
Reforming High School Curriculum in India: My Summer Internship Experience
This past summer, during my internship with Ashoka University and the Delhi Government, I had the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of policy and education reform. My role was focused on improving the Schools of Specialised Excellence (SoSEs), where I collaborated with various stakeholders to track curriculum progress, manage relationships, and analyse data for better decision-making.
A dive into stakeholder management
Managing diverse stakeholder relationships was one of my internship's most challenging yet rewarding aspects. From State Board members to Heads of Schools (HoSs), teachers, and students, each group had its own perspectives and needs. I created a stakeholder management plan that fostered collaboration and trust. I remember feeling overwhelmed during my first few meetings with senior officials and educators, but gradually, I found my footing by actively listening and empathising with their unique challenges.

One memorable moment was during a meeting with the HoSs, where I had to bridge the gap between policy discussions and on-ground realities. Their insights were critical in understanding how specific policies, though well-intentioned, were challenging to implement due to practical constraints.
This experience helped me develop more vital communication skills and taught me the importance of adaptability in stakeholder management.
Tracking Curriculum progress: The classroom lens
Designing a classroom observation strategy was another significant responsibility. Visiting schools across Haryana to observe teaching methods and speak with both teachers and students provided a rich learning experience. I was initially anxious about conducting interviews with students and teachers, wondering if I could ask the right questions to gauge the effectiveness of the curriculum. However, with each interaction, I gained confidence and was able to derive meaningful insights.
One visit to a rural school particularly stands out. The teachers struggled with the new curriculum framework, but their dedication to student success was inspiring. Through focus group discussions, we explored creative ways to implement the curriculum more effectively, considering local contexts and limitations.
The experience taught me that education reform isn't a one-size-fits-all solution—it requires flexibility and innovation.
Knowledge management: Turning data into action
Tracking and analysing data was the most crucial part of my role. I worked with my team to interpret data on curriculum implementation and formulated recommendations to improve the programme's effectiveness. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that our data analysis translated into actionable insights for educators and policymakers.
The highlight of this process was presenting our findings to senior officials, where our recommendations were accepted and used to guide upcoming changes in the curriculum.
It was a defining moment for me—seeing how our work directly influenced policy decisions reaffirmed my passion for education reform. The experience also taught me that attention to detail and a commitment to continuous learning are essential in driving meaningful change.
Key lessons learned
- Adaptability is vital: Flexibility was critical in ensuring my success when managing different stakeholders or adjusting to on-ground realities.
- Empathy and active listening: Understanding the challenges of educators and students required more than data; it demanded empathy and the ability to listen.
- From insights to action: Analysing data is just the beginning. The real impact comes when those insights are transformed into actionable recommendations.

Final reflections
Looking back, my internship was not just a professional experience, but a personal journey of growth.
I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the challenges of education reform and contribute to tangible outcomes that could improve the lives of thousands of students. The most fulfilling part of this experience was knowing that my work directly impacted policy and curriculum improvements.
This internship experience was supported by the INSEAD Hoffmann Institute Impact Internship Stipend and gifts from alumni.