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Prashant Kishor Detained During Hunger Strike Over BPSC Exam Controversy

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Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor was detained on Monday during his hunger strike at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, where he was protesting against alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. The hunger strike began on January 2, with Kishor demanding the cancellation of the December 13 BPSC exam following allegations of a question paper leak. Police removed Kishor and his supporters from the protest site in the early hours and transported him to Patna AIIMS for a medical checkup. Speaking to PTI, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed the arrest, stating that Kishor and others had been sitting on an “illegal dharna” at a restricted site near the Mahatma Gandhi statue. The Patna Police had earlier registered a case against Kishor for holding the protest at Gandhi Maidan. “They will now be produced before a court,” the District Magistrate added. The controversy stems from the December 13 BPSC exam, which was marred by allegations of a leaked question paper. In response, the commission ordered a retest for select candidates, which took place on January 4 at 22 centers in Patna. Of the 12,012 eligible candidates, 5,943 appeared for the retest, which reportedly concluded without any misconduct or malpractices. Despite the BPSC’s assurance that the retest was conducted fairly, Kishor and his supporters have continued to push for the exam’s cancellation, citing the need for greater accountability in the recruitment process. Kishor’s hunger strike and subsequent detention have drawn attention to the ongoing grievances of civil service aspirants in Bihar, reigniting the debate on transparency and fairness in competitive examinations. Source: telegraph India Photo Credit: telegraph India

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NSUI Appeals to PM Modi to Name Delhi University College After Manmohan Singh

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The National Students Union of India (NSUI) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to name a new college under Delhi University after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, honoring his legacy and transformative contributions to education and governance. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Thursday, NSUI President Varun Choudhary emphasized that dedicating the institution to Manmohan Singh would inspire future generations. “His recent passing has left a profound void, and the most fitting tribute to his legacy would be to dedicate a premier educational institution in his name,” the letter stated. The appeal comes ahead of Modi’s scheduled event to lay the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, southwest Delhi. The project is part of a broader initiative, which also includes academic blocks in Delhi University’s east and west campuses. Choudhary highlighted Singh’s significant contributions to India’s educational landscape, citing his role in establishing new IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and a network of central universities. The NSUI further demanded the establishment of a central university dedicated to Singh and the inclusion of his life story in academic curricula, showcasing his journey from a post-Partition student to a global statesman. “Recognizing his unparalleled contributions to India’s progress is essential,” the NSUI letter asserted, calling for immediate action by the government. As the foundation-laying event approaches, the NSUI’s demand has added a political dimension to the inauguration, contrasting the choice of naming the college after Hindutva icon Veer Savarkar with honoring the legacy of a transformative leader like Manmohan Singh. Source: telegraphindia Photo Credit: telegraphindia

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UK Introduces Private School Tax Reform to Inject £1.5 Billion into Public Education

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The UK Labour government has announced a significant reform to private school taxation, set to generate over £1.5 billion for public education annually. Starting January 1, private schools will lose their tax exemption and be required to pay 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on tuition fees. The funds will be allocated to hiring 6,500 new teachers and enhancing standards in state schools, where 94% of UK children are educated. Announcing the policy, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves declared, “It’s time things are done differently,” emphasizing the need for equitable access to high-quality education. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed this sentiment, stating that rising education standards “cannot just be for families who can afford them.” The Labour Party, which secured a landslide victory in the July elections, outlined this reform in its October budget as part of its pledge to address educational inequality. The policy is projected to raise £1.5 billion for the 2025-2026 school year, increasing to £1.7 billion annually by 2029-2030. Private school tuition fees, which currently average £18,000 annually according to the Independent Schools Council, are expected to rise by approximately 10% as institutions absorb part of the additional costs. Critics argue this could lead to a surge in state school enrollments, placing a financial burden on the government. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and other research centers have refuted this claim, citing projected population declines that will reduce state school enrollments by 2030. The Labour government views this reform as a crucial step toward reducing the educational disparity exacerbated during 14 years of Conservative rule, aiming to ensure that public resources are directed toward the majority of the nation’s children. Source: The Mint Photo Credit: The Mint

