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Govt to Introduce Skill-Based Learning in Class 11 & 12 Under NEP 2020: Pradhan

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The government is preparing to integrate skill-based learning into the curriculum of Classes 11 and 12 in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Sunday. Speaking at the Dakshinapatha Summit 2025 hosted by IIT Madras, Pradhan emphasized the need for a major shift in teaching approaches to match the demands of the modern workforce. He noted that the earlier system focused heavily on degrees and certificates, while the new approach aims to build real-world competencies in students. “We are working to bring in skill-based subjects for Class 11 and 12 students. While qualifications are important, it is equally necessary to ensure that students are job-ready and capable,” the minister said. Pradhan also shared that his ministry is working to embed skill-based education from Class 6 onwards, making it a structured and compulsory part of schooling rather than an optional add-on. He reiterated that skill development forms a core pillar of NEP 2020, which envisions preparing learners for both higher studies and employability. Source: PTI

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AICTE Launches Major Employability Push for Engineering Students, Targets 20 Lakh Learners

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Marking Engineers’ Day on September 15, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) unveiled a series of initiatives to enhance the employability of engineering graduates, a persistent challenge in India’s higher education sector. The reforms were launched by Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, Government of India, and include Project PRACTICE (Project for Advancing Critical Thinking, Industry Connect and Employability), the AICTE Research Internship (ARI) Portal, and the mandatory setup of R&D Cells and Climate Cells across all approved institutions. At the heart of the reforms, Project PRACTICE will focus on 1,000 tier-2 and tier-3 engineering colleges where academic outcomes are often weaker. Over three years, it aims to benefit 20 lakh students and 10,000 faculty members through project-based learning, industry-linked assignments, and skill enhancement modules. Supported by the Maker Bhavan Foundation, LEAP, and CRISP, the programme carries a joint investment of ₹23.31 crore, co-funded by AICTE and its partners. In a move to integrate technology into learning, AICTE will also provide free access to AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity Go, helping students streamline routine work and focus on critical thinking, research, and innovation. Speaking at the launch, AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam said the initiatives are aimed at bridging the employability gap while fostering innovation, sustainability, and stronger industry-academia collaboration. The ARI Portal will open up structured research internship opportunities, while the mandated R&D and Climate Cells are expected to build a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility in campuses. Leaders from partner organisations, including CRISP’s R. Subrahmanyam, highlighted that these reforms will particularly uplift underserved institutions, enabling them to perform closer to the standards of premier colleges. With over 30 lakh students enrolled across 5,868 AICTE-approved engineering and diploma institutes, officials noted that these measures could play a pivotal role in preparing a new generation of graduates equipped to meet evolving industry demands. Source: Indian Express  

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CBSE Board Exams 2026: Special Exam Provisions for Class 10 & 12 Students in Sports and Olympiads

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced special examination provisions for Class 10 and 12 students who represent India in national or international sports competitions or participate in international Olympiads. This initiative ensures that students do not have to compromise between academic exams and prestigious global events. According to a circular released on September 15, the Board has outlined detailed rules, conditions, and deadlines for schools, students, and parents. CBSE has been working in line with the government’s focus on promoting sports and co-curricular excellence. After introducing this special exam facility for sports students in 2018 and extending it to Olympiad participants in 2020, the Board is now offering structured flexibility under the 2026 exam schedule. CBSE highlighted that such measures not only support students’ ambitions but also nurture qualities like fitness, discipline, teamwork, and dedication. Class 10 Provisions From 2026, Class 10 will follow a two-cycle exam pattern—the first in February and the second in May. Students engaged in recognised sports or Olympiads will only be allowed to appear in the second cycle (May 2026). No separate exams will be held after the February cycle. Candidates must still be included in the List of Candidates (LOC) for the main exams. For compartment exams, schedules in February/March 2026 will apply. Class 12 Provisions For Class 12, the existing policy remains unchanged. If a Board exam clashes with an eligible sports or Olympiad event, CBSE will reconduct the exam after the main cycle ends. Eligibility and Restrictions Only events approved by SAI (Sports Authority of India), BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), and HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education) are recognised. Exemptions will not apply to training or selection camps, internal tests, or project submissions. Attendance relaxation will remain within the existing Board limits. All applications must be supported by an official certificate of participation from the concerned nodal authority. CBSE also clarified that: Special exams will not be available for supplementary papers. No provision will be made for practicals or project work, as these can be rescheduled internally by schools. Schools must avoid false claims, as they will result in cancellation of the application.  SOPs and Timeline As per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), students must submit applications via their schools along with a certificate of participation and school recommendations. Schools need to forward the documents to the CBSE Regional Office by December 15. Approvals will be communicated by December 30, and rescheduled exams will be conducted within 15 days of the main Board exams. Guidelines for Schools CBSE has directed schools to: Inform students and parents clearly about these provisions. Submit internal assessment marks within the given timelines. Ensure fair evaluation of sports and Olympiad participants. Process LOC submissions and certification accurately.  The Board emphasized that school heads and authorised organisations must issue certificates only for students who genuinely qualify under these provisions. Source: Indian Express

