ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
logo
Menu
logo
ArdorComm ArdorComm ArdorComm

UGC-NET

UGC-NET Introduces Ayurveda Biology as a New Subject Starting December 2024

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community

In a significant update for the National Eligibility Test (NET) aspirants, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced the addition of Ayurveda Biology as a subject in the UGC-NET exam, starting December 2024. This new subject choice aims to foster interdisciplinary study and bridge traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern biological sciences. UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, expressed enthusiasm about the new subject, stating, “Introducing Ayurveda Biology in UGC-NET will allow students to delve into Sanskrit texts on Ayurveda and apply their insights to develop sustainable research models in contemporary biological sciences.” Prof. Kumar emphasized that this addition will also open avenues for PhD holders in Ayurveda Biology to contribute as researchers and educators in universities, thus nurturing future generations in both Ayurveda and modern biology. Prof. Kumar further highlighted Ayurveda’s growing acceptance as a natural, holistic alternative to allopathic medicine, aligning with the expanding interest in integrative healthcare. “As Ayurveda gains prominence in global health, understanding it through a scientific lens will support its integration into modern healthcare systems,” he added. According to UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi, the decision to add Ayurveda Biology came from the expert committee’s recommendations, approved at the UGC’s 581st meeting on June 25, 2024. The syllabus for the subject is now available on the official UGC-NET website, enabling candidates to prepare for this unique opportunity. The UGC-NET, conducted biannually in June and December by the National Testing Agency (NTA), now offers 105 subjects, covering a wide range from Political Science to Women’s Studies. The addition of Ayurveda Biology marks a forward-thinking approach to education, recognizing the value of traditional knowledge in the context of modern science. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: Indian Express

NEET-PG To Be Conducted This Month, Question Paper To Be Prepared Two Hours Before Exam: Report

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community

The NEET-PG exam for admission to postgraduate medical courses is reportedly set to be held later this month. This development follows a meeting between the Home Ministry and officials from the government’s anti-cybercrime body. In a significant shift, the question paper will now be prepared just two hours before the exam, according to NDTV sources. Originally scheduled for June 23, the NEET-PG exam was abruptly postponed hours before its start amid a row over alleged irregularities, including leaked question papers for the undergraduate exam. The government had then said it would “undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG, conducted by the National Board of Examinations for medical students.” The cancellation of the exam, which saw the enrollment of thousands of aspiring medical professionals, led to widespread protests, particularly from those who had traveled long distances to take the test. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appointed a high-level committee to investigate the complaints. The suspension of the NEET-PG exam followed public outcry over similar issues with the NEET-UG and UGC-NET tests. These exams, which play a pivotal role in confirming professorial appointments and awarding research fellowships, have been under scrutiny for potential irregularities. Minister Pradhan recently confirmed student reports that NEET-UG and UGC-NET questions were being sold on the darknet, spotlighting the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting both exams. This revelation led to the removal of the NTA’s chief, SK Singh. The UGC-NET exam is now rescheduled to be held from July 25 to 27, while the NEET-PG exam will be organized from August 21 to September 4.  

Who is Subodh Kumar Singh, NTA Chief Removed After NEET, NET ‘Leaks’?

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community

Subodh Kumar Singh, the chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was removed from his position on Saturday night following allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams. Singh has been placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training, while retired 1985 batch officer Pradeep Singh Karola has been appointed as the interim chief until a permanent replacement is named. Over the past two months, the NTA has faced scrutiny over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in two of India’s major competitive examinations. Subodh Kumar Singh, who has maintained a low profile throughout his career, found himself at the center of this controversy. A native of Uttar Pradesh, Singh holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and an MBA from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. Before his appointment as NTA chief in June 2023, Singh served as the additional secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Singh’s career includes nine years at the Chhattisgarh Secretariat from 2009 to 2018, where he worked under the state’s three-time BJP Chief Minister Raman Singh. He held various positions, including joint secretary, deputy secretary in personnel and general administration, special secretary, and director for personnel management. He also served as the secretary to the Chief Minister, managing director of the state’s electricity distribution department, and secretary of the mineral resources and industries and commerce department. During his tenure in Chhattisgarh, Singh was credited with significant achievements such as digitizing the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), transforming the state’s mineral sector, and improving road connectivity in Naxal-affected areas. He also played a key role in developing airports in Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Ambikapur, and expanding the state’s rail network. Despite being perceived as close to former Chief Minister Raman Singh, Singh was appreciated by leaders across political lines for his work. His tenure remained free from major controversies, even amidst corruption allegations against Raman Singh’s government. In recognition of his contributions, Singh received a national award in 2002 from the Ministry of Rural Development for excellence in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. In 2019, he received another national award for digital transformation and transparency in mineral auctioning. Colleagues describe Singh as an “honest and straightforward” officer. A retired colleague from the CMO referred to him as “a gem of an officer and an asset to the government,” calling for a thorough inquiry into the current allegations against him.

UGC-NET Exam Cancelled Amid Integrity Concerns, CBI Launches Probe

Leave a Comment / By / Governance Community

The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) June 2024 examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), has been cancelled due to concerns over its integrity. The decision was taken after the University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, indicating that the examination’s integrity may have been compromised. The UGC-NET examination was conducted on June 18 in two shifts across different cities in India, with over 9 lakh candidates appearing for the test. However, following the allegations of paper leaks, the Ministry of Education decided to cancel the exam to ensure transparency and maintain the sanctity of the examination process. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been handed over the case for a thorough investigation. The CBI has registered a case against unknown accused persons for compromising the integrity of the UGC-NET exam. The CBI probe aims to identify and punish those involved in the alleged malpractices. The cancellation of the UGC-NET exam has sparked controversy, with the Opposition demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and NTA officials. The Education Minister has announced the formation of a high-level committee to enhance the functioning of the NTA and ensure error-free examinations. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which aims to prevent leaks and malpractices in recruitment examinations, has come into effect from June 21. However, the UGC-NET examination will not be covered by this new law. The UGC-NET examination is crucial for determining the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowships and Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. The cancellation of the exam has left many students in limbo, awaiting fresh examination dates to be announced.