ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Thursday, June 19, 2025 11:21 PM
logo
Menu
logo

Education Community

UPSC Releases CSE 2024 Prelims Answer Key; 2025 Prelims Scheduled for May 25

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the answer keys for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary 2024 on May 21. Candidates who appeared for the General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2 can now access the answer keys through the Commission’s official websites — upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in. For General Studies Paper 1, three questions from each of the four test series — A, B, C, and D — have been removed. However, no questions have been eliminated from Paper 2. The preliminary exam took place on June 16, 2024, followed by the mains held over five days — September 20, 21, 22, 28, and 29. Candidates who cleared the mains were invited for the personality test (interview) round, which ran from January 7 to April 17, 2025. A total of 2,845 aspirants reached this final interview stage. UPSC declared the final results for CSE 2024 on April 22, 2025. This year, Shakti Dubey secured the All India Rank (AIR) 1. A total of 1,009 candidates have been recommended for various elite services, including the IAS, IFS, IPS, and Central Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services. However, the candidatures of 241 individuals remain provisional pending further verification. Looking ahead, the UPSC CSE 2025 prelims are scheduled for May 25, with 979 vacancies open across various civil services. Hall tickets for the upcoming prelims have already been issued. Candidates who find discrepancies in their admit cards must promptly report the issue to the Commission via email at uscsp-upsc@nic.in. It is essential to include key personal details such as name, roll number, registration ID, and examination year while raising any concerns. In instances where the photograph on the admit card is either unclear or missing the name and date, candidates are required to bring a valid photo ID along with two recent passport-sized photographs (bearing their name and date) for both examination sessions. An undertaking will also need to be submitted at the exam venue. The UPSC CSE is a three-tiered selection process — comprising the preliminary test, mains, and a personal interview. The final merit list is prepared by combining scores from the mains and the interview round. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: TOI    

UPSC Releases CSE 2024 Prelims Answer Key; 2025 Prelims Scheduled for May 25 Read More »

IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In a strategic move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has launched two groundbreaking undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These four-year, fully residential programmes are designed to nurture future-ready professionals with a blend of analytical, ethical, and leadership skills. The BSc in Management and Public Policy targets students interested in driving grassroots change, with a curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and community-led development. The programme aspires to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world impact. Admissions to this course will be facilitated through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Meanwhile, the BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, aims to boost India’s digital transformation journey and enhance global competitiveness. It focuses on cultivating ethical AI use, advanced data analytics, and innovation-driven problem-solving. Entry into this programme will be via JEE Main scores. Highlighting the institution’s progressive approach, the courses are structured with multiple entry and exit options—students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, a degree after three, and an honors degree upon completing the fourth year. This flexibility is intended to support diverse learner pathways in line with NEP 2020 goals. IIM Sambalpur Director, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, expressed pride in the launch, calling it a “pioneering step” in cultivating responsible, entrepreneurial leaders. “These programmes are not only about acquiring academic knowledge; they’re about building leaders equipped with a global outlook and the compassion to address societal challenges,” he noted. The launch event also featured a roundtable discussion on the theme: ‘Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises’. The dialogue spotlighted the emerging role of GCCs as strategic, innovation-led units rather than cost-effective back-offices. Bramhanand Jha, Vice President at the National eGovernance Division (MeitY), served as the chief guest. He emphasized the transformative role of GCCs in shaping future-ready, tech-enabled enterprises that drive global business strategies. Keynote speakers included Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director of JEE at the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Rajesh Kumar, Director of CUET at NTA. Both underlined the significance of evolving India’s education assessment systems to support innovation, inclusivity, and talent discovery aligned with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The education landscape in India is being reshaped to identify talent capable of thriving in dynamic, innovation-driven environments like GCCs,” said Shukla. Kumar added that initiatives like CUET are vital to democratizing access to quality higher education and preparing students for leadership in a global digital economy. The launch concluded with insightful panel discussions featuring academic and industry experts on “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value” and “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth.” With this initiative, IIM Sambalpur reaffirms its commitment to fostering responsible, innovation-driven leadership that is attuned to the evolving demands of both national and global landscapes. Admissions for both UG programmes will begin in June 2025, with classes set to commence in September 2025. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: IIM Sambalpur    

IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders Read More »

CBSE Urges Schools to Launch ‘Sugar Boards’ to Curb Rising Sugar Consumption Among Students

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In a proactive step toward safeguarding students’ health, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive to all affiliated schools, calling for the establishment of “sugar boards” to help monitor and reduce sugar intake among children. Highlighting a concerning surge in Type 2 diabetes cases among school-aged children—a condition historically associated with adults—the board has emphasized the link between the trend and high levels of sugar consumption. The prevalence of sugary drinks, snacks, and processed foods within and around school premises has been identified as a key contributor to this growing health issue. According to the CBSE, excessive sugar consumption is not only associated with diabetes but also increases the risk of obesity, tooth decay, and metabolic disorders. These health challenges can further impact a child’s academic performance and overall development. Studies show that children between the ages of 4 and 10 consume around 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11 to 18 average around 15%—both far above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5%. Acting on recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), CBSE has advised schools to create informative displays titled “sugar boards.” These boards should clearly outline healthy sugar limits, the sugar content in popular processed and junk foods, the health risks linked to high sugar intake, and suggestions for healthier dietary alternatives. The goal is to empower students to make more informed food choices and foster healthier long-term eating habits. In addition, schools are encouraged to host awareness programs, seminars, and workshops focused on sugar education. Institutions have been asked to document these initiatives and upload brief reports with supporting photographs by July 15. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create healthier school environments and raise awareness about nutrition among students, educators, and parents alike. Source: PTI    

CBSE Urges Schools to Launch ‘Sugar Boards’ to Curb Rising Sugar Consumption Among Students Read More »

Schools Reopen in Jammu and Kashmir Border Areas as Tensions Ease Between India and Pakistan

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In a welcome move towards normalcy, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu, has announced the reopening of schools in several border regions of Jammu and Kashmir from May 15. The decision follows a period of heightened tension between India and Pakistan, which had led to the temporary closure of educational institutions for safety reasons. Students across districts like Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch are returning to classrooms after nearly a week-long suspension of academic activities. Zones in Jammu such as Chowki Choura, Bhalwal, Dansal, Gandhi Nagar, and Jammu are reopening their schools. In Samba, classes have resumed in the Vijaypur zone. Kathua district has also restarted educational operations in Barnoti, Lakhanpur, Sallan, and Ghagwal. In Rajouri, the affected zones of Peeri, Kalakote, Thanamandi, Moghla, Kotranka, Khawas, Lower Hathal, and Darhal have reopened schools. Similarly, in Poonch, educational institutions in Surankote and Buffliaz have resumed functioning. The move is a significant step towards restoring daily life and ensuring continuity in students’ education in these sensitive regions. The recent truce between India and Pakistan, marked by a halt in cross-border hostilities, has paved the way for this reopening. In Udhampur and parts of Kathua district—specifically Bani, Basholi, Mahanpur, Bhaddu, Malhar, and Billawar—government and private schools are also now operational. Morning visuals from Udhampur captured children enthusiastically returning to school in uniform, signaling a collective sigh of relief among families. This return to routine follows a tense period that began after the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. India responded with targeted strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, reportedly neutralizing over 100 militants. The situation escalated briefly with retaliatory moves from Pakistan, but Indian Armed Forces swiftly countered the aggression. De-escalation efforts gained momentum after the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart, resulting in an understanding to cease further military actions. As classrooms once again fill with students and communities resume their daily rhythms, the reopening of schools stands as a hopeful indicator of peace returning to the border regions. Source: ANI Imagine credit: iStock    

Schools Reopen in Jammu and Kashmir Border Areas as Tensions Ease Between India and Pakistan Read More »

CBSE Board Results 2025 Declared: Girls Shine, Digital Access Expands, Leaders Congratulate ‘Exam Warriors’

