The year 2025 witnessed transformative shifts in the education sector, with institutions across India and the globe embracing innovation, adaptability, and a renewed focus on future‑ready skills. From universities and management institutes to cutting-edge education platforms, leaders reflected on the year’s milestones and outlined their vision for 2026. This included a significant emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, experiential learning, inclusivity, and global collaboration in shaping the next chapter of education.
“This year has been a testament to our commitment to excellence as we marked our Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years of outstanding technical education, with the Honourable President of India gracing the occasion and the 35th convocation held in the presence of the ISRO Chairman. The growing emphasis on data‑driven insights has redefined curricula, motivating learners to blend computational skills with critical thinking and ethical responsibility. Looking ahead, BIT Mesra will continue to foster a holistic and inclusive ecosystem,” said Prof. Sudip Das, Registrar, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra.
Reinforcing his views and highlighting the fundamental shift in education from rote memorization to critical thinking, Mr. Harish Sanduja, Director – Schools and IT, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, said, “Year 2025 has been marked with some decisive changes and trends in Indian school education. The biggest change has been the structural shift as a result of the introduction of the new NCERT books with a reduced curriculum. The focus has shifted from rote memorization to critical thinking and competency‑based learning. At the same time, the Kaushal Bodh curriculum has been introduced for CBSE classes 6 to 8. This initiative is in line with the NEP vision of skill‑based education and includes modules like Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, Financial Literacy, Information Technology, Travel and Tourism, Beauty and Wellness, Handicrafts, and several others.”
These shifts at both the school and university levels point to a larger transformation in the education ecosystem. Institutions are no longer viewing reform as isolated initiatives but as part of a broader movement toward adaptability and relevance. The emphasis on skill‑based curricula, integration of emerging technologies, and the redefinition of educator roles reflects a sector preparing itself for the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.
“The year has reaffirmed that education is no longer confined to classrooms but driven by adaptability, digital integration, and purpose‑led learning. Students have learned the value of resilience and lifelong learning, while educators have embraced innovation and learner‑centric approaches. As we move into the coming year, the focus must remain on building future‑ready skills, ethical leadership, and inclusive growth to prepare learners for an evolving global economy,” said Prof. (Dr.) Daviender Narang, Director, Jaipuria Institute of Management.
Educators are also optimistic about the recent decision of the Government of India to establish the Higher Education Council of India (HECI), which promises to unify and streamline the regulatory framework for universities and colleges. By replacing legacy bodies such as the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, the HECI is expected to reduce duplication, enhance transparency, and create a more agile framework.
“In the year 2025, management education in India witnessed a paradigmatic shift. We witnessed AI evolve from a buzzword into a core strategic tool, demanding that students and educators alike embrace digital competency alongside ethical leadership. Adaptability is no longer an option, it is a primary currency. As we look towards 2026, our focus shifts to ‘purpose‑driven’ innovation and global mobility. We also look forward to how the government’s decision to create the Higher Education Council of India (HECI) as a unified regulator for higher education evolves in 2026. We need to carry forward the spirit of reform, resilience, and reflection to elevate Indian higher education to a new level,” said Dr. Tapan Kumar Nayak, Director, Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad.
While technological and management institutions are reimagining curricula and governance structures, the hospitality sector too has undergone a considerable transformation. With technology reshaping guest expectations and sustainability becoming a non‑negotiable priority, hospitality education is aligning itself with global industry trends.
“The year 2025 marked a crucial transformation in hospitality education, fuelled by technological innovation and shifting industry demands. The significant adoption of Artificial Intelligence redefined how educational institutions prepare students, focusing on a combination of human‑centred skills and digital prowess. In 2026, we anticipate a continued emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and personalized guest experiences that will remain key drivers of industry transformation. Building on the successes of this year, we are inspired to further foster a global community of hospitality leaders and change agents,” said Ms. Anouck Weiss, Chief Communication Officer, Sommet Education.
Resonating with her observations, Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Managing Director and Co‑Founder of the Indian School of Hospitality, said, “2025 marked a decisive shift in hospitality education. Students have rejected mechanical outcomes and are demanding learning that feels relevant, organic, and aligned with their lives. They are now behaving like consumers and CEOs of their own education. As we move into 2026 and 2027, institutions that fail to adapt will be left behind. The balance of power has shifted. Students will choose institutions, not the other way around.”
With the evolution of the education sector, the importance of cross‑border collaboration has become increasingly evident. Institutions are no longer working in isolation but actively seeking partnerships that transcend national boundaries, enabling students to gain global exposure and diverse perspectives. Whether through joint research, exchange programs, or digital platforms, these collaborations are reshaping how knowledge is shared and how future leaders are prepared.
Delving into these trends, Mr. Sundar Kumarasamy, CEO, Founder of Excelerate and Co‑Founder of V‑Empower Ventures, highlighted,“The year 2025 brought a slew of both challenges and opportunities for the education segment. Educational institutions across the globe focused on the rapid adoption of AI, personalised learning, global collaboration, and navigating stringent visa norms. The year also highlighted that resilience and adaptability are essential for thriving amid challenges, and embracing lifelong learning and inclusivity became crucial. In the year 2026, we foresee AI as the cornerstone of the transformation of education delivery and a substantial emphasis on inclusivity and cross‑border collaboration.’’
Speaking in a similar tone, Mr. Bob Chopra, Founder‑CEO of IvySchool.ai, mentions that AI will be at the cornerstone of educational transformation in 2026.
“The year 2025 ushered in a new era for the education landscape, especially in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, coding, and computer science. We also witnessed a significant shift towards experiential learning, where students moved beyond rote learning to embrace problem‑solving and interdisciplinary applications. Key trends included the integration of generative AI tools into classrooms, the rise of project‑based coding challenges, and a growing emphasis on computational thinking. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect a renewed focus on empowering students to be future‑ready leaders who can code with creativity, utilise AI responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving digital world,” said Mr. Chopra.
Together, these perspectives reflect a sector in transition, redefining the role of educators and institutions. As we approach 2026, education is poised to move beyond conventional boundaries, ensuring that learners are not only academically prepared but also equipped with crucial skills and leadership abilities to set new benchmarks.
