India has seen tremendous growth in the financial sector over the years. According to India Brand Equity Foundation, the banking sector leads, with retail banks having more than 64% of the asset provided by the financial system.

With such a change rate, India’s finance system has opened doors for graduates to explore and pursue their fields of interest. For example, large companies like Amazon and Google offer intriguing career roles in product design, product management, and reputation management, requiring a deep knowledge or understanding of finance.

What is an MBA in Digital Finance and Digital Banking?

An MBA in Digital Finance and Digital Banking contains specialised courses devoted to the areas of digital finance – such as cashless transactions, technical accounting systems, technological requirements for managing and executing securities transactions on domestic as well as international levels, creation of financial models using tools to come up with effective methods for managing mergers, etc. This programme will also help you understand banking basics, such as how regulatory policies affect a bank’s offerings and is especially suited for those interested in the booming field of digital banking and digital finance.

Scope of MBA in Digital Finance and Banking

There are ample opportunities for MBA freshers and professionals trained in digital finance and banking degrees. Their work field can vary from asset management to accounting and risk management. Below are some of the best career opportunities for an MBA in Digital Finance and an MBA in Digital Banking course.

Financial Analyst

Mostly Multinational Corporations (MNCs) need financial experts in economics, market, and accounting to perform economic forecasting and operational metrics tracking and provide strategies or plans to thrive in the market.

The primary job responsibilities are:

• Analyse economic data and create economic models for decision support
• Report on financial preparation and performance for regular leadership reviews

Investment Banker

An investment banker is liable for handling Initial public offering (IPOs) and identifying suitable mergers and acquisitions at a fair price and worth.

The world’s most prominent financial institutions like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and many more hire knowledgeable or skilful investment bankers to manage the company-investors relationship.

The primary job responsibilities of an Investment Banker are:

• Conduct diligence studies
• Manage IPO
• Evaluate risk and provide financial advice on mergers and acquisitions, private or valuations equity transactions
• Complete reporting, forecasts and creation models
• Underwrite, analyse and close finance deals
• Negotiate and structure financial details

Risk Managers

The name has cleared everything by itself. However, you are responsible for anticipating any possible risks in the firm’s financial operation that can prove a threat to its safety, growth and integrity. In addition, such an individual is responsible for correcting losses and managing unpredictability incoming trends and cost-involvement in an organisation.

Venture Capital Analyst

An individual’s capital analyst job description includes being aware of the dynamic industry trends and keeping up with them, thus beating competitors. In addition, such professionals are solely responsible for networking and working with venture capital firms and identifying promising, creative start-ups needed in the market; by providing them capital for scaling their companies.

Portfolio Manager

As a portfolio manager, your primary responsibilities would be managing money in hedge funds that have pooled an enterprise’s money. In addition, you will need to continually explore the current market condition and help customers achieve their pre-set financial goals.

Some of the best job positions you can bag with your MBA degree in Digital Finance & Banking include Insurance & Risk Managers, Financial Analyst, Corporate Controllers, Personal Financial Advisor, Investment Banking Associates, etc.

In India, the best recruiters for MBAs in the BFSI sector are SBI, ICICI, HDFC, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Citi Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata AIA, L&T Financial Services, JP Morgan Chase, Tata Capital, Capital First, etc. Besides this, you can also land promising jobs in Non-Banking Financial Company firms, brokerage firms, and mutual fund investment firms.

Programme

Not many universities offer this programme. However, one-of-a-kind India’s first online Master of Business Administration course in Digital finance and banking is provided by the 91̽�� (JGU).

This programme provides intense, insightful training to undergraduates to pursue their MBA and better understand industry principles and policies, making them better prepared for probable employers and the market.

The programme has been designed with Future-oriented content suited for those working in or aspiring to finance.

With the increasing technological developments and trends, the demand for intelligent, high-end professionals has also increased. Therefore, the current market provides profitable opportunities for an MBA professional equipped in digital finance and banking studies.

“The MBA in Digital Banking and Finance at Jindal Global University will enable learners to understand, analyse and manage problems of digital finance in the 21st century,” C. Raj Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of 91̽��, said in a statement.

Specialisations offered

MBA in digital finance and digital banking offers different career prospects. The students who specialised in this field can go for:

• Marketing Management
• Corporate Restructuring Management
• Human Resource Management
• Banking Operations Management
• Strategic Financial Management
• Commercial Banking Management
• Technical and fundamental Analyst
• IT in Banking
• Portfolio Management
• Investment Banking Management

Skills to Excel in MBA in Digital Banking and Digital Finance 

The Digital Banking and Finance sector is dynamic and versatile and has a lot of job opportunities. Different job positions come with other skills or knowledge, which is essential for the candidates to create while learning or working in this sector.

Below are some of the essential skills:

• Interpersonal skills 
• Ability to communicate effectively 
• Accounting
• Financial reporting
• Problem-solving 
• Reasoning skills
• Critical thinking
• Analytical ability
• Management ability
• Innovative
• Creative
• Commercial acumen
• Time management
• Leadership qualities 

MBA is a globally acclaimed career path that promises you the most outstanding jobs in higher positions at big or settled organisations. 

Growth, money, and stability are at the crux of a digital finance and banking career. If you want to make a career with all these elements, it is time to consider an MBA in digital finance and banking.

