Six Central Universities to Offer Admissions Twice a Year
Six central universities in India decided to offer admissions twice a year, as announced by the Union Ministry of Education. The policy, approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), aims to provide students with more opportunities to enrol in higher education institutions (HEIs).
The universities implementing this change are: Central University of Kerala, Central University of Punjab, Central University of Rajasthan, University of Hyderabad, Tezpur University and Nagaland University.
UGC made this biannual admissions policy optional for HEIs, emphasising that institutions should adopt it based on their readiness.
Dec 06, 2024
PM e-VIDYA DTH Channel for Indian Sign Language
Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the PM e-VIDYA DTH Channel No. 31 for Indian Sign Language (ISL) in New Delhi. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary also graced the event. The programme witnessed participation from Hearing Impaired (HI) children, HI achievers, special educators, ISL certified interpreters and organisations working for mainstreaming the Hearing-Impaired community.
This critical initiative supports the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which recommends promotion of Indian Sign Language to foster a more inclusive educational environment.
Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates ICSSR Research Internship Programme in Social and Human Sciences
Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Research Internship Programme in Social and Human Sciences in New Delhi. He also distributed appointment letters to the ICSSR Research Interns. Pradhan also distributed prizes to the winners of the National Argumentative Essay Writing Competition on "Simultaneous Elections in India: One Nation, One Election" to the UG, PG and Doctoral Students. Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR; Prof. Deepak K. Srivastava, Chairman, ICSSR; academicians, Heads of Institutes, scholars and students were also present at the event.
Dec 05, 2024
UK's Coventry University Group Launches New India Hub to Boost Partnerships
Coventry University Group launched a new India Hub in New Delhi to strengthen partnerships and enrich deeper connections between India and the UK. The hub is designed to support the university's efforts in admissions, recruitment, and collaboration across India and the surrounding region.
To mark the launch, a special event was held at the British Council, attended by senior university leaders, including Vice-Chancellor and Group CEO Professor John Latham CBE, along with Indian and UK government officials.
CBSE to Hold Special Exams for Student Athletes, Olympiad Participants in 2025
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct special exams in 2025 for students participating in national and international sports events, including recognised Olympiads. This initiative, started in 2018, aims to support students in balancing academics and extracurricular excellence.
Students whose CBSE board exam dates overlap with sports events recognised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) or the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) can benefit from this provision. It also covers journey dates required for these events.
Dec 04, 2024
Oxford Picks 'Brain Rot' as 2024's Top Word
Oxford University Press (OUP) announced 'brain rot' as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a defining cultural and societal theme of the year. The term gained prominence due to concerns over the detrimental effects of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially via social media. Selected through a global public vote involving over 37,000 participants and expert analysis of language trends, 'brain rot' captures the zeitgeist of 2024, where digital consumption and its consequences have been central topics of discussion.
First recorded in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the phrase has evolved to gain renewed relevance in the digital age. Initially popularised by Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities on platforms like TikTok, the term is now being used more broadly, including in mainstream journalism, to articulate concerns about the societal and individual impacts of online habits.
Education Ministry Restructures JoSAA which Conducts Seat Allocation for IITs, NITs
The Ministry of Education announced the reconstitution of the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) for the 2025–26 academic session. JoSAA conducts joint counselling every year for admissions to undergraduate programmes at Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), including IITs, NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and other GFTIs. The restructured JoSAA will have the following members:
Professor Manindra Agarwal, Director of IIT Kanpur, as Co-chairman and Convener
Professor K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, as Co-chairman,
Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, representing the Joint Admission Board (IITs),
Professor B. Ravi, Director of NITK Surathkal, representing the Central Seat Allocation Board (NITs),
Professor Amit Mishra, IIT Kanpur, representing the Joint Implementation Committee (IITs) 2025.
JoSAA has been pivotal in conducting joint counselling for IITs, NITs, and other CFTIs since its introduction in 2015. This joint seat allocation process was recommended by a technical committee led by a former IIT Kharagpur director to harmonise counselling processes for IITs and NITs.
Oxford and CEEW Collaborate on India Focused Net-zero Certificate Programme
The University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Smith School of Enterprise and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), launched a unique online course aimed at helping India achieve its Net Zero goals. The self-paced certificate course, set to begin in early 2025, will be available through the global platform Apolitical.
It is tailored for Indian policymakers, business leaders, executives in banks and financial institutions, as well as members of civil society who are committed to reaching India's 2070 Net Zero target.
Dec 03, 2024
Symbiosis, Aston University To Launch Dual Degree Programme in Dubai and UK
Symbiosis International University (SIU) is set to introduce a unique undergraduate dual degree programme in collaboration with Aston University, UK. This initiative offers students the opportunity to study in both Dubai and Birmingham, earning dual qualifications from both institutions.
Launching in September 2025, the programme allows students to spend two years at SIU's newly established Dubai campus, followed by two years at Aston University in Birmingham. Upon completion, students will receive a BBA degree from SIU and a BSc in Business and Management from Aston University.
The four-year course marks SIU's first international dual-degree venture in Dubai, with the inaugural batch beginning in June 2025.