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JEE Main 2026 Registration to Begin in October; NTA Advises Students to Update Aadhaar and Certificates

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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the registration process for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 will begin in October. The exam, as in previous years, will be conducted in two phases — the first in January 2026 and the second in April 2026. In its latest notification dated September 29, the NTA urged candidates to ensure that their Aadhaar details, category certificates (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL), and UDID cards (for PwD candidates) are valid and updated before filling the application form. This step is intended to prevent application errors, document mismatches, or rejections during the admission process. The advisory emphasized that the Aadhaar card must accurately reflect the candidate’s name, date of birth (as per Class 10 records), address, photograph, and father’s name. PwD candidates are also required to renew or update their disability certificates as per norms. Reserved category aspirants must verify that their documents are in line with the latest guidelines. Candidates planning to appear for JEE Main 2026 are advised to follow updates on the official NTA portal (nta.ac.in) and the JEE Main website (jeemain.nta.nic.in) for detailed instructions, city intimation slips, and other exam-related notices. In 2025, the January session of JEE Main was held between January 22–30, while the April session took place from April 2–8. Registration last year began on January 2, followed by the release of the exam city intimation slip. Source: Indian Express

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NCERT to Handle Equivalence of Class 10 & 12 Certificates Across All Boards

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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will now be responsible for granting equivalence to Class 10 and Class 12 certificates issued by various school education boards across India. This equivalence will be applicable for admissions to higher education institutions as well as recruitment in government jobs, according to an official announcement on Friday. The Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has published the notification in the e-Gazette. This move replaces the earlier notification of November 15, 2021, which had entrusted the task to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The responsibility will now be carried out by NCERT through its National Assessment Centre—Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH)—set up under the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to the ministry, this institutional mechanism will ensure that the process of granting equivalence is conducted with academic rigour while upholding the highest educational standards. The system will apply to all school boards established by the central and state governments, statutory bodies, or recognised institutions. Importantly, the equivalence granted by NCERT will be valid nationwide, ensuring inter-board parity and enabling seamless student mobility across school education boards. Source: PTI    

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Cabinet clears Phase 3 of medical college upgradation scheme, set to create 10,000+ new MBBS & PG seats

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The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of Phase 3 of the centrally sponsored scheme aimed at expanding medical education infrastructure. Over the next three years, the scheme will add 5,023 undergraduate (MBBS) seats and 5,000 postgraduate (PG) seats in government medical colleges and institutes, with a budgetary outlay of ₹15,034 crore. This move is part of the government’s larger vision of creating 75,000 new medical seats within five years, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget. In earlier phases, the Centre supported the addition of 4,977 MBBS seats across 83 colleges at a cost of ₹5,972 crore, and 4,058 PG seats in 72 colleges with an allocation of ₹1,498 crore. Phase 2 provided ₹4,478 crore to increase 4,000 seats in 65 institutions. Currently, India has around 1.2 lakh MBBS seats and 74,306 PG seats — a sharp rise from 2014 levels of 51,328 MBBS and 31,185 PG seats. With over 20 lakh aspirants appearing annually for NEET, the demand for medical education remains extremely high. The expansion also aims to encourage students to pursue studies in India instead of seeking education abroad, an issue highlighted during disruptions caused by the pandemic in China, course recognition issues in the Philippines, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, the rapid increase has also brought challenges. A shortage of qualified faculty has persisted across many institutions. To address this, the National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced measures like Aadhaar-based biometric attendance, live CCTV monitoring, and permitted Diplomate of National Board (DNB) doctors to serve as faculty. Additionally, the age limit for teachers’ appointments was raised. Another concern has been the surge of new seats in private colleges where fees are often prohibitively expensive. Although NMC tried to regulate private medical college fees in 2022, implementation has been limited so far. Source: Indian Express

Cabinet clears Phase 3 of medical college upgradation scheme, set to create 10,000+ new MBBS & PG seats Read More »

Govt Launches Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters; IIT Delhi Named Nodal Hub

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The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has rolled out Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters across India’s leading higher education institutions, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, and central universities, in a bid to empower tribal youth as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. IIT Delhi’s Bhagwan Birsa Munda Cell will serve as the central coordinating hub for the initiative. According to IIT Delhi, the launch reflects a key milestone under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan—described as the world’s largest tribal leadership movement—unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (2024–25). At the launch event, Tribal Affairs Secretary Vibhu Nayar said the chapters would act as a “bridge between premier institutions and tribal communities,” nurturing young changemakers to shape India’s educational, entrepreneurial, and social development. IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee added that the initiative offers a platform for students to “mentor, innovate, and create meaningful impact in tribal regions.” In the first phase, the chapters will be established across a wide network of institutions. These include IITs such as Delhi, Kharagpur, Dharwad, and Hyderabad; IIMs at Sirmaur and Nagpur; AIIMS campuses in Nagpur, Gorakhpur, and Bhatinda; VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital; IISER Mohali; IIST Trivandrum; SVNIRTAR; and others. NITs in Delhi, Patna, Raipur, Puducherry, and Meghalaya, as well as IIITDM Kurnool, BIT Mesra, NERIST Arunachal Pradesh, DTU Delhi, and RGNUL Patiala, are also on board. Additionally, hotel management institutes such as IHM Kufri, IHM Tharamani, IHM Pusa, IHM Bhopal, and IHM Bhubaneswar are part of the launch phase. The Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters will engage in: Mentorship & Education: Linking students from top institutes with EMRS and Ashram schools to enhance learning. Entrepreneurship: Supporting tribal-led startups through a ₹50 crore venture capital fund. Innovation: Organizing hackathons and workshops to develop tech-based solutions for tribal communities. Village Development: Designing Vision 2030 plans, SWOT analyses, and sustainable models. Skill Development: Training in frontier areas such as semiconductors and emerging technologies, in collaboration with IISc Bangalore.  The programme will also facilitate internships with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and state departments, alongside recognition and awards for outstanding student leaders and mentors. With strong backing from directors and leaders of IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and IIST Trivandrum, the initiative aims to build a cadre of empowered tribal youth contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Source: Indian Express

Govt Launches Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters; IIT Delhi Named Nodal Hub Read More »

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

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

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  

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

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 »