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Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:57 PM

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Chandigarh Education Department Holds Crucial Meeting with Schools on Mandatory EWS Admissions

In order to strengthen compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Chandigarh education department will convene a meeting with representatives from all private schools to discuss the necessity of admissions under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota for the upcoming 2024-25 academic session. According to Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar, the director of school education in Chandigarh, the meeting aims to firmly demonstrate that all schools, with only a few exceptions, are covered by the RTE Act. Brar stressed that there will be no place for misunderstanding or departure regarding EWS admissions in the upcoming academic session. According to sources, the majority of schools, with the exception of ten, have already provided the UT education department with information about EWS admissions. These schools are expected to participate in the centralized admissions process, though it is unclear whether these are the same ten schools that did not participate in the previous academic year. While the schedule for general admissions has been released, the schedule for EWS admissions is expected to be delayed due to ongoing proceedings in the Punjab and Haryana high court. The court has ordered Chandigarh schools to provide audited accounts demonstrating fee collections, particularly from students aged six to fourteen, with the next hearing scheduled for December 7. The court’s directives stem from a plea filed by the Independent Schools’ Association (ISA), challenging UT’s instructions mandating EWS admissions. HS Mamik, the president of ISA, highlighted concerns that private schools were only being reimbursed for 10% of EWS seats instead of the stipulated 15%, adversely affecting the functioning of these institutions. The education department is also considering on punitive actions against schools that did not engage in the centralised EWS admissions for the 2023-24 session. Eight out of 20 minority schools reportedly abstained from the draw of lots, requiring personal hearings and ongoing efforts to resolve the situation. In the face of legal complications, the education department has taken attempts to enforce quota adherence, while private schools face financial and operational challenges as a result of reimbursement policy disparities. The upcoming meeting intends to clarify the EWS admission procedure and reinforce the RTE Act’s commitment to inclusive education.

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Cyclone Michaung Prompts School Closures in Puducherry: Precautionary Measures Amidst Anticipated Coastal Impact

Schools in the Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions have been ordered to stay closed on December 4 due to the impending threat of Cyclone Michaung. The precautionary measure to guarantee the safety of students and staff in the coastal areas was announced in an official statement released by Priyatarshiny, the Director of School Education, on Friday. The government’s comprehensive precautionary measures to reduce potential risks associated with the cyclonic storm include the decision to close schools. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that cyclone Michaung began as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and has since strengthened into a cyclonic storm. Cyclone Michaung is expected to landfall on December 5 in the forenoon along the coast of South Andhra Pradesh, mainly between Nellore and Machilipatnam, according to the IMD forecast. According to the most recent IMD bulletin, the expected impact includes maximum sustained wind speeds of 80 to 90 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 100 kmph. Suggested by Myanmar, the name Michaung has meaning because it means “strength” or “resilience.” Because the cyclonic storm is predicted to bring unfavorable weather, the government has taken preventative measures, such as temporarily closing educational facilities. Authorities and locals are asked to maintain vigilance and follow any safety directives that have been issued by the appropriate authorities. The purpose of closing the schools is to protect the community’s safety and to mitigate any possible risks resulting from the cyclone’s effects on the coastal areas.

Cyclone Michaung Prompts School Closures in Puducherry: Precautionary Measures Amidst Anticipated Coastal Impact Read More »

Assam Government presented Scooters to Students in 6th Year of Pragyan Bharati Scheme

The ceremonial distribution of scooters under the Pragyan Bharati scheme was recently presided over by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marking a significant step towards the promotion of education and empowerment of deserving students. Commemorating the legacy of renowned linguist and litterateur Banikanta Kakati, this program is in its sixth year and will benefit an astounding 35,770 students in 2023. The distribution event demonstrated the government’s dedication to offering smooth facilities to students who performed exceptionally well in their higher secondary examinations. It took place at the Veterinary College field in Khanapara, Guwahati. Scooters were given to the girls who scored 60% and the boys who scored an incredible 75% as a token of appreciation for their academic achievement. In his speech, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment via education. He declared that the Pragyan Bharati scheme would be expanded and stressed the importance of such initiatives in promoting academic excellence. Now, the programme will include more student-friendly initiatives like free textbooks, scooters, and reduced dorm costs. “I sincerely hope the scooty presented in recognition of the good academic performance of the students will motivate them to do better in the future as well,” CM Sarma said, inspiring the students to keep going in the face of challenges in order to achieve their objectives. The Assam government has set aside funds to provide scooters to 35,770 qualified students for the 2023–2024 fiscal year. This includes 5,567 boys who scored higher than 75% in the AHSEC’s higher secondary exam in 2023, and 30,203 girls who received first division results. An estimated Rs 25,954.29 lakh will be allocated to this scheme.

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Imarticus Learning Report predicts that India’s data science education market will reach $1.39 billion by 2028.

