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Thursday, September 17, 2026 3:46 PM

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QS MBA Rankings 2027: IIM Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Calcutta Slip but Stay in Global Top 100

India’s leading IIMs have slipped in the QS Global Full-Time MBA Rankings 2027, although IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta continue to feature among the world’s top 100 business schools. IIM Bangalore remains India’s highest-ranked institution, securing 64th place, compared with 52nd in the previous edition. IIM Ahmedabad moved to 70th from 58th, while IIM Calcutta recorded the biggest decline among the three, falling to 95th from 64th. QS attributed the changing positions partly to increased competition from business schools globally. Indian institutions faced challenges particularly across indicators such as return on investment, entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, and diversity. At the same time, 10 Indian entries improved their performance on the Thought Leadership indicator. India’s representation in the global MBA rankings has continued to expand. Nineteen Indian institutions feature in the 2027 rankings, compared with seven in 2022 and five in 2020. Five institutions have made their debut this year. Across the MBA and specialised Business Master’s rankings, India has 28 institutions represented, placing it among the most represented countries globally. IIM Bangalore retained its position as India’s leading MBA institution for the fourth consecutive year. It stood 29th globally for employability and second in Asia on the indicator, while recording a slight improvement in Thought Leadership, where it ranked 51st globally. IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta also remained within the global top 100. Both featured among the top 40 institutions worldwide for employability and the top 100 for Thought Leadership. IIM Ahmedabad was the only Indian institution in the top 100 for Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes, ranking 84th. O.P. Jindal Global University emerged as the highest-ranked new Indian entrant, featuring in the 171-180 band. Jaipuria Institute of Management, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), School of Leadership and Management, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, and Vikrant University Gwalior also entered the rankings, appearing in the 301+ category. Woxsen School of Business, placed in the 251-300 band globally, recorded India’s strongest showing on the Diversity indicator, ranking first in Asia and 33rd worldwide. US institutions dominate global top 10 US business schools occupied the first four positions in the QS Global Full-Time MBA Rankings 2027. MIT Sloan moved to the top spot for the first time, followed by Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business and Penn (Wharton). Cambridge Judge was ranked fifth, followed by HEC Paris, Oxford Saïd, INSEAD, London Business School and Chicago Booth. The National University of Singapore Business School was the highest-ranked Asian institution at 23rd globally. Tsinghua University followed at 29th, while Singapore Management University ranked 41st. IIM Bangalore and IIM Ahmedabad were placed eighth and ninth respectively among Asian MBA institutions. The 2027 QS ranking evaluates more than 420 full-time MBA programmes across 65 countries and territories. Its assessment covers employability, value for money, alumni outcomes, thought leadership and diversity. Employability accounts for 40% of the overall methodology, followed by value for money at 20%, alumni outcomes and thought leadership at 15% each, and diversity at 10%. Indian institutions also maintained a significant presence across specialised Business Master’s programmes. There were 41 Indian entries across management, business analytics, finance, marketing and supply chain management. IIM Bangalore ranked 31st globally for Master’s in Management and 60th for Business Analytics, while IIM Ahmedabad ranked 46th for Management. IIM Calcutta stood at 57th for Management and 96th for Business Analytics. Globally, HEC Paris led the Master’s in Management, Finance and Marketing rankings, while MIT Sloan topped Business Analytics. The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics secured the top position in Supply Chain Management. Source: Indian Express  

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BRICS leaders back human-centred AI in education, explore global university ranking system

