Strengthening India’s Global Presence: Upasana Mahanta’s Role in Higher Education Policy

Historic Milestone: Upasana Mahanta Becomes First Indian on Cambridge International Council

In a landmark achievement for Indian academia, Professor Upasana Mahanta, a distinguished academician from Guwahati, has made history as the first Indian to be appointed to the Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council (SHEAC), formed by Cambridge International. This prestigious global body consists of senior leaders in admissions and enrolment from some of the world’s most esteemed universities and plays a vital role in shaping strategies and policies in higher education.

According to an official statement issued on 15 May, Professor Mahanta’s induction into SHEAC is a recognition of her significant contributions to academia and her deep expertise in education policy and institutional development. Her appointment is expected to strengthen India's role in international discussions on higher education and foster collaborations for developing future academic frameworks.

The SHEAC includes members from some of the most renowned institutions in the world, such as the University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Monash University. This council plays a pivotal role in ensuring the global recognition of Cambridge qualifications, aligning them with the evolving needs of international education. Professor Mahanta’s participation in this prestigious forum signifies India’s growing presence in shaping global academic policies.

Hailing from Sivasagar, Assam, Professor Mahanta currently serves as the Dean at O.P. Jindal Global University. She is an alumna of Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and the University of British Columbia, Canada, reflecting a strong academic foundation across distinguished institutions. Her previous experience includes a faculty position at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and her research focuses on law, gender, and social justice. Her appointment marks a proud moment for Indian higher education and highlights the growing recognition of Indian scholars in global academic leadership.

Editor’s Note

Professor Upasana Mahanta’s appointment to the Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council (SHEAC) by Cambridge International is not only a personal milestone but a significant breakthrough for Indian academia. As the first Indian to join this global forum of education leaders, her inclusion reflects India's increasing influence in international academic conversations. This development comes at a crucial time when global higher education is evolving rapidly. Professor Mahanta’s expertise in law, gender, and social justice brings a valuable perspective to international policy discussions, helping to shape inclusive and progressive academic frameworks that balance global standards with regional realities. Indian universities stand to benefit immensely from adopting global best practices in admission strategies, improving accessibility and efficiency. Additionally, exposure to international academic frameworks could drive curriculum and institutional development, fostering a more robust and competitive education system. Furthermore, expanding global collaborations may lead to increased research partnerships and funding opportunities, strengthening India's standing in the international academic community.

Skoobuzz underscores that this appointment reinforces India's growing influence in global academia, paving the way for future higher education advancements.