The “Data Science Education Report 2023” published by Indian edtech platform Imarticus Learning shows that the global data science education market is expected to grow to a staggering $378.7 billion by 2030. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 57.52 percent, the report projects that India’s data science education market will grow exponentially from $204.23 million in 2023 to an astounding $1.391 billion by 2028. A paradigm shift in many industries toward data-driven decision-making is blamed for this upsurge. At the same time, it is anticipated that the Indian online education market would expand dramatically, from $76.20 million to $533.69 million, underscoring the country’s growing reliance on digital learning environments. With 215,793 open positions right now, the research predicts a large upswing in the big data and analytics job market. Forecasts suggest that by 2028, there will be more than 338,000 job openings in the big data space, underscoring the increasing need for qualified experts in this domain. Companies that are actively looking for data scientists include Amazon, AWS, Bain and Company, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and Google. They offer competitive annual compensation packages that range from Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 35.1 lakh. With an estimated 30.1 percent CAGR, India has established itself as a global big data analytics powerhouse. By 2027, the industry is expected to have grown from $5.7 billion in 2022 to an astounding $30.7 billion. India is predicted to take up 32% of the global analytics market during this time, which will result in a significant increase in job and educational opportunities. According to the report, the most in-demand jobs are those of data scientists, data analysts, and business analysts, who together are propelling the sector’s growth. Prominent among them are also managers of data science, financial analysts, big data engineers, data specialists, and business intelligence analysts. Furthermore, experts in computer vision and natural language processing (NLP), two fields essential to the development of innovative AI applications in a variety of industries, are in greater demand.    

Imarticus Learning Report predicts that India’s data science education market will reach $1.39 billion by 2028. Read More »

Union Education Minister Promotes Multidisciplinary Focus for IITs and IIMs at Odisha Research Centre Inauguration

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan revealed that the Centre has advised the IITs and IIMs to take a multi-disciplinary approach, expanding their scope beyond their specialized domains. Speaking at the inauguration of the Odisha Research Centre on November 26, Pradhan emphasized that the National Education Policy, 2020 prioritizes providing multidisciplinary education, and that premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs will follow suit. The Odisha Research Centre was jointly inaugurated during the event by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chhattisgarh counterpart Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, and Minister Pradhan. The research agenda of the center includes art, culture, archaeology, tradition, literature, sociology, political processes, agriculture, commerce, business, industry, contemporary Odisha development trends, science, technology, healthcare, and future technologies. It will also address issues concerning smart cities, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable development, semiconductors, rare earths, and advanced minerals. Minister Pradhan emphasized the significance of the Odisha Research Centre in shaping the region’s future. He stated that the center, which was established in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, the Ministry of Education, IIM Sambalpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bhubaneswar, aims to develop innovative epistemological frameworks. These frameworks will delve into various facets of Odisha’s history, culture, economy, and society. Pradhan concluded with a forward-looking statement, saying, “In 2036, when Odisha will celebrate the centenary of its formation, and in 2047, when the country will celebrate the centenary of India’s independence, the ORC will prepare a roadmap for the development of Odisha and Odia language.” This highlights the critical role that the Odisha Research Centre will play in charting the course for Odisha’s development and promoting the Odia language.

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University of Essex Unveils £3000 Master’s Scholarship for Indian Students Enrolling in January 2024

The University of Essex has announced the launch of the Academic Excellence International Master’s Scholarship, providing financial assistance of up to £3000 to Indian students intending to join the January 2024 intakes. This scholarship, offered as a partial tuition fee waiver, specifically targets self-funding Indian students from tier 2 universities who have completed their undergraduate degrees either abroad or in the UK. Prospective students have until November 30 to submit their scholarship applications, with eligibility automatically considered upon the submission of a comprehensive application for the relevant courses. The University will evaluate applicants based on their academic transcripts and certificates submitted during the application process. Scholarship awards are determined by the candidate’s academic accomplishments. To be eligible, applicants must provide a detailed statement of purpose, academic or work references, and valid English language test results. Those with a minimum of 60 per cent or CGPA 6.5/10 or CGPA 2.6/4 are eligible for consideration. This scholarship opportunity is applicable to all courses and departments at the University of Essex, except for the East 15 Acting School.

University of Essex Unveils £3000 Master’s Scholarship for Indian Students Enrolling in January 2024 Read More »

IIT Madras and SRIHER Collaborate on MD-PhD Dual Degree Program for Advancing Medical Research in India

IIT Madras and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a MD-PhD Dual Degree program. The collaboration aims to blend medical expertise and research capabilities, with SRIHER granting the MD degree and IIT Madras conferring the PhD degree through its Department of Medical Sciences and Technology. The program, set to commence in the upcoming academic year, emphasizes core clinical, interdisciplinary, and translational research to train proficient research scientists. Prospective postgraduate students at SRIHER, admitted through NEET, can apply for the PhD program at IIT Madras after their second year. The initiative seeks to cultivate ‘Physician-Scientists’ to drive India’s advancement in medicine and health research, aligning with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in these fields. The MD-PhD graduates, recognized for their significant contributions, have historically garnered 37 percent of Nobel Prizes in Physiology, exemplifying their pivotal role in establishing crucial cause-and-effect relationships such as those between smoking and cancer or sugar and diabetes.

