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Karnataka Proposes 15% Government Seat Quota for Rural Students in Professional Courses

/ Education Community

The Karnataka government has proposed a new reservation framework that would earmark 15 per cent of government seats in professional courses for eligible students from rural backgrounds. Under the draft rules, half of the proposed quota—7.5 per cent—would be reserved horizontally for students who completed Classes 1 to 10 in government schools or government pre-university colleges located in rural areas of Karnataka. These institutions must be administered by the School Education Department. The remaining 7.5 per cent would be allocated to eligible candidates who studied from Classes 1 to 10 in schools or educational institutions located in rural areas of the state, irrespective of whether the institutions are government-run. The proposal is part of the draft Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Government Seats in Professional Educational Institutions (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The Higher Education Department notified the draft on September 5 under Section 14 of the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1984. The new provisions will take effect once they are published in the Official Gazette. The government has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and other affected persons. Any representations submitted within 15 days of the draft’s publication in the Official Gazette will be considered before the rules are finalised. Source: PTI  

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PM Modi Urges Teachers to Monitor Drug Abuse, Excessive Screen Time Among Students

/ Education Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon teachers to remain vigilant about issues such as drug abuse and excessive screen time among students, while encouraging them to support children through sports, physical activities and creative pursuits. Interacting with National Award-winning teachers at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, Modi stressed that educators should look beyond academic performance and pay close attention to students’ behaviour, habits and overall well-being. Addressing the growing concern over drug use among young people, the Prime Minister said identifying affected students can be particularly challenging in metropolitan areas and large universities. He urged teachers to take proactive steps to create awareness and carefully observe any noticeable changes in students’ behaviour. Modi also encouraged teachers to move beyond textbooks and syllabuses and take an interest in the broader lives of their students. He emphasised the importance of preserving childhood by giving children opportunities to participate in activities that promote physical, social and creative development. The Prime Minister further highlighted the need to address excessive phone and screen usage among students. Rather than simply restricting screen time, he suggested that teachers and schools encourage greater participation in outdoor sports, physical games and creative hobbies, which could help students naturally spend less time on digital devices. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu marked National Teachers’ Day 2026 with an article titled “Shaping Minds; Building the Future”, in which she highlighted the responsibility of teachers to nurture students into responsible and compassionate human beings. Murmu said educators should help shape generations that respect India’s cultural heritage, develop a scientific outlook, contribute to human welfare, uphold the principle of Antyodaya, protect the environment and strive for both individual and collective excellence, while keeping the nation first. The President also underlined the trust placed in teachers by parents and guardians when they send their children to school. She said educators have a duty to protect students’ safety, development and dignity and should ensure that their words and conduct do not create fear, anxiety or feelings of inferiority among children. As part of this year’s National Teachers Awards, Murmu honoured 82 teachers and educators from three departments in the presence of Education Minister Pralhad Joshi. The awardees included 48 teachers from the Department of School Education and Literacy, 21 educators from higher educational institutions and polytechnics, and 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Source: Indian Express

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8.7 Crore Young Indians Were Out of Education, Work or Training in 2021: NITI Aayog

