Campus Times |LucknowThe Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) has successfully concluded its 2026 final placement season for the 40th batch of the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) and the 21st batch of the Post Graduate Programme in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM). A total of 559 students received over 580 job offers, underlining strong industry demand for IIM Lucknow graduates.The highest domestic package offered this year stood at ₹1 crore per annum, surpassing the top international salary of ₹65 lakh per annum — a notable shift where domestic roles outpaced international offers in compensation. The average salary stood at ₹33.2 lakh per annum, while the median package was close to ₹32.9 lakh, reflecting balanced opportunities across roles.Top recruitersTop global recruiters, including Accenture, Amazon, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Google, and Microsoft participated in the placement drive, offering roles across consulting, finance, general management, product management, operations, sales & marketing, and e-commerce sectors. This year’s placements were conducted in a hybrid format, with participation from over 200 domestic and international companies, including several first-time recruiters, reinforcing IIM Lucknow’s position as a premier destination for corporate talent. The Placement Chairpersons and institute leadership stated that the strong outcomes reflect the students’ adaptability, analytical rigor, and the institute’s industry-aligned curriculum.

Campus Times | LucknowBabasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University organized a felicitation ceremony titled Gyan Sadhna se Safalta Tak to honour students who qualified the UGC-NET examination DEC.2025.This event Held under the guidance of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal; the event celebrated the academic excellence and dedication of students who brought pride to the university. The achievers—Gaurav Mishra, Khushi, Adeeba Nisar, Vandana, Disha Verma, Tanu Mishra, Nikita, Shaumya Sharma, Shambhavi, Dikshit, Shreya, and Janhvi Verma—were felicitated with bouquets and certificates of appreciation.Addressing the gathering, faculty members described the achievement as a testament to perseverance, discipline, and focused preparation. They emphasized that such success reflects both the students’ hard work and the department’s academic mentorship. The department reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing research-oriented and socially responsible scholars.The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, along with senior faculty members including Prof. B.B. Malik (Head, Department of Sociology), Prof. B.N. Dubey, Prof. Shura Darapuri, Dr. Brajesh Kumar, and Dr. Ajay Kumar. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving behind a message that consistent effort and guided learning pave the way from Gyan Sadhna (dedicated pursuit of knowledge) to Safalta (success)

Campus Times | LucknowThe march was organized with clear and structured demands for stronger equity mechanisms in higher education. Students sought legal recognition of caste-based discrimination as an institutional offence, the establishment of independent anti-discrimination bodies, the formation of a State Higher Education Social Justice Commission, time-bound grievance redressal systems, and protection for complainants.Citing a 118% rise in discrimination complaints over the past five years, students argued that existing mechanisms are inadequate. Despite prior notice of a peaceful protest, the event witnessed heavy police deployment, barricading, and detentions. Even then, students maintained that their movement remained peaceful and focused on making universities more just, accountable, and inclusive.Several student organizations, including AISA, NSUI, SCS, BASF, SFI, BAPSA, Yuva, and the Ambedkarite Students’ Association, extended their solidarity to the march.Student unions collectively stated that discrimination in higher education is not confined to any one group but is a shared concern of the entire student community.Speaking to the media, student leaders saidMahendra Yadav, National Vice-President of SCS, stated that caste-based discrimination is a structural problem that requires legal recognition and external oversight.Shubham Kharwar, General Secretary of NSUI Uttar Pradesh, said that it is unjust to stop students from raising constitutional demands through force, adding that institutional accountability cannot be suppressed.Varun Azad of BASF remarked that dragging student leaders away reflects intolerance toward democratic dissent.Harshvardhan, Joint Secretary of AISA Uttar Pradesh, said that the sharp rise in discrimination complaints underscores the urgent need for an independent and enforceable equality mechanism. 

