‘One Day as a Scientist’: Ministry of AYUSH Initiative for students on PM’s call

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March 1, 2025

The Union Ministry of AYUSH has started ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative. The program will provide aspiring young minds with an immersive experience in scientific research, offering them firsthand exposure to laboratory work, advanced equipment, and the integration of traditional medicine with modern scientific advancements. In response to the call made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Mann Ki Baat address on February 23, 2025, institutions under the Ministry of AYUSH have actively engaged young students in this initiative.

Prime Minister, addressing the nation via his monthly radio programme, encouraged students to visit research laboratories, planetaria, space centres, and science institutions to nurture their curiosity and foster a scientific temperament. Inspired by this vision, Ayush institutions welcomed students to their research facilities, allowing them to interact with scientists, explore cutting-edge technology, and understand the vast potential of Ayush systems in mainstream healthcare.

The theme for National Science Day 2025 was ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.’ These visits aim to ignite the students’ passion for research and to strengthen India’s vision of developing future leaders in science and innovation.

Also Read: Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates 5G Lab at Gauhati University, Guwahati

Students from Dr. Gururaju Government Homeopathy Medical College, Gudivada, visited the research laboratory of Regional Research Institute (H), Gudivada, under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH). Students from Captain Jailal Academic School, Lohat, Gurugram, Badli, Jhajjar, Haryana, visited the Central Research Institute for Yoga & Naturopathy (CRIYN), Jhajjar, for an insightful and immersive experience in Ayush research.

Students who participated in these visits expressed excitement and appreciation for the opportunity. Many were inspired by the dedication of scientists and researchers working in the AYUSH sector and expressed a desire to explore careers in traditional medicine research. Faculty members and institutional representatives also lauded the initiative, noting how such interactions provide students with a deeper understanding of scientific processes and career pathways in healthcare and innovation.

Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates 5G Lab at Gauhati University, Guwahati

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March 1, 2025

Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated 5G Lab at Gauhati University, Guwahati on Friday. Developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the Union Minister of North Eastern Region (second portfolio) gave the laboratory to the university’s Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering.

The 5G test lab inaugurated by the Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region will benefit the students, researchers and faculty in the following ways:

Gaining practical insights into an end-to-end 5G system
Developing a deeper understanding of 3GPP specifications for 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) and 5G Core networks
Enhancing system capabilities while exploring new 5G use cases and applications
Providing a foundation for advanced research and specification development for 6G technologies, enabling IPR generation

C-DOT 5G University solution consists of gNodeB (radio), Core Network and IMS. gNodeB consists of CU (Centralized Unit), DU (Distributed Unit) and RU (Radio Unit) functionalities. An EMS (Element Management System) has also been provided for managing and configuring various 5G units of Radio subsystems. A technical manual is also supplied that will allow students to configure the system in various ways so that a deeper understanding of 5G network can be achieved.

Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “The 5G use case lab will proliferate the capability of our country to spread education, to take telemedicine and healthcare to the last village in the country. He said he has great belief in the young cohort, which will spearhead the change and such test labs will prove extremely beneficial for them to transcend across multiple dimensions and bring in innovations within our country.”

The Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, thanked Honourable Minister of Communications and the C-DOT team while highlighting the University’s contribution to higher education, research, and technological advancements, emphasising its vision towards enhancing innovation and excellence in the region.

Also Read: At 35% of schools, enrollment hovers under 50 students – Report

In April last year, C-DOT and the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur (IIT-J) signed an agreement for ‘Automated Service Management in 5G and Beyond Networks Using AI.’ The receiver of the grant, Dr Sai Kiran M.P.R., Associate Professor (IIT Jodhpur) thanked the R&D for the grant from the DoT, which will fuel advanced research and development initiatives aimed at revolutionizing network management and improving Quality of Service (QoS) in 5G and 6G telecom networks

At 35% of schools, enrollment hovers under 50 students – Report

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March 1, 2025

Indian education is at a crucial juncture, with data indicating that 35% of Indian schools have fewer than 50 students. A recent report on an extensive analysis of government studies provides valuable insights into the current landscape of education in the country. It also highlights that only 37% of schools have an enrollment exceeding 101 students.

The study reviewed multiple government reports from the past decade, including data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), and Household Social Consumption on Education in India.

Titled ‘Demand for Grants 2025-26 – Education,’ the PRS analysis referenced NSSO 2017-18 data, revealing that the cost of primary education in a private unaided school was 12 times that of a government school during that period. Additionally, the report states that only 7% of schools in India have more than 500 students, while 12% have fewer than 20 students.

