Higher education in India is a crucial arena reflecting the evolving dynamics of Indian federalism, with competing visions between the Union and State governments on regulatory authority, curriculum, funding, and digital governance. Despite education being on the Concurrent List, the Union government's influence is growing, particularly through the NEP 2020, central funding mechanisms, and national regulatory agencies. States, however, are not merely passive recipients but engage in strategic adaptation, selectively implementing reforms based on local contexts and positioning themselves as regional education hubs, showcasing a negotiated form of federalism.
- Higher education governance in India is a key site for expressing the changing dynamics of federalism.
- The Union government's influence in higher education is expanding through policies like NEP 2020, central funding, and regulatory bodies.
- States exhibit strategic adaptation, selectively implementing central policies and pursuing their own educational priorities.
A recent study in Odisha reveals that nearly 74% of female students miss school during menstruation due to a combination of pain, discomfort, lack of privacy, inadequate facilities, and social stigma. Despite 94% of surveyed schools having separate toilets for girls, significant hurdles persist, including the absence of basic menstrual hygiene support systems, water, soap, and proper waste disposal. The study, conducted by organizations like UNICEF and WaterAid, highlights critical gaps in menstrual hygiene management infrastructure and awareness. It calls for urgent initiatives to build accessible and inclusive sanitation infrastructure in public spaces, emphasizing dignity, hygiene, and comfort for women, girls, and persons with disabilities.
- Nearly 74% of female students in Odisha miss school during menstruation due to various factors.
- Primary reasons for absenteeism include pain, discomfort, lack of privacy, inadequate facilities, and social stigma.
- Despite widespread separate toilets, schools often lack basic menstrual hygiene support, water, soap, and proper waste disposal.
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government, CBSE, and NCERT regarding the implementation of a three-language formula for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026. While declining an immediate stay, the Court acknowledged concerns about "hardship and inconvenience." The CBSE's mandate requires two of the three languages to be native Indian languages, with foreign languages only as a third or optional fourth subject. Critics argue this is a political decision, lacks parliamentary backing, and violates NEP 2020's promise of flexibility and no language imposition. Concerns include added pressure on students, teacher shortages, and textbook unavailability.
- Supreme Court issued notices to the Union Government, CBSE, and NCERT on the three-language formula for Class 9 students.
- The CBSE mandate requires two of the three languages to be native Indian languages.
- The policy is challenged on constitutional grounds, citing personal choice and lack of parliamentary legislation.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that vulnerabilities in its On-Screen Marking (OnMark) platform for Class 12 answer sheets have been contained. This follows public disclosures by ethical hackers, including 19-year-old Nisarga Adhikary, who exposed exploitable weaknesses. The CBSE stated that an expert cybersecurity team, including professionals from government arms and IITs, was deployed to fortify the systems. The board expressed gratitude to alert citizens for highlighting these issues, ensuring the integrity of the digital evaluation ecosystem. Concerns were raised regarding data sovereignty and the handling of sensitive student data by the technology vendor, COEMPT Eduteck.
- CBSE confirmed containing vulnerabilities in its On-Screen Marking (OnMark) platform for Class 12 answer sheets.
- Ethical hackers, like Nisarga Adhikary, publicly exposed these security flaws.
- An expert team from government and IITs was deployed to secure the systems.
The Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the NEET-UG paper leak case, highlighting the trauma inflicted on students and their families due to wasted years of hard work. The court criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its "ad-hocism" and lack of "institutional memory and framework," questioning why it repeats mistakes unlike the UPSC. The Union government informed the court that the Prime Minister is personally monitoring the situation. The NTA stated that the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 and the transfer of investigation to the CBI reflect the seriousness of the issue, affecting around 23 lakh candidates.
- The Supreme Court highlighted the severe emotional trauma experienced by NEET-UG aspirants and their families due to the paper leak.
- The court criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its "ad-hocism" and lack of "institutional memory and framework," leading to repeated mistakes.
- The Union government assured the court that the Prime Minister is personally monitoring the situation.
India's scientific ambitions are hindered by the marginalization of women researchers, who face a convergence of professional and domestic responsibilities. While age relaxation provisions exist, they need closer scrutiny. The article argues that the legal framework, including Articles 15(3), 16, and 51A(e) of the Constitution, mandates affirmative measures to ensure women researchers are not structurally penalized. It highlights legislative gaps in maternity benefits for researchers on fellowships and the lack of paternity leave. Data shows women's underrepresentation in academia and lower success rates in grants, emphasizing the need for gender-neutral caregiving support alongside women-specific provisions to address structural disadvantages.
- Women researchers in India face significant challenges due to combined professional and domestic responsibilities, leading to marginalization.
- Indian constitutional provisions (Articles 15(3), 16, 51A(e)) provide a legal basis for affirmative measures to support women in research.
