Despite training 1.40 crore candidates under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), India's skilling outcomes remain inconsistent. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in vocational training is only 28%, far below OECD levels. Key issues include fragmented responsibility between training, assessment, and placement, and a lack of industry participation in Sector Skill Councils (SSCs). The article suggests embedding skills into formal degrees, making SSCs accountable for placement, and expanding the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to improve employability and bridge the gap between training and industry needs.
- PMKVY has trained 1.40 crore candidates, but employability and wage gains remain uneven across sectors.
- Only 4.1% of India's workforce has received formal vocational training, compared to 44% in OECD countries.
- Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) lack credibility because they don't own the training outcomes or placement responsibility.
The Union government plans to introduce the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, to overhaul the regulatory framework for higher education. The bill aims to liberalize the open schooling system and encourage the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching. It will also establish technical education standards focused on employability and entrepreneurship. The VBSA Bill is expected to subsume the functions of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Additionally, the government seeks to expand the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to accommodate learners of all age groups for secondary certifications.
- The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, aims to modernize the regulatory landscape of Indian higher education.
- New guidelines will be introduced to promote the use of AI in teacher education and classroom instruction.
- The bill focuses on aligning technical education with job market needs and fostering entrepreneurship among graduates.
Despite a significant decline in child marriage rates from 47.4% (2005-06) to 23.3% (2019-21), the practice remains a major social issue in India. The article highlights a direct correlation between child marriage, poverty, and lack of education, with girls from the lowest wealth quintile and those with no education being most vulnerable. While legal frameworks like the Prevention of Child Marriage Act exist, low conviction rates and the unintended consequences of the POCSO Act pose challenges. Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of ending child marriage requires a multi-pronged approach involving education and improved infrastructure.
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data shows that child marriage rates are highest in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura.
- Education is a critical deterrent; only 4% of girls with higher education were married before 18, compared to 48% of those with no education.
- The Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2006, faces implementation hurdles, including low conviction rates and infrequent application of the law.
This article critiques the increasing reliance on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for medical education, specifically highlighting the Andhra Pradesh model. While intended to ensure quality education at affordable rates, the PPP framework often prioritizes profit over public welfare. The proposed three-tier fee structure and the 'privatization' of public assets raise concerns about accessibility for middle-class and poor students. Critics argue that PPPs fragment the health system and that the state should instead focus on strengthening institutional capacity and enforcing existing regulations like the Clinical Establishments Act to ensure equitable healthcare delivery.
- The Andhra Pradesh model proposes adding 10 medical colleges under the PPP mode, raising concerns about the commercialization of medical education.
- A three-tier fee structure (50% subsidized, 35% at ₹12 lakh, 15% for NRIs) may exclude meritorious but economically disadvantaged students.
- PPPs at the district level can fragment the public health system, hindering the vertical integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
NITI Aayog has released a report titled 'Internationalisation of Higher Education in India,' proposing a roadmap to attract foreign students and faculty. Key recommendations include setting up a $10-billion 'Bharat Vidya Kosh' (national research sovereign wealth fund), establishing 'Vishwa Bandhu' scholarships, and easing regulations for international campuses in India. The report aims to address the 'imbalance' where 28 Indian students go abroad for every one international student coming to India. It also suggests updating NIRF rankings and aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- A $10-billion Bharat Vidya Kosh is proposed for research, with 50% funding expected from the diaspora.
- The 'Vishwa Bandhu' scheme aims to attract international talent through dedicated scholarships and fellowships.
- India aims to host nearly 7.89 lakh international students by 2047 to become a global education hub.
Indian student migration has evolved from an elite phenomenon to a mass middle-class aspiration, with over 13.35 lakh students enrolled abroad in 2024. The US, Canada, UK, and Australia remain top destinations. However, this trend is increasingly characterized by 'reverse remittance,' where Indian households subsidize foreign economies through high fees and living costs, often funded by debt. Many students end up in low-tier institutions or unskilled jobs due to restrictive visa rules and lack of placement support. The article highlights the need for better regulation, pre-departure counseling, and bilateral frameworks to protect students from exploitation.
- India is a top sender of international students, with numbers projected to reach 13.8 lakh in 2025.
- 'Reverse remittance' occurs when Indian families mortgage assets to fund education abroad, often leading to debt traps.
- Many students face 'deskilling,' where they transition from potential skilled workers to low-wage unskilled laborers abroad.
