New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- As India steps into 2026, the education sector is all set to undergo a monumental change. Policy push, rapid technological adoption and industry pressure are reshaping the education ecosystem. Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving from the margins to the mainstream. Degrees are giving way to skills, portfolios and stackable credentials as employability becomes the central metric of quality. Global collaborations and the entry of foreign universities are opening up international pathways within India. Millennium Post lists top five education trends that will matter the most in 2026.
Mainstreaming of AI literacy
One of the most significant trends in 2026 will be the mainstreaming of AI literacy across disciplines. AI will no longer remain confined to engineering or computer science programmes. "Rather, the ability to use simple AI fluency, such as knowledge of how the algorithms work, how data is understood and how AI can be used responsibly will be a basic skill across fields of business, healthcare, education, design, and logistics," said Dr Ashwini Kumar Sharma, Pro- Vice Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University. According to Prof Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director, IIT Kanpur, the rise of AI driven personalization will reshape the education system in 2026. For Shantanu Rooj, Founder
and CEO, TeamLease Edtech, education in 2026 will become AI-native, not just AI-enabled. "Institutions will move beyond using AI as a tool on the side and start embedding it into curriculum design, assessment, student support and personalised learning pathways," he said.
From degree-first to capability-first pathways
In 2026, education will see a sharper shift from degree-first to capability-first pathways, believes Rooj. According to him, employers are already signalling that they care more about demonstrable skills, projects and portfolios than just course transcripts. "Apprenticeships, work-integrated degrees and industry-co-created programmes will gain more ground as credible routes into high-growth roles," he said.
Dr Sharma also is of the opinion that 2026 will normalise skills-based and modular learning pathways. "Degrees will not disappear as much and will also be more frequently divided into stackable units anchored by micro credentials and short-term certifications," he said. Dr Girish Jain, Professor of Finance and Chairperson- Admissions at BIMTECH, Greater Noida highlights that education will undergo a deeper structural shift rather than a cosmetic one in 2026. "Driven by NEP 2020, universities will move from the traditional degrees, to flexible curricula, and multidisciplinary learning components tailored to individual and industry needs," he said.
Rise in international collaborations
Prof V Kamakoti, Director IIT Madras, believes in 2026, there will be a significant rise in international collaborations. "As regulatory frameworks evolve, we will see deeper partnerships between Indian institutions and global universities, fostering joint research, faculty exchange, and collaborative academic programmes," he said. Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, believes universities are forming stronger ties with leading institutions worldwide, offering joint programmes, research collaborations, and dual degrees. "These partnerships provide students with cross-cultural learning, exposure to international standards, and access to cutting-edge knowledge," he said.
Entry of foreign universities into India will begin
Prof Kamakoti is also of the opinion that entry of foreign universities into India will begin to take shape in 2026. "With enabling policies now in place, global institutions are expected to establish a presence in the country, enriching the academic landscape and offering students greater choice without needing to go abroad," he said.
Digital Badges and competency-based recognition
Digital badges are becoming an increasingly popular way to showcase skills and learning achievements. They give students and professionals the chance to demonstrate practical competencies beyond traditional degrees, highlights Prof Jaiswal. "Earned through courses, workshops, or conferences, these badges can be shared on platforms like LinkedIn, helping learners gain recognition and visibility across the globe," he said.
Other Big Changes Coming to Education in 2026
* Entrepreneurship, innovation, and patent-driven research will continue to accelerate
* Relationship between industry and academia will change towards shared ownership instead of occasional involvement
* Growth of dual and multiple degree programmes
* Equity and employability will move to the centre of education strategy
* Employability will become the core metric of quality
* Rise of smart classrooms and blended learning ecosystems
* Continued growth of micro credentials
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.