~ Nominations open till March 12 for individuals and March 18 for government institutions

New Delhi [India], March 10: India’s cities are entering a redevelopment-led phase of urban transformation, where the focus is shifting from outward expansion to creative redevelopment, infrastructure retrofitting, and compact, transit-oriented growth.

With the Government of India’s Urban Challenge Fund encouraging cities to prepare investment-ready and bankable urban projects, there is a growing need for senior officials to adopt integrated planning, innovative financing, and climate-resilient design approaches.

In response to this emerging demand, CEPT Professional Programs (CPP) at CEPT University has launched a specialised Leaders Program on Creative Redevelopment of Cities (CRC), aimed at equipping urban decision-makers with the knowledge and tools required to reimagine existing cities, unlock land and infrastructure potential, and deliver future-ready, sustainable urban development.

The programme is designed as India’s first dedicated professional development course focused on the creative redevelopment of cities, responding to the growing need for innovative approaches to transform existing urban areas through strategic planning, infrastructure renewal, and climate-responsive design.

Speaking about the program, Dr. Sejal Patel, Program Lead, CRC, said, “The five-day programme will introduce participants to global examples of successful city transformation, including adaptive reuse and waterfront regeneration initiatives in cities such as large-scale urban redevelopment strategies implemented in Japan, Germany, South Africa and East Asia. These international experiences will be discussed alongside Indian case studies to provide practical insights relevant to city governments and private sector finance mobilisation across the country.”

The Leaders Program is particularly suited for senior and mid-level officials from the Private Sector Agencies engaged in Urban Redevelopment, Urban Development Departments, Municipal Corporations, Development Authorities, State Town Planning Departments and International Financial Institutes.

Due to the interactive format of the course, participation will be limited, and government departments and institutions are encouraged to nominate suitable officers at the earliest.

Program Details

Program Dates	March 24-28, 2026
Venue	CEPT University, Ahmedabad
Nomination Deadline (Individual)	March 12, 2026
Nomination Deadline (Govt./Institutional)	March 18, 2026
Registration Link	https://forms.gle/QJgasvYUVqSbsZHi8

For additional information, interested applicants may contact: +91 76009 65171 or email at cpp@cept.ac.in

About CEPT University

CEPT University is a recognized leader in education and research in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology and urban management. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals, and its research programs deepen understanding in its areas of expertise. CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to supportthe national,state andcitygovernmentsand large sections of private industry. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to contribute to enriching the lives of people in India’s villages, towns and cities.

The University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. In December 2023, CEPT University was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India-specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years.

CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has over 30 ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world.

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Jameshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], March 10: XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, has opened admissions for the 2026-28 batch of its Blended PGDM programs in Business Management, Human Resource Management, and Finance. The programs are designed for working professionals who seek rigorous management education without interrupting their careers.

Now welcoming its fifth cohort, XLRI Blended Learning has demonstrated that rigorous management education can be delivered to working professionals without dilution. All three programs are AICTE-approved, two-year, master-level qualifications. Live online sessions are held on weekday evenings and weekends, complemented by four one-week campus immersion modules at XLRI Jamshedpur across the duration of the program.

Founded in 1949 by the Society of Jesus, XLRI is the first business school of independent India. For over 75 years, the institution has produced leaders across every sector of industry and public life, guided by its mission: For the Greater Good. Its alumni hold senior leadership positions in major global and Indian organisations across finance, consumer goods, technology, and beyond.

Three Programs. One Decision. No Career Break.

XLRI offers three distinct blended PGDM programs, each designed for the specific growth trajectory of a different professional profile. Unlike a single general management curriculum, each program is built around the domain knowledge, career stage, and leadership destination of its target participant.

Blended PGDM – Human Resource Management

Designed for HR professionals seeking to move from operational HR delivery to strategic people leadership. The program covers HR strategy, people analytics, talent management, compensation and rewards, organisational development, labour law, and cross-cultural management. The program prepares participants for senior HR leadership roles and, over the long arc of their career, the CHRO position.

