Category education

New Delhi: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education organised a one-day interactive workshop with representatives from Union Territories on March 13, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

The workshop brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives from various ministries and departments, and officials from all Union Territories to deliberate on key administrative, financial and legal issues related to school education.

Secretary, DoSEL, Sanjay Kumar inaugurated the workshop and emphasised the importance of regular engagement with Union Territories to strengthen coordination and improve the implementation of education programmes. He highlighted the need to fill vacancies in teaching and non-teaching positions in a timely manner, strengthen academic institutions such as State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and State Institutes of Education (SIEs), and ensure prompt responses to parliamentary matters and financial proposals.

Economic Advisor, DoSEL, A. Srija outlined the context of the workshop and noted that the platform would enable Union Territories to exchange ideas and address operational challenges in the education sector.

During the inaugural session, Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Dheeraj Sahu spoke about the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and improving administrative efficiency across Union Territories. Ajay Gupta, Joint Secretary in the Department of Legal Affairs, addressed key issues related to handling litigation and court cases.

Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, emphasised that all schools in the Union Territories should be affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Bhupal Nanda, Principal Chief Controller of Accounts in the Ministry of Education, highlighted matters related to financial management and accounting systems.

The technical sessions covered several important topics including the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, educational indicators and data reporting for evidence-based policy formulation, onboarding of Union Territories with legislatures onto the SNA-SPARSH platform, and strengthening digital financial management systems.

The sessions also highlighted the role of the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) in monitoring court cases and addressed procurement-related issues on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal to improve transparency and efficiency in government procurement.

Representatives from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, and Delhi made presentations on issues including court cases, vacancies in teaching and non-teaching positions including special educators, vacancies in SCERTs, DIETs and SIEs, release of funds under Samagra Shiksha, submission of annual reports and audited accounts, parliamentary matters, and challenges faced while using the GeM portal.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion and a summary of key takeaways. The deliberations reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Education and the Union Territories to strengthen coordination, enhance institutional capacity, and ensure effective implementation of school education initiatives to improve learning outcomes across the Union Territories.

Study will follow thousands of young children during a critical window for language development

HOUSTON, March 12 – University of Houston researchers have secured an $11.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct a first-of-its-kind study of early language development, tracking thousands of Houston toddlers during a critical period of early childhood.

Led by Elena Grigorenko, the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of Psychology, and research professor Jack Fletcher, the project will follow 3,600 children ages 18 to 24 months to better understand how language skills emerge during this early stage and why some children experience delays that can shape later development.

The NIH funding will support a new national Clinical Research Center on Developmental Language Disorders at UH, bringing together experts from psychology, education, health and measurement sciences to study one of the most fundamental questions in human development: how children learn language. This will be the 14th national research center established at UH.

How the Study Will Work

To recruit participants, the research team will partner with the pediatric clinic network at Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the largest in the region. Children will be screened for early language development, allowing researchers to identify those who show signs of delayed speech.

From that group, the team will follow a cohort of about 2,400 children — including both late talkers and children with typical language development — through early childhood to examine how language abilities evolve over time and how early delays may lead to later challenges.

“This will be the first national study to estimate how common late talking is using a large, representative sample of Houston toddlers,” Grigorenko said. “By following these children as they grow, we hope to better understand the developmental pathways that can lead to conditions such as developmental language disorder and autism.”

The Houston Community as a Partner in Discovery

Houston’s linguistic and cultural diversity makes it an ideal setting for this work. The study will include children from a wide range of backgrounds who speak English, Spanish or both, enabling researchers to examine how early communication develops across different home environments and socioeconomic contexts.

“This level of investment from the National Institutes of Health reflects the significance of this work to address a complex challenge affecting children, families and communities,” said Claudia Neuhauser, vice president for research at UH. “By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines and partnering with major health systems across the region, the project reflects our commitment to advancing discoveries that impact our community.”

This research center brings together investigators from multiple UH colleges and departments, along with partners at Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Center for Learning Disorders. The work also aligns closely with the mission of the Consortium for Translational and Precision Health — a partnership led by Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Houston to accelerate the translation of research into practical health solutions.

“By studying early language development in Houston toddlers, we’re building the knowledge needed to identify developmental challenges sooner and support children at the earliest possible stages,” Grigorenko said.