/ Education Community

Around 8.7 crore Indians aged between 15 and 29 were not engaged in education, employment or training in 2021, according to NITI Aayog’s report, Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047. The findings highlight a significant gap in India’s transition from education to employment and skill development. Based on data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey, the report categorises these young people as NEET — those who are not in education, employment or training, including those who are unemployed. NITI Aayog has called for affordable and subsidised training, financial assistance and stronger links between skilling programmes, local employment opportunities, self-employment and emerging industries. The report also flagged a weak connection between formal education and the job market. It found that only 8.25 per cent of graduates are employed in positions that match their qualifications. According to the think tank, insufficient practical exposure and limited industry-oriented training are major factors affecting employability. Young people from economically weaker families face additional barriers, as many cannot afford private tuition or paid skill courses alongside college expenses. After graduation, some accept low-paying jobs simply for income stability, while others remain outside the workforce and education system. To address this gap, NITI Aayog has recommended bringing skilling deeper into mainstream school education. It proposed introducing General Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills for students from Classes 6 to 12, while introducing specialised vocational pathways, called Kaushal Tracks, from Class 9. These tracks would allow students to acquire skills aligned with local and national employment demand. However, the report noted that vocational education remains limited across schools. Fewer than one in 12 secondary schools currently offer vocational subjects, despite provisions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework to integrate vocational education and employability skills from Class 6 onwards. For Classes 10 and 12, the think tank has recommended incorporating vocational subjects into the board examination subject structure with equal weightage. It also proposed allowing state boards to adopt the revised framework for certification and retaining General Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills as a separate subject for Classes 11 and 12. NITI Aayog has also called for changes in higher education, recommending a move away from generic degrees towards applied and industry-relevant specialisations. Greater integration of apprenticeships, work-based learning and earn-while-you-learn programmes has also been suggested to help students gain practical experience. The report identified apprenticeships as a crucial but underdeveloped bridge between education and employment. Although government initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme have expanded opportunities, participation remains uneven. NITI Aayog has proposed incentives for MSMEs to create more apprenticeship positions and a unified platform where young people can access credible opportunities. The skilling strategy should also focus on sectors expected to generate future employment, including green industries and electric vehicles. At the same time, workers in declining sectors would need opportunities for reskilling and transition into new occupations. NITI Aayog said more than 7.67 crore people have received training since 2014-15, while the Union Budget 2025-26 allocated around Rs 34,000 crore for skilling-related expenditure across various Central ministries. However, the report stressed that higher training numbers and spending alone may not resolve the problem unless skilling is tied more closely to measurable employment outcomes. Source: Indian Express  

8.7 Crore Young Indians Were Out of Education, Work or Training in 2021: NITI Aayog Read More »

Lok Sabha Considers Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026 to Strengthen Anti-Paper Leak Law

/ Governance Community

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for consideration and passage, aiming to further tighten the legal framework against examination malpractices and paper leaks. The proposed legislation amends the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by introducing stricter penalties for offenders. Under the Bill, those found guilty could face imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to ₹10 crore, and confiscation of their properties. It also mandates every state and Union Territory to establish Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day hearings to ensure swift justice. The Bill further requires investigations into offences to be completed within two months from the registration of a police case, while trials must conclude within three months of filing the chargesheet. Introducing the Bill, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to protecting students and preserving the integrity of public examinations. He stated that the strengthened legal framework aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to safeguard the future of the country’s youth. Singh described the legislation as a landmark reform, adding that previous governments lacked a comprehensive law to effectively address paper leak cases. He said recent incidents of examination malpractice highlighted the need for stronger legal provisions, prompting the government to introduce the amendment to restore public confidence in the examination system. During the debate, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised the government, alleging that the amendment falls short of meaningful education reforms and serves only as a cosmetic change to the existing law. Backing the Bill, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj called it a significant step towards ensuring transparent and fair examinations. She said organised examination mafias now operate across multiple states, making stronger legal measures essential. Swaraj also highlighted provisions for the creation of a Special Task Force to investigate paper leak cases and the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts for speedy trials. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav expressed concerns over recurring paper leaks and questioned the government’s outsourcing practices at the National Testing Agency (NTA), citing the alleged NEET-UG paper leak despite the enactment of the 2024 law. Supporting the legislation, AITC MP Abhishek Banerjee said every student deserves a fair examination process and emphasised that stringent laws are necessary to curb paper leaks and maintain the credibility of competitive examinations. Source: News on AIR

Lok Sabha Considers Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026 to Strengthen Anti-Paper Leak Law Read More »

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following weeks of nationwide student protests demanding accountability over a series of alleged examination paper leaks. His resignation marks a significant development in one of the largest youth-led protest movements seen in India in recent years. In a statement shared on X, Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the ongoing unrest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and across the country. He stated that his decision was aimed at preventing what he described as “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation. Pradhan also expressed respect for the aspirations of young people and said he did not want students to become entangled in legal disputes instead of focusing on their education and careers. The protests were spearheaded by the satirical student-led group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which celebrated the resignation as a victory for democracy. Speaking to supporters at Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared the movement successful, while the organisation posted on X that “Cockroaches won… Democracy won!” Despite the minister’s resignation, the CJP said its campaign is not over. The group has reiterated three key demands: ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide, protection from legal action for all protest participants, and a public apology from Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force over the handling of demonstrations. The protests intensified after clashes earlier this week, during which police used baton charges, tear gas, and reportedly pellet guns to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament. Several students were injured in the confrontations, further fuelling public anger. Government representatives had initiated talks with protest leaders on Friday, with another round of discussions scheduled for Saturday. It remains uncertain whether those negotiations will proceed following Pradhan’s resignation. Before the resignation, the central government had announced plans to establish fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases and introduce stricter anti-cheating legislation in an effort to restore confidence in the country’s examination system. The demonstrations have become a broader expression of frustration among India’s youth over issues such as unemployment, corruption, transparency, and government accountability. Source: Al Jazeera

