About Salmaan
An educationist by legacy. A leader by choice.
Rooted in one of Karnataka's leading education families and shaped by years of grassroots public life, Salmaan Ahmed works where learning, youth and service meet.
- —Vice President, Presidency University
- —Head & Trustee, Presidency Foundation
- —Chairman, Sports Cell — Karnataka Youth Congress
- —Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), UK
Profile
Salmaan Ahmed serves as the Vice President of Presidency University, Head & Trustee of the Presidency Foundation, and Chairman of the Sports Cell, Karnataka Youth Congress. Across these roles he works to advance excellence in education, youth empowerment, social development and public service.
He is part of the legacy of the Presidency Group of Institutions, founded by his father, Dr. Nissar Ahmed — Chancellor of Presidency University and Chairman of the Group. What began in 1976 with eight students has grown into one of Karnataka's leading education groups, nurturing tens of thousands of students through its schools, colleges and university.
Salmaan has carried that vision forward: championing technology-driven education, industry collaboration and holistic student development. Through the Presidency Foundation he has taken the institution's work beyond the campus — into healthcare, skill development and community welfare across Karnataka.
Alongside education, he has built his public life the long way — from the National Students' Union of India to the Indian Youth Congress — guided by a belief that leadership is earned through continuous engagement with people and their aspirations.
Education
- 2016Bachelor of Business AdministrationChrist University, Bengaluru
- 2019Master of Business AdministrationCoventry University, London
- FRSAFellow of the Royal Society of ArtsUnited Kingdom
The Presidency legacy
Founded by Dr. Nissar Ahmed in 1976 with eight students, the Presidency Group of Institutions today spans 9+ schools, colleges and a university across Bengaluru and Mangaluru, with a network of 150,000+ alumni and more than ₹10 crore in scholarships awarded every year to deserving students.
Public life
The journey so far
Student leader, Youth Congress organiser, Sports Cell chairman — a political journey built from the ground up.
1976
Legacy
A school with eight students
Dr. Nissar Ahmed founds what becomes the Presidency Group of Institutions — today 9+ institutions across Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
2016
Education
Graduates, and starts building
Completes his bachelor's degree and is recognised with India's Young Edupreneur Award (Microtec) and the Future of India Award.
2017
Public life
Into student politics
Takes up leadership in the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Karnataka — working with students on education concerns across the state.
2017
Service
Oneness Carnival
On Friendship Day, 600 children from orphanages come together for a day of rides, magic and belonging — an annual message of brotherhood.
2019
Education
MBA, Coventry University
Completes his MBA in London and is later inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).
2019
Public life
Indian Youth Congress, Bengaluru
Serves as General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress, Bengaluru District (2019–22), working with young people at the grassroots.
2024
Public life
Chairman, Sports Cell
Appointed Chairman of the Sports Cell in Karnataka and launches the Bharat Jodo Football Cup — 100+ teams and 15,000+ young footballers.
2025
Education
Recognised for education & impact
Times Business Award for Education & Social Impact (2025–26) and the HEX Educational Excellence Award 2025.
2026
Public life
The GenZ Reckoning
Brings ministers and MLAs face to face with thousands of students at Jayamahal, Bengaluru — a dialogue that reaches ~290,000 views online.
Recognition
Awards & honours
Recognised by leading institutions and industry bodies for contributions to education, innovation and social development.
2025–26
Award in Education & Social Impact
Times Business Awards
2025
Educational Excellence Award
Higher Education Experience (HEX)
—
Young Educationist
Bangalore Times
—
Best Start-up of the Year (EdTech)
Economic Business Times
—
Economic Times Business Awards
Leadership, innovation & institutional growth
2018
Young Education Entrepreneur
Times Business Awards
2017
Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award
Leadership and social welfare
2016
India's Young Edupreneur Award
Microtec
2016
Future of India Award
Youth and community development
FRSA
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
United Kingdom