Bengaluru, Mar 11: Education company PhysicsWallah (PW) has expanded its presence in Bengaluru with the inauguration of a new tech-enabled PW Vidyapeeth centre in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

 PW Vidyapeeth offers tech-enabled offline centres where students attend in-person classes led by experienced teachers. The new PW Vidyapeeth centre is located at 2nd floor, No. 466/A, Ideal Homes Township, 80 Feet Road, Kenchenhalli, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560098. PW’s other existing Vidyapeeth centres in the city are situated in JP Nagar, Whitefield, Banaswadi, Yelahanka, Rajajinagar and HSR Layout – Harlur Road.

Ankit Gupta, CEO of Vidyapeeth-Offline, PhysicsWallah (PW)said, “At PW, we always try to find avenues of making students’ learning experience better. By opening a new centre in Bengaluru, in addition to our existing centre, we aim to provide our service to more students and bring quality education closer to their homes.”

Furthermore, 11 students from PhysicsWallah in Bengaluru secured a percentile of 99 or above in the recently announced JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 results.

DGT, MSDE Signs Flexi-MoU with Bajaj Auto Ltd. to train Youth in Advanced Automotive Manufacturing Under Industry-Integrated Skilling Model

Chandigarh, Mar 7: In a significant step towards strengthening industry-driven skill development and deepening Government–industry collaboration, the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has signed a Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) with Bajaj Auto Ltd., one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers, under the revised Flexi-MoU Scheme (June 2024).

 The partnership will enable Bajaj Auto Ltd. to operate as an Industry Training Partner (ITP) and deliver NSQF-aligned, industry-integrated training programs at its manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. In the first year, Bajaj Auto has proposed an intake of 1,000 trainees, with structured training programs of up to 24 months combining classroom instruction with intensive shopfloor exposure using advanced manufacturing systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India said:

“I welcome this partnership as an important step towards strengthening industry-linked skilling in India. Initiatives like these reflect how our skilling ecosystem is evolving to become more closely aligned with the needs of industry. When training is connected to real production environments and modern technologies, it helps young people gain practical experience and become truly job-ready. Such collaborations play a vital role in building a strong pipeline of skilled talent for the country and will be instrumental as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and positions itself as a global hub for skilled workforce.”

The signing ceremony was graced by Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, Shri Dilip Kumar, Director General, Directorate General of Training (DGT) and Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director General, DGT who attended the event and emphasized the importance of deepening industry partnerships to strengthen demand-driven skilling. The event was also attended by Shri Pranav Choudhary, Director (Curriculum Development), DGT, and Shri Hemant D Ganjare, Director (CFI) DGT, along with officials from the DGT. From Bajaj Auto Limited, Shri Ravi Kyran Ramasamy, Chief HR Officer, along with other representatives of the company, participated in the ceremony, marking a significant step towards expanding industry-integrated training opportunities for India’s youth.

The Flexi-MoU Scheme, implemented by DGT under MSDE, provides industries the flexibility to design customized training programs aligned with emerging technologies and sectoral demands while maintaining alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The scheme mandates a minimum annual training capacity of 100 trainees, industry-led practical and formative assessments, and centralized Computer-Based Theoretical (CBT) examinations conducted by DGT. Successful candidates are awarded a National Trade Certificate (NTC), making them eligible for apprenticeship opportunities.

Under the proposed implementation plan, trainees will receive exposure to advanced automotive manufacturing systems, production dojos, quality control systems, plant maintenance technologies, mechatronics systems, welding technologies, assembly operations and logistics management, among others. All courses will be NSQF-aligned and delivered through a structured industry-integrated model leveraging Bajaj Auto’s existing training infrastructure.

The collaboration aims to strengthen industry-aligned skill development within the automotive manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing employability and placement outcomes through exposure to real-time production environments. It is expected to help create a sustainable pipeline of skilled technicians, suppliers, and vendor networks, while also expanding structured career pathways through apprenticeships and long-term employment opportunities.

As per Flexi-MoU Scheme guidelines, Industrial Training Partners are required to ensure placement of at least 50% of successful trainees and may leverage CSR funds to support training costs and stipends. Bajaj Auto has demonstrated a strong commitment to skill development, with nearly 70–80% of its CSR expenditure focused on skilling initiatives. Through initiatives such as Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST), Bajaj Manufacturing Systems (BMS) and Bajaj STEP (Service Technician Excellence Program), the company is already impacting over 90,000 students annually across India.

