Top Trending Education News & Highlights
Exams for MHT CET in 2026 Exams start on March 24 the first two admission cards will be made available.
In keeping with the recently implemented two-attempt test pattern, the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell will implement a significant change in MHT CET 2026 by providing applicants with two different admission cards for the first time. Candidates who choose to attend both sessions will get individual hall passes under the updated procedure. Along with the city slip notification, the first MHT CET admission card will be issued in advance and will be provisional.The MHT CET admit cards will be distributed electronically by the CET Cell at cetcell.mahacet.org. With their login information, the candidates will be able to download them. Candidates can consult IE Education for further information on the MHT CET curriculum, admit cards, and other topics.While the MHT CET for PCM and PCB groups will be held in several sessions throughout April and May, the CET 2026 timetable will begin on March 24. The purpose of introducing two attempts is to give pupils one more chance to raise their scores. Candidates who attend both sessions will be admitted based on their highest score. Candidates are required by usual protocol to provide a printed copy of their admission card to the exam location; entry without it will be denied. 3,81,629 students applied for the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group, whereas 7,60,981 candidates enrolled for the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group, according to data given by the CET Cell. In comparison to other years, the total number of registrants has increased significantly to 11.42 lakh this year.The data shows that PCM registrations have been steadily increasing, with a notable acceleration in 2026. 4,64,262 candidates signed up for the PCM group in 2025. 4,74,656 people registered on the first try this year alone—an increase of 10,394 applicants, or around 2.24 percent.
Published 21 Mar 2026 05:56 PM
Amar Chitra Katha, a cartoon that narrates India's scientific tale, meets IISc
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru has used an ancient but cherished storytelling technique to preserve its history in a time of scrolling screens and diminishing attention spans. In partnership with Amar Chitra Katha, the institute has published a comic book that combines history, creativity, and patriotism into an approachable story for a younger audience.The concept of a comic book coming out of a scientific institution can seem strange at first. However, IISc's inspiration stems from its own history, which predates India's independence.The institute, which was established by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata during British colonial authority, has served as a symbol of national development and scientific aspirations for more than a century. However, a large portion of this rich legacy is still unknown to the general population, particularly young adults and children. "The concept was straightforward," according to project participants. "How can we make the remarkable history of IISc interesting and approachable?" The solution took the shape of a comic, an art form that has exposed Indian generations to mythology, history, and culture for decades. The institute stated that it felt like a natural fit to collaborate with Amar Chitra Katha, a well-known brand known for its vivid storytelling. It added that IISc's Office of Communications started the partnership, and the Amar Chitra Katha team quickly joined in, realizing how important it is to tell the story of Indian science in a compelling way.The comic chronicles IISc's development from its inception to its rise to prominence as a worldwide hub for innovation and research. The Mysore royal family provided significant support for Tata's innovative plan to establish a scientific institution for India. The story then shifts to 1911, the year IISc began welcomed students.
Published 17 Mar 2026 05:49 PM
Knowledge Nugget International Maritime Laws: An Overview of UNCLOS, SOLAS, and MARPOL
On March 4, the Iranian cruiser IRIS Dena was torpedoed by a US submarine outside Sri Lanka's territorial limits. The ship was returning from its participation in MILAN-2026, a multilateral naval exercise organized by the Indian Navy, and the International Fleet Review. Understanding important maritime laws and agreements becomes crucial in this situation.In order to support the preservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems, a number of international treaties and conventions have been developed to regulate maritime zones and prevent and control marine pollution.1. UNCLOS is an all-encompassing international law that establishes the general guidelines for acceptable conduct on the usage of seas and oceans worldwide. In addition to addressing topics like sovereignty, passage rights, and rights of exclusive economic usage, it outlines the obligations and rights of nations with regard to operations in the oceans. UNCLOS is responsible for the demarcation of EEZs and territorial waters. 2. According to UNCLOS, the territorial sea (TS) is a region that extends up to 12 nautical miles from the base of a nation's shore. Over the waters included in the TS, a state has complete sovereignty.3. A nation's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is defined by the UNCLOS as extending from the baseline of its coast to 200 nautical miles (about 370 kilometers) into the sea. Within its EEZ, a country has exclusive rights to both living and non-living resources in the oceans and on the seafloor.4. The general guidelines for fair access to and use of ocean resources, as well as the preservation and conservation of marine ecology and biodiversity, are established by UNCLOS. However, it doesn't outline how these goals must be met. The High Seas Treaty is relevant in this situation.
