BoostMyTalent, Indias first EdTech platform born in Devbhumi Uttarakhand, is redefining Career Counseling by providing personalized guidance, transparent college comparisons, financial assistance, and guaranteed placement support for students pursuing MBA, MCA, M.Tech, B.Tech, BBA, BCA, and other professional courses.

Unlock Your Potential with BoostMyTalent: Get Expert Admission Counseling for Regular & Online Colleges, Unbiased Course Comparisons, and 100% Placement Support with Our Counseling

With a student-first approach, BoostMyTalent addresses the misleading rankings, inflated placement claims, and lack of clarity in college admissions that leave many students confused about their educational choices. By offering one-on-one counselling, unbiased college insights, and structured career planning, the platform ensures that students make informed, financially sound, and career-driven decisions.

Identifying the Problem: Why BoostMyTalent Was Created

For years, students seeking admission to professional courses have struggled with multiple challenges regarding Collegeselection, availability of Scholarships, Education loans, and the viability of Job Placements. The challenges they face include:

• Unverified and misleading rankings that prioritize college marketing over actual student benefits.

• Lack of transparency in college placements, with exaggerated salary figures and misleading employment statistics.

• High tuition fees and application costs often leave students burdened with unnecessary loans.

• Lack of Right Criteria to select specialization across different courses leads to poor career outcomes.

“We realized that students dont need another ranking website or an information portal focused on lead generation for colleges. They need a platform that genuinely guides them through the complexities of admissions, finances, and placements-one that is driven by facts, not marketing hype. And thats how BoostMyTalent was born,”– Sandesh Sharma, Founder & CEO, BoostMyTalent.

Overcoming Challenges to Build a Startup in Rishikesh

While the vision for BoostMyTalent was clear, building a tech-driven education platform in Rishikesh was far from easy. Unlike Delhi, Bengaluru, or Mumbai, Rishikesh lacked the startup ecosystem, infrastructure, and workforce needed to scale a digital business.

Key challenges included:

• Poor Mobile & Internet Connectivity: Reliable broadband was unheard of in Rishikesh, making virtual counselling and platform development difficult. Frequent outages meant lost business opportunities. The team tackled this by setting up multiple broadband connections from different providers to ensure seamless nationwide operations.

• Lack of Skilled Professionals in Uttarakhand: With limited job opportunities in the region, most professionals have migrated to metro cities. Hiring local career counsellors, content specialists, and tech experts proved difficult. Instead of waiting for a solution, BoostMyTalent created one: they trained and upskilled local talent while onboarding experienced professionals remotely.

• Building Trust with Colleges and Employers: Many educational institutions and recruiters hesitated to engage with a startup based in Rishikesh.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Rather than waiting for partnerships to develop organically, BoostMyTalent created opportunities for engagement by inviting colleges, financial institutions, and recruiters to visit their office in Rishikesh. The company strategically coordinated these visits with partner holiday schedules, encouraging them to explore the scenic tri-city areas of Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.

“At first, institutions were hesitant to engage with a startup outside metro cities. But when they visited us, it became more than just a business meeting-it was an experience. An evening walk along Marine Drive by the Holy Ganga, a deep discussion over coffee at a riverbank caf, or simply unwinding at a forest retreat with the echoes of Ganga Aarti and local musicians strumming familiar tunes-it was a much-needed escape from the city hustle. They realized that serious business and serene living can coexist,”– Shikha Mudgal (PhD), Vice President – Student Advisory & Training, BoostMyTalent.

This unique blend of business and culture helped BoostMyTalent foster strong, long-term alliances with colleges, financial institutions, and employers, proving that great businesses can thrive outside metro cities.

How BoostMyTalent is Changing the Future of Student Counseling

BoostMyTalent goes beyond conventional admission portals by offering end-to-end student support focusing on long-term career outcomes rather than just college enrollment.

