Classes Internationales expansion

New delhi, january 15. France has extended its Classes Internationales initiative to seven countries across the Indo-Pacific and Africa — India, Vietnam, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Indonesia.

The program offers a year-long immersive academic experience in France, combining intensive French language instruction, cultural familiarisation and foundational academic preparation. More than 30 French institutions are participants in the initiative offering access to over 200 undergraduate programs in fields such as engineering, sciences, design, arts, management and social sciences.

“Classes Internationales is a clear expression of France’s commitment to accessible, high-quality higher education and to deep, meaningful cooperation with partner countries. Initially designed for Indian students, its success has led to a gradual expansion to other nationalities across the Indo-Pacific and Africa. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our dedication to academic exchange, supporting young talent, and building pathways that enable students to thrive in French universities and in their global futures,” said Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, inaugurating the expanded programme.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open. Students may explore programs and apply via www.classesinternationales.org, or contact their nearest Campus France office for guidance.

Reliance Foundation Scholarships

Bengaluru, january 7. Six hundred and eighty students from Karnataka have secured Reliance Foundation’s Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships for 2025-26.

Out of 5,100 scholars chosen nationwide — including 5,000 undergraduate and 100 postgraduate awardees — 680 are from Karnataka. The results reflect the strong academic performance of the state, with selections having been made through a highly competitive national process. Reflecting a strong “merit-cum-means” assessment, 83 percent of this year’s scholars are from households earning less than Rs.2.5 lakh per year.

Selected undergraduate scholars will receive grants of up to Rs.2 lakh, while postgraduate scholars will receive up to Rs.6 lakh. Beyond the grant, scholars are also provided mentoring and leadership development opportunities and access to a global alumni network to enable their growth into future leaders.

The 2025-26 cohort is part of Reliance Foundation’s enhanced commitment, announced in 2022 by Ms. Nita Ambani, to award 50,000 scholarships over ten years. Inspired by the vision of Reliance Founder-Chairman Dhirubhai Ambani, the Foundation has awarded 33,471 scholarships to date, steadfastly supporting meritorious students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds countrywide.

TAPMI gets CIM accreditation

Manipal, january 8. The Manipal (Karnataka)-based T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) has received renewed accreditation from The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK. 

“CIM is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide established to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve skills of marketing practitioners. TAPMI has joined forces with CIM to allow our students to add professional qualifications through the CIM Accredited Degree partnership. CIM qualifications are highly valued by employers, and their content is reflected in our own degrees, which confirms we are equipping students with the best opportunities for successful marketing careers,” said Prof. Durga Prasad, Director-In-Charge of TAPMI, addressing the media.

TAPMI (NIRF rank #39), a constituent of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), was established in 1980 and is also accredited by AACSB and AMBA.

EcoInnovators Ideathon

New delhi, january 20. The EcoInnovators Ideathon 2026, a national students innovation challenge focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sustainability, successfully concluded in January with grand finales for the school and college tracks.

Organised by the Global Learning Council (GLC) headquartered at the Villars Institute, Switzerland, in partnership with Schoolnet India, Axilor Ventures, and Pratithi Investments, the ideathon is designed to empower India’s youth to develop AI-driven solutions for addressing pressing environmental challenges.

The 2026 edition witnessed participation of 5,500 students from 1,000 government and private schools and colleges in 23 states countrywide. Over three months, participants experienced structured AI masterclasses, mentorship sessions, and multi-stage evaluation, culminating in the development of working prototypes.

At the grand finale held on January 17 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Team A&H Biosen from Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh, and Team inventors of Espalier Heritage School, Nashik (Maharashtra) won first prize.

At the finale held on January 12 at the Infosys Science Foundation, Bengaluru, Team Aura Sphere of Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai & Team Dude Coders of IIT-Madras, Chennai jointly won the first prize.

The winning teams from both tracks will present their innovations at the Villars Symposium, Switzerland, in June this year.