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AIIMS Delhi Installs da Vinci Robot to Train Students in Robotic Surgery

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All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has taken another step forward in surgical education by setting up a da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, e-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) facility. The cutting-edge system, provided by Intuitive Surgicals under a memorandum of understanding, will be used exclusively for training purposes. According to the institute, AIIMS Delhi has now become the only medical institution in the country with two dedicated training robots. Alongside the newly installed da Vinci robot, the facility already houses a Hugo training robot, supplied earlier by Medtronic. The SET facility, already popular among AIIMS trainees, faculty, and medical professionals from other institutions, provides access to simulators and manikins in a stress-free learning environment. With the addition of the da Vinci robot, the centre will further expand opportunities for medical students, residents, nurses, and surgeons to gain hands-on experience in robotic-assisted surgery across specialities such as urology, gynaecology, general surgery, oncology, and head and neck surgery. AIIMS Director Dr. M. Srinivas highlighted that robotic surgery training, which previously required surgeons to travel abroad at significant personal cost, is now available within the country. “This centre will help improve surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and elevate the standard of patient care nationwide,” he said. Echoing the sentiment, Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager of Intuitive India, assured complete support to ensure the effective use of the new system. Dr. Amlesh Seth, Professor and Head of Urology at AIIMS, described robotic-assisted surgery as a game-changer in modern healthcare. “This training centre will enable our senior surgeons to mentor the next generation of robotic surgeons. It also offers residents early exposure to advanced techniques, helping them build confidence and prioritise patient safety before stepping into independent practice,” he added. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the adoption of robotic-assisted surgeries in India, positioning AIIMS Delhi as a hub for innovation and excellence in surgical training. Source: PTI

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Pradhan discusses expansion of Indian schools in UAE, inaugurates Atal Incubation Centre at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during his two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates, met Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. The discussions centred on strengthening educational collaboration between the two countries, including the establishment of more Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE to cater to the growing Indian community. Pradhan also visited the Abu Dhabi campus of IIT Delhi, where he inaugurated the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)—the first such facility hosted by an Indian institution abroad. The AIC is envisioned to nurture joint start-ups and research-led enterprises involving innovators from both India and the UAE, with a focus on deep tech, artificial intelligence, clean energy, healthcare, and other areas of mutual interest. It will also provide Indian start-ups with a gateway to Middle Eastern markets. Highlighting the legacy of IIT Delhi, Pradhan noted that the Abu Dhabi campus has grown remarkably from a concept into a full-fledged institution, symbolising the India-UAE knowledge partnership. He also launched B.Tech and Ph.D programmes in Chemical Engineering and Energy & Sustainability at the campus, expressing confidence in the students’ potential to set new benchmarks in global innovation and prosperity. Pradhan shared insights on the success of Atal Tinkering Labs in India and discussed the possibility of introducing Atal Innovation Labs in Indian schools across the UAE. The talks also explored opportunities for two-way student exchanges starting from the school level, further strengthening academic and cultural ties. As part of his UAE visit, the minister is scheduled to inaugurate the Dubai campus of IIM Ahmedabad and hold meetings with leaders, policymakers, academicians, and institutional representatives from both nations to broaden cooperation in education, innovation, and skill development. Source: PTI Image Credit: x.com/iitdelhi

