In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Aman Mittal, Vice President of Lovely Professional University, shares his journey, insights, and transformative vision for the future of Indian higher education. From personalised learning and digital transformation to global competitiveness and entrepreneurial ecosystems, Dr. Mittal’s perspective reveals what it takes to build institutions that are not only future-ready but truly world-class.
Q: You often refer to transformation as “going beyond your form.” How has this philosophy influenced your approach to leadership—both personally and professionally?
For me, transformation is more than just acquiring new skills—it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, building meaningful networks, and pushing yourself to explore completely new territories. This philosophy has deeply shaped my leadership approach. I encourage my team to adopt the same mindset by not dwelling on problems but instead focusing on finding solutions, thinking creatively, and staying connected with others. It’s about evolving continuously, both personally and professionally.
Q: Having worked extensively in the Indian education sector, what do you believe are the three biggest challenges that Indian higher education institutions face today?
Across the global education sector, not just in India, one major issue is the outdated, “one size fits all” approach to teacher-led education. There’s a clear need for more personalised, student-centric programmes that align with industry demands and real-world needs. Another challenge is the limited adoption of technology. For example, when we sought to implement an ERP system at LPU, we couldn’t find a suitable provider in India, so we had to develop it ourselves. Lastly, there’s a dearth of quality faculty who view teaching not just as a job, but as a responsibility to help build students’ careers and guide them towards growth. These are critical areas for improvement.
Q: What are your thoughts on how India can bridge the gap between academic learning and employability?
Bridging this gap requires academicians to have real-world industry experience. At LPU, our faculty engage in consultancy projects with industries, gaining valuable insights that directly enrich their teaching. This hands-on involvement allows them to bring industry-relevant knowledge and innovative approaches to the classroom, greatly benefiting students through deeper understanding and better career opportunities.
Q: Your exposure to global education during your MBA in the UK must have shaped your perspective. What key differences do you observe between Indian and global higher education systems?
Both systems are equally strong, but during my time at the University of Southampton, I noticed some key differences. While the content is similar, the UK focuses more on the practical application of theoretical knowledge. In India, there’s greater emphasis on theory. Since Indian students typically come from traditional schooling systems, adopting a practical approach in higher education is challenging. The shift must begin at the school level and extend to universities. At LPU, we’ve worked hard to address this gap through a more practice-oriented curriculum.
Q: How can Indian institutions attract and retain international students beyond infrastructure and affordability?
Beyond affordability, institutions must focus on quality education and employability opportunities. It’s still challenging for foreign students to find employment in India due to policy limitations and corporate reluctance. While LPU provides world-class infrastructure, the surrounding city’s infrastructure often doesn’t match, which affects student experience. Improving urban infrastructure is key to making India a more attractive destination for international students.
Q: You’ve been a strong advocate of tech integration in education. Beyond going paperless, what do you envision as the next big tech leap for universities?
The next big leap is using AI to personalise education for each student. Currently, technology is being used to make processes paperless. But soon, we’ll use AI to create customised learning paths based on student behaviour—exam data, classroom interactions, learning patterns, and LMS activity. This will allow universities to deliver tailored education, enhancing student outcomes significantly.
Q: What advice would you give to traditional institutions struggling to adopt digital transformation effectively?
The most important thing is recognising that investing in technology is unavoidable—it can be delayed but not ignored. The pandemic proved that education can thrive digitally. Generation Z is tech-savvy, and teaching them through outdated methods won’t work. Institutions must evolve with the times or risk becoming irrelevant.
Q: With your experience in programme design and industry alignment, how do you see the future of curriculum development evolving in collaboration with industry experts?
Curriculum development is shifting from periodic reviews to continuous collaboration. At LPU, industry experts not only help design but also co-deliver the curriculum. This evolution means students learn directly from professionals with current industry insights, making the programme truly industry-led.
Q: How can educational institutions play a bigger role in nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems?
India’s startup ecosystem is thriving. Many students now aspire to be entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. At LPU, we support this through an Incubation Centre, Furbishing Lab, Innovation Studio, and entrepreneurship-focused courses. I’m confident that the next generation of successful entrepreneurs will emerge from such environments.
Q: You’ve led major branding and PR initiatives. What do you believe makes an educational brand truly stand out in today’s information-heavy world?
Branding today is about consistency and authenticity. It’s vital to stay true to your message while evolving communication strategies. At LPU, we consistently highlight student success stories—placements, start-ups, study abroad. In the digital age, a focused, value-driven message combined with a digital-first strategy makes all the difference.
Q: In a world where perception is often shaped online, how can institutions maintain authenticity while still driving digital engagement?
Authenticity comes from storytelling. Institutions must share real stories—student journeys, aspirations, achievements—across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. This approach fosters trust and meaningful engagement.
Q: What motivated your shift from engineering to business management and eventually into academic leadership?
Coming from a Marwadi background, business always intrigued me—even during my first year of engineering. Transitioning to business management was a natural step. Academic leadership appealed to my deeper desire to build something world-class. It’s an opportunity to impact society and nurture future leaders.
Q: As someone managing multiple domains—IT, marketing, international affairs—how do you stay agile and avoid burnout?
Effective time allocation is key. Each domain requires different focus levels. I plan Mondays carefully to structure the week. Having the right team in place and giving them clear direction also helps. When you plan well, burnout is avoidable. Without planning, it’s inevitable.
Q: What kind of leadership qualities do you think future education leaders must cultivate to be relevant in the next decade?
Future leaders must embrace technology, especially AI. It’s no longer enough to rely on past experiences. Staying current with digital trends and integrating them into education will define leadership success.
Q: If you were to design a future-ready university from scratch, what three core pillars would you build it on?
First, focus on employability and skill development. Second, align the curriculum closely with industry demands. Third, foster lifelong learning—today’s graduates may work for another 60 years, and surviving with one skill isn’t enough. These pillars will shape the future of higher education.
Dr Aman Mittal’s insights underscore the critical need for transformation in Indian higher education. His leadership at LPU exemplifies how innovation, industry collaboration, and a student-first approach can build institutions that not only serve the present but also shape the future. As the educational landscape evolves, it is clear that visionaries like Dr. Mittal are leading the way toward a more agile, inclusive, and impactful academic ecosystem.