The report also examines enrollment patterns, noting that while the Gross Enrolment Ratio at the primary level stands at 93%, it declines to 56% in higher secondary education (grades 11-12). As of 2022-23, 16% of teaching positions for grades 1-8 remained vacant, with certain states facing more significant shortages—Jharkhand at 40%, Bihar at 32%, Mizoram at 30%, and Tripura at 26%.

For the 2025-26 financial year, 52% of the Department of School Education and Literacy’s allocation is directed towards the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening school education. However, in 2024-25, spending on key initiatives such as PM-POSHAN, PM-SHRI, and STARS is projected to be lower than initially budgeted.

Also Read: NIT Rourkela Develops Clean Energy Innovation to improve Solar Energy Harvesting

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and automation across industries, investing in both early education and higher learning has become more essential than ever. Strengthening the education system will play a pivotal role in equipping students with the skills needed for a dynamic and technology-driven future.

NIT Rourkela Develops Clean Energy Innovation to improve Solar Energy Harvesting

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February 28, 2025

In its efforts to promote clean energy, a research team from National Institute of Technology (NIT Rourkela) has innovated a low-cost technology to extract maximum power from solar panels under changing weather conditions. Under the guidance of Prof. Susovon Samanta, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering, Ms. Satabdi Bhattacharya, PhD Student, and Ms. Madhusmita Barik, Dual Degree Student, NIT Rourkela, have achieved this innovation in order to make solar power systems more efficient, affordable, and reliable.

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Clean Energy Research Initiative (CERI), the research team has been granted a patent for the developed technology. Solar panels produce electricity from sunlight, but the amount of power they generate changes throughout the day due to shifts in temperature and the intensity of sunlight. To ensure they always produce the most energy possible, solar systems use a technique called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).

This is a smart system that helps solar panels produce the most electricity possible by adjusting voltage and current based on sunlight and temperature changes. It consists of a microcontroller that runs the MPPT algorithm, sensors to measure voltage and current, and a DC-DC converter that regulates power flow.

The system continuously monitors the solar panel’s output and makes minor adjustments to keep it operating at peak efficiency, ensuring minimal energy waste. Traditional MPPT methods can waste energy and respond slowly when weather conditions change. They also require expensive current sensors, making them less affordable for low-cost solar setups.

To overcome these limitations, Prof. Samanta’s team has developed a voltage sensor-based MPPT method that eliminates the need for current sensors, reducing system complexity and cost. Their approach uses a simple voltage sensor or a resistor divider circuit to track the Maximum Power Point (MPP) more accurately while maintaining stable and efficient steady-state operation, leading to improved tracking efficiency and better PV energy harvesting. Eliminating the need for costly current sensors, reduces costs and makes it a good fit for affordable and small-scale solar projects.

Also Read: CSC Olympiad 5th edition: 280,000 rural students participated with 163 winning scholarships

In addition to this, the developed innovation can also be used in –

Solar-powered IoT devices such as weather sensors and remote communication towers, where maintaining reliable energy output is crucial.
Affordable consumer solar products like home lighting systems and portable solar chargers, where cost and efficiency are key considerations.
Microgrid and off-grid energy solutions, providing a stable and reliable power source in remote or rural areas.

CSC Olympiad 5th edition: 280,000 rural students participated with 163 winning scholarships

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February 27, 2025

With an aim to bridge the gap between rural and urban India, the fifth edition of the CSC Olympiad (CSC Olympiad 5.0) has concluded with over 280,000 students from remote rural areas registering across 15 subjects in New Delhi. Amongst those registered, 113,576 students participated in practice exams and over 100,000 online exams were conducted with AI proctoring. Notably, 163 students have been selected for performance-based scholarships, as announced by the Common Service Centre e governance under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.

Idea behind Common Service Centre:

This plan was approved during the UPA-1 regime in September 2006 to cover all 6 lakhs census villages by one lakh such common service centres. According to the government’s estimates, one Common Service Centre would be equitably fair to serve six villages, making it at the ratio of 1:6. The government aims to propagate such schemes via the National Common Minimum Programme to introduce e-governance and CSCs help in it.

With an aim to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the CSC Olympiad caters students from Class 3 to 12, conducted examinations in 10 regional languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Beyond academic assessments, the Olympiad aims to foster leadership and communication skills and to elevate the role of Common Service Centers (CSCs) as crucial educational facilitators in rural communities.

