance and accreditation services. The third session investigated methods to enhance industry-academia partnerships which would support academic excellence while universities in India pursue international standards.

Why This Matters

The National Education Policy 2020 of India represents the most extensive educational reform effort which has taken place in the country during the past several decades. The process of implementing this program throughout multiple higher education institutions remains a difficult and resource-intensive task. The implementation is actually shaped during events like this which bring together policymakers and academic experts together with business leaders.

NCU's IQAC made its position clear: quality assurance in education is not a box-ticking compliance exercise. The organization needs to establish a quality assurance system which will develop its educational standards through continuous implementation. 

The conference received support from SEPC while Metisoft Labs and Somah EduSolutions Pvt. Ltd sponsored the event. For further information, contact the IQAC, NorthCap University, Gurugram.

Sri Sri University hosted SSUIMUN 9.0, an event sparking global leadership among youth. Students from all parts of India gathered at Sri Sri University to participate in Sri Sri University International Model United Nations (SSUIMUN) which transformed the campus into a diplomatic canter for international relations and new concepts. 

Participants at committee sessions worked to resolve difficult global challenges through their active participation which resulted in strong resolutions through their dynamic presentation skills. The evening entertainment provided enjoyment through musical performances and dance activities which helped people establish strong friendships and create joyful experiences. The combination of daytime serious discussions and nighttime festive activities demonstrated how theoretical concepts can become practical solutions. 

The SSUIMUN 9.0 program taught future leaders' essential skills in public speaking and teamwork and problem-solving which serve as fundamental competencies for young people pursuing careers in politics and law and international relations. 

The event demonstrates that Sri Sri University supports complete student development through its academic programs which include practical leadership development experiences from real-world situations.

In a significant move to strengthen industry-aligned education, Chandigarh University has partnered with Microsoft to establish the “Skill Centre: AI for Everyone”, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands.

The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which created a strategic partnership that will teach students essential digital competencies. The initiative is built around the vision of making artificial intelligence accessible to learners across all academic disciplines, not just those in technical fields.

University officials state that the newly established Microsoft Skill Centre will provide training that teaches students Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Computing and Data Science, which are three fields that currently shape international employment trends. The programme is designed to move beyond theoretical knowledge, enabling students to gain practical exposure aligned with current industry standards.

The partnership reflects a growing trend among higher education institutions to collaborate with technology leaders in order to enhance employability outcomes. By integrating industry-relevant tools and learning frameworks, the initiative aims to prepare students for evolving roles in the digital economy.

University officials emphasised that the ‘AI for Everyone’ aims to democratise the use of advanced technologies, meaning that students with different academic backgrounds should be able to acquire future-proof skills. This strategy is set to increase the career prospects not only in the traditional technology-related positions but also in areas where AI is entering fast.

A video showing the most important moments of the MoU signing ceremony has also been published, presenting the opening of the collaboration and the further perspective of the collaboration. The initiative is being positioned as a step toward creating a more industry-integrated learning ecosystem within the university.

With this partnership, Chandigarh University and Microsoft aim to set a benchmark for academia-industry collaboration, focusing on skill development that aligns closely with the needs of the modern workforce.

Lovely Professional University continues its impressive rise, earning strong positions in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject across 15 categories. Life Sciences and Medicine won 5th position in India and 451-500 in the world whereas Pharmacy and Pharmacology were at position 6 in India and 151- 200 in the world. These successes reflect the increasing combination of educational power, research involvement, and practical industry relationships that have been valued by both students and employers.

LPU's Ranking by Subjects

LPU was awarded the 14th position in India and 288th global rank for Engineering and Technology programs as the university provides its students with practical skills needed to succeed in top technology positions. Electrical and Electronic Engineering came in 17th nationally, landing between 401-450 worldwide, alongside Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing at the same Indian rank with 351-400 global placement. Chemistry followed closely at 13th in India and 351-400 internationally, while Natural Sciences and Biological Sciences both reached 10th-11th positions domestically with solid 401-450 global bands.

LPU achieved 9th place in India and 351-400 rank worldwide for its Agricultural and Forestry programs, which demonstrate LPU's dedication to research in areas that will shape India's future. Social Sciences and Management ranked 12th nationally, Computer Science and Information Systems hit 22nd, and Mathematics secured 19th, all reflecting broad excellence that appeals to diverse career paths. The lists included both Economics and Econometrics and Physics and Astronomy at their 19th-24th positions in India.

What These Rankings Mean for LPU Students?

