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CBSE Eases Language Policy Transition, Allows Existing Students to Continue Two Foreign Languages Till Class 10

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced relief for students in Classes 7 to 9 who are currently studying two foreign languages under the existing three-language framework. These students will now be permitted to continue with the same language combination until they complete Class 10. The decision comes shortly after CBSE declared that from July 1, Class 9 students would be required to follow a revised three-language policy mandating the study of three languages, including at least two Indian languages. Following concerns raised by students and parents, and legal challenges against the earlier directive, CBSE clarified that the updated language requirement will only be implemented prospectively. This means students already enrolled in Classes 7 to 9 will not be forced to switch their language choices midway through their schooling. A senior CBSE official confirmed that the revised policy aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will begin applying from Class 6 onward, ensuring that ongoing batches are not affected retrospectively. An official circular explaining the revised stance is expected shortly. Earlier in May, CBSE had directed schools that until dedicated R3 language textbooks become available, students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year should temporarily use Class 6 R3 textbooks for their selected language. The updated language policy is part of CBSE’s larger curriculum reforms aimed at bringing school education in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. As per the May 15 circular, students wishing to study a foreign language under the new system will only be allowed to do so after completing two Indian languages, either as a third language option or as an additional fourth language. In another major academic reform, CBSE had earlier announced the phased rollout of the three-language formula from Class 6 and introduced a new two-level system for Mathematics and Science for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic session. Under the new structure, both Mathematics and Science will offer two levels — a compulsory standard level and an optional advanced level. While all students will take a common 80-mark examination, those seeking deeper subject proficiency can choose an additional advanced paper focused on conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking skills. CBSE has confirmed that the first Class 10 board examinations under this two-tier subject structure will take place in 2028 for students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year. Source: PTI

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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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Dharmendra Pradhan Assures Action Over CBSE Evaluation Discrepancies, Takes Responsibility for OSM Issues

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has acknowledged concerns surrounding discrepancies in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 evaluation process and assured students that all grievances will be addressed. Taking responsibility for issues linked to the newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, he said strict action would be taken against anyone found deliberately responsible for irregularities affecting students. The OSM system, implemented for the first time this year, involves scanning physical answer sheets and uploading them to a secure digital platform for evaluation by examiners. However, several students have reported inconsistencies in marks and claimed that scanned answer sheets available on the CBSE portal did not match their handwriting, raising concerns about possible errors in the digital evaluation process. Addressing the issue, Pradhan noted the massive scale of the exercise, highlighting that nearly 17 lakh students appeared for the examinations, generating around 98 lakh answer sheets comprising approximately 40 crore scanned pages. He stated that the Board is actively working to resolve all concerns related to evaluation, verification, and re-evaluation. To review the situation, the Education Minister chaired a high-level meeting at CBSE headquarters, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, CBSE leadership, experts from IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur, representatives of public sector banks, and officials from the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. Discussions focused on evaluation procedures, portal performance, and student support mechanisms. The review also examined complaints regarding login difficulties, heavy server traffic, and payment-related challenges on the post-examination services portal. An expert technical team comprising IIT professors and digital systems specialists has been tasked with assessing portal stability, server capacity, user access management, and payment gateway integration to ensure smoother services for students. In a move aimed at improving the re-evaluation process, CBSE has integrated payment gateways from four public sector banks — State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank — to facilitate seamless transactions for students accessing post-result services. Meanwhile, Pradhan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging large-scale irregularities in the CBSE examination system and demanding a judicial probe. The Minister defended the Board’s procurement and evaluation processes, stating that all procedures were conducted in accordance with government norms. He reiterated that any genuine irregularities identified during investigations would be dealt with firmly. Emphasising the need to keep students’ interests at the forefront, Pradhan urged political parties not to politicise the issue and stressed that reducing examination-related stress for students should remain the primary objective. Source: The Hindu  

Dharmendra Pradhan Assures Action Over CBSE Evaluation Discrepancies, Takes Responsibility for OSM Issues Read More »