Responding to contemporary demands and keeping up with the trends and developments unique to contemporary realities, the programmes are multidisciplinary, internationally aligned, and innovative in cutting-edge curriculum and course structure to empower the students. Identifying the need of the hour and current issues that ought to be addressed in the society is pivotal to JGU’s motto as A Private University Promoting Public Service. Be it the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the grave issues stemming from issues relating to human rights, behavioural studies, climate change, or new age career opportunities that interest the modern-day youth, JGU provides a platform for interested candidates to nurture their abilities by providing them with the requisite means for holistic development.    

The Founding Vice Chancellor of 91̽��, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumarsaid, “JGU is deeply committed towards implementing the National Education Policy 2020. It is our collective and committed efforts in institution building over the last 12 years, which have taken us to this new milestone. The launch of two new schools and 17 new UG and PG programmes marks the beginning of a new journey in institution and nation building. As the world has been changed forever due to the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic, education, learning and knowledge creation has also undergone a sea change. Our students and future leaders need to be prepared for the unexpected and the unanticipated challenges. Towards this end, it our aim to create study programmes, which will respond to the future through creative, international and multi-disciplinary curriculum, cutting edge course outline and a truly global learning experience to help fulfill the goals and aspirations of our students.”  

The 17 New Programmes Launched by JGU for 2022 Student Intake: 

1. B.A. (Hons.) HUMAN RIGHTS
2. B.A. (Hons.) GENDER STUDIES
3. B.A. (Hons.) CRIMINOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE 
4. B.A. (Hons.) DIPLOMACY & FOREIGN POLICY
5. B.A. (Hons.) PUBLIC POLICY
6. B.A. (Hons.) SOCIOLOGY
7. B.A. (Hons.) FILM & NEW MEDIA
8. B.Com. (Hons.) CAPITAL MARKETS
9. Global B.Com. (Hons.) 
10. B.A./B.Sc. (Hons.) SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
11. B.A. (Hons.) ENGLISH
12. B.A. (Hons.) SPANISH
13. BPH (Hons.) Bachelor of PUBLIC HEALTH
14. M.A./M.Sc. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
15. M.Sc. BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE  
16. Integrated M.Sc. & Ph.D. in BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE  
17. One Year Global MBA BUSINESS ANALYTICS 

Professor (Dr.) Upasana Mahanta, Dean, Office of Admissions and Outreach said, “Our programmes offer a unique framework for addressing contemporary realities and challenges with cutting-edge teaching, research, and interdisciplinary and experiential learning led by outstanding faculty members who are inspiring teachers and prolific scholars. Our new courses will enable our students to be prepared for the vagaries of nature where multi-disciplinary learning can enable thought leaders to respond to the new and emerging challenges.”  

Professor Anand Prakash Mishra, Director of Law Admissions & Associate Dean, Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) said, “Whoever aspires to study law and related disciplines in India today must consider studying at JGLS, simply because it’s the most premiere legal education ecosystem in South Asia with over 475 full-time faculty members and 30 research centers. JGLS is also Number one in India and only internationally ranked Indian law school as 76th best law school of the world as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject Law 2021. The four new UG BA (Hons.) programmes that JGLS offers in Legal Studies, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Criminology & Criminal Justice will enable JGLS to fulfil the goals and aspirations of many students who are interested to pursue undergraduate education on various dimensions of law and justice.”  

Mr. Vikram Singh Tomar, Director of Admissions, Jindal Global Business School (JGBS) emphasized that, “The dynamics of the changing marketplace has created new demands for management professionals with business analytic skills that require a thorough change in the curriculum. Sustainability and expansion are now going hand in hand. The industry therefore requires the logical decision-making capacities, which JGBS intends to foster through its newly designed One-Year MBA in Business Analytics programme for working professionals, which will equip and enhance the much-needed analytical skills thereby meeting the present day aspirations of corporates – Indian and global”.  

JGU has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Australia-based Institute for Australia India Engagement (IAIE) and Cyber EQ to create opportunities for students to undertake internships in Australia. With IAIE, students will participate in the Student Mentoring and Research Training (SMART) program over a period of 1-2 months. For those students interning with Cyber EQ, students will conduct important research on regulatory and technological issues around cyber security. 

The internships will mentor students for future research, academic and professional roles and impart training to build research skills in academic writing including data collection and management, preparing hypothesis, abstracts and conclusion and presentation skills among other skill. The internship programme will also impart key leadership skills to the students.

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of 91̽�� said, “At a time where travel is limited, the virtual engagements with Institute of Australia India Engagement and Cyber EQ will allow students from different disciplines at JGU to undertake unique internship opportunities in Australia. These international internships are another example of JGU’s focus on ensuring that students have opportunities to meaningfully engage with institutions from around the world during their studies. In the future, our students will be able to pursue these internships by travelling to Australia and experiencing it in a more engaged manner.”

CyberEQ Founder, Mr. John Mackenzie has been impressed with the entrepreneurial and forward-thinking innovation of JGU in supporting emerging start-ups. The partnership between JGU and CyberEQ enters its third intake with more than 64 virtual interns, now expanding the research focus to existing and emerging inconsistencies between the traditional and technological challenges facing Cybersecurity. “The virtual internship program is student-centric research that provides a unique learning environment. An objective is to ensure each student receives quality coaching and mentoring so that each intern has the greatest experience and opportunity to learn.  JGU students have a unique opportunity to explore a deeper understanding through higher education by bridging the gap from a legal, business, and psychological perspective to technology. A particular focus of the internship program is how students relate to the emerging challenges through real-world experience working on real-world projects, while also preparing for the future of work, and the new jobs of tomorrow. Key areas have included privacy, data protection law, AI, and behavioural science, particularly as we face the growing difficulties in cyberspace.”

