Nalanda 2.0 has an exceptional team Board of Directors, and Global Advisory Council consisting of leaders from the academia, industry and civil society. The team collectively has leadership, academic, administrative, and educational experiences from several world-class multidisciplinary research universities such as Stanford, Harvard, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego, and India's premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Team also includes a growing group of volunteers and supporters.
Transforming India’s Higher Education for a Better Future—for India and the World
Nalanda 2.0 is a non-partisan think tank dedicated to improving access to excellent higher education for all. Our first goal is bold and urgent—make India’s higher education system world-class.
India has 733 million youth under the age of 24 — that’s:
More than the entire population of Europe (excluding Russia)
Over 2x the population of the U.S.
21% of the world’s youth
But to truly unleash this demographic dividend, India’s youth need access to world-class higher education. Over the next two decades, hundreds of millions will step into universities and colleges. How well we prepare them will determine not only India’s future, but also global progress.
Transforming higher education in India is no longer just a national priority — it’s a global imperative. By investing in innovative, inclusive, and future-ready education, we can fuel growth, power innovation, and shape a brighter future for all.
Why Higher Education Matters?
Higher Education is the Bedrock of Progress
Higher education is more than college degrees. It is the foundation of individual growth, societal advancement, and national strength. A world-class higher education system:
Prepares youth for fulfilling careers and lifelong learning
Upskills professionals across industries
Drives innovation and entrepreneurship
Solves societal and industrial challenges
Fuels a dynamic, resilient economy
How is India's Higher Education System Doing?
The Harsh Reality
India's higher education is severely underperforming, failing to meet the needs of its students, parents, industry, and society at large:
0 Indian universities in the world’s top 500 compared to US: 127, China: 83 (ARWU 2025)
75–90% of graduates considered unemployable by industry (NASSCOM 2009)
33% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), compared to UK: 80%, US: 79%, China: 75%, Global average: 40–50% (World Bank 2022-2023)
What has Nalanda 2.0 Accomplished So Far?
Since its inception in 2016, Nalanda 2.0 has led several high-impact initiatives:
Advocated for transformative educational reforms with key policymakers in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), NITI Aayog, and the National Education Policy (NEP) committee. Many incorporated into NEP that was approved in 2020.
Delivered numerous presentations at universities, corporations, and conferences, reaching over 1,500 students, faculty members, and influencers.
Launched an initiative to establish a multidisciplinary research university in India, on par with great universities like Stanford, MIT, and Nalanda of ancient India.
The Time to Reform India’s Education System is Now
Lagging far behind developed nations in university rankings, India must transform its ailing higher education system.
Lessons from Nalanda University of Ancient Times and Stanford University of Modern Era for a New India
The lessons from Nalanda of ancient India and Stanford of modern era offer a compelling roadmap to create a better future for India’s youth, society, and its economy.
What can States in India Learn from California, a Trailblazer in the Knowledge Economy
One idea can change the trajectory of a state's economy and its people—create a world-class higher education system.
India's National Education Policy (NEP) was Approved in 2020
India’s National Education Policy approved by the Governmemt of India in 2020 (NEP2020) is a significant step in the right direction. When implemented thoughtfully and with a sense of urgency it can make India more vibrant and the lives of its people much better. We are also pleased to note that many of the transformative educational reforms that Nalanda 2.0 advocated are in the NEP 2020.
CALL TO ACTION: For all those who care about a significantly more vibrant India
Learn more about the importance and urgency of reforming India's higher education system: Read:
Building Golden India: How to unleash India's vast potential and transform its higher education system. Now. (published October 2015), the book that is the foundation for Nalanda 2.0
Engage with and support Nalanda 2.0:
Take action(s) on the ground:
Incorporate one or more ideas outlined in Building Golden India to improve an existing university in India
Build a new world-class multidisciplinary research university in India.