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UGC Draft Guidelines Propose Mandatory Internships for Undergraduate Students to Enhance Employability and Research Skills

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released preliminary guidelines suggesting mandatory internships for undergraduate students as a means to enhance their employability and foster an understanding of research while earning academic credits. These draft guidelines, titled “Guidelines for Internship/Research Internship for Undergraduate Students,” are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration of internships and research opportunities into undergraduate curricula. The UGC made these guidelines available to the public for feedback and suggestions. The UGC has recognized that many graduates struggle to enter the workforce due to their lack of practical skills, knowledge, and experience, which employers typically seek. Internships are considered a crucial tool for improving these employability skills and can equip students with competency, professionalism, expertise, and confidence, as well as kindle their interest in research. Currently, internships are not obligatory for all undergraduate programs and are primarily restricted to technical and professional courses. UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar believes that hands-on experience through internships will bridge the gap between academic learning and the real world, enhancing students’ grasp of concepts. He emphasizes the importance of students acquiring a broad range of skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These internships, as outlined in the UGC guidelines, are designed to help students gain valuable soft and technical skills highly valued by employers and establish professional connections with potential mentors. The draft guidelines propose two types of undergraduate internships: those focused on employability and those designed to cultivate a passion for research. For students pursuing a three-year undergraduate degree, a mandatory internship of 60 to 120 hours will occur after the fourth semester. Those opting for a four-year degree will participate in a research internship during the eighth semester. These internships can earn students up to 12 academic credits. The guidelines also recommend the appointment of a coordinator or the establishment of a well-defined mechanism for the smooth coordination and execution of internships across diverse disciplines within each higher education institution’s research and development (R&D) cell. Furthermore, the guidelines propose evaluating students during their internships. Evaluation methods may include assessments by the research internship supervisor based on the students’ efforts and research output or through seminar presentations and viva-voce at the higher education institution (HEI).

UGC Draft Guidelines Propose Mandatory Internships for Undergraduate Students to Enhance Employability and Research Skills Read More »

IIT Kanpur Opens Applications for eMasters in Next Generation Wireless Technologies and New Online Postgraduate Programs

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IIT Kanpur is currently accepting applications for its eMasters program in Next Generation Wireless Technologies. The application window is open until October 31, 2023, and the new cohorts will commence in January 2024. Prospective applicants can submit their applications directly through the official IIT Kanpur website at emasters.iitk.ac.in/course/masters-in-wireless-technologies. There is an application fee of Rs 1,500. Upon selection, candidates will need to pay a registration fee of Rs 40,000 within one week. The admission fee, which is essential for enrollment, is Rs 1,60,000. Additionally, there’s a module fee that varies based on the number of modules selected, with each module costing Rs 45,000. There are a total of 12 modules in the program. The quarterly fee, payable at the beginning of each quarter, amounts to Rs 15,000 per quarter, totaling Rs 60,000 for the entire program. It’s important to note that all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. One distinctive feature of this program is that it doesn’t require applicants to have a GATE score. Moreover, it offers participants the flexibility to complete the program within a time frame of 1 to 3 years. The program will be taught by the esteemed faculty of IIT Kanpur through live interactive classes held only on weekends, complemented by self-paced learning. The eMasters course has been developed by the Department of Electrical Engineering at IITK with the primary objective of training professionals in equipment and device technology to deliver expertise in voice, data, and multimedia information. The curriculum includes core modules like Wireless Communication, Probability and Random Processes, Applied Linear Algebra for Wireless Communication, and Digital Communication Systems, which cater to the needs of contemporary professionals. The program comprises a 60-credit curriculum with 12 industry-focused modules. It also grants access to IITK’s placement cell, incubation cell, and alumni network, offering valuable opportunities for career advancement and networking. In addition to the eMasters program, IIT Kanpur has introduced six new online postgraduate programs. Admission to these programs does not necessitate GATE scores. Interested candidates can apply at emasters.iitk.ac.in until October 31, with classes commencing in January 2024.

