/* ================================================================
   2i EDU-CARE — PREMIUM REDESIGN
   Palette: Forest Teal · Deep Charcoal · Warm Ivory · Gold
================================================================ */

/* ——— Tokens ——— */
:root {
  --teal:        #2d7d6b;
  --teal-dark:   #1f5c4e;
  --teal-mid:    #3a9b85;
  --teal-light:  #e0f0ec;
  --teal-pale:   #f0faf7;
  --charcoal:    #1e2832;
  --charcoal-2:  #2c3a47;
  --charcoal-3:  #3d4f5e;
  --gold:        #c9a84c;
  --gold-light:  #f0dea0;
  --ivory:       #f7f5f0;
  --ivory-2:     #ede9e1;
  --white:       #ffffff;
  --text-dark:   #1e2832;
  --text-body:   #3d4f5e;
  --text-muted:  #7a8a95;
  --text-light:  #a8b5be;
  --border:      #dde5e2;
  --border-light:#eef2f0;

  --font-display: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;
  --font-body:    'Inter', -apple-system, sans-serif;

  --r-sm:  8px;
  --r-md:  14px;
  --r-lg:  20px;
  --r-xl:  28px;
  --r-2xl: 40px;

  --shadow-sm:  0 2px 10px rgba(30,40,50,.07);
  --shadow-md:  0 8px 30px rgba(30,40,50,.11);
  --shadow-lg:  0 20px 60px rgba(30,40,50,.14);
  --shadow-teal:0 8px 32px rgba(45,125,107,.22);

  --nav-h: 74px;
  --ease:  cubic-bezier(.4,0,.2,1);
  --t: all .3s var(--ease);
}

[data-theme="dark"] {
  --ivory:      #111c24;
  --ivory-2:    #182028;
  --white:      #1a2530;
  --text-dark:  #e8f0ec;
  --text-body:  #b0c4bc;
  --text-muted: #7a9088;
  --border:     #243040;
  --border-light:#1e2c38;
  --teal-pale:  #0d1e1a;
  --teal-light: #0f2820;
}

/* ——— Reset ——— */
*,*::before,*::after{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}
html{scroll-behavior:smooth;font-size:16px;overflow-x:hidden}
body{font-family:var(--font-body);background:var(--ivory);color:var(--text-body);line-height:1.7;overflow-x:hidden;transition:background .3s,color .3s}
a{text-decoration:none;color:inherit}
ul{list-style:none}
img{max-width:100%;display:block}
button{cursor:pointer;border:none;background:none;font-family:inherit}
input,select,textarea{font-family:inherit}
button,a,input,select,textarea{touch-action:manipulation}
body.menu-open{overflow:hidden}
/* Mobile menu overlay backdrop */
body.menu-open::before{content:'';position:fixed;inset:0;background:rgba(10,16,22,0.65);z-index:1040;backdrop-filter:blur(4px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(4px);animation:overlay-in .3s ease forwards}
@keyframes overlay-in{from{opacity:0}to{opacity:1}}

/* ——— Utilities ——— */
.container{max-width:1220px;width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:0 clamp(1.25rem,4vw,2.5rem)}
.section-eyebrow{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.5rem;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--teal);margin-bottom:1rem}
.section-eyebrow::before{content:'';width:24px;height:2px;background:var(--teal);border-radius:99px;flex-shrink:0}
.section-title{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:clamp(1.9rem,4vw,2.9rem);font-weight:700;color:var(--text-dark);line-height:1.15;letter-spacing:-.02em}
.section-title em{font-style:normal;color:var(--teal)}
.section-title .gold{color:var(--gold)}
.section-sub{color:var(--text-muted);font-size:1rem;max-width:600px;margin-top:.75rem;line-height:1.75}
.section-header{text-align:center;margin-bottom:3.5rem}
.section-header .section-eyebrow{justify-content:center}
.section-header .section-sub{margin:0.75rem auto 0}

.btn-primary{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.6rem;padding:.85rem 1.9rem;background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-radius:var(--r-lg);font-weight:600;font-size:.95rem;transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap;box-shadow:var(--shadow-teal)}
.btn-primary:hover{background:var(--teal-dark);transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 12px 40px rgba(45,125,107,.32)}
.btn-outline{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.6rem;padding:.82rem 1.85rem;background:transparent;color:var(--teal);border:2px solid var(--teal);border-radius:var(--r-lg);font-weight:600;font-size:.95rem;transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap}
.btn-outline:hover{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;transform:translateY(-2px)}
.btn-gold{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.6rem;padding:.85rem 1.9rem;background:var(--gold);color:var(--charcoal);border-radius:var(--r-lg);font-weight:700;font-size:.95rem;transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap;box-shadow:0 8px 28px rgba(201,168,76,.3)}
.btn-gold:hover{background:#b8962e;transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 12px 40px rgba(201,168,76,.4)}

/* Premium hero button — shimmer effect */
.btn-primary-premium{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.75rem;padding:.95rem 2.2rem;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal-mid),var(--teal));color:#fff;border-radius:var(--r-lg);font-weight:700;font-size:1rem;transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap;box-shadow:0 8px 32px rgba(45,125,107,.38);position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.btn-primary-premium::before{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;left:-75%;width:50%;height:100%;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,rgba(255,255,255,.18),transparent);transition:left .5s ease}
.btn-primary-premium:hover::before{left:125%}
.btn-primary-premium:hover{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal),var(--teal-dark));transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:0 14px 40px rgba(45,125,107,.44)}

/* Light outline ghost button (for dark / hero backgrounds) */
.btn-outline-light{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.6rem;padding:.9rem 1.9rem;background:rgba(255,255,255,.06);color:rgba(255,255,255,.92);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.25);border-radius:var(--r-lg);font-weight:600;font-size:.95rem;transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap;backdrop-filter:blur(8px)}
.btn-outline-light:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.14);border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);color:#fff;transform:translateY(-2px)}

/* Pulse ring animation (used in hero eyebrows) */
.pulse-ring{display:inline-block;width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-mid);position:relative;flex-shrink:0}
.pulse-ring::after{content:'';position:absolute;inset:-4px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid var(--teal-mid);animation:pulse-ring-anim 1.8s ease-out infinite}
@keyframes pulse-ring-anim{0%{transform:scale(.8);opacity:.8}100%{transform:scale(2.2);opacity:0}}


/* ——— Loader ——— */
#loader{position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:9999;background:var(--charcoal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;transition:opacity .55s,visibility .55s}
#loader.hidden{opacity:0;visibility:hidden;pointer-events:none}
.loader-inner{text-align:center}
.loader-ring{width:56px;height:56px;border:3px solid rgba(45,125,107,.2);border-top-color:var(--teal);border-radius:50%;animation:spin 1s linear infinite;margin:0 auto 1.25rem}
.loader-word{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:1.8rem;font-weight:700;color:#fff;letter-spacing:-.03em}
.loader-word span{color:var(--teal)}
.loader-tag{font-size:.75rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.4);letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-top:.5rem}
@keyframes spin{to{transform:rotate(360deg)}}

/* ——— Navbar ——— */
.navbar{position:fixed;top:0;left:0;right:0;z-index:1060;height:var(--nav-h);transition:var(--t)}
.nav-inner{max-width:1300px;width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:0 clamp(1rem,3vw,2rem);height:100%;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:1rem}
.nav-logo{display:flex;align-items:center;flex-shrink:0;background:#ffffff;padding:5px 12px;border-radius:var(--r-sm);box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm);border:1px solid var(--border-light);transition:var(--t);height:46px}
.nav-logo img{height:34px;width:auto;transition:var(--t);filter:none!important}
.nav-links{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:0;margin-left:auto;flex-wrap:nowrap}
.nav-links a{padding:.45rem .7rem;font-size:.84rem;font-weight:500;color:rgba(255,255,255,.88);border-radius:var(--r-sm);transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap}
.nav-links a:hover,.nav-links a.active{color:#fff;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1)}
.navbar.scrolled .nav-links a{color:var(--text-body)}
.navbar.scrolled .nav-links a:hover{color:var(--teal);background:var(--teal-pale)}

/* Dropdown */
.dropdown{position:relative}
.dropdown-menu{position:absolute;top:calc(100% + 10px);left:0;background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-lg);padding:.5rem;min-width:230px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg);opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transform:translateY(-6px);transition:var(--t);z-index:200}
.dropdown:hover .dropdown-menu{opacity:1;visibility:visible;transform:none}
.dropdown-menu a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.75rem;padding:.6rem .9rem;border-radius:var(--r-sm);color:var(--text-dark)!important;font-size:.86rem;transition:var(--t)}
.dropdown-menu a:hover{background:var(--teal-pale);color:var(--teal)!important}
.dropdown-menu i{width:16px;color:var(--teal);font-size:.9rem}

/* Scrolled state */
.navbar.scrolled{background:rgba(247,245,240,.96);backdrop-filter:blur(20px);box-shadow:0 2px 20px rgba(30,40,50,.08);border-bottom:1px solid var(--border-light)}
[data-theme="dark"] .navbar.scrolled{background:rgba(17,28,36,.96)}

.nav-actions{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.75rem;flex-shrink:0}
.btn-theme{width:38px;height:38px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.9rem;transition:var(--t);flex-shrink:0}
.navbar.scrolled .btn-theme{background:var(--teal-pale);color:var(--teal)}
.btn-theme:hover{background:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.btn-nav-cta{padding:.5rem 1.3rem;border-radius:99px;background:var(--teal);color:#fff;font-size:.85rem;font-weight:600;transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap}
.btn-nav-cta:hover{background:var(--teal-dark)}

.hamburger{display:none;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;padding:10px;min-width:44px;min-height:44px;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0}
.hamburger span{display:block;width:22px;height:2px;background:#fff;border-radius:2px;transition:var(--t)}
.navbar.scrolled .hamburger span{background:var(--text-dark)}
.hamburger.active span:nth-child(1){transform:rotate(45deg) translate(5px,5px)}
.hamburger.active span:nth-child(2){opacity:0}
.hamburger.active span:nth-child(3){transform:rotate(-45deg) translate(5px,-5px)}

