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ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 held in Guwahati, Assam on 6th February 2026

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The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026, held on 6th February 2026 in Guwahati, Assam, emerged as a powerful confluence of ideas, inspiration and action, spotlighting the North East as a fast-evolving education and skills hub of India. Centred on the theme “Future-Ready Northeast: Building Skills, Mindsets for a Smarter Tomorrow”, the summit brought together senior education leaders, policymakers, academicians, EdTech innovators and industry experts from across the region and beyond. Organised by ArdorComm Media Group, the flagship summit reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration and recognition across India’s education ecosystem—this time with a sharp focus on the immense potential and progress of the North Eastern states. Showcasing the Northeast’s Education Transformation The summit highlighted how Northeast India is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation in education, driven by improved literacy rates, enhanced digital infrastructure, policy-led reforms and growing private participation. Discussions underscored the region’s journey from access-led education to outcome-oriented, future-ready learning models. Speakers extensively explored the opportunities unlocked by NEP 2020, particularly its emphasis on regional languages, multidisciplinary learning, skill integration and alignment with local economic and employment needs. The role of education in nurturing entrepreneurship, employability and innovation within the region was a recurring theme across sessions. With growing investments in universities, private unaided schools, vocational training centres and EdTech-enabled classrooms, the Northeast is increasingly positioning itself as a model region for inclusive and tech-driven education. Support from Esteemed Government Leaders The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 – Guwahati received strong encouragement and goodwill from distinguished leaders of the Government of Assam, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing education, skills and youth development in the region. Smti. Nandita Garlosa, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, extended her warm wishes to the summit, appreciating initiatives that focus on empowering youth through education, skill development and holistic growth. Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Welfare of Plain Tribe & Backward Classes, Government of Assam, conveyed his best wishes for the event and acknowledged the role of such platforms in strengthening education systems, promoting inclusivity and aligning learning with the aspirations of the future workforce. Shri Prasanta Phukan, Hon’ble Minister for Power, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Medical Education & Research, Government of Assam, also shared his warm regards for the summit, recognising the significance of industry–academia collaboration in building a skilled, employable and future-ready talent pool for the state and the region. Their encouragement and goodwill added immense value to the summit and reaffirmed the collective commitment towards nurturing a future-ready Northeast through education, skills and innovation. Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers The summit opened with an impactful Inaugural Session on “Future-Ready Northeast: Building Skills & Mindsets for a Better Tomorrow”, setting the tone for a day of forward-looking discussions. Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting ArdorComm’s commitment to fostering collaborative platforms that drive inclusive, future-ready education. The Guest of Honour, Shri R. C. Jain, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB), Government of Assam, shared insights on strengthening school education and aligning learning outcomes with the vision of NEP 2020. The session was further enriched by Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa, AVSM, Pro Chancellor (Emeritus), IILM University, Greater Noida, who emphasised leadership and values-based education, and Aaditya Razdan, Senior Enterprise Director, Coursera, who spoke on the growing role of digital platforms and industry-aligned learning in building future-ready skills for the Northeast. Panel 1, titled “NEP and Tech Advantage for KG to PG: Building a Future-Ready Generation”, brought together education leaders from school and higher education to discuss how NEP 2020 and technology can collectively transform learning across the entire academic continuum. Moderated by Sandip Sen, Principal, SERS Public School, Guwahati, the panel featured Cdr. (Dr.) Gurdaman Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Gangtok; Prof. (Dr.) Ginlianlal Buhril, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI University, Mizoram; Dr. Nitai Pradhan, Principal, Good Shepherd’s Home English Medium High School, Nagaon; and Mohan Raghavan, Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The discussion highlighted curriculum flexibility, experiential learning, digital integration and teacher preparedness as critical enablers for nurturing future-ready skills and mindsets from early childhood education to higher education. Panel 2, titled “Digital Pathways to Lifelong Learning: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion & Ethics”, focused on how digital transformation can enable continuous learning while remaining equitable and responsible. Moderated by Gariasi Dutta, Chairperson, The down town Group Schools, Guwahati, the panel featured Diwan Siraj Munir, Executive Director & CEO, Sublime Academy, Barpeta; Dr. Durlav Sarkar, Founder & Director, Gurukul Group of Educational Wing, Mangaldai; Mallika Das Singh, Founder & Director, Lakshya International School, Tezpur; and Anuraag Saraf, Founder & Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The discussion emphasised ethical use of technology, inclusive digital access, blended learning models and the importance of fostering critical thinking and digital citizenship across all stages of education. Panel 3, titled “Bridging Education and Employability: Skills for the 21st Century Workforce”, brought the spotlight on aligning academic frameworks with evolving industry demands and employability outcomes. Moderated by Prof. Himanshu Panchal, Vice Chancellor, EdTech Skills University, Tinsukia, the panel featured Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University, Singtam; Manik Kathuria, Regional Account Director, Coursera; Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa, AVSM, Pro Chancellor (Emeritus), IILM University, Greater Noida; Prof. (Dr.) K. V. S. Sarma, Vice Chancellor, National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati; Dr. Bibhas Deb, Vice Chancellor, Maharaja Bir Bikram University, Agartala; Prof. (Dr.) Ajeya Jha, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai; and Dr. Debmalya Bhattacharya, Pro Vice Chancellor, MIT University of Meghalaya. The discussion underscored the importance of industry-aligned curricula, experiential learning, micro-credentials, leadership development and strong academia–industry partnerships in preparing a future-ready workforce for the Northeast and beyond. Panel 4, titled “Reimagining Higher Education in the Digital Era: Transformation, Trends & Pathways”, explored how universities are navigating digital disruption while rethinking academic delivery, governance and student engagement. Moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Divakaran, Vice Chancellor, Himalayan University, Itanagar, the panel featured Subrato Ganguly, Senior Manager