BRICS leaders have backed greater cooperation in education, with a focus on the safe, ethical and human-centred use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), while also supporting discussions on creating a BRICS University Global Ranking and Evaluation System. In a declaration issued on Saturday, the leaders welcomed the outcomes of the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting held in Bhubaneswar and reaffirmed education as a key pillar of sustainable development, inclusive growth and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders supported continued collaboration through existing BRICS education platforms, including the BRICS Network University. They also welcomed India’s initiative to circulate guiding principles aimed at strengthening academic cooperation on traditional and indigenous knowledge systems. The BRICS Network University was encouraged to explore the inclusion of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge as an additional International Thematic Group, subject to established procedures and national policies. The declaration called for greater sharing of educational best practices, cooperation in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), mutual recognition of qualifications, academic and professional mobility, and digital literacy. The leaders also highlighted the importance of responsible technology adoption in education, particularly the safe and ethical use of AI, along with stronger partnerships between educational institutions. They further encouraged the continuation of the BRICS Rectors’ Forum and discussions around a BRICS Education Olympiad, while calling for further exploration of a global ranking and evaluation framework for universities across BRICS member countries. The declaration recognised the role of the BRICS TVET Cooperation Alliance (BRICS-TCA) in promoting multilateral cooperation, information exchange, resource sharing and joint development of technical and vocational education and training. BRICS leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening skill development, digital literacy and workforce preparedness. They called for closer links between TVET institutions and industries to align training programmes with changing labour-market requirements and sustainable development priorities. The leaders also backed efforts to improve institutional governance, expand access to quality education and promote undergraduate and postgraduate exchange and scholarship programmes, particularly in STEM fields. Such cooperation, they said, can foster innovation, create employment opportunities and equip learners and institutions to address future challenges. Source: PTI  

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NIT Rourkela to Confer 2,033 Degrees; Women Account for 25% of Graduates

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela is set to confer degrees on 2,033 students at its 24th convocation on September 12, with women accounting for about one-fourth of the graduating cohort. A total of 1,525 men and 508 women will receive degrees across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. The figures mean that women constitute nearly 25 per cent of the recipients, compared with 75 per cent men. The gender disparity is most pronounced in the institute’s largest graduating programme, B.Tech, where 911 students—including 723 men and 188 women—will receive degrees. Women therefore make up around 21 per cent of the B.Tech graduating cohort. Among M.Tech graduates, 398 are men and 116 are women. The two-year M.Sc programme has a comparatively narrower gender gap, with 108 male and 74 female graduates. At the doctoral level, 115 men and 75 women are set to receive Ph.D degrees, putting the share of women among doctoral recipients at nearly 40 per cent. The convocation will be attended by NITI Aayog Member Abhay Karandikar as chief guest, with S N Subrahmanyan, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, NIT Rourkela, also present. Graduating students will receive their degree certificates digitally through DigiLocker. The institute will also recognise academic and co-curricular excellence by presenting 86 medals and awards. These include 11 Institute Gold Medals, six Endowment Gold Medals, eight Endowment Awards and 61 Institute Silver Medals. The honours will recognise achievements across academics, research, projects, sports and other areas. NIT Rourkela will additionally present its Distinguished Alumnus Award 2026 to two former students. Rajarshi Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of ONGC Videsh Limited, will be honoured in the industry and management category, while Gyana Ranjan Mohanty, Managing Director of Corrosion Protection Limited and co-founder of B Engineers & Builders Pvt Ltd, will receive the award for entrepreneurship and public life. Source: Indian Express  

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Karnataka Proposes 15% Government Seat Quota for Rural Students in Professional Courses

The Karnataka government has proposed a new reservation framework that would earmark 15 per cent of government seats in professional courses for eligible students from rural backgrounds. Under the draft rules, half of the proposed quota—7.5 per cent—would be reserved horizontally for students who completed Classes 1 to 10 in government schools or government pre-university colleges located in rural areas of Karnataka. These institutions must be administered by the School Education Department. The remaining 7.5 per cent would be allocated to eligible candidates who studied from Classes 1 to 10 in schools or educational institutions located in rural areas of the state, irrespective of whether the institutions are government-run. The proposal is part of the draft Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Government Seats in Professional Educational Institutions (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The Higher Education Department notified the draft on September 5 under Section 14 of the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1984. The new provisions will take effect once they are published in the Official Gazette. The government has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and other affected persons. Any representations submitted within 15 days of the draft’s publication in the Official Gazette will be considered before the rules are finalised. Source: PTI  

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PM Modi Urges Teachers to Monitor Drug Abuse, Excessive Screen Time Among Students