IIT Kanpur Opens Applications for eMasters in Next Generation Wireless Technologies and New Online Postgraduate Programs Read More »

Education Minister Introduces Optional Bi-Annual Board Exams to Reduce Student Stress

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that students will not be obligated to take class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year. The option for bi-annual exams is being introduced to alleviate the stress caused by the fear of a single opportunity. Pradhan emphasized that this choice will be entirely voluntary, with no compulsion for students to participate. He explained that students often feel pressured, thinking they missed a year or could have performed better, and the new system aims to alleviate that stress. The New Curriculum Framework (NCF), introduced by the Ministry of Education in August, intends to hold board exams twice a year to provide students with more time and opportunities to excel and retain the best score. Pradhan has received positive feedback from students regarding this initiative and aims to implement it from 2024. In response to the alarming number of student suicides in Kota, a major coaching hub in Rajasthan, Pradhan expressed concern and stated that it is a collective responsibility to ensure students are stress-free. The issue of ‘dummy schools,’ where students skip regular schooling to attend coaching classes, was also raised. Pradhan emphasized the need for serious discussions on this issue. Regarding the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), which hasn’t convened in the last three years, Pradhan mentioned that it is being reconstituted to align with the evolving education system and the new National Education Policy. Pradhan also shared that two Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Delhi and Madras, are in the process of establishing offshore campuses, with discussions ongoing with other countries interested in hosting Indian educational institutions. Guidelines for foreign universities setting up campuses in India are under consideration and will be announced soon. Pradhan addressed the objections of states like Karnataka and West Bengal to the National Education Policy (NEP), suggesting that these objections are more political than academic. He emphasized the focus on synergy between education and skills to equip students with both academic and practical abilities for the 21st-century workplace. This includes the establishment of skill hubs and the implementation of the Academic Bank of Credit to enhance students’ mobility across higher education institutions and integrate skills into a credit-based system.

Education Minister Introduces Optional Bi-Annual Board Exams to Reduce Student Stress Read More »

Ministry of Education Invites Applications for 2023-24 NMMS Scholarships for Classes 9-12

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The Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy has initiated the registration process for the National Merit cum Means Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the 2023-24 academic year. This scholarship program is aimed at supporting academically accomplished students in grades 9 to 12 who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Aspiring students can submit their applications through the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP) website at scholarships.gov.in. The deadline for scholarship applications is November 30. The primary objective of this scholarship is to minimize the dropout rate among students after Class 8 and encourage them to pursue their education through the secondary level. Every year, one lakh new scholarships are granted to deserving students starting from Class 9, with the possibility of renewal for classes 10 to 12, particularly for those attending state government schools, government-aided institutions, and local body schools. The scholarship award amounts to Rs 12,000 per annum. The scholarship funds are directly transferred to the selected students’ bank accounts through electronic transfer using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have a parental income not exceeding Rs 3.50 lakh per annum. Additionally, applicants should have secured a minimum of 55 percent marks or equivalent grades in their Class 7 examinations to qualify for the selection test. There is a relaxation of 5 percent in the eligibility criteria for SC and ST students. The application process involves two levels of verification on the NSP platform. The first level of verification, conducted by the Institute Nodal Officer (INO), will take place on December 15. The second level of verification, overseen by the District Nodal Officer (DNO), is scheduled for December 30.

Ministry of Education Invites Applications for 2023-24 NMMS Scholarships for Classes 9-12 Read More »

PM Modi to Inaugurate Futuristic IIT Jodhpur Campus: A Hub for Innovation and Education

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Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is set to inaugurate the sprawling Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur campus today. This futuristic institution, located on an expansive 852-acre site, boasts 10 departments, three schools, five centres, and six interdisciplinary programs. IIT Jodhpur plays a crucial role in providing high-quality and inclusive education to over 4,500 students. Moreover, it serves as a hub for cutting-edge research and deep-tech innovation initiatives, with a focus on bolstering the country’s economy. Established in 2008 along with seven other IITs, this institute is situated on the Jodhpur-Nagaur Highway. IIT Jodhpur is recognized for its meticulous campus planning and commitment to sustainability, setting it apart as one of India’s best-planned technical institutions. Its mission is to cultivate intellectual excellence, instil human values, and nurture future leaders dedicated to building a self-reliant India. The academic programs at IIT Jodhpur are in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in emerging fields such as Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Bio-engineering. Notably, IIT Jodhpur and AIIMS Jodhpur collaborate to offer unique innovation-driven joint degree programs in the field of medical technologies. Furthermore, the institution runs a mandatory social connect program that enables students and faculty to collaborate on scientific projects that benefit rural and surrounding areas. Students also have the opportunity to engage in advanced research in interdisciplinary areas like digital humanities, computational social science, quantum information and computation, space science and technology, as well as robotics and mobility, among others. IIT Jodhpur fosters a dynamic innovation ecosystem and actively participates in major projects supported by various government agencies, including DST, ISRO, DRDO, DAE, MeitY, DBT, BIRAC, Ministry of Ayush, and the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Futuristic IIT Jodhpur Campus: A Hub for Innovation and Education Read More »