1. FREE Personalized Counseling & Unbiased College Comparisons

• One-on-one Career Counseling tailored to each students aspirations.

• Genuine, data-driven comparisons of colleges and courses.

• Specialization selection guidance based on industry trends and employability.

2. Extensive Scholarship Assistance & Up to 50% Discount on Application Forms

• Expert help in identifying and applying for scholarships.

• Application fee discounts of up to 50%, making college admissions more affordable.

• Guidance on securing merit-based and need-based financial aid.

3. Comprehensive Education Loan Assistance

• Support in securing education loans from banks and NBFCs.

• Low-interest and student-friendly repayment options.

• Loan eligibility consultation and documentation assistance.
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4. Comprehensive GD/PI Preparation & Confidence Enhancement

• Mock interview and GD training with real-time feedback.

• Soft skills and confidence-building sessions for better performance.

• Industry insights to improve job readiness.

5. Guaranteed 100% Placement Assistance – Partnering Only with Proven Colleges

• Alliances only with institutions that offer multiple placement opportunities.

• Resume-building, networking, and corporate mentorship programs.

• Career support even after graduation, ensuring long-term success.
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6. Exclusive Career Counseling and Post-Admission Support

• Continued career guidance throughout the students academic journey.

• Internship support and networking with alumni and industry leaders.

• Leadership development, communication skills, and job readiness training.

BoostMyTalents Role in Reversing Brain Drain from Uttarakhand

Due to limited employment opportunities in Uttarakhand, many skilled professionals migrated to metro cities for better career prospects. BoostMyTalent is actively reversing this trend by creating local job opportunities in Rishikesh, enabling professionals to return home while maintaining strong career growth.

“Were proving that Uttarakhands professionals dont have to leave home to build a successful career. By establishing a strong EdTech ecosystem in Rishikesh, were creating job opportunities that rival metro cities while allowing people to live in an environment that fosters both professional and personal well-being,” said Mr. Sandesh Sharma.

A Vision for the Future

Every day, the BoostMyTalent team helps students across the country find the right colleges across various educational domains like Engineering, Management, Life Sciences, and Professional Courses-ensuring they receivegenuine, career-focused guidance.

“We envision a future where no student is forced to take an expensive loan for a degree that wont benefit them, where education is about opportunities, not just institutions, and where the right guidance can change lives,” said Mr. Sandesh Sharma.

BoostMyTalent is setting an example of how world-class EdTech platforms can thrive outside metro cities, proving that passion, innovation, and commitment to solving real problems can outweigh the conveniences of an established startup ecosystem.

About BoostMyTalent

BoostMyTalent is Indias first EdTech platform originating from Rishikesh, specializing in Career Counseling, transparent college selection, scholarship assistance, education loan guidance, and guaranteed placement support. The company partners exclusively with colleges that offer substantial placement opportunities and has helped thousands of students make informed, financially sound decisions about their higher education.

For more information, visit www.boostmytalent.com or call at +91- 9259169608.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), initiated the third batch of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) today. This exclusive three-day residential program is hosted at the MAHE campus in Manipal and features a series of nine meticulously designed training modules aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of academic leaders.

Academic leaders gathered for Third Batch of FICCI Leadership Development Program Commencement

The FICCI LDP has brought together a diverse group of academic leaders including Directors, Deans, Registrars, Senior Professors, etc from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The program is developed to orient professionals with advanced knowledge and leadership skills essential for managing the complexities of modern academia and shaping them become future-ready.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Co-Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in his keynote Address highlighted the fundamentals of leadership, discussing its various layers and significance in personal, organizational, and societal contexts. Emphasizing the need for a structured approach in identifying and nurturing potential academic leaders, Lt. Gen. Venkatesh also addressed the challenges faced by stakeholders within the education ecosystem. These include stakeholder consciousness, managing expectations, budgeting and financing, industry partnerships, and regulatory compliances. He further highlighted the essential attributes expected of an academic leader in today’s rapidly evolving and transformative times. He emphasized the growing significance of developing a comprehensive sense in research, operational and strategic management, team-building skills, and proficiency in accreditation and ranking. He further underscored the critical importance of succession planning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure robust governance, innovation, and effective talent risk management, thereby ensuring readiness for future leadership transitions.