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon teachers to remain vigilant about issues such as drug abuse and excessive screen time among students, while encouraging them to support children through sports, physical activities and creative pursuits. Interacting with National Award-winning teachers at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, Modi stressed that educators should look beyond academic performance and pay close attention to students’ behaviour, habits and overall well-being. Addressing the growing concern over drug use among young people, the Prime Minister said identifying affected students can be particularly challenging in metropolitan areas and large universities. He urged teachers to take proactive steps to create awareness and carefully observe any noticeable changes in students’ behaviour. Modi also encouraged teachers to move beyond textbooks and syllabuses and take an interest in the broader lives of their students. He emphasised the importance of preserving childhood by giving children opportunities to participate in activities that promote physical, social and creative development. The Prime Minister further highlighted the need to address excessive phone and screen usage among students. Rather than simply restricting screen time, he suggested that teachers and schools encourage greater participation in outdoor sports, physical games and creative hobbies, which could help students naturally spend less time on digital devices. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu marked National Teachers’ Day 2026 with an article titled “Shaping Minds; Building the Future”, in which she highlighted the responsibility of teachers to nurture students into responsible and compassionate human beings. Murmu said educators should help shape generations that respect India’s cultural heritage, develop a scientific outlook, contribute to human welfare, uphold the principle of Antyodaya, protect the environment and strive for both individual and collective excellence, while keeping the nation first. The President also underlined the trust placed in teachers by parents and guardians when they send their children to school. She said educators have a duty to protect students’ safety, development and dignity and should ensure that their words and conduct do not create fear, anxiety or feelings of inferiority among children. As part of this year’s National Teachers Awards, Murmu honoured 82 teachers and educators from three departments in the presence of Education Minister Pralhad Joshi. The awardees included 48 teachers from the Department of School Education and Literacy, 21 educators from higher educational institutions and polytechnics, and 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Source: Indian Express

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CBSE Three-Language Policy: Centre Working on Implementation Plan, Supreme Court Told

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it is working on modalities to implement the CBSE’s new three-language requirement for Class 9 students, under which at least two of the three languages must be Indian languages. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that the CBSE was examining various aspects of the implementation and requested additional time. The Supreme Court accepted the submission and adjourned the matter for a week. The development comes after the top court raised concerns on August 20 about the practical challenges associated with introducing the policy. While the bench indicated that there was no objection to the eventual introduction of the three-language system, it stressed that the implementation should not place undue pressure on students. The court also highlighted the need to address practical issues, including ensuring sufficient teachers and other human resources for the range of languages that students may choose. The Supreme Court had first agreed on May 27 to hear a challenge to the CBSE policy and issued notices to the Centre, CBSE and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Under a CBSE circular issued on May 15, the study of three languages — R1, R2 and R3 — became compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026. At least two of the three languages are required to be native Indian languages. The policy is part of the CBSE’s efforts to align its academic framework with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. Students who wish to study a foreign language can select it only as their third language after taking two Indian languages, or as an additional fourth language. To support the transition, the CBSE has directed that students use Class 6 R3 textbooks from the 2026-27 edition until dedicated Class 9 R3 textbooks become available. The board has also clarified that there will be no Class 10 board examination for R3. The provision is intended to keep the emphasis on language learning while preventing additional academic pressure on students. Schools were further instructed to update their R3 language options for Classes 6 to 9 on the CBSE’s OASIS portal by June 30. The ongoing Supreme Court proceedings are focused primarily on resolving implementation-related concerns, including infrastructure, staffing and ensuring that the policy does not create unnecessary difficulties for students. Source: PTI

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J&K MBBS, BDS Interns Begin Indefinite Strike Over Rs 12,300 Stipend, Demand Rs 30,000