CyberEQ focuses on workforce behavioural risk, supply chain counter-party risk, and international cyber regulations, legislation and standards.

“I am extremely delighted to observe and be a part of 91̽��’s partnership with numerous organizations and multiple platforms in Australia. This partnership is an outcome of global perspective and JGU’s collaborative. JGU’s association with Australia has evolved over a period of time. Even during the pandemic, the virtual internships by Cyber EQ and the Institute of Australia India Engagement have been a catalyst. I am certain of an enriched and prolific growth of this partnership in times to come,” said Professor (Dr.) Pankaj Gupta, Dean of the Office of Career Services. 

Dr. Ashutosh Misra, CEO and Executive Director of IAIE said: “IAIE is committed to strengthening Australia-India ties by nurturing future thinking leaders, professionals and academic experts in collaboration with JGU. The Student Mentoring and Research Training (SMART) program is an important part of this vision, encouraging meaningful contributions from the next generation of leaders in the bilateral relationship”.

Dr. Misra noted that research interns will have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact evidence-based research publications, participate in training workshops, and prepare content for the “Youth Pulse” section of India News, a fortnightly publication in Australia. 

IAIE is a not-for-profit policy institution which aims to strengthen Australia-India Strategic Partnership through evidence-based research, exchange of new knowledge, targeted policy dialogues and innovative business solutions for the government, corporate and community stakeholders.

Professor Shaun Star, Director of the Centre for India Australia Studies at JGU, said that “Students at JGU, and more generally in India, are increasingly looking to Australia for future studies or employment opportunities. Through international internship programmes, such as the virtual internships with IAIE and CyberEQ, and degree pathways at leading Australian universities, we are providing our students with greater opportunities to experience what it is like to work and study in Australia.”

As an organisation, CyberEQ provides a business intelligence solution for workforce and supply chain risk mitigation. CyberEQ has developed a self-learning AI autoimmune system that detects workforce threats, vulnerabilities, risks and anomalies faster, and before they occur. This allows for the deployment of early interventions to kill cancerous cells by stopping them from growing and multiplying. While research and development forms the basis of CyberEQ’s product development and team passion, the team at CyberEQ coach, mentor and lecture undergraduate and post graduate students, and actively challenge them to explore deeper understanding of the root cause of cyber, and how the global finite resources can be applied to have a meaningful improvement (impact) in countering the escalating issue.

IAIE achieves its mission by organising (i) policy-driven multi-disciplinary project collaborations with Australian, Indian and international partners on foreign policy, defence and security, business and trade, energy, education, sports and culture; (i) multi-track policy dialogues involving policy makers, strategic analysts, academics, sportspersons and business leaders; (iii) targeted capacity development and business solutions for stakeholders in both countries;  (iv) special orations, public lectures and seminars on bilateral and strategic issues; and (v) community dialogues, media engagements and public events to strengthen multiculturalism in Australia and India.

Within 11 years of establishment, JGU has been ranked in the top 651-700 universities in the world and has become India’s number 1 ranked Private University. JGU is also India’s top-ranking university with a focus solely on Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities as per the influential QS World University Rankings 2021. Last year, JGU was conferred the status of an “Institution of Eminence” by the Government of India. In these rankings, JGU vastly improved its position to become the only Institution of Eminence (IoE) in India to show a significant climb out of the 18 IoE’s that have been selected.

The Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics on Coursera is being developed by the Jindal Global Business School. This specialized MBA program teaches business professionals how to apply data analytics and data science to identify and solve business problems — preparing them for strategic, managerial, and analyst roles.

The Master of Arts in Public Policy is offered by the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, and is the first Master’s in Public Policy offered on Coursera. The M.A. in Public Policy prepares students for leading policy and civil service positions by teaching them to analyse policy, explore real-world policymaking first-hand, and enhance managerial skills.

The Master of Arts in International Relations, Security and Strategy is offered by the Jindal School of International Affairs, and is also a first of its kind offered on Coursera. The M.A. in International Relations, Security and Strategy program teaches diplomacy, conflict resolution, ethics, and intelligence analysis to help students develop a holistic approach to international affairs.

The Founding Vice-Chancellor of 91̽�� (Professor) Dr. C. Raj Kumar, said, “With the exciting announcement of three online masters’ degree programmes by 91̽��, we aim to provide knowledge in the fields of business, public policy and international relations and deliver a transformational, personalised online learning experience through our partnership with Coursera. This is in line with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 and in fulfillment of the policy impetus of the Government of India to provide greater access to education using technology and innovation. We will also be promoting access to education to a wide range of learners through the Coursera platform that will also help us to fulfill the mission of being an ‘Institution of Eminence’ contributing towards democratisation of knowledge and education. In this regard, we established the Office of Academic Innovation and the Centre for Online Education. JGU will now offer both on-campus programmes for students pursuing education within a campus ecosystem through physical and in-person learning experiences, as well as online degree programmes on Coursera for working professionals and other students from India and around the world who will be receiving education through virtual learning experiences.”

“We are excited to partner with JGU to launch the first degrees from an Indian university on Coursera, providing greater access to higher education,” said Betty Vandenbosch, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. “ can be the foundation for fulfilling careers, and through these new programs, students can earn a life-transforming credential online in a high-demand field.”

