Minister Imna Along along, Prof Darlong Khathing, along with other officials and awardees during the felicitation programme for NBSE HSSLC Top Achievers-2026 at Town Hall, Dimapur on June 20.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 20
Vice-Chancellor of North East Christian University (NECU), Prof Darlong Khathing, on June 20 said nearly 40 per cent of present-day jobs may disappear by 2030 due to rapid technological and economic changes, urging students to focus on acquiring adaptable skills rather than preparing for careers that could soon become obsolete.
Speaking on "NEP 2020 and Career Opportunities" during the Institutional Excellence Award-2026 and felicitation programme for NBSE HSSLC Top Achievers-2026 at Town Hall, Dimapur, Prof Khathing said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has fundamentally shifted the focus of education from merely earning degrees to developing capabilities that remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
He said students must cultivate the ability to continuously learn, adapt, create value and solve problems in an era where automation and technological innovation are transforming the employment landscape.
Highlighting the key features of NEP 2020, Prof Khathing said the policy promotes multidisciplinary learning, allowing students to combine subjects across different disciplines according to their interests and career aspirations instead of being confined to a single academic stream.
He also emphasised apprenticeship and experiential learning, under which students can spend a semester or more working in industries and organisations while earning academic credits, enabling them to graduate with practical skills and work experience alongside academic qualifications.
Another significant feature of the policy, he said, is the multiple-entry and multiple-exit system, which allows students to pause their education and resume later without losing academic progress.
Through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), students can store and transfer academic credits between institutions, including internationally recognised universities in certain cases.
Encouraging students to think beyond conventional employment, Prof Khathing said the future belongs to those who can identify problems and develop innovative solutions. He pointed to sectors such as water management, sanitation, waste management, education, energy and tourism as areas offering immense opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.
He urged students to make full use of the flexibility and opportunities offered under NEP 2020 to build meaningful careers and become creators of opportunities rather than merely job seekers.
Addressing the programme, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque said the university's visit to Nagaland aimed to strengthen diversity in higher education and encourage more students from the state to explore academic opportunities at the institution.
Describing diversity as one of India's greatest strengths, Hoque said USTM, located near Guwahati, hosts students from all eight Northeastern states, other parts of the country and several foreign nations. He highlighted the university's academic programmes across science, medical sciences, social sciences, humanities, law and other disciplines, along with its expanding research ecosystem.
He said USTM currently holds over 200 patents and has earned recognition for its research contributions, with faculty members featuring among globally recognised scientists. He also highlighted the achievements of students working in robotics, nuclear science and space research.
Hoque noted that several alumni from Nagaland have joined government services and successfully cleared competitive examinations, including the Nagaland Civil Services examination. He announced 50 scholarships, including freeships, for meritorious students and highlighted the university's IAS Academy, which provides mentorship for civil services aspirants through experienced faculty and experts from leading coaching institutions.
Emphasising inclusive education, he said the university supports economically disadvantaged students through free and concessional education and invited schools and institutions from Nagaland to visit the campus for academic exposure.
During the programme, students from eight schools across Nagaland were felicitated for securing top positions in the NBSE HSSLC Examination 2026, while Institutional Excellence Awards were presented to St John College, Dimapur, Unity College, Dimapur, and Modern College, Piphema. Holy Cross Higher Secondary School and St John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur, were recognised in the school category.
The programme also featured addresses by Prof A Elayaperunal, Director of NIT Nagaland, Ani Yepthomi, Director of Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur, and ANCSU president Kivika Yeptho. The vote of thanks was delivered by USTM Vice-Chancellor Prof G D Sharma.