Contact: pgdhrm.xol@xlri.ac.in  |  xlri.ac.in/online-learning/pgdhrm

Blended PGDM – Finance

Designed for finance professionals seeking to move from technical expertise to strategic financial leadership. The program covers corporate finance, equity valuation, fintech, data science, investment banking, risk management, and sustainability finance, with a Capstone Project and Virtual Summer Internship. The curriculum is mapped to the CFA Program, with at least 70% syllabus coverage, opening pathways to CFA, CFP, and FRM certifications alongside the degree.

Contact: pgdf.xol@xlri.ac.in  |  xlri.ac.in/online-learning/pgdf

Blended PGDM – Business Management

Designed for professionals across functions seeking to build the cross-functional leadership capability that general management demands. The program covers marketing, finance, operations, HR, strategy, and management information systems, with elective concentrations in Year 2 across Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Operations, and MIS.

Contact: pgdbm.xol@xlri.ac.in  |  xlri.ac.in/online-learning/pgdbm

Admissions Details – 2026-28 Batch

Admission is through a two-step process: Shortlisting followed by a Personal Interview. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Duration 2 Years (6 Terms)	Delivery Live Online + 4 One-Week Campus Immersions, XLRI Jamshedpur
Eligibility Bachelor’s Degree (50%+) and 3+ Years Work Experience	Session Schedule Weekday Evenings and Weekends
Commencement July 20-25, 2026 – First Campus Immersion, XLRI Jamshedpur	Application Fee Rs. 2,000 (one program); Rs. 500 per additional program

Fee Waivers

A fee waiver of Rs. 1 lakh is available for Women, SC/ST, PwD, and Northeast Domicile candidates (applicable to a maximum of two categories). Corporate sponsorship waivers and an academic merit scholarship for top Year 1 performers are also available.

About XLRI – Xavier School of Management

AICTE Approved. Founded in 1949 by the Society of Jesus, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur is the first business school of independent India and one of the country’s most respected management institutions. Guided by its mission – For the Greater Good – XLRI combines academic rigour with Jesuit values to produce leaders of integrity and consequence. XLRI Blended Learning extends this tradition to working professionals seeking advanced management education without a career break.

Admissions Enquiries

XLRI – Xavier School of Management, C H Area (E), Jamshedpur – 831001, Jharkhand, India

PGDM (BM): pgdbm.xol@xlri.ac.in   |    PGDM (HRM): pgdhrm.xol@xlri.ac.in    |   PGDM (Finance): pgdf.xol@xlri.ac.in

Phone: +91-657-6653239 / 3241   |    xlri.ac.in/online-learning

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Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], March 09: NICMAR University of Construction Studies (NUCS), Hyderabad, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RDash, an AI-powered construction management software, to equip students with industry-ready digital project management capabilities and real-world construction execution skills.

The MoU was signed on 25 February 2026 at the NICMAR University Hyderabad campus in the presence of senior leadership from both institutions, followed by a formal launch event where RDash leadership addressed students directly on the future of AI-driven construction management.

“At NICMAR, our focus has always been on industry-aligned education for the built environment sector. Partnering with RDash enables our students to engage with contemporary digital construction practices and strengthens their readiness for evolving industry expectations,” said the Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University, Hyderabad.

Under this three-year collaboration, all NICMAR University, Hyderabad students across programs will receive enterprise access to the RDash platform throughout their course duration and for 12 months after course completion — ensuring continuity of learning as they transition into their professional careers. The initiative also includes the launch of a dedicated RDash Students’ Guide, a practical learning resource grounded in real construction case studies and practical insights from industry veterans, designed to give students an immediate working understanding of how construction projects are executed on the ground.

“Hands-on exposure to enterprise construction management platforms and real project scenarios significantly enhances student learning. This collaboration integrates practical digital workflows into academic training and prepares our graduates for technology-enabled project environments,” added the Dean-Executive Education, Industry Relations & Placements, NICMAR University, Hyderabad.

Preparing students for the AI-driven future of construction

A defining pillar of this collaboration is RDash’s commitment to AI literacy for the next generation of construction professionals. Construction is at an inflection point — repetitive site reporting, procurement tracking, cost monitoring, and progress documentation are increasingly being handled by AI, fundamentally reshaping what project managers will be expected to do.