Also Read: CBSE to Introduce Global Curriculum from 2026-27, Expanding International Offerings

How Olympiad started:

During the first lockdown of Covid-19 pandemic, digital connectivity enabled students to keep on their learning. While urban students felt no hurdles in this switching, rural students from and secondary classes faced significant hurdles in the switching. India doesn’t face such inertia ever again, Common Service Centres launched this Olympiad in May 2020 to bolster the digital skills of rural students.

With over 1,000 schools participating annually, the Olympiad provides an inclusive platform that is grade-agnostic, ensuring that students from diverse educational backgrounds can showcase their abilities. The event is further recognized for its credibility, as more than 15 District Magistrates and Education Officers actively participate in distributing awards to meritorious students.

CBSE to Introduce Global Curriculum from 2026-27, Expanding International Offerings

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February 24, 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a global curriculum from the 2026-27 academic session, allowing not only its foreign-affiliated schools but also international schools and CBSE-affiliated institutions in India to adopt it. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), aiming to provide a globally competitive and flexible learning experience.

A high-level meeting has been called this week to finalize the framework before rolling out a draft for public feedback. The move follows a directive from the Union Education Minister, who recently chaired a meeting instructing CBSE to prepare a detailed action plan for implementation.

This is CBSE’s second foray into international education, following the CBSE-i curriculum, which was launched in 2010 but discontinued in 2017 due to operational challenges. The new curriculum is expected to compete with established global boards like Cambridge International (CI) and International Baccalaureate (IB) while integrating key elements of NCERT’s national curriculum to maintain a balance between Indian educational priorities and global learning standards.

Also Read :- Gujarat Budget 2025-26 Prioritizes Education with Rs 59,999 Crore Allocation

Currently, CBSE does not offer an international curriculum, with most global schools opting for CI, IB, or CISCE affiliations. With this move, CBSE aims to expand its educational footprint, providing schools with a globally aligned yet adaptable syllabus. The final pedagogical structure and framework are expected to be formalized in the coming months, marking CBSE’s re-entry into the international education sector with an official rollout in April 2026.

Gujarat Budget 2025-26 Prioritizes Education with Rs 59,999 Crore Allocation

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February 21, 2025

The Gujarat government has earmarked Rs 59,999 crore for the education sector in the state budget for the financial year 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Kanu Desai on Thursday. Despite the significant allocation, the budget does not introduce any new schemes for education but continues funding for existing initiatives.

The total budget for the state stands at Rs 3.7 lakh crore, with a focus on education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development. Among the key education schemes receiving continued financial support are the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana, and various merit-based scholarships.

Declining Enrollment and Institutional Shifts

The Social Economic Review 2024-25, released alongside the budget, highlights a decline in the number of primary schools in Gujarat over the past five years. The number of primary schools has decreased from 45,315 in 2019-20 to 44,288 in 2023-24, with a notable reduction in schools operated by local bodies. Correspondingly, student enrollment has dropped from 86.14 lakh to 78.47 lakh over the same period.

In contrast, the number of technical institutions has grown from 236 in 2020-21 to 271 in 2024-25. However, the total number of sanctioned seats in these institutions has declined from 1.85 lakh to 1.22 lakh, indicating shifting dynamics in higher and technical education demand. Similarly, while the number of diploma institutions has increased, student enrollment has dropped from 1.87 lakh to 1.17 lakh between 2020-21 and 2024-25.

Investments in Higher and Technical Education

A major announcement in the budget is the establishment of the Gujarat Institute of Technology (GIT), modelled after the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The government has allocated Rs 100 crore for the institute, which aims to develop expertise in emerging fields such as green energy, semiconductors, fintech, and aerospace.

Additionally, a Demonstrative Artificial Intelligence Lab will be set up at LD College of Engineering in Ahmedabad, along with AI labs at six other government technical institutions to enhance research and innovation capabilities.

Streamlining Admissions and Enhancing Access

The Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS), launched in 2024, has been highlighted as a key achievement in the budget. The portal aims to streamline the admission process for government universities, making registration and course selection more accessible to students across disciplines.

The government’s education focus aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to modernise Gujarat’s learning infrastructure and prepare students for future job markets.

Broader Budgetary Focus

Beyond education, the state budget allocates substantial resources to infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth. Investments include Rs 5,000 crore for road expansion, Rs 4,000 crore for smart city initiatives, and Rs 3,500 crore for urban housing projects. The healthcare sector has received Rs 40,000 crore, with an emphasis on AI-based diagnostics in government hospitals and expanded coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

Women’s empowerment remains a priority, with Rs 15,000 crore directed towards financial independence, education, and safety initiatives for women. Similarly, Rs 10,000 crore has been allocated to skill development and startup incentives, particularly in IT, AI, and renewable energy sectors, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.

