Accessible, Holistic & Equitable Advancement through Digital Education 2026 (AHEAD 2026) : Vivekanand Education Societys Institute of Management and Research (VESIM)

Tracks

Track 1: Inclusive and equitable education practices in HEIs
Track 2: Digital education, blended learning, and EdTech innovation
Track 3: Accessibility frameworks and learner-centered pedagogies
Track 4: Global partnerships and internationalization of higher education
Track 5: Policy reforms and governance models for inclusive education
Track 6: Student engagement, retention, and success strategies
Track 7: Faculty development and institutional capacity building
Track 8: Education for sustainable development and SDG integration

Steering Committee

Convener
	Dr. Shalini Bariar Head - International Relations Professor - VESIM, Mumbai Project Leader - AIDEdu

Co-Convener
	Dr. Satish Billewar HoD & Associate Professor - System and Digital Business VESIM, Mumbai
	Dr. Neena Nanda HoD & Associate Professor - Business Analystics & AI VESIM, Mumbai

Chief Advisory

	Dr. Pradip Mitra Dean & Professor - Finance VESIM, Mumbai
Advisory Board
Dr. Rupert Beinhauer FHJ University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Dr. Mario Guillo University of Alicante, Spain
Dr. Karlis Valtins Riga Technical University, Latvia
Dr. Jelinek-KRICKL Waltraud FHJ University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Dr. Subash Shrestha Global College International, Nepal
Dr. Madhav Pandey Kathmandu University, Nepal
Dr. Himanshi Tiwari BIMTECH, Noida
Dr. Anubhav Mishra Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow
Dr. Divya Nalla NMREC, Hyderabad

About the Conference

The AHEAD 2026 International Conference on Accessible, Holistic & Equitable Advancement Through Digital Education provides a global platform for academicians, researchers, education leaders, policymakers, industry professionals, and practitioners to collaboratively explore transformative pathways for the future of higher education. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, widening socio-economic disparities, and evolving learner expectations, higher education institutions face the critical challenge of ensuring quality education that is both inclusive and equitable. AHEAD 2026 addresses this imperative by emphasizing the strategic integration of digital technologies with holistic pedagogical approaches to enhance access, learner engagement, flexibility, and academic success. The conference foregrounds the role of digital education as a powerful enabler in bridging learning gaps, promoting diversity, and supporting lifelong learning.

About the AIDEdu

AIDEdu is an Erasmus+ Collaborative Partnership Project led by a consortium of ten higher education institutions, including three from Europe, four from India, and two from Nepal. The project is driven by the shared vision of enhancing the quality of higher education with a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, accessibility, and global connectivity. The consortium aims to improve teaching and learning processes in higher education institutions by fostering inclusive pedagogies, digital innovation, and global collaboration. By developing inclusive academic frameworks, teacher training programs, and learner-centric policies, the project envisions a transformed higher education ecosystem that nurtures critical thinking, lifelong learning, employability, and social responsibility. Through collaborative research, faculty development, policy recommendations, and digital learning initiatives, AIDEdu contributes to building a resilient and inclusive higher education system aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About the VESIM

Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management and Research (VESIM) is a premier business school established in 1994 under the aegis of Vivekanand Education Society (VES), a reputed educational trust founded in 1962 by the visionary humanitarian Late Shri Hashu Advani. Guided by the philosophy of inclusive and value-based education, VESIM has consistently strived to make quality management education accessible to students from all sections of society. The institute emphasizes ethical leadership, innovation, and social responsibility, aiming to create future-ready managers capable of making meaningful contributions to business and society. VESIM’s association with Erasmus+ projects, including capacity-building initiatives and international mobility programs, reflects its strong commitment to global engagement, academic excellence, and cross-cultural learning.

Objectives

About the Conference

Objectives

AHEAD 2026 aims to provide a global platform for academicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange knowledge on accessible, inclusive, and digital higher education. The conference seeks to promote innovative pedagogies, digital transformation, and global collaboration to improve teaching and learning. It encourages research on equity, accessibility, and learner-centred education while strengthening institutional capacity and faculty development. The conference also fosters international partnerships, supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and showcases best practices for creating a more inclusive and equitable higher education ecosystem.

