Career Launcher, a flagship brand of CL Educate Ltd, stands as a pioneering force in the realm of education and career enhancement. Established in 1995, Career Launcher has since evolved into a renowned institution renowned for its comprehensive approach to education and career guidance. Career Launcher offers a diverse array of services spanning the educational spectrum, catering to students at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. Its primary focus lies in test preparation for competitive exams, including but not limited to JEE, NEET, UPSC, CAT, GRE, GMAT, and various other entrance exams for prestigious institutions in India and around the world.
With a strong team of experienced faculty and innovative teaching methodologies, Career Launcher has consistently achieved remarkable results, with many of its students securing top ranks in these competitive exams. Beyond test preparation, Career Launcher also provides career counseling and guidance services, helping students make informed decisions about their future academic and professional paths. Its career counseling programs are tailored to individual needs, offering personalized support to students as they navigate through the complexities of choosing the right career options.
Moreover, Career Launcher has diversified its offerings to include skill development programs, corporate training, and online learning platforms, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of educational innovation and adaptability in the digital age. With a commitment to excellence and a track record of success, Career Launcher continues to empower countless students to achieve their academic and career aspirations, solidifying its position as a leader in the EdTech industry.
In a recent interaction with The Interview World, Sujatha Kshirsagar, President and Chief Business Officer at Career Launcher, delves into her organization’s strategies for influencing the future of education. She discusses the implications of NEP 2020 on the Indian education system and emphasizes the significance of disruptive technologies in the realm of digital education. Below are the highlights from her enlightening conversation.
Q: How does Career Launcher envision shaping the future of education?
A: Career Launcher has a rich history of fulfilling the career dreams of both families and students, playing a pivotal role in economic growth and national development. With three decades of experience in the Indian subcontinent, our vision extends beyond borders, prompting us to spread our wings into culturally akin nations such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and even into the promising territories of Africa.
Our footprint is not limited to India; we have established a presence in the Middle East and Africa, with an operational hub in the United States facilitating collaborations with universities. Our core objective remains unchanged: to empower students to realize their aspirations, whether it be securing admissions to prestigious colleges within India, overseas, or anywhere worldwide. Our agenda transcends geographical boundaries, emphasizing seamless transitions and a commitment to making dreams a tangible reality for all aspiring individuals.
Q: What impacts will the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have on the Indian education system?
A: The New Education Policy (NEP) is orchestrating a comprehensive overhaul of the Indian education system, particularly evident in its deliberate policy shifts. These changes are fundamentally reshaping various aspects of education. Notably, the introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions marks a significant departure, aligning with internationally recognized standardized exams such as the SAT and China’s Gaokao.
Within its second year of implementation, the CUET has garnered participation from over 13 lakh students, indicating a widespread acceptance and adoption of the new system. Furthermore, NEP is actively fostering an increase in inbound student traffic. Presently, India hosts approximately 40,000 to 50,000 students annually. NEP’s vision includes the establishment of mega campuses, to set up 100 such campuses, each accommodating over a lakh students. This ambitious endeavor aims to substantially boost inbound student numbers, with a targeted influx of 400,000 to 500,000 students into the region, catalyzing a transformative shift in the educational landscape.
Q: Will the NEP contribute to enhancing the quality of higher education within the country?
A: Improving the quality of higher education in our country involves addressing how we admit and provide opportunities to students. Let’s consider exam standardization, using the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) as an example. In India, there exist numerous boards, reflecting the diversity of the nation.
Among these boards are well-known ones like CBSE, IBIGCSE, and ICSE, along with many state boards. Consequently, students entering higher education come from varied backgrounds and skill levels after completing 10th or 12th grade. Standardizing the admission process at this level is a significant step addressed by the NEP.
Additionally, the NEP aims to reform the assessment methods for students, emphasizing a broader range of capabilities and skills. While this is just the beginning, there’s much progress to be made. Within the NEP’s framework, several key initiatives, such as standardization and relevance, are being addressed.
The NEP encompasses a wide array of educational aspects, each contributing to its goal of enhancing education overall. Therefore, it’s poised to make a significant contribution to the improvement of our educational system.
Q: What are the specific ways in which disruptive technology will impact the education sector, and what strategies can institutions adopt to harness its potential for positive change?
A: In contemporary society, the influence of disruptive technology is ubiquitous, profoundly impacting every facet of our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, acted as a catalyst, compressing timelines and accelerating the adoption of various technological innovations. One such area profoundly affected is education, with the advent of online learning platforms experiencing unprecedented growth.
Today, the internet serves as a gateway to global knowledge. Regardless of geographical location, individuals can access a wealth of educational resources, transcending borders and time zones. This democratization of learning enables students in India to engage with experts and materials from around the world, while simultaneously allowing individuals elsewhere to tap into the rich intellectual landscape of India. The result is a virtual shrinking of the world, facilitating unparalleled access to information and opportunities.
Furthermore, as technology continues to advance, the potential for personalized education grows exponentially. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics offer the means to tailor learning experiences to the unique aptitudes and interests of each learner. By harnessing these tools, educators can create customized learning paths that not only optimize academic achievement but also foster genuine satisfaction and personal growth.
Moreover, the concept of API – Aptitude, Personality, and Interest – emerges as a guiding principle in career exploration and decision-making. Recognizing and aligning with one’s API can lead to more fulfilling and rewarding career trajectories, transcending the traditional metrics of success, such as monetary gain.
In essence, technology’s disruptive force extends far beyond mere industry transformation; it fundamentally reshapes our perceptions of education, success, and fulfillment, ushering in a new era of possibility and potential.
Q: How might the increasing prevalence of online learning impact the future of traditional offline classes?
A: When considering the realm of offline classes versus their online counterparts, it’s essential to address the evolving landscape of education. The surge in online education has undeniably captured widespread attention, offering learners a diverse array of options to engage with knowledge. However, amidst this digital revolution, the enduring appeal of offline learning persists.
Offline education, rooted in physical interaction and tactile experiences, taps into the intrinsic human need for personal connection and hands-on engagement. While I may not claim expertise in this domain, it’s evident that offline learning holds a unique position in the educational ecosystem. The tangible presence of teachers and peers, coupled with real-world interactions, fosters a sense of community and facilitates deeper learning experiences.
Nevertheless, we’re witnessing the emergence of a hybrid model, seamlessly blending the best aspects of offline and online learning. Certain subjects and activities flourish in an offline setting, while others thrive in the digital realm. Drawing parallels to the banking sector, where traditional branches coexist with online transactions, underscores the potential longevity of offline education. In essence, while online education continues to innovate and expand its reach, the essence of offline learning remains resilient. It embodies a timeless approach to education that transcends technological advancements, enriching the educational journey with its human-centric ethos and immersive learning environments.