Professor Jeremy J. Wade, Director, Office of Academic Innovation, JGU, said, “Online education must move beyond solely replicating the in-person classroom for an online format. Through this partnership with Coursera, we aim to deliver highly engaging, online-first content that provides a transformative learning experience to a wide range of students in India and around the world.”

With this partnership, JGU joins the ranks of 150 leading universities including Yale University, University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, and Imperial College of London that offer online content and credentials on Coursera. On Coursera, there are over 77 million learners across 190 countries who will now be able to apply to JGU’s degree programmes.

Coursera currently has a online bachelor’s and master’s programs in business, computer science, data science, public health, and more. In addition to the JGU programs, Monday’s announcement included the announcement of a BSc in Marketing from the University of London and a Master of Business Administration from Fundação Instituto de Administração in Brazil.

Students can now apply for the , , and for the September 2021 cohort.

Businesses across the globe have been disrupted by the crisis, with some being forced into closing the shutters, others taking massive blows to production or productivity, and yet others pivoting strategies to stay afloat. Amidst the economic blowout, the ongoing situation has also presented unexpected opportunities. Many start-ups, SMEs and businesses have been wildly successful. In fact, start-ups powered by technology are being hailed as the harbingers of economic recovery. The pandemic has sparked trends that are here to stay. It has underlined what is important as we move towards an unpredictable future.

Globally, management professionals are playing vital roles as world economies look to rebuild. Innovation, dynamism, creativity, agility, strategic thinking, holistic problem-solving, and data literacy are coming front and centre. While these have always been the ideal among management/business students and professionals, the thrust of the recent times has accelerated the need for more robust management education that will drive businesses to success. The opportunity to build and rebuild businesses in the post-pandemic era is a fascinating challenge for young students who aspire to enter the world of business.

Shaping businesses to be resilient in the wake of crises calls upon a new generation of business leaders equipped with a dynamic skillset and multifaceted outlook, who are capable of thinking ahead, mitigating and managing such uncertainty.

This is where a contemporary business school comes into the picture. The Jindal Global Business School (JGBS) is built on the foundation of transformative management education that integrates impactful multidisciplinary learning with a strong focus on research, industry partnerships and global collaborations. At JGU, we believe in nurturing students to adapt to dynamic roles and challenging environments instead of preparing them for categorical jobs.

As a result of this institutional ethos, learning at JGBS draws from global management perspectives and innovative pedagogies at the intersection of business, finance and technology—a cutting-edge breeding ground for future-ready management professionals. Adding to the general three-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Honours programme, JGBS now offers three unique new BBA specialisations: Family Business, Business Analytics, and Financial Markets. Interestingly, these are very relevant domains that will play important roles in paving the way, post-pandemic.

Family-owned businesses already hold a significant place in the Indian economy. Students who have an entrepreneurial mindset and a clear vision of following in their family ventures can bring something new to the table with the Family Business specialisation. It grooms students to be equipped for the challenges in professionalisation and transformation of family businesses. Savvy with contemporary global business practices, they can fill the gaps in existing business models and make valuable contributions to their family businesses, taking them to new heights.

Similarly, the Business Analytics pathway seeks to plug the gap for talent that can transform the way businesses function across industries. Data analytics helps organisations make better decisions, respond quickly, prevent downtime, mitigate risk, and improve overall performance. When data is rapidly becoming the most valuable asset, this is an opportune time to consider futures in business analytics. The programme will impart the necessary skills, exposure to the latest analytics tools and techniques, coupled with a strong business acumen, that will uniquely position students to explore careers as analysts, consultants, researchers, and so on. It is ideal for students who enjoy numbers and are interested in technology; those who want to build future-proof careers in a wide range of industries impacted by data.

The Financial Markets pathways taps into a trillion-dollar industry that forms the backbone of any economy. It brings insights into equity market, debt market, fixed income market, derivatives market, money market, and other financial institutions. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of various products and services, and learn the tools to analyse financial data for decision making. They will also be able to understand and participate in policy debates related to innovation in products and services offered by these markets and institutions. It is best suited for students with strong quantitative skills who are interested in understanding fast-evolving financial markets and their role in the business world.

In the backdrop of the pandemic, the three new programmes are designed to place students at the forefront of businesses of the future. Students learn about the basics of accounting, finance, economics, quantitative techniques along with other basic foundation courses including history, governance, society, economy, and climate. They are exposed to core business, financial markets, problem-solving, and data-handling tools and techniques. Students can choose from a range of courses designed for each specialisation. They will also take up tailored experiential learning projects, have access to dedicated mentorship, and have a chance to pursue study abroad options at leading business schools at Singapore Management University; The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; University of California, Los Angeles; Deakin University, Australia; and Pace University, New York.

The multidisciplinary learning environment at JGU offers an inherent advantage to undergraduate management students. They can choose electives from different schools depending on their interests and career goals. Students of JGBS have interned with industry powerhouses such as Deloitte, PWC, and HDFC Bank, and start-ups like WeWork. They work on projects in professional teams, handle responsibilities, remain accountable, and gain exposure to working in the business world. Focused on evolving industry trends and demands, JGBS equips students with the knowledge, skills and tools that are poised to set the benchmark among future business leaders.

The idea of holistic learning is at its core interred with interdisciplinarity. But as subjects evolved, delving deeper into the development of their unique fields, somewhere along the way, methods of teaching and learning became a little more rigid, less fluid. Perhaps in the quest for super specialisations, or even to an extent, to make students more employable in their chosen paths.

