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NCERT Must Build Competence, Knowledge for Nation-Building: Dharmendra Pradhan

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On the 65th Foundation Day of NCERT, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the council’s crucial role in shaping an empowered and knowledgeable society. He called upon NCERT to adopt global best practices while remaining rooted in India’s cultural and linguistic strengths. “NCERT’s responsibility is to make our people competent and raise knowledge levels. You are the true nation-builders,” Pradhan said, addressing the gathering. He stressed the need for children to gain proficiency in English while also achieving conceptual clarity through their mother tongues. Reflecting on past curriculum reforms, Pradhan referred to the National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) of 2000 and 2005, noting that changes introduced earlier created confusion. He asserted that NCERT is now setting the framework in the right direction, free from what he termed a “slave mentality” that deprived the nation of self-reliance and pride. He further praised new NCERT modules, such as those on Operation Sindoor and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, also present at the event, credited NCERT textbooks for shaping his early academic foundation but noted their shortcomings. “Those books built my career, yet they missed highlighting India’s scientific heritage and achievements. I had to relearn many things later. Today, I see a transformation, with more focus on our own legacy,” he said. Somanath also stressed the importance of promoting learning in Indian languages, pointing out that reliance on foreign textbooks during higher education limited students’ connection with indigenous knowledge systems. “Rooting education in our own language is essential,” he remarked. Source: Indian Express

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CBSE to Roll Out Educational Podcasts, Invites Student Participation from Classes 9–12

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new initiative to develop its own series of educational podcasts and digital content, covering both academic and counselling themes. The board stated that these resources are being designed to offer valuable insights, guidance, and awareness for students, parents, and schools alike. To ensure accessibility, the podcasts will also be released on public platforms such as YouTube. According to CBSE, the move is aimed at strengthening its existing academic and counselling support system by introducing a more flexible, digital-friendly format. The content will focus on topics like exam preparation, academics, mental well-being, and student welfare. Involving Students’ Voices To make the project more engaging, CBSE plans to integrate student perspectives into the podcasts. Students will be encouraged to contribute through short video or audio snippets, testimonials, and interactive discussions. These inputs will be featured on CBSE’s podcasts, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels, making the content more relatable and student-focused. How Schools Can Participate The board has directed affiliated schools to nominate students from Classes IX to XII who are confident, articulate, and interested in taking part. Participation is voluntary and requires written consent from both the students and their parents or guardians, submitted through the respective school. Schools have been asked to share names and brief profiles of nominated students through a Google form link provided by CBSE. The nominations must be submitted within 10 days of the notice being issued. The board emphasized that this is an optional opportunity meant to give students a platform to share their views while enhancing CBSE’s outreach and communication efforts. Source: Indian Express

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Education Minister Urges IITs to Lead India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Mission

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the 56th meeting of the IIT Council at IIT Delhi, where key decisions were taken to strengthen IITs as drivers of self-reliance, innovation, and inclusive growth in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbharta se Samriddha Bharat.” Mr. Pradhan called upon IITs to act as catalysts for transformative change rather than incremental progress. He urged the premier institutes to embrace regional languages alongside English to make education more inclusive, and to focus on producing job creators by solving real-world challenges through translational research in critical technologies. Highlighting their contribution to India’s innovation ecosystem, he noted that IITs have nurtured over 6,000 start-ups, 56 unicorns, and nearly 5,000 patents. He expressed confidence that IITs would not only boost employment and economic opportunities but also play a pivotal role in building a Samriddh and Viksit Bharat by 2047. Supported by initiatives such as the PM Research Fellowship, Centres of Excellence in AI, and research parks, IITs are emerging as engines of economic growth in tune with the Prime Minister’s call to “Reform, Perform, Transform.” Minister of State for Education & DoNER Dr. Sukanta Majumdar said IITs were not just centres of learning but engines of Innovation, Inclusion, and Transformation. With 23 IITs, growing international campuses, and a thriving startup culture, he emphasized that IITs are producing global leaders and innovators while ensuring India continues to RISE through Research, Innovation, Skills, and Entrepreneurship. The meeting, attended by senior policymakers, industry leaders, and academicians including Dr. K. Radhakrishnan (former ISRO Chairman), Sridhar Vembu (Zoho CEO), Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar (former UGC Chairman), Prof. T.G. Sitharam (AICTE Chairman), and several IIT chairpersons, focused on: Reforming PhD education and improving global rankings  Strengthening research commercialisation and industry-academia linkages  Adapting curriculum to emerging technologies like AI  Promoting mental well-being of students and faculty  Enhancing alumni networks for mentorship and collaboration  Attracting international students and faculty  The Council also resolved to elevate the IIT R&D Fair into a global innovation platform and draft a policy within a month to accelerate translational research and product development for self-reliance under the IITs@2047 roadmap. Source: NDTV  

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From bicycles to the Moon: NCERT brings India’s space journey into classrooms