Pradhan discusses expansion of Indian schools in UAE, inaugurates Atal Incubation Centre at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Read More »

India’s Literacy Rate Rises to 80.9% in 2023–24: Pradhan

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India’s literacy rate has increased from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday during a virtual address on International Literacy Day 2025. Pradhan stressed that literacy is more than reading and writing, describing it as a path to dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance. He underlined that true progress would be achieved only when literacy becomes a lived reality for every citizen. Highlighting the government’s ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, the minister said over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers have joined the initiative. Around 1.83 crore learners have already taken foundational literacy and numeracy assessments, with a 90% success rate. The programme now offers study material in 26 Indian languages. Pradhan congratulated Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh for achieving full literacy, terming it a collective success of governments, society, and volunteers. Ladakh became the first Union Territory to be declared fully literate in June 2024, while Himachal Pradesh recently joined the list of fully literate states. The theme for this year’s International Literacy Day was “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.” Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary noted that literacy in India has expanded to include digital literacy, crediting India’s digital public infrastructure for accelerating educational inclusion. “India has accomplished in a decade what could have taken fifty years, setting an example for the Global South,” Chaudhary said. Source: PTI

India’s Literacy Rate Rises to 80.9% in 2023–24: Pradhan Read More »

West Bengal SSC Recruitment Exam Sees Massive Turnout of 3.19 Lakh Candidates

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West Bengal witnessed a huge response on Sunday as over 3.19 lakh aspirants appeared for the School Level Selection Test (SLST) conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). The test, meant for the recruitment of assistant teachers for classes 9 and 10, was held across 636 examination centres under tight security arrangements. This marked the first major teacher recruitment drive by the WBSSC since the Supreme Court, earlier in April, cancelled 26,000 appointments made in 2016, declaring the process “tainted and vitiated.” The exam began at 12 pm and continued till 1:30 pm, with an additional 20 minutes provided for specially-abled candidates. To maintain strict vigilance, candidates had to report by 10 am. Barcode scanning of admit cards, frisking at multiple checkpoints, and a ban on all electronic devices were part of the three-tier security plan. Even officials and supervisors were prohibited from carrying mobile phones inside examination halls. Only pens, supplied at the centres, were allowed. In a first-ever transparency initiative, candidates were permitted to take home both the question paper and a carbon copy of their OMR sheets, ensuring greater accountability in the evaluation process. While many first-time test-takers described the paper as “simple,” some felt better preparation could have improved their chances. For many of those whose jobs were cancelled following the SC verdict, the exam carried emotional weight. Several expressed distress at having to reappear after years of teaching, with one 55-year-old former teacher breaking down at the exam gate, lamenting the difficulty of preparing again after seven years in service. Candidates from other states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, also took part in the test. This sparked political sparring — with Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh pointing out that job-seekers from BJP-ruled states had to come to Bengal due to unreliable recruitment processes in their regions. He stressed that Bengal never barred outsiders from applying. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh countered that mobility across states was normal, while CPI(M)’s Shatarup Ghosh alleged that the ruling party might exploit this for “cut money.” State Education Minister Bratya Basu assured candidates that the administration was working to guarantee fairness, transparency, and safety during the recruitment drive. Metro Railways also extended services on both the Blue and Green lines from 9 am to aid travel for examinees. WBSSC Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar confirmed that another 2.46 lakh aspirants are scheduled to appear for the recruitment test for assistant teachers of classes 11 and 12 on September 14 at 478 centres. Importantly, the commission clarified that 1,806 teachers identified as “tainted” in the 2016 scam were barred from participating. Source: Indian Express  

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NIRF Rankings 2025: IIT Madras leads overall for 7th year, IISc retains top university spot for 10th year