As part of the engagement, RDash will deliver dedicated AI-focused workshops covering three critical questions every future construction professional needs to answer: which construction jobs and workflows are getting automated first, how AI will reshape career trajectories in project management and site execution, and what students can do today to position themselves ahead of the disruption rather than behind it.

These workshops will be complemented by hands-on exposure to RDash AI — RDash’s proprietary AI layer that is actively shaping how construction businesses manage projects, predict delays, control costs, and drive decisions in real time. Students will learn not just how to use the platform, but why AI-augmented project management is becoming the baseline expectation across contractors, developers, and infrastructure companies globally.

“Construction is undergoing a fundamental shift toward data-driven, digitally managed project delivery. The question for the next generation isn’t whether AI will change their jobs

— it’s whether they’ll be equipped to lead that change or simply adapt to it. Through our collaboration with NICMAR University, Hyderabad, we want every student who goes through this program to graduate with both the practical skills and the AI fluency to be a force multiplier on any project they touch,” said Amit Bansal, CEO, RDash.

Structured learning, certification, and a direct path to global opportunities

RDash will deliver a four-part annual industry curriculum — one session per quarter — covering end-to-end construction management, BOQ-driven execution, digitisation of construction businesses, and AI’s role in shaping the future of the industry. The year culminates in a “Smart Project Manager” capstone case competition, evaluated by esteemed industry professionals, where participants will receive certificates of participation, and top performers will receive special recognition.

Critically, certificate holders from the RDash case competition will automatically qualify for consideration with RDash’s top clients in the UAE and other international markets — creating a direct, structured pathway from the NICMAR campus to global career opportunities. RDash will actively redirect its premium international clients to hire from this certified talent pool.

“This isn’t just a software access program. We’re building a pipeline of construction professionals who understand AI, think systematically, and are ready to deliver on real projects from day one. That’s the kind of talent our clients in India and the UAE are actively looking for,” added Amit Bansal.

About the Collaboration

The NICMAR–RDash collaboration is designed as an ongoing industry engagement platform to develop Construction 4.0-ready professionals through:

• Enterprise RDash platform access for all students — during studies and 12 months post-completion
• Launch of the RDash Students’ Guide covering construction fundamentals and real-world case studies
• Quarterly industry workshop series, including dedicated AI literacy and RDash AI sessions
• Hands-on exposure to AI-powered construction management workflows
• Digital project management certifications
• Industry-evaluated “Smart Project Manager” capstone competition
• Fast-track hiring consideration with RDash’s UAE and international client network for competition certificate holders

The MoU will be implemented across NICMAR University, Hyderabad’s built environment programs.

About NICMAR University of Construction Studies, Hyderabad

 NICMAR University of Construction Studies (NUCS), Hyderabad, is a leading institution dedicated to education, training, research, and capacity building in construction, real estate, infrastructure, and project management. It is part of the NICMAR University ecosystem focused on advancing professional excellence in the built environment sector.

About RDash

 RDash is an AI-powered construction management software that unifies site teams, procurement, design, and finance — out of the box. Headquartered in Gurugram, India, RDash enables construction businesses to improve project visibility, control costs, and drive operational efficiency through technology-enabled and AI-driven processes. 300+ companies, including ICICI Bank, Danube, JSW Homes, and Simpliwork use RDash to see up to 10% improvement in project costs and up to 20% improvement in delivery time.

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New Delhi [India], March 09: Today, your child’s early learning needs to do more than cover letters and numbers. It needs to build curiosity, foster clear communication, and enable learning with others. That is why many families explore an international preschool in India when they want a wider learning approach from the start.

This blog explains what an international curriculum means, how it supports global readiness and skills, and what to consider before deciding if it suits your child.

What Does an International Curriculum Really Mean?

An international curriculum is a structured programme used across different countries and schools. It sets age-appropriate learning goals and focuses on understanding rather than memorisation. In the early years, learning is usually built around language, early maths, creativity, movement, and social skills through guided activities.

