India’s Private Universities Are Driving the Future: Dr Mittal on LPU’s Bold 5-Year Strategy

Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU) and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), shares his insights on how private universities are reshaping Indian higher education. In this exclusive conversation, he discusses LPU’s leadership in research and innovation, its strategic global partnerships, inclusive scholarship initiatives, and the university’s bold vision for the next five years.

Q. Over the past decade, how do you see the role of private universities evolving in shaping the Indian higher education landscape? What unique value do institutions like LPU bring to the table?

Dr Mittal: Private universities in India have moved from the periphery to the forefront of higher education. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, private institutions make up over 66% of colleges and account for nearly 44% of student enrolments. This shows their significant presence not only in numbers but also in the quality of education. Many private universities have taken this opportunity to innovate, invest in infrastructure, adopt global best practices, and respond quickly to industry and societal needs.

At LPU, we prioritize continuously updating our curriculum to align with global industry trends, ensuring our students acquire skills the future demands. We go beyond conventional methods to reimagine traditional education—making it experiential, interdisciplinary, and adaptable. LPU has created a learning environment where students don’t just study—they solve real-world problems, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and immersive media. Our flexible, modular credit system allows students to personalize their academic journey while building a strong foundation in innovation and leadership. LPU stands at the crossroads of education and innovation, rooted in local relevance and driven by a global vision. We’re not just preparing students for the future—we’re empowering them to shape it.

Q. LPU has built a strong reputation in research and innovation. Could you share some recent milestones or impactful research work coming out of the university?

Dr Mittal: Yes, LPU has recently achieved a significant milestone by filing the highest number of patents in India for the academic year 2023–24. As per the Intellectual Property India Annual Report released by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks, Government of India, LPU filed 1,418 patents—the highest among all academic institutions in the country.

This achievement is a result of the university’s strong research ecosystem, supported by world-class laboratories, advanced equipment, and dedicated research support across disciplines. Some impactful work includes a pharmaceutical formulation for anti-arthritic activity and a high-performance VLSI architecture designed for optimized 5G network applications, showcasing the practical and forward-looking research being carried out by LPU’s faculty and students.

Q. International collaborations are becoming a key indicator of academic strength. What are some of the recent or upcoming global partnerships that are expanding opportunities for LPU students and faculty?

Dr Mittal: With over 3,000+ international students from 70+ countries and tie-ups with 500+ universities worldwide, LPU continues to open global avenues for its students and faculty. Recent partnerships with top institutions like Northeastern University (USA) and the University of Bristol (UK) are expanding dual degree and integrated program opportunities, allowing students to gain international exposure and globally recognized qualifications.

Similarly, the 2+2 articulation arrangement with the University of Wollongong (Australia) enables engineering students to complete part of their degree abroad, enhancing both academic and career prospects. These collaborations offer access to student exchange programs, credit transfers, joint research, and short-term study opportunities, giving LPU students a competitive edge in today’s global job market. As LPU strengthens these global partnerships, students and faculty benefit from enhanced mobility, academic enrichment, and access to cutting-edge research—preparing them to lead and innovate on an international stage.

Q. LPU is known for its focus on sports and defense personnel. Could you elaborate on the kind of scholarships and support systems the university has in place for these communities?

Dr Mittal: To empower India’s youth while honouring the spirit of the nation, LPU offers extensive scholarships and support systems for both sportspersons and defense personnel. For sportspersons, LPU provides performance-based scholarships across multiple levels—from international to district championships. Students receive benefits such as full tuition waivers, free residential facilities, and food supplements. Beyond scholarships, LPU offers Olympic-standard sports infrastructure and expert coaching. Over the years, it has nurtured and trained many top athletes, including Olympians Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Harmanpreet Singh, and many more.

For defense personnel and their families, LPU has launched the “Rakshak Samman Anudan”, a financial aid initiative dedicated to serving and retired members of the Indian Armed Forces. This scholarship also covers dependents and honours gallantry awardees. In addition, LPU recently introduced the world’s largest scholarship “Jai Jawan Scholarship”, offering a 100% scholarship for online programmes during 2025–2026, exclusively for serving defense personnel—making quality education accessible even during active service. Through these initiatives, LPU not only supports talent but also pays tribute to national pride and service.

Q. Entrepreneurship and innovation are critical to India’s future. What concrete steps is LPU taking to nurture a startup ecosystem and cultivate an entrepreneurial mind-set among students?

Dr Mittal: LPU is actively fostering entrepreneurship and innovation to shape India's future by cultivating a robust startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial mindset among its students. Through its dedicated Incubator Program, LPU has empowered over 250+ startups, providing them with essential mentorship, funding, and support to drive entrepreneurial success.

A shining example is Digantara, a pioneering space-tech startup founded by LPU alumnus Anirudh Sharma, which has earned national recognition and even praise from Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its innovative work in the space field. Alongside, we have ProjectX, a student-led startup that secured ₹1.7 crore in Google Cloud credits through the Google for Startups Program, and RCMH—a fintech card venture by student Riddhima Dwivedi that received ₹5 crore in funding.

These achievements are supported by LPU’s Innovation Studio, a creative space where students conceptualize, prototype, and bring their projects to life with expert guidance and technical resources. A key driver of this ecosystem is LPU’s EduRevolution initiative, which allows students the flexibility to fully focus on their ventures. Instead of traditional coursework, students are graded based on the progress of their startups, giving them the freedom and incentive to build with purpose.

Q. In terms of curriculum and pedagogy, how is LPU leveraging technology to offer future-ready education that aligns with global standards?

Dr Mittal: At LPU, we believe that education must constantly evolve to meet the demands of the future. That’s why we don’t confine ourselves to traditional, one-size-fits-all learning models. Through our EduRevolution initiative, students are given the freedom to shape their own academic journey—choosing what, how, and where they want to learn. Whether it's through immersive classroom experiences, hands-on industry projects, or real-world problem-solving, students have the flexibility to learn in ways that suit their aspirations.

We’re also moving beyond static curricula; our programs are continuously updated in consultation with industry experts to stay aligned with global shifts. Technology plays a key role in this evolution—be it through AI-powered learning platforms, virtual labs, or mentorship from professionals actively working in the field. This approach is not about adopting technology for the sake of it, but about building an ecosystem that empowers students to stay relevant, curious, and globally competitive.

Q. Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities for LPU in the next 5 years—particularly in areas like research excellence, employability, and global positioning?

Dr Mittal: With a vision to significantly contribute to India’s development through 2047, LPU aims to revolutionize education by advancing research that addresses key national challenges. We will focus on producing skilled, industry-ready graduates equipped to meet the evolving needs of emerging sectors.

By strengthening industry partnerships and expanding global collaborations, we plan to enhance experiential learning and improve employability outcomes. Our efforts to foster a diverse and innovative academic environment will support meaningful contributions to both India’s growth and the global knowledge economy. Through steady, practical progress in these areas, LPU will establish itself as a leading institution shaping the future of education, research, and workforce development.

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