Bennett University’s Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh Named ‘Outstanding Vice Chancellor of India’ at India Education Summit 2026

Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh, the Vice Chancellor of Bennett University, has been awarded the highly respected ‘Outstanding Vice Chancellor of India’ at the India Education Summit 2026 in New Delhi. This award reflects his many years of dedication and outstanding work in improving higher education in India. It highlights his innovative thinking, effective leadership and constant dedication in developing modern universities that equip students to face real-world challenges. 

At the Summit, Dr. Singh talked about the important role of universities and colleges in providing Outcome-Based Education. This type of education helps students learn practical skills, think clearly and solve problems that will be useful in their future careers. He highlighted that learning should go beyond textbooks and lectures giving the students  knowledge and abilities they need to succeed in a world that is always changing.

The India Education Summit organized by the India Education Network, is an annual event to honor educational leaders who have made impressive contributions. Dr. Singh received this award for his innovative work over a career spanning more than forty years. During this time, he has helped improve how universities are managed, developed teachers’ skills, promoted research and strengthened connections between universities and industries. His efforts closely follow the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which aims to modernize education in India and encourage skill based learning.

Dr. Singh is widely known for his forward thinking approach to education. He strongly supports skill based learning and believes students should be ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Speaking at the Summit, he addressed some long standing problems in India’s higher education system. He said that making classroom attendance compulsory is often unhelpful. “Making attendance compulsory is, in my view, wrong,” he said. “We are forcing students to sit in front of us and listen to things they may not be interested in. Learning should be about curiosity, exploration and practical experience, not just following rules.”

Dr. Singh also pointed out that many graduates are seen as unprepared for jobs because traditional education focuses mostly on classroom teaching which accounts for only about 20% of actual learning. “Research shows that about 80% of learning happens outside the classroom, but we only assess the 20% that happens inside. That is why industries often find graduates less ready for real world jobs, he explained. He emphasized that this gap between what students learn and what employers need must be fixed to make education more useful and effective.

To reduce this gap Dr. Singh suggested cutting traditional lecture time to 40% of total teaching hours. The rest of the time should be used for hands on, practical learning such as projects, internships, research and real life problem solving. He explained that this method helps students apply what they learn, improves their critical thinking and prepares them for today’s competitive and fast changing job market.

Under Dr. Singh’s leadership Bennett University is steadily moving toward a future ready education system. The university is focused on giving students the skills they need to meet the demands of a world shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and new technologies. By combining classroom learning with real world experiences, research and industry collaboration. Bennett University is creating a learning environment that encourages creativity innovation and practical knowledge.

Dr. Singh’s vision is more than just academics. He wants education to be practical, helpful, and linked to what society and industries need. By combining good leadership at the university with hands-on learning and skill training, he helps students become confident, ready for jobs, and able to contribute to India’s growth and the world. His work has not only improved Bennett University but has also inspired other colleges and universities to change the way they teach and use more modern methods.

This honor as ‘Outstanding Vice Chancellor of India’ is well deserved for Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh. It shows his lifelong dedication to improving higher education, helping students get ready for the future and creating a system that balances knowledge with practical skills. Under his leadership Bennett University continues to be a role model for innovative, student-focused education, closing the gap between traditional classroom learning and the demands of today’s world.