Higher education in India is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and at the heart of this change are leaders who are redefining what learning means for the future. The Power 25: Inspiring Leaders in Higher Education India 2025 celebrates visionary educators, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping institutions, empowering students, and driving impactful reforms. These leaders are not only steering academic excellence but also building pathways that align education with real-world aspirations and the nation’s evolving global role.
Sushil Sukhwani (Founder | Director, Edwise International): Sushil Sukhwani has been a pioneer in overseas education since 1991. With over three decades of expertise, he has guided thousands of students to pursue global opportunities across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Under his leadership, Edwise has grown into one of India’s most trusted names in international education consulting. His vision continues to shape the future of aspirants seeking world-class education abroad.
Anuraj Sandhu (CEO, Canam Consultants): Anuraj Sandhu is a pioneer in international education and immigration guidance. Among the first licensed Canadian immigration consultants worldwide, he blends expertise with vision to drive opportunities for students abroad. A certified CICC member, he leads with strategic business development and impactful marketing. His counsel has shaped countless global careers, cementing his place among India’s most promising career leaders.
Vineet Gupta (Founder, Jamboree Education): Vineet Gupta has been a driving force in shaping India’s study abroad ecosystem for over three decades. Under his leadership, Jamboree has grown into a trusted brand with 31 centres across India and Nepal, guiding over 200,000 students toward global education. Renowned for GMAT, GRE, and SAT prep, his expertise is frequently sought by national media. A true visionary, Gupta continues to redefine opportunities for Indian students aspiring to study abroad.
Karan Gupta (Education and Career Consultant, Karan Gupta Consulting): Karan Gupta, Harvard and IE Business School alumnus, has been shaping student futures for over two decades through Karan Gupta Consulting. Recognised globally for his expertise in admissions to Ivy League and top universities, he also leads IE University’s South Asia strategy. His foundation champions access to education for underrepresented communities. A TEDx speaker and award-winning consultant, Gupta is redefining global education pathways.
Alisha Mashruwala (Director & CEO, Oncourse Global): Alisha Mashruwala is redefining study abroad guidance with a sharp focus on personalised career roadmaps. Under her leadership, OnCourse has become a trusted name for high school, undergraduate, master’s, and MBA aspirants. With test prep expertise in SAT, ACT, and GMAT, the firm blends strategy with mentorship. Headquartered in Mumbai, with a pan-India presence, she continues to empower students to achieve global dreams.
Ankita Thakker (Founder & Director, Education Street Counselling): Ankita Thakker has been guiding students toward global education opportunities since 2010. With over 13 years of experience, her team offers end-to-end support—from university selection and admissions to visa guidance and test preparation. Covering top study destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, Education Street ensures students make informed decisions for a successful academic journey. Ankita’s commitment to professional, personalised counselling has made her a trusted name in India’s overseas education landscape.
Manish Khanna (MD and CEO, UEI Global Education): Manish Khanna is driving the mission of Education to Employment, shaping future-ready professionals with industry-integrated learning. Under his leadership, UEI Global has emerged as a leading institution in Hotel and Business Management education, blending global standards with practical exposure. With a strong focus on employability, progressive curriculum, and world-class faculty, he ensures students gain both personal and professional excellence. His vision continues to redefine higher education with credibility and impact.
Nalini Agrawal (Co-founder & Director, KC Overseas): Nalini Agrawal, Co-founder & Director of KC Overseas, has been a driving force in simplifying study abroad opportunities for Indian students. With over two decades of experience, she has guided thousands toward top global universities while championing ethical and standards-based recruitment. Under her leadership, KC Overseas partners with 700+ universities across 29 countries and powers innovation through its tech platform, Coursefinder.ai. Her vision continues to shape students into global citizens and strengthen international education networks.
Ritesh Savla (Director, GeeBee Education): Ritesh Savla, Director of GeeBee Education, brings over 23 years of experience in global education. An alumnus of the UK, he has been pivotal in building strong partnerships with leading international universities. As the primary liaison for institutions, he ensures seamless collaboration and growth opportunities. His extensive global exposure has shaped GeeBee’s role as a trusted bridge for higher education aspirants in India.
Aradhana Khaitan Mahna (Founder, Manya Group): Aradhana Khaitan Mahna, Founder of Manya Group, has redefined higher education counseling in India with her values-driven leadership. Under her guidance, Manya became a trusted partner for thousands of students aspiring to study abroad, in collaboration with The Princeton Review. A believer in “Saraswati before Laxmi,” she built an organization rooted in integrity and excellence. Beyond entrepreneurship, she champions philanthropy, grassroots innovation, and impactful global leadership.
Sidharth Gupta (Owner, Founder & CEO, Global Opportunities): Sidharth Gupta, Founder & CEO of Global Opportunities, turned his vision into reality in 2001 by building one of India’s leading overseas education consultancies. With dual master’s degrees from the UK and over two decades of experience, he combines personal insight as a former international student with professional expertise. Guided by his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, he chose education over the family steel business. Today, he continues to personally engage in student journeys, ensuring quality and trust remain at the core.