But what constitutes employability today? Can disciplinary knowledge alone cover the breadth of possibilities that this modern world beholds? And perhaps, most importantly – are students able to make the most of their education? The answers to these questions, just as the nature of learning and knowledge, are constantly evolving. The lines between disciplines blur in a world that’s grown more interconnected than ever before.

Yet for far too long, the Indian education system has kept disciplines distanced from each other. Beginning from early childhood to higher education, learning traditionally takes place in silos. High school and undergraduate students are typically required to choose between streams and subjects. As teenagers, they carry the weight of decisions that could direct, change and even narrow their futures.

It’s a tall task to ask of young people in their formative years. Years that could be better spent exploring their options, discovering interests, learning as much as possible, absorbing a more holistic worldview that will enable them to grow into well-rounded, open-minded, sensitive and intelligent young adults.

All that is about to change. At least, that is what the revolutionary National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 claims. As we stand on the verge of a breakthrough reform, the NEP promises a bold change. One that espouses interdisciplinarity in its very core. The breaking down of disciplinary boundaries is a big leap from traditional learning frameworks. Systematically restructuring the way learning has taken place for decades, even centuries, the NEP demands educators, policy makers, and students to step up and brace themselves for change, even if it will come slowly.

Coming from a time when academic disciplines don’t speak to each other, creating interdisciplinary curriculum, effective pedagogy, skilling teachers, among others, will be milestones to look forward to as India revamps itself to tap into the potential of interdisciplinarity.

It will challenge young people to embark on academic pursuits with more freedom, imagination and abandon than ever before. Looking at life through a multidisciplinary lens will result in the ability to approach problems from a broader perspective. And that’s just what’s needed today.

If you think about the most burning issues of the contemporary world – climate change, sustainability, inequality, poverty, justice, human rights, international relations, conflict, war and peace – their solutions cannot be located simply within a singular field. The “real world” which we, as educators, prepare our students to enter, is complex. And it’s in the interplay between disciplines that we can find holistic answers. We must therefore equip students to live successfully amidst the dynamic realities of the world, by inspiring creativity, innovation and broader thinking. Armed with interdisciplinary learning, students can find their place in this ever-evolving world.

Contrary to traditional curricula that are designed to transform students into a cohort of specialised professionals with advanced knowledge in a particular domain, multidisciplinarity takes a different route to “employability”. Students gain an arsenal of skills that are easily transferable across different fields– problem-solving, critical thinking, team work, time management, strong communication, analysis and research methodologies, and much more – which equip them with the flexibility to choose their own path. In the rapidly changing and highly demanding modern context, traditional degrees tend to leave graduates wanting, whereas multidisciplinary talent has the power to overcome the challenges and conquer the possibilities of the future.

The push to consider the real world learning outcomes of interdisciplinarity has gained momentum globally over the past decades. It is firmly established at the world’s best universities like Harvard, Oxford, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and so on. Yet in India, only a niche set of schools and universities have adopted this approach. At 91̽��, we have consciously held interdisciplinarity at the core of learning.

This means that students enrolled in each of the ten schools – law, business, international relations, liberal arts, architecture, journalism, public policy, banking, environment or psychology – take up foundational interdisciplinary courses within their schools, and also study cross-listed electives across the board. They also participate in interdisciplinary research alongside their peers and mentors. Faculty from diverse backgrounds and disciplines also come together to prepare interdisciplinary courses, which further enriches the value of interdisciplinarity throughout the institutional culture.

Multidisciplinarity is important for a number of reasons. It not only exposes students to new and diverse disciplines, thoughts or perspectives, but helps them discover what interests them, and how to contextualise their specialised areas of study with other disciplines.

As students prepare to enter a world that is increasingly multifaceted itself, interdisciplinarity can no longer be overlooked in the classroom. So its inclusion as a central goal of the NEP is not only welcome in the academic world, but overdue. It remains to be seen if the policy can revolutionise the education system. In the end, disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity must go hand-in-hand. So that students may not only gain knowledge during their academic life but nurture a holistic outlook that sets the tone for lifelong learning.

In an effort to empower the youth to embark on their own success stories and transform the economy of India, 91̽�� (JGU) has launched a one-of-a-kind programme at the Jindal School of Banking & Finance (JSBF)—the three-year B.A. (Hons.) in Finance & Entrepreneurship. It will offer a nuanced understanding of issues at the intersection of finance and entrepreneurship.

Students of the B.A. (Hons.) F&E will draw significant learnings from internationally-qualified faculty who are at the top of their game in the industry, research and consulting. The dynamic education model facilitates lifelong learning through hands-on training, extensive engagements with premier organisations and start-ups, global exposure, and a robust combination of traditional knowledge with practical skills for the 21^st century.

Here’s what budding entrepreneurs stand to gain from the contemporary new degree:

A firm footing in finance

Start-ups are built on great ideas. An innovative concept is indeed the cornerstone of cracking the start-up scene, yet it doesn’t all hinge on ideas alone. To execute a real breakthrough product or service that will succeed in the market in the long run, young entrepreneurs need to have a handle on finance and economics. Without an understanding of financial and economic concepts like working capital, venture capital, cash flows, equity, assets, liabilities, financial risks, funding, taxes, investments, security analysis, behavioural economics and finance, fixed income securities and interest rate derivatives markets, private wealth management, return on investment, security analysis and portfolio management, and so on, then the vast and complex world of business can seem daunting.

Housed in a cutting-edge school of banking and finance, this programme is uniquely positioned to help students grasp the financial needs of their new ventures.