- Legislative gaps exist in maternity benefits for researchers on fellowships and the absence of comprehensive paternity leave.
The United Doctors Front has moved the Supreme Court, seeking to transition the National Testing Agency (NTA) from a registered society to a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament. This demand aims to ensure constitutional and parliamentary accountability, following "recurring, systemic, and catastrophic failures" by the NTA, particularly in conducting the NEET-UG exam. The petition argues that NTA's current status as an autonomous society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, creates an "accountability vacuum," shielding it from direct CAG audits and mandatory Parliamentary probes. A statutory shift would ensure direct oversight, financial transparency, and a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
- The United Doctors Front has petitioned the Supreme Court to convert the NTA into a statutory body.
- The move aims to ensure parliamentary and constitutional accountability for the NTA.
- The petition highlights "systemic failures" of the NTA, specifically regarding the NEET-UG exam.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the study of three languages for Class 9 students starting July 1, with at least two being native Indian languages. This move aligns the CBSE's Scheme of Studies with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023. Students opting for a foreign language can do so as a third or additional fourth language. The CBSE clarified that no Board examination will be conducted for the third language at the Class-10 level, with assessments being school-based and internal, and performance reflected in the CBSE certificate.
- CBSE has made the study of three languages compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1.
- At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages.
- This policy change aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023.
The article argues that India needs to prioritize productivity growth, not just GDP growth, to achieve its 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2047. It highlights that India's manufacturing sector, characterized by low productivity and reliance on cheap labor, needs significant transformation. The author suggests that India's growth has been largely driven by capital accumulation and labor input, with limited contribution from Total Factor Productivity (TFP). To boost TFP, India must invest in R&D, innovation, and human capital, and address issues like informal labor, low-quality jobs, and weak firm capabilities. The article emphasizes that a focus on high-value manufacturing and services, along with reforms, is crucial for sustainable and inclusive development.
- Achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 requires a strong focus on productivity growth, not solely GDP growth.
- India's manufacturing sector needs significant transformation to move beyond low-productivity, labor-intensive models.
- Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth has been limited, indicating a need for investment in R&D, innovation, and human capital.
India's medical education system, despite expanding MBBS seats, faces significant challenges in quality, faculty shortages, infrastructure, and research. The editorial argues for a shift from quantity to quality, emphasizing the need for robust faculty development, modern infrastructure, and integration of technology like AI. It highlights issues such as the lack of independent regulatory bodies, outdated curricula, and inadequate research focus. Recommendations include strengthening faculty, promoting interdisciplinary research, and fostering a culture of innovation to produce competent, compassionate, and future-ready healthcare professionals, aligning with the vision of a "constructive relationship of strategic stability" for the next three years and beyond.
- India's medical education system is expanding in quantity but lacks sufficient quality, faculty, and infrastructure.
- There is a critical need for independent regulatory bodies and a shift towards a competency-based, modern curriculum.
- Integrating technology like AI and promoting interdisciplinary research are essential for future-ready medical professionals.
The Federation of Indian Medical Association (FAIMA) has petitioned the Supreme Court, alleging "recurring, systemic, and catastrophic" failures by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the NEET-UG exam. FAIMA claims NTA ignored recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee and previous SC directions following a 2024 paper leak. The petition highlights NTA's reliance on unverified private service providers, leading to lapses like unauthorized access to strongrooms and insecure transportation of sensitive materials. FAIMA urges the SC to invoke Article 142 for a modern, foolproof, and transparent system, arguing that mere cancellation of the exam is insufficient.
- FAIMA has accused the National Testing Agency (NTA) of repeated systemic failures in conducting the NEET-UG exam.
- The petition alleges that NTA disregarded recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee and Supreme Court directions after a 2024 paper leak.
- NTA's reliance on unverified private service providers for logistics and security is cited as a major cause of examination lapses.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for major entrance exams like NEET UG and CUET, is facing scrutiny over its "Zero Error" policy due to widespread allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and technical glitches. Despite NTA's claims of robust security, multiple incidents, including a NEET UG 2024 paper leak and CUET exam cancellations, have raised concerns about its operational integrity. A high-level committee formed in 2024 to review NTA's functioning recommended measures like biometric authentication and CCTV surveillance, but these issues persist. Experts suggest that NTA's rapid expansion without adequate infrastructure and a lack of transparency contribute to these failures, undermining public trust in the examination system.
- The National Testing Agency (NTA) is under scrutiny for alleged paper leaks, irregularities, and technical glitches in major entrance exams.
- Incidents like the NEET UG 2024 paper leak and CUET exam cancellations contradict NTA's "Zero Error" policy.
- A 2024 high-level committee recommended several security measures, but issues continue to plague the NTA.
