At the ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ event held at Hotel Taj, LoIs were exchanged with five renowned global universities. Chief Minister Fadnavis addressed the gathering, which was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Secretary Higher Education & Acting Chairman UGC, Vineet Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary, Aseem Kumar Gupta , CIDCO MD Vijay Singhal, British High Commissioner H.E. Lindy Cameron, Australian Consul General Paul Murphy, US Consul General Mike Hankey, Italian Consul General Walter Ferrara, and university representatives including Prof. Siladitya Bhattacharya (University of Aberdeen), Prof. Charlie Jeffrey (University of York), Guy Littlefair (University of Western Australia), Raj Echambadi (Illinois Institute of Technology), and Riccardo Balbo (IED).

Fadnavis stated that five top universities — the University of Aberdeen (Scotland, UK), University of York (UK), University of Western Australia (Australia), Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), and Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy) — are setting up full-fledged campuses in the Navi Mumbai International Airport region. This area will also see the development of a MedCity, Sports City, and Innovation City in the coming years. Eventually, the plan is to host at least ten universities in this education hub, making it a center of learning and research. Mumbai, currently known for finance, industry, and entertainment, will gain a new identity as an Educational City. This initiative will play a crucial role in realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047.

He emphasized that these campuses will align with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020. With major infrastructure like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Atal Setu already in place, and world-class connectivity being developed, this hub will be highly accessible to students and faculty. Fadnavis added that the MoUs with these five universities are just the beginning, and the government is ready to welcome more institutions in the future. He also mentioned the recent MoU signed between Western University and Gondwana University.

“New Education Policy Will Drive India’s Development”: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that Mumbai, the city of dreams and India’s financial capital, is set to become a major education hub. The involvement of these five foreign universities will be critical. India has had a global reputation in education since ancient times, and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, several initiatives are being implemented to realize the vision of a developed India. The NEP will allow global institutions to establish branches in India, and Indian institutions to open campuses abroad. This will make world-class education affordable and accessible to Indian students. He highlighted that prestigious Indian institutions like IITs, IIMs, and Symbiosis have already started international campuses. The entry of foreign universities will accelerate India’s progress in education and development.

The event also included a tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent Ahmedabad tragedy. The program was compered by Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty, and the welcome address was delivered by CIDCO MD Vijay Singhal. Secretary Higher Education & Acting Chairman UGC Vineet Joshi also shared his thoughts.

Five Global Universities Coming to Navi Mumbai

University of Aberdeen (UK): One of the oldest universities in the UK, it becomes the first Scottish university to establish a campus in India. It has longstanding academic collaborations with over 200 Indian institutions, including IITs, AIIMS, ICAR, ICMR, Manipal Academy, and Delhi University.

University of Western Australia (Australia): Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and part of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). It will offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in high-demand STEM fields — science, engineering, and industrial sectors — to meet the aspirations of Indian students and global workforce needs.

University of York (UK): A leading research-intensive institution and a member of the Russell Group. It will offer cutting-edge programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business, economics, and creative industries. Courses will be designed with input from global industries and offer career opportunities for Indian students.

Illinois Institute of Technology (USA): The first American university to independently award degrees from a campus in India. It will offer programs in computer science, engineering, and business. Its popular ‘Elevate’ program — which includes internships, research, and competitions — will also be introduced in India.

Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy): One of Europe’s premium design schools, it will offer globally benchmarked training in fashion, product design, and visual communication.

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The Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy programme is designed to meet national managerial aspirations in terms of Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and community-led development. This programme aims to equip a new generation of change-makers to close the gap between policy and practice at the grassroots level.

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is focused towards developing India’s digital capability and global competitiveness. The programme, co-designed with industry leaders builds future ready skill set among young students and encourages the use of ethical AI, reaffirming the institution’s pledge to innovation with integrity.

The event also witnessed a roundtable discussion with the theme: “Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises. Bramhanand Jha, PMP, Vice President, National eGovernance Division under MeitY, Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India graced the occasion as the chief guest. While Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director (JEE), National Testing Agency (NTA) and Rajesh Kumar, Director (CUET), National Testing Agency (NTA) were present as the keynote speakers, who came together to discuss the evolving role of GCCs as crucial hubs driving innovation and global digital transformation and contributed valuable insights on the future of global enterprises and the strategic role of GCCs.

