/* =========================================================
   1. HERO SECTION (Exact Reference Design Layout)
   ========================================================= */
.hero {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: #ffffff;
  padding: 60px 0 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: flex-start;
}
.hero-bg-layer {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  right: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 1;
}
.hero-bg-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: right top;
  display: block;
}
.hero-wrap {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  width: 100%;
  /* padding-bottom: 70px; */
}
.hero-content {
  max-width: 560px;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 3;
}
.hero-brand-tag {
  font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 1.55rem;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  margin-bottom: 2px;
  line-height: 1;
}
.hero-title {
  font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
  font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 4.8vw, 4rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  letter-spacing: -0.025em;
  line-height: 1.02;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.hero-tagline {
  font-size: 1.32rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--accent, #16a34a);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}
.hero-desc {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: var(--ink-soft, #4a5d52);
  line-height: 1.6;
  max-width: 48ch;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
}
.hero-ctas {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.hero-ctas .btn {
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  padding: 13px 28px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.hero-ctas .btn-green {
  background: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  color: #fff;
  border: 2px solid var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 22px -10px rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.55);
}
.hero-ctas .btn-green:hover {
  background: var(--primary-light, #125435);
  border-color: var(--primary-light, #125435);
  box-shadow: 0 16px 30px -12px rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.65);
}
.hero-ctas .btn-outline {
  background: #ffffff;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  border: 1.8px solid var(--primary, #0B3B24);
}
.hero-ctas .btn-outline:hover {
  background: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  color: #fff;
}
.hero-admissions-pill {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
}
.hero-admissions-pill svg {
  color: var(--accent, #16a34a);
}
/* =========================================================
   2. FLOATING STATS BAR (Elevated White Rounded Container)
   ========================================================= */
.stats-container {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 5;
  width: 100%;
  margin-top: 10px;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
}
.stats-bar-card {
  background: #ffffff;
  border-radius: 24px;
  box-shadow: 0 20px 50px -15px rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.16);
  border: 1px solid rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.08);
  padding: 24px 36px;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr);
  gap: 16px;
  align-items: center;
}
.stat-pill-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
  padding: 4px 10px;
}
.stat-pill-item:not(:last-child) {
  border-right: 1px solid #edf2ee;
}
.stat-pill-icon {
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: #f0fdf4;
  border: 1px solid #dcfce7;
  color: var(--accent, #16a34a);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  transition: transform 0.2s ease;
}
.stat-pill-item:hover .stat-pill-icon {
  transform: scale(1.08);
}
.stat-pill-icon svg {
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
}
.stat-pill-icon.is-green {
  background: #ecfdf5;
  border-color: #a7f3d0;
  color: #059669;
}
.stat-pill-info {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.stat-pill-num {
  font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
  font-size: 1.55rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  line-height: 1.1;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}
.stat-pill-label {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--ink-soft, #4a5d52);
  line-height: 1.35;
  margin-top: 2px;
}
/* Hero & Stats Responsive */
@media (max-width: 1100px) {
  .hero-bg-layer {
    opacity: 0.35;
  }
  .stats-bar-card {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 20px;
    padding: 20px;
  }
  .stat-pill-item:not(:last-child) {
    border-right: none;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .hero {
    padding: 40px 0 0;
  }
  .hero-content {
    max-width: 100%;
    text-align: center;
  }
  .hero-ctas {
    justify-content: center;
  }
  .stats-bar-card {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 16px;
  }
  .stat-pill-item:last-child {
    grid-column: 1 / -1;
    justify-content: center;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 500px) {
  .stats-bar-card {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 14px;
  }
  .stat-pill-item {
}
}
/* ================= 3. OUR PROGRAMS ================= */
.programs-section {
  padding: 35px 0 55px;
}
.programs-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 22px;
  margin-bottom: 34px;
}
.program-card {
  background: #ffffff;
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease, border-color 0.25s ease;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.program-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-6px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  border-color: rgba(22, 163, 74, 0.4);
}
.program-thumb-wrap {
  position: relative;
  height: 165px;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: #eef5f0;
}
.program-thumb-wrap img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.program-card:hover .program-thumb-wrap img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.program-badge-icon {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -16px;
  left: 18px;
  width: 38px;
  height: 38px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--accent);
  color: #ffffff;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(22, 163, 74, 0.35);
  border: 2px solid #ffffff;
  z-index: 2;
}
.program-badge-icon svg {
  width: 18px;
  height: 18px;
}
.program-body {
  padding: 26px 18px 20px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  flex: 1;
}
.program-title {
  font-size: 1.08rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--primary);
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}
.program-duration {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--accent);
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.program-desc {
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  color: var(--ink-soft);
  line-height: 1.5;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  flex: 1;
}
.program-link {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--primary);
  transition: gap 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;
}
.program-link:hover {
  color: var(--accent);
  gap: 9px;
}
.programs-center-btn {
  text-align: center;
}
/* ================= 4. WHY CHOOSE SECTION ================= */
.why-choose-section {
  padding: 40px 0 65px;
}