Karnataka's Minister for School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, announced the withdrawal of the 2022 uniform and dress code order, replacing it with a new directive. The new order permits students to wear "limited" traditional and faith-based symbols, such as sacred threads and headscarves, along with prescribed uniforms in schools and colleges. This move effectively revokes the previous BJP government's order that had led to the hijab ban. The decision follows an incident where students were asked to remove 'janivaras' during an entrance test, prompting a review of the issue to maintain institutional discipline while respecting individual beliefs.
- Karnataka government has withdrawn the 2022 order on uniforms and dress code in educational institutions.
- A new order allows "limited" traditional and faith-based symbols, including sacred threads and headscarves, with uniforms.
- The previous 2022 order had been the basis for restrictions that led to the hijab row.
The Union Ministry of Education has issued a fresh reminder to West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to implement the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. Launched in September 2022, the five-year initiative aims to transform over 14,500 schools into "exemplar institutions" aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While 34 States and UTs have moved forward, West Bengal is yet to sign the MoU, and Kerala has kept it in abeyance. Tamil Nadu had provided an undertaking but the process remains incomplete, causing delays and affecting intended benefits for students.
- The Union Ministry of Education is pushing West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to implement the PM SHRI scheme.
- The PM SHRI scheme, launched in September 2022, aims to transform over 14,500 schools into "exemplar institutions."
- These exemplar schools are intended to lead the way in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Supreme Court has referred to the Union government the question of whether schools imparting religious instruction should be classified under constitutional provisions for charitable or religious establishments, rather than as 'secular or professional' educational institutions. A petition by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay sought a declaration that institutions promoting any religion fall under Article 26(a) (freedom of religion rights) and not Article 19(1)(g) (right to profession) or Article 30(1) (minority educational institutions). The petition argues that religious instruction schools should be subject to public order, health, and morality restrictions, raising concerns about potential brainwashing of children in unregistered institutions, emphasizing national security and child safety.
- The Supreme Court has asked the government to consider classifying schools imparting religious instruction under 'freedom of religion' rights.
- The petition seeks to categorize these schools under Article 26(a) rather than Article 19(1)(g) or Article 30(1).
- The petitioner argues that religious instruction schools should be subject to restrictions based on public order, health, and morality.
This article, drawing on data from the UDAYA-Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults study, examines educational aspirations and outcomes, revealing a significant gender gap. While girls often exhibit higher educational aspirations than boys, this does not consistently translate into higher attainment, particularly in rural areas and among lower-income groups. The study indicates that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds face more barriers to completing higher education. The government's efforts to promote education need to be strengthened with targeted interventions, especially for girls, to bridge the gap between aspirations and actual attainment, ensuring equitable access and support for all students to achieve their full potential.
- Girls generally have higher educational aspirations than boys, but this does not always lead to higher educational attainment.
- A significant gender gap in educational outcomes persists, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged communities.
- Structural barriers and socio-economic factors often prevent girls from translating their high aspirations into completed education.
Rohit Lamba and Raghuram Rajan argue that India risks repeating past mistakes in its AI strategy, becoming a 'tenant of intelligence' rather than a producer. While the new Google AI hub in Visakhapatnam signifies infrastructure development, the core AI models and silicon are foreign-designed, reflecting India's historical focus on outsourcing rather than deep-tech R&D. They highlight India's low R&D intensity (below 1% of GDP) and lack of world-class research universities, contrasting with countries like Korea and Taiwan. The authors warn that relying on diffusion without frontier innovation could compromise India's strategic autonomy and economic future, urging a shift towards building indigenous AI capabilities.
- India's current AI strategy, exemplified by the Google AI hub, risks making it a tenant rather than a producer of intelligence.
- The authors criticize India's historical focus on outsourcing and infrastructure development over deep-tech R&D and indigenous innovation.
- India's R&D intensity remains below 1% of GDP, and it lacks world-class research universities, unlike leading tech nations.
The "Das Adam Smith Problem" refers to the perceived contradiction between Adam Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" (emphasizing sympathy) and "The Wealth of Nations" (focusing on self-interest). Initially formulated by 19th-century German economists, this problem is now largely considered a misunderstanding by contemporary scholars. They argue that Smith's philosophy forms a coherent whole, uniting ethics and economics through concepts like empathy and the "invisible hand" as a metaphor for societal benefit from individual motivations. The article explains that Smith extended his moral philosophy into economics, viewing markets as extensions of morality, and his two works are compatible, engaging with different points on a spectrum of self-interest and empathy.
- The "Das Adam Smith Problem" highlights the perceived conflict between Adam Smith's works on sympathy and self-interest.
- Modern scholars largely view this "problem" as a misunderstanding, arguing for a coherent philosophical system in Smith's writings.