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India’s space story — from humble beginnings of carrying rocket parts on bicycles and bullock carts to achieving landmark missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and the upcoming Gaganyaan — has now been woven into NCERT’s new learning modules. The special set of two modules, titled “India: A Rising Space Power”, traces the evolution of the Indian space programme. It begins with the creation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, which later transformed into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), now counted among the world’s top space agencies. One of the modules highlights how India’s first rocket was so lightweight that its parts were transported using bicycles and bullock carts. Scientists avoided motorised vehicles since their electric and magnetic fields could interfere with delicate instruments, proving that simple means ensured success. The modules also honour India’s astronauts — Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian in space in 1984, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who in June 2025 became the first Indian to live aboard the International Space Station. They feature a quote from Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Space may seem distant, but is an integral part of our daily life… India’s space programme is a perfect example of our vision of Scale, Speed and Skill.” Key milestones listed include: Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water molecules on the Moon. Mangalyaan (2013): Made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars, and the only country to succeed on its maiden attempt. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Though its lander was lost, the orbiter continues to provide valuable lunar data. Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar observatory at Lagrange Point-1, dedicated to studying the Sun and solar storms. Looking ahead, the modules also highlight the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite, expected to deliver high-resolution global data every 12 days on ecosystems, glaciers, and natural disasters. Source: PTI

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SSC cuts recruitment timeline to 6–10 months; CGL 2025 exam postponed to September

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The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has introduced a series of reforms to significantly speed up its recruitment process, reducing the cycle from the earlier 15–18 months to just 6–10 months. Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that the advance notice for examinations has also been curtailed—from around 45 days to just 21 days. The Commission has now shifted entirely to computer-based examinations, moving away from traditional pen-and-paper formats. In several exams, the number of stages has been cut down. Notably, interviews have been scrapped and descriptive papers discontinued across all recruitment tests, except in the Combined Hindi Translators exam. Document verification of selected candidates is being directly carried out by the respective ministries and departments linked to the vacancies. Meanwhile, the SSC announced that the CGL 2025 examination has been deferred to September following a technical evaluation of its online testing platform. A revised schedule will be released soon. To streamline verification and enhance transparency, the SSC has rolled out a centralised online e-dossier system. This system provides role-based access to authorised officials, generates unique tracking IDs for records, and has already been implemented in exams such as CGL 2024, CHSL 2024, Junior Engineer 2024, and MTS & Havaldar 2024. According to Singh, the platform has reduced dependence on physical files, ensured quicker validation of records, and improved coordination between SSC and ministries, resulting in faster pre-appointment checks. In terms of inclusivity, Singh highlighted that since 2022, SSC has been conducting major national-level exams like CHSL, MTS & Havaldar, and Constable (GD) in 13 regional languages apart from Hindi and English. Civil services aspirants also enjoy the option of writing their papers in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Similarly, other recruitment bodies such as the IBPS and RRBs also conduct examinations in 13 regional languages. Source: Indian Express  

SSC cuts recruitment timeline to 6–10 months; CGL 2025 exam postponed to September Read More »

Over 7.6 Lakh Indians Chose Overseas Higher Education in 2024: Govt Data

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In 2024, more than 7.6 lakh Indians pursued higher education abroad, according to figures shared by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) in the Lok Sabha. The information was presented by Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar in response to a query by MP PC Mohan. Majumdar clarified that the Ministry of Education does not directly track students moving overseas for studies, but BoI statistics highlight mobility trends. While 2024 saw fewer students leaving compared to the record 8.95 lakh in 2023, the numbers remain significantly above pre-2022 levels. Year-on-Year Trend Data shows that 2.6 lakh students went abroad in 2020, rising to 4.45 lakh in 2021. The surge continued with 7.52 lakh in 2022 and peaked in 2023 at nearly 9 lakh. Though 2024 recorded a dip to 7.6 lakh, the overall trajectory underscores the growing preference among Indian youth for global education opportunities. Government Measures for Student Mobility To support students, the government has introduced several initiatives—streamlining visa processes, establishing Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) with partner countries, and signing Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements. Additionally, Indian Missions abroad provide assistance through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), which covers emergency needs on a means-tested basis. Students are also urged to register with Indian Missions and the MADAD portal to ensure their concerns are addressed efficiently. Rising Demand for Global Education Despite minor fluctuations, the data reflects a sustained demand for international education, with students increasingly viewing foreign universities as gateways to enhanced academic and professional growth. Source: India Today    

Over 7.6 Lakh Indians Chose Overseas Higher Education in 2024: Govt Data Read More »

Odisha to Provide Free Civil Services Coaching for Aspirants in Kalahandi

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Civil service aspirants in Odisha’s Kalahandi district will soon have access to free coaching under a new initiative called Mission Akankhya. The programme, launched on Independence Day, is being rolled out through a partnership between the Kalahandi district administration and Vision IAS, New Delhi. As part of the agreement, signed by Kalahandi Collector Sachin Pawar and Vision IAS Vice-President Deepali Chaturvedi, the district administration will provide infrastructure support, while Vision IAS will offer training to 60 selected candidates annually. Students will be chosen through a written examination and interview, with coaching available in both classroom and online formats. Registration for the entrance test will open on August 22, and the selection exam is scheduled for September 21. The training sessions are expected to begin in Bhawanipatna from the first week of October. Chaturvedi highlighted that Vision IAS has previously extended similar initiatives to aspirational districts in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. However, this marks the first such programme in Odisha, aimed at empowering youth from Kalahandi, one of the districts identified under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). Source: PTI

