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IIM Indore releases PGP 2026–28 admission criteria; increases weightage for Class 12 scores and PI

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The Indian Institute of Management Indore has announced the admission policy for its flagship two-year PGP programme for the 2026–28 cohort, introducing notable shifts in evaluation weightages. The institute will continue with its three-tier selection system, factoring in CAT 2025 performance, academic records from Classes 10 and 12, work experience, and scores in the personal interview (PI). To be considered, applicants must appear for CAT 2025 and clear both the sectional and overall percentile benchmarks. For General and EWS candidates, the minimum overall requirement is 90 percentile, with 80 percentile in each section. The cut-off is 80 percentile for NC-OBC, and 60, 45 and 45 percentile for SC, ST and PwD applicants, respectively. At the shortlisting stage, Class 12 marks remain a major determinant, carrying 25% weightage, while Class 10 marks contribute 10%. CAT sectional scores make up 55% of the composite score, with 3% allotted for work experience and 7 marks for diversity. Shortlisted candidates will receive interview calls in January 2026, with offline interviews planned across Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The institute has kept the option open for conducting interviews online if required. For the final admissions list, the PI holds the highest influence with 45% weightage. CAT sectional scores carry 40%, while Class 10 and 12 scores add 5% each. A 5-mark diversity factor is also included. Importantly, meeting cut-offs alone does not ensure selection—candidates must achieve minimum performance standards in every PI parameter to qualify. The institute will adhere to the Government of India’s reservation norms: 27% NC-OBC, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, up to 10% EWS, and 5% PwD. All candidates, regardless of category, must still achieve the minimum performance thresholds set by IIM Indore. For students whose Class 10 or 12 results were altered due to COVID-era board evaluation policies, score weightages will be proportionally reassigned to other components such as CAT sectional scores and available board marks. The institute has also clarified that the admission process may be updated in line with any new government or institutional guidelines. Source: Indian Express

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Government to Support 100 Engineering Colleges with ₹1 Crore Each for Quantum Research Labs

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The Centre will extend financial assistance of ₹1 crore each to 100 engineering colleges to establish quantum research laboratories aimed at strengthening undergraduate minor programmes, according to Department of Science and Technology (DST) Secretary Prof Abhay Karandikar. Speaking at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay on Monday, he revealed that over 500 proposals have already been submitted, from which the final 100 institutions will be chosen. Prof Karandikar also announced that the DST plans to create a specialised quantum algorithms technical group to enhance capacity building, aid start-ups, and accelerate research and technological development in the quantum domain. He highlighted the significant strides made under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems and the National Quantum Mission (NQM), with IIT Bombay playing a pivotal role. He noted that the Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Bombay has been instrumental in supporting start-ups, driving innovation, and initiating work on Indian-language large language models. Under the NQM, all four quantum hubs—Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and IIT Bombay—have shown rapid advancement, with IIT Bombay’s quantum sensing hub earning particular recognition. During his visit to IIT Bombay, Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh announced two major state-of-the-art quantum fabrication and central facilities under the NQM. With an investment of ₹720 crore, these facilities at IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru aim to indigenise the fabrication of quantum computing chips and sensors—reducing dependence on foreign infrastructure. Two smaller facilities will also be set up at IIT Delhi and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. These fabrication centres will be open to academia, industry, start-ups, MSMEs, and strategic agencies, enabling faster prototyping, technology development, and small-scale production. The minister added that these advancements will significantly strengthen India’s capabilities in superconductivity, cryogenic engineering, quantum computing, sensing, photonics, healthcare applications, and green energy devices. A new cryogenics facility, equipped with an efficient helium recovery system, is also expected to substantially reduce the cost of cryogenic experiments while conserving the scarce resource. Singh emphasised that as global demand for quantum technologies grows, India must expand its cryogenics infrastructure accordingly. He further remarked that IIT Bombay exemplifies how collaboration between academia, government, and industry can build a world-class scientific ecosystem capable of shaping future technologies. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Parliament to Introduce Bill Creating a Single Higher Education Regulator to Replace UGC, AICTE, NCTE