Published 09 Mar 2026 05:53 PM
Reduction doesn't affect competence, candidates are licensed MBBS practitioners, the government argues in support of the NEET-PG negative cut-off.
On Monday, the Supreme Court announced that it would investigate the potential impact on postgraduate medical education standards of the significant decline in the qualifying percentile for NEET-PG 2025.Since cut-offs were dropped to zero percentile and negative marks, around one lakh students are now eligible for NEET PG counseling. After the qualifying cut-off was lowered, up to 95,913 more candidates were eligible for NEET PG 2025 counseling, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) told the Supreme Court of India. Earlier, on February 4, a bench of justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe sent a notice to the Center requesting that it submit an affidavit outlining the rationale for the cut-offs. The examination body documented comprehensive category-by-category data explaining the effects of the updated percentile criteria in its response to the Public Interest Litigation contesting the notice dated January 13, 2026. The body claimed that the modification had significantly increased the number of qualified applicants for the continuing counseling process.
Published 23 Feb 2026 06:01 PM
Education
Education is also one of the biggest endustry and there are so many start ups are coming up with unique ideas to help education system and the kids to go to a new level.
Does not meet intellectual standards; enforces content based on ideology: Kerala government dismisses UGC draft curriculum
A panel set up by the Kerala government, while opposing the draft curriculum issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) last month, raised concerns about the “imposition of ideologically driven content under the guise of Indian knowledge system,” as well as outdated content and infringements on academic autonomy.This week, the Kerala government announced that it had rejected the draft curriculum and had communicated this decision to the UGC, based on the panel's report submitted earlier this month. Last month, the UGC published the curriculum framework for nine subjects and requested feedback on them. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu stated in a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and UGC Chairperson Vineet Joshi that the draft, as it currently stands, would not be implemented in the State. She voiced significant worries regarding the academic, structural, and ideological dimensions of the proposed curriculum.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Higher Education Minister R Bindu has stated that the Kerala government will not adopt the draft Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework released by the UGC in its present form. The state government has officially informed the central government and the UGC of its decision to reject the framework.An expert committee was appointed by the state government to assess the framework, and the decision to reject it was made based on the committee’s findings. The minister communicated the state's position through separate letters to Union Education Minister Dr. Dharmendra Pradhan and UGC Chairperson Vineet Joshi. The draft framework for undergraduate courses was recently published by the UGC.The minister indicated in the letters that the UGC's draft framework constitutes a serious infringement on university autonomy. The UGC's constitutional responsibilities do not include the prescribing of syllabi, course structures, and reading lists. An academic and philosophical perspective on the country’s intellectual and social contexts is missing from the document.
GATE 2026: IIT Guwahati guarantees students a seamless timetable for core papers despite worries about overlap with the UPSC exam
The committee responsible for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 has declared its intention to take measures to avert a clash with the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2026.The annual calendar published by UPSC indicates that the ESE 2026 preliminary exam is set for February 8, 2026. The organising committee for GATE 2026 at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has acknowledged the overlap and assured candidates that core engineering papers, including civil engineering (CE), electronics engineering (EC), electrical engineering (EE), geology and geophysics (GG), instrumentation (IN), mechanical engineering (ME), production and industrial (PI), and geomatics engineering (GE), will not be scheduled on that date.
‘Low fees, post-study work opportunities, and a gateway to Europe’: Why Austria is making a significant investment in Indian students in STEM
On Friday, Katharina Wieser, the Austrian Ambassador to India, and Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary at the Union Ministry of Education, unveiled a new partnership between Austria’s technical universities and VFS Education Services. This initiative is designed to enhance educational ties between India and Austria and broaden opportunities for student mobility.This collaboration unites three renowned Austrian universities: TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben. This programme targets engineering students from reputable colleges in India, especially those included in the ANABIN database. As per an official announcement, students who qualify will be able to pursue Master’s degrees at these universities. Austria is attracting Indian STEM students by leveraging low (and sometimes free) tuition fees, providing a 12-month post-study work visa, and offering a gateway into the broader European Union. Initiatives like the "Focus India" program, through collaborations with universities like TU Wien and TU Graz, aim to deepen academic and scientific ties by simplifying the admission process for Master's degrees in high-demand fields such as AI, robotics, and biotechnology. Austria's commitment to safety, a high quality of life, and English-taught programs further enhances its appeal.