/* Desktop-only extra nav links: Student Portal & Free Counselling */
.nav-extra-link{display:list-item}
.nav-extra-link a{padding:.45rem .7rem;font-size:.84rem;font-weight:500;color:rgba(255,255,255,.88);border-radius:var(--r-sm);transition:var(--t);white-space:nowrap}
.nav-extra-link a:hover{color:#fff;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1)}
.navbar.scrolled .nav-extra-link a{color:var(--text-body)}
.navbar.scrolled .nav-extra-link a:hover{color:var(--teal);background:var(--teal-pale)}
/* Highlight the Free Counselling link with a teal pill style */
.nav-extra-link:last-of-type a{background:var(--teal);color:#fff!important;border-radius:99px;padding:.42rem 1rem;margin-left:.25rem}
.nav-extra-link:last-of-type a:hover{background:var(--teal-dark);color:#fff!important}
.navbar.scrolled .nav-extra-link:last-of-type a{background:var(--teal);color:#fff!important}
/* Mobile: hide desktop extra links (shown via nav-mobile-actions instead) */
.nav-mobile-actions{display:none}

/* ================================================================
   HERO — Premium 3-Step Success Journey
================================================================ */
.hero {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 100vh;
  min-height: 100svh;
  background: var(--charcoal);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  overflow: hidden;
  padding-top: var(--nav-h);
  z-index: 1;
}

/* Animated mesh background */
.hero::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 60% at 80% 10%, rgba(45,125,107,0.28) 0%, transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 50% 50% at 15% 85%, rgba(201,168,76,0.14) 0%, transparent 55%),
    var(--charcoal);
  z-index: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.hero-dots {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 1;
  background-image: radial-gradient(rgba(255,255,255,0.035) 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 32px 32px;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.hero-bg-blobs {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.hero-blob {
  position: absolute;
  border-radius: 50%;
  filter: blur(140px);
  opacity: 0.15;
  animation: float-blob 22s infinite ease-in-out;
}
.hero-blob-1 { top:-12%; right:8%; width:520px; height:520px; background:var(--teal); }
.hero-blob-2 { bottom:-8%; left:-6%; width:460px; height:460px; background:var(--teal-dark); animation-delay:-7s; }
.hero-blob-3 { top:38%; left:32%; width:360px; height:360px; background:var(--gold); animation-delay:-14s; opacity:0.10; }

@keyframes float-blob {
  0%,100%{transform:translate(0,0) scale(1)}
  33%{transform:translate(55px,-75px) scale(1.15)}
  66%{transform:translate(-45px,45px) scale(0.9)}
}

/* Hero Shell Layout */
.hero-shell {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  width: 100%;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.08fr;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4rem;
  padding: 3.5rem 0;
}

/* ——— Left Content Column ——— */
.hero-content {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: flex-start;
}

.hero-eyebrow-badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.06);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.13);
  border-radius: 100px;
  padding: 0.55rem 1.25rem;
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #fff;
  letter-spacing: 0.09em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 1.75rem;
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
}

.pulse-ring {
  width: 8px;
  height: 8px;
  background: var(--teal-mid);
  border-radius: 50%;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(45,125,107,0.3);
  animation: pulse-dot 2.2s infinite;
}
@keyframes pulse-dot {
  0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(45,125,107,0.3)}
  50%{box-shadow:0 0 0 9px rgba(45,125,107,0.1)}
}

.hero-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2.2rem,4.8vw,3.9rem);
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #fff;
  line-height: 1.12;
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  margin-bottom: 1.4rem;
}
.hero-title .highlight-teal { color: var(--teal-mid); }
.hero-title .highlight-gold {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--gold) 0%, var(--gold-light) 50%, var(--gold) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
  font-weight: 900;
}

.hero-description {
  color: rgba(225,240,235,0.78);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1.78;
  max-width: 510px;
  margin-bottom: 2.2rem;
}

.hero-action-row {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 1.1rem;
  margin-bottom: 2.75rem;
  width: 100%;
}

.btn-primary-premium {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.8rem;
  padding: 1.05rem 2.2rem;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal-mid),var(--teal));
  color: #fff;
  border-radius: var(--r-lg);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1rem;
  transition: var(--t);
  white-space: nowrap;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-teal);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.btn-primary-premium::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: -100%;
  width: 100%; height: 100%;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(255,255,255,0.22), transparent);
  transition: 0.65s;
}
.btn-primary-premium:hover::before { left: 100%; }
.btn-primary-premium:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: 0 14px 38px rgba(45,125,107,0.48);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal),var(--teal-dark));
}
.btn-primary-premium i { transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease); }
.btn-primary-premium:hover i { transform: translateX(4px); }

.hero-trust-indicators {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 1.4rem;
  padding-top: 1.4rem;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.09);
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 510px;
}
.trust-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-size: 0.81rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.62);
}
.trust-item i { color: var(--teal-mid); font-size: 0.92rem; }
.trust-item i.text-gold { color: var(--gold); }

/* ——— RIGHT: 3-Step Journey Panel ——— */
.hero-journey {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0;
}

/* Outer glassmorphic container */
.journey-showcase {
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.035);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  border-radius: var(--r-2xl);
  padding: 2rem 2rem 1.8rem;
  backdrop-filter: blur(28px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(28px);
  box-shadow:
    0 32px 80px rgba(0,0,0,0.45),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.1),
    inset 0 -1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

/* Subtle animated corner glow */
.journey-showcase::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: -80px; right: -80px;
  width: 250px; height: 250px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(45,125,107,0.25) 0%, transparent 70%);
  pointer-events: none;
  animation: corner-glow 8s infinite ease-in-out;
}
@keyframes corner-glow {
  0%,100%{opacity:0.6; transform:scale(1);}
  50%{opacity:1; transform:scale(1.15);}
}

/* ——— Stage header label ——— */
.journey-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}
.journey-title-area h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #fff;
  line-height: 1.2;
}
.journey-title-area p {
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  color: rgba(200,220,215,0.65);
  margin-top: 0.2rem;
}
.journey-step-badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  background: rgba(45,125,107,0.2);
  border: 1px solid rgba(45,125,107,0.4);
  border-radius: 99px;
  padding: 0.3rem 0.85rem;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--teal-mid);
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  white-space: nowrap;
  transition: all 0.4s ease;
}

/* ——— Stage slide animations ——— */
.journey-stages {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  min-height: 260px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  z-index: 1;
}

.journey-slide {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateX(40px);
  transition:
    opacity 0.55s cubic-bezier(0.4,0,0.2,1),
    transform 0.55s cubic-bezier(0.4,0,0.2,1);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.journey-slide.active {
  position: relative;
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateX(0);
  pointer-events: auto;
}
.journey-slide.exit-left {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateX(-40px);
}

/* Stage SVG wrapper */
.journey-svg-wrap {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 170px;
  height: 170px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}
.journey-svg-wrap svg {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
}

/* Stage text info */
.journey-slide-info {
  flex: 1;
  min-width: 0;
}
.journey-stage-label {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--teal-mid);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.journey-slide-info h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #fff;
  line-height: 1.25;
  margin-bottom: 0.55rem;
}
.journey-slide-info p {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: rgba(200,225,215,0.72);
  line-height: 1.65;
}

/* Feature pills */
.journey-pills {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  margin-top: 0.9rem;
}
.journey-pill {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.3rem;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 0.25rem 0.65rem;
  background: rgba(45,125,107,0.15);
  border: 1px solid rgba(45,125,107,0.25);
  border-radius: 99px;
  color: rgba(200,230,220,0.85);
}
.journey-pill i { font-size: 0.6rem; color: var(--teal-mid); }

/* ——— Journey Timeline Navigation ——— */
.journey-nav {
  position: relative;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  padding: 0 0.5rem;
  z-index: 2;
}

.journey-track {
  position: absolute;
  top: 20px;
  left: calc(0.5rem + 20px);
  right: calc(0.5rem + 20px);
  height: 3px;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  border-radius: 4px;
}
.journey-track-fill {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0;
  height: 100%;
  width: 0%;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--teal-mid), var(--gold));
  border-radius: 4px;
  transition: width 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.4,0,0.2,1);
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(45,125,107,0.6);
}

/* Moving avatar along the track */
.journey-avatar {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  left: 0%;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  width: 34px;
  height: 34px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--teal-mid), var(--teal));
  border: 2.5px solid var(--charcoal);
  color: #fff;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  z-index: 4;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(45,125,107,0.3), 0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.35);
  transition: left 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.4,0,0.2,1);
  animation: avatar-pulse 3s infinite ease-in-out;
}
@keyframes avatar-pulse {
  0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(45,125,107,0.3), 0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.35);}
  50%{box-shadow:0 0 0 7px rgba(45,125,107,0.12), 0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.35);}
}

.journey-nodes {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: flex-start;
  width: 100%;
  padding-top: 0;
}

.journey-node {
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.55rem;
  width: 72px;
  padding: 0;
  outline: none;
  -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;
}

.jn-icon {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(30,40,50,0.8);
  border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1rem;
  transition: all 0.38s cubic-bezier(0.4,0,0.2,1);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 3;
}
.journey-node:hover .jn-icon {
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.38);
  color: #fff;
  transform: translateY(-3px);
}
.journey-node.active .jn-icon {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(45,125,107,0.9),rgba(31,92,78,0.9));
  border-color: var(--teal-mid);
  color: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(45,125,107,0.25), 0 6px 20px rgba(45,125,107,0.4);
  transform: translateY(-4px) scale(1.1);
}
.journey-node.done .jn-icon {
  background: rgba(45,125,107,0.25);
  border-color: var(--teal-mid);
  color: var(--teal-mid);
}

.jn-label {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.42);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  transition: var(--t);
  text-align: center;
  line-height: 1.3;
}
.journey-node.active .jn-label { color: var(--teal-mid); font-weight: 700; }
.journey-node.done .jn-label { color: rgba(45,125,107,0.8); }

