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Govt Makes 150 Hours of On-the-Job Training Mandatory for ITI Trainees Under Craftsmen Training Scheme

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The Centre has made it compulsory for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students enrolled under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) to complete 150 hours of structured on-the-job training (OJT) or a group project, as per fresh guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). The DGT operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Until now, ITI trainees primarily received practical instruction within campus workshops, working with tools and machinery available at their institutes. While this approach ensured foundational skills, it often limited exposure to modern industrial technologies and real-time workplace practices. Consequently, many trainees required additional hands-on training after entering the job market. To bridge this gap and align vocational education with industry demands, the DGT has restructured CTS qualifications in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As part of the reforms, the annual training duration has been reduced from 1,600 hours to 1,200 hours. Additionally, a mandatory 150-hour OJT or group project component has been introduced to ensure practical industry exposure. Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary termed the move a significant reform aimed at strengthening vocational education. He emphasised that classroom instruction alone is insufficient in a rapidly evolving industrial environment, and that real workplace experience is essential to build competence, confidence and professionalism among trainees. The initiative is also expected to deepen collaboration between industries and ITIs. Under the new guidelines, trainees will be eligible for OJT or project work only after completing at least three months of institutional training. The industry training will be conducted under the supervision of mentors, with regular performance assessments. The OJT component will also be integrated into a future data-driven grading framework. For students enrolled under the Dual System of Training (DST) mode, mandatory project work will replace OJT, as they already receive industry exposure during their course. Launched in 1950, the Craftsmen Training Scheme remains a key pillar of India’s vocational training ecosystem. The newly introduced OJT mandate aims to enhance employability, align skills with industry standards, and ensure smoother workforce integration for ITI graduates. Source: PTI

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Over 1.2 Lakh Students Receive Degrees at Delhi University’s 102nd Convocation

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The University of Delhi conferred degrees upon more than 1.2 lakh students during its 102nd convocation ceremony held on February 28. The event was graced by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan as the chief guest, while Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh presided over the proceedings. In a symbolic gesture marking the university’s digital transition, the Vice President released the students’ digital degrees at the click of a button. According to the Vice-Chancellor, a total of 1,20,408 degrees were awarded this year. Among them, 50,780 degrees were presented to regular students — 24,748 men and 26,032 women. Additionally, 5,008 degrees were awarded to students of the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) and 64,620 to learners from the School of Open Learning (SOL). Overall, 59,435 male and 60,973 female students received degrees at the ceremony. The university also granted 734 PhD degrees, including 385 to women and 349 to men. The Faculty of Arts accounted for the highest number of doctoral awards at 236, followed by Science with 139 and Social Sciences with 119. In recognition of academic excellence, 132 gold and silver medals and awards were distributed. Undergraduate and postgraduate students received 112 gold medals and one silver medal, along with 19 prize certificates. The total degrees awarded comprised 1,09,003 undergraduate students, 11,362 postgraduate students, and 43 students from the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP), covering regular, NCWEB, and SOL categories. The VC also announced the awarding of 20 ‘centenary chance’ degrees, a special initiative introduced during the university’s 100th year to enable former students to complete their academic programmes. Addressing the gathering, Vice President Radhakrishnan described the graduating students as key contributors to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ He emphasised that universities must promote research and innovation rooted in Indian contexts while maintaining global competitiveness. Highlighting gender representation, he noted that women accounted for over 70 per cent of this year’s gold medallists. Reflecting on the institution’s growth, the Vice President remarked that Delhi University began with just three colleges, two faculties, eight departments, and 750 students. Today, it boasts 16 faculties, 86 departments, 90 colleges, 20 halls and hostels, more than 30 centres and institutes, 34 libraries, and a student strength exceeding six lakh. Commenting on the intense competition for admission, he shared that seats are filled promptly, with cut-off marks often reaching as high as 98 per cent. While acknowledging DU’s standing among India’s premier institutions, he urged the university to aim higher in global rankings — aspiring to break into the top 300, then 200, and eventually the top 100 universities worldwide, with the long-term goal of becoming the world’s leading university. Source: Indian Express

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Labour Ministry Eases Scholarship Rules; EPFO to Refund ₹30.52 Crore from Dormant Accounts