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Economic Survey 2025–26 flags learning gaps, higher education quality as key education challenges

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The Economic Survey 2025–26, presented in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, has underlined learning outcomes and the quality of higher education as the next major hurdles for India’s education system. While India has largely achieved universal enrolment at the school level, the Survey cautions that enrolment gains have not translated evenly into learning outcomes. The challenge becomes sharper beyond the elementary stage, with the net enrolment ratio (NER) at the secondary level standing at just 52.2%. This, the Survey notes, underscores the urgent need to retain students beyond Class 8. A major concern highlighted is the uneven distribution of schools across regions. Around 54% of schools in the country offer only foundational and preparatory education, whereas just 17.1% provide secondary education in rural areas. In contrast, urban regions have a significantly higher share of secondary schools at 38.1%. This imbalance restricts rural students’ access to higher classes, leading to longer travel times, higher dropout rates and significant transition losses. The data shows a steady decline in enrolment as students move from foundational and preparatory stages to middle and secondary levels in rural India. Urban areas, however, witness an increase in enrolment from middle to secondary stages, pointing to persistent rural–urban disparities. Grade-wise trends further confirm a sharp drop in participation at the secondary level. The Survey acknowledges progress made through investments in infrastructure and teacher capacity, supported by schemes such as Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and Poshan Shakti Nirman, which have improved access and equity. However, it stresses that the policy focus must now shift decisively from enrolment to learning outcomes. To improve retention and optimise resources, the Survey recommends expanding composite and integrated schools, upgrading schools up to Class 7, and strengthening open schooling systems. It also calls for better infrastructure, enhanced teacher training through District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), and greater involvement of parents and communities in school governance. Aligning curriculum and assessment reforms with the National Education Policy (NEP), along with the effective use of digital platforms such as PM e-Vidya, could help deliver equitable and high-quality education, even in remote areas, the Survey suggests. On higher education, the Survey notes the rapid growth in institutions and student enrolment over the past decade but raises concerns about quality, faculty shortages and uneven research capabilities. It advocates greater institutional autonomy, stronger academic leadership, and deeper integration of research and innovation to enhance global competitiveness. The Survey also emphasises the need for experience-based and skill-oriented learning, observing that conventional classroom models often fail to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Expanding vocational education, internships and industry partnerships is seen as critical to improving employability and aligning education with labour market needs. While digital education initiatives are recognised as powerful tools for expanding reach, especially in underserved regions, the Survey cautions that technology cannot replace strong pedagogy and well-trained teachers, and must be supported by sustained investments in human capacity. Source: Indian Express

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Republic Day Parade 2026: School Education Ministry highlights NEP 2020 and India’s knowledge heritage

