ICF-Accredited Coach Training Comes to Indian Academia: Shoolini University Becomes the First Academic Institution to Offer the Programme

Mumbai / Solan, 15 September 2025: Shoolini University, consistently ranked among India’s leading institutions for academic innovation, has reaffirmed its pioneering role by offering the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Level 1 Coach Training Programme for the academic year 2025–26. The programme, now underway with its second batch, marks Shoolini as the first and only university in India to provide this globally recognized certification.

The ICF accreditation represents the gold standard in coach training, recognised across industries and geographies. At Shoolini, the programme is structured as a 70-hour course delivered over 12 weeks, comprising 60 hours of coach-specific training and 10 hours of mentorship and practice coaching. The curriculum covers foundations of coaching, ICF core competencies, ethics and standards, applied coaching practice, and reflective learning. Training is delivered through live online sessions, observed coaching, peer practice groups, and guided mentoring, ensuring a balance of conceptual learning and applied practice.

Speaking about the initiative, Payal Khanna, ICF-accredited coach and Programme Lead at Shoolini University, said, “Coaching is becoming an essential skill for leaders and professionals and this programme gives them a practical way to learn and put it into action. It helps participants not just with techniques, but also with listening, reflecting, and making a real impact in their teams and communities.”

The course is designed for a wide spectrum of learners, including corporate leaders, professionals aspiring to transition into full-time coaching careers, educators, and entrepreneurs seeking to build stronger organisational cultures. Its holistic and competency-based model emphasises experiential learning and reflective practice, equipping participants to apply coaching effectively in diverse real-world contexts.

Globally, coaching has evolved into a transformative discipline that underpins leadership development, organisational growth, and personal transformation. From multinational corporations to academic institutions and entrepreneurial ventures, certified coaches are widely recognised for their ability to unlock potential and drive measurable impact. Shoolini University stands out as the first academic institution in India to offer this ICF-accredited programme, setting a benchmark for integrating globally recognized coach training within the academic ecosystem.

The ICF Level 1 Coach Training programme reflects Shoolini University’s commitment to integrating academic excellence with professional skill-building, while preparing a community of professionals who will make a lasting impact as skilled coaches, leaders, and mentors.