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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has the potential to become an international board, particularly in the Global South, given its popularity in the region. He mentioned that CBSE schools in Singapore and Japan have garnered significant interest, with their teaching methods, particularly in mathematics, being highly sought after. Pradhan stated that the plan to establish CBSE as an international board had lost momentum in the past but is now gaining traction. In addition, Pradhan informed reporters at the G20 4th Working Group Meeting for education that the University Grants Commission (UGC) is in the process of finalizing norms to allow foreign universities to establish campuses in India, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP). He hinted at forthcoming announcements regarding Indian universities opening campuses abroad. Pradhan emphasized that India’s NEP is receiving close attention globally and could serve as a model for emerging economies. He praised the policy’s emphasis on experiential learning, which fosters a new generation of entrepreneurs. The Minister also highlighted the integration of technology-based interventions to assist students preparing for competitive examinations such as IITJEE and NEET. Regarding budgetary allocation for education, Pradhan acknowledged that India currently spends 4% of its GDP on education, falling short of the NEP’s target of 6%. He acknowledged the constraints of resources but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing funding for education.

Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced the inclusion of cutting-edge courses in the curriculum of technical colleges in the state. Starting from the upcoming academic session, students will have the opportunity to study subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Mechatronics Engineering. During a review meeting of technical institutions, Chief Minister Sukhu stressed the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements. As a result, the state government has taken a significant step by introducing a range of courses in various institutions from August 2023. The Government Hydro Engineering College Bilaspur will offer a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program in Computer Science and Engineering, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This program has received approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU). Additionally, Government Polytechnic institutions in Rohru and Chamba will now offer specialized courses in Computer Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering, respectively. These courses have also been approved by the AICTE. In response to the evolving demands of the industry, 17 industrial training institutes in the state will introduce other courses such as Mechanic Electric Vehicle, Technician Mechatronics, Fibre to Home Technician, Solar Technician (Electric), Internet of Things Technician, and Maintenance Mechanic (Chemical Plant). Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the importance of practical training and urged collaboration with leading companies to provide students with real-world exposure. By fostering such partnerships, the government aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. To ensure the highest quality of education, the government plans to deploy qualified staff members who will receive specialized training. The introduction of these new-age courses reflects the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for technological advancements and generating abundant employment opportunities for the youth in the state.

The University of Melbourne and Shoolini University have joined hands to offer a dual-degree program, beginning with the Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours). This collaboration marks the University of Melbourne’s first dual-degree partnership with a private Indian university. Under the agreement, Indian students will have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in Science at both institutions. They will spend two years at Shoolini University and then continue their education for the next two years at the University of Melbourne. During their third and fourth years, students can choose from a range of multidisciplinary majors, including Agriculture, Sustainability and Environment, Biosciences, and Computer Sciences. In addition, eligible students will have the option to extend their studies by an extra year, completing a Master’s of Science degree at the University of Melbourne. This extension also provides them with the chance to apply for post-study work rights in Australia, subject to meeting the criteria set by the Australian government. Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement at the University of Melbourne, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that this collaboration with Shoolini University is the fourth dual-degree partnership with an Indian university and the first with a private institution. The University of Melbourne looks forward to working with Shoolini University. Professor Atul Khosla, Vice Chancellor of Shoolini University, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the enhanced international study opportunities it provides to their exceptional undergraduate students. He believes that this collaboration highlights the global reputation of Shoolini University as a top-tier institution and opens doors to even more opportunities for their students.