The agriculture sector has been allotted Rs 25,000 crore to support irrigation, smart farming, and crop insurance. Additionally, Gujarat has committed Rs 12,000 crore to renewable energy projects, focusing on solar, wind, and hydrogen power, further strengthening the state’s position as a leader in sustainable energy.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025 Allocates 13 Percent for Education

Symbolism in Budget Presentation

In a departure from the traditional budget presentation style, Finance Minister Desai carried the budget document in a red-coloured ‘pothi’ (ledger book) adorned with Warli paintings and Ahir embroidery, showcasing Gujarat’s rich tribal and folk artistry. The Ashoka Stambh was also prominently featured, reflecting national pride and governance.

Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025 Allocates 13 Percent for Education

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February 20, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, presented the Budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Thursday. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna outlined an expenditure plan of Rs 8.08 lakh crore, with a strong emphasis on education, infrastructure development, and job creation. The budget aims to fulfil electoral promises while catering to various societal segments, including students, women, farmers, and the underprivileged.

A significant highlight of the budget is the allocation of 13% of the total expenditure to the education sector. This commitment underscores the state’s dedication to enhancing educational infrastructure, expanding higher education, and fostering skill development among youth.

To promote higher education among girls, the government has introduced the Rani Laxmibai Scooty Yojana, under which eligible female students will receive scooters. A budgetary provision of Rs 400 crore has been earmarked for this initiative, aiming to improve accessibility to education for young women across the state.

A cornerstone of the education budget is the creation of 92,000 new jobs, encompassing positions for teachers, administrative staff, and professionals in public sector undertakings (PSUs). The government is also investing in skill development programs to enhance employability among the youth in both urban and rural areas.

Recognising the importance of vocational training, the budget provides for the establishment of seven new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and five new polytechnic colleges. Additionally, the Vishwakarma Skill Institute will expand its operations to train students in emerging sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. A Center for Advanced Skill Development will also be established to prepare students for high-demand industries.

The state government has allocated Rs 30,000 crore for educational infrastructure enhancement. This funding will be utilised for the construction of new classrooms, digital laboratories, and sports facilities. Furthermore, 5,000 schools will receive digital classrooms, and new sports complexes will be built to encourage physical education and holistic student development.

To expand higher education opportunities, the government will establish 10 new universities and 15 new colleges, with a particular focus on promoting women’s education and rural accessibility. Special attention will be given to the establishment of Agriculture and Science Institutes, aligning education with the state’s economic needs. Additionally, a scholarship program will be launched to support girls pursuing technical education.

To bridge educational disparities, the budget introduces several measures for marginalised communities. These include scholarships, free textbooks, and financial assistance for students from economically weaker sections. Furthermore, the state will deploy mobile learning units and digital platforms to enhance educational accessibility in rural areas.

Recognising the importance of sports in education, the budget includes funding for new sports academies across multiple districts. The government also plans to establish specialised coaching centres for cricket, badminton, and football while implementing a Sports Quota in higher education institutions to support student-athletes.

To align with global educational advancements, the government is investing in e-learning platforms and digital laboratories. Innovation hubs will be established in major cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi, and Agra to foster research and creativity among students.

Also Read: Indian Graduate Employability in AI and ML Reaches 46 Percent: Report

On a national scale, the education budget for 2025-26 has been increased to Rs 50,077.95 crore, up from Rs 47,619.77 crore in the previous year. The national budget includes provisions such as:

Rs 2,160 crore for student financial aid
Rs 681 crore for Digital India e-learning expansion
Rs 327 crore for research and innovation
Rs 11,349 crore for Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
Rs 3,335.97 crore for the University Grants Commission (UGC)
Rs 5,473.87 crore for National Institutes of Technology (NITs)

The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for educational and employment growth in the state. By creating 92,000 new jobs, expanding technical and vocational education, and enhancing educational infrastructure, the budget ensures that students receive quality education while gaining relevant skills for the evolving job market. The initiatives in this budget reflect the government’s commitment to empowering youth, promoting gender equality in education, and strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s educational framework. As the state advances towards digital transformation and skill-oriented education, these initiatives promise to shape a brighter future for its students and workforce.

Indian Graduate Employability in AI and ML Reaches 46 Percent: Report

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February 20, 2025

A recent report by talent assessment firm Mercer Mettl has highlighted the promising employability of Indian graduates in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The study, which analysed data from over 2,700 campuses and more than one million learners, found that 46.1% of Indian graduates are employable in AI and ML roles, the highest among all technical domains.