According to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, IIM Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Calcutta are among the top 100 B-Schools worldwide.
The QS Global MBA and Business Master's Rankings 2026 include 14 Indian universities, with three of the best IIMs in the nation earning places in the top 100 worldwide. At 52nd rank, IIM Bangalore is in the lead, up one spot from the previous year. IIM Calcutta has improved by one position to 64th, while IIM Ahmedabad is now in 58th place, up two spots. QS claims that these improvements are a result of continuously high employability, ROI, and thought leadership performance. Three Indian business schools were ranked in the top 100 in the newly released QS Global MBA Rankings 2026. IIM Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Management, came in at number 52 globally, followed by IIM Ahmedabad at number 58 and IIM Calcutta at number 64. The global MBA rankings included 14 Indian schools in total.With 37 programs featured and 10 new entries, the nation's business schools also did well in the QS Business Master's Rankings. IIM Bangalore placed seventh in the PG Management program, followed by IIM Ahmedabad at number eleven and IIM Calcutta at number twelve. For the first time, B schools in India were included in the QS Online MBA rankings. No Indian B-school, however, made it into the top 200 for finance programs.
Model answers for the teacher recruitment exam are uploaded by the Bengal SSC.
According to SSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar, candidates have the option to contest the sample responses, which will be assessed by professionals. Following the forthcoming Durga Puja vacation, the answer sheets will be evaluated.In a notification released Tuesday evening, the commission stated, "This is to remind those concerned that the preliminary model answer for the 11 topics for which tests were conducted on September 7 are currently being uploaded for review by the candidates...According to the announcement, the preliminary model answer keys for the teacher recruitment exam for Classes 11–12 will be posted on September 20. On September 14, the exams for hiring teachers for Classes 11 and 12 were conducted.It stated, "Candidates can submit suggestions from September 20-25 on payment of ₹100 per question," and that if the proposals were deemed legitimate, the money paid would be reimbursed.According to Majumdar, the panel would finish the hiring process by December 31 under the Supreme Court's directive. Exams were taken by 2.91 lakh individuals for the positions of Class 9–10 teachers.
After the government promises to refund Rs 600 cr in unpaid fees, Telangana PVT colleges halt their strike.
On Monday, September 15, Telangana's private professional institutions ended their indefinite protest after the state government promised to disburse Rs 600 crore right away for free reimbursement arrears. The breakthrough occurred amid negotiations between the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Education (FATHI) leaders and the state government on Monday evening.Leading the group of ministers in the discussions with FATHI representatives was Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who declared that the government has reacted favorably to the issues facing college administrations and the future of the students enrolled in these institutions."The government decided to immediately release Rs 600 crore towards fee reimbursement arrears for which tokens were issued, despite the fact that it is a financial burden," he stated. The Finance portfolio's owner, Vikramarka, promised that outstanding debts would be paid off gradually. A committee would be established to rationalize the fee refund mechanism, the Deputy CM said, accusing the previous BRS government of causing massive unpaid debts. Following the discovery, several colleges' administrations declared that classes will resume on Tuesday.On Monday, the engineering, pharmaceutical, nursing, MBA, MCA, and B.Ed. colleges all went on indefinite strike. FATHI sent a notification to Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, the chairman of the Telangana Council of Higher Education, on September 12.The Federation claims that there are still unpaid fee reimbursement arrears totaling Rs 10,000 crore. It stated that the government would reevaluate its decision to permanently close the colleges if it released Rs. 1,200 crore related to tokens that had already been issued.The matter was not resolved during the first round of negotiations between the government and representatives of the college management on Sunday. They did, however, agree to have more discussions.