/* ——— Stage-specific background tint on showcase ——— */
.journey-showcase[data-stage="1"] { --stage-glow: rgba(45,125,107,0.12); }
.journey-showcase[data-stage="2"] { --stage-glow: rgba(201,168,76,0.1); }
.journey-showcase[data-stage="3"] { --stage-glow: rgba(58,155,133,0.12); }
.journey-showcase::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: var(--stage-glow, transparent);
  transition: background 0.6s ease;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 0;
  border-radius: inherit;
}

/* ——— SVG Animations ——— */
/* Stage 1: School */
.school-s1 .s1-book { animation: s1-float 4s ease-in-out infinite; transform-origin: center; }
.school-s1 .s1-pencil { animation: s1-pencil-float 3.5s ease-in-out infinite; transform-origin: center; }
.school-s1 .s1-bulb { animation: s1-bulb-glow 2.5s ease-in-out infinite; }
.school-s1 .s1-star { animation: s1-star-pop 2s ease-in-out infinite; transform-origin: center; }
@keyframes s1-float { 0%,100%{transform:translateY(0)} 50%{transform:translateY(-6px)} }
@keyframes s1-pencil-float { 0%,100%{transform:translateY(0) rotate(0deg)} 50%{transform:translateY(-9px) rotate(6deg)} }
@keyframes s1-bulb-glow { 0%,100%{opacity:0.25; filter:drop-shadow(0 0 0px #c9a84c)} 50%{opacity:1; filter:drop-shadow(0 0 10px #c9a84c)} }
@keyframes s1-star-pop { 0%,100%{transform:scale(0.8) rotate(0deg); opacity:0.4} 50%{transform:scale(1.15) rotate(15deg); opacity:1} }

/* Stage 2: Study Abroad */
.abroad-s2 .s2-globe { animation: s2-globe-spin 35s linear infinite; transform-origin: 85px 85px; }
.abroad-s2 .s2-plane { animation: s2-plane-orbit 5s linear infinite; transform-origin: 85px 85px; }
.abroad-s2 .s2-cloud-1 { animation: s2-cloud 10s linear infinite; }
.abroad-s2 .s2-cloud-2 { animation: s2-cloud 14s linear infinite; animation-delay:-3s; }
.abroad-s2 .s2-passport { animation: s2-passport-pop 4s ease-in-out infinite; }
@keyframes s2-globe-spin { from{transform:rotate(0deg)} to{transform:rotate(360deg)} }
@keyframes s2-plane-orbit { 0%{transform:rotate(0deg) translateX(65px) rotate(0deg)} 100%{transform:rotate(360deg) translateX(65px) rotate(-360deg)} }
@keyframes s2-cloud { 0%{transform:translateX(-20px); opacity:0} 10%{opacity:0.65} 90%{opacity:0.65} 100%{transform:translateX(50px); opacity:0} }
@keyframes s2-passport-pop { 0%,100%{transform:translateY(0) rotate(-5deg)} 50%{transform:translateY(-6px) rotate(3deg)} }

/* Stage 3: Career */
.career-s3 .s3-chart { stroke-dasharray:500; stroke-dashoffset:500; animation:s3-draw-chart 2.8s ease-out forwards infinite; animation-delay:0.3s; }
.career-s3 .s3-star { animation:s3-star-pulse 2.2s ease-in-out infinite; transform-origin:center; }
.career-s3 .s3-trophy { animation:s3-trophy-float 4s ease-in-out infinite; transform-origin:center; }
.career-s3 .s3-win-glow { animation:s3-win-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite; }
@keyframes s3-draw-chart { 0%{stroke-dashoffset:500} 65%,100%{stroke-dashoffset:0} }
@keyframes s3-star-pulse { 0%,100%{transform:scale(0.85); opacity:0.35; filter:drop-shadow(0 0 0px #c9a84c)} 50%{transform:scale(1.2); opacity:1; filter:drop-shadow(0 0 8px #c9a84c)} }
@keyframes s3-trophy-float { 0%,100%{transform:translateY(0)} 50%{transform:translateY(-7px)} }
@keyframes s3-win-glow { 0%,100%{opacity:0.2} 50%{opacity:0.7} }

/* Dark mode adjustments */
[data-theme="dark"] .journey-showcase {
  background: rgba(8,16,22,0.45);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.06);
}
[data-theme="dark"] .journey-avatar { border-color: #0d1620; }
[data-theme="dark"] .jn-icon { background: #101e28; }

/* ——— Responsive ——— */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-shell {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 3rem;
    padding: 3rem 0;
    text-align: center;
  }
  .hero-content { align-items: center; }
  .hero-action-row { justify-content: center; }
  .hero-trust-indicators { justify-content: center; margin: 0 auto; }
  .journey-showcase { padding: 1.75rem 1.75rem 1.5rem; }
  .journey-stages { min-height: 240px; }
  .journey-svg-wrap { width: 140px; height: 140px; }
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .hero { padding-top: calc(var(--nav-h) + 0.75rem); }
  .hero-title { font-size: clamp(1.9rem,7vw,2.8rem); margin-bottom:1rem; }
  .hero-description { font-size: 0.92rem; margin-bottom: 1.75rem; }
  .hero-eyebrow-badge { margin-bottom: 1.4rem; padding: 0.45rem 1rem; font-size: 0.68rem; }
  .journey-showcase { padding: 1.4rem 1.1rem 1.25rem; border-radius: var(--r-xl); }
  .journey-stages { min-height: 200px; }
  .journey-slide { flex-direction: column; gap: 1rem; text-align: center; }
  .journey-svg-wrap { width: 120px; height: 120px; }
  .journey-slide-info h4 { font-size: 1.1rem; }
  .journey-slide-info p { font-size: 0.77rem; }
  .journey-pills { justify-content: center; }
  .journey-node { width: 58px; }
  .jn-icon { width: 34px; height: 34px; font-size: 0.85rem; }
  .jn-label { font-size: 0.62rem; }
  .journey-track { top: 17px; }
  .journey-avatar { width: 28px; height: 28px; font-size: 0.68rem; }
  .hero-trust-indicators { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; gap: 0.7rem; }
}

@media (max-width: 390px) {
  .journey-node { width: 50px; }
  .jn-label { font-size: 0.58rem; }
}
/* ================================================================
   WHY CHOOSE US - old duplicate hero CSS removed above
================================================================ */





/* ================================================================
   WHY CHOOSE US
================================================================ */
.why-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--ivory)}
.why-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(260px,1fr));gap:1.5rem;margin-top:1rem}
.why-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-xl);padding:2rem 1.75rem;transition:var(--t);position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.why-card::before{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;left:0;right:0;height:3px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--teal),var(--teal-mid));transform:scaleX(0);transform-origin:left;transition:transform .4s var(--ease)}
.why-card:hover{box-shadow:var(--shadow-md);transform:translateY(-4px);border-color:var(--teal-light)}
.why-card:hover::before{transform:scaleX(1)}
.why-icon{width:52px;height:52px;border-radius:var(--r-md);background:var(--teal-pale);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:1.3rem;color:var(--teal);margin-bottom:1.2rem;transition:var(--t)}
.why-card:hover .why-icon{background:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.why-card h3{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:1.1rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--text-dark);margin-bottom:.55rem}
.why-card p{font-size:.88rem;color:var(--text-muted);line-height:1.7}

/* ================================================================
   SERVICES
================================================================ */
.services-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--ivory-2)}
.services-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(300px,1fr));gap:1.5rem}
.service-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-xl);padding:2.25rem 2rem;transition:var(--t);display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:1rem;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.service-card::after{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(45,125,107,.04),transparent);opacity:0;transition:opacity .3s}
.service-card:hover{box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg);transform:translateY(-5px);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.25)}
.service-card:hover::after{opacity:1}
.service-card.featured{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal-dark),var(--teal));border-color:transparent;color:#fff}
.service-card.featured h3,.service-card.featured p,.service-card.featured .service-tag{color:rgba(255,255,255,.9)!important}
.service-card.featured .service-icon{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);color:#fff}
.service-card.featured .service-link{color:#fff;border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.4)}
.service-card.featured .service-link:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15)}
.service-icon{width:54px;height:54px;border-radius:var(--r-md);background:var(--teal-pale);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:1.4rem;color:var(--teal);flex-shrink:0;transition:var(--t)}
.service-card:not(.featured):hover .service-icon{background:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.service-tag{display:inline-block;font-size:.68rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--teal);margin-bottom:.25rem}
.service-card h3{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:1.2rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--text-dark);line-height:1.25}
.service-card p{font-size:.88rem;color:var(--text-muted);line-height:1.72;flex-grow:1}
.service-highlights{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.4rem;margin-top:.25rem}
.service-highlights span{font-size:.72rem;font-weight:500;padding:.25rem .65rem;background:var(--teal-pale);border-radius:99px;color:var(--teal)}
.service-card.featured .service-highlights span{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);color:rgba(255,255,255,.9)}
.service-link{align-self:flex-start;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.5rem;font-size:.85rem;font-weight:600;color:var(--teal);border:1.5px solid var(--teal-light);border-radius:99px;padding:.4rem 1rem;transition:var(--t);margin-top:.5rem}
.service-link:hover{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-color:var(--teal)}

/* ================================================================
   STATISTICS BAND
================================================================ */
.stats-section{padding:5rem 0;background:var(--charcoal);position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.stats-section::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:repeating-linear-gradient(45deg,transparent,transparent 60px,rgba(255,255,255,.015) 60px,rgba(255,255,255,.015) 61px)}
.stats-inner{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(180px,1fr));gap:2rem}
.stat-card{text-align:center;padding:2rem 1.5rem;border-radius:var(--r-xl);background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);transition:var(--t)}
.stat-card:hover{background:rgba(45,125,107,.12);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.25);transform:translateY(-3px)}
.stat-icon-wrap{width:48px;height:48px;border-radius:var(--r-md);background:rgba(45,125,107,.15);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:1.2rem;color:var(--teal-mid);margin:0 auto 1rem}
.stat-number{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:clamp(2.2rem,5vw,3rem);font-weight:800;color:#fff;line-height:1;display:inline}
.stat-plus{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:1.6rem;font-weight:800;color:var(--teal-mid);display:inline}
.stat-label{font-size:.83rem;color:rgba(200,220,215,.65);margin-top:.5rem;letter-spacing:.03em}

