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IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN

/ Education Community

In a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between India and Indonesia, the Indian government has announced that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will set up its first international campus in Indonesia. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following bilateral discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during Modi’s official visit to the country. The proposed campus is expected to cater not only to Indonesian students but also to learners from across the ASEAN region, further enhancing India’s educational outreach in Southeast Asia. Alongside the education initiative, India and Indonesia signed several agreements aimed at deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, digital public infrastructure, startups, and innovation. Both leaders emphasised promoting technology-driven partnerships and creating greater opportunities for young innovators from both nations. The two countries also agreed to broaden cooperation in the space sector through joint research, technology exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, reinforcing their long-standing strategic partnership. The Indonesia campus marks another milestone in the global expansion of Indian management education. It follows the international debut of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, which became the first IIM to establish a full-fledged overseas campus in Dubai. Inaugurated in September 2025 at Dubai International Academic City, the campus currently offers a one-year full-time MBA programme for experienced professionals, reflecting India’s growing ambition to internationalise its higher education institutions. Source: Indian Express

IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN Read More »

58 Engineering Colleges Closed Across India in 2025-26; Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra Record Highest Number of Shutdowns

/ Education Community

A total of 58 engineering and technical institutions across India have ceased fresh admissions during the 2025-26 academic session under the progressive closure process, according to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Students currently enrolled in these institutions will be allowed to complete their respective programmes. An AICTE official stated that under progressive closure, colleges are barred from admitting first-year students for the approved academic year while continuing to operate until existing batches graduate. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra reported the highest number of closures with 12 colleges each. They were followed by Madhya Pradesh with eight, while Telangana and Punjab recorded four closures each. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan saw three institutions shut down, whereas Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal each reported one or two closures. Of the 58 institutions, three were government-aided, while the remaining colleges were privately managed. In addition to institutional closures, AICTE also approved the discontinuation of more than 950 engineering and technical courses across the country during the same academic year. The regulator noted that institutions are typically directed to close due to factors such as poor student enrolment, shortage of qualified faculty, failure to meet infrastructure requirements, and non-compliance with AICTE operational standards. AICTE differentiates between progressive closure, where institutions are phased out while protecting the interests of current students, and complete closure, where courses are discontinued entirely and students are relocated to other recognised institutions. Source: PTI

58 Engineering Colleges Closed Across India in 2025-26; Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra Record Highest Number of Shutdowns Read More »

NEET & JEE Admissions May Soon Factor in 50% Board Exam Weightage Under Major Education Reform Push

/ Education Community

India’s higher education admission system could soon witness a significant overhaul, with board examination marks potentially carrying up to 50 percent weightage in admissions currently determined primarily through competitive entrance exams such as National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). According to sources, the proposed reform is aimed at reducing the immense pressure associated with single high-stakes examinations and creating a more balanced evaluation framework for students seeking admission to medical and engineering institutions. The discussions come amid growing concerns over recurring irregularities in the examination ecosystem, including paper leaks and evaluation discrepancies, which have intensified debates around the credibility and fairness of the current system. Among the key changes under consideration is the introduction of 50 percent weightage for board examination scores in final admission merit lists. In addition, authorities are reportedly looking at bringing entrance examinations closer to school curriculum frameworks to reduce students’ heavy reliance on coaching institutes. Other proposals include allowing multiple exam attempts and gradually transitioning towards adaptive, on-demand computer-based testing systems. At present, admissions to engineering and medical courses are largely dependent on entrance examination scores, with students only required to secure minimum qualifying marks in board examinations to become eligible for these competitive tests. The proposed reforms are currently being examined by a nine-member committee constituted by the Ministry of Education last year. The panel was tasked with studying issues such as the growing dependency on coaching centres, the rise of so-called dummy schools, and concerns regarding fairness and transparency in highly competitive entrance examinations. Sources indicate that the committee’s final report is expected to be submitted to the government in the coming weeks, with recommendations also focusing on better alignment between school education and national-level entrance assessments. Source: PTI

NEET & JEE Admissions May Soon Factor in 50% Board Exam Weightage Under Major Education Reform Push Read More »

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Partners with SBI Life Insurance to Launch AI-Driven Cyber Defence Innovation Hub for Insurance Sector

/ Education Community

In a major step toward strengthening India’s digital security ecosystem, IIT Bombay has joined hands with SBI Life Insurance to establish the ‘Bharat AI & Cyber Innovation Hub for Insurance’, a dedicated research and innovation centre focused on advancing indigenous artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions for the country’s insurance industry. The initiative is designed to develop AI-powered cyber defence systems that are conceptualised, built, and owned within India, aligning with the government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of technological self-reliance. With India’s insurance premium market expected to expand at an annual growth rate of 6.9% through 2030, ensuring stronger cyber security infrastructure and safeguarding customer data have become increasingly important priorities. The newly launched innovation hub will drive research and development across key emerging areas including artificial intelligence, cyber security, quantum technologies, and digital insurance ecosystems. Beyond technology development, the partnership will also focus on executive education programmes, talent development, innovation incubation, strategic consulting, and deeper collaboration between academia and industry stakeholders. One of the central goals of the collaboration is to create homegrown cyber defence capabilities, reducing India’s reliance on imported security technologies while enhancing the country’s preparedness against rapidly evolving digital threats in the financial services sector. The initiative will additionally help build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals in AI and cybersecurity, allowing students and researchers to engage directly with real-world industry challenges. According to IIT Bombay, the hub is expected to transform advanced research into deployable solutions while becoming a benchmark model for future partnerships between educational institutions and highly regulated industries, accelerating innovation-led growth in critical sectors. Source: Indian Express  