Prof. (Dr.) Rajan Saxena, Advisor, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Former Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, articulated the urgent need for developing readiness to embrace change. He stressed the importance of anticipating and preparing for future challenges to avert potential disasters, overcome stagnancy, and address systemic issues, which could otherwise lead to low enrollment and demoralization within the academic community. Prof. Saxena observed that the success of students and the relevance of HEIs hinge on recognizing the shifting dynamics of the job market. He pointed out the cyclical challenges that may at times persist until institutions adapt to these changes. He advocated for a continuous focus on adding value to students, industry, and society at large. He highlighted that the transformation in education begins with leadership at the top and permeates throughout the faculty and administrative levels.

Dr. Rajesh Pankaj, Director & Head – Education & Skills, FICCI, in his welcome remarks highlighted the significant complementary efforts and benchmark standards set by private higher education institutions in India. These institutions, he noted, play a crucial role in equipping a global workforce with competent and relevant skills. Dr. Pankaj emphasized that the vision of the FICCI LDP is centered around capacity building within HEIs. He elaborated on how FICCI as an association is uniquely positioned to, integrate fresh insights from both industry and academia to forge structured leadership that meets critical benchmarks and significantly impacts HEIs.

The modules cover critical aspects of academic leadership including change management, talent management, research and innovation, technology integration, fostering a learning culture, financial sustainability, internationalization, and industry partnerships. These sessions are designed not only to enrich and upgrade the participants skill sets but also to immerse them in an environment that promotes substantial growth and networking opportunities. Participants will engage in real-time case studies, interactive sessions, and collaborative learning experiences that mirror the complexities and nuances of modern higher education.

This program masterfully blends theoretical foundations with practical insights to stimulate thoughtful discussion and inspire decisive action. Facilitated by esteemed leaders who are pioneers of change in their respective fields, its primary goal is to reimagine the role of academia in a transformative world. By focusing on critical areas such as technology integration, research innovation, and sustainable practices, the program is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the necessary tools to effectively shape the future of education.

The FICCI Leadership Development Program is a significant step toward empowering academic leaders to effectively lead and implement progressive policies, ensuring their institutions remain at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence.

Established in 1927, FICCI is Indias oldest and largest apex business organization, playing a pivotal role in propelling Indias economic growth and industrialization. As a non-government, not-for-profit organization, FICCI serves as the voice of India’s business and industry, facilitating dialogue, influencing policy, and building bridges across sectors.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is renowned for its academic excellence and comprehensive educational offerings. By hosting the LDP, MAHE underscores its commitment to fostering educational leadership that can drive significant impacts in the realms of higher education and beyond.

A groundbreaking chapter in Indian education begins as Future Group of Institutions officially transitions to Future University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, sanctioned by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Building on a 15-year legacy of academic distinction, Future University is poised to revolutionize learning by placing Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the heart of its curriculum. The university will launch over 125+ cutting-edge, AI-driven programs, developed in collaboration with industry titans such as Xebia, L&T, IBM, EC Council, and more, preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.

India’s 1st AI-Enabled Innovative University! Learn with AI, VR & Automation. Industry 5.0 programs powered by IBM, Xebia & more

Introducing Indias Premier AI-Powered Learning Ecosystem

Future University is establishing India’s – AI-Enabled New-Age Innovative University, a pioneering ecosystem that seamlessly integrates AI, Automation, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) to deliver an immersive, technology-driven education. This bold initiative will redefine the academic landscape, ensuring students are not just prepared for, but leaders in, the AI-driven future.