/* ================================================================
   STUDY DESTINATIONS
================================================================ */
.destinations-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--ivory)}
.destinations-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(200px,1fr));gap:1.1rem}
.destination-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-lg);padding:1.4rem;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:1rem;cursor:pointer;transition:var(--t)}
.destination-card:hover{box-shadow:var(--shadow-md);transform:translateY(-3px);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.3)}
.dest-flag{font-size:2rem;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1}
.dest-info h4{font-size:.95rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--text-dark);margin-bottom:.15rem}
.dest-info p{font-size:.77rem;color:var(--text-muted)}
.dest-tags{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.3rem;margin-top:.4rem}
.dest-tags span{font-size:.65rem;font-weight:600;padding:.18rem .55rem;background:var(--teal-pale);color:var(--teal);border-radius:99px}

/* ================================================================
   MBBS SECTION
================================================================ */
.mbbs-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--charcoal);position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.mbbs-section::before{content:'';position:absolute;top:-40%;right:-10%;width:600px;height:600px;background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(45,125,107,.15) 0%,transparent 65%);pointer-events:none}
.mbbs-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(0,1fr);gap:3rem;align-items:center}
.mbbs-text .section-eyebrow{color:var(--teal-mid)}
.mbbs-text .section-title{color:#fff}
.mbbs-text .section-title em{color:var(--teal-mid)}
.mbbs-text p{color:rgba(200,220,215,.72);margin-top:1rem;line-height:1.8}
.mbbs-features{display:grid;gap:.85rem;margin:2rem 0}
.mbbs-feature{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:.9rem;padding:1rem 1.1rem;background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);border-radius:var(--r-md);transition:var(--t)}
.mbbs-feature:hover{background:rgba(45,125,107,.1);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.2)}
.mbbs-feat-icon{width:38px;height:38px;border-radius:var(--r-sm);background:rgba(45,125,107,.18);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;color:var(--teal-mid);font-size:.95rem;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:.1rem}
.mbbs-feat-text strong{display:block;font-size:.9rem;color:#fff;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:.15rem}
.mbbs-feat-text span{font-size:.8rem;color:rgba(200,220,215,.62);line-height:1.5}

.mbbs-countries-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:.9rem}
.mbbs-country{background:rgba(255,255,255,.05);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.09);border-radius:var(--r-lg);padding:1.25rem;transition:var(--t)}
.mbbs-country:hover{background:rgba(45,125,107,.12);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.3);transform:translateY(-2px)}
.mbbs-country-flag{font-size:1.8rem;margin-bottom:.65rem}
.mbbs-country h4{font-size:.9rem;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin-bottom:.25rem}
.mbbs-country p{font-size:.76rem;color:rgba(200,220,215,.62)}
.mbbs-country-badge{display:inline-block;font-size:.65rem;font-weight:700;padding:.2rem .6rem;background:rgba(45,125,107,.2);color:var(--teal-mid);border-radius:99px;margin-top:.5rem;letter-spacing:.05em}

/* ================================================================
   EXAMS & COACHING
================================================================ */
.exams-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--ivory-2)}
.exams-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(200px,1fr));gap:1.2rem}
.exam-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-xl);padding:1.75rem 1.5rem;text-align:center;transition:var(--t);display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;gap:.75rem}
.exam-card:hover{box-shadow:var(--shadow-md);transform:translateY(-4px);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.3)}
.exam-card.featured-exam{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal),var(--teal-mid));border-color:transparent;color:#fff}
.exam-card.featured-exam .exam-name,.exam-card.featured-exam .exam-full,.exam-card.featured-exam .exam-target{color:rgba(255,255,255,.9)!important}
.exam-card.featured-exam .exam-enroll{background:rgba(255,255,255,.2);color:#fff;border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.3)}
.exam-card.featured-exam .exam-enroll:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.35)}
.exam-badge{width:54px;height:54px;border-radius:var(--r-md);background:var(--teal-pale);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}
.exam-card.featured-exam .exam-badge{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15)}
.exam-name{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:800;color:var(--teal);letter-spacing:-.02em}
.exam-full{font-size:.78rem;color:var(--text-muted);line-height:1.5}
.exam-target{display:inline-block;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--teal);background:var(--teal-pale);padding:.3rem .8rem;border-radius:99px;letter-spacing:.04em}
.exam-enroll{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.4rem;font-size:.83rem;font-weight:600;color:var(--teal);border:1.5px solid var(--teal-light);border-radius:99px;padding:.4rem 1.1rem;transition:var(--t);margin-top:.3rem}
.exam-enroll:hover{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-color:var(--teal)}

/* Coaching sub-section */
.coaching-strip{margin-top:3.5rem;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal-dark),var(--charcoal-2));border-radius:var(--r-2xl);padding:2.5rem 2.75rem;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:2rem;flex-wrap:wrap}
.coaching-strip-icon{width:64px;height:64px;border-radius:var(--r-lg);background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:1.6rem;color:#fff;flex-shrink:0}
.coaching-strip-text{flex:1 1 200px}
.coaching-strip-text h3{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:1.4rem;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin-bottom:.4rem}
.coaching-strip-text p{font-size:.88rem;color:rgba(200,230,220,.72);line-height:1.65}
.coaching-strip-tags{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.5rem;margin-top:.85rem}
.coaching-strip-tags span{font-size:.73rem;font-weight:600;padding:.3rem .8rem;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);border-radius:99px}

/* ================================================================
   TESTIMONIALS
================================================================ */
.testimonials-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--ivory)}
.testimonial-slider-wrap{overflow:hidden;position:relative;margin:0 -1rem}
.testimonial-track{display:flex;gap:1.25rem;transition:transform .55s var(--ease);padding:1rem}
.testimonial-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-xl);padding:1.75rem;min-width:320px;max-width:380px;flex-shrink:0;transition:var(--t);display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:1rem}
.testimonial-card:hover{box-shadow:var(--shadow-md);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.25);transform:translateY(-4px)}
.testi-stars{color:var(--gold);font-size:.9rem;letter-spacing:.05em}
.testi-quote-icon{font-size:1.5rem;color:var(--teal-light)}
.testi-text{font-size:.9rem;color:var(--text-body);line-height:1.75;flex-grow:1;font-style:italic}
.testi-author{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.9rem;margin-top:.5rem;padding-top:1rem;border-top:1px solid var(--border-light)}
.testi-avatar{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--teal),var(--teal-mid));display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:.95rem;font-weight:700;color:#fff;flex-shrink:0}
.testi-name{font-size:.9rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--text-dark)}
.testi-college{font-size:.77rem;color:var(--text-muted)}

.slider-controls{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:1rem;margin-top:2rem}
.slider-btn{width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid var(--border);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;color:var(--text-muted);transition:var(--t)}
.slider-btn:hover{border-color:var(--teal);color:var(--teal);background:var(--teal-pale)}
.slider-dots{display:flex;gap:.5rem;align-items:center}
.slider-dot{width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--border);transition:var(--t);cursor:pointer}
.slider-dot.active{width:22px;border-radius:4px;background:var(--teal)}

/* ================================================================
   FAQ
================================================================ */
.faq-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--ivory-2)}
.faq-list{max-width:780px;margin:0 auto;display:grid;gap:.9rem}
.faq-item{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-lg);overflow:hidden;transition:var(--t)}
.faq-item.open{border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.35);box-shadow:0 4px 20px rgba(45,125,107,.08)}
.faq-q{width:100%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:1rem;padding:1.25rem 1.5rem;text-align:left;font-size:.95rem;font-weight:600;color:var(--text-dark);transition:var(--t)}
.faq-q:hover{color:var(--teal)}
.faq-q .faq-icon{width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;border:1.5px solid var(--border);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.75rem;color:var(--text-muted);flex-shrink:0;transition:var(--t)}
.faq-item.open .faq-q{color:var(--teal)}
.faq-item.open .faq-icon{background:var(--teal);border-color:var(--teal);color:#fff;transform:rotate(45deg)}
.faq-a{display:none;padding:0 1.5rem 1.25rem;font-size:.9rem;color:var(--text-muted);line-height:1.8}
.faq-item.open .faq-a{display:block}

/* ================================================================
   FREE COUNSELLING FORM
================================================================ */
.counselling-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--ivory)}
.counselling-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,.9fr) minmax(0,1.1fr);gap:3.5rem;align-items:start}
.counselling-info .section-title{margin-bottom:1rem}
.counselling-info p{margin-bottom:1.5rem;line-height:1.8}
.counselling-perks{display:grid;gap:.8rem;margin:2rem 0}
.perk-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.75rem;font-size:.9rem;color:var(--text-body)}
.perk-item i{width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-pale);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.7rem;color:var(--teal);flex-shrink:0}
.counselling-note{font-size:.8rem;color:var(--text-muted);padding:1rem;background:var(--teal-pale);border-radius:var(--r-md);border-left:3px solid var(--teal)}

.contact-form{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-2xl);padding:2.5rem 2.25rem;box-shadow:var(--shadow-md)}
.form-title{font-family:var(--font-display);font-size:1.4rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--text-dark);margin-bottom:.35rem}
.form-subtitle{font-size:.85rem;color:var(--text-muted);margin-bottom:1.75rem}
.form-row{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:1rem}
.form-group{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:.45rem;margin-bottom:.9rem}
.form-group label{font-size:.82rem;font-weight:600;color:var(--text-dark)}
.form-group input,.form-group select,.form-group textarea{border:1.5px solid var(--border);border-radius:var(--r-md);padding:.75rem 1rem;font-size:.9rem;color:var(--text-dark);background:var(--ivory);transition:var(--t);outline:none;width:100%}
.form-group input:focus,.form-group select:focus,.form-group textarea:focus{border-color:var(--teal);background:var(--white);box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(45,125,107,.1)}
.form-group textarea{resize:vertical;min-height:100px}
.form-submit{width:100%;padding:1rem;font-size:1rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.02em}
.form-note{text-align:center;font-size:.78rem;color:var(--text-muted);margin-top:1rem}