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Partners with SBI Life Insurance to Launch AI-Driven Cyber Defence Innovation Hub for Insurance Sector Read More »

CBSE Eases Language Policy Transition, Allows Existing Students to Continue Two Foreign Languages Till Class 10

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced relief for students in Classes 7 to 9 who are currently studying two foreign languages under the existing three-language framework. These students will now be permitted to continue with the same language combination until they complete Class 10. The decision comes shortly after CBSE declared that from July 1, Class 9 students would be required to follow a revised three-language policy mandating the study of three languages, including at least two Indian languages. Following concerns raised by students and parents, and legal challenges against the earlier directive, CBSE clarified that the updated language requirement will only be implemented prospectively. This means students already enrolled in Classes 7 to 9 will not be forced to switch their language choices midway through their schooling. A senior CBSE official confirmed that the revised policy aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will begin applying from Class 6 onward, ensuring that ongoing batches are not affected retrospectively. An official circular explaining the revised stance is expected shortly. Earlier in May, CBSE had directed schools that until dedicated R3 language textbooks become available, students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year should temporarily use Class 6 R3 textbooks for their selected language. The updated language policy is part of CBSE’s larger curriculum reforms aimed at bringing school education in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. As per the May 15 circular, students wishing to study a foreign language under the new system will only be allowed to do so after completing two Indian languages, either as a third language option or as an additional fourth language. In another major academic reform, CBSE had earlier announced the phased rollout of the three-language formula from Class 6 and introduced a new two-level system for Mathematics and Science for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic session. Under the new structure, both Mathematics and Science will offer two levels — a compulsory standard level and an optional advanced level. While all students will take a common 80-mark examination, those seeking deeper subject proficiency can choose an additional advanced paper focused on conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking skills. CBSE has confirmed that the first Class 10 board examinations under this two-tier subject structure will take place in 2028 for students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year. Source: PTI

CBSE Eases Language Policy Transition, Allows Existing Students to Continue Two Foreign Languages Till Class 10 Read More »

Maharashtra Partners with Google to Train 4 Lakh Teachers in AI and Digital Skills

/ Education Community

The Maharashtra School Education Department has entered into a strategic partnership with Google for Education to provide artificial intelligence and digital technology training to more than four lakh teachers across the state. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at Mantralaya in the presence of School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse. As part of the initiative, selected master trainers will first receive specialised training and will then mentor teachers across schools statewide. The programme will be offered completely free of cost by Google, ensuring no financial burden on the state government. Officials stated that while Google will facilitate training, the Maharashtra government will maintain full oversight of implementation and digital safety protocols for teachers. Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar highlighted that the goal is to equip teachers in government and aided schools with globally recognised digital skills. The initiative will focus on improving AI literacy, enhancing digital competencies, and delivering training content in Marathi, Hindi, and English while encouraging the use of AI-powered educational tools for professional development. Source: PTI

Maharashtra Partners with Google to Train 4 Lakh Teachers in AI and Digital Skills Read More »

Coempt Edu Teck Rejects CBSE OSM Allegations, Says Scanning Errors Triggered Answer-Sheet Controversy

/ Education Community

Coempt Edu Teck, the Hyderabad-based firm facing scrutiny over the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system controversy, has dismissed claims of technical glitches and security vulnerabilities, stating that recent issues were isolated operational errors rather than failures in its technology infrastructure. The company clarified that the incident involving a student allegedly receiving another candidate’s answer sheet was linked to a mistake during the physical scanning process, not due to any software malfunction. According to Coempt, internal verification confirmed that the system itself functioned without technological errors, and the individual responsible for the scanning process had been identified. Responding to complaints regarding blurred answer-sheet images and readability concerns, the company said these cases are being examined in coordination with relevant evaluation authorities. It also refuted allegations that procurement norms were altered to allow inferior hardware, asserting that it uses industry-standard scanners that are upgraded regularly and deliver high-quality scanning resolution. Coempt further stated that nearly 95 percent of students who applied for access to scanned answer sheets have already received them, with only limited operational bottlenecks affecting the remaining cases. Addressing cybersecurity concerns raised after a 19-year-old ethical hacker reportedly discovered vulnerabilities on the platform, the company said the accessed server was only a publicly available testing environment containing dummy data and had no connection to live production systems handling student records. It emphasized that no student data had been compromised and its operational infrastructure remains secure. The company also referenced the controversy surrounding the 2019 Telangana Intermediate Examination Controversy, noting that courts had reviewed the matter and that the Supreme Court of India had rejected petitions seeking mass re-evaluation, compensation, and criminal proceedings against the technology provider. Currently, Coempt provides examination management services, including digitisation, on-screen evaluation, AI-assisted assessment, and question-paper management, to over 35 universities and educational institutions across India. Source: Indian Express