The Union government has introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, which seeks to overhaul India's higher education regulatory framework. The Bill proposes replacing the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex commission, the VBSA. A key feature is the segregation of the three roles: regulation, accreditation, and standards-setting. Crucially, the Bill takes away grant-disbursal powers from the regulatory authority, placing them under the direct control of the Education Ministry. While officials claim this minimizes conflicts of interest, critics fear increased political influence and a loss of institutional autonomy.
- The VBSA Bill replaces UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex commission.
- It segregates the roles of regulation, accreditation, and standards-setting for higher education institutions.
- Grant-disbursal power is moved from the regulator to the direct control of the Ministry of Education.
A private member's resolution moved by Sudha Murty in the Rajya Sabha urged the government to provide free and compulsory early childhood care and education (ECCE). The resolution proposes amending the Constitution to introduce Article 21B, guaranteeing these rights for children between three and six years of age. It emphasizes the role of ECCE in nutrition, health services, and pre-primary learning as a foundation for lifelong development. Murty also called for extending the fundamental right to education to cover the entire age bracket from three to 14 years, strengthening the existing framework under Article 21A.
- A private member's resolution seeks to introduce Article 21B for early childhood care.
- The proposal focuses on children in the 3 to 6 years age group.
- ECCE includes nutrition, health services, and pre-primary education.
Despite the Right to Education (RTE) Act and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, educational costs in India remain a significant burden. Data from the NSS 80th Round (2023) reveals that private schooling costs are nearly equivalent to the monthly income of the poorest 5% of households. This financial strain pushes families toward private tuition, further widening the learning gap between rich and poor. The article emphasizes the need to strengthen the quality and accessibility of government schools to ensure education remains a right, not a privilege, and to bridge socio-economic divides. Addressing these challenges requires urgent reforms in public school infrastructure.
- Private school enrollment is significantly higher in urban areas (62.9% at pre-primary level) compared to rural areas.
- The cost of private schooling at the secondary level aligns with the monthly expenditure of households in the third income decile.
- Private tuition has become a 'symbol of prestige' and a necessity due to underqualified teachers in some private schools.
A House panel on Social Justice and Empowerment has advised the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to stop sanctioning new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) until land is secured. Currently, over one-third of sanctioned schools are non-functional, primarily due to land unavailability. Out of 722 sanctioned locations, only 477 are functional, with many operating from rented or temporary government buildings. The committee also criticized the slow progress in establishing Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums across the country, noting that only three out of ten proposed museums have been inaugurated so far to honor Adivasi contributions.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee highlighted that land unavailability is the primary reason for the non-functionality of EMRS.
- The panel recommended that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs establish a clear timeline for completing pending school projects.
- The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the slow implementation of the Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums project.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stated that the release of Central funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme is contingent upon states fulfilling implementation conditions, including those related to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Several non-BJP ruled states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have faced delays in receiving their share. The Minister emphasized that funds depend on the submission of utilization certificates and compliance with scheme norms like the PM-Shri schools. Opposition MPs have termed this 'arm-twisting,' while the Centre maintains it is a non-partisan policy aimed at ensuring uniform educational standards across the country.
- Samagra Shiksha is an overarching program for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
- The Centre requires states to submit utilization certificates and audit reports to release subsequent fund tranches.
- The PM-Shri (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme is a key point of contention between the Centre and some states.
V. Rajaraman, a Padma Bhushan awardee and a key figure in India's IT revolution, passed away on November 8. He is credited with pioneering computer science education at IIT-Kanpur and IISc-Bengaluru. Rajaraman was instrumental in introducing the first B.Tech. and M.Tech. programs in computer science in India during the 1970s and 80s. He authored numerous textbooks, including a popular Fortran programming manual sold for just ₹15 to ensure affordability. His efforts laid the foundation for the rapid spread of programming skills that fueled India's global software services sector.
- Rajaraman led the design of an early analogue computer at IISc in the 1950s and established the first academic computer center at IIT-Kanpur.
- He lobbied for the introduction of formal B.Tech. degrees in computer science, which started with 20 seats in 1979.
- His work as head of the computer manpower committee led to the creation of the Master of Computer Applications (MCA) course.