CBSE Mandates Three-Language Formula for Class 9 Students from 2026

/ Education Community

In a significant policy shift aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the three-language formula will become compulsory for Class 9 students starting July 1, 2026. Under the revised framework, students must study three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages. The move comes just a month after CBSE introduced its updated school curriculum for the 2026-27 academic session, where the third language requirement had initially been made mandatory only for students entering Class 6. However, the Board has now accelerated the implementation process by extending the rule to the secondary level immediately. According to the latest CBSE circular, students opting for a foreign language can choose it only if their other two languages are Indian languages. Alternatively, foreign languages may be studied as a fourth optional language. In schools where English is the medium of instruction, English will count as the non-Indian language, effectively limiting the possibility of another foreign language within the mandatory three-language structure. CBSE stated that the decision was taken to align its curriculum with the newly released NCERT syllabus for Class 9. As part of a transitional arrangement, students entering Class 9 in 2026 will study third-language textbooks designed for the Class 6 level, while Class 10 students in 2027 will use Class 7-level material for the same subject. To reduce academic pressure, the Board clarified that the third language (R3) will not be included in the Class 10 board examinations. Instead, assessments will remain entirely internal and school-based, though students’ performance in the subject will still appear on their CBSE certificates. The Board also assured parents and schools that no student will be prevented from appearing for the Class 10 board exams due to the third language requirement. Addressing concerns over teacher availability, CBSE has permitted schools to utilize teachers from other subjects who possess adequate language proficiency. Schools may also adopt inter-school collaborations, virtual teaching methods, or hire retired educators to support implementation. Institutions have been instructed to update their language offerings on the OASIS portal by June 30. Additionally, special relaxations have been provided for children with special needs, foreign nationals, and CBSE-affiliated schools located abroad, allowing greater flexibility in adopting the policy. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, developed in line with NEP 2020, recommends that students study a third language from Classes 6 to 10 to encourage multilingual learning and strengthen Indian languages. Source: Indian Express

CBSE Mandates Three-Language Formula for Class 9 Students from 2026 Read More »

NCERT Launches ‘Kaveri’ as New Class 9 English Textbook with Focus on Indian Writers

/ Education Community

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new Class 9 English textbook titled Kaveri, bringing a stronger focus on Indian authors and the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The textbook has been developed in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF-SE 2023) and will replace the earlier English textbooks Beehive and Moments. Unlike the previous curriculum used between 2006–07 and 2025–26 — which featured 29 texts with a larger share of international authors — the new book contains 16 carefully selected pieces that give equal space to Indian and global writers. Of the 16 texts included, eight are written by Indian authors. The Indian contributors featured in the anthology include renowned figures such as poet Subramania Bharati, author Sudha Murty, Naga writer Temsula Ao, Assamese novelist Mitra Phukan, and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The book begins with a story from Murty’s 2004 collection How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories. The international section features works by American poet David Roth, English poet Charles Swain, children’s author Bryanna T. Perkins, poet Robert Langley, writer Maya Anthony, and Singapore-based author Irene Chua. The compilation also includes an anonymous poem titled Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations and a feature based on an interview with Paralympic champion Deepa Malik, highlighting her journey and achievements. According to officials, the revision also reduces the number of textbooks for the subject from two to one, while streamlining the syllabus by cutting the total number of texts from 29 to 16. The move aims to make the curriculum more balanced and manageable while ensuring equal representation of Indian and international literary voices. Source: PTI

NCERT Launches ‘Kaveri’ as New Class 9 English Textbook with Focus on Indian Writers Read More »

CBSE Makes First Board Exam Mandatory for Class 10 Under New Two-Exam System

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that appearing in the first board examination will be compulsory for all Class 10 students under the new two-exam format set to be implemented from 2026. The clarification comes after the board received requests from some students seeking permission to skip the first phase due to various reasons and instead appear only in the second examination. However, CBSE has firmly stated that all students must take the first board exam. CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said that students who do not appear in at least three subjects during the first examination will not be permitted to sit for the second phase. Such candidates will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category and will be required to reappear for the board examinations in the following year’s main session, usually held in February. Students who clear the first examination will be allowed to improve their performance in up to three subjects in the second phase. These subjects include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages. The introduction of the two-board-exam system from 2026 marks a significant step in CBSE’s ongoing examination reforms aimed at offering students flexibility while maintaining academic standards. Source: PTI

CBSE Makes First Board Exam Mandatory for Class 10 Under New Two-Exam System Read More »

ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 held in Guwahati, Assam on 6th February 2026

