Why Interpersonal Skills Will Be the Real Differentiator | Dr. Ayush Kumar | FE AIConic 2026

In this Leaders Speak conversation at 5th Edition of the FE India Education Summit & Awards 2026, Dr. Ayush Kumar, Managing Director, NDIM - New Delhi Institute of Management (PGDM), shares his perspective on one critical gap in today’s education system, the under-prioritisation of interpersonal skills.
He highlights that while technical knowledge and digital capabilities are rapidly advancing, foundational interpersonal skills such as communication, punctuality, accountability, and professional behaviour are becoming even more important, especially in a post-pandemic, technology-driven world.
Dr. Kumar explains that with technology acting as a great equaliser, the real differentiator between individuals will be their ability to connect, collaborate, and operate effectively in real-world environments. These human-centric skills, often overlooked, are essential for students pursuing careers, entrepreneurship, or higher education.
He also addresses the disconnect between schools and higher education institutions, noting that both often operate in silos rather than as a cohesive ecosystem.
According to him, stronger collaboration is key, with continuous, two-way communication between schools, higher education institutions, and corporates. Schools need to prepare students not just academically, but also in terms of personality, job readiness, and technological awareness, while higher education institutions and industry must clearly communicate evolving skill requirements.
He emphasises that this relationship should go beyond a transactional “funnel” approach and instead become a long-term, trust-based partnership focused on building well-rounded, future-ready learners.
💡 Key Insights:
• Interpersonal skills are becoming more critical in a tech-driven world
• Communication, punctuality, and professionalism remain under-prioritised
• Technology is the great equaliser, human skills are the differentiator
• Schools and higher education must move beyond siloed functioning
• Strong, continuous collaboration between academia and industry is essential

🎤 Event: FE India Education Summit & Awards 2026.
📍 Organised by: FE Connect | Financial Express (The Indian Express Group)
#b2b #feb2b #feieas2026

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