Students call on CBSE to reverse its decision to exclude more subjects for private applicants, saying it "defies the spirit of flexibility." The board answers.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a new notification on Monday that clarified the additional topic problem for private candidates in response to emails and outrage from a number of pupils. Students can choose "additional subjects only in Class 10 and 12," according to the Board. In Class 10, students can choose two more subjects, but in Class 12, they can only choose one. The extra subjects will be studied for two years by the pupils who receive them.In its circular, CBSE stated that "a regular student may appear as a private candidate under the Compartment or Essential Repeat Category if they have offered additional subjects in prior years and have been placed either in the Compartment' or Essential Repeat' category. "The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) eliminated the opportunity for private students to pursue an extra topic in the 2026 board exams, a decision that caught thousands of applicants off guard. Students who had placed their academic futures on this provision, especially those who took gap years to re-align their careers, are outraged by the decision, which was made without any previous notice. From engineering admission exams like JEE (Joint admission Examination) and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) to other higher education courses, many saw the "additional subject" as a vital springboard to professional eligibility rather than an academic luxury.
ICAI on postponed CA papers in Kathmandu: "Exams will be held once the situation is peaceful."
ICAI on postponed CA papers in Kathmandu: "Exams will be held once the situation is peaceful."Speaking about the situation, the president of ICAI explained that postponements of this kind are only made when it is not practical to hold exams. "We postpone the exam whenever there are disruptions. We are eager to perform our exam as soon as feasible once the atmosphere calms down," he stated, adding that fresh dates for the Kathmandu center would be announced as soon as things improved.The ruling follows nationwide protests that have been going on since the government temporarily banned social media.
Regional language instruction in engineering will increase employment opportunities: The Director of IIT Jodhpur
Out of the 23 IITs, IIT Jodhpur was the first to allow first-year engineering students to study in Hindi last year. The Hindi department had 116 pupils in its first year, and this year there are 96 students enrolled.Although texts and tests are still in English, Hindi is the primary language of instruction in these schools. Students must switch to English-medium courses starting in their second year. On the same day, the Hindi and English parts are taught independently by the same faculty member. Even though the institute accepts students from all around the nation, Hindi is currently the only regional language provided.During the IIT Council meeting last week, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan requested that the IITs adopt regional languages as the medium of teaching in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020. However, each IIT's Senate still has the last say in the matter.Avinash Kumar Agarwal, the director of IIT Jodhpur, talked about the institute's initiative, difficulties, and future plans.The language spoken within 500–700 km must be examined. The Hindi belt is this. Therefore, we have no plans to translate it into another language. IITs number twenty-three. They are primarily local, yet they do have a pan-Indian aspect.Instead of everyone using Hindi by default, it would make much more sense if each IIT adopted the local tongue. We will be able to serve more students in this way. About 60% of the 600 students in Jodhpur are from the Hindi belt, with the remaining 20% coming from other regions. The English portion is for them.I'd enjoy it, ideally. However, in practice, it is quite difficult. You need twice as many professors, classrooms, and intricate class scheduling logistics if you start offering instruction in a second language. There are just two sections in the first semester. The logistics are therefore simple. They are just taking required classes that are the same for everyone, including algebra, physics, and chemistry. It becomes 14 sections at the department level, which begins in the second year.
In Andhra government schools, individualized software increased learning rates: study
According to an evaluation study conducted by researchers, including economist and Nobel laureate Michael Kremer, a personalized learning program implemented in government schools in Andhra Pradesh doubled the learning rates of its users.A student's learning level is determined by the Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) software, which is currently utilized on tablets in more than 1,200 schools around the state. Based on this evaluation, learning materials and quizzes are provided. It is intended to handle variations in learning levels and abilities within a class by customizing lessons to each student's level. ConveGenius was a partner of the Andhra Pradesh government.For kids in Classes 6 through 9, AI, an AI-powered adaptive learning solution platform, will launch their CG PAL in 2019.In an independent study of Andhra Pradesh's Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) model, researchers—among them Nobel Prize-winning economist Michael Kremer—found that students who used PAL with the aid of software that gamified mathematical concepts tailored to elevating the individual learning levels achieved learning gains worth 1.9 years of schooling, in comparison to students who did not use PAL. On Monday, September 8, 2025, Professor Kremer was in New Delhi presenting the evaluation's results. "As compared to those students who did not use the software, students in Grades 7 to 9 who received the PAL program over two academic years (roughly 17 months) and spent 35.3 hours using the software to learn math concepts learned at almost double the rate," he told The Hindu. The assessment also included sixth-grade students.In order to conduct a Randomized Control Trial (RCT), Mr. Kremer and his team chose 60 government schools in Andhra Pradesh and split them into 30 schools that received the PAL intervention and had computer labs and tablets pre-loaded with PAL software from the Delhi NCR-based edtech company ConveGenius AI, and another 30 schools that were placed in a control group.