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In a significant policy shift, the Union Labour Ministry on Monday (February 23, 2026) updated its scholarship guidelines to allow students receiving welfare-based financial assistance from the Ministry to simultaneously avail merit-based scholarships offered by any Central or State government body. The revision is expected to widen access to financial aid, benefiting more than the current one lakh students annually. According to an official statement, the amendment will particularly support the children of beedi workers, cine workers, and non-coal mine workers. By removing restrictions on overlapping scholarships, eligible students will now have greater financial flexibility to pursue higher education and compete for merit-based awards without losing need-based support. The Ministry clarified that its scholarship scheme remains need-driven and does not impose academic merit criteria. The change has been introduced to promote equity, eliminate unintended exclusions, and ensure clearer policy implementation. Previously, several deserving students from unorganised worker families were unable to access additional scholarships due to conflicting eligibility rules. The decision aligns with the broader objectives of the Code on Social Security, which seeks to strengthen welfare measures for unorganised workers and their families, particularly in the area of education. In a separate reform initiative, the Ministry also announced the settlement of 7.11 lakh inactive accounts under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Each of these inoperative accounts holds a balance of up to ₹1,000, amounting to a total of ₹30.52 crore. The funds will soon be refunded to the respective account holders or their legal heirs. Source: The Hindu

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UGC Flags 32 Fake Universities Across India; Delhi Tops List With 12

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 institutions across India as fake universities, warning students that degrees issued by these entities are invalid for employment and higher education. In a public notice released in February 2026, the UGC — a statutory body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education — clarified that these institutions are not recognised under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act. The Commission emphasised that only universities established by a Central or State Act, or those declared as deemed universities under the Act, are authorised to award valid degrees. Delhi Records The Highest Number Delhi has the highest number of such institutions, with 12 entities operating without recognition. Uttar Pradesh follows with four, while several other states and Union Territories have reported one or two such cases. State-Wise Count Of Fake Universities (As of February 2026) Delhi – 12 Uttar Pradesh – 4 Andhra Pradesh – 2 Karnataka – 2 Kerala – 2 Maharashtra – 2 Puducherry – 2 West Bengal – 2 Arunachal Pradesh – 1 Haryana – 1 Jharkhand – 1 Rajasthan – 1 The UGC has advised students and parents to verify the recognition status of institutions through its official website before taking admission. It reiterated that degrees awarded by unrecognised institutions hold no legal validity and will not be accepted for jobs or further studies. The Commission’s move aims to protect students from fraudulent institutions and maintain the integrity of India’s higher education system. Source: NDTV

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A. R. Rahman Agrees in Supreme Court to Credit Junior Dagar Brothers for ‘Veera Raja Veera’

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Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman on Friday informed the Supreme Court of India that he would formally acknowledge the contribution of the Junior Dagar Brothers in the song Veera Raja Veera from the film Ponniyin Selvan: II. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi recorded Rahman’s submission and disposed of the plea, describing the individuals involved as “reputed names of the music industry”. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahman, told the court that the composer would update the song credits to read: “Composition inspired by Dagarwani tradition Dhrupad, first recorded as ‘Shiv Stuti’ by late Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar, popularly known as Junior Dagar Brothers.” The matter arose from a plea filed by Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar challenging a September 2025 order of the Delhi High Court. The High Court had observed that there was no prima facie material to establish that the Junior Dagar Brothers — Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar — were the authors of the classical rendition Shiv Stuti. The Supreme Court noted that the revised credit would be reflected across social media and OTT platforms within five weeks. It also directed Rahman to deposit ₹2 crore, as fixed by the High Court, with the Registrar General on an interim basis. Clarifying its position, the Bench stated that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the dispute and that the pending civil suit between the parties would proceed independently, uninfluenced by its observations. Earlier, on February 13, the apex court had suggested that Rahman and the makers of Ponniyin Selvan: II consider acknowledging the Dagarwani Dhrupad tradition’s contribution to the composition. Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of Zahiruddin Dagar, has claimed copyright over the original works of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including Shiv Stuti, alleging unauthorised use in the film’s song. Source: PTI

A. R. Rahman Agrees in Supreme Court to Credit Junior Dagar Brothers for ‘Veera Raja Veera’ Read More »

Sundar Pichai Unveils Google AI Professional Certificate, Announces India-America Connect Initiative