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Record 35% Surge in Indian Students Boosts US International Enrollment to 40-Year High

The number of Indian students attending US colleges has seen a significant 35% increase, contributing to the highest single-year growth in international student enrollment in over 40 years. A joint study by the State Department and the Institute of International Education revealed that the overall international student population in the US surged by 12% during the 2022-23 academic year, with more than 1 million students from abroad – the highest since 2019-20. CEO of the Institute of International Education, Allan E Goodman, emphasized that the US remains the preferred destination for international students worldwide. The report indicates a robust educational relationship between the US and India, with nearly 269,000 Indian students enrolled, surpassing previous records and ranking second only to China. Most of these students pursued graduate programs, particularly in science, technology, and business fields. While China still tops the list with 290,000 students, its numbers have decreased for the third consecutive year, reflecting a shift in demand. The study attributes this decline to strained international relations, competition from UK and Canadian universities, and extended travel restrictions in Asia during the pandemic. US universities have strategically focused on recruiting in India, given the predicted population growth, with students from India now outnumbering those from China in 24 states. Graduate programs in the US remained the primary attraction for international students for the second consecutive year, experiencing a 21% growth, while undergraduate numbers saw a modest 1% increase. The reversal of the previous decade’s trend, where undergraduate enrollments dominated, is credited to the popularity of math and computer science programs, witnessing a 20% surge. Engineering and business programs followed suit, collectively constituting over half of all international students in the US. This surge nearly restores international student numbers to pre-pandemic levels, reaching close to the 2018 peak of 1.1 million students. Despite comprising only 5.6% of all college students, international students play a significant role in US higher education, contributing to global exchange and providing substantial revenue through higher tuition rates. Following China and India, other nations sending the most students to the US include South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Nigeria. The study also highlights a record number of students from countries like Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain in the previous school year. While international student numbers are on the rise, many US colleges continue to grapple with declining domestic enrollment. Overall college enrollment remains sluggish, and a separate study by the National Student Clearinghouse indicates a 3.6% decrease in freshman enrollment for fall 2023.

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UGC Unveils Regulations Allowing Top Global Universities to Establish Campuses in India

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released regulations allowing foreign universities ranked among the top 500 globally to establish branch campuses in India. This comes shortly after Australia’s Western Sydney University announced plans for an independent campus in Bangalore. The new regulations empower these foreign institutions to determine their admission processes, fee structures, and facilitate the repatriation of funds to their parent campuses. The guidelines stipulate that two or more foreign universities can collaborate to establish campuses in India, provided each institution individually meets the eligibility criteria. Additionally, a foreign university is permitted to set up multiple campuses in India, with a separate application required for each proposed location. The final regulations, released after a 10-month period of public feedback on the draft, include several modifications. Notably, foreign universities must ensure that international faculty members appointed to teach at Indian campuses stay in the country for at least one semester. The processing time for applications by the standing committee has been extended from 45 to 60 days, and recommendations must be presented to the UGC within 60 days. The regulations also specify that foreign universities cannot establish learning centers, study centers, or franchises that act as representative offices for promotional activities in India or any other jurisdiction outside the country without prior approval from the UGC. Moreover, the regulations prohibit the offering of programs online or in open and distance learning modes, except for online lectures, which should not exceed 10% of the program requirements. Foreign institutions are exempt from annual fees to the UGC, only requiring a one-time application fee. They are expected to use their own infrastructure, land, and resources to establish campuses. Additionally, foreign universities may offer full or partial merit-based or need-based scholarships and fee concessions to Indian students on their campuses. While these regulations align with the National Education Policy of 2020, which aims to create a legislative framework for top global universities in India, previous attempts, including those by the UPA government, faced opposition from parties such as the BJP and the Left when they were in the opposition.

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Reliance Foundation Offers Postgraduate Scholarships for 2023-24: Apply by December 17, 2023

Reliance Foundation is currently accepting applications for postgraduate scholarships for the academic year 2023-24. These scholarships are available to first-year postgraduate students in nine specific fields of study, and the application deadline is set for December 17, 2023. You can find all the necessary information, including eligibility criteria and registration details, on the official website at scholarships.reliancefoundation.org. The Reliance Foundation scholarships are open to first-year postgraduate students pursuing full-time courses in India. The eligible fields of study include computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics and computing, electrical or electronics engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, renewable and new energy, material science and engineering, and life sciences. If you’re selected for this scholarship, you can receive a grant of up to Rs 6 lakh for the entire duration of your postgraduate studies. Additionally, the scholarship program offers a holistic development initiative that involves interactions with experts, exposure to industry, and volunteering opportunities. The selection process for these scholarships is quite rigorous and involves evaluating applications, conducting aptitude tests, and holding interviews. The goal of the Reliance Foundation postgraduate scholarships is to identify students who exhibit qualities such as excellence, leadership potential, integrity, community commitment, a growth mindset, and courage.

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