In a significant policy shift, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) informed the Supreme Court that it will now release provisional answer keys shortly after the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Previously, answer keys were only published after the entire year-long recruitment cycle was completed. This move follows a petition by aspirants seeking greater transparency and the right to raise objections to questions. A team of subject experts will review candidate representations before finalising the answer keys. This change aims to ensure fairness and reduce uncertainty for candidates who previously lacked a redressal mechanism for disputed questions during the evaluation process.
- UPSC will provide a window for candidates to raise objections or representations against the provisional answer key.
- The final answer key will still be released only after the publication of the final results.
- The decision addresses long-standing criticisms regarding the 'opaque' nature of the UPSC's evaluation process.
The Union government has released ₹538.39 crore to Tamil Nadu under the Right to Education (RTE) Entitlements component of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). This follows a Special Leave Petition filed by the State in the Supreme Court after the Madras High Court suggested delinking RTE reimbursements from SSA. The funds include the Centre's share for 2024-25 and the first installment for 2025-26. Under the RTE Act, 25% of seats in entry-level classes in private schools are reserved for marginalized sections. The delay in funds had stalled the admission process in the state.
- The RTE Act mandates 25% reservation for marginalized sections in private schools at entry-level classes.
- Funding for RTE is integrated into the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme, leading to center-state disputes.
- The Supreme Court intervened to ensure the release of central funds to the state to prevent educational disruption.
Over the last decade, India has seen a transformation in girls' education, driven by initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP). Launched in 2015, BBBP aimed to prevent female foeticide and promote education. The program's success is visible in improved sex ratios at birth and higher female literacy rates. In Gujarat, the Kanya Kelavani campaign (2003) served as a precursor, addressing barriers like lack of school toilets. These efforts have led to a positive feedback cycle where educated women marry later, have fewer children, and are more likely to seek institutional healthcare and join the workforce.
- BBBP is a multi-ministerial effort involving Women and Child Development, Health, and Education ministries for coordinated change.
- Improved female literacy directly correlates with lower fertility rates and better maternal and child health outcomes.
- The initiative has shifted social mindsets, leading to increased support for delaying early marriage and promoting higher education.
A proposed one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications could significantly impact Indian students, who recently became the largest group of international students in the U.S. Over 75% of Indian students are enrolled in STEM fields, and many rely on the H-1B path for employment after their Optional Practical Training (OPT). The high fee, combined with existing educational debts, could price many out of the American job market. In 2024, Indian households spent billions on U.S. education, often through loans or life savings, making this financial barrier particularly daunting for those seeking to transition from student status to initial employment.
- Indian students have overtaken Chinese students as the largest group of international students in the United States.
- More than 75% of Indian students in the U.S. are enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses.
- In FY24, 57% of all initial H-1B beneficiaries were Indian nationals, many transitioning from F-1 student visas.
This article discusses the barriers created by academic publishers who gatekeep scientific knowledge through high subscription fees and paywalls. This system disproportionately affects researchers in the Global South, who often lack the resources to access critical papers. Despite India having the fourth-highest number of PhD graduates globally, many students struggle to afford access to research. The authors argue that science is a collective exercise and should be treated as a common good. They call for international cooperation and government pressure to dismantle paywalls and ensure transparent, accessible scientific information for all.
- India accounts for 8.7% of total global download requests on Sci-Hub, reflecting high demand for accessible research.
- Academic publishing is a multi-billion dollar industry that benefits from the free labor of the research community.
- In 2021, 193 UNESCO member countries adopted the first international framework on open science.
The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has simplified the process for Indian citizens to obtain attestation and apostilles for their documents via the e-Sanad portal. Previously, documents often required physical processing in New Delhi, but the new digital system allows for virtual applications. The process involves profile registration, document upload, and payment through Bharatkosh. Once the issuing authority (like a university) and the State government verify the document, the MEA issues a digital attestation within seven working days. This integration aims to assist Indians seeking foreign employment or education.
- The e-Sanad portal (https://esanad.nic.in) centralizes the attestation process for personal, educational, and commercial documents.
- The simplified process eliminates the need for applicants to travel to New Delhi for document processing.
- Digital attestations are now issued within a target timeframe of seven working days after state-level verification.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the 'Anbu Karangal' (Compassionate Hands) programme to support the education of orphaned children or those who have lost one parent. Part of the broader 'Thayumanavar' poverty alleviation initiative, the scheme provides a monthly aid of ₹2,000 to eligible children until they complete their schooling or reach the age of 18. In its first phase, 6,082 children will benefit. The initiative aims to uplift the most marginalized sections of society and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the education of vulnerable children.
- The 'Anbu Karangal' scheme provides ₹2,000 monthly assistance for the education of orphaned or single-parent children.