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Parliament is set to take up a landmark reform bill aimed at overhauling India’s higher education regulatory framework. The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, scheduled for introduction in the winter session beginning December 1, proposes replacing key regulatory bodies—the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)—with one unified authority. According to the Lok Sabha bulletin, HECI will act as the central regulator for higher education across the country, except for medical and legal education. The new body will focus on regulation, accreditation, and setting professional standards. Funding responsibilities, however, will continue to remain with the administrative ministry and not under HECI’s purview. The concept has been in discussion for years, with a draft bill first released in 2018 for public feedback, proposing the repeal of the UGC Act. Efforts to revive the plan gained momentum after Dharmendra Pradhan became the Union Education Minister in 2021. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strongly advocates for such a unified regulator, noting that India’s higher education system requires a complete structural overhaul. The policy stresses that regulation, accreditation, funding, and academic standard-setting should function independently yet cohesively under empowered bodies to strengthen the sector. Source: Indian Express

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IIT-Madras researchers uncover physiological markers that can predict and manage test anxiety among students

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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have identified key physiological signals that can help detect students who are most prone to test anxiety, potentially transforming how educational institutions understand and address academic stress. The findings, published in the international peer-reviewed journal Behavioural Brain Research, explore the interaction between the brain and heart in students facing exam-related anxiety. This scientific approach offers early detection possibilities and paves the way for personalized coping strategies. According to NCERT (2022), nearly 81% of Indian students experience some level of test anxiety, which can adversely affect academic outcomes and long-term mental well-being. Led by Venkatesh Balasubramanian from the Department of Engineering Design, the IIT-Madras team emphasized the value of using objective physiological data rather than relying solely on students’ self-reported feelings. Their research shows that a disruption in the brain-heart communication network during stressful situations can make certain students more vulnerable to anxiety and avoidance behaviours, highlighting a biological difference between healthy and unhealthy responses to exam pressure. The study identifies two critical markers: Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (FAA): a brain-based indicator linked to emotional control Heart Rate Variability (HRV): a measure of how effectively the heart adjusts to stress Researchers found that students exhibiting a negative FAA pattern showed weaker heart regulation under pressure, suggesting a biological predisposition to heightened anxiety. This deeper understanding reframes academic stress as a condition rooted not only in psychology but also in measurable physiological interactions. According to Swathy Parameswaran, Research Scholar at IIT Madras, these insights could lead to practical tools powered by artificial intelligence. Such tools may enable real-time, non-invasive monitoring systems capable of alerting educators and mental health professionals before visible symptoms arise. The research also supports the creation of personalized stress management strategies that can be integrated into school and university wellness programs. Though based on a preliminary sample of 52 participants, the study marks a promising advancement in combining neuroscience with educational psychology. The team plans to expand the research with larger, more diverse groups and explore additional factors like sleep quality and physical activity. Upcoming phases will also include advanced methods such as EEG-based connectivity mapping to further unravel heart-brain dynamics during stress. Source: PTI

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MoE Distributes 75 Refurbished Computers to Baghpat Schools Under Vidyanjali Initiative

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The Ministry of Education has provided 75 high-quality refurbished computers to 15 government schools in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district under the Vidyanjali initiative, officials announced on Saturday. The computers were supplied by the National Informatics Centre Services (NICSI) to boost digital learning infrastructure in the region. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary stated that the Vidyanjali portal has onboarded over 8.33 lakh schools, more than 5.55 lakh individual volunteers, and upwards of 2,300 CSR and NGO partners. “The programme has already benefited nearly 1.8 crore students across India through wide-ranging volunteer and CSR participation,” he said. Led by the Department of School Education, Vidyanjali aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and focuses on strengthening Jan Bhagidari by encouraging community and organisational support for government schools. Under its CSR module, districts submit proposals in priority areas such as digital infrastructure, sports, health, and environmental improvement. NICSI registered under the initiative and adopted the project ‘Digital Infrastructure Development in Schools’ for Baghpat district. The organisation’s contribution will provide refurbished computers to schools across Pilana, Khekra, Chhaprauli, Binoly, Baraut, and Baghpat blocks. The initiative aims to enhance digital access, support e-learning, and enable teachers and students to seamlessly integrate technology into classroom teaching—furthering the goals of Digital India and NEP 2020 in the district. Source: PTI

MoE Distributes 75 Refurbished Computers to Baghpat Schools Under Vidyanjali Initiative Read More »