QS ranks more than 1,600 universities on the basis of academic fame, employer reviews, research articles, and faculty influence, and thus the presence of LPU over the years is a good indication of quality education that can be converted to employment. The best band in the world of pharmacy is particularly one that attracts the attention of students who are interested in innovation in healthcare. The university attributes its community, students, faculty, and staff, with taking risks by working on real-life projects and international partnerships that drive these metrics.

Application seekers and parents who monitor QS World University Rankings 2026 India now consider LPU as a good option to study, especially in Punjab and North India where it tops the list of private institutions. Recruiters who are aware of these rankings have the advantage of hiring graduates to work at companies such as Microsoft and Cognizant.

LPU's Global Recognition

The subject ranking establishes LPU as a modern academic institution which builds on its previous excellence in QS Asia Rankings. Research output and industry partnerships play key roles, helping students bridge classroom learning with professional demands. The rankings cover 55 subjects total, making LPU's 15 inclusions a point of pride for its growing international footprint.

With 2026 admissions starting, the ranking provides future students with an assurance of program quality across health sciences to engineering. LPU welcomes its community to rejoice and look forward to greater heights.

If you seek detailed info, refer to the LPU official website which provides complete program details and ranking information. 

Bennett University has won the 2nd Prize in the "Best University Garden" category at the Greater Noida Flower Show 2026, also known as Pushpotsav 2026, which recognizes its green campus as a sustainable and beautiful example of environmental design for higher education institutions.

The award recognizes Bennett University's ecological friendly gardens which impressed judges through their various plant species and sustainable design methods and flawless execution. The university's green spaces won recognition because they combined beautiful design with environmental sustainability through their use of native plants and water-efficient gardens which were carefully maintained.

Horticulture Team's Green Vision Pays Off 

Bennett's gardens display various plant species which grow as flowering shrubs and medicinal herbs and drought-resistant plants through their organic cultivation methods and their usage of collected rainwater. The award demonstrates the university's dedication to environmentally friendly campus development work which follows the National Education Policy 2020 of India through its sustainable infrastructure development efforts.

The Greater Noida Flower Show 2026, organized by GNIDA (Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority), drew participation from institutions, businesses, and community groups across Gautam Buddh Nagar. Bennett University achieved the silver position that has now established its status as a top-ranked university for environmental sustainability on its campus.

Significance for Students & Sustainability Goals

The gardens at Bennett serve over 15000 students as learning spaces for environmental science, stress-relief zones, and living labs for research. The award confirms that the university meets the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings requirements for SDG 15 which involves protecting land ecosystems.

Bennett's Green Legacy Continues

This marks Bennett's second environmental award. The university established itself as the first university in Greater Noida to create sustainable campus gardens after receiving previous recognition for its water conservation efforts and zero-waste events. The uni is now planning for  "Garden of Innovation" expansion through the implementation of AI systems that track plant health and student-led initiatives to study local biodiversity.

To sum up, the Greater Noida Flower Show 2026 marks Bennett University's reputation as Greater Noida's greenest campus, where sustainability meets academic excellence. 

The Design Village (TDV) has earned a stellar #3 position among private design institutions in India, as per the prestigious India Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025 rankings. The achievement shows that TDV is emerging as an innovative design education center which students build through their creative work and teachers maintain through their dedicated efforts.

The ranking reflects the collective efforts of TDV's vibrant community.Students who challenge norms, faculty who mentor with passion, and staff who foster collaboration have built an environment where late-night brainstorming and studio debates spark real-world impact. The institution shared the amazing news saying, "This belongs to every member of the TDV family who dared to think differently."

What Makes The Design Village Stand Out 

The Design Village uses a curriculum which requires students to gain practical experience while they develop their creative abilities through product design and communication design and fashion design programs. IIRF 2025 ranks The Design Village at #3 because TDV provides training which matches industry requirements and creates a positive learning environment. The recognition comes at a time when Indian designers have become essential to the expanding creative sector which proves the need for skilled designers.

The success of The Design Village demonstrates to emerging designers that they should expect successful career outcomes. The institution's focus on curiosity-driven innovation enables graduates to secure employment at leading companies. The rankings evaluate factors like teaching quality, research output, and placement records, placing TDV ahead of many peers.

The milestone drives TDV to pursue its highest potential. The Design Village helps provide actual training to future creators while India advances its design development through Design in India initiatives. Visitors can find information about admissions and programs on the official site and Instagram page of TDV.

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