/* ================================================================
   CONTACT
================================================================ */
.contact-section{padding:5.5rem 0;background:var(--charcoal)}
.contact-band{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(220px,1fr));gap:1.5rem;margin-bottom:3rem}
.contact-item-card{background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);border-radius:var(--r-xl);padding:1.75rem;text-align:center;transition:var(--t)}
.contact-item-card:hover{background:rgba(45,125,107,.1);border-color:rgba(45,125,107,.25);transform:translateY(-3px)}
.contact-item-icon{width:48px;height:48px;border-radius:var(--r-md);background:rgba(45,125,107,.15);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:1.1rem;color:var(--teal-mid);margin:0 auto .9rem}
.contact-item-card h4{font-size:.88rem;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin-bottom:.4rem}
.contact-item-card p,.contact-item-card a{font-size:.82rem;color:rgba(200,220,215,.65);transition:var(--t)}
.contact-item-card a:hover{color:var(--teal-mid)}

.contact-map-placeholder{background:rgba(255,255,255,.03);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);border-radius:var(--r-xl);height:220px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:.75rem;color:rgba(200,220,215,.4)}
.contact-map-placeholder i{font-size:2rem}
.contact-map-placeholder p{font-size:.85rem;text-align:center}

/* ================================================================
   FOOTER
================================================================ */
.footer{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#111a22 0%,#0d1419 100%);border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.05)}
.footer-main{padding:4rem 0 3rem}
.footer-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.4fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;gap:2.5rem}
.footer-brand-col{}
.footer-logo-wrap {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  background: #ffffff;
  padding: 5px 12px;
  border-radius: var(--r-sm);
  margin-bottom: 1.1rem;
  height: 46px;
}
.footer-logo-wrap img {
  height: 34px;
  width: auto;
  filter: none;
  opacity: 1;
}
.footer-brand-desc{font-size:.84rem;color:rgba(200,215,210,.55);line-height:1.75;margin-bottom:1.5rem}
.footer-tagline{font-size:.72rem;color:var(--teal-mid);letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:1.1rem}
.footer-socials{display:flex;gap:.65rem}
.footer-social{width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:var(--r-sm);background:rgba(255,255,255,.05);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.85rem;color:rgba(200,215,210,.6);transition:var(--t)}
.footer-social:hover{background:var(--teal);border-color:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.footer-col h5{font-size:.8rem;font-weight:700;color:#fff;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:1.1rem}
.footer-col ul{display:grid;gap:.55rem}
.footer-col ul li a{font-size:.84rem;color:rgba(200,215,210,.55);transition:var(--t)}
.footer-col ul li a:hover{color:var(--teal-mid)}
.footer-bottom{border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.05);padding:1.4rem 0}
.footer-bottom-inner{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75rem}
.footer-bottom p{font-size:.8rem;color:rgba(200,215,210,.4)}
.footer-bottom-links{display:flex;gap:1.5rem}
.footer-bottom-links a{font-size:.8rem;color:rgba(200,215,210,.4);transition:var(--t)}
.footer-bottom-links a:hover{color:var(--teal-mid)}

/* ================================================================
   FLOATING UI
================================================================ */
.whatsapp-float{position:fixed;bottom:2rem;right:2rem;z-index:900;width:56px;height:56px;background:#25d366;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:1.5rem;color:#fff;box-shadow:0 6px 24px rgba(37,211,102,.35);transition:var(--t)}
.whatsapp-float:hover{transform:scale(1.1);box-shadow:0 10px 32px rgba(37,211,102,.45)}

.ai-chat{position:fixed;bottom:2rem;left:2rem;z-index:900}
.ai-chat-toggle{width:54px;height:54px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--charcoal);border:2px solid rgba(45,125,107,.4);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:1.3rem;color:#fff;box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg);transition:var(--t);position:relative}
.ai-chat-toggle:hover{background:var(--teal);border-color:var(--teal);transform:scale(1.05)}
.ai-pulse{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;width:14px;height:14px;background:var(--teal);border-radius:50%;border:2px solid var(--charcoal);animation:pulse-dot 2s infinite}
.ai-chat-window{position:absolute;bottom:calc(100% + 1rem);left:0;width:320px;background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--border-light);border-radius:var(--r-xl);box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg);overflow:hidden;opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transform:translateY(12px);transition:var(--t)}
.ai-chat-window.open{opacity:1;visibility:visible;transform:none}
.ai-chat-header{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.85rem;padding:1rem 1.25rem;background:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.ai-avatar{width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.2);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.95rem;flex-shrink:0}
.ai-chat-header strong{display:block;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:700}
.ai-chat-header span{font-size:.72rem;opacity:.8}
.ai-chat-close{margin-left:auto;color:#fff;opacity:.7;font-size:.9rem;padding:.25rem;transition:var(--t)}
.ai-chat-close:hover{opacity:1}
.ai-chat-messages{height:220px;overflow-y:auto;padding:1rem;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:.75rem}
.ai-msg{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:.6rem}
.ai-msg.user{flex-direction:row-reverse}
.msg-avatar{width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-pale);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.7rem;color:var(--teal);flex-shrink:0}
.ai-msg.user .msg-avatar{background:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.msg-bubble{background:var(--ivory);border-radius:var(--r-md);padding:.6rem .9rem;font-size:.82rem;color:var(--text-body);line-height:1.55;max-width:220px;border:1px solid var(--border-light)}
.ai-msg.user .msg-bubble{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-color:var(--teal)}
.quick-replies{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.4rem;margin-top:.6rem}
.quick-replies button{font-size:.72rem;font-weight:600;padding:.3rem .7rem;border-radius:99px;border:1px solid var(--teal-light);color:var(--teal);background:transparent;transition:var(--t)}
.quick-replies button:hover{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-color:var(--teal)}
.ai-chat-input{display:flex;gap:.5rem;padding:.75rem 1rem;border-top:1px solid var(--border-light)}
.ai-chat-input input{flex:1;border:1.5px solid var(--border);border-radius:var(--r-md);padding:.5rem .75rem;font-size:.83rem;outline:none;transition:var(--t);background:var(--ivory)}
.ai-chat-input input:focus{border-color:var(--teal)}
.ai-chat-input button{width:34px;height:34px;border-radius:var(--r-sm);background:var(--teal);color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.85rem;flex-shrink:0;transition:var(--t)}
.ai-chat-input button:hover{background:var(--teal-dark)}

.back-to-top{position:fixed;bottom:6.5rem;right:2rem;z-index:900;width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--charcoal);color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:.9rem;box-shadow:var(--shadow-md);opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transition:var(--t)}
.back-to-top.show{opacity:1;visibility:visible}
.back-to-top:hover{background:var(--teal);transform:translateY(-2px)}

/* ================================================================
   RESPONSIVE OVERHAUL (MOBILE-FIRST)
================================================================ */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-shell{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:3rem;padding:2.5rem 0 3.5rem;text-align:center}
  .hero-copy{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center}
  .hero-badge{justify-content:center}
  .hero-ctas{justify-content:center;width:100%}
  .hero-proof{margin:1.5rem auto 0;width:100%}
  .mbbs-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:2.5rem}
  .mbbs-countries-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)}
  .counselling-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:2rem}
  .footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;row-gap:2rem}
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  /* Mobile Logo & Actions Alignment */
  .nav-logo {
    padding: 4px 10px;
    height: 38px;
  }
  .nav-logo img {
    height: 26px;
  }
  .nav-actions {
    margin-left: auto;
    gap: 0.5rem;
  }

  /* Mobile Spacing & Padding Cleanup */
  .why-section, .services-section, .destinations-section, .mbbs-section, 
  .exams-section, .testimonials-section, .faq-section, .counselling-section, 
  .contact-section {
    padding: 3rem 0 !important;
  }
  .section-header {
    margin-bottom: 2rem !important;
  }

  /* ——— Mobile Navigation Overhaul ——— */
  .nav-links {
    /* Full-screen side-panel: slides in from the right */
    position: fixed;
    top: 0;
    right: 0;
    bottom: 0;
    left: 0;
    height: 100vh;
    height: 100dvh;
    z-index: 1050; /* Must be above .navbar (1000) and overlay (1040) */
    background: linear-gradient(160deg, #111c28 0%, #0d1a25 60%, #0a1520 100%);
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: stretch;
    justify-content: flex-start;
    padding: 0;
    overflow-y: auto;
    overflow-x: hidden;
    -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
    /* Hidden state: slide off-screen to the right */
    transform: translateX(100%);
    visibility: hidden;
    pointer-events: none;
    transition: transform 0.38s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1), visibility 0.38s;
  }
  .navbar.scrolled .nav-links a {
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.88) !important;
  }
  .navbar.scrolled .nav-links a:hover,
  .navbar.scrolled .nav-links a.active {
    color: var(--teal-mid) !important;
    background: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.1) !important;
  }
  .navbar.scrolled .nav-links > li > a {
    color: #fff !important;
  }
  .nav-links.open {
    transform: translateX(0);
    visibility: visible;
    pointer-events: auto;
  }

  /* Inner scroll area with safe padding from navbar */
  .nav-links::before {
    content: '';
    display: block;
    height: var(--nav-h);
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }

  .nav-links li {
    width: 100%;
    text-align: left;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.06);
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateX(24px);
    transition: transform 0.38s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1), opacity 0.38s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  }
  .nav-links.open li {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateX(0);
  }
  /* Stagger delays for list items sliding in */
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0.04s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.08s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.12s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.16s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(5) { transition-delay: 0.20s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(6) { transition-delay: 0.24s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(7) { transition-delay: 0.28s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(8) { transition-delay: 0.32s; }
  .nav-links.open li:nth-child(9) { transition-delay: 0.36s; }

