The Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU) will organise the second edition of NextStepKohima 2026, an Educational and Career Fair, on October 15 at the Kohima Village Ground, Ziekezou, near Don Bosco College, to help students explore higher education, career pathways, skill development and scholarship opportunities.

Briefing the media at the Kohima Press Club on Monday, KVSU president Khriesaneikuo Kire said the fair aimed to provide students with reliable information and direct access to educational institutions, coaching centres, skill development centres and career guidance experts.

He said Kohima, being the capital of Nagaland, attracts students from different districts, tribes and communities seeking higher education, vocational training and career opportunities.

Kire said the fair would provide an appropriate platform for students to make informed decisions about their future, adding that students, including school dropouts, should take advantage of the opportunity. He also encouraged parents and guardians to participate and guide their children in choosing suitable educational and career pathways.

Explaining the timing of the event, he said October was considered suitable as students would have sufficient time to assess their options and prepare for admission to institutions and courses before making final decisions.

Albert Rutsa, co-convenor of the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO), said the fair was designed based on a pre-event survey conducted to understand students’ preferences and challenges.

He said the survey found that many students preferred to pursue their studies within Nagaland or elsewhere in the Northeast, while a significant number were also interested in acquiring skills in emerging sectors, including the coffee industry.

Based on the findings, the organisers invited institutions from Nagaland and other parts of the Northeast, along with skill development centres and coaching institutes, to ensure students could access relevant information and opportunities under one roof.

The organisers are expecting participation from more than 50 institutions and over 2,000 students. Schools in Kohima and neighbouring districts have also been invited to attend the fair.

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Participating institutions are expected to include Assam Don Bosco University, Martin Luther Christian University, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya and Christ University, Bengaluru. Institutions from Nagaland, including Tetso College, Patkai Christian College, NEKU, Sazolie College and Don Bosco College, will also participate, along with other educational institutions.

Rutsa said the pre-event survey identified a lack of information as one of the major challenges faced by students in making career decisions.

He said the fair would enable students to interact directly with representatives of institutions, learn about available courses and facilities, understand faculty and training opportunities, and clarify their doubts before choosing their next step.

The survey also indicated that parental pressure was a significant challenge for some students, with one in five respondents identifying it as a hurdle in choosing a career. The organisers believe the fair will help parents and students explore educational options together and encourage more informed decisions.

Rutsa said the event was scheduled for October rather than March or April because many students might have already decided on their preferred courses and institutions by the latter period.

He added that students often face uncertainty about which stream to pursue, where to study and how to access skill development opportunities. The fair is intended to address these concerns by connecting them directly with institutions and experts.

Government institutions will also participate in the event. The Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) will brief students on various scholarship opportunities beyond the commonly known post-matric scholarship, including opportunities to study outside the state with full financial support.

The Nagaland Centre for Training and Management (NACTM) will provide information on available skill development opportunities. Government Polytechnic and other government colleges are also expected to participate.

The organisers said participation in the one-day fair would be free for all students, who can walk in anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on October 15.

The KVSU invited students, parents, educators and all those interested in exploring educational and career opportunities to attend the fair and make use of the information and guidance available