Program Schedule

Important Dates

Abstract Submission
Start Date	01^st Jun 2026
Last Date	30^th Aug 2026
Full Paper Submission
Start Date	01^st Jul 2026
Last Date	15^th Sept 2026
Registration
Start Date	20^th Aug 2026
Last Date	30^th Sept 2026
Conference Dates	28^th - 30^th Oct 2026

Tracks

Conference Tracks

Track 1: Inclusive and equitable education practices in HEIs
Track 2: Digital education, blended learning, and EdTech innovation
Track 3: Accessibility frameworks and learner-centered pedagogies
Track 4: Global partnerships and internationalization of higher education
Track 5: Policy reforms and governance models for inclusive education
Track 6: Student engagement, retention, and success strategies
Track 7: Faculty development and institutional capacity building
Track 8: Education for sustainable development and SDG integration

Keynote Speakers

To be updated

Venue

VESIM - Vivekanand Educational Society's Institute of Management Studies & Research

Hashu Advani Memorial Complex, 495/497, Chembur, Mumbai - 400074, Maharashtra, India

Past Conferences

Organisers

About the Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management and Research (VESIM)

Website: https://vesim.ves.ac.in/

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/vesinstituteofmanagementstudiesandresearch/

About the Project AIDEdu - Co-funded by the European Union

Website: https://www.aidedu.co.in/

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidedu-project-cofunded-by-eu-8777302b4/

AIDEdu is an Erasmus+ Collaborative Partnership Project led by a consortium of ten higher education institutions, including three from Europe, four from India, and two from Nepal. The project is driven by the shared vision of enhancing the quality of higher education with a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, accessibility, and global connectivity.
The consortium aims to improve teaching and learning processes in higher education institutions by fostering inclusive pedagogies, digital innovation, and global collaboration. By developing inclusive academic frameworks, teacher training programs, and learner-centric policies, the project envisions a transformed higher education ecosystem that nurtures critical thinking, lifelong learning, employability, and social responsibility.
Through collaborative research, faculty development, policy recommendations, and digital learning initiatives, AIDEdu contributes to building a resilient and inclusive higher education system aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Steering Committee

Convener
	Dr. Shalini Bariar Project Leader - AIdEdu Project Head - International Relations & Professor - Marketing Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Co-Convener
	Dr. Satish Billewar HoD & Associate Professor - System and Digital Business Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
	Dr. Neena Nanda HoD & Associate Professor - Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Chief Advisory

Dr. Pradip Mitra
Dean & Professor - Finance
Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Partners Details

Academic Partners

BIMTECH, Noida
University of Alicante, Spain
Riga Technical University, Latvia
F H Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Austria
NMREC, Hyderabad
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow
Global College International, Nepal
Kathmandu University, Nepal

Conference & Publication Partner

Journal Press India

Advisory Board

Chief Advisor

Dr. Pradip Mitra, VESIM, Mumbai

Advisory Board

Dr. Rupert Beinhauer, FHJ University of Applied Sciences, Austria

Dr. Mario Guillo, University of Alicante, Spain

Dr. Karlis Valtins, Riga Technical University, Latvia

Dr. Jelinek-KRICKL Waltraud, FHJ University of Applied Sciences, Austria

Dr. Subash Shrestha, Global College International, Nepal

Dr. Madhav Pandey, Kathmandu University, Nepal

Dr. Himanshi Tiwari, BIMTECH, Noida

Dr. Anubhav Mishra, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow

Dr. Divya Nalla, NMREC, Hyderabad

Call for Papers

The conference invites original, unpublished research papers, conceptual papers, empirical studies, case studies, and action research contributions aligned with the conference theme and objectives. Submissions may focus on, but are not limited to, the following broad areas:
Submissions may focus on, but are not limited to, the following broad areas:

Track 1: Inclusive and equitable education practices in HEIs
Track 2: Digital education, blended learning, and EdTech innovation
Track 3: Accessibility frameworks and learner-centered pedagogies
Track 4: Global partnerships and internationalization of higher education
Track 5: Policy reforms and governance models for inclusive education
Track 6: Student engagement, retention, and success strategies
Track 7: Faculty development and institutional capacity building
Track 8: Education for sustainable development and SDG integration

Publication Opportunities

Journal Name: International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Publisher: Springer Nature (URL: https://link.springer.com/journal/41239)
Indexations: Scopus Indexed, Web of Science (SSCI) Indexed, Q1 Journal
SCImago Journal Rank (SJR 2025): 7.947
H-Index: 97

This internationally acclaimed journal publishes high-quality research in educational technology, digital pedagogy, and innovation in higher education.

