Who decides what “excellence” looks like in 2026? 

Not algorithms. Not trends. People.

 

And not just any people. For the Education Excellence Awards by The Economic Times Education , a platform that brings together the forces shaping education today—and defines what comes next, we’ve assembled a Grand Jury of remarkable calibre— a powerful collective of industry leaders, visionary educators, and academic pioneers.

 

These are the minds shaping the future of education. And this year, they hold the final say. Behind every prestigious award is a process you don’t see—countless entries, carefully reviewed, thoughtfully considered, and measured against the highest standards.

 

At the heart of the process, this jury combines deep experience with a sharp understanding of what true excellence looks like in the current landscape, and will decide which names rise to the top

 

Curious to know who they are?

 

Meet the 2026 Grand Jury—and make sure your entry is ready for their review .