UGC Releases List of Fake Universities in India; Delhi Tops the Chart

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently published a list of counterfeit universities operating in India, with Delhi having the highest number of such institutions. The UGC has formally communicated with state government departments responsible for higher education, urging them to take appropriate actions against these fraudulent entities. In an official letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellors of these institutions, UGC Secretary Manish Joshi stated that these entities are falsely claiming to be “Universities” under the UGC Act of 1956, despite not meeting the necessary criteria. They are using this deceptive practice to deceive and defraud unsuspecting students by granting counterfeit degrees, which has raised significant concerns as numerous students have fallen victim to these scams. Here is the list of fake universities identified by the UGC, categorized by their respective states: Andhra Pradesh: Christ New Testament Deemed University Bible Open University of India Delhi: All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University Commercial University Ltd. United Nations University Vocational University ADR-Centric Juridical University Indian Institute of Science and Engineering Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University) Karnataka: Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society Kerala: St. John’s University Maharashtra: Raja Arabic University Puducherry: Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education Uttar Pradesh: Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University) Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad West Bengal: Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research The UGC’s list serves as a warning to students and authorities alike to remain vigilant and take necessary actions against these deceptive institutions.

UGC Releases List of Fake Universities in India; Delhi Tops the Chart Read More »

Ministries of Education and Skill Development Sign 8 MoUs with IBM for Digital Skilling and Emerging Technologies

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The Ministries of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship have entered into 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IBM, focusing on digital skill development and emerging technologies. This collaboration aims to create educational curricula for students across different levels, including school education, higher education, and vocational skills. These curricula will cover topics like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and professional development skills. At the school education level, IBM will grant high school students, teachers, and trainers access to digital content from IBM SkillsBuild. This initiative will involve cooperation with educational institutions like Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The program will be available online and will include webinars and in-person workshops conducted by IBM’s CSR partners. IBM will also modify the AI curriculum for classes 11 and 12 offered by CBSE and develop a curriculum on cyber skills and blockchain for high school students, which will be hosted on IBM SkillsBuild. At the higher education level, IBM will collaborate with various institutions, including the Department of Higher Education, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh, and state skilling missions. This collaboration will provide affiliated students and faculty with access to IBM SkillsBuild, offering digital content and experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for technical careers. For vocational skills, IBM will extend its partnership with MSDE and cooperate with the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and state vocational education and skilling departments. The goal is to provide job seekers, including long-term unemployed individuals and school dropouts, with access to IBM SkillsBuild to help them acquire the skills needed to re-enter the workforce.

Ministries of Education and Skill Development Sign 8 MoUs with IBM for Digital Skilling and Emerging Technologies Read More »

Karnataka Establishes New Textbook Revision Committee with Three-Month Mandate for Curriculum Overhaul