.why-choose-card {
  background: linear-gradient(145deg, #fafcfa 0%, #f1f6f2 100%);
  border: 1px solid rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.08);
  border-radius: 24px;
  padding: 46px 50px;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.9fr;
  gap: 48px;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 16px 36px -18px rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.08), 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02);
}

.why-choose-left {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.why-choose-heading {
  font-size: 2.15rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  line-height: 1.18;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin: 0;
}

.why-accent-line {
  width: 44px;
  height: 3.5px;
  background: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  border-radius: 2px;
  margin: 16px 0 20px;
}

.why-choose-desc {
  font-size: 0.94rem;
  color: #4b6354;
  line-height: 1.65;
  max-width: 320px;
  margin: 0;
}

.why-watermark-leaves {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -45px;
  left: -35px;
  width: 220px;
  height: 220px;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 1;
}

/* ---- 4x2 Clean Matrix Grid ---- */
.why-features-matrix {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  background: #ffffff;
  border-radius: 18px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.08);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px -12px rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.08);
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.why-matrix-cell {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  text-align: center;
  padding: 26px 14px 22px;
  gap: 12px;
  position: relative;
  transition: all 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  background: #ffffff;
}

/* Subtle border dividers between cells */
.why-matrix-cell:not(:nth-child(4n)) {
  border-right: 1px solid rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.07);
}

.why-matrix-cell:nth-child(-n+4) {
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.07);
}

.why-matrix-cell:hover {
  background: #f7faf7;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  z-index: 3;
}

.why-cell-icon {
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  border-radius: 12px;
  color: #15803d;
  background: #f0fdf4;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: all 0.28s ease;
}

.why-matrix-cell:hover .why-cell-icon {
  background: #16a34a;
  color: #ffffff;
  transform: scale(1.1);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px -4px rgba(22, 163, 74, 0.35);
}

.why-cell-icon svg {
  width: 25px;
  height: 25px;
  transition: transform 0.25s ease;
}

.why-cell-label {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--primary, #0B3B24);
  line-height: 1.32;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  transition: color 0.2s ease;
}

.why-matrix-cell:hover .why-cell-label {
  color: #15803d;
}
/* ================= 5. RESEARCH EXCELLENCE (DARK BANNER) ================= */
.research-excellence-section {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #021f15 0%, #053624 50%, #032418 100%);
  color: #ffffff;
  padding: 64px 0;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08), inset 0 -1px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
}

/* Ambient bio-luminescent radial highlights */
.research-excellence-section::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: -40%;
  right: 12%;
  width: 460px;
  height: 460px;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.13) 0%, transparent 68%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.research-excellence-section::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -35%;
  left: 2%;
  width: 380px;
  height: 380px;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.09) 0%, transparent 70%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.research-dna-art {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  right: 1.5%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  width: 140px;
  height: 380px;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 1;
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.research-dna-art svg {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 12px rgba(74, 222, 128, 0.25));
}

.research-wrap {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.research-banner-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.12fr 2.88fr;
  gap: 46px;
  align-items: center;
}

.research-banner-left .research-eyebrow {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #a3e635;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.research-main-title {
  font-size: 2.25rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #ffffff;
  line-height: 1.15;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin: 0 0 12px;
}

.research-main-desc {
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: rgba(220, 252, 231, 0.82);
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin: 0 0 24px;
  max-width: 320px;
}

.research-cta-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  padding: 9px 20px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  border: 1.5px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.32);
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  text-decoration: none;
  backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
  transition: all 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.research-cta-btn:hover {
  background: #22c55e;
  border-color: #22c55e;
  color: #ffffff;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 24px -6px rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.5);
}

.research-cta-btn svg {
  transition: transform 0.2s ease;
}

.research-cta-btn:hover svg {
  transform: translateX(3px);
}

/* ---- 5 Stat Columns with Fine Hairline Separators ---- */
.research-stats-row {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr);
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
}

.res-stat-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  padding: 16px 14px;
  position: relative;
  transition: all 0.25s ease;
}