The findings indicate that while Indian graduates possess strong adaptability to AI and ML-related roles, certain skill gaps remain. The report notes that 50% of graduates exhibit the necessary soft skills for AI and Generative AI collaboration. However, creativity, a crucial component in AI innovation, was identified as an area for improvement, with only 44.3% of graduates meeting the employability benchmark in this category. Meanwhile, communication skills (55.1%), critical thinking (54.6%), and leadership abilities (54.2%) emerged as strengths among graduates. Learning agility, with a 46% employability rate, was also recognised as essential for success in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

The report further sheds light on employability variations based on educational institutions. Graduates from Tier 1 colleges demonstrated the highest employability rate at 48.4%, followed by those from Tier 2 institutions at 46.1% and Tier 3 institutions at 43.4%. Despite these differences, the report underscores the presence of potential across all tiers, particularly in specialised technical roles. Notably, Tier 2 graduates excelled in UI/UX developer roles, with a 58.3% employability rate.

Regional data also revealed significant insights. Delhi recorded the highest employability rate at 53.4%, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Punjab at 51.1%. Graduates from Uttarakhand and Jharkhand also performed well, with employability rates of 50% and 49.6%, respectively. These statistics suggest that while metropolitan areas continue to lead in employability, emerging regions are also making strides in technical education and job readiness.

A key highlight of the report is the gender parity observed in AI, ML, and data science roles, where male and female graduates demonstrated equal employability. However, disparities were noted in software testing, indicating the need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap.

Commenting on the findings, Siddhartha Gupta, President of Mercer India, stated, “In 2025, the overall employability rate for Indian graduates stands at 42.6%, marking a slight decline from 44.3% in 2023. This decline is primarily attributed to evolving industry expectations. However, technical roles have witnessed notable improvements in employability, as educational institutions and students increasingly align their skill development efforts with market demands.”

He further added, “The development of non-technical and soft skills presents a more complex challenge, often requiring additional time to refine. These trends highlight the areas where institutions and graduates need to focus their efforts to enhance job readiness.”

The report underscores the growing significance of AI and ML in India’s job market and the increasing emphasis on skill development. With targeted improvements in creativity and other key areas, Indian graduates are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the AI-driven economy.

Adani Group and GEMS to Transform K 12 Education with ₹2,000 Crore Investment

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February 18, 2025

The Adani Foundation has announced a strategic partnership with GEMS Education, a leading global K-12 education provider, to launch the ‘Adani GEMS Schools of Excellence’ across India. This initiative aims to make high-quality education affordable and accessible, with a strong focus on inclusivity.

The initiative will commence with an initial donation of ₹2,000 crore from the Adani family. Under this collaboration, at least 20 schools will be established over the next three years in major metropolitan areas, expanding to Tier II, III, and IV cities. The first school is set to open in Lucknow in the academic year 2025-26.

A key highlight of this project is its commitment to social inclusion. In each school, 30% of the seats in the CBSE curriculum will be reserved for underprivileged students, offering them free education. By leveraging the Adani Group’s extensive infrastructure network and GEMS Education’s expertise in pedagogy and digital learning, the initiative aims to create a scalable, sustainable, and impactful education model.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This initiative reflects our commitment to making world-class education affordable and widely accessible. By adopting global best practices and innovative digital learning through our partnership with GEMS Education, we aim to equip the next generation of change-makers to become socially responsible leaders in India.”

Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, also emphasised the significance of this initiative, noting, “Our vision has always been to make quality education accessible to every learner, regardless of their socioeconomic background.”

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh Strengthens IT Policy to Create More Remote Jobs for Women

The Adani Group has been actively involved in philanthropy, with a broader commitment of ₹10,000 crore towards various social development sectors. This includes ₹6,000 crore allocated for hospital infrastructure and ₹2,000 crore for skill development. The current education initiative aligns with the group’s broader mission of fostering sustainable development through strategic investments in health, education, and skill-building.

With the establishment of these schools, the Adani Foundation and GEMS Education seek to create a transformative impact on the Indian education system. By integrating cutting-edge teaching methodologies with world-class infrastructure, the initiative will provide students from diverse backgrounds with opportunities for holistic development and future success.

Declining Enrollment and Institutional Shifts

Investments in Higher and Technical Education

Streamlining Admissions and Enhancing Access

Broader Budgetary Focus

Symbolism in Budget Presentation

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