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At the Artificial Intelligence Summit in New Delhi, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, announced the launch of a new Google AI Professional Certificate programme aimed at strengthening AI skills and deepening technology collaboration between India and the United States. During his keynote address, Pichai also introduced the India-America Connect Initiative, a major digital infrastructure project that will establish new subsea cable routes linking India, the US, and several regions across the southern hemisphere. The initiative is designed to enhance AI connectivity, improve data transfer speeds, and support the growing demand for advanced AI capabilities. Emphasising the need to pair infrastructure growth with talent development, Pichai described the AI certificate programme as one of Google’s most ambitious skilling efforts in India. He noted that as AI creates new opportunities, investing in workforce training is essential to ensure professionals can effectively integrate AI into their work. Reflecting on Visakhapatnam—popularly known as Vizag—Pichai recalled remembering it as a quiet coastal city filled with promise. He said he never imagined it would one day emerge as a global AI hub. As part of its planned $15 billion infrastructure investment in India, Google will establish a full-stack AI hub in the region. The facility will feature gigawatt-scale compute capacity along with a new international subsea cable gateway, a move expected to create jobs and bring cutting-edge AI resources to businesses and communities across the country. The Google AI Professional Certificate is designed to equip learners with both foundational and advanced AI expertise. The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence fundamentals, machine learning, neural networks, and practical real-world applications. Participants will gain hands-on experience using Google’s AI tools and technologies, enabling them to implement AI-driven solutions in professional settings and explore new career opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Source: NDTV

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CBSE Makes First Board Exam Mandatory for Class 10 Under New Two-Exam System

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that appearing in the first board examination will be compulsory for all Class 10 students under the new two-exam format set to be implemented from 2026. The clarification comes after the board received requests from some students seeking permission to skip the first phase due to various reasons and instead appear only in the second examination. However, CBSE has firmly stated that all students must take the first board exam. CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said that students who do not appear in at least three subjects during the first examination will not be permitted to sit for the second phase. Such candidates will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category and will be required to reappear for the board examinations in the following year’s main session, usually held in February. Students who clear the first examination will be allowed to improve their performance in up to three subjects in the second phase. These subjects include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages. The introduction of the two-board-exam system from 2026 marks a significant step in CBSE’s ongoing examination reforms aimed at offering students flexibility while maintaining academic standards. Source: PTI

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PM Modi Virtually Inaugurates IIM Guwahati; Rs 555 Crore Approved for Permanent Campus

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually inaugurated the first academic session of the Indian Institute of Management Guwahati, marking a significant step in expanding management education in Assam and the Northeast. The institute has begun functioning from a temporary transit campus at Tech City in Bongora, spread across 6,410 square metres. It will later move to its permanent campus at Marabhita in Kamrup district near Palasbari, which will be developed over 76.83 hectares. The Union Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 555 crore for the establishment of the institute. The allocation will fund the temporary campus setup, construction of the permanent campus, and operational expenses for the first five years. With this, IIM Guwahati becomes the second IIM in the Northeast after Indian Institute of Management Shillong, and the 22nd across India. The Centre had approved the new IIM as part of efforts to broaden access to quality management education in underserved regions. Academic activities have commenced with the launch of an executive education programme curated by mentor institute Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. The inaugural batch includes Assam government officials, and the programme is aimed at strengthening leadership and administrative capabilities. IIM Ahmedabad will also oversee academic arrangements at the temporary campus. The regular MBA programme at IIM Guwahati is scheduled to begin from the 2026–27 academic session. In his address, the Prime Minister described the inauguration as a milestone for the Northeast, stating that the institute would enhance access to high-quality management education and help build academic and professional capacity in the region. The Ministry of Education said IIM Guwahati is envisioned as a future knowledge hub focused on holistic human resource development and is expected to attract students from across the country. Source: Indian Express

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Over 1,800 Industry Veterans Appointed as Professors of Practice Across 349 Institutions

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In a significant push to align higher education with industry needs, more than 1,800 professionals from diverse sectors have joined universities and colleges across India as Professors of Practice (PoP). The Ministry of Education revealed that 1,841 experts have been appointed across 349 higher education institutions as part of reforms envisioned under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Responding in writing to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said the initiative is intended to deepen industry-academia engagement and promote hands-on, skill-oriented learning. He highlighted that the position of Professor of Practice is largely temporary and honorary in nature, enabling accomplished professionals to contribute to academic development and nation-building by sharing real-world expertise. Private universities accounted for the largest share of appointments with 715 PoP positions, followed by deemed-to-be universities with 699. State universities appointed 212 professionals, while central universities added 15. Colleges across the country contributed another 200 appointments. State-wise, Tamil Nadu leads with 395 Professors of Practice, followed by Maharashtra (193), Gujarat (179), Karnataka (170), and Uttar Pradesh (157). Several other states and Union Territories have also implemented the model, albeit on a smaller scale. What is a Professor of Practice? The Professor of Practice designation allows experienced industry and professional leaders to take up academic roles even if they do not hold conventional academic qualifications such as a PhD, which is otherwise mandatory for regular professor or associate professor positions. Appointments are typically for a term of up to three years, with a possible one-year extension in exceptional circumstances, capping the maximum tenure at four years. Institutions may allocate up to 10% of their sanctioned faculty positions to Professors of Practice. Eligible candidates must be distinguished professionals with at least 15 years of experience and notable contributions in fields such as science and technology, social sciences, media, armed forces, and other domains. To facilitate diverse participation, three categories of appointments have been introduced: industry-funded Professors of Practice, institution-funded positions supported by the higher education institution’s own resources, and honorary Professors of Practice. Source: Indian Express  

