Education 5.0: Dr. Neha Berlia highlights need for industry-aligned pedagogy

Dr. Neha Berlia,  Co-Promoter and Member of the Senior Management Board Apeejay Stya and Svrán Group and Pro-Chancellor Apeejay Stya University recently moderated the Plenary Session on Globally and Industry-Aligned Pedagogy: Bridging the Industry Readiness Gap at the 15th Global Higher Education Summit organised by CII themed Education 5.0: Shaping the Future of Work in the Age of Disruption

Addressing the session, she noted the growing shift in expectations from higher education, where students and parents increasingly seek clear career outcomes in addition to academic excellence. She further emphasised, “While knowledge remains important, employability and workplace readiness have become central concerns for today’s learners.”

Drawing on global examples from institutions such as Stanford University, Harvard University, and the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, she highlighted how outcome-based curricula, strong industry engagement, and real-world learning environments help bridge the gap between education and employment.

She also spoke about the increasing challenges posed by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change, citing data that suggests nearly 40 to 50 percent of students remain unemployable due to limited exposure to applied and industry-oriented learning.

Talking about the need for a fundamental rethink of curriculum design, she stressed on the importance of experiential learning, internships, live projects, industry mentorship, and global exposure to be embedded into academic programs. Dr Neha Berlia also emphasised, “The role of faculty is key and continuous upskilling and industry exposure are essential to prepare students for the future of work. Moreover, faculty development and their capacity building is critical.”

In essence, the session underscored the urgent need for higher education to evolve in step with a rapidly transforming world. Dr. Neha Berlia’s insights reinforced that only through stronger academia–industry collaboration, experiential learning, and continuous faculty development can institutions truly prepare students for future workplaces. Her remarks highlighted a collective responsibility to create education systems that not only impart knowledge but also build capabilities, confidence, and global readiness.