MBBS and BDS interns across medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir have launched an indefinite strike demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. The interns staged dharnas in Jammu, alleging that their stipend has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite repeated representations to the authorities. The protesting interns said the current stipend has failed to keep pace with inflation, rising living costs and the compensation offered to medical interns in other states. They also highlighted the workload involved in their clinical duties, including emergency services, night shifts and rural postings. Dr Shahnawaz, one of the protesting interns, said MBBS and BDS interns across J&K had joined the agitation over the long-pending demand. He said interns routinely work 24-hour and night shifts and are posted in rural areas, while receiving roughly Rs 400 a day. According to the interns, stipends in several other states range between Rs 25,000 and Rs 45,000 or more. They argued that since interns across the country perform broadly similar clinical responsibilities, the significant difference in stipends is difficult to justify. The protesters said interns are often among the first medical personnel to attend to patients in emergency departments and also assist doctors in OPDs, wards, procedures and other hospital services. Despite these responsibilities, they continue to receive Rs 12,300 a month in J&K. “We have launched an indefinite strike and are on dharna in support of our demand to enhance our stipend to Rs 30,000,” said Dr Abhinav Bhat, another protesting intern. He added that the interns want a formal written order from the government rather than verbal assurances. The interns also pointed to previous efforts to revise the stipend. According to Dr Bhat, a committee constituted by the Health and Medical Education Department in 2023 had recommended increasing the stipend to around Rs 25,000 for 2025-26. The matter was subsequently raised during the 2026 Assembly session, where a proposed stipend of around Rs 26,300 was mentioned. However, the interns claimed that the proposed revision has not yet been implemented and that the file remains pending. They alleged that they have received conflicting information regarding its status, with different officials directing them towards the Chief Minister’s office or the Finance Department. The comparative figures shared by the protesting interns show a substantial gap between J&K and several other states. Odisha has the highest listed monthly stipend at Rs 44,319, followed by West Bengal at Rs 43,099 and Assam at Rs 35,000. Karnataka offers Rs 30,000, while Kerala provides Rs 27,300 and Delhi and Meghalaya Rs 26,300. Telangana’s stipend is listed at Rs 25,900, while Arunachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh offer Rs 25,000. Tamil Nadu provides around Rs 25,000, followed by Haryana at Rs 24,310 and Andhra Pradesh at approximately Rs 21,840. Gujarat, Bihar, Goa and Himachal Pradesh offer around Rs 20,000 a month, while Puducherry provides Rs 18,000. In comparison, J&K’s Rs 12,300 stipend is the lowest among the figures cited by the interns. The protesters said their demand for a Rs 30,000 stipend takes into account both inflation and the responsibilities handled by interns in government medical colleges. Their banners carried the message, “Same work, same dedication and fair stipend.” The interns have maintained that the strike will continue indefinitely until the government accepts their demand and formally issues an order revising the stipend. Source: PTI

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Azim Premji Foundation Launches Delhi Scholarship for 20,000 Girls

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The Azim Premji Foundation has launched the Azim Premji Scholarship for Delhi (NCT), with plans to support up to 20,000 girls this year in pursuing higher education. Under the initiative, each selected student will receive ₹30,000 annually from the first year of college until the completion of her undergraduate degree or diploma. Depending on the course duration, beneficiaries could receive financial support of up to ₹1.5 lakh over two to five years. The scholarship can be used towards college fees as well as other education-related expenses, helping reduce financial barriers to higher education. The programme is open to girls who have completed Classes 10 and 12 at government schools in 21 States and Union Territories, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal, among others. Eligible applicants must have secured admission to the first year of a recognised undergraduate degree or diploma programme at an institution anywhere in India. The Foundation aims to extend the scholarship to up to five lakh girls across India every year. Since its launch in 2024, more than 1.9 lakh girls have already received support. Given the typical three-year duration of undergraduate programmes, the Foundation estimates that around 15 lakh girls could have active scholarships at any given time. The application process is entirely online and free, with applications accepted only through the official Azim Premji Foundation website. Azim Premji Foundation CEO Anurag Behar said providing girls with equitable access to higher education is crucial for their long-term empowerment and for the well-being of society. He noted that the scholarship seeks to address some of the financial and other barriers that continue to limit girls’ access to higher education. Source: PTI  

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IIT Kanpur gets Rs 300 crore contribution from IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal for medical school