/* Hairline dividers between stats */
.res-stat-card:not(:last-child)::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  right: 0;
  top: 15%;
  height: 70%;
  width: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16) 30%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16) 70%, transparent 100%);
}

.res-stat-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
}

.res-stat-icon {
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  color: #4ade80;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
  transition: transform 0.25s ease, color 0.25s ease, filter 0.25s ease;
}

.res-stat-card:hover .res-stat-icon {
  color: #86efac;
  transform: scale(1.12);
  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 10px rgba(74, 222, 128, 0.6));
}

.res-stat-icon svg {
  width: 32px;
  height: 32px;
}

.res-stat-num {
  font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
  font-size: 1.85rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #ffffff;
  line-height: 1.1;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}

.res-stat-desc {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: rgba(220, 252, 231, 0.82);
  line-height: 1.35;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}
/* ================= 6. WORLD CLASS LABORATORIES ================= */
.laboratories-section {
  padding: 55px 0 45px;
  background: #ffffff;
}
.labs-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(8, 1fr);
  gap: 14px;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
}
.lab-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  text-decoration: none;
  cursor: pointer;
}
.lab-img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4 / 3;
  border-radius: 14px;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(10, 61, 38, 0.08);
  border: 1px solid rgba(10, 61, 38, 0.09);
  background: #eef5f0;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), box-shadow 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.lab-img-wrap img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.lab-card:hover .lab-img-wrap {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  box-shadow: 0 12px 24px -6px rgba(10, 61, 38, 0.22);
  border-color: rgba(13, 92, 58, 0.35);
}
.lab-card:hover .lab-img-wrap img {
  transform: scale(1.08);
}
.lab-name {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #073b22;
  line-height: 1.25;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  transition: color 0.2s ease;
}
.lab-card:hover .lab-name {
  color: var(--accent);
}
.labs-cta-wrap {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: 10px;
}
.labs-view-btn {
  padding: 11px 28px;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  border-radius: 9999px;
  background: #073b22;
  color: #ffffff;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(7, 59, 34, 0.2);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all 0.25s ease;
}
.labs-view-btn:hover {
  background: #0a4f2e;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(7, 59, 34, 0.28);
  gap: 12px;
  color: #ffffff;
}

/* ================= 7. PLACEMENTS & STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES ================= */
.placements-stories-section {
  padding: 35px 0 55px;
  background: #fbfdfb;
}
.dual-cards-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 24px;
  align-items: stretch;
}
.highlight-card {
  background: #ffffff;
  border-radius: 20px;
  border: 1px solid #e7efe9;
  padding: 28px 30px;
  box-shadow: 0 8px 30px -12px rgba(10, 61, 38, 0.07);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: space-between;
  position: relative;
  transition: box-shadow 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.highlight-card:hover {
  border-color: #d1e2d5;
  box-shadow: 0 14px 36px -12px rgba(10, 61, 38, 0.12);
}
.highlight-card-title {
  font-size: 1.28rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #073b22;
  margin: 0 0 20px;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

/* Placement Stats Row */
.placement-stats-row {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 10px;
  margin-bottom: 22px;
}
.place-stat-badge {
  background: #f8faf8;
  border: 1px solid #e5ede7;
  border-radius: 12px;
  padding: 12px 6px;
  text-align: center;
  transition: all 0.25s ease;
}
.place-stat-badge:hover {
  background: #ffffff;
  border-color: #10b981;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px -4px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.15);
}
.place-stat-badge .stat-num {
  display: block;
  font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #0d5c3a;
  line-height: 1.1;
  margin-bottom: 3px;
}
.place-stat-badge .stat-text {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  color: #64748b;
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

/* Recruiters Group */
.recruiters-group {
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.recruiters-subtitle {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  color: #334155;
  margin: 0 0 12px;
}
.recruiters-brands-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr);
  gap: 8px;
}
.brand-logo-tile {
  background: #ffffff;
  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
  border-radius: 10px;
  height: 46px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 5px 8px;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02);
  transition: all 0.25s ease;
}
.brand-logo-tile:hover {
  border-color: #0d5c3a;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(10, 61, 38, 0.1);
}
.brand-logo-tile img {
  max-height: 26px;
  max-width: 92%;
  object-fit: contain;
  filter: grayscale(20%);
  transition: filter 0.25s ease, transform 0.25s ease;
}
.brand-logo-tile:hover img {
  filter: grayscale(0%);
  transform: scale(1.05);
}
.placement-bottom-action {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: flex-end;
  margin-top: 8px;
}
.view-recruiters-link {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #073b22;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all 0.2s ease;
}
.view-recruiters-link:hover {
  color: #059669;
  gap: 9px;
}