When parents consider an international preschool in India, they often look closely at how teachers support curiosity, routines, and steady progress.

How International Education Prepares Children for a Global World

A global outlook begins with everyday classroom habits. International programmes often focus on communication, collaboration, and openness to new ideas.

• Builds clear speaking and careful listening
• Encourages curiosity through questions and discussion
• Supports teamwork with shared tasks and turn-taking
• Strengthens adaptability by linking ideas across subjects

Why Skill-Based Learning Matters More Than Rote Learning

Skill-based learning helps children apply knowledge rather than merely repeat it, supporting deeper understanding over time.

• Develops reasoning through simple problem-solving steps
• Improves memory by connecting ideas to meaning
• Builds language by explaining answers in full sentences
• Supports progress through feedback and practice

How International Curricula Build Confidence and Independent Thinking

Confidence grows when children are guided to try, adjust, and try again. International classrooms often support this with clear routines and supportive teaching.

• Encourages independence through age-appropriate choices
• Builds resilience by treating mistakes as part of learning
• Supports self-expression through speaking and creative work
• Develops self-management through planning and completing tasks

Academic Flexibility and Global Recognition

International curricula are often organised in clear stages, which can help families understand what comes next as children move through school. This structure may support smoother transitions between schools and learning pathways.

Recognition depends on the curriculum and the level, so it is important to review how assessment works and how learning outcomes align with future education plans, including within India.

How Early Exposure Creates a Strong Learning Foundation

Early childhood shapes language, attention, and social skills. International early-years programmes often combine guided play with structured activities, helping children learn to listen, follow directions, and complete tasks with care.

Over time, these habits can support reading readiness, clearer expression, and better concentration. Strong foundations also reduce stress when academic demands increase later.

Is an International Curriculum the Right Choice for Every Child?

An international curriculum can suit many children, but fit matters. Consider your child’s temperament, learning support needs, and comfort with new environments, along with your family’s longer-term plans.

Also, review how teachers support different learning speeds and how emotional well-being is managed alongside academics. The right choice is one where your child feels secure, appropriately challenged, and steadily supported at home and in school.

Conclusion

An international curriculum can be a valuable asset because it aims to build strong fundamentals alongside communication, adaptability, and independent learning habits. The real difference comes from the quality of daily instruction and how well the approach matches your child’s needs. When those elements align, children can grow into confident learners with a wider outlook and steady academic readiness.

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Dr. Manju Lodha with senior faculty members at the launch of ATLAS SkillTech University’s NextGen Women in STEM Scholarship.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 07: In a step towards strengthening women’s participation in technology and engineering, ATLAS SkillTech University has launched the ‘NextGen Women in STEM Scholarship’, a merit-based initiative aimed at supporting 100 meritorious young women pursuing engineering education. The scholarship was launched at the University’s Mumbai campus by Dr. Manju Lodha, philanthropist, author, poet and Chairperson of the Lodha Foundation, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The initiative seeks to expand access to world-class AI and STEM education for young women with strong academic foundations in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, while nurturing the next generation of women technologists and innovators.

Structured across three merit categories based on Class 12 PCM scores, the scholarship offers:

• ₹3,50,000 per year to students scoring 97% and above under Category A – Excellence
• ₹2,00,000 per year to students scoring 95%–96.99% under Category B – Merit
• ₹1,00,000 per year to students securing 90%–94.99% under Category C – Achievement

Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship provides a comprehensive support ecosystem that includes mentorship from industry professionals, access to advanced STEM laboratories, research opportunities, internships with partner organisations and pathways to real-world innovation.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Manju Lodha said, “When we invest in a young woman’s education, we invest in the progress of families, industries and the nation. I congratulate ATLAS SkillTech University for creating meaningful opportunities for women to thrive in technology.”

Dr. Indu Shahani, Founding President and Chancellor of ATLAS SkillTech University, said the initiative aims to encourage more young women to pursue engineering and build a stronger pipeline of women leaders in technology. “The NextGen Women in STEM Scholarship reflects our commitment to inclusive innovation by supporting talented young women and enabling them to pursue careers in both core and emerging technology fields including AI,” she said.