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the much-anticipated results for Class 10 and 12 board examinations, bringing relief, joy, and a wave of congratulatory messages from across the country. Students can now access their results through various official digital platforms including cbseresults.nic.in, results.cbse.nic.in, cbse.gov.in, DigiLocker, and the UMANG app. This year, 93.66% of students passed the Class 10 exams, while 88.39% cleared the Class 12 exams, showing a marginal improvement over last year. Girls continued their stellar performance, outperforming boys by over 5 percentage points in Class 12 and 2.37 percentage points in Class 10. The top-performing region for Class 10 was Thiruvananthapuram, with a remarkable 99.70% pass percentage, while Guwahati trailed behind with 84.14%. In Delhi, an impressive 95% of students passed both Class 10 and 12 examinations. No Merit List, No Divisions — Focus on Holistic Learning In a bid to curb unhealthy academic competition, CBSE has upheld its decision not to release a merit list or award divisions. Instead, merit certificates will be issued only to the top 0.1% scorers in each subject, which students can download from DigiLocker. “As per an earlier decision by the board to avoid unhealthy competition amongst students, no merit list is prepared and declared by CBSE. Also, the board has not awarded first, second and third division to its students,” said CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj. A Tech-Driven Evaluation Aligned with NEP 2020 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the board’s assessment process has been aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on competency-based evaluation and leveraging technology for better accessibility. “CBSE Board exams are conducted in alignment with NEP 2020, with emphasis on competency-based assessment leveraging technology for accessibility and ease,” he stated on X. National Leaders Congratulate Students Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate students, referring to them as “Exam Warriors.” “Dear #ExamWarriors, Heartiest congratulations to everyone who has cleared the CBSE Class XII and X examinations! This is the outcome of your determination, discipline and hard work. Today is also a day to acknowledge the role played by parents, teachers and all others who have contributed to this feat. Wishing Exam Warriors great success in all the opportunities that lie ahead!“ He offered words of encouragement to those who may be disappointed with their results: “To those who feel slightly dejected at their scores, I want to tell them: one exam can never define you. Your journey is much bigger and your strengths go far beyond the mark sheet. Stay confident, stay curious because great things await.“ Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla echoed similar sentiments, praising the values that lead to academic achievement. “Heartiest congratulations to all students who have cleared the CBSE Class X and XII examinations. Your success reflects sincere effort, discipline, and focus,” he wrote. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also applauded the students and extended support to those facing disappointment: “This golden success is the result of your hard work, determination and tireless efforts… students who did not get the expected results should not be disappointed. Both success and failure in life are means of learning.“ Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed gratitude to the support system behind the students’ success: “May your future pursuits be even more successful… I also express my deep gratitude to the parents, guardians, and teachers for their invaluable support… Hard work never disappoints. This is only a journey. Keep working for India’s future.“ Accessing Results and Post-Result Options Students can access their scorecards online via CBSE’s official websites or DigiLocker. To use DigiLocker, students must obtain a six-digit access PIN provided by their schools. Once logged in, students can download their digital marksheets and certificates. If students are unsatisfied with their results, they can request photocopies of their evaluated answer sheets before opting for revaluation or verification, a change aimed at increasing transparency. “A candidate after obtaining a photocopy of the evaluated answer book in the first step can decide whether to opt for verification of marks or re-evaluation,” said Bhardwaj. A Path Forward With over 42 lakh students appearing in the CBSE exams this year, the results reflect the resilience and adaptability of a new generation of learners in a changing educational landscape. As the system moves towards competency and skill-based learning, these results mark a significant milestone in shaping future-ready citizens. For students who didn’t achieve their desired results, the CBSE will soon release the compartment exam schedule, offering a second chance to succeed. As India embraces a digital and inclusive education framework, today’s board results not only mark academic milestones but also celebrate the diverse journeys of every learner — reminding us all that no exam is the final word on potential. Source: Mint

CBSE Board Results 2025 Declared: Girls Shine, Digital Access Expands, Leaders Congratulate ‘Exam Warriors’ Read More »

DU Academic Council VC Emphasizes Permanent Faculty Hiring; New Language Courses Introduced by SOL