The Flexi-MoU signed between DGT and Bajaj Auto will remain valid for ten years, extendable subject to performance outcomes in enrolment, learning achievements and placements, in line with the scheme provisions.

This collaboration with Bajaj Auto Ltd. marks another milestone in MSDE’s mission to create a future-ready workforce, aligned with India’s manufacturing growth ambitions and the larger national objective of building a skilled, self-reliant and globally competitive India.

ESCP Business School has announced the appointment of Professor Cédric Denis-Rémis as Executive Vice-President of Executive Education and Corporate Relations, and Dean of ESCP School of Technology, effective February 23. He will report to Léon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, and will serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
 
A graduate of École des Mines de Paris, Cédric Denis-Rémis holds a PhD and a Habilitation to (Supervise) Direct Research (HDR). He has built his career at the intersection of technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher education. He previously served as Vice-President of PSL University, where he oversaw development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and Executive Education. Prior to that, as Deputy Director of Mines Paris–PSL, he founded and directed the Institute of Higher Education in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IHEIE).
 
He has also led several international academic initiatives, particularly in China, where he served as European Executive Director of the China-EU Institute for Clean and Renewable Energy (ICARE), and later as Dean of the Shanghai JiaoTong–ParisTech Institute of Technology.
 
Deeply involved in disruptive technologies and defence topics, he was head of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces’ Red Team Defence programme. In 2018, he created the Specialised Master’s degree in DeepTech Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Mines Paris–PSL and developed two investment funds between PSL and Elaia that have invested in more than 40 deeptech companies.
 
Author of approximately sixty publications, his research focuses on the intersection of risk management and innovation management. He is also co-founder of Zénon, a think tank dedicated to climate technologies, and serves as a member of the French Defence Procurement Council.
 
By entrusting him with Executive Education, Corporate Relations, and the launch of the School of Technology, ESCP accelerates its 2026–2030 strategic plan to transform its educational model and prepare future leaders with the hybrid skills required to address the major challenges of the 21st century.
 
The ESCP School of Technology will welcome its first cohort in September 2027. The school will train students at the intersection of technological expertise, strategic vision, and managerial responsibility.

“In a context where technologies are profoundly transforming business models and skills, we need leaders capable of bridging innovation, academic excellence, and the corporate world. The appointment of Cédric Denis-Rémis fully aligns with this ambition and will contribute to the implementation of our Bold & United strategic plan,” says Professor Léon Laulusa, Dean and Executive President of ESCP Business School. 

“The convergence of management and technology has become essential. Throughout my career, I have worked at this interface, in close collaboration with academic and industry stakeholders. Joining ESCP today means contributing to a European academic project that places this convergence at the heart of its development,” says Cédric Denis-Rémis, Executive Vice-President in charge of Executive Education and Corporate Relations and Dean of ESCP School of Technology.

The creation of the ESCP School of Technology in 2027 marks the first major milestone of the Bold & United strategic plan. This plan also includes the creation of the ESCP School of Governance in 2029, completing ESCP’s ambition to establish itself as the first European University of Management by 2030.

Kolkata,  Mar 5: A sense of pride, achievement and new beginnings marked the 11th Graduation Congregational Ceremony of J.D. Birla Institute  Kolkata, held on 14 February 2026 at the Vidya Mandir Auditorium. The ceremony celebrated the academic accomplishments of the Bachelors’ and Masters’ graduates of the 2024–2025 session. University dignitaries, members of the Vidya Mandir Society, faculty, parents and students were present at the occasion.

 The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Amitava Datta, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Jadavpur University and the Guest of Honour was the distinguished author, Dr. Kunal Basu. Their presence added dignity and gravitas to the solemn academic event. The event was also graced by Major General V. N. Chaturvedi, Secretary General of the Vidya Mandir Society, whose esteemed presence further elevated the significance of the ceremony.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial procession, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana. In his welcome address, the Director of J.D. Birla Institute, Dr. Saugata Banerjee observed that students are stepping into an increasingly dynamic and rapidly evolving technology-driven world and emphasised that while a degree signifies academic success, long-term fulfilment depends on a commitment to continuous learning and adherence to values such as integrity, empathy and professionalism.