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The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, released by the Union Ministry of Education on Thursday, reaffirmed the dominance of India’s premier institutes. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras once again clinched the top position in the overall category for the seventh consecutive year, while the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was named the best university for the tenth straight year. The top 10 list in the overall rankings was largely led by IITs, alongside All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and IISc. Among universities, JNU retained its second rank, while Delhi University improved its standing to fifth. A major highlight was BITS Pilani breaking into the top 10 universities for the first time since 2016, after climbing from 19th place last year. In the colleges category, Delhi University institutions dominated. Hindu College and Miranda House maintained the first and second positions, while Hansraj College and Kirori Mal College achieved their best-ever rankings at third and fourth, overtaking St. Stephen’s College (fifth this year). Lady Shri Ram College slipped significantly from 10th to 17th. Notably, Hansraj had been ranked 21st and Kirori Mal 20th back in 2018, highlighting their steady rise. Institutions were assessed on parameters including Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR), Research & Professional Practice (RP), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach & Inclusivity (OI), and Perception (PR). IIT Madras excelled with a perfect 100 in perception—an achievement it has maintained since 2023—alongside strong scores in TLR (90.58). However, its weakest area remained inclusivity, with a score of 63.34. Among colleges, Hansraj College and Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College recorded the strongest research and professional practice scores (above 96), whereas Hindu College led on perception. In the universities category, JNU stood out for graduation outcomes (99.93), while IISc topped in teaching, learning, and perception but lagged in inclusivity. The 2025 edition saw a record 7,692 institutions participate, compared to 2,426 in the inaugural 2016 rankings. This year introduced a new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) category, recognizing institutions’ green and innovation practices. IIT Madras ranked first here as well, besides leading in engineering and innovation. In management, IIM Ahmedabad retained its crown. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, highlighted a new rule—negative marking for retracted research papers—to address growing concerns over academic integrity. IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti credited the institution’s consistent top performance to “focused team effort.” Source: Indian Express 

NIRF Rankings 2025: IIT Madras leads overall for 7th year, IISc retains top university spot for 10th year Read More »

NCERT Must Build Competence, Knowledge for Nation-Building: Dharmendra Pradhan

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On the 65th Foundation Day of NCERT, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the council’s crucial role in shaping an empowered and knowledgeable society. He called upon NCERT to adopt global best practices while remaining rooted in India’s cultural and linguistic strengths. “NCERT’s responsibility is to make our people competent and raise knowledge levels. You are the true nation-builders,” Pradhan said, addressing the gathering. He stressed the need for children to gain proficiency in English while also achieving conceptual clarity through their mother tongues. Reflecting on past curriculum reforms, Pradhan referred to the National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) of 2000 and 2005, noting that changes introduced earlier created confusion. He asserted that NCERT is now setting the framework in the right direction, free from what he termed a “slave mentality” that deprived the nation of self-reliance and pride. He further praised new NCERT modules, such as those on Operation Sindoor and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, also present at the event, credited NCERT textbooks for shaping his early academic foundation but noted their shortcomings. “Those books built my career, yet they missed highlighting India’s scientific heritage and achievements. I had to relearn many things later. Today, I see a transformation, with more focus on our own legacy,” he said. Somanath also stressed the importance of promoting learning in Indian languages, pointing out that reliance on foreign textbooks during higher education limited students’ connection with indigenous knowledge systems. “Rooting education in our own language is essential,” he remarked. Source: Indian Express

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CBSE to Roll Out Educational Podcasts, Invites Student Participation from Classes 9–12

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new initiative to develop its own series of educational podcasts and digital content, covering both academic and counselling themes. The board stated that these resources are being designed to offer valuable insights, guidance, and awareness for students, parents, and schools alike. To ensure accessibility, the podcasts will also be released on public platforms such as YouTube. According to CBSE, the move is aimed at strengthening its existing academic and counselling support system by introducing a more flexible, digital-friendly format. The content will focus on topics like exam preparation, academics, mental well-being, and student welfare. Involving Students’ Voices To make the project more engaging, CBSE plans to integrate student perspectives into the podcasts. Students will be encouraged to contribute through short video or audio snippets, testimonials, and interactive discussions. These inputs will be featured on CBSE’s podcasts, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels, making the content more relatable and student-focused. How Schools Can Participate The board has directed affiliated schools to nominate students from Classes IX to XII who are confident, articulate, and interested in taking part. Participation is voluntary and requires written consent from both the students and their parents or guardians, submitted through the respective school. Schools have been asked to share names and brief profiles of nominated students through a Google form link provided by CBSE. The nominations must be submitted within 10 days of the notice being issued. The board emphasized that this is an optional opportunity meant to give students a platform to share their views while enhancing CBSE’s outreach and communication efforts. Source: Indian Express

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