/* Student Success Stories (Testimonial Card) */
.testimonial-layout {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 135px;
  gap: 20px;
  align-items: center;
  min-height: 185px;
}
.testimonial-content-side {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: space-between;
  height: 100%;
}
.testimonial-quote-mark {
  font-family: Georgia, serif;
  font-size: 3.2rem;
  line-height: 0.75;
  color: #0d5c3a;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  font-weight: 900;
  opacity: 0.9;
}
.testimonial-track-wrap {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  min-height: 110px;
}
.story-slide {
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.story-slide.is-active {
  display: flex;
  animation: fadeInStory .4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) both;
}
@keyframes fadeInStory {
  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(6px); }
  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}
.story-quote {
  font-size: 0.93rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
  color: #334155;
  font-style: italic;
  margin: 0 0 12px;
}
.story-author-meta {
  margin-top: auto;
}
.story-author-meta .student-name {
  font-size: 0.98rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #0d5c3a;
  margin: 0 0 2px;
}
.story-author-meta .student-role {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #64748b;
}

/* Controls */
.story-controls-row {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-top: 14px;
  padding-top: 12px;
  border-top: 1px solid #f0f4f1;
}
.story-dots {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
}
.story-dot {
  width: 7px;
  height: 7px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: #cbd5e1;
  border: none;
  padding: 0;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.25s ease;
}
.story-dot.is-active {
  background: #0d5c3a;
  width: 18px;
  border-radius: 10px;
}
.story-arrows {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.story-arrow-btn {
  width: 32px;
  height: 32px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
  background: #ffffff;
  color: #1e293b;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.2s ease;
  padding: 0;
}
.story-arrow-btn:hover {
  background: #073b22;
  color: #ffffff;
  border-color: #073b22;
}