  .nav-links a {
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    color: rgba(255,255,255,0.88);
    padding: 1rem 1.75rem;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 0.6rem;
    font-weight: 600;
    transition: color 0.22s, background 0.22s;
    width: 100%;
  }
  .nav-links > li > a {
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    color: #fff;
    letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  }
  .nav-links a:hover,
  .nav-links a:active {
    color: var(--teal-mid);
    background: rgba(45,125,107,0.1);
  }

  /* Dropdown inside mobile menu — always visible, indented */
  .dropdown-menu {
    position: static;
    opacity: 1;
    visibility: visible;
    transform: none;
    box-shadow: none;
    background: rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
    border: none;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
    border-radius: 0;
    padding: 0;
    min-width: unset;
    width: 100%;
  }
  .dropdown-menu a {
    color: rgba(200,220,215,0.75) !important;
    font-size: 0.92rem !important;
    justify-content: flex-start;
    padding: 0.75rem 1.75rem 0.75rem 2.5rem !important;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.04);
  }
  .dropdown-menu a:last-child {
    border-bottom: none;
  }
  .dropdown-menu a:hover {
    color: var(--teal-mid) !important;
    background: rgba(45,125,107,0.1);
  }
  .dropdown-menu i {
    color: var(--teal-mid);
  }

  /* Hamburger button — on top of everything */
  .hamburger {
    display: flex;
    z-index: 1060;
    position: relative;
  }
  .btn-nav-cta {
    display: none;
  }
  
  .nav-extra-link {
    display: none !important;
  }
  .nav-mobile-actions {
    display: flex !important;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 0.75rem;
    margin-top: auto;
    padding: 1.5rem 1.75rem 2rem;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
  }
  .nav-mobile-actions .btn-outline {
    border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.22) !important;
    color: #fff !important;
    border-radius: var(--r-lg);
    justify-content: center;
    padding: 0.9rem 1.5rem;
    display: flex !important;
    font-size: 0.92rem;
    text-align: center;
    width: 100%;
    transition: background 0.25s, border-color 0.25s;
  }
  .nav-mobile-actions .btn-outline:hover {
    background: rgba(255,255,255,0.08) !important;
    border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.4) !important;
  }
  .nav-mobile-actions .btn-primary {
    justify-content: center;
    padding: 0.9rem 1.5rem;
    display: flex !important;
    width: 100%;
    font-size: 0.92rem;
    text-align: center;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 18px rgba(45,125,107,0.35);
  }

  /* Mobile Carousel styling for card list sections */
  .mobile-carousel {
    display: flex !important;
    flex-direction: row !important;
    flex-wrap: nowrap !important;
    overflow-x: auto !important;
    scroll-snap-type: x mandatory !important;
    scroll-behavior: smooth !important;
    -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch !important;
    gap: 1rem !important;
    padding: 0.75rem 0.25rem 1.5rem !important;
    margin: 0 !important;
    scrollbar-width: none !important;
  }
  .mobile-carousel::-webkit-scrollbar {
    display: none !important;
  }
  .mobile-carousel > * {
    flex: 0 0 100% !important;
    width: 100% !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    scroll-snap-align: start !important;
    margin: 0 !important;
    box-sizing: border-box !important;
  }

  /* Hero adjustments */
  .hero-visual {
    min-height: auto;
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 480px;
    margin: 0 auto;
  }
  .hero-mini-cards {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 0.75rem;
  }
  .hero-proof {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 0.85rem;
    margin-top: 1.5rem;
  }

  /* Grid Layout Adaptations */
  .stats-inner {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 1rem;
  }
  .destinations-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
    gap: 0.75rem;
  }
  .exams-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 0.75rem;
  }
  .mbbs-countries-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 0.75rem;
  }
  
  /* Medical Admissions Key Points (2x2 Grid) */
  .mbbs-features {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
    gap: 0.75rem !important;
    margin: 1.5rem 0 !important;
  }
  .mbbs-feature {
    flex-direction: column !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    text-align: center !important;
    padding: 1.1rem 0.75rem !important;
    gap: 0.5rem !important;
  }
  .mbbs-feat-icon {
    margin-top: 0 !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important;
    width: 36px !important;
    height: 36px !important;
    font-size: 0.85rem !important;
  }
  .mbbs-feat-text strong {
    font-size: 0.82rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important;
    display: block;
  }
  .mbbs-feat-text span {
    font-size: 0.72rem !important;
    line-height: 1.4 !important;
    display: block;
  }

  /* MBBS country premium cards inside carousel */
  .mbbs-country-premium {
    padding: 1.75rem 1.25rem !important;
  }
  .mbbs-country-flag-premium {
    font-size: 2.5rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.75rem !important;
  }
  .mbbs-country-name-premium {
    font-size: 1.3rem !important;
  }
  .mbbs-country-text-premium {
    font-size: 0.78rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 1rem !important;
  }

  /* Exam premium cards inside carousel */
  .exam-card-premium {
    padding: 2.25rem 1.25rem !important;
  }
  .exam-name-badge {
    font-size: 1.8rem !important;
    padding: 0.5rem 1.25rem !important;
  }
  .exam-full-premium {
    font-size: 0.78rem !important;
  }
  .exam-target-premium {
    font-size: 0.72rem !important;
    padding: 0.25rem 0.75rem !important;
  }

  /* Seminars What You'll Gain (2x3 Grid) */
  .benefits-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
    gap: 0.75rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 2.5rem !important;
  }
  .benefit-card {
    padding: 1.25rem 0.85rem !important;
    border-radius: var(--r-lg) !important;
  }
  .benefit-icon {
    font-size: 1.8rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.75rem !important;
  }
  .benefit-card h4 {
    font-size: 0.9rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.35rem !important;
  }
  .benefit-card p {
    font-size: 0.75rem !important;
    line-height: 1.4 !important;
  }

  /* Academic Partnerships Highlights (2x3 Grid) */
  .collab-highlights-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
    gap: 0.75rem !important;
  }
  .highlight-card {
    flex-direction: column !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    text-align: center !important;
    padding: 1.1rem 0.75rem !important;
    gap: 0.5rem !important;
  }
  .highlight-icon {
    font-size: 1.8rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important;
  }
  .highlight-text h4 {
    font-size: 0.88rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.15rem !important;
  }
  .highlight-text span {
    font-size: 0.72rem !important;
  }

  /* Mobile Section Subtitle Optimization */
  .section-sub {
    font-size: 0.9rem !important;
    line-height: 1.6 !important;
  }
  .coaching-strip {
    padding: 2rem 1.5rem;
    gap: 1.25rem;
  }
  .form-row {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 0;
  }
  
  /* 2x2 Grid Conversion for exactly 4 cards */
  .contact-band {
    display: grid !important;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr !important;
    gap: 0.75rem !important;
  }

  .footer-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    row-gap: 1.5rem;
  }
  .footer-bottom-inner {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: flex-start;
    gap: 0.5rem;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .hero-headline {
    font-size: clamp(2rem, 8.5vw, 2.7rem);
  }
  .hero-ctas {
    flex-direction: column;
    width: 100%;
  }
  .hero-ctas .btn-primary, .hero-ctas .btn-gold, .hero-ctas .btn-outline {
    width: 100% !important;
    justify-content: center;
  }
  .stats-inner {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
  .mbbs-countries-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
  
  /* Medical Admissions Key Points (1 Column on Mobile) */
  .mbbs-features {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
    gap: 0.85rem !important;
    margin: 1.5rem 0 !important;
  }
  .mbbs-feature {
    flex-direction: row !important;
    align-items: flex-start !important;
    text-align: left !important;
    padding: 1.1rem 1rem !important;
    gap: 0.9rem !important;
  }
  .mbbs-feat-icon {
    margin-top: 0.15rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    width: 38px !important;
    height: 38px !important;
    font-size: 0.95rem !important;
    flex-shrink: 0 !important;
  }
  .mbbs-feat-text strong {
    font-size: 0.9rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.2rem !important;
  }
  .mbbs-feat-text span {
    font-size: 0.8rem !important;
    line-height: 1.5 !important;
    display: block;
  }

  .counselling-section .btn-gold {
    width: 100%;
    justify-content: center;
  }
  .ai-chat-window {
    width: calc(100vw - 2.5rem);
    left: 0;
  }
  .footer-bottom-links {
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 0.4rem;
  }
}

/* Optimization for tiny screens (360px) */
@media (max-width: 375px) {
  .hero-proof {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .stats-inner {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .contact-band {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
  }
  .destinations-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
  }
}

/* Indicators Dots for Carousels */
.carousel-dots {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  margin-top: 1rem;
}
.carousel-dot {
  width: 8px;
  height: 8px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--border);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}
.carousel-dot.active {
  width: 20px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  background: var(--teal);
}

/* Read More / Read Less button */
.read-more-btn {
  background: none;
  border: none;
  color: var(--teal);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  margin-left: 0.35rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 0;
  display: inline;
  text-decoration: underline;
  transition: color 0.2s ease;
}
.read-more-btn:hover {
  color: var(--teal-dark);
}

/* ——— Animations ——— */
@keyframes fadeUp{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}
.hero-copy > *{animation:fadeUp .7s var(--ease) both}
.hero-badge{animation-delay:.1s}
.hero-headline{animation-delay:.22s}
.hero-sub{animation-delay:.34s}
.hero-ctas{animation-delay:.46s}
.hero-proof{animation-delay:.58s}
.hero-card-main{animation:fadeUp .8s .3s var(--ease) both}
.hero-mini-cards{animation:fadeUp .8s .5s var(--ease) both}

