New Delhi, October 6, 2025: Ashoka University has been conferred the prestigious ‘University of the Year (Emerging)’ award at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025 – one of India’s foremost platforms celebrating excellence in academia and innovation. The award ceremony, held today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, saw Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, present the honor to Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University. The event brought together eminent policymakers, education leaders, and global experts from across the higher education landscape.
The recognition underscores Ashoka University’s excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, its pioneering interdisciplinary pedagogy, and its sustained contributions to research, innovation, and societal impact. Over the past decade, Ashoka has established itself as one of India’s most forward-thinking universities, committed to nurturing critical thinking, inclusivity, and leadership among its students.
After receiving the award, Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, said, “This recognition from FICCI is a reflection of the collective vision, dedication, and pursuit of excellence that define Ashoka University. Over the years, our faculty, students, and staff have worked together to build an institution that not only shapes minds but also contributes meaningfully to society. I am deeply honoured to accept this award on behalf of the entire Ashoka community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing holistic, interdisciplinary education that empowers students to think critically, act ethically, and drive India’s progress.”
Prof. Somak Raychaudhury also delivered a special address at the event, highlighting the emerging role of interdisciplinary learning and research in higher education. He emphasised that institutions must prioritise the quality and impact of research over mere quantity, fostering environments where critical inquiry, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines can thrive. Prof. Raychaudhury further reiterated that universities should equip students not only with academic knowledge but with the ability to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
Organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the annual Higher Education Summit is India’s leading platform for dialogue on the future of education. The 2025 edition focuses on “Higher Education in a Transforming World: Bridging Borders, Building Futures”, bringing together key policymakers, industry stakeholders, and leaders from emerging Indian and global higher education institutions.
The “University of the Year – Emerging” award category celebrates universities that have built enduring ecosystems and showcased unyielding dedication to excellence throughout every facet of university administration. Demonstrating a holistic approach, these universities have embraced a comprehensive range of endeavors, from enriching faculty development and pioneering curriculum design to fostering global engagement, conducting impactful research, spearheading student employability initiatives, forging robust industry partnerships, and pioneering social responsibility initiatives. Their consistent and outstanding performance has led to remarkable outcomes, leaving a strong mark on the landscape of Indian higher education.
This year, Ashoka University has also received strong recognition in leading global and national rankings, reflecting its growing impact in Indian higher education. It was ranked No. 1 among New Age Private Universities and for Arts, Science, Research, and Humanities by IIRF 2025, marked its debut in the QS World University Rankings 2025 (1201+), and was placed in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 (801–1000 globally; 201–300 for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) — reaffirming its excellence in academics, research, and social responsibility.