Education Community

In a recent development, the Australian government has made an official announcement regarding English language tests for visa purposes. As of July 26, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT will no longer be considered for Australian visa applications until further notice. Prior to this change, the TOEFL iBT score was accepted as a valid proof of English proficiency. However, the government has decided to exclude it from the list of accepted tests for visa requirements. This decision came as the TOEFL iBT was undergoing enhancements worldwide, aiming to improve the test taker experience by reducing test time and streamlining registration procedures. Despite these improvements, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has opted to suspend its acceptance of TOEFL iBT scores. At present, applicants seeking an Australian visa must submit scores from other accepted tests conducted at secure test centers. These include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), Cambridge English (CAE), and the Occupational English Test (OET) for health professionals. Notably, IELTS results that include One Skill Retake (OSR) will be accepted for visa purposes, except for specific subclasses that require scores from a single sitting. As the Australian government aims to uphold high standards for English proficiency measures, the exclusion of TOEFL iBT underscores the significance of the approved alternative tests in assessing language abilities of visa applicants.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has called on its affiliated schools to prioritize the teaching of Indian languages, especially up to Class 5. This directive was issued in commemoration of the three-year anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. CBSE cited the NEP 2020, urging schools to promote linguistic diversity, cultural understanding, and academic excellence. The policy emphasizes the cognitive benefits of multilingualism for young learners, particularly when exposed to multiple languages from an early stage, with a specific focus on their mother tongue. The circular strongly advocates for using the home language, mother tongue, local, or regional language as the medium of instruction, preferably until Grade 8 and beyond. #3yearsofNEP #NEP2020 emphasizes the importance and cognitive benefits of multilingualism for young students. Use of Indian languages as an alternative medium of instructions from primary classes to class 12 has been reiterated in this important circular of CBSE. pic.twitter.com/RZrmrPPMqa — CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) July 21, 2023 To facilitate this initiative, CBSE encouraged schools to consider adopting NCERT books, now available in 22 scheduled Indian languages, in line with the Ministry of Education’s instructions. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commended CBSE for offering the option of education in Indian languages from kindergarten to Class 12, aligning with the vision of NEP to promote Indian language-based education. The UGC Chief, M Jagadesh Kumar, also praised CBSE’s decision, emphasizing that fostering Indian languages in both school and higher education systems would nurture creative and innovative students.

The admission criteria for the Master of Business Administration (Banking and Finance) (MBF) program at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) have been revised. The university has made changes by removing the requirements of CAIIB certification and two years of experience in the banking or financial sector. According to the new eligibility criteria, applicants must have successfully completed a minimum three-year bachelor’s degree with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for candidates from reserved categories). Interested individuals who meet these criteria can submit their applications through the official website, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The MBA Banking and Finance (MBF) program, offered by IGNOU’s School of Management Studies, is a two-year degree program. It is designed as an open and distance learning program and was developed and launched through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IGNOU and the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF).

On World Youth Skills’ Day (July 15), Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union education minister, launched an artificial intelligence (AI) program. The program is a collaborative effort between the Skill India Mission of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the National Council for Vocational Education and Skill, and GUVI, an Edutech company incubated by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. The initiative, curated by GUVI, offers courses in nine Indian languages. This move aims to break down language barriers in technology education and empower young people, particularly those in rural areas. Pradhan praised GUVI for its efforts and encouraged them to develop courses in all Indian languages. The AI program is designed to equip youth with advanced skills, according to the minister. Pradhan emphasized the importance of technology being accessible to all, regardless of language, and called for the expansion of technology courses in various Indian languages. He believes that this step will help bridge the language gap in technology education and ensure a future-ready workforce, especially among rural youth.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a significant announcement that will greatly benefit Indian students studying in France. During his address at La Seine Musicale in Paris, PM Modi revealed that France has introduced a new and improved post-study work visa program for Indian students. Under this program, Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in France will now be eligible for a longer post-study visa lasting five years. This development marks a significant extension from the previous duration of two years granted to Indian students in France. The new post-study work visa, also known as the Graduate Route in some countries, provides international students with the opportunity to remain in the host country after completing their studies. During this extended period, students can actively seek job opportunities, gain practical work experience, and contribute to the local economy. It is important to note that the post-study work visa typically comes with certain requirements. In most cases, students are expected to secure employment related to their field of study, ensuring that their acquired skills and knowledge are put to practical use. By aligning their employment with their educational background, students can maximize their professional growth and contribute effectively to the workforce. This announcement by PM Modi reflects the commitment of both India and France to promote educational and cultural exchange between the two nations. It not only encourages Indian students to pursue higher education in France but also provides them with an extended period to establish their careers and explore opportunities in the country. This move is expected to enhance the attractiveness of France as a study destination for Indian students and further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