- The scheme is a component of the 'Thayumanavar' programme, which focuses on supporting those living in extreme poverty.
- Financial aid continues until the child completes schooling or turns 18 years old.
The Ministry of Education has issued letters of intent to twelve top foreign universities to establish physical campuses in India, following UGC regulations introduced in 2023. This initiative is a core component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make Indian higher education globally competitive while remaining locally rooted. A U.K. university has already commenced operations in Gurugram. These campuses provide Indian students with access to international-quality education at a lower cost and foster research collaborations with Indian institutions in fields like AI and renewable energy. The move seeks to transform India into a global education hub.
- The UGC 2023 regulations provide foreign universities with operational autonomy and regulatory clarity to set up in India.
- The initiative aims to reduce the 'brain drain' and financial burden on families sending students abroad.
- Foreign campuses are expected to encourage healthy competition and raise the standards of domestic Indian institutions.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has introduced the 'Anbukkarangal' initiative to provide comprehensive support to children who have lost their parents. Integrated into the broader 'Thayumanavar' poverty alleviation scheme, the program offers a monthly financial aid of ₹2,000 to eligible children until they complete their school education. The initiative aims to prevent school dropouts and provides additional support for higher education and vocational skill development. This safety net targets children until they reach 18 years of age, ensuring that the loss of parental support does not terminate their educational prospects.
- The initiative provides ₹2,000 monthly aid to children who have lost both parents or a single supporting parent.
- It is a sub-component of the 'Thayumanavar' scheme aimed at aiding those in extreme poverty.
- Beyond financial assistance, the program focuses on ensuring students complete school and transition to higher education.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Gyan Bharatam' portal, a dedicated digital repository aimed at digitising and preserving India's vast collection of ancient manuscripts. Speaking at an international conference, the PM highlighted that digitisation would curb 'intellectual piracy' and facilitate the sharing of traditional knowledge. India possesses the world's largest collection of manuscripts (approximately one crore), with only 10 lakh digitised so far. The initiative is part of the Gyan Bharatam Mission and aligns with the concepts of 'swadeshi' and 'atmanirbhar Bharat'. The project also involves international collaboration with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Mongolia to preserve shared cultural heritage.
- The Gyan Bharatam portal is a digital repository for ancient Indian manuscripts.
- Digitisation aims to protect traditional knowledge from being copied and patented by others.
- India has roughly 10 million (one crore) manuscripts, representing a significant portion of human heritage.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 results show that older public institutions continue to dominate, but the ranking methodology faces significant criticism. Key issues include the subjective nature of 'peer perception' and the inadequate prioritization of the 'Outreach and Inclusivity' (OI) parameter. While OI is intended to account for regional, gender, and socio-economic diversity, current data often omits students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those with disabilities. The article argues for a comprehensive review of NIRF to ensure it promotes genuine quality and equity rather than merely serving as a branding tool for private institutions.
- NIRF evaluates institutions based on five parameters: Teaching, Research, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach & Inclusivity, and Perception.
- The 'Peer Perception' parameter, carrying 10% weight, is criticized for being prone to influence and favoring established reputations.
- The 'Outreach and Inclusivity' component lacks comprehensive data on economically disadvantaged students and persons with disabilities.
The article discusses the ongoing conflict between State Governors and elected governments regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs). Using Kerala as a case study, it highlights the Governor's claim that the Chief Minister has no role in V-C appointments based on 2018 UGC rules. The draft 2025 UGC Regulations further aim to divest State governments of this role. Historically, Governors were colonial instruments retained post-independence to ensure academic independence. However, recent trends show legislative moves in states like Punjab and West Bengal to replace Governors with Chief Ministers as Chancellors to ensure hands-on academic leadership.
- Governors often act as political agents of the Centre, leading to friction with State governments over university administration.
- The 2018 UGC rules mandate that search-cum-selection committees for V-Cs consist of persons of eminence not connected to the university.
- State legislatures in Punjab and West Bengal have passed laws to make the Chief Minister the Chancellor instead of the Governor.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) announced its latest rankings, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, securing the top overall position for the seventh straight year. It also remained the country's best engineering college for the tenth consecutive year. IISc Bengaluru topped the universities and research categories. However, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized the 'peer perception' parameter, which accounts for 10% of the marks, suggesting it might favor metropolitan institutions over state-run or rural ones. The rankings consider parameters like teaching, learning, resources, and graduation outcomes to evaluate higher education quality.
- NIRF provides a standardized framework to rank higher education institutions across India based on specific metrics.
- IIT Madras has maintained its dominance in both the overall and engineering categories for several years.
