Disha higher education expo wraps up, draws 50,000 students

Students in front of the Indian Air Force stall at the ‘Disha 2026’ higher education expo in Malappuram on Friday.

The State-level higher education expo ‘Disha 2026’, organised to familiarise students with higher education and career opportunities, concluded here with the organisers claiming that more than 50,000 students had visited the five-day event.

Organised by the Career Guidance and Adolescent Counselling Cell (CG&ACC) of the higher secondary wing under the General Education department, the expo featured about 80 institutions, including Central and State universities, IITs, NITs, IISc, IISER, AIIMS, and national law universities.

Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty inaugurating the valedictory function of the ‘Disha 2026’ higher education expo in Malappuram on Friday.

Students had the opportunity to learn about courses, entrance tests, scholarships, research, and career options directly from representatives of these institutions. Apart from medicine and engineering, the expo covered opportunities in civil services, law, media, scientific research, aviation, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Career seminars and the Kerala Differential Aptitude Test (K-DAT) were also held. According to the organisers, more than 500 students took the test.

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen interacting with students at a stall at the ‘Disha 2026’ higher education expo in Malappuram on Friday.

Several stalls offered information on specific career options. The Indian Air Force explained its Agniveervayu recruitment scheme, including eligibility, selection procedures and service benefits. The Food Craft Institute introduced students to its one-year hospitality courses and job opportunities in India and abroad.

The Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD) showcased student projects, including a sensor-based waste segregation model and a robotic quiz. A live demonstration also introduced students to cybersecurity. The organisers said more than 1,000 students had registered their interest in IHRD courses.

Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty and General Education Minister N. Samsudheen at the valedictory ceremony of ‘Disha 2026’ in Malappuram on Friday.

Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty inaugurated the valedictory session on Friday (November 13). General Education Minister N. Samsudheen presided over the function. Mr. Kunhalikutty said students should identify the right direction and make informed choices about their studies to turn ideas into opportunities.

Mr. Samsudheen said the government planned to introduce artificial intelligence education at the high school level this year. He also spoke about the ARISE project launched for the purpose.

Mr. Kunhalikutty presented prizes to A.P. Mohammed Sajad from Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Malappuram, winner of the promotional reel competition, and Mohammed Salman from Government Higher Secondary School, Arimbra, winner of the poster competition.

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen with a student at the ‘Disha 2026’ higher education expo in Malappuram.

Mr. Samsudheen released a newspaper and magazine prepared by the documentation team.

UNICEF social policy specialist Akhila Radhakrishnan, district panchayat president’s representative Ramitha Raju, regional deputy directors of education Jude Lewis, O. Shoukathali, and Mohammed Younus Saleem, joint director K.K. Ashraf and State coordinator C.M. Azeem attended the function.