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UPSC to Mark 100 Years with Year-Long Centenary Celebrations from October 2025

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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will celebrate a century of its establishment with a year-long series of programmes starting October 1, 2025, and concluding on October 1, 2026, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday. The decision was finalised in a recent meeting chaired by UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar. “Since its inception, UPSC has stood as a symbol of transparency, fairness, and merit-based selection, ensuring that only the most capable candidates are chosen for senior government positions through a rigorous and impartial process,” Kumar said. Marking the milestone, the Commission will unveil a special centenary logo and tagline that reflect its service to the nation. Several new reforms and initiatives are also planned during the anniversary year. Inputs from UPSC employees have been invited to shape the celebrations, with many suggestions already under consideration. Kumar noted that the centenary is not only a time to honour UPSC’s legacy but also an opportunity to introspect, innovate, and chart a roadmap for the next 100 years, aiming to strengthen its role in nation-building by selecting the country’s finest human resources. The UPSC traces its origins to October 1, 1926, when the Public Service Commission of India was set up under the Government of India Act, 1919, following the Lee Commission’s recommendations in 1924. Renamed the Federal Public Service Commission in 1937, it took its current name with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Today, the UPSC is responsible for conducting various recruitment examinations for government roles, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination, which selects officers for the IAS, IFS, IPS, and other services. Source: PTI

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CBSE to Roll Out Open-Book Assessments for Class 9 from 2026-27

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Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students. The move, approved by the board’s Governing Body in June, is based on a pilot study that tested the feasibility and acceptance of the format in schools. The initiative aims to shift the focus from rote learning to competency-based education, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this system, students will be allowed to consult textbooks, class notes, and other approved materials during exams. The format will be applicable to core subjects such as languages, mathematics, science, and social science, and will be integrated into the three pen-and-paper tests conducted in each term. While CBSE will issue standard guidelines, schools will have the option to adopt the format. The decision follows a pilot project conducted after its approval in December 2023, which tested OBAs in Classes 9 to 12. Results revealed a performance range of 12% to 47%, highlighting difficulties in applying resources effectively and grasping interdisciplinary concepts. However, many participating teachers expressed confidence in the system’s potential to boost critical thinking skills. CBSE has previously experimented with similar formats, introducing the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) in 2014 for Classes 9 and 11. In that model, students received reference materials months ahead of exams, but it was discontinued in 2017-18 due to limited success. To ensure smoother execution this time, the board plans to provide model question papers, detailed guidelines, and training for schools. Officials believe these measures will help students develop analytical and problem-solving abilities, aligning assessment practices with NEP 2020’s vision for future-ready learning. Source: NDTV

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CBSE Unveils Career Guidance Dashboard and Mental Health Support Network for Schools

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In a significant step towards student empowerment and well-being, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched two major initiatives for the academic year 2025-26 — the CBSE Career Guidance Dashboard and the Counseling Hub and Spoke School Model. Announced on August 7 at the CBSE Integrated Office in Dwarka, these initiatives aim to equip students with both future-ready career planning tools and robust psychosocial support systems within schools. The Career Guidance Dashboard, accessible at cbsecareerguidance.in, is a digital platform offering students a wealth of resources for exploring career options in a structured and informed manner. It is designed to support students at various academic levels as they make decisions about their future educational and career paths. Complementing this, the CBSE Counseling Hub and Spoke Model introduces a community-based approach to mental health support. Under this model, selected CBSE-affiliated “hub” schools will serve as training and resource centres, offering guidance and best practices to surrounding “spoke” schools within their region. This connected network encourages collaboration, peer learning, and the development of emotionally resilient school environments. “The hub and spoke model is not just about guidance — it’s about creating a culture of care and shared learning among schools,” CBSE stated in its official communication. The launch event drew participation from over 500 school leaders, wellness coordinators, and counselors from across the country. During the event, CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, IAS underscored how these initiatives reflect the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, especially in making education more inclusive, student-centric, and technology-enabled. CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, IAS also highlighted the urgent need for a more structured approach to mental health in schools and commended institutions that actively help students navigate academic and emotional challenges. A detailed session on the Counseling Hub and Spoke Model outlined its implementation roadmap, including roles, responsibilities, training protocols, and evaluation strategies to ensure consistent and measurable impact. The event also featured a keynote by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE Controller of Examinations, who elaborated on the board’s post-NEP 2020 reforms. Panel discussions brought together voices from diverse schools, offering real-world insights into integrating career counseling and mental wellness into school systems. CBSE reaffirmed its commitment to holistic student development and called for stronger collaboration among educators, administrators, and mental health professionals. “With these initiatives, CBSE is reinforcing its mission to nurture not just academically successful students, but also emotionally and socially balanced individuals,” the Board said in its official statement. Source: Indian Express  

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