CBSE to Begin Recruitment for Teaching and Non-Teaching Roles in KVS and NVS

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will soon launch the recruitment process for multiple teaching and non-teaching vacancies across Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). The recruitment will be carried out on a direct basis and is open to eligible Indian citizens. Online applications will open on November 14, 2025, and the last date to apply is December 4, 2025. A detailed notification specifying eligibility criteria, vacancies, and application procedures will be issued shortly by CBSE. Candidates are advised to apply exclusively through the official websites for authentic information: cbse.gov.in kvsangathan.nic.in navodaya.gov.in In a related development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas across 17 states and Union Territories. The initiative aims to provide equitable access to quality education, particularly for children of Central government employees posted in remote, aspirational, Left Wing Extremism-affected, hilly, or northeastern areas. The project, estimated to cost ₹5,862.55 crore over nine years, will include pre-primary sections and is projected to benefit more than 86,000 students, expanding the existing network of 1,288 Kendriya Vidyalayas across India. However, data from the Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy indicates a decline in KV admissions. In response to a question raised by MPs B.K. Parthasarathi (TDP) and Sudha R (Congress), the Ministry reported that the total number of students enrolled dropped from 13,87,763 in 2020–21 to 13,50,518 in 2024–25 — a decrease of 37,245 students, marking a decline of roughly 2.86%. Kendriya Vidyalayas, managed by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) under the Ministry of Education, follow a uniform curriculum designed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and are affiliated with CBSE. Admissions primarily prioritize children of Central government and defence personnel, while others are accommodated based on the availability of seats. Source: Indian Express

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Delhi Govt to Digitally Map and Assess Infrastructure, Safety of 1,000+ Schools

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In a major push towards data-driven infrastructure planning, the Delhi government is set to launch a comprehensive project to digitally profile over 1,000 government schools across the city. The initiative will evaluate infrastructure quality, safety standards, and structural stability using advanced technologies such as drone mapping, 360-degree imaging, and AI-based analytics. According to an official document, the project will cover 1,086 schools spread across 799 buildings, each of which will receive a detailed digital profile capturing information on facilities, assets, and their current condition. The initiative aims to centralize all infrastructure-related information, making it easier for the government to identify gaps, prioritize repairs, and plan future upgrades effectively. The selected implementing agency will deploy high-resolution drone surveys and on-site 360° documentation, with real-time data uploading through a web-based application. This application will feature GPS tagging, automated analytical reporting, data validation, and role-based access controls. The system will benchmark infrastructure against standards set by bodies like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials said the platform will not only streamline maintenance and planning but also enhance safety preparedness. The survey will assess various school assets—classrooms, furniture, electrical fittings, toilets, laboratories, and sports facilities—categorizing them as “good,” “minor repair,” “major repair,” or “replacement needed.” Additionally, the agency will evaluate the structural stability of all school buildings through both visual inspections and non-destructive testing methods, such as rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, under expert supervision. Reports of schools identified as structurally weak or in need of major repairs will be reviewed by technical experts from premier institutions like IITs and NITs, ensuring credible and science-backed recommendations for repair, retrofitting, or demolition if required. Once completed, the initiative will create a first-of-its-kind comprehensive digital inventory of Delhi’s school infrastructure—enabling better policy formulation, timely interventions, and the creation of safer, more resilient learning environments for students. Source: PTI

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J&K Government Plans Single-Window Digital Platform to Streamline Recruitment Processes

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The Jammu and Kashmir government is gearing up for a major digital reform aimed at transforming recruitment procedures across all departments through a unified online system, officials confirmed on Saturday. Satish Sharma, Minister for Administrative Reforms, Inspections (ARI) and Trainings, chaired a high-level meeting to review the proposal. He stressed the need for simplifying administrative operations to ensure efficiency, transparency, and timely decision-making within government departments. According to an official spokesperson, the proposed Single Window Digital System will centralize the process of drafting and amending recruitment rules, paving the way for uniform policy enforcement and faster execution. Commending the ARI & Training Department for conceptualizing the initiative, Sharma directed that the system’s design and rollout be expedited in coordination with the General Administration Department (GAD), Finance, Law, and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). He highlighted that inter-departmental collaboration and accountability must be maintained throughout implementation. “This digital platform will eliminate administrative bottlenecks, ensure transparency, and bring consistency in recruitment practices across all departments,” Sharma said. “By integrating real-time monitoring and public access features, it will strengthen accountability and reinforce citizen trust in governance.” The minister instructed that the new system be linked with the existing E-Office framework, alongside capacity-building programs for departmental nodal officers to facilitate smooth adoption. The initiative envisions several benefits — including a uniform recruitment policy, reduced paperwork, quicker file processing, improved coordination between departments, and enhanced transparency through online tracking. As per the proposed model, the platform will feature secure departmental logins, digital templates for proposals, online routing among ARI & Training, Finance, Law, GAD, and JKPSC, and a centralized archive for all approved recruitment rules and amendments. It will also provide real-time SMS and email notifications, performance dashboards, escalation mechanisms for delays, and strong data protection protocols. Departments will be required to submit recruitment proposals within 30 days, followed by a 10-day processing window for each stakeholder department, ensuring final approval from the GAD within a fixed timeframe. The move, officials said, represents a decisive step towards a paperless, transparent, and efficient governance model in Jammu and Kashmir’s public administration. Source: PTI  