- Smith's concept of the "invisible hand" is seen as a metaphor for how individual motivations can benefit society when properly directed.
The Punjabi Wikimedians User Group has launched Urdu Wikisource, a free, open-source global digital library dedicated to Urdu literature. The project aims to improve access to regional languages in the digital domain. Initial content includes 10 rare Urdu texts from Rekhta Foundation and seven historical texts from the British Library's 'Two Centuries of Indian Print' project (2016-2022), bridging the gap between physical archives and digital accessibility. The group has also urged the Punjab government to ease copyright restrictions to further facilitate access.
- The Punjabi Wikimedians User Group has launched Urdu Wikisource, a free and open-source digital library for Urdu literature.
- The initiative aims to enhance digital access to regional languages and preserve cultural heritage.
- Foundational content was provided through partnerships with Rekhta Foundation and the British Library.
India's higher education system faces significant information asymmetry, where institutions possess more knowledge about their quality than students do. This leads to students making crucial life decisions with incomplete or unreliable information, often relying on promotional material or informal advice. This situation, termed 'market for lemons,' distorts decision-making, affects graduate outcomes, and hinders national goals like SDG-4. While tools like NIRF and centralised data portals aim to standardize information, they have limitations in scope and transparency. Improving data verification, clear definitions, and accessible platforms are crucial for students to make informed choices and for institutions to ensure credibility.
- Information asymmetry in higher education means institutions know more about their quality than students.
- This leads to distorted decision-making for students and affects graduate outcomes and employability.
- Existing tools like NIRF and centralised data portals aim to standardize information but have limitations.
The article analyzes equity in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), highlighting that the primary challenge lies in achieving equity in employment, particularly at leadership levels, rather than in admissions for reserved categories. Data from the UGC Annual Report 2023 shows SC, ST, and OBC representation in teaching and non-teaching jobs is lower than mandated reservations, with the gap widening at higher employment levels. While admissions are closer to mandated levels, bridging the employment gap will take years. The analysis also points out limitations in data on discrimination and caste-based crimes, and criticizes the UGC's new regulations for confusing equity with anti-discrimination, focusing on complaint resolution rather than structural gaps.
- The main equity gap in Indian HEIs is in employment, especially at higher leadership levels, rather than in admissions for reserved categories.
- Representation of SC, ST, and OBC in HEI employment is consistently lower than constitutionally mandated reservations.
- Bridging the employment gap will be a long-term process, unlike admission gaps which can be filled faster.
The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is scheduled for May-end 2026, marking its return after more than a decade. The summit will prioritize development initiatives, education, capacity building, diplomatic expansion, and defence cooperation. It holds significant importance amidst global supply chain disruptions, particularly following the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. India aims to enhance the implementation rate of its commitments to African nations and encourages Foreign Direct Investment from Indian businesses, shifting focus from small and medium enterprises to larger investments from Global South leaders.
- The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in 2026 will focus on development initiatives, education, capacity building, and defence cooperation.
- The summit is strategically significant given the current global supply chain disruptions.
- India aims to improve the implementation of its commitments to African countries.
Preparing for the UPSC examination, a highly competitive process often spanning several years, imposes significant psychological strain on aspirants. Studies show high levels of moderate to severe distress, driven by uncertainty, vast syllabi, fear of forgetting, and changing exam patterns. This chronic stress can lead to self-doubt, isolation, and emotional exhaustion, particularly for young adults. The appeal of civil services, rooted in social prestige and job security, sustains this aspiration despite the hardships. The ecosystem of coaching centers and peer groups, while offering support, can also intensify pressure. Experts recommend better access to counselling, peer support, realistic career guidance, faster evaluations, and specialized undergraduate programs to mitigate the mental health burden.
- The multi-year preparation for the UPSC exam leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and significant psychological distress among aspirants.
- Factors like extreme competition, vast syllabus, unpredictable exam patterns, and fear of failure contribute to mental health issues.
- The deep-rooted societal prestige and perceived job security associated with civil services sustain the intense aspiration despite the challenges.
India faces a significant learning crisis, particularly in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), despite policy backing and substantial funding. The core issue is a lack of "salience" – insufficient recognition and belief in the problem's importance at the field level. Factors contributing to this include the intangible nature of poor learning, power asymmetries in the education sector, under-recognition of the crisis's scale, and a disconnect in perceived responsibility. The article draws a comparison with Vietnam, which prioritized learning. It suggests making learning visible through village-level assessments and demonstrating solutions to compel action and build urgency.
- India is experiencing a severe learning crisis, especially in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), despite policy support and funding.
- The primary reason for the lack of progress is insufficient "salience" or recognition of the problem's urgency at the ground level.
- Contributing factors include the intangible nature of learning outcomes, power imbalances, underestimation of the crisis's scale, and diffused responsibility.