/* ================================================================
   NEW HERO CATEGORY CARDS STYLES
   ================================================================ */
.hero-category-container {
  margin-top: 2rem;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 560px;
  animation: fadeUp .8s .7s var(--ease) both;
}
.hero-category-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 1rem;
}
.hero-category-card {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  padding: 1.1rem 1.25rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.85rem;
  color: #fff;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  cursor: pointer;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
}
.hero-category-card::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(58, 155, 133, 0.15), rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.1));
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
  z-index: 0;
}
.hero-category-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  border-color: rgba(58, 155, 133, 0.4);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.25);
}
.hero-category-card:hover::before {
  opacity: 1;
}
.hero-category-icon {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(58, 155, 133, 0.15);
  color: var(--teal-mid);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  z-index: 1;
  transition: all 0.4s ease;
}
.hero-category-card:hover .hero-category-icon {
  background: var(--teal-mid);
  color: #fff;
  transform: scale(1.1);
}
.hero-category-info {
  z-index: 1;
  text-align: left;
}
.hero-category-info h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  margin: 0;
  color: #fff;
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW WHY CHOOSE US CAROUSEL STYLES
   ================================================================ */
.why-carousel-wrap {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  width: 100%;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 1rem 0.25rem 2rem;
}
.why-carousel-track {
  display: flex;
  transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  gap: 1.5rem;
  width: 100%;
}
.why-carousel-track .why-card {
  flex: 0 0 calc(33.333% - 1rem);
  box-sizing: border-box;
  margin: 0;
}
@media (max-width: 992px) {
  .why-carousel-track .why-card {
    flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 0.75rem);
  }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .why-carousel-track .why-card {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
  }
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW PREMIUM STATS STYLES
   ================================================================ */
@keyframes rotateGradient {
  0% { transform: rotate(0deg); }
  100% { transform: rotate(360deg); }
}
.stat-card-premium {
  position: relative;
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 2.25rem 1.5rem;
  background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.6);
  backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  z-index: 1;
  overflow: hidden;
  text-align: center;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.stat-card-premium::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: -50%;
  left: -50%;
  width: 200%;
  height: 200%;
  background: conic-gradient(
    transparent,
    var(--teal-mid),
    var(--gold),
    transparent 30%,
    transparent
  );
  animation: rotateGradient 6s linear infinite;
  z-index: -2;
}
.stat-card-premium::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 2px;
  background: var(--charcoal);
  border-radius: calc(var(--r-xl) - 2px);
  z-index: -1;
  transition: background 0.4s ease;
}
[data-theme="dark"] .stat-card-premium::after {
  background: #0d151c;
}
.stat-card-premium:hover {
  transform: translateY(-8px) scale(1.02);
  box-shadow: 0 15px 35px rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.25);
}
.stat-card-premium:hover::after {
  background: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.12);
}
@keyframes statFloat {
  0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0); }
  50% { transform: translateY(-5px); }
}
.stat-card-premium:nth-child(even) {
  animation: statFloat 6s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.stat-card-premium:nth-child(odd) {
  animation: statFloat 6s ease-in-out infinite 3s;
}
.stat-shine {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: -100%;
  width: 50%;
  height: 100%;
  background: linear-gradient(
    90deg,
    transparent,
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08),
    transparent
  );
  transform: skewX(-25deg);
  transition: 0.75s;
  z-index: 2;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.stat-card-premium:hover .stat-shine {
  left: 150%;
}
.stat-card-premium:hover .stat-icon-wrap {
  background: var(--teal-mid);
  color: #fff;
  transform: scale(1.1) rotate(8deg);
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px var(--teal-mid);
}

.stat-number-wrap {
  display: flex;
  align-items: baseline;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
}

.stat-label-premium {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  transition: color 0.4s ease;
}
.stat-card-premium:hover .stat-label-premium {
  color: #fff;
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW VERTICAL DESTINATIONS STYLES
   ================================================================ */
.destination-card-premium {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 2.25rem 1.5rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  cursor: pointer;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.destination-card-premium::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 4px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--teal), var(--teal-mid));
  transform: scaleX(0);
  transform-origin: center;
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.destination-card-premium:hover {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.25);
}
.destination-card-premium:hover::before {
  transform: scaleX(1);
}
.dest-flag-premium {
  font-size: 2.8rem;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  line-height: 1;
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.destination-card-premium:hover .dest-flag-premium {
  transform: scale(1.15) rotate(5deg);
}
.dest-info-premium {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  flex-grow: 1;
  width: 100%;
}
.dest-info-premium h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
  margin-bottom: 0.35rem;
}
.dest-info-premium p {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.dest-tags-premium {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: auto;
}
.dest-tags-premium span {
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 0.2rem 0.6rem;
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  color: var(--teal);
  border-radius: 99px;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}
.destination-card-premium:hover .dest-tags-premium span {
  background: var(--teal);
  color: #fff;
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .hero-category-container {
    max-width: 100%;
    overflow: hidden;
    padding: 0.5rem 0;
    margin-top: 1.5rem;
  }
  .hero-category-grid {
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: nowrap;
    overflow-x: auto;
    scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
    gap: 0.85rem;
    padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
    scrollbar-width: none;
    -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
    margin: 0 -1rem;
  }
  .hero-category-grid::-webkit-scrollbar {
    display: none;
  }
  .hero-category-card {
    flex: 0 0 72%;
    scroll-snap-align: center;
    box-shadow: 0 6px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
  }
  
  /* Stats Carousel mobile snap */
  .stats-inner {
    display: flex !important;
    flex-wrap: nowrap !important;
    overflow-x: auto !important;
    scroll-snap-type: x mandatory !important;
    scroll-behavior: smooth !important;
    gap: 1.25rem !important;
    padding: 1rem 0.25rem !important;
    scrollbar-width: none !important;
    margin: 0 !important;
  }
  .stats-inner::-webkit-scrollbar {
    display: none !important;
  }
  .stat-card-premium {
    flex: 0 0 100% !important;
    scroll-snap-align: center !important;
    margin: 0 !important;
  }
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW MEDICAL ADMISSIONS GRID & PREMIUM CARDS
   ================================================================ */
.mbbs-countries-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr));
  gap: 1.25rem;
}
.mbbs-country-premium {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 2rem 1.5rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  height: 100%;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.mbbs-country-premium::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 3px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--teal-mid), var(--gold));
  transform: scaleX(0);
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.mbbs-country-premium:hover {
  background: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.1);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.3);
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.2);
}
.mbbs-country-premium:hover::before {
  transform: scaleX(1);
}
.mbbs-country-flag-premium {
  font-size: 3rem;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  line-height: 1;
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.mbbs-country-premium:hover .mbbs-country-flag-premium {
  transform: scale(1.15) rotate(5deg);
}
.mbbs-country-name-premium {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #fff;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.mbbs-country-text-premium {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: rgba(200, 220, 215, 0.7);
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
  flex-grow: 1;
}
.mbbs-country-badge-premium {
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  padding: 0.25rem 0.75rem;
  background: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.2);
  color: var(--teal-mid);
  border-radius: 99px;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-top: auto;
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW EXAMS SECTION PREMIUM CARD STYLES
   ================================================================ */
.exams-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(220px, 1fr));
  gap: 1.5rem;
}
.exam-card-premium {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 2.5rem 1.75rem;
  text-align: center;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  height: 100%;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.exam-card-premium::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 4px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--teal), var(--teal-mid));
  transform: scaleX(0);
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.exam-card-premium:hover {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  transform: translateY(-6px);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.25);
}
.exam-card-premium:hover::before {
  transform: scaleX(1);
}
.exam-name-badge {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--teal);
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  line-height: 1;
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  padding: 0.65rem 1.5rem;
  border-radius: 99px;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--teal-light);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.08);
  transition: all 0.4s ease;
}
.exam-card-premium:hover .exam-name-badge {
  background: var(--teal);
  color: #fff;
  border-color: var(--teal);
  transform: scale(1.05);
}
.exam-card-premium.featured-exam {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--teal-dark), var(--teal));
  border-color: transparent;
  color: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 12px 35px rgba(31, 92, 78, 0.3);
}
.exam-card-premium.featured-exam .exam-name-badge {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  color: #fff;
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
  box-shadow: none;
}
.exam-card-premium.featured-exam:hover .exam-name-badge {
  background: #fff;
  color: var(--teal);
}
.exam-card-premium.featured-exam .exam-full-premium {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
}
.exam-card-premium.featured-exam .exam-target-premium {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  color: #fff;
}
.exam-card-premium.featured-exam .exam-enroll-premium {
  background: #fff;
  color: var(--teal);
  border-color: #fff;
}
.exam-card-premium.featured-exam .exam-enroll-premium:hover {
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  color: var(--teal-dark);
}
.exam-full-premium {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  line-height: 1.5;
  font-weight: 500;
  flex-grow: 1;
}
.exam-target-premium {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  padding: 0.4rem 1.1rem;
  border-radius: 99px;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.exam-enroll-premium {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--teal);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--teal-light);
  border-radius: 99px;
  padding: 0.5rem 1.5rem;
  transition: all 0.4s ease;
  margin-top: auto;
}
.exam-enroll-premium:hover {
  background: var(--teal);
  color: #fff;
  border-color: var(--teal);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW SEMINAR SECTION STYLES
   ================================================================ */
.seminars-section {
  padding: 5.5rem 0;
  background: var(--ivory);
}
.seminar-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
}
.seminar-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-2xl);
  padding: 2.5rem;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1rem;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.seminar-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.25);
}
.seminar-badge {
  align-self: flex-start;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--teal);
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  border: 1px solid var(--teal-light);
  padding: 0.35rem 0.85rem;
  border-radius: 99px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}
.seminar-badge.premium {
  color: var(--gold);
  background: rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.1);
  border-color: var(--gold-light);
}
.seminar-card h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
}
.seminar-card p {
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  line-height: 1.7;
  flex-grow: 1;
}
.seminar-meta {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--teal-mid);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}
.benefits-header {
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.benefits-header h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.75rem;
  color: var(--text-dark);
  font-weight: 700;
}
.benefits-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 1.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
}
.benefit-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 2rem 1.5rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.benefit-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.2);
}
.benefit-icon {
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  line-height: 1;
  transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}
.benefit-card:hover .benefit-icon {
  transform: scale(1.15) rotate(5deg);
}
.benefit-card h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.benefit-card p {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  line-height: 1.6;
}
.scholarship-highlight-card {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--teal-dark) 0%, var(--teal) 100%);
  border-radius: var(--r-2xl);
  padding: 2.5rem;
  color: #fff;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 2rem;
  max-width: 900px;
  margin: 0 auto 3rem;
  box-shadow: 0 15px 40px rgba(31, 92, 78, 0.25);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.scholarship-icon-wrap {
  width: 64px;
  height: 64px;
  border-radius: var(--r-lg);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  color: var(--gold-light);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 2rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
}
.scholarship-info h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #fff;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.scholarship-info p {
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: rgba(225, 240, 235, 0.88);
  line-height: 1.7;
}
.seminar-cta-wrap {
  text-align: center;
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW COLLABORATIONS SECTION STYLES
   ================================================================ */
.collaborations-section {
  padding: 5.5rem 0;
  background: var(--ivory-2);
}
.collab-layout {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 0.95fr 1.05fr;
  gap: 3.5rem;
  align-items: start;
}
.collab-univ-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-2xl);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.collab-univ-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.25);
}
.collab-image-area {
  position: relative;
  height: 250px;
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.collab-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s ease;
}
.collab-univ-card:hover .collab-img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.collab-univ-badge {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1rem;
  left: 1rem;
  background: var(--gold);
  color: var(--charcoal);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  padding: 0.35rem 0.85rem;
  border-radius: 99px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
}
.collab-univ-details {
  padding: 2.25rem 2rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1rem;
}
.collab-univ-details h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
}
.collab-univ-details p {
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  line-height: 1.7;
}
.collab-highlights-col {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}
.highlights-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
}
.collab-highlights-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 1.25rem;
}
.highlight-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 1rem;
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.highlight-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.2);
}
.highlight-icon {
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  line-height: 1;
  transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}
.highlight-card:hover .highlight-icon {
  transform: scale(1.15);
}
.highlight-text h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
  margin-bottom: 0.15rem;
}
.highlight-text span {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  line-height: 1.4;
  display: block;
}
.collab-info-box {
  background: rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.08);
  border-left: 4px solid var(--gold);
  border-radius: 0 var(--r-md) var(--r-md) 0;
  padding: 1.25rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 0.85rem;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
.collab-info-box i {
  color: var(--gold);
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  margin-top: 0.15rem;
}
.collab-info-box p {
  font-size: 0.83rem;
  color: var(--text-body);
  line-height: 1.5;
  margin: 0;
}
.collab-cta-wrap {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .collab-layout {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 2.5rem;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 992px) {
  .benefits-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .seminar-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 1.5rem;
  }
  .scholarship-highlight-card {
    flex-direction: column;
    text-align: center;
    gap: 1.25rem;
    padding: 2rem;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .collab-highlights-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 0.75rem;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .benefits-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW MBBS HIGHLIGHT SECTION STYLES
   ================================================================ */
.mbbs-highlight-section {
  padding: 4.5rem 0;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--charcoal) 0%, var(--teal-dark) 100%);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  color: #fff;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
}
.mbbs-highlight-section::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: -50%;
  right: -20%;
  width: 400px;
  height: 400px;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.12) 0%, transparent 70%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.mbbs-highlight-container {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 3rem;
}
.mbbs-highlight-content {
  flex: 1;
}
.mbbs-highlight-tag {
  display: inline-block;
  background: rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.15);
  color: var(--gold-light);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  padding: 0.35rem 0.95rem;
  border-radius: 99px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
  border: 1px solid rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.25);
}
.mbbs-highlight-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.5vw, 2.75rem);
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #fff;
  line-height: 1.2;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.mbbs-highlight-title em {
  font-style: normal;
  color: var(--gold-light);
  text-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.3);
}
.mbbs-highlight-desc {
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: rgba(220, 240, 235, 0.85);
  line-height: 1.6;
  max-width: 650px;
  margin-bottom: 1.75rem;
}
.mbbs-highlight-perks {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 1rem;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.mbbs-highlight-perk {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: #fff;
  font-weight: 500;
}
.mbbs-highlight-perk i {
  color: var(--gold-light);
  font-size: 1rem;
}
.mbbs-highlight-cta {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
}
.mbbs-highlight-disclaimer {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  color: rgba(220, 240, 235, 0.5);
  text-align: center;
}

