Author – Ritesh Ranjan: Education is rapidly evolving as artificial intelligence, digital technologies and innovation reshape the skills required for future careers. Recognising this shift, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation has partnered with Madhubun Educational Books and BodhBridge Education to introduce a future-ready learning initiative for school students, teachers and educational institutions across India.
The collaboration will provide expert-led courses in areas such as artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, leadership, cybersecurity, financial literacy and design thinking. Most of the training and learning resources will be offered free of cost, allowing students and educators from different backgrounds to access practical and industry-relevant education.
The programme will be delivered through online, offline and blended learning models, giving schools the flexibility to choose a format that suits their academic schedules and infrastructure.
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom Education and Practical Skills
Traditional education has largely focused on textbooks, examinations and subject-specific knowledge. However, students entering higher education and the workforce today also need critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership and technological awareness.
The initiative by IITM Pravartak, Madhubun and BodhBridge aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Instead of limiting students to theoretical concepts, the courses will introduce them to practical challenges, case studies and industry-oriented learning experiences.
The programme comes at a time when schools are looking for new ways to prepare learners for careers that may be influenced by automation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. By introducing future skills at the school level, the initiative can help students become more confident, adaptable and capable of solving real-world problems.
Free Training for Students and Educators
One of the most significant features of the programme is its accessibility. Most courses will be offered free of cost, making the initiative available to a wider range of schools, students and teachers across India.
The courses will primarily be delivered online through live interactive sessions, recorded classes, learning materials and practical case studies. This approach will allow learners to participate from different locations while also revisiting recorded content whenever required.
Students and educators who wish to receive formal recognition can also register for an online certification examination by paying a nominal fee. Participants who successfully qualify will receive a performance-grade certificate from IITM Pravartak.
The certificate may support the academic and professional profiles of learners by demonstrating their participation and performance in a structured future-skills programme.
The first batch of the training programme is scheduled to begin on 7 August, while the last date for registration is 3 August. Schools, students and educators interested in participating can apply through the official registration portal.
Future-Ready Courses for Students from Classes 7 to 12
The student-focused courses have been developed for learners studying in Classes 7 to 12. They cover a combination of technical, entrepreneurial, financial and communication skills.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
As students increasingly use digital platforms, understanding online safety has become essential. The Cybersecurity Fundamentals course will introduce learners to basic digital security concepts, online risks and responsible technology usage.
Introduction to Computational Thinking
Computational thinking teaches students how to approach complex problems logically. Learners can develop skills such as problem decomposition, pattern recognition and structured problem-solving, which are valuable across academic subjects and future careers.
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
This course will introduce students to entrepreneurial thinking, business ideas, problem identification and value creation. It can help learners understand how innovative ideas are developed into practical solutions.
Design Thinking and Innovation
Students will learn how to identify user needs, generate ideas, create solutions and improve them through feedback. Design thinking can encourage creativity, empathy and experimentation.
Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
Leadership is not limited to holding a formal position. The course will help students understand teamwork, self-awareness, decision-making, empathy and interpersonal communication.
Public Speaking and Storytelling
Strong communication skills can help students express ideas confidently. This course will focus on public speaking, presentation techniques and the use of storytelling to communicate messages effectively.
AI Fundamentals
The AI Fundamentals course will introduce students to the basic concepts of artificial intelligence and its growing role in daily life, education, business and industry. The objective is to build awareness and prepare students for a technology-driven future.
Financial Literacy Programme
Financial education is an important life skill. The programme will help students understand essential concepts related to money management, saving, budgeting and responsible financial decision-making.
Professional Development Programmes for Teachers
The collaboration also recognises that preparing students for the future requires continuous development for teachers and school leaders.
Several specialised programmes have therefore been introduced for educators.
The Career Counselling Training Programme will help teachers guide students in understanding academic pathways, career opportunities and skill requirements.
The Classroom Management and Student Engagement Programme will focus on creating effective learning environments and encouraging greater student participation.