- The 'peer perception' parameter is under scrutiny for potential regional bias against non-metropolitan institutions.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has approached the Supreme Court seeking to exclude the State Chief Minister from the selection process of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) for state-run universities. The Governor argues that according to University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, the Chancellor (Governor) has the sole prerogative to select V-Cs from a list submitted by a search committee. He contends that the State Universities Act does not envisage a role for the CM and that political interference undermines the independence and autonomy of higher education institutions.
- The Governor claims UGC regulations override state laws regarding university appointments.
- The petition seeks to implead the UGC to clarify the mandatory requirement of its nominees in search panels.
- The Governor argues that as Chancellor, he is not expected to act on the advice of the Cabinet for university appointments.
A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has referred the question of whether minority educational institutions are entirely exempt from the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 to a larger Bench. The reference challenges a 2014 Constitution Bench verdict (Pramati case) which exempted minority schools from providing 25% reservation for disadvantaged children under Section 12(1)(c). Justice Dipankar Datta observed that minority status has sometimes become a 'vehicle for circumventing' the mandate of universal elementary education and Article 21A, leading to fragmentation of the common schooling vision.
- The court is reconsidering if minority institutions should be exempt from the 25% reservation for disadvantaged groups.
- Justice Dipankar Datta noted that the 2014 Pramati judgment may have jeopardized the foundation of universal elementary education.
- The reference stems from appeals against school departments insisting on TET qualification for teachers in minority schools.
The Supreme Court has intervened in a dispute where Tamil Nadu alleged the Centre withheld over ₹3,000 crore in Samagra Shiksha scheme funds. The Centre's refusal stems from the state's reluctance to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically the three-language formula. Tamil Nadu argues that linking funds to NEP compliance is arbitrary and challenges regional linguistic diversity. The court has sought a response from the Centre regarding the delinking of Right to Education (RTE) reimbursements from the state's financial obligations under the scheme.
- Tamil Nadu claims the Centre refused to part with its share under the Samagra Shiksha scheme due to NEP 2020 disagreements.
- The state raised concerns that the NEP's three-language policy with a premium on Hindi challenges regional linguistic diversity.
- The 2009 RTE Act requires private schools to admit 25% of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Kerala has been declared India's first fully digitally literate State, following the successful completion of the first phase of the 'Digi Kerala' digital literacy programme. This grassroots initiative, which originated from the Pullampara panchayat, aimed to bridge the digital divide by training 21.87 lakh identified "digitally illiterate" people. The program focused on teaching smartphone usage for voice/video calls, WhatsApp, social media, government services, and digital transactions, rather than traditional computer literacy. Volunteers, including students and Kudumbashree workers, conducted training and evaluations. The State government plans to expand the program with 'Digi Kerala 2.0', focusing on cyber fraud awareness and leveraging projects like KFON for universal internet access.
- Kerala is declared India's first fully digitally literate State after the 'Digi Kerala' programme.
- The initiative trained over 21.87 lakh people, focusing on practical smartphone usage for daily tasks and government services.
- The program originated as a bottom-up initiative in Pullampara panchayat and was scaled statewide.
India's entrance examination system, exemplified by JEE and NEET, is criticized for fostering intense competition, a burgeoning coaching industry, and severe student stress, leading to suicides and exacerbating socio-economic imbalances. The current system, which overqualifies students and distorts merit, sidelines capable individuals who cannot afford coaching. Drawing inspiration from global models like the Dutch weighted lottery and China's 'double reduction' policy, the article proposes reforms. Solutions include simplifying admissions by trusting Class 12 board examinations, implementing a weighted lottery with reservations, vertically reserving IIT seats for rural students, and potentially nationalizing coaching to ensure fairness and student well-being.
- India's entrance examination system is criticized for intense competition, a thriving coaching industry, and negative impacts on student mental health.
- The current system creates an illusory meritocracy, favoring wealthier families and exacerbating urban-rural and gender imbalances.
- International models, such as the Dutch weighted lottery for medical admissions and China's ban on for-profit tutoring, offer potential solutions.
The latest Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data reveals a significant decline in school enrolment in India. Total enrolment for students aged 3-11 (anganwadi, pre-school, Classes 1-5) dropped by nearly 25 lakh in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. Overall school enrolment (Classes 1-12) fell by 11 lakh students to an all-time low of 24.69 crore. Ministry officials attribute this decline primarily to demographic shifts, specifically falling birth rates, as India's total fertility rate dropped to 1.91 by 2021. Despite the overall drop, enrolment in Classes 6-8 and 9-12 saw slight increases, and Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) improved at middle and secondary levels. Dropout rates also reduced.
- School enrolment for children aged 3-11 years has significantly decreased by nearly 25 lakh in 2024-25.