A practical knowledge of business-oriented technology

Today’s generation has been born into a digital age where technology is the very backbone of modern life. In a time when toddlers coolly handle smartphones, using technology comes naturally to many young people. Already tech-savvy, given the right guidance to get acquainted with technology relevant to business, young entrepreneurs in-the-making can be poised to conquer the world of business—and that’s exactly what JSBF aims to do.

Students will learn to appreciate various digital financial platforms and digital tools useful for managing businesses, from the basics of Microsoft Excel to more focused software like Tableau or Power BI, the top data analysis tools for Business Intelligence (BI). They will dabble with data analytics as they explore technological megatrends, technology commercialisation and beyond.

As technology grows central to new-age businesses, the case for entrepreneurs without technical or engineering backgrounds to get hands-on with programming is also growing. ‘Code’ is the language of the 21^st century. So as part of a programme that is especially tailored to the needs of new ventures around digital finance, students will learn the fundamentals of Python, a programming language among the best-suited to data crunching and FinTech.

People & planning—hone skills of communication, leadership & marketing strategies

One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs is competition. This is why ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ has been a buzzword in the start-up scene. It is a method of identifying new markets with little to no players to create innovative products or services that can potentially target rapid, profitable growth. Students of the B&E programme will get a chance to learn all this and much more.

From learning about Blue Ocean Strategy, the Lego Serious Play Method (a technique which improves group problem solving), to understanding start-up ecosystem, design thinking and innovation, critical thinking and analysis, and the nuances of business communication—this programme seeks to prepare students in a holistic way to become all-rounded leaders of tomorrow.

Learn the difference between why some businesses succeed and others fail

The route to success is mapped by navigating traps and pitfalls along the way. Two equally promising startup ideas could yield very different results; one may thrive while the other falls flat. To a large extent, it all depends on the strength of a well-crafted business plan. This has become particularly relevant in the era of the pandemic where many traditional businesses have succumbed while others have adapted dynamically. This means developing an understanding of finance is critical in a dynamic environment.

Therefore, for young entrepreneurs, it becomes important to not only learn the drivers of success, but also critically evaluate those of failure. Students of the BA (Hons.) F&E will look closely at various ventures in India to arrive at those key differentiators. Through insights drawn from this collective knowledge, they will be able to apply the best practices in their own future ventures.

Extensive exposure to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset

Some argue that entrepreneurship is an inherent talent, a quality that cannot be taught—that entrepreneurs are born. On the other hand of this fascinating debate, many believe that quality educational institutions can indeed provide a conducive atmosphere to ignite the spark of an entrepreneurial mindset and fuel it with the necessary tools and techniques to find success. Yet at the end of the day, it is truly in the hands of an individual.

JGU is proud of many students and alumni who have gone to become successful entrepreneurs. Through this new programme, the young university hopes to inspire many more youngsters to step up and make use of its offering to achieve greatness in whatever they do. In an effort to provide every opportunity possible to accelerate students’ learning curve, JSBF offers a rich basket of start-up internship opportunities, workshops, industry projects, a Capstone project in the final year, and a gamut of study-abroad options.

Students can avail short-term study abroad programmes at the intersection of business, finance, entrepreneurship, banking, fintech, sports finance, art, politics and more at Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; ISDE Summer School in Madrid and Barcelona; Queen Mary University of London; and University of Queensland, Australia.

They can also pursue semester exchange, dual degree and postgraduate pathways at leading global institutions including Macquarie University, Australia; Birmingham City University, UK; Queen Mary University of London; Aston Business School, UK; University of New Brunswick, Canada; University of Otago, New Zealand; Istanbul Gelişim University, Turkey; National Chengchi University, Taiwan; University of National & World Economy, Bulgaria; Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria; IDC Herzliya, Israel; and Airlangga University, Indonesia.

Get ahead of the curve with knowledge of law

Being an entrepreneur does not mean you have to manage every aspect of a business alone. Yet a basic knowledge of finance, technology, and even law, will be useful to get off the ground, negotiate initial processes, hire the right people, and build business alliances wisely.

Marketplace realities can be challenging for new players. First-time entrepreneurs will inevitably be faced with the complex legalities of business, be it company law, intellectual property, contracts, trademarks, taxation, etc. The programme explores such legal issues to help students understand and build strong legal frameworks. Students can also take electives at Jindal Global Law School, which is ranked as India’s leading law school.

Incubate your big ideas while at college

What could be better than clubbing the start-up incubator experience into your days at college? The ‘Startup JGU Innovation Lab’ helps students ideate and develop their own ventures. JSBF also facilitates a ‘Startup Founder Series’ as part of the programme, which supports students with promising ideas to identify opportunities, strategise and plan, build business models and even register a business. Based on a screening, selected ventures could also receive funding, extended mentorship and access to JGU’s global professional networks to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. The B.A. (Hons.) F&E is an ideal stepping stone for high school students to transform into financially responsible entrepreneurs in just three years.

The visionary proposal keeps today’s learners at the centre of a multi-pronged approach to transform education right from early childhood to higher education. By recognising on-going challenges, the NEP boldly envisions revamping every step along the way. It outlines a fundamental shift in the perception of teaching and learning, jolting the country out a slumber of dated practices, into a refreshing new possibility for the future.

Here are some of the key highlights that can herald a new age of higher education in India:

Redefining the meaning of “education”

A slew of changes is to be expected in the very ways in which higher education institutions (HEIs) will operate. In fact, the NEP challenges the core understanding of “education” itself.