Today's International Literacy Day 2025: Background, theme, and other information
International Literacy Day 2025: Today, September 8, is International Literacy Day 2025, which is observed by nations worldwide. The day reflects on the value of literacy, looks at advancements, and tackles enduring issues. Since many millions of people throughout the world still lack basic reading and writing abilities, the significance of September 8 as a date has not faded. Its origins may be traced back to UNESCO's historical efforts to advance education as a universal human right.International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated annually on September 8th to remind communities, governments, and educators of the critical role that literacy plays in building a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful society. Since its establishment in 1967, the day has functioned as a rallying cry to guarantee that everyone can benefit from the basic human right to reading, irrespective of age, gender, or background. International Literacy Day will be observed worldwide on Monday, September 8, 2025. The primary celebration will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, with events planned at the international, regional, national, and local levels.For ILD 2025, the topic is: "Encouraging Reading in the Digital Age." Why this particular theme? Rapid digitalization is altering how people connect, learn, work, and live. Digital tools offer learning opportunities, but if people lack fundamental reading and digital abilities, they can also exacerbate inequality.Adopted by UNESCO: In 1966, UNESCO announced the concept of International Literacy Day. First commemoration: In 1967, the day was first observed. Goal: To promote initiatives aimed at lowering global illiteracy and to emphasize the value of literacy for people, communities, and countries. The commemoration has changed throughout the years to address new issues, such as digital literacy and lifelong learning, as well as conventional illiteracy.
A teacher from Assam receives the National Teachers Award for traveling 150 km each day through a national park to get to school.
Every day, 34-year-old teacher Debajit Ghosh travels 150 miles to go to his school in the tea plantations of Assam. He travels through the challenging Dihing Patkai National Park, where muddy roads and elephant crossings are frequent occurrences. According to Indian Express, he is still dedicated to teaching kids who had to drop out of school after completing their primary education in spite of these obstacles. Ghosh stays in Dibrugarh despite the exhausting and protracted travel in order to oversee the developmental activities at Namsang Tea Estate Model School. Since there is no direct public transportation to the school, he drives there with two other teachers, while others ride their bikes.In order to efficiently supervise the development work of Namsang Tea Estate Model School, which was established in 2022, Ghosh decides to remain in Dibrugarh despite the lengthy journey. Since there is no direct public transportation to the school, he uses his car to provide a ride to two other instructors, while others rely on bikes. At Dibrugarh Bengali High School, where Ghosh started teaching in 2013, he had a pivotal moment with Abhishek, a Class 8 boy who failed in science and detested writing. Abhishek made significant progress under Ghosh's tutelage, earning a perfect score of 100 in Science and 93 percent overall in the Assam board Class 10 examinations. Abhishek has a deep love for science and is currently working on a PhD in mathematics despite financial challenges. Ghosh's conviction that fostering curiosity is more important than merely pursuing marks was strengthened by this encounter.Ghosh has been instrumental in providing secondary education to children from tea garden communities as the principal of Namsang Tea Garden Adarsha School. The school has successfully reintegrated more than 300 out-of-school students into the classroom in just two years. Due to the hazardous trek through Dihing Patkai National Park and the dearth of secondary schools in the area, many kids used to drop out. Students now have access to secondary education near their homes thanks to the new school. Enrollments increased from 271 in the first academic year to 326 in the second.
On September 5, are schools in Delhi-NCR closed?