Chief Guest, Bramhanand Jha, PMP, Vice President, National eGovernance Division under MeitY, Ministry of Electronics & IT, GOI, said, “India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are no longer low-cost arbitrage centres; they are becoming strategic innovation hubs for value for global business. With the economy shifting towards a digital-first economy, GCCs are leading the way in developing agile, technology-enabled, and future-proof organizations. Academic institutions like IIM Sambalpur, with vision-oriented programmes in Data Science, AI, and Public Policy, are developing the talent and mindset to drive this change. At MeitY, we are committed to developing an ecosystem in which the academia, industry, and governance collaborate to drive sustainable innovation, transformation, and digital leadership.”

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur , said, “It is a great pride that we have successfully launched Bachelor of Science (B.S) four-year fully residential programme. This is a pioneering step towards building future-ready leaders of tomorrow. In line with India’s National Education Policy, (NEP 2020) our vision is to create responsible leaders with entrepreneurial mindset. These undergraduate programmes have a flexible structure that allows students to gain a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, a degree after three years, and an honors degree after successfully completing four years, with multiple entry and exit points. As an institution of national importance, we are committed to offering future-oriented, Interdisciplinary education that blends academic rigor with societal relevance. We also aim to cultivate graduates who are not only career-ready but also change maker capable of navigating and influencing complex socio-economic landscape with clarity, compassion and courage, I warmly welcome aspiring young minds to be part of this transformative journey.”

Keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director (JEE), National Testing Agency (NTA), said, “India’s education evaluation system is changing to discover and develop talent that can succeed in fast-paced, innovation-driven setups like Global Capability Centres. It is encouraging to witness institutions like IIM Sambalpur launch innovative undergraduate programmes that blend analytical rigour with policy and technology expertise. Our vision at NTA is to develop a strong and inclusive testing system in tune with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and ready students for global leadership and innovation.”

Keynote speaker, Rajesh Kumar, Director (CUET), National Testing Agency (NTA) said, “With the launch of CUET, we have made a big leap towards democratizing access to quality higher education in India. As top institutions such as IIM Sambalpur introduce specialized undergraduate programmes in Data Science, AI, and Public Policy, it becomes even more important that talent from all parts of the country gets an equal chance to be part of the innovation economy. Global Capability Centres are shaping the future of work, and through an equitable, transparent, and standardized testing environment, NTA is dedicated to helping drive this transformation by empowering the next generation of globally capable professionals.”

The event was followed by two panel discussions on the topic “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value.” An esteemed group of speakers participated, including Dr. Praveen K. Choudhary (PhD), Global Operations Director; Bikas Kr. Singh, VP at SAP; Alouk Kumar, Founder and CEO of Inductus Group; Puneet Panchal, Senior VP and Head of Insurance at Cube Highways; CA S. Santhanakrishnan, Founder Partner of M/s.PKF Sridhar & Santhanam LLP Chartered Accountants; Sudhir Dasamantharao, COO of FourthSquare; and Souryakanta Das, Adjunct Professor at IIM Sambalpur. The second session, titled “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth,” featured Rajdeep Sahrawat, Executive Director at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP; Aakash Varma, Knowledge Expert at McKinsey & Company; Emmy Anita Gilbert, SAVP and Business Partner at EXL; Rajesh Ranjan, Head of Government Affairs at Google India; Rohin Kapoor, Partner in Management Consulting at BDO in India; and Chandraprakash Jain, VP of HR at TP.

It is to be noted that IIM Sambalpur is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management and Public Policy programme through CUET, both national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency. It is to be noted that admissions for the B.S. programmes will begin in June 2025. Classes for the first batch will commence from September 2025.

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Every year in India, the academic season brings a whirlwind of activity. Students stress over exams, parents anxiously await results, and the scramble for admissions, particularly into Class 1, reaches a fever pitch during this period of time. Traditionally, there has been a wide variation in the age criteria for Class 1 entry across different states. However, the recent implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has sparked a crucial debate: should six years old be the mandatory age for entering Class 1?

Prior to the NEP, the age for Class 1 admission fluctuated between five and six, depending on a child’s birth date and individual state-specific cut-off dates. This inconsistency created confusion for parents and educators alike. Children born in the latter half of the year could potentially face a disadvantage, starting school a year younger than their peers. Additionally, the lack of a uniform system meant variations in curriculum and teaching styles across states, further disrupting the academic journey for students moving to a different location.