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CBSE 2026 Board Exams: Digital Evaluation, Dual Class 10 Boards & Competency-Based Papers — What Students Must Know

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced sweeping reforms for the 2026 board examinations, affecting both Class 10 and Class 12 students. These updates focus on three major areas: alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the option of two board exams for Class 10, and the rollout of digital answer sheet evaluation for Class 12. Here’s a comprehensive look at what is changing and how it could impact students, parents, and schools. Digital Evaluation for Class 12: On-Screen Marking (OSM) Begins Starting with the 2026 board exams, CBSE will implement On-Screen Marking (OSM) for evaluating Class 12 answer sheets. This marks a significant shift from the traditional physical evaluation system to a fully digital process. However, Class 10 answer scripts will continue to be assessed through the conventional physical mode in 2026. CBSE conducts board examinations for approximately 46 lakh students across India and in 26 countries. With OSM, answer sheets will be scanned and uploaded digitally, allowing examiners to evaluate them online rather than travelling to designated marking centres. According to CBSE’s circular dated February 9, 2026, the digital evaluation system offers multiple benefits: Elimination of totalling and calculation errors Reduced manual handling through automated coordination Faster correction timelines Lower transportation and logistical costs Teachers can evaluate papers from their own schools Reduced need for post-result mark verification Decreased manpower requirements Broader participation of teachers, including those from overseas affiliated schools Environment-friendly paper management The move is expected to streamline the evaluation process and improve efficiency while reducing administrative burden. Two Board Exams for Class 10 from 2026 In another major reform, CBSE has confirmed that Class 10 students will have the option to appear for two board examinations starting in 2026. The announcement, made through a notification dated June 25, 2025, aligns with NEP 2020’s vision to reduce exam-related stress and shift away from high-stakes single-exam systems. While detailed implementation guidelines are being issued separately, the dual-exam system aims to: Ease performance pressure Provide flexibility within the same academic year Offer students a chance to improve scores without waiting for the next year This change is expected to create a more student-friendly assessment structure. Question Paper Pattern Overhauled: Competency Takes Centre Stage One of the most impactful changes for 2026 lies in the redesigned question paper format for both Class 10 and Class 12. As per Circular No. Acad-30/2024 (dated April 3, 2024), CBSE aligned its assessment structure with NEP 2020 to promote skill-based and application-oriented learning. Although the reform began in the 2024–25 academic session, the 2026 board batch will be among the first to complete an entire academic cycle under the revised format. New Exam Structure: 50% Competency-Based Questions Includes case studies, source-based questions, application-driven MCQs, and real-life context problems designed to test conceptual understanding rather than memorisation. 20% Objective (MCQ) Questions Select response-type questions aimed at evaluating clarity of concepts. 30% Constructed Response Questions Traditional short- and long-answer questions, now reduced in overall weightage. This marks a significant transition from the earlier model where long descriptive answers carried nearly half the marks. The emphasis now is on analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and real-world application of knowledge. What This Means for Students The 2026 reforms collectively signal a transformation in CBSE’s examination philosophy — from memory-based testing to competency-driven evaluation. Students will need to focus more on understanding concepts deeply, practising case-based questions, and developing analytical skills. The introduction of digital evaluation may also lead to quicker result processing and greater transparency. With flexibility in Class 10 exams and modernised assessment for Class 12, CBSE is moving toward a system designed to reduce stress while strengthening learning outcomes. Source: Indian Express

CBSE 2026 Board Exams: Digital Evaluation, Dual Class 10 Boards & Competency-Based Papers — What Students Must Know Read More »