Real students. Real mentors. Real feedback.
The ET DAKSHA Mentor Network connects school students with people building the future — for live sessions, project reviews and challenge juries across India.
Four kinds of guidance, one common standard.
Working professionals from AI, climate, design, finance, product and education.
Startup founders sharing how to take an idea from zero to one.
Senior educators guiding pedagogy and student development.
Senior experts who evaluate flagship challenge submissions.
Why senior leaders are joining the ET DAKSHA mentor network.
Shape the next generation of Indian innovators — with structure, not chaos.
Featured mentor profiles, social spotlights and a national alumni circle.
Asynchronous reviews, optional live sessions and clear time blocks.
From applying to recognising winners — in four steps.
- Step 01Apply
Tell us your domain, availability and how you'd love to give back.
- Step 02Get matched
We'll match you with student projects or learning cohorts that fit your strengths.
- Step 03Mentor live
Run structured reviews, AMAs and rubric-based feedback inside our portal.
- Step 04Recognise
Help us pick national winners and celebrate the students you've championed.
Structured, rubric-based feedback on student projects.
Help shortlist and recognise winners of flagship challenges.
All mentor interactions are mediated by ET DAKSHA's safeguards.
Structured, rubric-based feedback on student projects.
Help shortlist and recognise winners of flagship challenges.
All mentor interactions are mediated by ET DAKSHA's safeguards.
Grow with the network — from contributor to fellow.
Project reviews & async feedback.
Mentor a team end-to-end through a track.
Judge city, state and national rounds.
Shape curriculum, headline finales, advise.
What mentors are saying.
"I gave four hours. The team built something I'd have been proud of at 25."
"Best part of my month. Real questions, real ambition, zero ego."
"The rubrics and producer support meant I just focused on mentoring."
What the network unlocks together.
A mentor charter we all sign up to.
Show up prepared, on time, every time.
Critique the work, not the student.
Never share or request personal contact details.
Keep all interactions inside the ET DAKSHA portal.
Champion diverse voices, especially from Tier 2/3 cities.
Hand off, don't ghost — close the loop with a written note.
Quick answers for prospective mentors.
How much time does mentoring take?+
As little as 2 hours/month. You choose your cadence — single reviews, weekly office hours or a jury panel.
Do I need teaching experience?+
No. Real-world experience is what students need. We provide rubrics, prompts and a producer to support every session.
Is mentoring paid?+
Mentorship is voluntary. Featured mentors get recognition, ET Education credentials, and access to a senior alumni network.
How are student safeguards handled?+
All sessions are mediated and recorded inside the portal. No direct contact details are ever exchanged.
Lend two hours a month. Change a student's trajectory.
Join the founding ET DAKSHA mentor network and help shape the first national cohort of young Indian innovators.