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BPSC Exam Protest Intensifies: Suicide, Lathi-Charge, and Arrests Amid Aspirants’ Demand for Re-Exam

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The ongoing protests against the alleged question paper leak in the 70th Combined Preliminary Examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) have escalated into a major crisis. Hundreds of aspirants, gathered at Patna’s Gardanibagh since December 18, are demanding the cancellation of the exam and a fresh re-exam for all candidates. The agitation intensified after a candidate who had appeared for the preliminary examination died by suicide on Tuesday night. The tragic incident added fuel to the already growing unrest among aspirants, some of whom have been on a hunger strike since December 20. Three hunger strikers have been hospitalized due to deteriorating health. Chaos erupted on Wednesday night when police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse students marching toward the BPSC office in Patna. Reports indicate that around 50 protesters sustained serious injuries, including women who were allegedly hit in the stomach. An FIR has been registered against individuals accused of entering restricted areas and inciting unrest. Ashutosh Kishor, one of the protesting aspirants, alleged police brutality and claimed that educators supporting the protest, including Rohit Sir, were detained by authorities. The unrest has drawn support from political leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Bihar, and Independent MP Pappu Yadav. Yadav criticized the state government on X, calling its handling of the issue “mentally ill governance.” Despite BPSC’s dismissal of the paper leak allegations as mere rumors, the Commission has ordered a re-exam for students who appeared at Patna’s Bapu Nagar center. However, aspirants are unwavering in their demand for a complete cancellation and re-examination of the preliminary test, citing systemic flaws and lack of accountability in the recruitment process. The protests reflect growing discontent over employment opportunities and trust in institutional processes, raising questions about governance and accountability in Bihar. Source: The Print Photo Credit: The Print

BPSC Exam Protest Intensifies: Suicide, Lathi-Charge, and Arrests Amid Aspirants’ Demand for Re-Exam Read More »

IIM-B Director, Senior Faculty Face Charges of Caste-Based Discrimination Following Government Inquiry

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Bengaluru police have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against senior officials of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B), including Director Rishikesha T. Krishnan and Dean Dinesh Kumar, based on allegations of caste-based discrimination by Associate Professor Gopal Das. The case follows a November inquiry by Karnataka’s Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), which found prima facie evidence of discrimination against Das. Key findings in the DCRE report, submitted to the state’s social welfare department, include the public disclosure of Das’s caste, denial of equal workplace opportunities, and the absence of grievance redress mechanisms for marginalized groups. Das, who joined IIM-B in 2018, had earlier raised the issue during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the institute. The President’s office directed state authorities to investigate. On December 9, the Bengaluru police were instructed to act based on the findings. In its defense, IIM-B issued a statement asserting that Das’s allegations emerged only after his promotion was delayed due to complaints of harassment against him by doctoral students. The institute claimed these complaints were validated by an independent inquiry. This incident is not isolated. IIM-B has faced similar accusations in the past. In October, the institute drew criticism for disciplinary action against faculty member Deepak Malghan, who had highlighted alleged systemic biases in Indian academic institutions. A stay order has been issued by the Karnataka High Court on action against the accused, pending further legal proceedings. The case underscores ongoing debates about caste representation and equality in India’s premier institutions. Source: The Print Photo Credit: The Print

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CBSE Cracks Down on Dummy Students, Plans Legal Action Against Violating Schools

