Indian universities must accelerate institutional transformation by integrating artificial intelligence, redesigning assessment systems and strengthening industry partnerships to remain competitive in a rapidly changing education landscape, experts said during the Centre Stage Discussion, “The University at a Turning Point: India’s Next Leap in Policy, Innovation & AI,” at the ETEducation Chancellors’ Conclave 2026.
Moderated by Devina Lason, Editor – Video Initiatives & Senior Anchor, The Economic Times Business Verticals, the discussion brought together Dr Bhadra Reddy, Chairman, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth; Vinita Rohera, Vice President & Managing Trustee, Gandhinagar University; Vikram Shah, Chief Business Officer, Meritto; and Rohit Kumar, Co-Founder & President, India Campus Business, MSM Unify.
The panel highlighted that the future of universities would depend less on institutional size or traditional degree structures and more on their ability to adapt quickly, personalise learning and prepare students for continuously evolving careers.
AI integration requires stronger infrastructure and curriculum reform
Dr Bhadra Reddy emphasised that universities must rethink conventional assessment methods and strengthen digital infrastructure to support AI-enabled education.
Drawing on healthcare education, he highlighted the importance of integrating medical and engineering disciplines, establishing digital health laboratories and using AI in diagnostics, research and clinical training.
He also stressed that healthcare institutions must digitise patient records and create integrated data systems before AI can be deployed effectively.
Vinita Rohera argued that institutional competitiveness depends on how quickly universities adapt their curricula to changing industry requirements.
She advocated greater industry representation in academic advisory boards, stronger participation from industry practitioners in teaching and periodic reviews of institutional partnerships to ensure measurable outcomes.
Rohera also highlighted international academic collaborations, semester-based exchanges, micro-credentials and technology-enabled learning as ways to expand global exposure without making international education dependent on physical mobility.
Universities must connect student data and enable lifelong learning
Vikram Shah identified fragmented institutional data as a major obstacle to effective student engagement.
He explained that universities often manage admissions, attendance, academic performance and fee payments through separate departments, making it difficult to identify students at risk of dropping out.
By creating a unified view of the student journey, institutions could use AI to identify early warning signals, personalise communication and improve student support.
Shah also outlined how conversational and voice-based AI could transform admissions by helping students discover suitable programmes, complete applications and access information in regional languages.
Rohit Kumar emphasised the need to shift from conventional degree-based education towards lifelong learning ecosystems powered by AI.
He identified three priorities for universities: AI-enabled student discovery and personalised learning pathways, outcome-oriented global academic partnerships, and curricula aligned with future workforce requirements.
Kumar argued that universities must increasingly focus on developing capabilities such as critical thinking, judgment, leadership and adaptability rather than teaching skills that AI can already replicate.
Assessment reform and flexibility emerge as priorities
The discussion also addressed whether technology adoption alone could improve educational quality and student motivation.
Rohera maintained that universities must redesign assessment systems and introduce practical learning opportunities, including multidisciplinary courses, industry-led experiences and alternative evaluation models.
She cited open-AI examinations and initiatives that encourage students to learn from failure as examples of approaches institutions could explore.
Panelists also acknowledged concerns about rigid attendance requirements in online education and the gap between regulatory frameworks and flexible learning expectations.
While AI can allow students greater control over when and how they learn, the panel noted that institutional policies, curriculum design and teaching approaches must evolve alongside technology.
The discussion underscored a central challenge for Indian higher education: AI adoption alone will not make universities future-ready. Institutions must combine technological capabilities with academic reform, industry relevance and stronger student engagement to deliver meaningful educational outcomes.