The Leadership Development Programme for Educators will support teachers and school administrators in developing leadership, decision-making and institutional management skills.
The Storytelling and Student Engagement Programme will demonstrate how storytelling can be used as an effective teaching method to improve understanding, attention and classroom interaction.
These programmes can help educators respond to changing student needs while adopting more engaging and learner-focused teaching practices.
Flexible Online, Offline and Blended Learning Models
The initiative is not restricted to online classes. Participating institutions can access online, offline and blended learning opportunities depending on their requirements.
Madhubun Educational Books will serve as the Official Learning Solutions Partner and support schools with onboarding, programme coordination and implementation. This assistance can help institutions integrate the courses into their existing academic structure.
The collaboration also includes an on-campus school model and immersive programmes that may be conducted at IIT Madras Pravartak, IITM Research Park or selected partner venues.
Through these experiences, students and educators may get opportunities to interact with experts, explore innovation ecosystems and understand how emerging concepts are applied outside the classroom.
What the Partners Say About the Initiative
Ms. Meenakshi Chidambaram, General Manager at IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary learning in India’s rapidly changing economy.
She explained that technical knowledge alone may not be enough for future success. Students and professionals must also develop leadership, innovation, communication and problem-solving capabilities. The programmes are therefore designed to make students, educators and institutions more resilient and better aligned with emerging opportunities.
Mr. Naveen Rajlani, CEO of Madhubun Educational Books, emphasised that quality education must continue to evolve as the world changes.
According to him, the partnership will help schools provide students with access to future-focused learning programmes that strengthen their confidence, practical abilities and mindset.
Why the Partnership Matters for Indian Schools
Schools are no longer expected to prepare students only for examinations. They must also help learners navigate a complex world shaped by technology, global competition and continuous change.
This partnership provides schools with a structured way to introduce future-ready skills without placing a significant financial burden on students and families. The combination of expert-led instruction, flexible learning formats, practical case studies and certification opportunities makes the initiative relevant for both learners and educators.
The programme may also support schools in strengthening their academic offerings and demonstrating a commitment to holistic education.
By combining IITM Pravartak’s technology and innovation ecosystem, Madhubun’s experience in educational solutions and BodhBridge Education’s learning expertise, the collaboration aims to create a meaningful connection between school education and future career requirements.
Preparing Stronger Learners for a Changing World
The IITM Pravartak, Madhubun and BodhBridge collaboration represents more than a collection of online courses. It is a structured learning initiative designed to help students develop practical knowledge, confidence and interdisciplinary skills from an early stage.
For educators, it provides opportunities to strengthen classroom practices, leadership capabilities and career-guidance skills. For schools, it offers a flexible model through which future-focused programmes can be incorporated into the broader learning experience.
As artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and innovation become increasingly important, early exposure to these areas can help students make informed academic and career decisions.
Schools, students and educators interested in participating should complete their registration by 3 August. The first batch is scheduled to begin on 7 August.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can enrol in the IITM Pravartak future-ready learning programme?
The student courses are designed primarily for learners studying in Classes 7 to 12. Separate professional development programmes are also available for teachers, educators and school leaders.
2. Are the courses offered free of cost?
Most training sessions and learning resources will be provided free of cost. Participants who wish to receive a performance-grade certificate can register for the online certification examination by paying a nominal fee.
3. What courses are available for school students?
The courses include AI Fundamentals, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Computational Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Design Thinking, Leadership and Emotional Intelligence, Public Speaking and Storytelling, and Financial Literacy.
4. How will the courses be delivered?
The programme will use online, offline and blended learning models. Online learning may include live interactive sessions, recorded classes, course materials and case studies. Immersive and on-campus programmes may also be available through partner venues.
5. What are the registration and programme dates?
The last date to register is 3 August, and the first batch of the programme will begin on 7 August. Applicants should use the official registration portal for enrolment details and updates.