The NEP aims to standardize the system by mandating a minimum age of six for Class 1 entry. This move aligns with international best practices and aims to ensure a smoother academic journey for students, regardless of their state of residence.

Building a strong foundation

The Ministry of Education (MoE) believes that delaying formal education allows for better physical and mental development in children. Experts argue that a later entry age provides opportunities for a stronger foundation in early learning, particularly for numeracy and literacy skills. Studies conducted in Finland and other Nordic countries, known for their high academic performance, show that delaying formal education until the age of seven can positively influence long-term learning outcomes. This suggests that children who are not developmentally ready for structured academic environments might struggle later on, potentially leading to frustration, disengagement, and a negative association with learning.

Focusing on holistic development

Brain development is a complex process, with significant milestones occurring around the age of five. Entering Class 1 introduces children to formal writing tools like pencils and notebooks, as well as structured learning environments. Allowing them to reach a stage of greater physical and cognitive maturity can be beneficial. Specific aspects of cognitive development, such as focus, attention span, and emotional regulation, are crucial for successful learning and are known to solidify closer to the age of six. Delaying formal education allows for more time to develop these crucial skills through play-based learning and exploration in pre-primary programs.

Dispelling myths

Understandably, some parents worry about losing valuable learning years if their children enter Class 1 later, particularly in a society that often emphasizes early academic achievement.  This anxiety stems from a competitive academic environment where parents might feel pressured to push their children ahead. Here, the onus lies on schools and educational authorities to address these concerns through open communication and awareness campaigns.

Role of schools

Schools, particularly private institutions, can play a crucial role in spreading awareness about the advantages of delayed formal education. Parent-teacher meetings and workshops can be used to educate parents on brain development and highlight the potential benefits of a stronger foundational learning experience. Additionally, schools can bridge the gap by creating high-quality pre-primary programs (age 3-6) that go beyond rote learning and rote memorization.

These programs should focus on holistic development through play, exploration, and activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, social interaction, and emotional intelligence. This prepares children for the transition to formal education in Class 1 with a strong foundation and a love for learning.

Collaboration for implementation

The shift towards a later Class 1 entry age represents a significant change in India’s educational landscape. While the NEP has laid the groundwork, successful implementation requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders:

• Government: The MoE needs to provide continuous support and resources to states to ensure smooth implementation across the country. This includes capacity building for teachers and early childhood education (ECE) providers by offering training workshops on child development and best practices in pre-primary education. Additionally, financial assistance might be necessary to support the establishment of quality pre-primary programs, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas.
• Schools: Schools, both government and private, have a responsibility to educate parents about the rationale behind the age change. They can also explore ways to bridge the gap by creating high-quality pre-primary programs that nurture holistic development in young children. Additionally, schools can review and revise their curriculum for Class 1 to ensure it aligns with the developmental needs of six-year-old children.
• Parents: Parents play a vital role in understanding the importance of age-appropriate learning. By seeking information and engaging with education professionals, they can make informed decisions about their children’s education.  They can also become advocates for change within their communities.  Spreading awareness about the benefits of a later Class 1 entry age among other parents and friends can help create a more supportive environment for this policy shift.

Furthermore, by actively participating in school events and meetings, parents can voice their concerns and suggestions, fostering a collaborative approach to ensure a smooth and successful transition for their children. Ultimately, by understanding the rationale behind the age change and embracing a holistic approach to early childhood education, parents can empower their children to thrive throughout their academic journey.

Sum & substance

The revision of the age criterion for Class 1 admissions represents a significant stride towards transforming the Indian education system in accordance with global best practices. By mandating six years for Class 1 admission, the Ministry of Education seeks to ensure that children embark on their academic journey fully equipped to meet the challenges of primary education. This initiative underscores a commitment to encouraging holistic development and laying a robust foundation for lifelong learning among India’s young learners. As the nation continues its journey towards educational reform, prioritizing developmental readiness and equitable access to quality education will be pivotal in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Ramakant Chaudhary is senior journalist and currently working with PRP Group as Content Head. He has worked in various editorial roles with Financial Express, Mint (Hindustan Times Group), The Times Of India, Jagran Post (Dainik Jagran Group), The Pioneer, and The Political and Business Daily. He writes on politics, government policy, economy, infrastructure, real estate, social issues, lifestyle, and health.

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