Campus Times| LucknowThe book presents the findings of a contemporary research project funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and the Uttar Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute, Lucknow.  Recognized by International JournalAdding to the university’s pride, the research findings have been approved by the globally reputed Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, published by Springer Nature. The journal is widely recognized for publishing critical studies related to health disparities among indigenous, tribal, and ethnic communities worldwide. University officials termed this international recognition as a milestone, reflecting the growing global relevance of research conducted at BBAU.Tribal Health Challenges in Uttar PradeshDr. Chaturvedi’s book provides a detailed analysis of the health conditions of tribal communities in Uttar Pradesh. It highlights the stark disparities between tribal and non-tribal populations across several health indicators. The research points out that limited access to healthcare facilities, lack of infrastructure, and geographical isolation remain major barriers affecting the overall well-being of tribal communities in the state.Solutions to Bridge the Health GapBeyond identifying the gaps, the book also suggests practical and implementable solutions. Key recommendations include1.      Establishment of mobile medical units in remote tribal areas2.      Appointment of community-based health volunteers or health mitras3.      Setting up Jan Aushadhi  Kendra  in tribal-dominated regionsAccording to the research, these measures can significantly improve healthcare accessibility and quality, helping bridge the existing health gap.Pride for the University The university administration described the publication as a proud moment for BBAU and expressed confidence that the research would contribute meaningfully to policymaking and improving the health status of tribal communities in Uttar Pradesh.With increasing focus on tribal welfare and public health reforms, this research-based book is expected to play an important role in shaping future interventions aimed at reducing health disparities in the state

Campus Times|LucknowOn February 11, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) hosted a special lecture titled “BBAU Moving Towards Sustainable Development” under its Eminent Lecture Series. The program was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, with Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora, Chairperson of the SDG Committee, as the chief speaker. Prof. Sunita Mishra and Prof. Shilpi Verma, Chairperson of the Eminent Lecture Series Committee, were also present on stage.VC on Education and SDGsVice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal emphasized that education is a key driver of social and economic development. He highlighted the university’s efforts to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its curriculum to prepare students as leaders capable of driving positive societal change. Referring to NEP 2020, he stressed that universities must focus on practical knowledge and skill development, not merely degree awarding.Prof. Mittal said achieving the vision of a “Developed India 2047” requires quadrupling the economy, supported by equitable systems, livelihoods, industrialization, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection. He encouraged researchers to undertake socially and economically relevant projects and urged teachers and students to participate actively in SDG initiatives. The Vice-Chancellor also announced that students excelling in SDG-related activities will be honored on April 14, the University Foundation Day.Prof. Arora on SDGs and University InitiativesChief speaker Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora, Chairperson of BBAU’s SDG Committee, delivered a lecture on the evolution and global framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tracing their journey from the 1972 Stockholm Conference to the Rio Earth Summit, Millennium Development Goals, Rio+20 Summit, and formal adoption, he highlighted the 17 goals, 169 targets, and 247 indicators, emphasizing the principle of “leaving no one behind.”He stressed BBAU’s role in achieving SDGs through teaching, research, innovation, youth awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based evaluation. Sustainable development, he noted, rests on three pillars: economic growth, social equality, and environmental protection. Each

Campus Times|LucknowWelcome to the era of Hallyu, where a handful of Korean words are universally recognised and the line between admiration and obsession is increasingly blurred. K-pop schooled the world in razor-sharp choreography, K-dramas trained it to weep on schedule, and K-beauty convinced it that visible pores are a personal flaw. What passes as a playful embrace of Korean culture, however, often comes with fine print—subtle, seductive, and rarely questioned.In recent years, Korean pop culture, known as the “K-wave”, has made a profound impact on teenagers in India. From K-dramas and K-pop music to fashion trends and language learning, teens are increasingly integrating elements of Korean culture into their daily lives.Why Teens Are Drawn to Korean CultureIdentity and Self-Expression: Many adolescents use K-pop and K-drama fandoms to explore their personalities, experiment with fashion, and connect with like-minded peers.Digital Immersion: Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and short-video apps provide endless access to Korean content, allowing teens to engage with communities that share similar interests.Escapism and Entertainment: Immersive storylines, relatable characters, and visually appealing music videos offer a form of emotional escape from academic pressure or daily stress.The Role of Online Games and MediaAlongside music and shows, Korean-themed online games and interactive content are gaining popularity among school-going students. These digital experiences often encourage teamwork, creativity, and social interaction but can sometimes lead to excessive screen time if not balanced with offline activities.Experts Advise BalancePsychologists and educators caution that while cultural engagement can be enriching, too much immersion—especially in gaming or social media—can increase stress, isolation, or emotional dependency. Parents are encouraged to set healthy boundaries, communicate openly, and support their teens in balancing online and offline life.Real-Life ImplicationsThe influence of Korean culture has reached a point where it shapes daily routines, fashion choices, and even social interactions of Indian teens.

