Fueled by Passion, Powered by Coursera: The Journey of Our Champions Looking to spend productive time while still doing your degree? Want to expand your perspective on subjects outside of your course? Having a hiccup moment, and want to feel strong on your interpersonal skills? If these are some of the questions pondering your mind, then here is the breaking news: Online Manipal provides “free” Coursera access to its MAHE and MUJ online learners for all the above reasons and more. Yes, they are not mandatory. But they are the extra credentials that can enhance your portfolio, helping you have the edge and emerge greater than your competition. Don’t underestimate their value, as they can help you go a long way. Coursera has consistently been a user-friendly learning platform for students, working professionals, and individuals throughout the years. The success stories that it weaves with the lives of its students are not a small feat. In this blog, we will share with you some Coursera testimonials that we have collected over the months. Knowledge Enhanced, New Level Unlocked Coursera has become a fan favorite among our online learners at MAHE and MUJ– and for all the right reasons. It is the best and easiest option for our learners to get high quality and accessible content that truly aligns with the subject they are interested in. Check out the students who have completed several courses to bridge the knowledge gaps in their chosen domains. Leveling Up their People Skills Our favorite genre is when students rely on Coursera to improve their interpersonal skills. This is a great reminder of the range of courses that it offers. Take a look at how our learners have benefitted and made the most out of it through these courses. Expanding Horizons One Course at a Time Being tech-savvy, curious learners as they are, we have students who always go that extra mile. As they never settle for basics, they go beyond their course content and delve into topics outside their course to be well-informed brainiacs and be on par with the latest technologies. Read on to learn more about their experiences. The Takeaway The above testimonials stand as proof of how Coursera has shaped the lives of our online learners at MAHE and MUJ. And completing multiple courses will only add to your resume, declutter the mind, and also be productive pastime. These are just some of our students who are our Coursera champions making a difference within themselves and securing their future. There is more yet to come. Looking to scale up for your higher studies? Visit Online Manipal
Online Manipal and AB de Villiers Team Up for “360 Degree of Success” What happens when one of the most versatile cricketers in the world joins forces with one of India’s pioneering education platforms? You get a power-packed partnership that speaks the language of ambition, adaptability, and achievement. Yes, Online Manipal proudly announces its collaboration with none other than Mr. 360 – AB de Villiers, the cricketer admired worldwide for his innovation, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. AB de Villiers has undoubtedly made a massive impact on many with his cricketing skills. Besides, by joining forces with Online Manipal, he extends his reach to learners, who are motivated to tap into their hidden capabilities with the help of education. Let’s explore the story behind it and discover why Online Manipal is your 360-degree learning partner. AB de Villiers: The Legend Beyond the Boundary AB de Villiers is a former international South African cricketer, one of the most brilliant and versatile players that cricket has ever witnessed, who is also known as “Mr. 360” in the cricketing world. Through a career of over 15 years, he made his presence felt in every format of the game. In ODI, Test, and T20, AB delivered his style, techniques, and innovations that were unmatched. He has become one of the few cricketers who have made over 8,000 runs in both Test and ODI formats, in addition to the fastest centuries ever recorded. The range of AB’s shots varied from the most stunning reverse sweeps to the most daring helicopter shots and demonstrated the fact that adaptability is the most important factor of mastery time and again. He was a game-changer—not just because of talent, but because of his dedication to constantly evolving. On the other hand, AB’s greatness is not just about his statistics or his shots. It is about the dedication, intelligence, and strength of will that turned him into a role model far beyond the cricketing field. The narrative of his story is powerful, resonating with students, professionals, and anyone pursuing excellence in their way. Online Manipal: The Legacy of Learning That Moves with You Just as AB de Villiers transformed the way cricket is played, Online Manipal is revolutionizing the way people experience education. Leveraging the legacy of the Manipal