Future University: Where AI Transforms Education

Future University is strategically integrating AI into every aspect of the learning experience, providing students with an unparalleled competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global job market. The universitys AI-powered ecosystem fosters personalized learning, groundbreaking research, impactful industry collaborations, and clear career pathways.

• Personalized Learning at Scale: Experience education tailored to your individual needs with adaptive learning models, intelligent content recommendations, and AI-powered study assistants.

• AI-Fueled Research & Innovation: Accelerate discoveries with AI-powered discovery engines, predictive analytics, and neural network-driven research tools.

• The Smartest Campus in India: Enjoy a seamless and intelligent campus experience with automated attendance, digital libraries, and AI-optimized cafeteria management.

• Centers of Excellence (CoEs) for the Future: Gain hands-on experience and develop real-world solutions in advanced labs dedicated to AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, FinTech, and IoT.

• AI-Enhanced Career Advantage: Maximize your employability with AI-powered job-matching algorithms, personalized skill-based career coaching, and automated resume enhancement tools.

Why Future University is Different:

• 90+ New-Age, Industry-Aligned Programs: Explore a diverse range of programs spanning AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Robotics, Healthcare, and more, all designed to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

• Fully Integrated AI Smart Campus: Benefit from intelligent learning analytics, automated assessments, and digital learning tools that enhance every aspect of your academic journey.

• Dedicated Centers of Excellence (CoEs): Participate in cutting-edge research and development in specialized centers focused on AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, FinTech, AR, VR, IoT, and Climate Tech.

• Real-World Industry Immersion: Gain invaluable experience through collaborations with leading tech companies, ensuring youre prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world.

• NEP 2020 Compliant Curriculum: Enjoy a flexible and modern learning experience with a Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) and multiple exit options, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.

• AI-Driven Career Placement: Leverage predictive job-matching algorithms and smart internship programs to secure your dream career.

AI-Integrated Smart Campus

Our cutting-edge Learning Management System, built with ECA Open Learning, utilizes AI to personalize your learning experience, providing adaptive content, intelligent assessments, and a seamless digital learning environment. Our smart campus is built upon a sophisticated Learning Management System (LMS) powered by AI and developed using ECA Open Learning, enhancing the learning journey for every student.

Shape Your Future: Admissions Open for 2025!

Future University invites ambitious students to apply for Admissions 2025 and experience a truly unique AI-driven, industry-ready education that meets global standards.

Unlock Your Potential with F-Star Scholarship Test

Recognizing academic excellence and empowering future leaders, Future University is proud to present F-Star – The Future University Scholarship Test, offering scholarships totaling Rs. 4.5 Crore. Exceptional students have the opportunity to earn up to 100% scholarships based on their performance.

Executive Leadership Perspectives:

Mr. Mukesh Gupta, Chancellor, Future University, “We are building a future where AI, technology, and education converge to empower the next generation of leaders.”

Mr. Deep Gupta, Pro-Chancellor, Future University, “Our mission is to equip students with the cutting-edge AI-driven education and industry connections they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Prof Dr. Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Future University, “AI is the engine of the future, and Future University is at the forefront, embedding AI across all aspects of academics, research, and skill development to drive innovation and success.”

Prof Dr. Hemant Yadav, Group Director, Future University, “We are transforming the university experience by integrating AI, smart technologies, and strategic industry partnerships to ensure our students achieve remarkable career success.”

Join the AI Revolution – Your Future Starts Now!

Future University is at the vanguard of next-generation education, empowering students with AI-driven learning and career-focused training.

Admissions for 2025 are open! Apply today and secure your future. Visit admissions.futureuniversity.in

Recognizing the commitment to provide refuge to countless street companions during extreme winters, Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart extended their Paw Protecc Initiative to offer a much-needed shield against the season’s biting cold. As winter bids farewell, countless community animals who endured the harsh temperatures found solace through this initiative. Building on the success of the Paw Protecc initiative from the monsoon season, Mars Petcare, in partnership with Swiggy Instamart, deployed more than 200 temporary shelters through January across the Delhi NCR region and Indore through the help of NGO partners. Individual caregivers and NGOs were beneficiaries of the shelters which enabled them to support a few of the community animals under their care.

Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamarts joint effort to provide shelters for community dogs

This third leg of the initiative aimed to provide essential warmth and comfort to community dogs and cats, helping them brave the winter season. With pollution levels adding to the health challenges faced by street animals, these strategically placed shelters became critical lifelines, ensuring their safety and well-being. uStrategically placed in high-need areas, the shelters provide a vital refuge-shielding them from extreme weather and offering a rare moment of comfort amid their struggles. To extend the impact, Mars Petcare partnered with Friendicoes SECA to maintain these mobile shelters, ensuring they remain equipped with essential food and water for dogs and cats on the streets. This collaboration strengthens the initiative’s sustainability, providing consistent care and support throughout the winter season.

Reflecting on the initiative’s success, Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India expresses that, “At Mars Petcare, we believe in not just caring for pets but also standing by the community animals who bring so much love and companionship into our world. Phase III of Paw Protecc’s winter shelter initiative is just one of many steps that we as industry leaders are taking to ensure that street animal is left out in the cold. Every life matters, and through this initiative, we hope to extend kindness and protection to those who have no one else looking out for them. Mars Petcare will remain unwavering in its mission to create a world where animals are loved, protected, and cared for and we’re glad to partner with Swiggy Instamart to champion this. As more people come together for this cause, Mars Petcare continues to lead the way, proving that a little warmth-both in shelters and in hearts-can truly make a difference.”

The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ helps cities be pet-friendly so more people can enjoy the benefits of a life with pets. It was created by Mars Petcare and includes a playbook for cities, an assessment tool, a city certification program, and free online resources. Paw Protecc continues Mars significant legacy of supporting nearly 10 million vulnerable pets globally over the past three years. Launched in August last year, the Paw Protecc campaign received widespread appreciation for its efforts in enhancing the well-being of community animals. As part of the initiative, more than 200 shelters were delivered across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, ensuring safer spaces for pets and reinforcing the vision of a more pet-friendly world. Since its launch, 500 mobile shelters have been deployed by Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart as part of this campaign.

A Unique Initiative for Community Animals

What sets the Paw Protecc Initiative apart is its focus on providing mobile shelters that are strategically placed at common feeding points across the city. These shelters offer reliable protection for homeless pets, shielding them from extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Each mobile shelter is shared by multiple community dogs, ensuring that many animals benefit from a single placement.

Numerous kittens, puppies, and adult community animals have embraced these shelters, finding in them a place they can call their own. The initiative has garnered widespread support from animal lovers and caregivers who actively maintain these shelters and care for the pets in their vicinity. This compassionate network of pet lovers plays a crucial role in sustaining the initiative, ensuring that community animals continue to receive food, water, and protection.

About Mars Petcare

Part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love, the 85,000 Associates across 50+ countries in Mars Petcare are dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. With 85 years of experience, our portfolio of almost 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the worlds pets – including brands PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, ROYALCANIN, NUTRO™, GREENIES™, SHEBA, CESAR, IAMS™ and EUKANUBA™ as well as the Waltham Petcare Science Institute which has advanced research in the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is also a leading veterinary health provider through an international network of over 2,000 pet hospitals and diagnostic services including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™, Linnaeus, AniCura and Antech. Were also active in innovation and technology for pets, with WISDOM PANEL™ genetic health screening and DNA testing for dogs and cats, the WHISTLE™ GPS dog tracker, and LEAP VENTURE STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND programs that drive innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. Were also dedicated to providing a safe and fun place for dogs to stay and socialize at over 200 Camp Bow Wow doggy day care and boarding facilities. As a family business and guided by our principles, we are privileged with the flexibility to fight for what we believe in – and we choose to fight for: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.