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At the Republic Day Parade 2026, the Department of School Education and Literacy presented a visually rich tableau that traced India’s civilisational wisdom and its transformation through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The display positioned school education as a cornerstone in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, seamlessly connecting the past, present, and future of learning. Anchored by the gateway of a PM SHRI School, the tableau narrated a story that moved from ancient intellectual traditions to future-ready education. At the forefront stood Aryabhata, overlooking cheerful children holding Shunya (zero) and a globe — a powerful symbol of India’s historic contributions to global knowledge and the responsibility of passing this legacy to the next generation. Flowing behind them, expansive wings represented NEP 2020, signifying confidence, opportunity, and global preparedness, all firmly rooted in the spirit of Aatmanirbharta. The theme of “ancient roots, digital wings” came alive through children wearing VR headsets, while the Jaadui Pitara showcased joyful, play-based foundational learning using indigenous toys and multilingual, mother-tongue materials. The PM SHRI School entrance depicted students planting saplings, reinforcing values of inclusion, sustainability, and environmental stewardship aligned with Mission LiFE. Another student working with tools highlighted the early integration of skill-based education. At the heart of the tableau, the holistic vision of education was portrayed through martial arts, performing arts, and sports, underscoring balanced development. A robotic hand symbolised the harmony between tradition and technology — the journey from takhti to tablet — guided by strong cultural values. The narrative culminated at the Viksit Bharat 2047 tower, showcasing smart classrooms, tinkering labs, and innovation hubs. Visual elements such as books, gears, and electronic circuits reflected PM SHRI Schools as living embodiments of NEP 2020, committed to nurturing skilled, ethical, and empowered citizens across regions, genders, and abilities. The tableau ultimately presented NEP 2020 as a powerful catalyst — a rocket driving transformative reforms in school education — propelling India steadily towards the goal of becoming a developed nation. Source: PTI

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UP Board to Make Vocational Education Mandatory for Classes 9 and 11 from 2026

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The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has announced that vocational education will become a compulsory part of the curriculum for students of Classes 9 and 11 starting from the academic year 2026. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the link between school education and employability by introducing skill-based, job-oriented learning at an early stage. UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh said that subject committees have approved and submitted curricula for various vocational trades, including information technology and allied sectors, electronics, apparel, and beauty and wellness. These employment-focused courses were developed through multiple rounds of deliberations by subject experts, under the guidance of Additional Secretary Satyendra Kumar Singh and Skand Shukla. The approved curricula emphasize practical training, current technological requirements, and industry expectations to enhance students’ employability. By integrating hands-on and competency-based learning, the move aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy and aims to promote skill development, self-reliance, and vocational proficiency among students. Singh added that work is underway to develop curricula for additional vocational trades. The Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal, supported the course design process, with contributions from experts including Sanjeev Kumar Arya, Virendra Nath Shukla, Dr Aditi Goswami, Dr Dilip Singh, and Dr Avinash Pandey. Source: Indian Express

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Parliament to Introduce Bill Creating a Single Higher Education Regulator to Replace UGC, AICTE, NCTE

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Parliament is set to take up a landmark reform bill aimed at overhauling India’s higher education regulatory framework. The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, scheduled for introduction in the winter session beginning December 1, proposes replacing key regulatory bodies—the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)—with one unified authority. According to the Lok Sabha bulletin, HECI will act as the central regulator for higher education across the country, except for medical and legal education. The new body will focus on regulation, accreditation, and setting professional standards. Funding responsibilities, however, will continue to remain with the administrative ministry and not under HECI’s purview. The concept has been in discussion for years, with a draft bill first released in 2018 for public feedback, proposing the repeal of the UGC Act. Efforts to revive the plan gained momentum after Dharmendra Pradhan became the Union Education Minister in 2021. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strongly advocates for such a unified regulator, noting that India’s higher education system requires a complete structural overhaul. The policy stresses that regulation, accreditation, funding, and academic standard-setting should function independently yet cohesively under empowered bodies to strengthen the sector. Source: Indian Express

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MoE Distributes 75 Refurbished Computers to Baghpat Schools Under Vidyanjali Initiative

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The Ministry of Education has provided 75 high-quality refurbished computers to 15 government schools in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district under the Vidyanjali initiative, officials announced on Saturday. The computers were supplied by the National Informatics Centre Services (NICSI) to boost digital learning infrastructure in the region. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary stated that the Vidyanjali portal has onboarded over 8.33 lakh schools, more than 5.55 lakh individual volunteers, and upwards of 2,300 CSR and NGO partners. “The programme has already benefited nearly 1.8 crore students across India through wide-ranging volunteer and CSR participation,” he said. Led by the Department of School Education, Vidyanjali aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and focuses on strengthening Jan Bhagidari by encouraging community and organisational support for government schools. Under its CSR module, districts submit proposals in priority areas such as digital infrastructure, sports, health, and environmental improvement. NICSI registered under the initiative and adopted the project ‘Digital Infrastructure Development in Schools’ for Baghpat district. The organisation’s contribution will provide refurbished computers to schools across Pilana, Khekra, Chhaprauli, Binoly, Baraut, and Baghpat blocks. The initiative aims to enhance digital access, support e-learning, and enable teachers and students to seamlessly integrate technology into classroom teaching—furthering the goals of Digital India and NEP 2020 in the district. Source: PTI

