In today’s rapidly evolving job market, earning a degree is only one part of a student’s journey. Employers increasingly seek graduates who combine strong academic knowledge with practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry exposure. Recognising this important shift, GL Bajaj Educational Institutions proudly represented the education sector at Zee News’ “Ideas on Education” Summit, where leading educators, policymakers, and industry experts came together to discuss the future of higher education in India.
Representing GL Bajaj Educational Institutions, Mr. Kartikay Agarwal, CEO, participated in an engaging panel discussion on the thought-provoking theme “Degree Poori, Skill Adhuri”, focusing on how educational institutions can prepare students for real-world careers rather than just academic success.
The summit served as a national platform to exchange ideas on the future of education, innovation, employability, and the changing expectations of today’s industries.
A National Conversation on the Future of Higher Education
The Zee News “Ideas on Education” Summit brought together renowned education leaders, policymakers, and academic experts to discuss one of the most relevant questions facing higher education today:
How can institutions bridge the gap between classroom education and industry expectations?
During the panel discussion, Mr. Kartikay Agarwal shared GL Bajaj’s vision of building institutions where learning goes beyond textbooks and students graduate with the confidence, skills, and practical experience required to succeed in today’s competitive world.
According to him, educational institutions must continuously evolve with changing industry demands while preserving strong academic foundations that help students adapt throughout their careers.
Rankings Are an Outcome of Excellence, Not the Destination
During the discussion, Mr. Kartikay Agarwal shared an insightful perspective on institutional rankings and long-term growth.
While acknowledging the recognition that rankings such as NIRF and QS I-GAUGE bring, he explained that meaningful progress cannot be measured solely by numbers.
He reflected on a memorable moment following GL Bajaj’s improved rankings. While congratulatory messages poured in, what truly stood out was a faculty member sharing the success of her students’ research paper being accepted for publication. For him, that represented the real achievement—an institution where research, innovation, and academic excellence become part of the culture rather than activities driven by ranking frameworks.
He emphasised that rankings naturally reflect the quality of an institution’s research, faculty, placements, and academic practices. However, the larger vision for GL Bajaj is to cultivate a self-sustaining research ecosystem where students and faculty continuously innovate because excellence has become part of the institution’s DNA.
Looking ahead, the goal is to ensure that GL Bajaj is recognised not only for its rankings but also for the meaningful impact created by its students through research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.
Creating a Strong Research and Innovation Ecosystem
Innovation has become one of the defining pillars of modern education, and GL Bajaj continues to strengthen this ecosystem across its campuses.
The institution has earned an Overall Diamond Rating from QS I-GAUGE, along with a Platinum Rating for Entrepreneurship, reflecting its growing emphasis on quality education, innovation, and entrepreneurial development.
Further strengthening this vision, the GL Bajaj Centre for Research and Incubation has successfully incubated more than 140 startups, encouraging students to transform innovative ideas into practical business solutions.
These initiatives demonstrate the institution’s commitment to nurturing creators, innovators, and future entrepreneurs alongside academically accomplished graduates.
Academic Excellence Must Go Hand in Hand with Practical Learning
One of the central themes of the discussion focused on balancing academic rigour with industry readiness.
Mr. Kartikay Agarwal explained that this should never be viewed as a choice between theory and practical exposure. Instead, both must complement each other.
Strong academic fundamentals provide students with the knowledge required to understand complex concepts, while project-based learning and industry engagement help them apply that knowledge to real-world challenges.
Recalling an observation from campus, he described seeing students passively listening during a traditional classroom lecture, followed shortly by witnessing another group actively solving real system failures during a lab session with guidance from industry professionals. The difference in student engagement highlighted the importance of combining conceptual learning with practical application.
This philosophy has inspired GL Bajaj to redesign several aspects of its teaching approach by integrating:
- Project-based learning
- Industry-led mentoring
- Practical laboratory sessions
- Real-world problem-solving
- Collaborative learning experiences
As a result, students develop both technical competence and the confidence to apply their knowledge in professional environments.
Building Strong Industry Partnerships for Career-Ready Graduates
Preparing students for future careers requires close collaboration between academia and industry.
To bridge this gap, GL Bajaj Educational Institutions have established strategic partnerships with leading global technology companies, including:
- Cisco
- Palo Alto Networks
- Capgemini
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
These collaborations provide students with access to industry-relevant certifications, advanced laboratories, specialised training programmes, expert mentoring, and learning experiences aligned with current market requirements.
Such partnerships help ensure that graduates are equipped with both technical expertise and practical industry exposure before entering the workforce.
Encouraging Innovation Through National-Level Competitions
GL Bajaj continues to encourage students to participate in national innovation platforms where they can solve real-world challenges.
Students from the institution have actively participated in prestigious competitions such as:
- Smart India Hackathon
- Medha
- Kavach
The institution has also achieved significant milestones by serving as the Nodal Centre for the five-day Smart India Hackathon Hardware Edition 2025 and previously hosting the National Cyber Security Hackathon – Kavach.
These initiatives provide students with opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and develop practical solutions while working alongside peers, mentors, industry experts, and government organisations.
Recognition at the National Platform
The event also marked a proud moment for GL Bajaj Educational Institutions when Mr. Kartikay Agarwal was felicitated by Delhi Education Minister Mr. Ashish Sood in recognition of the institution’s contributions to the field of higher education.
The honour reflects GL Bajaj’s consistent efforts towards academic excellence, innovation, industry collaboration, and student development.
It also reinforces the institution’s growing presence among India’s leading educational organisations contributing to the future of higher education.
Looking Ahead
As the future of education continues to evolve, institutions must go beyond conventional teaching methods and prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Participation in national forums such as Zee News’ “Ideas on Education” Summit reflects GL Bajaj Educational Institutions’ commitment to contributing meaningful perspectives on the future of higher education while continuously strengthening research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-integrated learning.
The insights shared by Mr. Kartikay Agarwal, CEO, GL Bajaj Educational Institutions, reinforce the institution’s belief that academic excellence and practical skills must go hand in hand. By fostering a culture of research, encouraging innovation, and building strong industry collaborations, GL Bajaj continues to empower students with the knowledge, confidence, and real-world experience needed to become future-ready professionals and responsible leaders.
About GL Bajaj Educational Institutions
GL Bajaj Educational Institutions is one of India’s leading multi-campus education groups with a strong presence across Greater Noida and Mathura. The group offers quality education across engineering, management, law, medical sciences, healthcare, and higher education, with a strong focus on academic excellence, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-oriented learning.
Greater Noida Campuses
- G.L. Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management (GLBITM)
- G.L. Bajaj College of Technology & Management
- G.L. Bajaj Institute of Management & Research
- G.L. Bajaj Institute of Medical Sciences & Research*
- G.L. Bajaj Institute of Management
- G.L. Bajaj Institute of Law (GLBIL)
- G.L. Bajaj Hospital*
- G.L. Bajaj University
Mathura Campus
- G.L. Bajaj Group of Institutions
Approved by the relevant statutory bodies and affiliated with recognised universities where applicable, GL Bajaj Educational Institutions continue to nurture future-ready professionals through world-class education, research-driven learning, strong industry collaborations, and a commitment to holistic student development.
