The Karnataka government decided to revert from the NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 recommended four-year degree programme to the traditional three-year degree programme in public universities and affiliated colleges from the academic year 2024-25.
This move came following concerns raised by students and colleges regarding the lack of clarity and feasibility of the four-year degree programme under the NEP.
A government order was issued after considering recommendations made by the State Education Policy Commission, led by Professor Sukhdeo Thorat.
The commission recommended changes in the duration of the degree programme, curriculum structure, multidisciplinary curriculum, and multiple entry-exit features with certificate (after one year) or diploma (after two years).
The Karnataka government has decided to restrict the degree programme to three years and recommended three undergraduate curriculum frameworks (CFW). It allows for flexibility in majors and specialisations, with a focus on industry-relevant skill-based courses.
The National Education Policy of India 2020 (NEP 2020), which was started by the Union Cabinet of India on 29 July, 2020, outlines the vision of new education system of India. This new policy replaced the previous National Policy on Education, 1986. The policy is a comprehensive framework for elementary education to higher as well as vocational training in both rural and urban India.
IIT Madras, Birmingham University Partner for Masters in Sustainable Energy
Addressing the pressing global challenge of climate change, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the University of Birmingham joined forces to introduce a pioneering master's programme in Sustainable Energy Systems.
This collaboration came on the heels of the successful launch of their first Joint Master's programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence last year (2023).
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme underscores its holistic approach to sustainable energy. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from technology development and engineering to societal, economic, environmental, and policy aspects.
May 10, 2024
Top Medical Body Revises Dietary Guidelines For Nutrition, Obesity, Diabetes
The Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) on Wednesday released a set of 17 dietary guidelines to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as well as address the rising risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in India. The top research bodies said that the new guidelines, which include evidence-based food and lifestyle-related recommendations "underwent rigorous academic and scientific review". They "are designed as easily understandable and practicable approaches for ensuring diet diversity to meet the requirements of essential nutrients and prevent NCDs among people of all age groups across India".
May 09, 2024
Manipur Launches "School on Wheels" Initiative for Students in Relief Camps
Amidst the aftermath of ethnic strife and severe hailstorms, Manipur's government introduced the "School on Wheels" program, aiming to provide education to students sheltered in relief camps across the state. The initiative, inaugurated by Governor Anusuiya Uikey, entails a mobile educational setup equipped with a library, computers, and sports items, accompanied by a teacher, to visit various camps.
The "School on Wheels" initiative addresses the educational gap caused by the year-long ethnic conflict and subsequent displacement, particularly impacting the student population of Manipur. Governor Uikey emphasises the significance of reaching out to students in relief camps and providing them with essential education during this challenging period.
May 07, 2024
University Body Asks Institutes to Engage Gender Champions for Equality Push
In a bid to foster gender equality across educational institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) urged institutes to appoint Gender Champions, as mandated by Article 15 of the Indian Constitution.
The UGC emphasised the engagement of Gender Champions, individuals of any gender above 16, to cultivate an inclusive environment in schools, colleges, and academic institutions. These champions are tasked with promoting dignity and respect for all genders within their respective educational settings.
IIT Madras Conducts India's First Blockchain-based Elections
IIT Madras students conducted India's first-ever student council election using blockchain technology-based software, a feat that has garnered a name in the India Book of Records, and has the potential to positively disrupt the way we hold elections. Initially developed as a CSR initiative with backing from a prominent Indian tech firm and the Department of Science and Technology, the project aimed to tackle COVID-19 challenges, especially in accessing medical records and monitoring health conditions across regions.
The software was first used for the student elections in 2022. The team has been steadily working on it to scale it up for general elections on the state and national levels.
The software used was developed by students of the Webops and Blockchain Club (W&BC) from the Centre for Innovation (CFI), IIT Madras, India's largest student-run '24/7 innovation lab'. The club harbours an overall goal of using technology as a catalyst for positive social change.
May 06, 2024
CBSE Simplifies Access to Digital Certificates with Six-digit Code
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced a new way for students to access their academic certificates and documents digitally through DigiLocker. They've set up a six-digit Access Code system in partnership with the National eGovernance Division (NeGD) to enhance security and privacy.
For the last two years, CBSE has been preparing DigiLocker accounts in advance for Class 10 and 12 students. This makes it easier for students to quickly get their digital academic records from CBSE's digital storehouse, 'Parinam Manjusha,' right after results are out.
NBEMS Implements Time-bound Sections in NEET PG, MDS, and other Exams
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announced the inclusion of mandatory time-bound sections in various medical entrance exams, including NEET PG, NEET MDS, and others. This measure aims to enhance exam security and integrity in response to emerging threats during the exam process. The new pattern divides the question paper into multiple time-bound sections, where candidates must complete each section within the allotted time before proceeding to the next.
Once completed, candidates cannot review or modify their answers for that section. NBEMS also allowed candidates to mark questions for review within the given time frame. The exact number of time-bound sections may vary based on the number of questions in the paper.
Such mandatory time-bound sections will be implemented in GPAT 2024, NEET-PG 2024 and all forthcoming computer-based tests conducted by NBEMS.
IIT Delhi to Conduct 'Robotics for Good Youth Challenge' Competition
The Technology Innovation Hub of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (ITT-D) will conduct the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2024-2025, a UN-based educational robotics championship, on October 17, 2024. The competition is held under the guidance of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialised agency for information and communication technologies of the United Nations.
As a global initiative of the ITU, the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge is part of AI for Good, the leading action-oriented, global, and inclusive United Nations (UN) platform on artificial intelligence (AI).
The competition will be conducted for two age groups — junior (classes 6-8) and senior (classes 9-12). It will take place at the International Exhibition Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
The winner from this round will qualify to compete at the international level for the grand finale at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 in Geneva.