Highlighting the Institute’s ongoing transformation, the Director spoke about JDBI’s evolution into a career-focused institution. He noted strengthened global engagement through collaborations, including an MoU with the Institute of Management Accountants, USA, and a newly signed MoU with Brunel University of London. Initiatives such as AI-enabled placement preparation tools and renewed alumni engagement further reflected the Institute’s emphasis on career readiness.

Addressing the gathering thereafter, Prof. Amitava Datta, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Jadavpur University, congratulated the graduates and described the day as a celebration of perseverance and achievement. He urged students to take pride in being affiliated with a nationally and globally recognised university and reminded them that in today’s AI-driven world, lifelong learning and adaptability are essential for sustained success.

The ceremony also featured a thought-provoking address by Dr. Kunal Basu, who urged graduates to cultivate the habit of reading beyond their academic curriculum. Citing research and global surveys, he highlighted how reading enhances mental fitness, sharpens awareness and fosters deeper understanding. Emphasising enjoyment, learning and transformation as its core purposes, he reminded students that reading remains a powerful tool for lifelong growth.

The Officiating Principal, Dr. Tapobrata Ray, also addressed the gathering, after which the gold medallists were announced in recognition of exceptional academic performance. Degrees were then conferred upon students from disciplines including Management, Commerce, Fashion & Textiles, Food & Nutrition, Interior Designing, and Applied Psychology & Behavioural Sciences.

The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, bringing to a close a memorable academic milestone. As graduates stepped forward into the next phase of their lives, the event reaffirmed J.D. Birla Institute’s commitment to academic excellence, professional preparedness and value-based education.

Noida: Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida, Sector-62, organized a vibrant celebration of Flower Holi on its campus. During the cultural festivity, students celebrated Holi in a traditional manner with flowers, accompanied by folk dances and folk music. The event reflected the colorful and diverse spirit of Indian culture.

President Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta extended his warm wishes to faculty members and students for a happy and prosperous life. He stated that Holi is a festival of joy, enthusiasm, and positive energy. It also offers an opportunity to understand and imbibe the selfless love of Lord Krishna and Radha. He emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of the institution to prioritize character building among students and actively contribute to nation-building by instilling strong values and ethics.

Vice President Mr. Chirag Gupta conveyed his heartfelt greetings on the occasion and remarked that Holi symbolizes love, harmony, and social unity. Celebrating Holi with flowers not only preserves cultural heritage but also reflects responsibility toward nature and environmental consciousness.

Cultural Club Head Ms. Meetu Chaudhary informed that the program began with colorful cultural performances in which students presented mesmerizing dance and music performances on traditional Holi songs. The highlights included depictions of Sangla Ki Holi, Haryana Ki Holi, and Barsana Ki Holi, along with group dances, traditional Holi songs, Sufi singing, solo musical performances, poetry recitation, and folk music. The presentation of Barsana Ki Holi beautifully portrayed the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the traditions of Braj. 

Manipal, Feb 28: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, will organise the National Science Day Celebrations 2026 on Saturday, February 28, at the Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, 3^rd Floor, KMC, Manipal. The chief guest for the programme will be

Dr Hoysall N. Chanakya, Chief Research Scientist (Retd.), Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. A distinguished scientist and thought leader in sustainable technologies, Dr Chanakya has over four decades of research experience and has guided more than 10 doctoral scholars and over 20 postgraduate research students, and has led over 50 research, development, and consultancy projects. Since 1978, his work has focused on decentralised bioenergy technologies, including biogas plants and related systems, energy integration into rural livelihoods, water and wastewater purification, and the restoration of water bodies. The event will be presided over by Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, whose leadership has been instrumental in strengthening MAHE’s academic and research ecosystem. 

The celebrations will be graced by senior MAHE leadership, including Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology and Science, MAHE, Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE, and Dr Anil K. Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal. 

National Science Day is observed across India to commemorate Sir C. V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect. MAHE encourages young minds to adopt a scientific approach to life and society. 

Chandigarh, Feb 28: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is strengthening India’s higher education and skilling ecosystem through the expansion of its flagship Centre for Future Skills (CFS) initiative — a campus-based, technology-integrated model designed to embed advanced technical training, global certifications, and hands-on project learning directly into mainstream degree programmes. Conceived as a long-term national intervention, the initiative aims to impact one million students over the next decade by aligning academic pathways with globally benchmarked industry standards and emerging technology demands.

