Ashoka University has been recognised as the ‘University of the Year (Emerging)’ at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, one of India’s most prestigious platforms that honours excellence and innovation in higher education. The award was presented by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Somak Raychaudhury during a ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Monday. The recognition celebrates Ashoka’s achievements in liberal arts and sciences, its interdisciplinary academic model, and its growing contributions to research, innovation, and social impact.

I am writing about this achievement because Ashoka University represents a new wave of Indian higher education that blends global best practices with a uniquely Indian approach to learning. In a country where higher education is undergoing rapid transformation, such recognition underscores the importance of liberal, inclusive, and research-oriented teaching. Over the past decade, Ashoka has built a strong academic reputation, promoting critical thinking, diversity, and ethical leadership among students — values that are essential for a globally competitive education system. This award is a recognition not only of institutional excellence but also of the changing face of Indian universities.

Ashoka University Honoured for Academic Excellence

At the FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, Ashoka University was recognised as a rising leader in India’s education landscape. The ‘University of the Year (Emerging)’ award celebrates institutions that have shown exceptional progress in academic innovation, quality of education, and societal contribution over a relatively short period.

Accepting the award, Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, said the recognition was a testament to the university’s commitment to “creating a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, dialogue, and research.” He also thanked the faculty, students, and staff for their collective efforts in building a university that encourages open-mindedness and intellectual growth.

Recognition at a Prestigious National Platform

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Higher Education Summit is one of India’s most important annual gatherings for educators, policymakers, and thought leaders. The 2025 edition, held at Bharat Mandapam, brought together top universities, research institutions, and government representatives to discuss innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration in education.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who presented the awards, praised universities that are pushing boundaries in research and promoting skill-based, inclusive education. He emphasised the need for institutions to contribute to nation-building by preparing students for both professional success and social responsibility.

Why Ashoka University Stood Out

Ashoka University’s selection for the award was based on several key strengths that distinguish it from traditional institutions:

• Interdisciplinary curriculum: Students can study across multiple fields — from economics and political science to computer science and visual arts — encouraging diverse perspectives.
• Focus on research and innovation: The university has established strong research clusters in climate studies, data science, social sciences, and policy research.
• Inclusive learning environment: With scholarships and outreach programmes, Ashoka promotes access to higher education for students from underrepresented communities.
• Global collaborations: The university has academic partnerships with several leading international institutions, fostering faculty and student exchange programmes.

Over the past decade, Ashoka has consistently been recognised for reshaping how liberal arts and sciences are taught in India, making education more inquiry-driven and less examination-focused.

The Rise of Liberal Education in India

The award also reflects a growing acceptance of liberal education in India — a model that emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills over rote learning. Once considered unconventional, this approach is now being increasingly adopted by top universities as India aligns its higher education goals with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Ashoka University has been at the forefront of this shift. Its focus on multidisciplinary learning prepares students for a wide range of careers, from research and policy to entrepreneurship and social impact. The recognition by FICCI reinforces the importance of institutions that go beyond academics to instil leadership, ethics, and social awareness.

Achievements Over the Years

Since its founding in 2014, Ashoka University has grown into one of India’s most respected private institutions. Some of its key milestones include:

• Establishing research centres in fields like economics, psychology, and data sciences.
• Launching postgraduate and doctoral programmes that attract top talent from across India and abroad.
• Building an inclusive campus community with students from over 30 states and diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• Partnering with international universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Sciences Po for academic collaboration.

Its alumni network now includes policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers contributing to both national and global causes.