Hall full of dreams: Students step into future of higher edu, careers

Kolkata: In a buzzing hall alive with the hum of ambition and the sparkle of possibility, over 300 students from classes XI and XII and their parents stepped into a world of higher education dreams on April 12. Times NIE's "School to College: Launchpad 2026", transformed The Park into a springboard for tomorrow's leaders, bridging the exhilarating gap from board exams to boundless careers.Hosted by RJ Vineet from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, the day-long extravaganza organised by Times NIE, in association with Innovation-EduConnect, drew eager attendees from leading schools. "It was exciting to anchor the Times NIE School to College Launchpad 2026. I had the opportunity to engage with diverse audiences, maintain energy throughout, and ensure smooth transitions between segments," said Vineet, who steered the event with infectious energy. With 20 institutes joining enthusiastic students and supportive parents, the vibe stayed vibrant and dynamic as he engaged the audience, sustained high energy and smoothed transitions between segments.What started as a quest for clarity amid post-board uncertainties evolved into a fun-filled fiesta of discovery. Students and parents dove into interactive sessions with admission cells from top Indian universities and colleges, uncovering different courses packed with scholarship details tailored for this year's graduates.The energy was electric as quizzes sparked cheers and prizes flowed freely, while goodie bags, certificates and tasty food packets added to the festive vibe. "The career fair organised by Times of India was a resounding success and an inspiring event that showcased vast opportunities for students," said Pankaj Gupta, secretary of Divya Arya Vidya Public School. "We are delighted to see over 300 students from leading schools, who appeared for boards this year, actively participating in School to College Launchpad 2026," beamed Santanu Ray, director of Innovation-EduConnect. "Response from both students and parents has been encouraging, reflecting a growing need for the right guidance at this crucial stage of academic transition. It is equally gratifying to witness reputed universities and colleges engaging with students, facilitating applications, and sharing positive feedback. Their keen interest in participating in our upcoming events further reinforces the impact and relevance of this platform." Ray announced upcoming events with continued enthusiasm. "We look forward to continuing this with School to College – Part 1 on Oct 30 and 31, College to B-School on December 12, and School to College – Part 2 in April 2027—creating even larger opportunities for students to connect with premier institutions."