It seeks to free students and educators of the prevalent binds of a culture of rote learning. It offers, instead, frameworks that will create a more immersive, exploratory, creative, stimulating and conceptual educational experience, where students will shift from learning “what to think” to learning “how to think”.

Multidisciplinary learning, the key to holistic growth

A central theme in the NEP is multidisciplinarity. Today, only a niche group of schools and universities have adopted this approach. The idea of moving away from silos and compartmentalised disciplines to combine different perspectives is the bedrock of a holistic learning framework. As young students prepare to enter a world that is increasingly multifaceted, an atmosphere that nurtures dynamic thinking and transferrable skills will go a long way.

As per the policy, all HEIs will aim to move towards interdisciplinary, holistic curricula that offer every opportunity for students to pursue their diverse interests, across social science and STEM disciplines, to transform into well-rounded individuals capable of succeeding in tune with the changing times. Students will have increased flexibility to chart their path in sync with their unique interests and future plans.

Restructuring higher education

The “fragmented” ecosystem of higher education could come together as a more integrated whole, if the NEP’s vision of combining different institutions into multidisciplinary universities and “higher education institution clusters” or “knowledge hubs” can be successfully charted.

Undergraduate programmes will be either three or four years, with multiple entry and exit points offering different levels of certification. Coupled with a credit transfer system, this reform opens the doors for students to gain a lot more control over their education.

The overarching goal of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio in HEIs to 50% by 2035 will be a big victory for Indian education, if achieved in time.

Leveraging technology and digitisation

Making students “future-ready” means initiating more digitisation in teaching and developing tech-savviness among students from across socio-economic backgrounds. This digital divide in access to quality education has been a major barrier that’s become more evident during the on-going pandemic. By upgrading digital infrastructure, supporting digitisation of higher education, and promoting online courses, the NEP charts a careful and robust route to overcome this challenge.

Focus on capacity-building of faculty

The NEP acknowledges that the most important factor in the success of higher education is the capability of faculty. It focuses on substantially boosting the motivation of highly qualified, experienced and exposed academicians and professionals to enter academia. Faculty may have the academic freedom to design their own curricula and assessment methods, and implement innovative pedagogies, within certain frameworks. Further incentives include faculty research and faculty development programmes, among others.

More public funding; encouraging private philanthropy

Such transformative measures to boost higher education need significant funding. To that end, the NEP has underlined the importance public as well as private initiatives and assures increased funding from the government. Additionally, it has encouraged the role of philanthropy in uplifting quality education.

Common entrance exams for universities

Creating a level playing field for students to gain admissions to quality HEIs calls for common entrance exams. The NEP will reform the National Testing Agency’s scope to conduct such exams across the board in India.

Boosting internationalisation, building world-class institutions

In an increasingly interconnected world, students must prepare for the global nature of their future prospects. From supporting institutions to welcome more international students in India, to offering Indian students the opportunity to study abroad, the NEP aims to foster international partnerships in various models.

According to the NEP, “high performing Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries” and “selected universities e.g., those from among the top 100 universities in the world will be facilitated to operate in India”.

The aforementioned steps will be a major thrust to boost the quality of higher education in India to come up to par with global standards.

In an ambitious roadmap, the NEP offers a progressive new paradigm crafted for the new generation of young Indians. It will call for greater levels of transparency within government and regulatory bodies, more institutional independence, and an urgent sense of responsibility among all.

Can the NEP transform India into a global education hub or perhaps even a superpower? It has floated many big ideas to harness this potential—and it is now up to the government, educators, students, parents and various stakeholders involved to rise to the occasion.

The pressure on students and higher education institutions is high. Schools and universities have been closed and exams postponed. Classrooms are going virtual and admissions for the upcoming academic year are fraught with confusion. According to UNESCO, over 320 million students in Indian schools and colleges are currently impacted.

The pandemic has pushed the world to drastically reinvent ways of coping with the ‘new normal’. After the initial phase of complete overhaul, it is critical to understand the short and long-term impact and future measures. Can India emerge from this crisis with a refreshed perspective and boost to higher education?

Online learning is here to stay

An immediate and effective response to the crisis was to go digital. Developing robust online platforms has become necessary to offer continuity in learning. Yet in a developing country like India with vast disparity in socio-economic backgrounds of students and the quality of educational institutions, the shift has not been easy. The digital divide has been further widening the gap, and needs urgent attention from both public and private sector players as the crisis continues. Good teachers, refreshed curricula and effective tools will ensure students stay involved and active in the learning process.

More Indian students will stay home in India

Lakhs of Indian students have increasingly chosen to pursue higher education abroad. As per reports, India is the second-largest source of international students in the world. This usual exodus is likely to transform—at least in the immediate few years—to an influx into Indian institutions, given travel restrictions and health risks.

This means that crores of rupees and resources spent in foreign education could potentially be retained in the country, as more students look towards options at home. While international institutions might bear the brunt of the change, it is a remarkable opportunity for India to enhance its capacities and offer quality education at par with global standards.

The effects of a shrinking global economy

The economy has taken a severe hit, and its ripples can be felt in the education sector as well. While many students will chart alternative paths, the pandemic is also leaving others in limbo. As unemployment is predicted to increase and the financial capacity of Indian homes comes under stress, the country can expect a drop in enrolments and challenges with tuition fees. Public institutions too, may be under threat of reduced funding. On the flipside, the pandemic could also prompt reform in fee structures and creation of more cost-effective programmes.