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks Read More »

PM Modi Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stand on NEET Paper Leak, Calls for Stronger Exam Security

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated the Centre’s commitment to taking strict action against those involved in the NEET paper leak case while urging all stakeholders to work together to prevent similar incidents in future examinations. Addressing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party meeting, popularly known as Mangal Milan, at the Parliament House complex, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to safeguard the interests of students and maintain the integrity of competitive examinations. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government acted swiftly after receiving information about the NEET paper leak. He stated that all individuals linked to the case have been arrested, with 13 accused currently in judicial custody. According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister stressed that those responsible should receive the strictest possible punishment and highlighted that the government has already introduced stringent measures to prevent examination paper leaks in the future. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi also discussed India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), saying that the interests of Indian farmers have remained a top priority in every trade pact signed by the country. He noted that these agreements have been negotiated with national interest and farmers’ welfare at their core. On the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Prime Minister said the NDA would play a constructive role in facilitating the passage of important legislation. Rijiju also appealed to opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament, emphasizing that despite political differences, all Members of Parliament share the responsibility of serving the nation and protecting the future of its youth. The meeting concluded with NDA alliance partners passing a congratulatory resolution honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. Source: News on AIR

PM Modi Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stand on NEET Paper Leak, Calls for Stronger Exam Security Read More »

Maharashtra Partners with Google to Train 4 Lakh Teachers in AI and Digital Skills

/ Education Community

The Maharashtra School Education Department has entered into a strategic partnership with Google for Education to provide artificial intelligence and digital technology training to more than four lakh teachers across the state. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at Mantralaya in the presence of School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse. As part of the initiative, selected master trainers will first receive specialised training and will then mentor teachers across schools statewide. The programme will be offered completely free of cost by Google, ensuring no financial burden on the state government. Officials stated that while Google will facilitate training, the Maharashtra government will maintain full oversight of implementation and digital safety protocols for teachers. Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar highlighted that the goal is to equip teachers in government and aided schools with globally recognised digital skills. The initiative will focus on improving AI literacy, enhancing digital competencies, and delivering training content in Marathi, Hindi, and English while encouraging the use of AI-powered educational tools for professional development. Source: PTI

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Gujarat CM Disburses ₹370 Crore in Scholarships to Over 13 Lakh Students via DBT