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has received a Rs 300-crore contribution from its alumnus and IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal to support the development of the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology. With the latest contribution, Gangwal’s total financial support for the institution has reached Rs 400 crore, following his earlier donation of Rs 100 crore in 2022. The latest funding is aimed at accelerating the development of the medical school and strengthening IIT Kanpur’s vision of bringing engineering, science, technology and medicine together. Gangwal has also committed to providing matching grants of up to Rs 300 crore against contributions from other donors supporting the school’s development, the institute said. The planned medical campus is set to feature a 500-bed super-speciality hospital within the IIT Kanpur campus. The institute has also proposed a 200-bed cancer care and research centre. The facilities are expected to support medical education, clinical research and healthcare services while encouraging collaboration between medical professionals, scientists, engineers and technology experts. The Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology focuses on medical education, healthcare research, clinical innovation and MedTech development. Its academic and research priorities include advanced medical programmes, interdisciplinary research, futuristic healthcare solutions and MedTech innovation. IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal thanked Gangwal for his continued support, noting that his initial Rs 100-crore contribution in 2022 helped the institute begin implementing its plans for the medical school. He said the latest Rs 300-crore contribution would help accelerate the realisation of the institute’s long-term vision. Gangwal said he considered it an honour and privilege to support the initiative, describing the medical school as an innovative and first-of-its-kind institution aimed at integrating multiple disciplines to advance healthcare. Source: Indian Express

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8.7 Crore Young Indians Were Out of Education, Work or Training in 2021: NITI Aayog

Around 8.7 crore Indians aged between 15 and 29 were not engaged in education, employment or training in 2021, according to NITI Aayog’s report, Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047. The findings highlight a significant gap in India’s transition from education to employment and skill development. Based on data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey, the report categorises these young people as NEET — those who are not in education, employment or training, including those who are unemployed. NITI Aayog has called for affordable and subsidised training, financial assistance and stronger links between skilling programmes, local employment opportunities, self-employment and emerging industries. The report also flagged a weak connection between formal education and the job market. It found that only 8.25 per cent of graduates are employed in positions that match their qualifications. According to the think tank, insufficient practical exposure and limited industry-oriented training are major factors affecting employability. Young people from economically weaker families face additional barriers, as many cannot afford private tuition or paid skill courses alongside college expenses. After graduation, some accept low-paying jobs simply for income stability, while others remain outside the workforce and education system. To address this gap, NITI Aayog has recommended bringing skilling deeper into mainstream school education. It proposed introducing General Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills for students from Classes 6 to 12, while introducing specialised vocational pathways, called Kaushal Tracks, from Class 9. These tracks would allow students to acquire skills aligned with local and national employment demand. However, the report noted that vocational education remains limited across schools. Fewer than one in 12 secondary schools currently offer vocational subjects, despite provisions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework to integrate vocational education and employability skills from Class 6 onwards. For Classes 10 and 12, the think tank has recommended incorporating vocational subjects into the board examination subject structure with equal weightage. It also proposed allowing state boards to adopt the revised framework for certification and retaining General Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills as a separate subject for Classes 11 and 12. NITI Aayog has also called for changes in higher education, recommending a move away from generic degrees towards applied and industry-relevant specialisations. Greater integration of apprenticeships, work-based learning and earn-while-you-learn programmes has also been suggested to help students gain practical experience. The report identified apprenticeships as a crucial but underdeveloped bridge between education and employment. Although government initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme have expanded opportunities, participation remains uneven. NITI Aayog has proposed incentives for MSMEs to create more apprenticeship positions and a unified platform where young people can access credible opportunities. The skilling strategy should also focus on sectors expected to generate future employment, including green industries and electric vehicles. At the same time, workers in declining sectors would need opportunities for reskilling and transition into new occupations. NITI Aayog said more than 7.67 crore people have received training since 2014-15, while the Union Budget 2025-26 allocated around Rs 34,000 crore for skilling-related expenditure across various Central ministries. However, the report stressed that higher training numbers and spending alone may not resolve the problem unless skilling is tied more closely to measurable employment outcomes. Source: Indian Express  

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