New trends in teaching & learning will emerge

Beyond the top band of institutional excellence with private universities setting best practices, Indian academia has been in need of transformation, long before the onset of the pandemic. There is an opportunity to rethink the traditional education system now.

Digital learning is leading the charge as a mainstay, and many new trends are picking up momentum across the globe. Multidisciplinary and modular pedagogy that afford transferable skills and customised learning will succeed. Post-pandemic times could see a blend of e-learning and mainstream face-to-face teaching with a boost from traditional universities and the ed-tech sector.

A call for greater global collaboration between students, academia & industry

Opportunities for student mobility and practical exposure through exchange programmes, internships, participation in conferences, and more could likely be off the table for some time. Innovative new forms of collaboration and alternative paradigms are needed to drive learning, research and teaching. Sharing of knowledge between institutions globally through joint-teaching, virtual guest lectures, etc. could give students an enriched global perspective in these difficult times.

Will educators rise to the challenge?

A paucity of contemporary teachers has been a pressing challenge already, and it is growing more serious. Faculty are being called upon to redesign course content to meet the current and future needs. Moving away from traditional pedagogies in most average institutions, the demand for quality educators will shape the way higher education moves forward from this crisis.

Merit today comes not merely from certification, but from more dynamic sets of skills and experience. With world-class faculty, a rich multidisciplinary curriculum, a plethora of study abroad and internship opportunities, exchange programmes, strong mentorship and more, JGU is prepared to guide students through the exciting times that are to come.

Preparing for jobs vs. learning for life

Education at top global institutions is moving towards imparting not only world-class knowledge, but a world-ready aptitude. From preparing students for jobs, universities are now geared towards nurturing students for lifelong learning, so they can adapt, evolve, and grow with the changing world. JGU strives to provide an enriching, intellectually engaging, discovery-based learning environment with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge interdisciplinary study and research, community projects, study abroad programmes, internships and much more.

“The workplace is changing very rapidly. Roles are getting fuzzy and it’s very risky to train someone narrowly, because those skills may just become obsolete by the time they get into the workforce. So, we need to broad-base curriculum in a multidisciplinary way. There’s a certain openness and nuanced thinking that comes in with a multidisciplinary approach,” says Prof. Rajesh Chakrabarti, Dean, Jindal Global Business School.

Through the multidisciplinary framework, the ability to explore more sets students on a stimulating journey towards a world that is constantly evolving. As you learn to look at life through different perspectives, you begin to acquire skills that just can’t be taught in a textbook. From being open, adaptable and inclusive to collaborative, creative, critical, and analytical, it is these skills beyond a degree that ready students in a holistic way. 

International exposure

Over 250 collaborations with international universities and higher education institutions across 50 countries facilitate more than 200 faculty and student exchange programmes. Students take full advantage of this. Many even pursue two exchange programmes in a year. “JGU is the most internationalised of all universities in the country. We have the highest number of MoUs with international institutions and we do that very consciously. A lot of students decide to come to JGU because they know of our reputations for mobility options with partner universities to do short-term semesters abroad, attend summer schools, or even pursue a dual degree,” says Prof. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs. This makes a huge difference in the overall learning experience. It also allows students to tap into the international job market. 

A cluster of international courses and programmes at some of the most prestigious universities worldwide indeed makes for an impressive resumé. Besides this, the value-add in terms of academics and exposure in itself is an incredible opportunity. Students who take these up come back to JGU with a sense of pride and appreciation—they find that what is offered at the best of global institutions is not much different from what they’ve received at JGU. It is, in fact, a truly global institution with a truly global offering. 

Strong internships & placements

Students pursue a wide range of internship opportunities with leading national and international organisations. Placements after graduation are equally promising. From career planning to counselling, JGU is equipped to match students for internships and careers depending on their interests, aptitudes and abilities. Faculty and staff are keenly involved in guiding students from the get-go towards the kind of internships and career plans that cater to students’ unique aspirations. 

Attributes of a JGU graduate

What sets apart a JGU graduate at the workplace? Through their time at JGU, students hone transferable qualities like communication, team building, leadership skills, creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills and more, that are suitable for a variety of fields of employment. They build a capacity to engage in self-reflection and lifelong learning. They are trained to deal with situations that are complex and uncertain. These capabilities go a long way in adapting to the fast-developing and evolving professional contexts. 

An easy transition from university to workplace

The dynamic work environment is not much of a leap for graduates of JGU. Coming from a university setting that is multicultural, multidisciplinary, and global in every sense, there is already a confident ease, determination and clarity in a student’s approach to life. Usually, the working work is culture-shock for youngsters fresh out of college. But the very intensive nature of study, atmosphere of discussion, focus on detail and collaborative work, and exposure to best global standards and practices prepare students in the classroom for any number of professional positions they may assume.

Students get to meet and interact with peers and professors from different parts of the country and the world over. The cultural experiences they share open their minds to be more appreciative and empathetic of different people and outlooks. A deep understanding of, and respect for diversity, pluralistic societies and other cultures is entrenched in the very fabric of JGU’s ethos. Especially in a time when the world is divided on racial, religious, gender, economic and other bases, a sense of justice and acceptance is critical. This translates to any professional role in a multifarious field of work.

JGU graduates are setting the bar high

“A lot of law firms initially were not open to taking students from private universities. After 10 years of JGU, now the perception has completely changed. Now, preference is given to private law school graduates, especially if they’re coming from JGU,” beams Sneha Bhawnani, who completed her B.A. LLB from Jindal Global Law School in 2016.