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

During the 1022nd meeting of the Academic Council, Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh emphasized the importance of appointing permanent faculty members over continued reliance on guest lecturers. Addressing college principals, he encouraged them to prioritize advertising vacant teaching positions and conducting recruitment drives at least once or twice a year. He also urged immediate action on current and anticipated vacancies, especially those arising from upcoming retirements. In response to concerns about faculty recruitment in the 12 colleges funded by the Delhi government, the VC noted that discussions with government officials were in progress and expressed hope for a positive resolution soon. Among key academic developments, the council approved several new programmes and curriculum updates. The School of Open Learning (SOL) will roll out certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma courses in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean starting from the 2025–26 academic year. Additionally, Ramjas College will launch a one-year Advanced Diploma (JP-3) in Japanese. The Department of Distance and Continuing Education received approval to begin certificate courses in European languages such as French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese from the 2024–25 session. These courses will be offered through the Open Learning Development Center at CISBC. Other approvals included updated syllabi under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022 and the introduction of several new Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs). These include modules in Robotics and Automation, Introduction to IoT using Arduino, and Low-Code/No-Code Development in Computer Science. In Biomedical Science, new offerings include Forensic Analysis of Biological Evidence, Forensic Toxicology, Questioned Document Examination, and Injury and Death. To improve accessibility, the council also agreed to translate portions of the syllabus in Persian, Arabic, and Urdu into English. Image source: Britannica  

DU Academic Council VC Emphasizes Permanent Faculty Hiring; New Language Courses Introduced by SOL Read More »

Marathi Literary Council Donates 400 Books to Taloja Jail to Support Inmate Education

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In a significant gesture aimed at promoting education and rehabilitation, the Marathi Sahitya Sanskruti Kala Mandal (Marathi Literature, Culture, and Arts Council) from Vashi has donated 400 books to the Taloja Central Jail. The initiative, led through the Prof. Manikrao Kirtane Library and the Town Library, seeks to encourage constructive engagement and learning among inmates. Out of the total, 300 books were contributed by the Kirtane Library and 100 by the Town Library. “We had a large collection and wanted it to serve a meaningful purpose,” said Subhash Kulkarni, President of the Kirtane Library. “We had done something similar five years ago and saw the positive impact, so we decided to contribute again.” The donated collection comprises a wide range of Marathi literature, including novels by renowned authors, works on psychology, and a few English titles. The selection was curated to promote self-improvement, literacy, and intellectual growth among the prison population. The books were formally handed over to jail authorities in a ceremony attended by Council Vice President Ravindra Nene, Prof. Ashwini Bachalkar, and Thane District Library Officer Prashant Patil. On the receiving end were Teacher Tagad and Senior Jail Officer Rahul Zhutale. The event was attended by approximately 200 inmates, who expressed interest in the initiative. This donation is part of the Council’s broader commitment to social development through the power of literature and education. It aligns with a growing recognition of the role of reading and self-education in prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration. By making literature accessible to incarcerated individuals, the Marathi Literary Council hopes to foster a more reflective, informed, and hopeful environment behind bars—demonstrating how culture can serve as a powerful tool for change. Source: Economic times

Marathi Literary Council Donates 400 Books to Taloja Jail to Support Inmate Education Read More »

Over 1,500 Classrooms in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Await Repairs as Monsoon Nears