Pravesh Dudani (Founder, Medhavi Foundation Career Services): Pravesh Dudani, Founder of Medhavi Foundation Career Services and an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, has been a trailblazer in reshaping India’s education and career services ecosystem. From co-founding iDreamCareer.com to building ventures in assessments, employability, and vocational training, his work has impacted thousands of students. Recognized by CNBC-TV18 as a “Masterpreneur,” he continues to champion youth leadership and innovative education models. Passionate about e-learning and institutional growth, Dudani remains a driving force in shaping future-ready careers.
Syed Shabir Zakiullah (Co-Founder & CTO, Edvoy): Syed Shabir Zakiullah, Co-founder & CTO of Edvoy, is redefining global student mobility through technology-driven solutions. With over two decades of experience, he has pioneered AI, NLP, and scalable platforms that simplify international education. From leading core banking transformations to building modern ERP and engagement systems, his journey reflects both innovation and execution. At Edvoy, he continues to blend strategy, product thinking, and leadership to create lasting impact in higher education.
Abhishek Yadav (Managing Director, Achievers Point Counselling): Abhishek Yadav, Managing Director of Achievers Point Counselling, has been instrumental in shaping the global aspirations of thousands of students. Under his leadership, Achievers Point has emerged as one of India’s largest overseas education consultancies, guiding learners to 670+ universities worldwide. With expertise in study visas, test prep, and admissions, he champions integrity-driven counselling. His vision continues to turn academic dreams into international success stories.
Arnav Kumar (Founder, Leap Scholar): Arnav Kumar is redefining the study-abroad ecosystem with innovative financial and community-driven solutions for aspiring global students. A second-time entrepreneur and former venture capitalist, he brings deep expertise in scaling businesses and building impactful products. Backed by Sequoia India, his venture is empowering thousands of students to pursue international education. With a proven track record from Gozoomo to Leap, Arnav continues to inspire as a visionary leader in higher education.
Ashish Fernando (Founder & CEO, iSchoolConnect): Ashish Fernando is redefining global education by breaking barriers of cost and access. Driven by his belief that ambition knows no borders, he has built a platform that simplifies and democratizes university admissions for students worldwide. His vision bridges the gap between academic learning and workplace skills. Ashish continues to inspire by making higher education more inclusive, innovative, and future-ready.
Mahasweta Banerjee (Founder Director, Bluesky Educational Services): Mahasweta Banerjee has spent over 16 years transforming the education landscape with vision and strategy. Under her leadership, Bluesky has become a hub of innovative learning solutions and impactful marketing strategies. She is driven by a mission to empower students and institutions alike, fostering growth through creativity and collaboration. Banerjee stands as a trailblazer, redefining how education is delivered and experienced in India.
Ankur Agarwal ( Director- South Asia & Africa, AECC Global): Ankur Agarwal has been a driving force in shaping international education opportunities for Indian students since 2014. With a strong foundation in business and global management, he bridges education and technology to create impactful student pathways. His leadership reflects a commitment to expanding access to quality education worldwide. Agarwal stands out as a visionary connecting India with global learning ecosystems.
Rohan Pasari (Co-founder & CEO, Cialfo India): Rohan Pasari is redefining higher education with AI-driven solutions that simplify college applications and career guidance. Under his leadership, Cialfo has become a trusted platform for students, parents, and universities worldwide. With a vision to make education accessible to 100 million students, the company is backed by global investors like Tiger Global and Square Peg. Pasari’s journey reflects innovation, impact, and a relentless drive to democratize opportunities in education.
Sumeet Jain (Co-Founder, Yocket): Sumeet Jain has been a driving force in reshaping India’s study abroad landscape. With a vision to empower students through informed decision-making, he built Yocket and Stupidsid, both trusted platforms for education guidance. His leadership has not only connected global universities with Indian talent but also led to Yocket’s landmark acquisition by Leap Group. Jain continues to inspire innovation in higher education and international student mobility.
Abhishek Malani (Founder, Quest for Success): Abhishek Malani has redefined educational excellence with a data-driven approach that delivers results—80% of his students secure places at top global universities. By fostering small, focused classrooms and bringing together elite educators, he ensures personalized guidance. His leadership has built a culture of ambition where students craft standout applications. Malani’s vision continues to shape future-ready achievers in higher education.
Akshay Chaturvedi (Founder & CEO, Leverage Edu): Akshay Chaturvedi has redefined global education access by building one of the largest higher education mobility platforms, connecting students across India, the Middle East, and Africa to opportunities worldwide. Under his leadership, Leverage has grown into a 900-member team across 13 countries, empowering new immigrants with education, careers, and financial services. A Forbes 30Under30 honoree and recipient of multiple entrepreneurial awards, Chaturvedi champions equality of opportunity and internationalisation as his life mission. His journey reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals dream bigger and achieve without borders.
As we spotlight these trailblazers, it becomes clear that their influence goes far beyond classrooms and campuses. They are cultivating a culture of curiosity, resilience, and innovation that will define the next generation of learners and leaders. The Power 25 is more than a recognition—it is a testament to the dedication, foresight, and passion of those who are ensuring that India’s higher education system not only keeps pace with the world but sets new benchmarks for it.
-by Bhumika Rawat
Disclaimer
The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guarantee future performance. Feedback is welcome for improvement.
