Foreign Universities Coming to India, B-Schools Must Gear Up: Higher Education Secretary

Centre of Excellence in AI for Education on the Anvil, as proposed in this year’s Union Budget, says Vineet Joshi

Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi has said that Indian business schools should prepare for stronger competition as foreign universities are being invited to set up campuses in the country. He was speaking at the valedictory session of the Indian Management Conclave 2025 hosted by IIFT Delhi.

“Internationalisation of higher education is a major agenda. While IIT Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad and IIFT have already expanded abroad, foreign institutions are also coming to India, including in business education. This will create a more competitive environment for Indian B-schools,” Joshi said.

AI Exposure from Early Schooling

The Secretary underlined the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning and teaching. He announced that the Ministry of Education is establishing a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, as proposed in this year’s Union Budget. The centre will cover all streams—from engineering and sciences to management and law—and support learning across schools, higher education and research.

Joshi added that AI exposure should begin early. “Experts have suggested that it should start as low as Class 3. With AI, even a student in a remote village can ask questions freely, without fear of language barriers or peer pressure,” he noted.

Breaking Language Barriers

He also linked AI to the government’s Bharati Bhasha Pustak Pariyojana, which aims to provide textbooks in Indian languages. “One of the weak points in higher education is the dominance of English. AI can help us make learning material available in every child’s mother tongue,” Joshi said.

Focus on Startups and Self-Reliance

The Secretary urged management institutes to move beyond placements and promote entrepreneurship. “Institutions like IIFT and IIMs must create job creators, not only job seekers,” he said, pointing to India’s growing startup ecosystem.

Joshi said India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 will depend on young graduates. “It is your duty to create enterprises, contribute to the economy and build an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.

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