/ Blogs

The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026, held on 6th February 2026 in Guwahati, Assam, emerged as a powerful confluence of ideas, inspiration and action, spotlighting the North East as a fast-evolving education and skills hub of India. Centred on the theme “Future-Ready Northeast: Building Skills, Mindsets for a Smarter Tomorrow”, the summit brought together senior education leaders, policymakers, academicians, EdTech innovators and industry experts from across the region and beyond. Organised by ArdorComm Media Group, the flagship summit reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration and recognition across India’s education ecosystem—this time with a sharp focus on the immense potential and progress of the North Eastern states. Showcasing the Northeast’s Education Transformation The summit highlighted how Northeast India is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation in education, driven by improved literacy rates, enhanced digital infrastructure, policy-led reforms and growing private participation. Discussions underscored the region’s journey from access-led education to outcome-oriented, future-ready learning models. Speakers extensively explored the opportunities unlocked by NEP 2020, particularly its emphasis on regional languages, multidisciplinary learning, skill integration and alignment with local economic and employment needs. The role of education in nurturing entrepreneurship, employability and innovation within the region was a recurring theme across sessions. With growing investments in universities, private unaided schools, vocational training centres and EdTech-enabled classrooms, the Northeast is increasingly positioning itself as a model region for inclusive and tech-driven education. Support from Esteemed Government Leaders The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 – Guwahati received strong encouragement and goodwill from distinguished leaders of the Government of Assam, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing education, skills and youth development in the region. Smti. Nandita Garlosa, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, extended her warm wishes to the summit, appreciating initiatives that focus on empowering youth through education, skill development and holistic growth. Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Welfare of Plain Tribe & Backward Classes, Government of Assam, conveyed his best wishes for the event and acknowledged the role of such platforms in strengthening education systems, promoting inclusivity and aligning learning with the aspirations of the future workforce. Shri Prasanta Phukan, Hon’ble Minister for Power, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Medical Education & Research, Government of Assam, also shared his warm regards for the summit, recognising the significance of industry–academia collaboration in building a skilled, employable and future-ready talent pool for the state and the region. Their encouragement and goodwill added immense value to the summit and reaffirmed the collective commitment towards nurturing a future-ready Northeast through education, skills and innovation. Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers The summit opened with an impactful Inaugural Session on “Future-Ready Northeast: Building Skills & Mindsets for a Better Tomorrow”, setting the tone for a day of forward-looking discussions. Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting ArdorComm’s commitment to fostering collaborative platforms that drive inclusive, future-ready education. The Guest of Honour, Shri R. C. Jain, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB), Government of Assam, shared insights on strengthening school education and aligning learning outcomes with the vision of NEP 2020. The session was further enriched by Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa, AVSM, Pro Chancellor (Emeritus), IILM University, Greater Noida, who emphasised leadership and values-based education, and Aaditya Razdan, Senior Enterprise Director, Coursera, who spoke on the growing role of digital platforms and industry-aligned learning in building future-ready skills for the Northeast. Panel 1, titled “NEP and Tech Advantage for KG to PG: Building a Future-Ready Generation”, brought together education leaders from school and higher education to discuss how NEP 2020 and technology can collectively transform learning across the entire academic continuum. Moderated by Sandip Sen, Principal, SERS Public School, Guwahati, the panel featured Cdr. (Dr.) Gurdaman Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Gangtok; Prof. (Dr.) Ginlianlal Buhril, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI University, Mizoram; Dr. Nitai Pradhan, Principal, Good Shepherd’s Home English Medium High School, Nagaon; and Mohan Raghavan, Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The discussion highlighted curriculum flexibility, experiential learning, digital integration and teacher preparedness as critical enablers for nurturing future-ready skills and mindsets from early childhood education to higher education. Panel 2, titled “Digital Pathways to Lifelong Learning: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion & Ethics”, focused on how digital transformation can enable continuous learning while remaining equitable and responsible. Moderated by Gariasi Dutta, Chairperson, The down town Group Schools, Guwahati, the panel featured Diwan Siraj Munir, Executive Director & CEO, Sublime Academy, Barpeta; Dr. Durlav Sarkar, Founder & Director, Gurukul Group of Educational Wing, Mangaldai; Mallika Das Singh, Founder & Director, Lakshya International School, Tezpur; and Anuraag Saraf, Founder & Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The discussion emphasised ethical use of technology, inclusive digital access, blended learning models and the importance of fostering critical thinking and digital citizenship across all stages of education. Panel 3, titled “Bridging Education and Employability: Skills for the 21st Century Workforce”, brought the spotlight on aligning academic frameworks with evolving industry demands and employability outcomes. Moderated by Prof. Himanshu Panchal, Vice Chancellor, EdTech Skills University, Tinsukia, the panel featured Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University, Singtam; Manik Kathuria, Regional Account Director, Coursera; Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa, AVSM, Pro Chancellor (Emeritus), IILM University, Greater Noida; Prof. (Dr.) K. V. S. Sarma, Vice Chancellor, National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati; Dr. Bibhas Deb, Vice Chancellor, Maharaja Bir Bikram University, Agartala; Prof. (Dr.) Ajeya Jha, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai; and Dr. Debmalya Bhattacharya, Pro Vice Chancellor, MIT University of Meghalaya. The discussion underscored the importance of industry-aligned curricula, experiential learning, micro-credentials, leadership development and strong academia–industry partnerships in preparing a future-ready workforce for the Northeast and beyond. Panel 4, titled “Reimagining Higher Education in the Digital Era: Transformation, Trends & Pathways”, explored how universities are navigating digital disruption while rethinking academic delivery, governance and student engagement. Moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Divakaran, Vice Chancellor, Himalayan University, Itanagar, the panel featured Subrato Ganguly, Senior Manager

ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 held in Guwahati, Assam on 6th February 2026 Read More »

Meghalaya Makes Khasi and Garo Mandatory in Foundational Education to Strengthen Cultural Roots

/ Education Community

The Meghalaya government has rolled out a new foundational-stage curriculum that makes Khasi and Garo compulsory for children up to Class 1, aiming to simplify early learning while strengthening students’ connection with local culture and heritage. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the initiative is designed to instil confidence and a strong sense of identity among children from their formative years. Emphasising the importance of mother-tongue education, he noted that early exposure to indigenous languages helps children develop a deeper sense of belonging. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by him on Friday. According to officials, the newly developed textbooks will be introduced on an optional basis in the upcoming academic year, as many schools have already finalised their syllabi. The curriculum will become mandatory from the following academic session. The revised foundational curriculum, spanning preschool to Class 1, places emphasis on ease of learning, value-based education, and an early introduction to Meghalaya’s history, culture, and traditions. In addition to education reforms, the cabinet approved a revised pay structure for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and ad hoc teachers, addressing a long-standing demand. The chief minister termed the move a recognition of their vital role and a step towards ensuring greater stability within the education system. The cabinet also cleared a five-year Mission Mode HIV/AIDS project with a budget allocation of ₹25 crore, focusing on awareness generation, infrastructure strengthening, and targeted interventions across the state. Other key decisions included amendments to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021, making green building certification mandatory for large-scale constructions. Former Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan was appointed as the chairperson of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission. Further, the cabinet approved the formation of the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Investment Financing Cooperative Society Ltd to support cooperative societies, agriculture, and food processing sectors through working capital and investment assistance. Approval was also granted for the creation of a National Games Secretariat Society to oversee preparations for the 39th National Games. Source: PTI

Meghalaya Makes Khasi and Garo Mandatory in Foundational Education to Strengthen Cultural Roots Read More »

CBSE to Begin Recruitment for Teaching and Non-Teaching Roles in KVS and NVS

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will soon launch the recruitment process for multiple teaching and non-teaching vacancies across Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). The recruitment will be carried out on a direct basis and is open to eligible Indian citizens. Online applications will open on November 14, 2025, and the last date to apply is December 4, 2025. A detailed notification specifying eligibility criteria, vacancies, and application procedures will be issued shortly by CBSE. Candidates are advised to apply exclusively through the official websites for authentic information: cbse.gov.in kvsangathan.nic.in navodaya.gov.in In a related development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas across 17 states and Union Territories. The initiative aims to provide equitable access to quality education, particularly for children of Central government employees posted in remote, aspirational, Left Wing Extremism-affected, hilly, or northeastern areas. The project, estimated to cost ₹5,862.55 crore over nine years, will include pre-primary sections and is projected to benefit more than 86,000 students, expanding the existing network of 1,288 Kendriya Vidyalayas across India. However, data from the Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy indicates a decline in KV admissions. In response to a question raised by MPs B.K. Parthasarathi (TDP) and Sudha R (Congress), the Ministry reported that the total number of students enrolled dropped from 13,87,763 in 2020–21 to 13,50,518 in 2024–25 — a decrease of 37,245 students, marking a decline of roughly 2.86%. Kendriya Vidyalayas, managed by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) under the Ministry of Education, follow a uniform curriculum designed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and are affiliated with CBSE. Admissions primarily prioritize children of Central government and defence personnel, while others are accommodated based on the availability of seats. Source: Indian Express

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Pratibha Saran, Owner, Happy Home Montessori School, Rishikesh shares insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun

/ Interviews
Pratibha Saran

We’re very glad to have you here with us at the event. Could you please introduce yourself? I’m Pratibha, and I look after the complete academics and day-to-day functioning at Happy Home Montessori School. Besides this, I’m also a member of the Government’s ‘Namami Gange’ project. Additionally, I work with the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, an organization that works towards promoting education and culture across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand, especially in the area of language development. You will be one of the eminent speakers at the Roundtable discussion, how does it feel to be part of this event? I feel extremely glad and honored to join this event. I’m really looking forward to learning about the kind of work other educators are doing in the field of education. Your media company is doing a commendable job, especially in Dehradun, where we’ve been observing educational developments for the past 25 years. You’re helping take that work forward, and I’m excited to witness it today. Being part of this platform is a great opportunity for me to learn and grow. ArdorComm Media is celebrating its 4th anniversary. Would you like to share a message for us? You’re doing a truly great job for our future generations — our students. You’re providing them with better opportunities, and that’s highly appreciated. My best wishes to ArdorComm Media for continued success.  

Pratibha Saran, Owner, Happy Home Montessori School, Rishikesh shares insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun Read More »