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CBSE Unveils School Performance Report Card to Boost Data-Driven Academic Planning

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced the School Academic Performance Report Card for all affiliated schools for the 2024–25 academic year, reinforcing its push towards data-driven decision-making and evidence-based teaching practices. The comprehensive report card provides a detailed overview of each school’s performance in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations. It includes comparative data, enabling institutions to evaluate their results against state and national CBSE averages across subjects. The analysis helps schools pinpoint academic strengths, identify gaps, and track trends in gender-wise performance to promote equity in learning outcomes. Beyond academics, the report card also incorporates holistic indicators such as school-level participation and achievements in sports and extracurricular activities, benchmarked at cluster and zonal levels. CBSE has urged schools to thoroughly analyse their performance reports and align the insights with their School Annual Pedagogical Plans (SAPP) to foster continuous improvement and enhance learning effectiveness. The Board emphasized that this initiative aims to empower institutions with actionable data for strategic academic planning and student success. Heads of institutions can download their respective performance reports from the CBSE School Login Portal using their official credentials. Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and comprehensive educational excellence, CBSE stated that the initiative is in harmony with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Source: Indian Express

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Delhi Govt to Conduct Social Audit of Schools Under Samagra Shiksha for 2025-26

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The Delhi government has announced a comprehensive social audit of its government schools for the 2025–26 academic year under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. The initiative aims to ensure that all provisions and student entitlements guaranteed by the Right to Education (RTE) Act are delivered promptly and fairly. According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education, around 60% of government schools across Delhi will be covered under this audit, which will be carried out in line with the revised guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. A total budget allocation of ₹3.73 crore has been approved for the exercise. The selected institution—preferably a university, college, or technical institute with a NAAC rating of B+ or higher—will be tasked with training social auditors, conducting on-site inspections, compiling reports, and uploading findings to the designated online platform. Preference will be given to Delhi’s State Administrative University for leading the process. The audit will examine whether schools are fulfilling the mandates of the RTE Act and Samagra Shiksha, focusing on areas such as classroom infrastructure, sanitation facilities, drinking water availability, electricity, and student safety—particularly that of girls. It will also assess enrolment, attendance, and retention rates, along with the inclusion of children with special needs. Parents, teachers, and community representatives will be actively involved in evaluating school performance to provide a grassroots-level perspective. Officials stated that the social audit will help uncover challenges not visible through routine monitoring and guide the government in taking corrective measures where needed. Launched in 2018, Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored scheme that integrates three earlier programmes—Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education—and aligns them with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The initiative also supports the Delhi government’s “zero-tolerance” approach toward lapses in student safety and aims to strengthen accountability in school administration. Source: PTI

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NCERT to Handle Equivalence of Class 10 & 12 Certificates Across All Boards

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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will now be responsible for granting equivalence to Class 10 and Class 12 certificates issued by various school education boards across India. This equivalence will be applicable for admissions to higher education institutions as well as recruitment in government jobs, according to an official announcement on Friday. The Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has published the notification in the e-Gazette. This move replaces the earlier notification of November 15, 2021, which had entrusted the task to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The responsibility will now be carried out by NCERT through its National Assessment Centre—Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH)—set up under the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to the ministry, this institutional mechanism will ensure that the process of granting equivalence is conducted with academic rigour while upholding the highest educational standards. The system will apply to all school boards established by the central and state governments, statutory bodies, or recognised institutions. Importantly, the equivalence granted by NCERT will be valid nationwide, ensuring inter-board parity and enabling seamless student mobility across school education boards. Source: PTI    

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Govt to Introduce Skill-Based Learning in Class 11 & 12 Under NEP 2020: Pradhan

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The government is preparing to integrate skill-based learning into the curriculum of Classes 11 and 12 in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Sunday. Speaking at the Dakshinapatha Summit 2025 hosted by IIT Madras, Pradhan emphasized the need for a major shift in teaching approaches to match the demands of the modern workforce. He noted that the earlier system focused heavily on degrees and certificates, while the new approach aims to build real-world competencies in students. “We are working to bring in skill-based subjects for Class 11 and 12 students. While qualifications are important, it is equally necessary to ensure that students are job-ready and capable,” the minister said. Pradhan also shared that his ministry is working to embed skill-based education from Class 6 onwards, making it a structured and compulsory part of schooling rather than an optional add-on. He reiterated that skill development forms a core pillar of NEP 2020, which envisions preparing learners for both higher studies and employability. Source: PTI

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