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England to Revamp School Curriculum: Students to Learn About Fake News and AI

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In the most significant education overhaul in over a decade, schoolchildren in England will soon be taught how to identify fake news and gain a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence. The move comes as part of the UK government’s wider plan to modernise education and equip students with essential skills for the future. Following the recommendations of the Curriculum and Assessment Review released on Wednesday, the Department for Education (DfE) announced sweeping reforms designed to prepare young learners for the evolving digital and economic landscape. Among the proposed changes is a 10% reduction in the number of exams faced by teenagers, addressing concerns that the current assessment load is “excessive.” “From the basics of reading to the modern-day challenge of spotting misinformation, these landmark reforms form part of our Plan for Change,” said Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. “It’s been more than ten years since the national curriculum was updated, and it’s vital that students are prepared to meet today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.” Under the revised framework, primary school students will be introduced to lessons on detecting misinformation and disinformation, aimed at strengthening their critical thinking and online safety. They will also study financial literacy topics such as mortgages, debt, and money management, alongside enhanced reading and communication skills. The reforms also propose a compulsory citizenship module, which will include climate education, a new foreign language qualification, and greater emphasis on outdoor learning and sports. Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the move, saying: “Businesses will support curriculum changes that build employability — from teamwork and communication to digital and financial skills. Ensuring that every student has access to meaningful qualification pathways will help them stay engaged and ready for the world of work.” The new curriculum is set to roll out in September 2028, with the final version expected by early 2027, giving schools four terms to prepare for the transition. Source: PTI

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MICA introduces 25-week Social Media Influencer Programme for aspiring digital creators

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The Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA), renowned for its expertise in Strategic Marketing and Communications, has announced the launch of a new Social Media Influencer Programme — a 25-week online course designed to empower aspiring and established digital creators with strategic tools to build sustainable and impactful online careers. The institute stated that the programme aims to meet the growing demands of India’s burgeoning creator economy, which forms a significant part of the $250 billion global industry. Through an innovative blend of academic learning and practical exposure, the course seeks to fill the skill gap by helping creators develop a structured understanding of branding, audience engagement, and content monetisation. Participants will be trained in areas such as personal branding, content strategy, multi-platform engagement, and the use of emerging technologies like generative AI to scale their creative output. The curriculum also covers brand partnerships, revenue models, and analytics-driven growth strategies. Academic and industry-led mentorship The programme will be jointly led by Dr. Falguni Vasavada and Prof. Siddharth Deshmukh, both MICA faculty members and experienced digital creators. They will combine academic principles with hands-on insights from the creator ecosystem. Adding a strong industry dimension, Viraj Sheth, Co-founder and CEO of Monk Entertainment, will serve as the programme’s industry expert. He will conduct two specialised masterclasses — Media Training for Digital Thought Leaders and Multi-Platform Content Distribution & Growth Strategy — focusing on authenticity, influence management, and content diversification. Paid internships with Monk Entertainment MICA also announced that five participants will receive a paid internship opportunity at Monk Entertainment’s Mumbai office, where they will gain real-world experience in creator management, brand partnerships, and digital marketing operations. Programme structure and key details The 25-week course will be conducted entirely online, enabling participants to pursue the programme alongside their current professional or creative commitments. The fee is set at ₹1,00,500 plus GST, with classes commencing on December 28, 2025. The curriculum features modules on platform algorithms, monetisation techniques, audience insights, and long-term career planning, supported by live sessions, mentorship, and practical assignments. MICA emphasised that in today’s digital era, true influence is measured not by follower count but by credibility, consistency, and meaningful impact. Source: Indian Express 

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