Coempt Edu Teck Rejects CBSE OSM Allegations, Says Scanning Errors Triggered Answer-Sheet Controversy Read More »

IIT Roorkee Partners with TeamLease EdTech to Launch Executive Programme in AI for E-Commerce and Quick Commerce

/ Education Community

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has introduced a new executive programme focused on Artificial Intelligence applications in e-commerce and quick commerce, in collaboration with TeamLease EdTech. Designed as a six-month course, the programme is aimed at working professionals looking to strengthen their expertise in rapidly evolving digital commerce sectors. The curriculum is structured to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of AI, machine learning, generative AI, natural language processing (NLP), and data-driven technologies that are transforming modern commerce ecosystems. Key modules include AI fundamentals, customer segmentation, recommendation engines, demand forecasting, inventory management, dynamic pricing strategies, fraud detection, customer analytics, and last-mile delivery optimisation. Participants will also gain practical exposure to industry-relevant tools and technologies such as Python, Power BI, Tableau, Elasticsearch, collaborative filtering models, association rule mining, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures, LLM-powered chatbots, NLP frameworks, and open-source large language models. The programme will be delivered through live interactive sessions, making it accessible for professionals currently working as well as individuals aspiring to build careers in the e-commerce and quick commerce industry. Learners will work on real-world business challenges through hands-on projects and a capstone assignment focused on areas such as pricing strategies, customer intelligence, forecasting, recommendations, and churn analysis. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certification from the Continuing Education Centre at IIT Roorkee. Speaking on the launch, Prof. Soumitra Satapathi highlighted that the rapid growth of e-commerce and quick commerce is transforming business operations and customer expectations, making AI a critical component of future-ready business strategies. He noted that the programme has been designed to equip professionals with practical knowledge to apply AI solutions in real-world commerce environments. Source: Indian Express

IIT Roorkee Partners with TeamLease EdTech to Launch Executive Programme in AI for E-Commerce and Quick Commerce Read More »

UPSC Opens 400+ Direct Recruitment Vacancies Across 98 Posts; Applications Open Till July 3

/ Education Community

The Union Public Service Commission has announced a major recruitment drive under its direct recruitment scheme, offering more than 400 vacancies across 98 different positions in multiple central government departments and Union Territory administrations. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online through UPSC ORA Portal. As per the official notification, the application process began on June 13, 2026, and candidates can apply until July 3, 2026, by 6 PM. The recruitment covers a wide range of ministries and departments, creating opportunities for professionals in engineering, aviation, scientific research, administration, law, healthcare, education, and technical roles. Key vacancies include Junior Scientific Officer, Operations Officer, Air Safety Officer, Assistant Director, Assistant Engineer, Assistant Public Prosecutor, along with teaching and faculty positions such as Associate Professors and Assistant Professors at the College of Military Engineering in Pune. Among the largest openings are 121 Specialist Grade-III medical positions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 50 Assistant Director Grade-II (Economic) posts under MSME, and 40 Assistant Professor vacancies under the Ministry of Defence’s CME group. Several positions have also been announced for departments in Ladakh, including administrative, technical, and healthcare roles. Candidates are advised to review the official recruitment notification carefully for department-wise vacancy details, eligibility criteria, and qualification requirements before applying. Source: Indian Express

UPSC Opens 400+ Direct Recruitment Vacancies Across 98 Posts; Applications Open Till July 3 Read More »

IIT Kanpur Introduces B Cyber Programme; Admissions Through JEE Main and Cybersecurity Assessment

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has announced the launch of a new undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B Cyber), commencing from the 2026-27 academic session. The four-year degree will be offered through the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems, with the first batch set to begin classes in July 2026. Unlike traditional IIT undergraduate programmes, admission to the B Cyber course will not require a JEE Advanced score. Instead, applicants will be shortlisted based on their performance in JEE Main along with demonstrated experience or accomplishments in the field of cybersecurity. Selected candidates will then undergo an in-person evaluation at the IIT Kanpur campus, which will include a cybersecurity-focused hackathon. The programme has been structured to blend academic learning with practical industry exposure. During the first two years, students will study core cybersecurity concepts through classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, and hands-on training designed to build strong theoretical and technical foundations. In the final two years, students will undertake internships with government security agencies, gaining real-world experience by working on cybersecurity projects and addressing critical security challenges. IIT Kanpur stated that the programme has been introduced to address the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals amid increasing concerns around digital security and the protection of critical infrastructure. IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal emphasized the strategic importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national and digital assets. Nitin Saxena, Dean of the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems, said the initiative aims to create industry-ready professionals by combining rigorous academic education with extensive practical training. The institute also announced that a dedicated admission portal for the programme is currently under development and is expected to be launched next week. Comprehensive details regarding eligibility criteria, admission procedures, and application guidelines will be available on the website. Source: Indian Express

IIT Kanpur Introduces B Cyber Programme; Admissions Through JEE Main and Cybersecurity Assessment Read More »