CBSE postpones board exams in several Middle East nations

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March 3, 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in select countries across the region, in view of the ongoing Iran–US–Israel tensions affecting parts of the Middle East.

The Board issued an official communication to school principals in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, informing them that the scheduled examinations have been deferred due to the prevailing situation. Fresh dates for the postponed papers will be announced in due course.

CBSE has also stated that it is closely monitoring developments and will take an appropriate decision regarding the remaining examinations scheduled in the region. Students and schools have been advised to stay updated through official channels for further announcements.

Also Read: India to welcome 19 foreign universities this academic year

The Board conducts Class 10 and Class 12 examinations across multiple centres in India and abroad for its affiliated institutions. For the current academic session, CBSE has established examination centres in 26 countries outside India. A majority of these international centres are located in the Middle East – including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain – along with centres in countries such as Nigeria and Uganda.

With over 43.6 lakh students appearing for the board examinations this year, including those enrolled in overseas CBSE-affiliated schools, the development impacts a significant number of candidates in the affected countries.

The Board has now further postponed the examinations that were scheduled to be held on 5 and 6 March 2026 in the affected countries, citing continued security concerns. In an official notice issued on 3 March, CBSE stated that it will review the situation again and take a call on examinations scheduled from 7 March onwards. The circular has also been marked to Indian ambassadors in the seven countries, the Consul General of India in Dubai, and CBSE’s regional office in the UAE for necessary coordination. Students have been advised to remain in close contact with their respective schools for timely updates.

Further updates on the revised schedule are expected once the Board completes its review.

India to welcome 19 foreign universities this academic year

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March 3, 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that nearly 19 international universities are poised to set up campuses in India within the current academic year. The announcement was made during the Study in India Edu Diplomatic Conclave 2026 held in New Delhi.

Highlighting India’s expanding academic footprint, the Union Education Minister noted that Indian institutions are actively partnering with leading global universities across high impact sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, critical minerals, agriculture and sustainable management. These collaborations, he emphasised, are designed to place India at the forefront of innovation driven education.

Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended a warm invitation to students worldwide, positioning India as an emerging destination for quality higher education. He reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening academic standards, improving global rankings, and aligning education with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young citizens.

Stressing the demographic advantage, he pointed out that nearly 65 percent of India’s population is under the age of 35, calling it the country’s greatest strength and a catalyst for economic transformation.

Also Read: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for stronger global academic ties at Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026

Looking beyond national boundaries, the Minister spoke about India’s ambition to build a “knowledge bridge” connecting diverse nations and civilizations. He further indicated that India is working towards developing an inclusive growth model that could serve as a framework for countries of the Global South.

With policy reforms and international partnerships gathering pace, India’s higher education landscape appears set for a transformative chapter.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for stronger global academic ties at Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026

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March 3, 2026

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan underscored India’s growing role as a global education hub at the Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026, organised by the Ministry of Education at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. The high-level gathering brought together Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and representatives from diplomatic missions of over 50 countries, along with senior officials from the Ministry, to discuss ways to deepen international collaboration in higher education.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the National Education Policy, noting that the reforms have reshaped India’s academic landscape with a focus on flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, research, and global engagement. He emphasised that India is actively advancing the internationalisation of its higher education ecosystem by encouraging foreign partnerships, student mobility, joint research initiatives, and cross-border academic exchanges.

Also Read: Unacademy announces ₹50 crore ESOP buyback to offer liquidity to employees

Shri Pradhan reiterated that India’s education framework is anchored in three core pillars – quality, innovation, and affordability. He pointed out that the country’s expanding network of world-class institutions, digital learning platforms, and research-driven universities positions it as an attractive destination for international students.

The conclave served as a platform for dialogue on building stronger academic bridges, promoting student exchanges, and enhancing mutual recognition of qualifications. It also reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering meaningful global partnerships in line with its broader vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.

Unacademy announces ₹50 crore ESOP buyback to offer liquidity to employees

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March 2, 2026

Unacademy has rolled out a ₹50 crore Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) buyback, creating an opportunity for both present and former employees to monetise their stock options. The initiative was approved by the company’s board, with Co-founder Gaurav Munjal confirming that a dedicated cash reserve has been set aside for the programme, despite the company currently being valued below its previous funding round.

As per internal estimates shared by Munjal, eight employees are likely to receive payouts exceeding ₹1 crore each. Around 17 team members could realise more than ₹50 lakh, while nearly 38 employees may earn upwards of ₹10 lakh through the buyback. The company is expected to reach out to eligible participants in the coming weeks with detailed instructions on the process.

Also Read: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation partners with McGill University to establish AI Centre of Excellence

In a related development, Unacademy recently provided a one-time 30-day window allowing former employees to exercise their vested stock options. However, the company clarified that its present valuation stands lower than earlier rounds and that preference shareholders retain priority over equity shareholders in payout structures.

