Noida, June 3: To prepare students for the rapidly evolving education and employment landscape, IMS Noida has launched its flagship initiative, “Beyond Classroom.” The programme commenced with an insightful panel discussion held at the institute’s Sector-62 campus, bringing together education experts, school principals, senior academicians, and students to discuss critical topics related to future careers, skill development, and the National Education Policy (NEP).
The panel featured distinguished speakers including Mr. Umesh Singh, Principal of Maharishi Vidya Mandir; Dr. Bhawana Sharma, educationist and author; Mr. Vineesh Varshney, Principal of Nilgiri hills Public School; Mr. Chirag Gupta, Vice President, IMS Noida; and Dr. Vartika Chaturvedi, Dean, IMS Noida. The experts shared valuable insights on emerging opportunities and challenges, guiding students towards making informed career choices.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Chirag Gupta, Vice President of IMS Noida, emphasized that the purpose of education today extends beyond awarding degrees. He stated that educational institutions must equip students with the skills and competencies required by a dynamic and competitive industry landscape. He highlighted the importance of communication skills, leadership, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability in an era driven by technology, innovation, and global competition. He added that initiatives such as “Beyond Classroom” help students move beyond textbook learning by providing practical exposure, interaction with industry experts, and meaningful career guidance, enabling them to build their future with confidence.
Speaking on maintaining a balance between academics and long-term career aspirations, Mr. Umesh Singh noted that students need not distance themselves from social media; rather, they should learn to use it wisely and purposefully. He emphasized that effective time management, continuous skill enhancement, and clearly defined career goals are essential ingredients for future success.
Responding to the question of whether degrees or skills are more important for employment, Dr. Bhawana Sharma remarked that while academic qualifications remain important, the environment, opportunities, and mentorship offered by an institution are equally significant. According to her, the right blend of quality education and relevant skills empowers students to succeed in an increasingly competitive job market.
Sharing his views on the growing trend of companies reducing degree requirements for certain roles, Mr. Vineesh Varshney stated that academic scores will always hold value, as they help students gain access to initial opportunities. However, he stressed that expectations change once students enter higher education and the professional world. “The employer of 2026 is not merely interested in your percentage of marks. Employers want to know whether you can solve problems, communicate effectively, work collaboratively in teams, and adapt to new technologies and changing circumstances,” he said.
Concluding the programme, Dr. Vartika Chaturvedi, Dean, IMS Noida, emphasized that while good academic performance remains important, true success comes from developing skills that enable students to transform knowledge into meaningful action. She reiterated the institute’s commitment to creating learning experiences that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and educators, making it a meaningful platform for dialogue on the future of education, employability, and skill-driven growth.