- Overall school enrolment (Classes 1-12) has fallen to an all-time low of 24.69 crore, a drop of 11 lakh students.
- The primary reason for this decline is attributed to demographic shifts and falling birth rates, with India's total fertility rate now below replacement levels.
India's demographic dividend, with over 800 million people under 35, is at risk of becoming a liability due to a widening gap between education and real-world skills. The education system is outdated, failing to prepare students for jobs shaped by emerging technologies like AI. Many graduates are underemployed or unemployable, with 40-50% of engineering graduates unplaced. Students lack career awareness, pursuing degrees misaligned with market needs. Despite government initiatives like Skill India Mission, systemic issues persist. A cohesive strategy aligning education, skill development, and industry demands is crucial to prevent a crisis of highly literate but unemployable youth.
- India's large youth population, often seen as a demographic dividend, is at risk of becoming a liability due to an outdated education system.
- There is a significant gap between the skills taught in educational institutions and the demands of the evolving job market, particularly with AI.
- Many Indian graduates, including engineers, are underemployed or unemployable due to a lack of relevant skills and career awareness.
The Delhi High Court's order to block Sci-Hub has reignited debates on access to research papers. The article criticizes the academic publishing model where publicly funded scientists are unpaid, yet institutions face exorbitant subscription fees. It argues that Sci-Hub, despite copyright violations, provided crucial access. The "One Nation, One Subscription" (ONOS) initiative, approved with a ₹6,000 crore outlay, aims to provide bulk access to 13,000 journals for public institutions. However, concerns persist regarding ONOS's scope, cost-effectiveness, and its ability to address systemic issues like copyright transfer and dependence on foreign publishers.
- The Delhi High Court's decision to block Sci-Hub has intensified discussions on equitable access to scholarly research and the ethics of academic publishing.
- The current publishing model is criticized for charging exorbitant subscription fees to institutions while scientists, often publicly funded, receive no payment for their work.
- Sci-Hub, despite its legal issues, served as a vital, albeit unauthorized, platform for researchers to access scientific literature, particularly in developing countries.
The article underscores the vital role of early childhood care and education (ECCE), particularly play-based learning, in nurturing India's youngest citizens for a "Viksit Bharat." It highlights the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's recognition that 85% of brain development occurs before age six. The Modi government's "Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi" initiative transforms Anganwadi Centres into early learning hubs, providing structured, play-oriented activities. Initiatives like "Aadharshila" (National Curriculum for ECCE) and "Navchetna" (National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation) aim for holistic child development and emphasize parental involvement, ensuring every child receives a strong start.
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), especially through play-based methods, is crucial for holistic child development and achieving the vision of "Viksit Bharat."
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes ECCE, recognizing that 85% of brain development occurs before a child reaches six years of age.
- The "Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi" initiative is transforming Anganwadi Centres into vibrant early learning hubs, equipped with trained workers and activity-based learning materials.
The article emphasizes the first 1,000 days of a child's life as a critical window for brain development and cognitive function, stating that inadequate nutrition during this period can cause permanent damage. It highlights that nutrition and cognitive development are intrinsically linked, with deficiencies like iron deficiency negatively impacting verbal and processing skills. While India has made strides in nutrition, the current pace is too slow to meet targets by 2047. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, along with initiatives like "Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi" and "Navchetana," aim to integrate nutrition and early childhood stimulation. The article calls for enhancing ICDS coverage, leveraging technology, expanding urban services, and improving evaluation to ensure holistic development and empower women in the workforce.
- The first 1,000 days of a child's life are crucial for brain development and cognitive function, with lasting impacts from nutritional deficiencies.
- Nutrition and cognitive development are deeply interconnected, and standalone nutrition programs are less effective than combined approaches.
- India's progress in overcoming nutritional deficiencies is insufficient to meet future targets, necessitating accelerated efforts.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for various subjects, which significantly emphasizes the inclusion of Indian knowledge systems and "ancient wisdom." This initiative, currently open for stakeholder feedback, has drawn criticism from non-BJP-ruled states concerned about "saffronisation" of the curriculum. Examples include Kautilya's Arthashastra in commerce, traditional Indian beverages in chemistry, and ancient Indian concepts of atom in physics. While the National Education Policy promotes multidisciplinary education, the LOCF primarily prioritizes single-major pathways, potentially limiting broader interdisciplinary exploration.
- The UGC's draft curriculum framework (LOCF) aims to integrate Indian knowledge systems and ancient wisdom across various academic disciplines.
- The framework includes specific examples like Kautilya's Arthashastra in commerce and traditional Indian beverages in chemistry.
- The initiative has sparked debate, with some states expressing concerns about the "saffronisation" of education.