In the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, China has overtaken India as the most-represented location. While India reached a record high of 294 ranked institutions, China added more to reach 394. Seven Indian institutions feature in the top 100, but most have seen a decline in their individual rankings. IIT-Delhi remains the highest-ranked Indian institution but slipped from 44th to 59th. The top 10 positions continue to be dominated by universities from Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, reflecting a shift in the regional educational landscape.
- India has 294 institutions in the QS Asia rankings, a record high, but still trails China's 394 institutions.
- IIT-Delhi is the top-ranked Indian institution at 59th place, followed by IISc Bangalore and other major IITs.
- Rankings of major Indian institutions like Delhi University, IISc, and IIT Madras have declined compared to the previous year's edition.
The Supreme Court of India has flagged the growing misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to criminalize consensual relationships between adolescents. A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna observed that parents often lodge complaints against boys in such relationships as a form of retribution. The court is considering issuing directions to spread legal awareness among students and men regarding the Act's provisions. The judges emphasized the need for early sensitisation on gender parity and legal literacy in school curricula to prevent the unintended criminalization of youth in situations not envisaged by the law's framers.
- The POCSO Act is increasingly being invoked in cases of consensual relationships between minors, leading to unintended legal consequences.
- The Supreme Court suggests that ethical and behavioural training on treating women with respect should be part of education.
- Several states, including Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, have been asked to respond to the court's concerns regarding legal awareness.
The Indian IT industry, contributing 7% to the GDP, faces a profound metamorphosis driven by AI automation and shifting global demands. The current 'Layoff Wave' is a symptom of structural changes where routine tasks like basic coding are being replaced by AI-driven transformation. Furthermore, restrictive US immigration policies and increased H-1B visa fees are forcing Indian firms to localize their overseas workforces. To remain competitive, there is an urgent need for engineering curriculum reform to focus on AI, data science, and soft skills. The government is also urged to consider mandatory compensation packages for mass layoffs to protect the workforce.
- The Indian IT industry contributes approximately 7% to the national GDP and employs nearly 6 million people.
- AI-driven automation is replacing routine tasks like basic coding and reporting, necessitating a shift to high-value, specialized services.
- Restrictive US immigration policies and increased H-1B visa fees are impacting the cost-arbitrage model of Indian IT firms.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with other ministries, has launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha in 2025. This initiative aims to educate students about the Panchayati Raj system by simulating real Gram Sabha processes in schools and colleges. Despite Article 243A defining the Gram Sabha as the foundation of local democracy, youth participation has historically been minimal. The program involves students playing roles like Sarpanch and ward members to discuss village budgets and development plans. By embedding these simulations into the curriculum, the government hopes to cultivate civic pride and active citizenship among the future generation.
- Article 243A of the Constitution defines the Gram Sabha as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system.
- The initiative is being launched in over 1,000 schools across 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
- It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge of democracy and practical grassroots governance.
Kerala has finally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union government to implement the PM SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme. The state had initially resisted due to ideological differences regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. PM SHRI aims to develop over 14,500 schools as model institutions showcasing NEP features. The Union government will provide 60% of the funding (90% for hilly/NEP states), with the state covering the rest. Kerala's decision was partly influenced by the Union's condition of linking PM SHRI participation to the release of Samagra Shiksha funds.
- PM SHRI schools are designed to be 'exemplar schools' that demonstrate the implementation of NEP 2020.
- Funding is shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and States (90:10 for specific regions).
- States like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu still oppose the scheme due to branding and language policy concerns.
Kerala recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Prime Minister Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, despite initial opposition. The scheme, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to upgrade 14,500 schools. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal had resisted, arguing education is a Concurrent List subject and the NEP encroaches on state autonomy. The Centre has reportedly withheld Samagra Shiksha (SS) funds from states refusing to adopt PM SHRI, leading to legal challenges and debates on whether central financing should be used to influence states into policy compliance, impacting cooperative federalism.
- PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to showcase the implementation of NEP-2020 in selected schools.
- States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala argue that the scheme imposes 'Indian Knowledge Systems' and infringes on state-level curriculum control.
- The withholding of Samagra Shiksha funds has led to salary arrears for teachers and non-teaching staff in non-compliant states.
A recent survey highlights the declining proficiency and usage of the Dogri language in the Jammu region, particularly among the youth. While Dogri was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and recognized as an official language of J&K in 2020, it lacks a meaningful presence in school curricula and administrative use. The decline is attributed to globalization, migration, and a lack of government support. The survey shows a stark generational divide, with proficiency dropping to near zero among respondents under 20 years of age.