The buyback comes at a time when Unacademy is recalibrating its growth strategy amid ongoing shifts in the edtech landscape following the pandemic-era boom. As part of its restructuring efforts, the company plans to transition from operating company-owned offline centres to adopting a franchise-led model, aiming to optimise costs and strengthen margins.

Earlier discussions around a potential acquisition by upGrad did not materialise, reportedly due to differences in valuation expectations.

Jubilant Bhartia Foundation partners with McGill University to establish AI Centre of Excellence

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March 2, 2026

The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation has entered into a strategic partnership with McGill University, Canada, to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on AI education and research.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised on the sidelines of a high-level engagement attended by Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.

The agreement was signed by Shyam S. Bhartia, Founder & Chairman, and Hari S. Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, along with Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University.

The upcoming Centre of Excellence aims to narrow the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry requirements in artificial intelligence. With a strong focus on producing industry-ready AI professionals and future research leaders, the initiative seeks to combine academic depth with practical exposure.

The Centre will initially roll out a Master’s programme designed to integrate theoretical rigour with hands-on industry engagement. Students enrolled in the programme will work on live projects addressing emerging technological challenges and AI-driven opportunities relevant to India’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Drawing on McGill University’s research-intensive AI ecosystem, the partnership will create a curriculum that balances foundational knowledge with applied innovation. Beyond academics, the Centre will function as a research hub, encouraging the development of AI solutions aligned with India’s digital transformation priorities.

Also Read: Delhi High Court pauses school fee hike, bringing relief to parents

The Master’s programme will admit graduates from across India each year and will emphasise academic excellence, adaptive curriculum design to meet evolving industry needs, applied learning through case studies and live assignments, and mentorship from international faculty and leading industry professionals. Continuous evaluation and global best practices in AI research will remain central to the programme’s design.

This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to building a future-ready AI talent pool and fostering research that supports India’s ambitions in advanced technologies.

Delhi High Court pauses school fee hike, bringing relief to parents

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March 2, 2026

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has welcomed the interim order of the Delhi High Court putting a temporary halt on recent school fee hikes until the 12th of next month. Calling the court’s direction a reflection of the government’s firm resolve, Sood said the decision would bring significant relief to thousands of parents across the national capital.

In his statement, the Minister noted that many families had been burdened by what he described as arbitrary increases in fees by certain private schools. He emphasised that no revised fee structure would be enforced until the School Level Fee Regulation Committee (SLFRC) is formally constituted following the upcoming hearing scheduled for the 12th.

Also Read: Global Schools Group to Invest ₹1,051 Crore in Uttar Pradesh for Skill-Driven K-12 Expansion

Ashish Sood further remarked that the court’s intervention marks a decisive step against what he alleged to be a nexus involving the Aam Aadmi Party, select NGOs, and some private school managements. He reiterated that the Directorate of Education would closely scrutinise any complaints of excessive fee collection for the 2025–26 academic session and initiate appropriate action wherever necessary.

The Minister assured that regulatory measures would be implemented promptly after the next hearing, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in school fee structures.

Global Schools Group to Invest ₹1,051 Crore in Uttar Pradesh for Skill-Driven K-12 Expansion

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February 27, 2026

Singapore-based Global Schools Group (GSG) has entered into a ₹1,051-crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to establish a network of next-generation, skill-focused K-12 institutions across the state.

The proposed investment underlines Uttar Pradesh’s increasing attractiveness to international education players and aligns with India’s broader ambition to emerge as a global centre for education and skills development.

As part of the agreement, GSG plans to set up as many as 10 campuses over the next five to eight years in high-growth locations including Noida, Greater Noida, Lucknow, and the emerging Singapore-themed township near the Noida International Airport at Jewar.

The initiative, titled Global Schools Skills Project “Deeksha”, is projected to create nearly 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while significantly widening access to globally benchmarked and future-ready education in the state.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, welcomed the collaboration, noting that GSG has already established 64 campuses across 11 countries. He emphasised that the group’s expansion into Lucknow marks an important step towards strengthening skills-based schooling in the state.

Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of GSG, described Uttar Pradesh as one of India’s most dynamic growth markets. He highlighted that the partnership aims to introduce globally aligned, skill-integrated education models that are responsive to local aspirations. According to him, the group’s vision extends beyond infrastructure development to building comprehensive learning ecosystems that equip students with knowledge, values and competencies required in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Under the partnership, GSG will roll out curriculum frameworks that integrate academics with skills training, supported by strong STEM, digital and innovation-led learning environments. The campuses are expected to adopt international best practices in governance and pedagogy, alongside industry-linked programmes designed to enhance career readiness and long-term employability.

With an established presence in 11 countries, the group brings global academic expertise while maintaining a focus on affordability, inclusivity and contextual relevance.