The Centre for Future Skills model has already been operationalised across multiple institutions nationwide, with training activities actively underway at each location. The initiative has begun creating tangible impact by equipping students with industry-aligned competencies embedded within their academic journey.

Speaking on the initiative, Shri Arunkumar Pillai, CEO, NSDC, said, “The Centre for Future Skills marks a structural shift in how India prepares its youth for the future economy. It is already demonstrating impact at scale with its 12 operational institutions and over 43,000 trained candidates. Over the next three years, we aim to add 22 more centres nationwide. With the integration of global certifications and hands-on learning within degrees, we are ensuring graduates enter the workforce industry-ready and globally benchmarked.”

The inauguration of a new Centre at the Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT), Kochi, marks another step in this national rollout, reinforcing the broader vision of institutional transformation.

The Centre for Future Skills operates as an on-campus hub that integrates academic credit pathways, industry-recognised certifications, expert mentorship, and state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure. Students earn two to three academic credits per semester alongside globally recognised certifications without extending the duration of their degree, enabling a dual outcome — a university qualification coupled with validated employability credentials. The model ensures that structured skill pathways are woven into the academic journey itself.

Through partnerships with leading global technology companies, CFS provides access to over 200 certification programmes across high-growth domains. These certifications are delivered at significantly subsidised costs compared to prevailing market rates, expanding access to world-class, industry-relevant technical education. Students who successfully complete assessments receive globally recognised credentials that enhance mobility across both domestic and international job markets.

A defining feature of the CFS framework is its structured, multi-semester skill pathways that progressively build technical competence aligned with industry demand. For example, under the Software Engineering track, learners advance from programming foundations to full-stack development, cloud deployment, and software engineering practices. By graduation, students may earn four to six global certifications while building strong project portfolios and gaining hands-on experience in cloud, DevOps, and application development environments. Importantly, pathways are structured for both technical and non-technical learners, enabling interdisciplinary participation in emerging technology areas.

The infrastructure-led approach under CFS further reinforces its impact. NSDC establishes advanced hardware and software laboratories within partner institutions. Each certification course runs for 45 to 50 hours per semester and is delivered in physical mode through lab sessions, projects, and rigorous assessments, ensuring quality and practical immersion. At FISAT, the Centre is projected to enrol approximately 3,500 students per semester, or 7,000 students annually, reflecting the scalable and large-scale nature of the initiative.

At a systemic level, the Centre for Future Skills introduces what NSDC describes as a “Global Certification Stack,” effectively internationalising Indian talent. By embedding globally benchmarked certifications within degrees, the initiative enhances signalling power in the labour market, reduces industry training burdens through validated skill credentials, and strengthens India’s positioning within global talent supply chains. The degree, under this model, evolves from being a knowledge credential to becoming a productivity indicator aligned with future industry needs.

As India accelerates its transition towards a knowledge and innovation-led economy, the expansion of the Centre for Future Skills signals a decisive move to embed employability, technology readiness, and global competitiveness within the country’s higher education architecture.

Mumbai Feb 28:  Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a leading educational resource provider and trusted publishing house, recently honoured two esteemed educators with the Shikshak Ratna Award from Maharashtra – Ms. Archana Kapse, from Veershaiva Upper Primary School Shantinagar, Nagpur and Dr. Ravi Prakash Singh, from R P Singh tutorials, Vile Parle. 

Ms. Archana Kapse was honoured by Target Learning Ventures for receiving Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule State Teachers Recognition Award. Her recognition highlights her efforts in encouraging students to participate in scholarships and inter-school competitions, as well as her contributions to publishing a book on phonics.

On the other hand, Dr. Ravi Prakash Singh of R P Singh Tutorials, Vile Parle, was felicitated with the Shikshak Ratna Award by Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd. for receiving the Rashtriya Gaurav Puraskar in Rajasthan. This award recognizes his exceptional dedication and impactful contributions to both society and the field of education.

Dilip Gangaramani, Founder Director & CEO of Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to honor these esteemed educators with the Shikshak Ratna award for their exceptional contribution to education. Our goal is to empower educators who inspire children to think critically and embrace learning in fresh, exciting ways. Ms. Kapse and Mr. Singh truly embody this vision, and we are proud to support their outstanding efforts.”