Shoolini University has consistently made waves in higher education for its stellar research, placement record, cutting-edge programs and student-centric innovation. In an exclusive interview, Trustee and Vice President Avnee Khosla shares the vision behind these achievements, leading to record admissions, the university’s evolving strategy, and the stories that drive its future.
Shoolini has been hitting headlines for its strong placement record. From your perspective, what has been the biggest factor driving this success?
In India, when parents choose a university for their children, Return on Investment (ROI) is often a deciding factor. Right from the beginning, our focus at Shoolini was clear: We wanted our students to be employable, research-oriented, and innovation-driven. As entrepreneurship gained momentum, we expanded our aim to nurture job creators too.
This philosophy translates into how we teach and how students learn. We have initiatives like the Stansford-inspired SPRINT, our patented accelerated skills development programme, and ATP for MBA students. We also conduct masterclasses, CV-building workshops, and rigorous mock interviews. Our curriculum constantly aligns with industry needs. This year, we took it further by organising orientation sessions for both students and parents, and by involving faculty at all levels, from assistant professors to deans, in placement preparation. We expanded our placement team, looking beyond Delhi NCR to tech and finance hubs like Mumbai and southern India. The result? 100 per cent placements in over 15 programs, a milestone we’re proud of.
Partnerships with top companies have shaped career opportunities at Shoolini. Could you share a few impactful collaborations?
We’ve always understood the importance of industry partnerships for creating long-term and relevant job opportunities. One example is our collaboration with Algo8, a leading AI technology company. Their founders personally invested in building the AI journey at Shoolini. Another is Biocon Academy, renowned globally for biotechnology education. Their head, Mrs Parmar, sits on our Board of Studies, guiding our biotech, microbiology, and food technology programs. For law, we have Rajiv Johan, a senior advocate from Delhi NCR, on our board. In management, we’re supported by professionals from KPMG, former consultants from Bain and McKinsey, and seasoned bankers. These collaborations ensure that our students are industry-ready and that curricula remain current and impactful.
Placements are major milestones for students. What kind of training or mentorship does Shoolini offer to prepare them confidently?
Aside from SPRINT, we provide executive coaching to selected students. Payal Jindal Khanna, an ICF-credentialed coach and full-time faculty member, has enabled access to over 20,000+ hours of pro bono coaching. Coaching transforms a student’s mindset, instilling the belief that they can secure a ₹30 lakh job, not just ₹10 lakh.
We also have Prof Tejas Subramaniam, a CV writing expert and life coach, who helps students craft compelling CVs that highlight their journeys and internships. Alongside him, professors like BK Kaul, Poonam Nanda, Neeraj Gandotra, and Ashoo Khosla dedicate significant time to preparing students. With the right training at the right time, our students walk into interviews confident and self-assured. That’s the real key to success.
Would you like to say anything about the Campus Ambassador Program?
The Campus Ambassador Program is very close to my heart. I started it during COVID, managing everything personally without automated tools.
We realised quickly that students preferred talking to peers rather than counsellors or academicians. It started with 30 ambassadors and scaled to 300 ambassadors last year through our collaboration with Univisor. What’s beautiful is that these ambassadors are not salespeople; they are passionate students who genuinely want others to benefit from their experiences. They answer questions, offer honest feedback, and help students from across the globe explore Shoolini — my heartfelt thanks to them for going above and beyond their coursework to build community and trust.
Any new programs or specialisations trending this admissions season?
Interestingly, while AI continues to be a buzzword, we’re seeing a renewed interest in pure sciences, programs like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics are drawing strong applications at the undergraduate level. Courses like Business Analytics for both BBA and MBA are gaining attention from even non-mathematical backgrounds. Yoga Therapy is also rising, reflecting the shift toward wellness careers.
One exciting area is Bioinformatics, a fusion of biology, mathematics, statistics, and AI. These hybrid disciplines are the future, and at Shoolini, we’re committed to offering programs that meet both student aspirations and industry gaps.
What is the current admissions scenario? When is the last date of admission?
The UGC sets the admission deadlines every year. While deadlines stretched until November during COVID, they’ve been shrinking post-COVID. Historically, we never closed before August, but this year is exceptional. We are already oversubscribed on both academic seats and hostel accommodation. We’ve even had to rent additional buildings to accommodate students. Our admissions have witnessed over 50 per cent growth from last year. If you couldn’t secure a seat this time, don’t worry. Admissions for next year open on 4th December, and we encourage early applications.
Kashish Kotian