@media (max-width: 992px) {
  .mbbs-highlight-container {
    flex-direction: column;
    text-align: center;
    gap: 2rem;
  }
  .mbbs-highlight-desc {
    margin: 0 auto 1.75rem;
  }
  .mbbs-highlight-perks {
    justify-content: center;
    max-width: 500px;
    margin: 0 auto 1.5rem;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .mbbs-highlight-perks {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  *,*::before,*::after{animation-duration:.01ms!important;transition-duration:.01ms!important}
  html{scroll-behavior:auto}
}

/* ================================================================
   FOUNDER MESSAGE SECTION
   ================================================================ */
.founder-section {
  padding: 5.5rem 0;
  background: var(--ivory-2);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.founder-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.25fr;
  gap: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4.5rem);
  align-items: center;
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-2xl);
  padding: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  transition: var(--t);
}

[data-theme="dark"] .founder-grid {
  background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.6);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
}

/* Left Column - Image Frame */
.founder-image-col {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  width: 100%;
}

.founder-image-frame {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 360px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1.25rem;
}

.founder-image {
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4 / 5;
  object-fit: cover;
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  transition: var(--t);
}

.founder-image:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
}

.founder-image-placeholder {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4 / 5;
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  border: 2px dashed var(--teal-mid);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: var(--t);
  box-shadow: inset 0 0 20px rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.05);
}

[data-theme="dark"] .founder-image-placeholder {
  background: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.05);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.3);
}

.founder-image-placeholder:hover {
  border-color: var(--gold);
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md), inset 0 0 30px rgba(201, 168, 76, 0.08);
}

.placeholder-icon {
  font-size: 4rem;
  color: var(--teal);
  z-index: 2;
  transition: var(--t);
}

.founder-image-placeholder:hover .placeholder-icon {
  color: var(--gold);
  transform: scale(1.1);
}

/* Decorative Rings inside placeholder */
.placeholder-ring-1, .placeholder-ring-2 {
  position: absolute;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.1);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.placeholder-ring-1 {
  width: 150px;
  height: 150px;
  animation: float-deco 8s infinite ease-in-out;
}

.placeholder-ring-2 {
  width: 220px;
  height: 220px;
  animation: float-deco 12s infinite ease-in-out reverse;
  animation-delay: -2s;
}

.founder-image-label {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  text-align: center;
  transition: var(--t);
}

.founder-image-placeholder:hover + .founder-image-label {
  color: var(--text-dark);
}

/* Right Column - Content */
.founder-content-col {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: flex-start;
  width: 100%;
}

.founder-content-col .section-eyebrow {
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}

.founder-content-col .section-title {
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.founder-profile-meta {
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  padding-bottom: 1rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  width: 100%;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .founder-profile-meta {
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
}

.founder-name {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
  line-height: 1.2;
}

.founder-designation {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--teal-mid);
  margin-top: 0.25rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
}

.founder-quote-box {
  position: relative;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  width: 100%;
}

.quote-icon-bg {
  position: absolute;
  top: -1.5rem;
  left: -1rem;
  font-size: 4rem;
  color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.05);
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 1;
}

.founder-text {
  font-size: clamp(0.95rem, 1.6vw, 1.05rem);
  color: var(--text-body);
  line-height: 1.8;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  font-style: italic;
}

.founder-signature-wrap {
  margin-bottom: 2.25rem;
  align-self: flex-start;
}

.founder-signature {
  font-family: 'Caveat', cursive;
  font-size: 2.8rem;
  color: var(--gold);
  line-height: 1;
  display: inline-block;
  transform: rotate(-4deg);
  text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
}

.founder-cta-wrap {
  display: flex;
  gap: 1rem;
}

/* Responsive Overhaul for Founder Section */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .founder-grid {
    gap: 3rem;
    padding: 3rem;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .founder-section {
    padding: 3.5rem 0 !important;
  }
  .founder-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 2.5rem;
    padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
    text-align: center;
  }
  
  .founder-content-col {
    align-items: center;
  }
  
  .founder-signature-wrap {
    align-self: center;
  }
  
  .quote-icon-bg {
    left: 50%;
    transform: translateX(-50%);
    top: -2rem;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .founder-grid {
    padding: 2rem 1.25rem;
  }
  .founder-name {
    font-size: 1.75rem;
  }
  .founder-signature {
    font-size: 2.4rem;
  }
}

/* ================================================================
   NEW STYLES: ABOUT & MISSION/VISION PREVIEWS (AESTHETIC UPGRADE)
   ================================================================ */
.about-preview-section {
  padding: 5.5rem 0;
  background: var(--ivory);
  position: relative;
}
.about-preview-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.15fr;
  gap: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem);
  align-items: center;
}
.about-preview-visual {
  position: relative;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--teal-dark), var(--teal));
  border-radius: var(--r-2xl);
  padding: 3.5rem clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.5rem);
  color: #fff;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.about-preview-visual::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: radial-gradient(circle at 80% 20%, rgba(201,168,76,0.18) 0%, transparent 60%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.about-preview-quote {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 2.2vw, 1.65rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.4;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  color: var(--gold-light);
}
.about-preview-author {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);
}
.about-preview-content {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 1.25rem;
}
.about-preview-text {
  font-size: 1.02rem;
  color: var(--text-body);
  line-height: 1.8;
}

/* Mission & Vision Preview */
.mission-vision-preview {
  padding: 5rem 0;
  background: var(--ivory-2);
}
.mv-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 2rem;
}
.mv-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 2.5rem;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: var(--t);
  display: flex;
  gap: 1.25rem;
}
.mv-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(45, 125, 107, 0.2);
}
.mv-icon-wrap {
  width: 56px;
  height: 56px;
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  color: var(--teal);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.mv-card:hover .mv-icon-wrap {
  background: var(--teal);
  color: #fff;
}
.mv-info h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-dark);
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}
.mv-info p {
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--text-body);
  line-height: 1.7;
}

/* Responsive */
@media (max-width: 992px) {
  .about-preview-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    text-align: center;
    gap: 3rem;
  }
  .about-preview-content {
    align-items: center;
  }
  .mv-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 1.5rem;
  }
}