Education Group, Online Manipal brings together 70+ years of academic excellence, technological innovation and the delivery of career-focused, accessible, and flexible education for today’s learners. The platform provides the opportunity to earn UGC-entitled degrees, certificates, and professional programs from the best Manipal institutions, such as: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) Online Manipal is for individuals who are looking for more than just a degree—it’s designed for those who are willing to grow, change their careers or gain a competitive advantage without affecting their lives. It offers a user-friendly platform, industry-relevant online courses, and placement support, which guarantees that learners will remain front-runners at all times. AB de Villiers and Online Manipal: A 360-Degree Match Cricket fans know AB de Villiers as Mr. 360 — a cricketer who could hit the ball to any part of the ground, change his game according to any bowler, any pitch, any pressure. The same spirit of versatility and excellence is the reflection of Online Manipal’s approach towards education. Here is how the two unite to symbolize 360-degree success: 360-Degree Flexibility – Just Like the Scoop Shot AB’s cheeky scoop over fine leg is just about timing, creativity, and placement — exactly the same as Online Manipal’s flexible learning model. What it means for learners: Study at your own pace Access courses anytime, from anywhere Perfect for working professionals, remote learners, and busy individuals. 360-Degree Career Direction – Like a Pull Shot A pull shot is a way to hit the ball in a certain direction with power and accuracy. In the same manner, Online Manipal carries learners’ careers in the right direction through job-focused support. Here is how it benefits learners: Career guidance and counseling Internship and placement support Industry interactions and expert sessions Resume building and interview preparation Access to career fairs and hiring drives 360-Degree Academic Excellence – As Elegant as a Cover Drive A cover drive is known for its elegance and technique, just like the reputation and legacy of Manipal’s 70 years in the education field. Why it is important: Gain knowledge from experienced faculty of Manipal institutions Degrees entitled by UGC and certificates accepted worldwide High-quality curriculum designed for industry relevance 360-Degree Network – Rise Like the Uppercut AB’s uppercut is an elegant and efficient way to pass the ball over slips. Online Manipal’s global alumni network is also like that uppercut which helps learners to take their careers to the next level. Your advantage: Join a thriving community of 1M+ Manipal alumni Build global industry connections Get mentorship and networking opportunities Participate in on-campus immersion experiences Earn industry-recognized certificates from Coursera and Microsoft 360-Degree Affordability – The Helicopter Shot of Education A helicopter shot is generally associated with style and energy, and that is exactly how Online Manipal slashes expensive education costs while maintaining the quality. The impact: Affordable fee structure EMI options, scholarships, fee concessions, and limited-time discounts Cost-effective degrees with long-term value Why ABD + Online Manipal is a Natural Fit Cricket is not just a sport; it is a passion and a way of life. AB de Villiers is one of the few players who have reached such heights that it can’t be described in words. Be it behind the stumps or in front of the stumps, his qualities of adjusting, reaching the peak of performance, and motivations are definitely going to be liked by today’s learners who are managing their careers, ambitions, and learning tasks. Likewise, Online Manipal is a revolutionary player in the educational arena. The platform empowers you to equip yourself with the skills needed to score an unbeaten 360-degree innings, whether you are a working professional, a fresh graduate, or a career switcher. ABD is the symbol of perfection in all directions across the field. Online Manipal is the means of achieving success from all directions in the learner’s life. Your Turn to Bat In cricket and in life, success never comes from standing still. It comes from motion — in the direction of forward, sideways, and sometimes even backward to make a bigger shot. Online Manipal lights up your game and basically gives you the power to hit that shot. Our expanding network of learners is gaining momentum, and each one will be filled with the assurance that their learning is rooted in legacy, empowered by technology, and shaped by a champion’s mindset. With our champion AB de Villiers – Mr. 360, we are here to challenge you to think beyond the limits of what is possible with the education that understands your current situation and helps you reach your preferred destination. Watch the full film here:
India’s Soaring Demand for Chartered Accountants: Insights from CFO Balaji Iyengar The Big Picture: 50 Lakh CAs Needed by 2050 The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) projects that India will require 50 lakh new Chartered Accountants by 2050—a reflection of the nation’s rapid economic growth and the evolving role of finance professionals. But what drives this demand, and how is the CA profession evolving? To gain further insights into this topic, we interviewed Balaji Iyengar, a well-known Chartered Accountant and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at UNext Learning Pvt Ltd. He has been working in the field of finance for more than 25 years, and one of his primary interests is understanding the future of the finance industry. He also gives some tips on how CAs can be resilient throughout challenging environments. A Profession at a Turning Point India has 4.85 lakh registered CAs as per the statement made by the president of ICAI, who also mentioned that these numbers will not be sufficient to cater to the increasing requirements of the private and public sectors. The demand for qualified CAs has reached an all-time high as foreign companies are entering India, the industries are being affected by the digital transformation all around, and the financial regulations are becoming stricter. Today, the job market is all about tech fluency, strategic thinking, and being able to communicate using the language of business growth. Why the Demand Is Rising According to Balaji Iyengar, CFO at UNext Learning Pvt Ltd and a veteran in the finance sector, several powerful trends are fueling this surge: Digital India & Startup Boom: Startups and digital businesses need CAs for financial management, compliance, and scaling operations. Global Integration: Indian CAs, renowned for their expertise, are increasingly sought after worldwide. Regulatory Complexity: Stricter compliance and reporting standards demand skilled professionals. Tech Transformation: AI, blockchain, and cloud-based tools are reshaping accounting and finance roles. The Evolving Role of CAs Today’s CAs are far more than auditors and compliance officers. As Mr. Iyengar notes: “We must expand our horizons—developing skills in investment management, governance, and the broader business environment. Future-ready CAs are strategic thinkers and tech-savvy leaders.” They are expected to: Interpret real-time business data for decision-making Support fundraising, M&A, and global compliance Leverage ERP, automation, and AI tools Advise on financial risk and cybersecurity What Future CAs Should Focus On Mr. Iyengar shares five essential focus areas for aspiring CAs: Go Beyond Numbers: Understand business strategy, operations, and market trends. Broaden Your Skillset: Combine deep domain expertise with knowledge in areas like investment, governance, and policy. Embrace Technology: Get comfortable with AI-driven accounting, ERP systems, and data analytics. Think Globally: Learn about international tax, IFRS, ESG regulations, and cross-border finance. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Stay curious, pursue new certifications, and seek mentorship. Opportunities for Aspiring CAs With a massive gap between supply and demand, CAs are in high demand across: Fintech and startups Investment banking and M&A Forensic accounting Sustainability reporting and analytics Indian CAs are also gaining recognition in global markets such as the Middle East, UK, Canada, and Australia. Essential Skills for 2030 and Beyond India is steadily moving towards an economy that is more technology driven. Here are the top skills that every Chartered Accountant of the future must have: Data literacy and financial modeling Mastery of automation tools (RPA, Power BI) Understanding of ESG frameworks Awareness of AI and blockchain in finance Cybersecurity risk assessment Redefining the CA Career India’s need for 50 lakh new CAs isn’t just about numbers—it’s about shaping versatile, tech-savvy, and globally minded finance leaders. As Mr. Iyengar encourages: “Start early, stay curious, and keep exploring beyond textbooks. The more real-world experience you gain, the more confident and future-ready you’ll be.” Faculty experts, and industry-based curriculum provide learners an opportunity to combine academic and competitive exam preparation. The opportunity is vast, but so is the responsibility. Here at Online Manipal, we have a vision that we have the CAs to establish the correct base and develop into all-rounders in the finance sector. Our adaptable, UGC-entitled online degree courses in commerce, business, finance, and analytics are meant to support the intensive training required for CA certifications. Also read: Ambitious CA aspirants: Why did they choose Manipal University Jaipur’s online degrees? The future is bright for those who embrace change, keep learning, and build a strong foundation in finance.