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The Karnataka government has taken steps to form a fresh textbook revision committee aimed at revising the state’s educational curriculum. This initiative will focus on first and second language Kannada textbooks for classes 1 to 10, third language Kannada textbooks for classes 9 and 10, as well as social science textbooks for classes 6 to 10. In an official order issued on September 25, the government appointed Dr. Manjunath Hegde, a retired history professor, as the chief coordinator of this committee. The panel, comprising 37 members including education experts and academicians, has been granted a maximum of three months to complete the revision of textbooks. The goal is to implement the updated curriculum in the academic year 2024-25. It’s worth noting that the previous textbook revision, conducted when the BJP was in power, faced criticism due to concerns of ideological bias. At that time, Rohit Chakrathirtha, a right-wing ideologue, was appointed as the chairman of the revision committee. The opposition, led by the Congress, accused the government of injecting a right-wing perspective into the textbooks by including content related to RSS founder KB Hedgewar, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and works by right-wing activists like Chakravarthy Sulibele. The primary responsibility of the 37-member committee is to provide educational guidance and recommendations to the government regarding the revision of textbooks in the specified subjects and classes. Additionally, the order suggests that the chief coordinator and other committee members receive a monthly honorarium and other facilities during the three-month period. Dr. Manjunath Hegde, hailing from Uttara Kannada district, will lead the committee, overseeing five subject-specific textbook revision committees: Dr. Anjanappa, a Kannada professor at Tunga Mahavidyalaya in Shivamogga, will head the first language Kannada textbook revision committee, consisting of 10 members. Dr. HS Sathyanarayan, a Kannada lecturer at Government Girls PU College in Chikkamagaluru, will preside over the second language Kannada textbook revision committee, also comprising 10 members. Dr. Manjanna, a lecturer at Government Women’s First Degree College in Davangere, will lead the third language Kannada textbook revision committee, which includes four members. Dr. Kiran M, an assistant professor at the Central University of Gulbarga, will serve as the president of the social science textbook revision committee for classes 6 and 7, comprising seven members. Dr. Ashwathnarayan, a retired history professor of Bangalore University, will head the social science textbook revision committee for classes 8, 9, and 10, with 10 members. One noteworthy change this year is the inclusion of minority representation in the committee, addressing a criticism faced by the BJP last year. The Congress government has appointed three Muslims to the committee, including Waseem Anwar, an assistant teacher at Karnataka Public School in Tumkur, who is a member of the social science textbook revision committee for classes 6 and 7. Tabbasum Fathima, an assistant teacher at Government Urdu High School in Ramanagara, and Shaheena Alampura, an assistant teacher at Government High School in Bengaluru Rural, are members of the social science textbook revision committee for classes 8, 9, and 10. Earlier this year, the Congress government had initiated 18 changes in the Kannada and Social Science subjects for classes 6 to 10. These changes involved the removal of a class 10 lesson on Hedgewar, “Who Should Be an Ideal Man,” and its replacement with “Story of Sukumara Swami” authored by Shivakotacharya in Kannada language. Additionally, the Congress reintroduced “Letters from a Father to His Daughter” by Jawaharlal Nehru, translated into Kannada by Siddanahalli Krishna Sharma, in class 8, reversing the BJP’s previous decision to exclude it and introduce “BhooKailasa” by Parampalli Narasimha Aithal, which has now been removed.

Karnataka Establishes New Textbook Revision Committee with Three-Month Mandate for Curriculum Overhaul Read More »

IIT Madras and Ericsson Forge Strategic Partnership for Responsible AI Research

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The Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has entered into a strategic partnership with Ericsson to jointly conduct research in the realm of Responsible AI. Ericsson, as a ‘Platinum Consortium Member,’ has committed to this collaboration for a five-year period. As part of this collaboration, Ericsson Research will actively engage in and support all research endeavours undertaken at CeRAI. To commemorate this partnership, a symposium titled ‘Responsible AI for Networks of the Future’ was organized. Distinguished leaders from both IIT Madras and Ericsson Research came together to deliberate on the latest developments and breakthroughs in the field of Responsible AI. During the symposium, a panel discussion revolving around ‘Responsible AI for Networks of the Future’ took place, marking the official launch of this collaboration. The event also served as a platform to showcase ongoing research projects at the Centre for Responsible AI, including initiatives related to large-language models (LLMs) in healthcare and participatory AI. Artificial Intelligence (AI) research holds immense significance for Ericsson, especially in light of the forthcoming 6G networks, which are poised to be driven by AI algorithms, as stated by IIT Madras. Professor B Ravindran, speaking about the collaborative efforts, stated, “As 5G and 6G networks usher in a new era of connectivity and applications, it becomes imperative to ensure that AI models are not only capable but also transparent and adaptable to the diverse range of applications they will serve.” This collaboration seeks to address these critical aspects in the evolving landscape of AI and telecommunications.

IIT Madras and Ericsson Forge Strategic Partnership for Responsible AI Research Read More »

Delhi University Initiates Collaborative Degree and Research Programs with International Universities

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Delhi University (DU) is set to launch collaborative degree programs, dual degree initiatives, and joint research projects, which will extend their benefits to international universities as well, according to Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh. This announcement came following a visit by representatives from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, who engaged in discussions with DU on topics such as climate change and other related matters, as per a statement from DU. During their visit, the delegation from the University of Copenhagen interacted with the deans and heads of various departments, including those specializing in climate change, environmental and sustainability studies, health and life sciences, basic sciences, food and agriculture, dairy and veterinary sciences, as well as economic law and humanities. Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh emphasized the longstanding and historic relations between India and Denmark, expressing pride in DU’s partnership with the University of Copenhagen, recognized as the world’s oldest university. He further stated that DU would initiate joint degree programs, dual degree offerings, and collaborative research endeavours that would mutually benefit international educational institutions. Henrik Wegener, the Rector and Chancellor of the University of Copenhagen, highlighted their extensive history of collaboration with India and expressed delight in the joint meeting with the esteemed institution, the University of Delhi.

Delhi University Initiates Collaborative Degree and Research Programs with International Universities Read More »