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has conducted surprise inspections across 29 schools in cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Varanasi, Bihar, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh to identify and address the issue of ‘dummy’ student enrollments. CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta revealed that the inspections, carried out by teams comprising CBSE officials and principals from affiliated schools, uncovered widespread violations. Many schools had enrolled students who did not attend classes, violating the Board’s Affiliation Bye-Laws. These schools were also found to be flouting infrastructural norms. “CBSE has taken these violations seriously and will issue show-cause notices to the defaulting schools,” Gupta said. He added that the Board is also considering legal action against institutions that breached regulations. The inspections revealed that 18 of the offending schools are located in Delhi, with others spread across Varanasi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bilaspur, and Chhattisgarh. The crackdown comes as a response to the growing trend of students enrolling in dummy schools to focus on engineering and medical entrance exams. These students skip regular classes and appear only for board exams. Dummy schools are often selected by aspirants to benefit from state-specific quotas in medical and engineering colleges. For instance, students completing their Classes 11 and 12 in Delhi are eligible for admission under the Delhi State Quota in medical colleges. CBSE’s efforts aim to uphold the integrity of its academic system, ensuring that schools adhere to regulations and maintain transparency in their enrollment processes. The Board is committed to eradicating the practice of dummy enrollments, which compromises the education system and its objectives. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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Over 50% Rise in Indians Studying Abroad, U.S. Tops the List

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The number of Indians pursuing higher education abroad has surged by 52.2% over the past five years, climbing from 5,86,337 in 2019 to 8,92,989 in 2023, according to data shared by the Ministry of Education in the Rajya Sabha. Among these, the United States hosts the largest group, with 2,34,473 Indian students, closely followed by Canada at 2,33,532, and the United Kingdom with 1,36,921. Canada witnessed a remarkable 76% rise in Indian student enrolment during this period, despite diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Key Highlights: Impact of Diplomatic Tensions on Canada: Canada’s popularity as a study destination remains robust, with enrolment increasing from 1,32,620 in 2019 to 2,33,532 in 2023. This growth persists despite escalating tensions, including the expulsion of diplomats and strained relations over the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2024. Canada’s work visa policies, allowing international graduates to work for up to three years post-study, continue to attract Indian students. United States and U.K. Drive Growth: Indian student numbers in the United States surged by 91% during the same period, fueled by the appeal of prestigious universities such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom recorded a staggering 273.9% rise, aided by the introduction of the Graduate Route Visa in 2021, which allows students to stay and work for two to three years after graduation. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic caused a 55.7% dip in 2020, with numbers falling to 2,59,655 due to travel restrictions and a shift to online education. The sector has since rebounded strongly, showcasing the enduring appeal of international education for Indian students. Government’s Perspective: Responding to concerns about potential brain drain, Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, highlighted the value of the Indian diaspora. “Higher studies abroad are a matter of individual will and choice. A prosperous and influential diaspora is an asset for India, contributing through knowledge sharing and expertise,” Majumdar stated. While the data reflects a rising trend of Indian students seeking global opportunities, it also underscores the need to leverage the potential of this growing diaspora to benefit the nation’s economy and international stature. Source: Hindustan Times Photo Credit: Hindustan Times

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Govt Panel Recommends NTA Focus on Entrance Exams, Restructuring Begins for 2025

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The government panel on exam reforms has recommended that the National Testing Agency (NTA) focus exclusively on conducting entrance examinations, starting from 2025, while discontinuing recruitment exams. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the decision following the release of the panel’s report on Tuesday. The seven-member panel, chaired by former ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan, was formed in June 2024 after allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks, marred the NEET-UG exam. The delayed counselling process highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms in exam governance. Key recommendations include a major restructuring of the NTA to improve governance, efficiency, and transparency. The panel proposed forming an empowered governing body supported by three sub-committees focused on ethics, test audits, and stakeholder relationships. The report emphasizes transitioning to online exams, introducing multi-level testing for candidate pools exceeding two lakh, and launching a ‘Digi Exam’ system to prevent impersonation. The panel also advocates closer coordination with district-level authorities, akin to the election process, to secure test administration. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed the government’s intent to implement the recommendations. “From 2025, the NTA will only focus on entrance exams for higher education and step back from recruitment tests,” he stated. The report further calls for bolstering NTA’s leadership, recommending that the Director-General position be held by a senior official of additional secretary rank, free from external pressures. Other proposed reforms include establishing divisions for technology infrastructure, security, research, and international collaboration. The reforms aim to address persistent issues of exam integrity while enhancing transparency and operational efficiency in India’s testing ecosystem. The implementation is already underway, signaling a renewed focus on improving high-stakes entrance examinations across the country. Source: ThePrint Photo Credit: ThePrint