The scholarship is applicable across all Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) programs offered by ATLAS uGDX – School of Technology, including B.Tech in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, B.Tech in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, B.Tech in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science and B.Tech in Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity.

Through this initiative, ATLAS SkillTech University aims to contribute to building a more inclusive technology ecosystem while strengthening the presence of women in India’s rapidly evolving STEM landscape.

About ATLAS SkillTech University:

ATLAS SkillTech University, located in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, is India’s first urban, multidisciplinary university and the youngest in the country to be accredited with a NAAC A grade. Pioneering a new model of higher education, ATLAS integrates global collaborations, industry partnerships and an innovation-first approach to prepare future-ready leaders.Guided by the principles of India’s National Education Policy 2020, ATLAS offers cutting-edge programmes across four new-age streams:

Design & Innovation, Management & Entrepreneurship, Digital Technology, Law

Its futuristic model has been co-created with an international community of scholars, academicians, industry experts and thought leaders, making it a hub where design, technology, strategy and leadership converge.

For more information, visit: https://atlasuniversity.edu.in

Tower 1- Equinox Business Park, Off Bandra-Kurla Complex, (BKC) LBS Marg, Kurla West, Mumbai- 400070

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 03: The SAT & TOEFL Olympiad 2025 has concluded with the rollout of student outcomes and learning benefits, offering a national snapshot of how Indian school students performed against globally recognised academic benchmarks. Designed as an early readiness assessment, the Olympiad enabled students to experience the rigour of international tests while gaining clarity on their academic standing, strengths, and future pathways.

Students from across India participated in the Olympiad, representing diverse educational backgrounds and schooling systems. More than 250 schools, spanning CBSE, ICSE/ISC, IB, IGCSE, Cambridge, State Boards, and home-school networks, took part, positioning the Olympiad as a broad-based academic benchmarking initiative rather than competitiveranking exercise.

Performance outcomes reflected encouraging academic depth. 20% of participating students scored 1400 or above on the SAT, while 4% achieved scores of 1500+, placing them within the top national percentile and demonstrating readiness for globally benchmarked undergraduate pathways.

Among participating institutions, select schools, including DPS Faridabad, Loyola School Trivandrum, Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam Chennai, and Srinidhi International School, saw multiple students record strong outcomes, highlighting the role schools play in supporting early exposure to international academic standards. Regionally, students from South India demonstrated particularly strong performance, while schools across North India contributed meaningfully to participation and results, reflecting widening national interest in global academic readiness.

Beyond test scores, the Olympiad focused on student learning and insight. Participants received structured performance feedback and exposure to the format and expectations of internationally recognised assessments such as the SAT and TOEFL. High-performing students further accessed scholarship-linked enrichment, mentorship, and guidance opportunities through partner programmes, supporting informed academic planning rather than test preparation alone.

Reflecting on the experience, a representative from DPS Faridabad said: “The SAT & TOEFL Olympiad provided our students with a valuable opportunity to experience globally benchmarked assessments in a structured and motivating environment. It helped them gain early clarity on international testing standards, build confidence through real performance feedback, and explore meaningful academic and scholarship-linked opportunities. We value the exposure and enrichment this platform has offered our students.”

A parent of a participating student from Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam, Chennai, said: “As a parent, the Olympiad offered valuable insight into where my child stands academically in a global context. The experience went beyond scores — it provided clarity, confidence, and access to guidance and scholarship opportunities that helped us think more clearly about future academic choices.”

The SAT & TOEFL Olympiad was conceived to give Indian school students early exposure to globally recognisedassessments while supporting learning through mentorship and enrichment. Delivered in collaboration with knowledge and enrichment partners including ETS, Krea University, Lumiere Education, Makers Asylum, and ROAM, the Olympiad connects assessment with insight, opportunity, and academic growth.

Building on the 2025 edition, the SAT & TOEFL Olympiad will continue as a national academic initiative, enabling greater participation from students in regions that were previously underrepresented or unable to participate. The next edition of the Olympiad is scheduled for July 2026.

For more information and updates on the SAT & TOEFL Olympiad, visit www.satolympiad.org.

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