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

With just a month remaining for schools to reopen and the monsoon set to arrive, over 1,550 classrooms in government schools across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts remain in urgent need of repairs. According to data from the state education department, a total of 1,323 classrooms in Dakshina Kannada and 274 in Udupi are yet to be restored, despite a detailed repair proposal having been submitted to the Karnataka government months ago. Out of the 21,255 classrooms statewide requiring major repairs, these coastal districts represent a significant portion. The urgency is compounded by the weather, as damaged and cracked roofs in some schools are already causing water leakage. “If not addressed immediately, the rains will severely impact classroom conditions,” said a head teacher from a government school in Mangaluru, stressing the importance of completing the repairs during the summer break. Dakshina Kannada is home to 893 primary and 170 high schools, while Udupi has 570 primary and 105 high schools. During the last academic year, no direct funds were allocated to these two districts, even though 2,162 classrooms in 17 other districts received repair support. Local authorities had to rely on alternative funding sources for temporary fixes. This year, officials confirm that a proposal has once again been submitted. “We are prioritising emergency repairs, especially those that impact student safety. All essential works will be completed before the monsoon,” said Govinda Madival, DDPI of Dakshina Kannada. Ganapati K, DDPI of Udupi, assured that repairs are being carried out in phases, based on information gathered from schools. Alongside Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, Kodagu district also has 189 classrooms in need of urgent attention. Source: daijiworld

Over 1,500 Classrooms in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Await Repairs as Monsoon Nears Read More »

Curtin University to Lead Key Role in $271M National 3D Printing Innovation Drive

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

Curtin University is set to play a pivotal role in Australia’s $271 million Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), a national initiative aimed at transforming the country’s manufacturing landscape through next-generation 3D printing technologies. Launched with $58 million in federal funding, the AMCRC will unite 14 research institutions and over 50 industry partners in a bid to build a connected, sovereign additive manufacturing ecosystem. This initiative targets advancements in sectors including defence, aerospace, healthcare, automotive, mining, and construction. Additive manufacturing—or industrial 3D printing—enables the creation of lighter, stronger, and more intricate components by building products layer by layer from digital designs, significantly reducing material waste. Curtin’s contribution will be driven by researchers from the John de Laeter Centre and the Curtin Corrosion Centre, who will collaborate with industry leaders such as Austal, Australia’s premier shipbuilder. Curtin’s strengths in materials science, corrosion research, and manufacturing will be key to developing innovative, sustainable solutions for industry. Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, hailed the initiative as a milestone for Australian manufacturing. “Curtin is proud to contribute to this national collaboration, using world-class research to support Australia’s sovereign capabilities and create new economic opportunities,” she said. Dr Karl Davidson and Associate Professor Zakaria Quadir, along with Associate Professor Kod Pojtanabuntoeng and Professor Vladimir Golovanevskiy, will spearhead Curtin’s involvement in AMCRC projects. Dr Davidson noted the transformative potential of additive manufacturing: “This opens new doors for materials innovation, improving supply chain resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.” The AMCRC will support research and commercialisation projects over the next seven years, also focusing on additive technologies in marine engineering, mining, and agriculture—strengthening Australia’s position in advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation. Source: Hindustan

Curtin University to Lead Key Role in $271M National 3D Printing Innovation Drive Read More »

Delhi Cabinet Approves Landmark Bill to Regulate Private School Fees

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In a major push for transparency and accountability, the Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the draft of the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill 2025. The proposed legislation, described as “bold and historic” by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to end arbitrary fee hikes by private schools across the capital. The bill will apply to all 1,677 private unaided schools in Delhi and introduces three sweeping reforms. The first reform mandates a three-tier fee regulation mechanism at the school, district, and state levels. Each school will form a School-Level Fee Regulation Committee that includes parents, granting them direct participation in fee-related decisions. District- and state-level committees will hear appeals and ensure fairness across institutions. The second reform establishes strict penalties for violations. Schools increasing fees without prior approval could be fined between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh. Repeat offenders may face withdrawal of government recognition. “For too long, private schools raised fees at will. This bill ends that,” said CM Gupta. Section 15 of the bill empowers the Director of Education to enforce penalties using stringent recovery methods. These include property attachment and sale, taking possession of school assets, and appointing receivers to manage or liquidate school property. The third major reform sets clear parameters for fee determination—such as a school’s location, infrastructure quality, academic outcomes, and genuine financial need. This aims to bring long-needed consistency and transparency to fee fixation, an area frequently mired in disputes between schools and parents. With these measures, the Delhi government hopes to rein in exploitative practices, empower parents, and make quality education more accountable and accessible. Source: Hindustan

Delhi Cabinet Approves Landmark Bill to Regulate Private School Fees Read More »