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Italy’s New Fingerprinting Rule Adds Hurdles for Study Visa Applicants

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Starting January 10, 2025, Italy will implement a new requirement for Type D visa applicants, mandating individual fingerprinting appointments at Italian consulates. This policy aims to enhance security but introduces additional costs and complexities for international students, especially those pursuing long-term study programs. Understanding Type D Visas Type D visas cater to individuals planning to stay in Italy for over 90 days, including students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or research programs. The new fingerprinting rule replaces the more flexible group or batch processing system, compelling applicants to schedule personal visits to consulates. Impact on Indian Students The rule change could significantly affect Indian students, a rapidly growing demographic in Italy. In 2024, 6,017 Indian students held study visas, up from 5,196 in 2023. However, the new procedure may deter applicants due to increased costs and travel requirements, particularly for those living far from consulates. Although the stay-back option allowing graduates a 12-month period for professional experience remains unchanged, the updated visa process adds logistical challenges. Stakeholder Concerns Education experts have raised concerns about the policy’s implications. Melissa Torres, CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, highlighted the financial burden on students, including travel expenses and potential delays caused by the individual appointment system. Organisations like NAFSA have criticised the elimination of batch processing and urged Italian authorities to explore alternatives, such as conducting fingerprinting at local police stations or honorary consulates. Looking Ahead: ETIAS in 2025 Further changes to European travel protocols are anticipated mid-2025 with the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Nationals from 60 countries, including India, will require ETIAS authorisation before entering visa-free European nations, adding another layer of preparation for prospective travellers. Italy’s new rules reflect heightened security priorities but may unintentionally deter international students drawn to its academic institutions. Source: India Today Photo Credit: India Today

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Allegations of Paper Leak and Chaos Mar BPSC 70th Prelims Exam 2024

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The BPSC 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 prelims, held on December 13, faced allegations of paper leaks and chaos at a Patna exam center. Students reported late distribution of question papers and threats from unidentified individuals. The exam was conducted in a single shift across 912 centers in Bihar, with negative marking for incorrect answers. Successful candidates will proceed to the main exam, with 2,035 vacancies to be filled. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 preliminary exam, conducted on December 13, has been overshadowed by allegations of paper leaks and disorder at one of the exam centers in Patna. Reports indicate that some students experienced delays in receiving their question booklets and OMR sheets, with claims that the papers were distributed an hour late in some instances. Adding to the controversy, students alleged that unidentified individuals entered the examination halls and issued threats to candidates. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the integrity and security of the examination process. The BPSC 70th preliminary exam was held in a single shift from 12 noon to 2 pm across 912 centers throughout Bihar. Despite the issues reported at the Patna center, the exam proceeded as scheduled in other locations. The preliminary exam is a crucial step in the recruitment process, with negative marking applied for incorrect answers. Only those who pass this stage will be eligible to take the BPSC CCE main exam, the dates for which will be announced following the declaration of the prelims results. The BPSC aims to fill 2,035 vacancies through this competitive examination. However, the allegations of paper leaks and the chaotic scenes at the Patna center have cast a shadow over the process. Speaking to news agency ANI, several students expressed their frustration and disappointment, citing instances of torn question booklet seals and answer sheets found in inappropriate places, such as toilets. The BPSC has yet to respond to these allegations, and the situation remains tense as candidates and their families await further clarification and action from the authorities. The integrity of the examination process is paramount, and these allegations highlight the need for stringent measures to ensure fairness and transparency in future exams. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: Indian Express

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