Campus Times | LucknowAt Lucknow University, student leaders and active campus voices expressed relief, stating that while addressing discrimination is necessary, regulations must be clear, balanced, and uniformly applicable to avoid creating new fault lines within educational institutions.Student leader Aryan Mishra said that any equity framework should treat students from all communities equally. He added that concerns regarding the regulations had been raised earlier with senior leadership and noted that the court’s intervention has revived hope for meaningful and positive reform. “Universities should be spaces of learning and unity, not division,” he said.Aman Dubey, a PhD scholar in the Department of Political Science, echoed similar views, emphasising that campuses must uphold dignity and equality for every student. While speaking out against discrimination is essential, he said policies should strengthen social harmony on campus rather than intensify differences.Student leader Jatin Shukla also welcomed the stay, saying it reflected a sensitive approach towards students’ concerns. He noted that decisions impacting higher education should prioritise fair opportunities and student welfare without disadvantaging any particular group.Adding a political perspective aligned with student sentiment, BJP member Anurag Tiwari said the Supreme Court’s order was welcome and expressed hope that necessary amendments would be made to the equity bill. He stressed that the changes should ensure the protection of all sections of society and promote inclusive development, rather than favouring any one group.Students further pointed out that ongoing protests and uncertainty around the regulations could disrupt the academic environment. Many called for a consultative approach, involving students, teachers, and education experts, before any revised regulations are finalised.During the hearing, the Supreme Court sought a response from the government and suggested a deeper review of the contentious provisions. For students, the stay is being viewed not merely as a legal pause, but as a chance to build

New Delhi:A Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) issued notices to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Central Government, seeking their response within 15 days. The court noted that if it did not intervene at this stage, the regulations could create social divisions and result in dangerous outcomes.During the hearing, the CJI remarked that certain terms used in the UGC Regulations 2026 give an impression that the provisions are open to interpretation and misuse. The Bench emphasized that regulatory frameworks governing higher education must be clear, balanced, and free from ambiguity to prevent arbitrary application.Taking note of the concerns raised, the Supreme Court ordered a temporary suspension of the regulations until further consideration. The matter will be taken up for detailed hearing after the responses are filed by the UGC and the government.The stay has brought immediate relief to petitioners who had challenged the regulations, arguing that they could have far-reaching implications for academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Further proceedings in the case are expected once the court examines the justifications submitted by the authorities.The case will be heard next after the completion of the notice period.

Lucknow | Lucknow University entered a new chapter of academic leadership with Professor Jay Prakash Saini assuming charge as its Vice-Chancellor on January 14, 2026. A seasoned academician and administrator, Prof. Saini brings with him more than 38 years of distinguished experience in higher education, research, and university governance. Known for his calm leadership and deep understanding of academic systems, Prof. Saini joins Lucknow University after serving in several prestigious roles across leading institutions in India. Before this appointment, he held the position of Vice-Chancellor at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur, and Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), New Delhi. He also shouldered the additional charge of Vice-Chancellor, Delhi Technological University (DTU) for two years, reflecting the trust reposed in him by academic and administrative authorities. A Career Spanning Teaching, Research, and GovernanceProf. Saini’s academic journey is marked by both depth and diversity. He served as Director (HAG Scale) at the then Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, New Delhi, Director of Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology for Divyangjan, Kanpur for two terms, and Principal of Madan Mohan Malaviya Engineering College, Gorakhpur. He also held additional charge as Principal of MKREC of Information Technology (now Government Engineering College), Azamgarh. Currently a Professor of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology (BIET), Jhansi, Prof. Saini has remained deeply connected to teaching despite holding top administrative positions. Strong Academic CredentialsProf. Saini completed his B.Tech in Electronics Engineering from KNIT Sultanpur in 1987, M.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1996, and earned his Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering in 2001 from KNIT Sultanpur/Dr. RML Avadh University (now Ayodhya). His academic grounding and research orientation have shaped his approach to leadership over the decades. Contributions to Examinations, Reforms, and National BodiesHe has played a key role in major examination reforms, serving