The MoU reflects GSG’s continued commitment to strengthening India’s education ecosystem, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a strategic hub for modern, skill-oriented schooling. By investing in advanced learning infrastructure and integrated curricula, the initiative is expected to contribute to the state’s human capital development and broader economic growth trajectory.

Haryana to launch CM Shri Schools on CBSE Pattern

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February 27, 2026

Haryana’s Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda has announced that the Haryana government will soon introduce CM Shri Schools across the state, drawing inspiration from the Centre’s PM Shri Schools initiative. The proposed institutions will adopt the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum pattern, aiming to strengthen academic standards and modernise school education in Haryana.

The announcement was made during the Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, where the minister was responding to a query raised by a member of the House.

Highlighting the state’s commitment to inclusive education, Mahipal Dhanda said the Education Department has earmarked 25 percent seats at the entry level in private schools for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG). This provision is being implemented under the framework of the Right to Education (RTE) Act to ensure equitable access to quality schooling.

Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal launches advanced e-library in Benaulim to support 4,500 students

Sharing recent data, the minister revealed that in the previous academic session, 14,127 applications were submitted for admissions in private schools under the RTE quota. Of these, 11,803 eligible students were successfully allotted seats, reflecting steady progress in expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged children.

The state government’s twin focus on launching CM Shri Schools and strengthening RTE implementation underscores Haryana’s push towards accessible, standardised, and quality-driven education.

Arvind Kejriwal launches advanced e-library in Benaulim to support 4,500 students

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February 27, 2026

In a major push towards digital education, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated a modern e-digital library in Benaulim, Goa, aimed at expanding access to quality learning resources for students across the constituency.

The newly established facility has been designed to promote technology-driven education and provide students with comprehensive academic support. Equipped with more than 10,000 digital books, the e-library will also assist learners preparing for competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET and CLAT. In addition, the project incorporates green school elements to encourage environmentally sustainable learning practices.

Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal expressed appreciation for the initiative led by Venzy Viegas, the sitting MLA of Benaulim. He said the project would directly benefit students from multiple schools in the region and serve as a model for modern educational infrastructure.

According to Kejriwal, five schools in the constituency have already been onboarded, and efforts are underway to extend the facility to all eight schools in Benaulim. Once fully implemented, nearly 4,500 students are expected to gain access to the digital library services.

Also Read: Adobe rolls out free AI creative suite for students

He also highlighted the growing financial burden of education on families, noting that the rising cost of textbooks affects not only economically weaker sections but middle-class households as well. The e-digital library seeks to ease this challenge by offering free access to NCERT textbooks from Classes 1 to 10, along with a vast collection of reference materials and supplementary reading resources.

The initiative is anticipated to strengthen digital learning infrastructure in Goa while ensuring that students have equitable access to essential academic content and competitive exam preparation tools.

Adobe rolls out free AI creative suite for students

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February 26, 2026

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, Adobe announced a nationwide initiative to democratise access to AI-powered creative tools for students across India. The company revealed plans to offer complimentary access to key applications including Adobe Firefly, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat through accredited higher education institutions.

The initiative is designed to equip learners with practical, industry-aligned skills for emerging AI-driven careers. In addition to software access, students will receive structured coursework, guided training modules, and opportunities to earn professional certifications. The goal is to empower young creators with capabilities in digital design, content production, visual communication, and productivity tools essential for modern workplaces.

Adobe’s move aligns with the Government of India’s “Create in India” vision and complements the Union Budget 2026 emphasis on boosting employment in high-growth AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sectors. The company plans to collaborate with government stakeholders to expand its AI-enabled ecosystem to thousands of schools and colleges expected to establish Content Creator Labs in the coming years.

Chair and CEO Shantanu Narayen highlighted that providing broad access to advanced AI tools will unlock new creative pathways for millions of Indian students. He emphasised that hands-on exposure to globally recognised platforms can help learners compete effectively in international markets while contributing to India’s expanding digital economy.

Adobe’s generative AI platform, Firefly, enables students to create commercially viable AI-generated content with safeguards for responsible use. Meanwhile, Acrobat Pro enhances collaboration, document workflows, and academic productivity skills increasingly relevant in both higher education and professional environments.

Also Read: Navneet Education partners with Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar

As part of its wider skilling efforts, Adobe India has also partnered with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime, a digital learning platform backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Through this collaboration, students nationwide will gain access to free, industry-focused courses and certifications aimed at strengthening AI and digital competencies.

The programme is expected to particularly benefit learners aspiring to careers in graphic design, animation, gaming, marketing, e-commerce, media, and technology—industries undergoing rapid AI-led transformation.

During the summit, Adobe also presented “Kathāvatār,” a series of short AI-powered films inspired by Indian folklore, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Students enrolled through participating institutions will be able to access the newly launched AI toolkit as part of the broader rollout.

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