Journal Name: South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases

Publisher: SAGE Publications (URL: https://www.bimtech.ac.in/publication-detail/south-asian-journal-of-business-and-management-cases)
Indexations: Scopus Indexed, Q2 Journal (Business, Management and Accounting – Scopus/SCImago)

The journal provides an excellent platform for publishing high-quality management education and business case research relevant to emerging economies.

Edited Book Publication

In addition to journal publication opportunities, the conference organizing committee is also publishing a peer-reviewed edited book titled: Best Practices in Teaching and Learning with Accessible, Inclusive and Digital Learning in Higher Education Institutions to Target SDGs 4, 10 and 17, published by Journal Press India.
The edited volume will feature selected high-quality contributions from AHEAD 2026 and provide an international platform for showcasing innovative practices in higher education aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 10, and 17).

Registration Details

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Whether Residential Delegate*

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"Upload Payment Proof" (in pdf or jpg or png), less than 1MB file size

The above mentioned details are correct to the best of my knowledge.

To be updated

Guidelines

Abstract Submission Guidelines

The acceptable word range for the Abstract is 200–300 words.
Keywords: Minimum 4 and Maximum 6 keywords.
Abstract Outline: Purpose, Objectives of the study, Research methodology, Key findings, Practical and theoretical implications.

Paper Submission Guidelines

Authors are invited to submit original, unpublished research papers and case studies aligned with the conference theme “Transforming Higher Education: Accessibility, Inclusion, Digital Education and Global Partnerships for an Equitable Future.” Submissions will undergo a double-blind peer-review process.

Paper Types

Full Research Papers: 3,000 – 7,000 words
Case Studies: 2,000 – 4,000 words

(Word count includes references, tables, and appendices.)

Formatting & Style

Citation & Formatting Style: APA 7th Edition Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
Line Spacing: 1.5
Margins: 1 inch on all sides Alignment: Justified
Language : All submissions must be in English.
File Format: Microsoft Word (.docx)

Author Information
Provide a brief author biography (100–150 words) for each author, including: Full name, Institutional affiliation Designation

Plagiarism Policy

Submissions must be original and unpublished. All papers will be screened for plagiarism. Manuscripts with plagiarism above 10% will be rejected

Research Paper & Case Study Template

Title of the Paper Abstract (200–300 words)
Keywords: (4–6 keywords)
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Research Methodology
4. Data Analysis and Results / Case Description
5. Discussion
6. Conclusion and Implications
7. References (Follow APA 7th edition referencing style.)

Abstract Submission Form

Paper Details

Abstract limit: 200 to 300 words; Current word count: 0 word

Please provide 4 to 6 keywords separated by Comma ( , )

Corresponding Author Details

As the submitting author, you are automatically designated as the Corresponding author of this manuscript. Please click on 'Add Author' to enter the details of the other authors who have contributed to this manuscript.

For each author, the S. No. indicates the order in which authors would be placed. For example, if there are three authors, S. No. 1 against an author's name would indicate that s/he is the first author, S. No. 2 would indicate the second author and S. No. 3 would indicate the third author of the manuscript. Please fill S. Nos. accordingly.

The above mentioned details are correct to the best of my knowledge.

Full Paper Submission Form

(* indicates mandatory fields )

Paper Details

Abstract limit: 200 to 300 words; Current word count: 0 word

Please provide 4 to 6 keywords separated by Comma ( , )

Kindly upload paper (mandatory) in word doc. file format only

Corresponding Author Details

The above mentioned details are correct to the best of my knowledge.

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Conference Brochure

Important Dates

Abstract Submission
Start Date	01^st Jun 2026
Last Date	30^th Aug 2026
Full Paper Submission
Start Date	01^st Jul 2026
Last Date	15^th Sept 2026
Registration
Start Date	20^th Aug 2026
Last Date	30^th Sept 2026
Conference Dates	28^th - 30^th Oct 2026