CNBC-AWAAZ has concluded the first season of its ambitious initiative ‘Udaan – Taiyari Kal Ki’, emerging as a large-scale, pan-India movement aimed at preparing young Indians for the transition from campus to corporate life. Conducted in partnership with UTI Mutual Fund, the initiative spanned over 10 cities and 18 premier institutions, including leading IIMs and IIFTs, setting a strong foundation for what is being positioned as a long-term youth empowerment platform.

According to a CNBC-AWAAZ press release, the initiative was designed to address a critical gap in India’s education-to-employment journey — where academic qualifications often do not translate into real-world readiness. By focusing on financial literacy, emotional resilience, and professional preparedness, Udaan sought to equip students with practical skills that are rarely part of traditional academic frameworks.

At its core, Udaan recognised that while India produces millions of graduates annually, many struggle with real-world challenges due to lack of exposure to financial planning, career strategy, and workplace dynamics. Conceptualised as a comprehensive workforce readiness programme, the initiative targeted final-year postgraduate students, offering them a blend of financial knowledge, strategic thinking, and personal development tools.

The scale of engagement reflects the strong demand for such interventions. Udaan directly reached over 3,800 graduating students across institutions in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Its impact extended further through television and digital amplification, turning it into a hybrid learning platform with a national footprint.

Each on-ground session was designed as an immersive, day-long summit hosted on campuses. These included expert panels, fireside chats, interactive discussions, and problem-solving workshops, delivered in a format that mirrored broadcast storytelling. The approach not only made the sessions engaging but also ensured that complex topics were communicated in a relatable and accessible manner.

Reflecting on the initiative, Anuj Singhal, Managing Editor, CNBC-AWAAZ & CNBC Bajar, said the programme stood out as one of the network’s most engaging IPs focused on youth empowerment. He highlighted the energy and curiosity of students, noting that such direct engagement goes beyond classroom learning and helps build confidence as students prepare to enter professional life.

From a broader perspective, Udaan also signals a shift in how financial journalism is evolving in India. Moving beyond reporting and analysis, initiatives like these are increasingly focused on enabling actionable knowledge and life-readiness skills. By positioning workforce preparedness as critical national infrastructure, Udaan brings attention to an often-overlooked aspect of economic development.

UTI Mutual Fund, the initiative’s partner, emphasised the importance of early financial awareness. Vetri Subramaniam, MD & CEO, UTI Asset Management Co. Ltd., underlined the need to engage students at the cusp of their careers and guide them towards informed investment decisions, particularly in mutual funds, to build long-term financial discipline.

Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, noted that the strong response from campuses reinforces the urgent need for platforms that bridge the gap between academics and real-world expectations. She added that Udaan is not just about conversations but about empowering young India with the right skills, perspective, and confidence.

With the successful completion of Season 1, CNBC-AWAAZ and UTI Mutual Fund have established Udaan as a meaningful intervention in India’s campus-to-corporate ecosystem. Building on this momentum, the initiative is set to return with Season 2, aiming to expand its reach and deepen its engagement with students across the country.