Due to holidays, Teacher's Day, and unfavorable weather, schools in Delhi-NCR and numerous Indian states will be closed this week. It is recommended that parents and students monitor local notifications for any updates.On September 5, 2025, a number of Delhi-NCR schools will be closed in honor of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, a major religious holiday in the area. To prevent any misunderstandings, parents and children are encouraged to check holiday schedules directly with their individual schools.This week, a number of Indian states will observe vacations in honor of festivals and other noteworthy events. Onam, Kerala's traditional harvest festival, will be observed from September 4–5, 2025, bringing with it cultural events and statewide public holidays.On September 5, 2025, Teacher's Day will also be celebrated nationwide. Some educational institutions may plan half-day events to commemorate the event, even though the majority of schools will stay closed. It is recommended that citizens and students adhere to state-specific notices regarding any modifications to holiday schedules. The state government of Punjab has decided to extend the school holidays until September 7, 2025. All government, assisted, recognized, and private schools, as well as colleges, universities, and polytechnics throughout the state, are subject to this closure. Due to the ongoing, intense rains and extensive damage, all public and private institutions and colleges in Himachal Pradesh, including the District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), will be closed till September 7.The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Haryana has predicted significant rainfall, which has led to the closure of schools in Ambala and Jhajjar. To protect students, all public and private schools as well as Anganwadi centers will be closed until September 5 in Ambala and September 6 in Jhajjar. For any adjustments to the academic timetable, parents and students are encouraged to stay updated via official school notifications and local authorities.
Punjab extends school breaks until September 7; schools in Ghaziabad and Noida are closed today.
Schools in Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida, Bulandshehr, Jammu Kashmir, Punjab, and Chandigarh are closed today, September 3, due to severe rains, flooding, and unfavorable weather. It's raining in Gurgaon. Given the circumstances, parents and kids are concerned about whether all public and private schools will declare closures because of the bad weather. Because of the continued flood situation in the state, the Punjab administration decided to prolong the school holiday until this week.Due to heavy rainfall, the school will remain closed for all students from Pre-Nursery through Grade XII on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in accordance with the Guatam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate's order (Circular No. SSA/6674-84/2025-26 dated September 2, 2025).All schools and institutions will be closed on September 3, according to the official Ghaziabad school holiday order, which was issued by District Magistrate Ravindra Mandad and implemented by Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) O.P. Yadav. "On September 3, 2025, a holiday has been announced for all educational institutions up to Class 12 in order to protect pupils and address the exceptionally high levels of rainfall in Ghaziabad. "This order must be strictly followed," the warning said. Schools in Gurgaon are also anticipated to be closed tomorrow due to the ongoing rains. A formal public announcement has not yet been made, though. Schools may continue to provide online courses if the extreme waterlogging and traffic interruptions continue to be a major problem.For offline classes, the schools were closed today. To finish the syllabus on time, some schools, however, kept offering online courses. For the most recent information about school holidays, students are encouraged to contact their individual schools.
Harvard aspirations in the shadow of Trump: Indian students are divided on whether to attend or remain
The image was straightforward: a woman standing beneath a red Harvard flag with Massachusetts Hall's red brick rising in the background. It was more than just a photo to the 52-year-old principal of a school in Delhi; it was evidence that she had come to start a master's degree in education at Harvard University.Harvard's accreditation to accept international students was revoked by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in May. In addition to refusing to provide surveillance footage and disciplinary records of international students linked to protests, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the university of creating a “hostile” school environment for Jewish students. Harvard was given 72 hours to comply after the action shut it out of SEVIS, the federal database that controls visas. The ruling put over 7,000 international students on campus—nearly 800 of whom were Indian—in immediate legal danger. For those who were admitted for Fall 2025, it was like a dream that vanished in an instant.Calling the revocation "a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence," Harvard retaliated in court. The institution had considerable leeway because to a temporary restraining order. However, there was still uncertainty for new overseas students. The principal of Delhi considered her choices. Yes, she said, "I was overwhelmed, but I knew reversals had happened before." "I might go next year if I didn't go this year. However, it isn't the case for many people younger than me. There would be a significant opportunity loss. After her social media profiles were examined, she received her visa on July 29. After packing, she took a plane to Boston. She is currently attending leadership and curriculum design classes.Like her, other others made the decision to jump in. A 26-year-old Gujarati who received a prestigious grant to attend Harvard's Kennedy School recalls the predicament clearly. It was almost unreal and dramatic. However, I persuaded myself that I would always regret not taking this chance. He acknowledges that the uneasiness still exists, but he is currently starting his public policy studies. "That crisis reverberates in every discussion with classmates. As international students, we must exercise caution, keep quiet, and focus on our goals.
Are the Class 9 Open-Book Assessments by CBSE causing more learning, less stress, or weakened foundations? There are many worries.
