New Delhi: The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) has announced two new postgraduate programmes in AI in education and school leadership as the institution marked its 20th Foundation Day in New Delhi.
NIEPA, a deemed-to-be university under the Ministry of Education, announced the launch of a Master of Arts in AI in Education and a Master of Arts in School Leadership at a function held at the India International Centre. The event brought together policymakers, education leaders, scholars, faculty members and administrators.
The programmes were announced as NIEPA outlined its focus on strengthening educational planning, governance and institutional capacity as India works towards the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
Speaking on the theme ‘Role of Higher Education Institutions in Making Viksit Bharat@2047’, Prafulla Ketkar, Editor, Organiser, Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited, said the “decolonisation” of Indian youth and minds would be important to the country’s long-term development.
“By 2035, we need to decolonise our minds,” Ketkar said, while emphasising the role of higher education institutions in India’s transformation.
NIEPA said that with nearly 65% of India’s population below the age of 35 and a target of 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035, it is focusing on building planning and governance capacity for the higher education system.
During 2025-26, the institute conducted 128 national and international programmes involving 7,634 participants, according to the institute. The Foundation Day event also featured the release of seven books on higher education and announcements relating to international collaborations.
Prof Rama Shanker Dubey, Chancellor, NIEPA, said higher education institutions need to function as centres of knowledge, innovation and responsible leadership, while NIEPA’s work in educational planning, policy research and capacity building can support evidence-based decision-making.
Prof Shashikala Wanjari, Vice-Chancellor, NIEPA, said the institute would continue to focus on research, professional capacity building and strengthening education planning and governance.