/ Education Community

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the transfer of more than ₹370 crore in scholarship assistance to over 13 lakh students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in Gandhinagar. The financial support was provided under four key state education schemes—Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja, and Minister of State for Education Rivabaa Jadeja. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Patel highlighted the significant progress Gujarat’s education sector has made over the last two-and-a-half decades under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the vision of providing uninterrupted access to education from kindergarten to postgraduate level is steadily being realised. Special emphasis, he added, has been placed on girls’ education through initiatives like Namo Lakshmi Yojana and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, aimed at ensuring continued participation of girls in secondary and higher secondary education. Recalling Prime Minister Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister from 2001, Patel said his hands-on efforts—such as personally visiting villages to promote girls’ education and auctioning gifts received during his tenure to fund educational initiatives—set new standards nationwide. These efforts, combined with programmes like Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav, helped reduce the girls’ dropout rate from 37 percent to less than two percent. The Chief Minister also outlined the expansion of educational infrastructure in the state. Village schools offering science streams have increased to 2,834, while the number of colleges has grown from 775 in 2001 to over 3,200 today. Engineering colleges have risen from 139 to 288, and medical seats have expanded from 1,175 to more than 7,000. Additionally, over 24,000 girls pursuing medical education have benefited from the Mukhyamantri Kanya Kelavani Nidhi Yojana. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the ₹370 crore disbursed on the day forms part of a larger commitment, with the state having provided more than ₹1,332 crore in assistance to over 13.5 lakh students so far. Congratulating the Chief Minister on completing three years of his second term, he praised his people-centric leadership and strong focus on education. Sanghavi noted that the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana was launched to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students from opting for the science stream, especially as Gujarat continues to attract major industrial investments. Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja stated that Gujarat’s investment in education is aimed at building a strong foundation for a Viksit Gujarat and a Viksit Bharat. He said these schemes are opening new opportunities and aspirations for students across the state. Sharing scheme-wise details, he said the Namo Lakshmi Yojana has so far disbursed ₹1,033 crore to 10.49 lakh girls, leading to a 73 percent increase in attendance and a 13.59 percent rise in enrolment in Class 12. Under the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, ₹151.84 crore has been provided to 1.5 lakh students, resulting in a 6.34 percent increase in science stream enrolment. The Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana has extended ₹86.14 crore to 50,000 students, while the Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana has provided ₹61.27 crore to 60,000 students, promoting merit-based and quality education. Minister of State for Education Rivabaa Jadeja described the programme as a landmark moment, reaffirming that education remains the most effective tool for social transformation. She said the state government is committed to ensuring quality education, strengthening infrastructure, promoting girls’ education, reducing dropout rates, and supporting the holistic development of students to prepare them for a brighter future. Source: PTI

Gujarat CM Disburses ₹370 Crore in Scholarships to Over 13 Lakh Students via DBT Read More »

Delhi to Appoint Over 5,000 New Teachers to Strengthen Classroom Learning

/ Education Community

In a major step to address the shortage of teachers and improve learning outcomes, the Delhi government has announced the recruitment of 5,346 trained graduate teachers (TGTs) for government and municipal schools. The move aims to enhance classroom instruction and ensure every student from Classes 6 to 10 receives more focused academic attention. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta shared on X that the initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to provide quality education, personalised mentorship, and equal opportunities for all learners. “We are committed to building an education system where every child receives the guidance they need to reach their full potential,” she said. Currently, nearly 10,000 teaching positions remain vacant in Delhi’s government schools, which has affected the student–teacher ratio, according to education experts. As per a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) on October 3, the application process for the vacancies began on October 9 and will close on November 7. The latest DoE data indicates that over 70,000 teachers are currently serving more than 18 lakh students across the capital. Source: PTI

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Nearly 8,000 Indian Schools Have No Students but 20,000 Teachers on Payroll

/ Education Community

In a startling revelation, official data shows that nearly 8,000 schools across India recorded zero student enrolments during the 2024–25 academic year, despite having over 20,000 teachers on their payrolls. West Bengal leads the list with the highest number of schools without students (3,812) and 17,965 teachers still employed in them. According to the Ministry of Education’s latest statistics, 7,993 schools across the country had no enrolments, marking an improvement from 12,954 such schools the previous year. Telangana ranked second with 2,245 schools having no students and 1,016 teachers, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 463 schools and 223 teachers. Interestingly, Haryana, Maharashtra, Goa, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura reported no schools with zero enrolments. The same was true for Union Territories such as Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Daman and Diu, and Chandigarh, along with Delhi. A senior education ministry official said that since school education is a state subject, respective governments have been advised to tackle the issue by merging underutilized schools to make better use of infrastructure and staff resources. In Uttar Pradesh, 81 schools had no enrolments. The UP Board has already begun the process of revoking recognition for institutions that have not recorded any admissions for three consecutive years. The data also highlights another pressing issue — the existence of over 1 lakh single-teacher schools across India, catering to more than 33 lakh students. Andhra Pradesh leads in the number of such schools, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. However, in terms of student enrolment, Uttar Pradesh tops the list, followed by Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Notably, the count of single-teacher schools dropped by nearly 6%, from 1,18,190 in 2022–23 to 1,10,971 in 2023–24, signaling gradual progress toward teacher rationalization. Source: PTI 

Nearly 8,000 Indian Schools Have No Students but 20,000 Teachers on Payroll Read More »