AIIMS, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, is considering a proposal to eliminate interviews from the PhD selection process. The aim is to introduce greater transparency by making the selection based solely on a written exam. In addition, AIIMS plans to establish 40-50 PhD Institute Fellowships, similar to the Prime Minister’s Research Fellows scheme, to promote impactful research. To fund this initiative, a budget of Rs 200 crore has been proposed, pending approval from AIIMS and the Government of India’s statutory committees. The suggested reforms for the PhD selection process and Institute Fellowship were put forth by AIIMS administration. During discussions with faculty, PhD students, and scientists, it became evident that reforming the selection process and introducing an in-house funding mechanism were crucial for fostering high-quality research and improving AIIMS’ NIRF rankings in research. According to the proposal, the selection process should be objective, transparent, and rely on a written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and objective structured clinical examination/objective structured practical examination (OSCE/OSPE). Interviews would be eliminated at all stages of the selection process. The memorandum also recommends conducting the PhD entrance examination twice a year, along with the DM/MCh entrance examination, at various centers across the country. The academic section has been instructed to examine the proposal and initiate further discussions in the Staff Council, Academic Committee, and Standing Finance Committee to facilitate the timely implementation of these proposed reforms.

The Ministry of Education is currently accepting nominations for the National Award to Teachers 2023, which recognizes outstanding educators in higher education. Interested individuals can apply for the award by visiting the official website, nat.aicte-india.org. The application deadline is July 30, 2023, and all applications must be submitted online through the designated portal. To apply for the award, follow these steps: Visit the official website, nat.aicte-india.org. Click on the ‘register’ or ‘login’ options located in the top right corner of the homepage. Fill in the necessary details to register and then proceed to login. Complete the registration form and submit it along with the required documents. After submitting the registration form, download a copy for future reference. Nominations invited for National Award to Teachers 2023 Categories 1. Vocational Training & Entrepreneurship Development 2. Higher Education Institutions Share achievements(800 words max) Details: https://t.co/omW8dwKCPk, https://t.co/pqvqgrESqI @PMOIndia @AICTE_INDIA pic.twitter.com/0pzSl3DvBK — UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) July 7, 2023 It is important to note that incomplete applications will be rejected, and the authorities will not entertain any communication regarding such cases. The National Award to Teachers 2023 has two categories: vocational training (ITI/Polytechnic/NSTI/PMKVY institutions) and entrepreneurship development, as well as higher education institutions. In addition to the application, teachers must also submit a ‘citation’ detailing their significant accomplishments within 800 words. Remember to visit the official website and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful application.  

Following the release of revised minimum criteria for the direct recruitment of assistant professors in universities and colleges on July 5, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a clarification on the matter. UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar took to Twitter to provide the necessary clarification. He stated that candidates with a Master’s degree must have qualified UGC-NET/SLET/SET for direct recruitment as an Assistant Professor. On the other hand, candidates with a PhD degree, awarded as per UGC Regulations, are exempt from UGC-NET/SLET/SET and eligible for direct recruitment to the position of Assistant Professor. After removing the mandatory criteria of Ph.D. for direct recruitment at the Assistant Professor level, the detailed eligibility criteria given in UGC minimum qualifications regulations 2018 will remain as they are making the following two criteria applicable: — Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (@mamidala90) July 6, 2023 Kumar also mentioned that higher educational institutions have the flexibility to determine suitable criteria for Assistant Professor appointments based on the number of applications received in a specific discipline, as per the regulations provided. The UGC had previously issued a notification stating that NET/SET/SLET would be the minimum criteria for direct recruitment to the position of Assistant Professor in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Furthermore, the UGC Chairperson tweeted that from July 1 onwards, a PhD qualification for Assistant Professor appointments would be optional. In the clarification provided by the UGC, it was mentioned that the general condition clause no. 3.10 has been amended, making PhD qualification mandatory from July 1, 2023. However, the detailed eligibility criteria for various disciplines remain unchanged, clearly stating that NET/SLET/SET is the minimum requirement for direct recruitment as an Assistant Professor for candidates without a PhD degree. Additionally, the UGC confirmed that PhD holders are exempted from NET/SLET/SET and are eligible for direct recruitment to the position of Assistant Professor.