Open-Book Assessments (OBAs) will be implemented for Class 9 pupils by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) starting with the 2026–2027 school year. The plan, which was approved by the board's governing body in June, comes after a trial study for Classes 9–12 was carried out in a few schools in late 2023.The Board states that these tests will be included in the three pen-and-paper exams given every academic year and will include languages, mathematics, science, and social science. While completing the papers, students are permitted to refer to their approved reference materials, textbooks, and class notes. In addition, the CBSE stated in its statement that the format aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, both of which place a strong emphasis on "competency-based learning."Open-book exams let students bring in resources, including textbooks, printed content, or other materials as designated by the school, and use them while answering questions, in contrast to traditional exams that mainly assess the student's memory of "textbook-lessons."The material's availability, however, does not make the test any simpler. Knowing what to look for and how to use it is the difficult part for pupils. For instance, students may have all the formulas in front of them when writing a science paper, but the true challenge is to use concepts, analyze trends, and interpret data to solve an issue. The CBSE has attempted this kind of reform before. The Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for Classes 9 and 11 was introduced in 2014. Months in advance, the students received reference materials, from which questions were derived. But by 2017, the board decided that OTBA had not significantly improved critical or analytical skills, therefore it was canceled.The Board also noted in the notification that during the pilot study, they noticed certain performance issues; however, these issues could be resolved with the help of teachers, standardized sample papers, and excellent questions that encourage test-takers to think critically. This time, it is anticipated that CBSE will offer evaluation frameworks, teacher-training materials, and sample papers to assist schools. A few of principals suggested that the rollout be phased in and accompanied with feedback loops between the board and the schools. Students will require assistance from teachers as well as direction on how to practice and use those abilities in practical situations.
For the 2026 Board Exams, CBSE Sends Out An Important Notice To Schools; See Details
For the 2025–2026 Class 10 (initial examinations) and Class 12 main examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued comprehensive guidelines for schools on how to submit the List of Candidates (LOC).The CBSE has implemented a two-board exam scheme for Class 10 from 2025–2026 for the first time. Midway through February 2026 is when the Class 10 first exam is planned, and schools must turn in the LOC by that date. The board has emphasized that all Class 10 pupils must be included in the LOC submission.According to CBSE, all Class 10 students will be required to take the main exam in February 2026, and all candidates must be included in the LOC. While submitting data, schools must also attach students' APAAR IDs; however, foreign-based institutions are exempt.In its most recent announcement, the Central Board of Secondary Education detailed important changes to the List of Candidates (LOC) submission process for the 2026 Board Examinations for Classes 10 and 12.One of the most important steps in getting ready for the annual board exams is submitting the LOC.For Class 10, the CBSE is implementing a two-board exam policy, which requires schools to make sure that each candidate's LOC is filed appropriately. The CBSE reaffirmed that all students must take the Class 10 Main Exams, which are scheduled for mid-February. As a result, all candidates must complete the LOC. According to the board, LOC for the Class 10 Second Board Examination will be completed at any moment following the conclusion of the first exam.Additionally, CBSE has chosen to link candidates' Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) IDs for both Class 10 and Class 12 LOC data. This change will allow Indian CBSE-affiliated schools to fill out the LOC for applicants who have the APPAR ID. When the LOC is submitted, the Board will verify the APAAR ID that was filled out.However, the board stated that linked institutions located overseas are excluded from APAAR due to a variety of administrative factors and national laws.
An Overview of the UPSC Issue | From Smart Cities to Smart Villages: Essential Knowledge for UPSC Candidates for Prelims and Mains
By concentrating on topics that are generating news, UPSC Essentials' initiative, UPSC Issue at a Glance, aims to simplify your UPSC Current Affairs preparation for the preliminary and mains exams. Discuss a different subject in an understandable manner every Thursday. The goal of Smart Cities and the Smart and Intelligent Village initiative are explained to you this week, and then the case study is presented. Let's begin. According to the Smart City Index 2025, which was just released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Swiss cities remain at the top. Although they are not among the top 20, Indian cities are nonetheless involved in the global smart city initiative. In light of this, it becomes crucial to grasp not just the salient features but also India's Smart City Mission and how intelligent and smart villages may support rural development.Government policies and interventions for development in many areas, as well as difficulties resulting from their design and implementation, are covered in UPSC Mains Syllabus: General Studies I, II. In the past, UPSC has questioned how distributive justice and urban poverty are addressed in India's smart cities. This year, there was also a question about the "Smart City Program" in the Mains general studies paper II.