- Dogri is one of the five official languages of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- UNESCO reports indicate that India has lost over 220 languages in the last 50 years.
- There is a significant rural-urban divide, with 56% of rural respondents speaking Dogri compared to 45% in urban areas.
The article discusses the decline of U.S. dominance in basic research due to funding cuts and 'brain drain,' while China rapidly ascends. The U.S. administration has significantly reduced budgets for the NIH, NSF, and NASA, leading to the cancellation of thousands of research grants. In contrast, China has made strategic, long-term investments in frontier research, particularly in AI, quantum research, and semiconductors. China now leads in several research categories and produces a higher share of the world's most-cited papers, challenging the geopolitical balance of the 21st century.
- The U.S. S&T system is facing severe budget cuts, including a 56% reduction in the NSF budget.
- China's R&D spending is growing at 8.7% annually, significantly faster than the U.S. and EU.
- China accounted for nearly 40% of all AI publications in 2021, far exceeding the U.S. share.
Japan is actively seeking Indian workers and researchers to address its demographic crisis, with one-third of its population over 65. While India has a massive youth population, the number of Indian students and workers in Japan remains significantly lower than other nations. Only 1,500 Indian students are currently registered in Japan. To bridge this gap, Japan has launched an 'Action Plan' to facilitate 5 lakh workforce exchanges over five years. Challenges such as language barriers and cultural unfamiliarity persist despite strong government-to-business cooperation between the two nations.
- Japan faces a critical labor shortage with 33% of its population aged over 65.
- India's demographic dividend (65% of population under 35) offers a perfect complement to Japan's needs.
- The number of Indian students in Japan is very low, ranking Japan 34th as a destination for Indian higher education.
The Union Culture Ministry has launched the Gyan Bharatham Mission, a flagship initiative aimed at identifying, documenting, conserving, and digitizing India’s extensive collection of manuscripts. The mission will establish a National Digital Repository (NDR) to share this heritage globally. To implement the project, the ministry is signing MoUs with around 20 institutions across India, including the Asiatic Society and the University of Kashmir. These institutes will be categorized as cluster centers or independent centers. The mission, announced in the recent Union Budget, seeks to create a dedicated digital platform and foster professional conservation and research of ancient texts.
- The Gyan Bharatham Mission focuses on the digitisation and preservation of manuscripts to prevent the loss of India's ancient knowledge.
- A National Digital Repository (NDR) will be created to provide worldwide access to India's manuscript heritage.
- The mission involves a network of institutions, including the Government Oriental Manuscript Library in Chennai and Sahitya Sammelan in Prayagraj.
Recent changes in U.S. immigration policies, including a proposed $100,000 visa fee for new H-1B workers, are creating hurdles for international STEM talent, particularly from India. Data shows that while the U.S. IT sector has grown significantly, the growth of home-grown STEM talent has not kept pace with demand. Non-residents earn a disproportionately high number of STEM Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the U.S. As the U.S. tightens its borders, countries like China, the U.K., and Germany are actively vying for this talent. This shift could potentially lead to a 'brain drain' from the U.S., impacting its long-term technological edge.
- The U.S. relies heavily on foreign-born talent, with non-residents earning 55% of STEM Master’s degrees in 2020-21.
- Proposed high visa fees and restrictive policies may push skilled Indian professionals to look for opportunities in other countries.
- Computer and mathematical occupations in the U.S. grew by 40% between 2016 and 2024, far outstripping domestic talent supply.
Tamil Nadu has sought a Supreme Court review of a judgment requiring all in-service teachers (Classes 1-8) to clear the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) within two years or face disqualification. The state argues that 'compulsorily retiring' nearly 4 lakh non-TET qualified teachers would lead to a collapse of the education system and violate Article 21A (Right to Education). The controversy centers on Section 23 of the RTE Act, 2009. While the court aims to ensure quality education, the state seeks a balance that protects the livelihoods of long-serving teachers appointed before the RTE Act's implementation.
- Section 23 of the RTE Act mandates minimum qualifications for teachers as laid down by the NCTE.
- A 2014 SC judgment (Pramati case) exempted minority institutions from the RTE Act, but recent rulings suggest bringing them back under its ambit.
- Tamil Nadu argues that the TET requirement should not apply retrospectively to teachers appointed before the 2010 notification.