/* Student Avatar Circle */
.student-avatar-wrap {
  width: 128px;
  height: 128px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  overflow: hidden;
  border: 4px solid #ffffff;
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(10, 61, 38, 0.14);
  background: #eaf2ec;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.student-avatar-wrap img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
}
/* ================= 8. LIFE @ GNIPST ================= */
.life-section {
  padding: 45px 0 55px;
}
.life-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr);
  gap: 14px;
}
.life-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  transition: transform 0.25s ease;
}
.life-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
}
.life-thumb {
  width: 100%;
  height: 105px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  background: #eef5f0;
}
.life-thumb img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.35s ease;
}
.life-card:hover .life-thumb img {
  transform: scale(1.08);
}
.life-title {
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--ink);
}
/* =========================================================
   COMMUNITY (NOTICE BOARD + EVENTS & WORKSHOPS - 2 COLUMNS)
   ========================================================= */
.community-section {
  padding: 10px 0 65px;
}
.community-grid-2col {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 24px;
  align-items: stretch;
}
/* ---- Shared card head for news / events ---- */
.mini-card{
  background:#f7f7f2;
  border:1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius:var(--radius-lg);
  padding:24px 22px;
  display:flex;
  flex-direction:column;
  min-width:0;
}
.mini-card-head{
  display:flex;
  align-items:center;
  justify-content:space-between;
  gap:10px;
  margin-bottom:18px;
}
.mini-card-head h3{
  font-size:.86rem;
  font-weight:800;
  letter-spacing:.02em;
  text-transform:uppercase;
  color:var(--primary);
}
.mini-card-head a{
  font-size:.7rem;
  font-weight:700;
  color:var(--accent);
  letter-spacing:.02em;
  white-space:nowrap;
  transition:color .15s ease;
}
.mini-card-head a:hover{color:var(--primary); text-decoration:underline;}
/* ---- News list ---- */
.news-list{
  display:flex;
  flex-direction:column;
  gap:16px;
}
.news-item{
  display:flex;
  align-items:flex-start;
  gap:12px;
}
.news-date,
.event-date{
  flex:0 0 auto;
  width:42px;
  height:42px;
  border-radius:10px;
  background:var(--accent);
  color:#fff;
  display:flex;
  flex-direction:column;
  align-items:center;
  justify-content:center;
  line-height:1.1;
}
.news-date .day,
.event-date .day{
  font-family:'Poppins',sans-serif;
  font-weight:800;
  font-size:.92rem;
}
.news-date .mon,
.event-date .mon{
  font-size:.56rem;
  font-weight:700;
  letter-spacing:.04em;
  text-transform:uppercase;
  opacity:.9;
}
.news-text,
.event-text{
  display:flex;
  flex-direction:column;
  min-width:0;
}
.news-text h4,
.event-text h4{
  font-size:.8rem;
  font-weight:700;
  color:var(--ink);
  line-height:1.35;
}
.news-text h4 a, .event-text h4 a{
  color:inherit;
  text-decoration:none;
}
.news-text h4 a:hover, .event-text h4 a:hover{
  color:var(--accent);
  text-decoration:underline;
}
.news-text span,
.event-text span{
  display:block;
  margin-top:2px;
  font-size:.72rem;
  color:var(--ink-soft);
}
.meta-date {
  font-size: 0.68rem !important;
  color: #94a3b8 !important;
  margin-top: 3px !important;
}
/* ---- Events list ---- */
.event-list{
  display:flex;
  flex-direction:column;
  gap:16px;
}
.event-item{
  display:flex;
  align-items:flex-start;
  gap:12px;
}
.notice-badge{
  align-self:flex-start;
  font-size:.6rem;
  font-weight:800;
  letter-spacing:.03em;
  text-transform:uppercase;
  color:#8a6400;
  background:#fff3d9;
  border-radius:4px;
  padding:2px 7px;
  line-height:1.5;
  margin-bottom:5px;
}
.notice-badge.cat-examination{ color:#9a4a00; background:#ffe9d6; }
.notice-badge.cat-training{ color:#12603b; background:#eaf7f0; }
.notice-badge.cat-admin{ color:#8a6400; background:#fff3d9; }
/* ---- AJAX skeleton loaders (news/events while fetching) ---- */
.news-skeleton{
  display:flex;
  align-items:center;
  gap:12px;
  padding:14px 0;
  border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);
}
.news-skeleton:last-child{ border-bottom:none; }
.news-skeleton span{
  display:block;
  border-radius:6px;
  background:linear-gradient(90deg, #e8ede9 25%, #d6e0d8 50%, #e8ede9 75%);
  background-size:200% 100%;
  animation:shimmer 1.4s infinite;
}
.news-skeleton span:first-child{ width:44px; height:44px; border-radius:8px; flex-shrink:0; }
.news-skeleton span:last-child{ flex:1; height:18px; }
@keyframes shimmer{
  0%{ background-position:200% 0; }
  100%{ background-position:-200% 0; }
}
@keyframes fadeInUp{
  from{ opacity:0; transform:translateY(10px); }
  to{ opacity:1; transform:translateY(0); }
}
@media (max-width: 960px) {
  .community-grid,
  .community-grid-2col {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
}
/* ================= RESPONSIVE DESIGN ================= */
@media (max-width: 1120px) {
  .hero-title {
    font-size: 2.8rem;
  }
  .programs-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
  .why-choose-card {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 32px;
    padding: 38px 32px;
  }
  .why-choose-desc {
    max-width: 100%;
  }
  .why-features-matrix {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  }
  .labs-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  }
  .dual-cards-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .research-banner-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .research-stats-row {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr);
  }
}
@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .hero-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    text-align: center;
  }
  .hero-desc {
    margin-left: auto;
    margin-right: auto;
  }
  .hero-actions {
    justify-content: center;
  }
  .stats-card {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    padding: 18px;
  }
  .stat-item:not(:last-child) {
    border-right: none;
  }
  .why-features-matrix {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
  .why-matrix-cell:not(:nth-child(4n)) {
    border-right: none;
  }
  .why-matrix-cell:nth-child(-n+4) {
    border-bottom: none;
  }
  .why-matrix-cell:nth-child(odd) {
    border-right: 1px solid rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.07);
  }
  .why-matrix-cell:not(:nth-last-child(-n+2)) {
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(11, 59, 36, 0.07);
  }
  .why-matrix-cell {
    padding: 22px 12px 18px;
  }
  .research-stats-row {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 16px;
  }
  .res-stat-card:not(:last-child)::after {
    display: none;
  }
  .res-stat-card {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    border-radius: 14px;
    padding: 16px 12px;
  }
  .research-dna-art {
    display: none;
  }

  .labs-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  }
  .life-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  }
}
@media (max-width: 580px) {
  .hero-title {
    font-size: 2.2rem;
  }
  .stats-card {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .programs-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .labs-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
  .life-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
  .placement-stats-row,
  .placement-stats-4col {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
  .recruiters-brands-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  }
  .testimonial-layout {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    text-align: center;
  }
  .testimonial-content-side {
    align-items: center;
  }
  .testimonial-avatar-side {
    order: -1;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
  }
  .story-controls-row {
    width: 100%;
  }
}