Pramath Sinha announces launch of Jetri as Next Chapter in transforming Indian education

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April 11, 2025

In a significant development set to reshape India’s education landscape, noted institution-builder Pramath Raj Sinha has announced the evolution of 9.9 Education into a bold new avatar — Jetri.

Marking a decade of impactful work in building pioneering institutions and driving education reform, Jetri represents a renewed commitment to pushing boundaries and creating lasting change. The new platform will continue to focus on launching progressive schools and colleges, revitalizing existing academic institutions, fostering high-caliber faculty, and contributing to national education discourse through original research and strategic insights.

“This is more than just a rebrand. Jetri symbolizes our ambition to take everything we’ve learned and achieved, and scale it with sharper intent and deeper impact,” Sinha shared in his announcement.

Jetri’s journey begins with a strong foundation, powered by an exceptional leadership team comprising Shreyasi Singh, Nidhi Reddy, and Lokesh Anand — individuals known for their unwavering passion for transformative education and systemic change.

Also Read: Punjab announces ₹4.25 crore school projects under 54-day Sikhya Kranti

The team at Jetri envisions not just building institutions but shaping the very narrative of what quality education means in India today. With a focus on excellence, collaboration, and innovation, the initiative is set to influence policy, pedagogy, and practice in meaningful ways.

Jetri is not just a new name — it’s a renewed promise to reimagine education for a better, brighter India.

India launches ‘Skills Accelerator’ with WEF

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April 11, 2025

In a strategic move to address the growing skill gap in India’s workforce, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has joined hands with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to launch the India Skills Accelerator — a collaborative national platform designed to reshape and strengthen the country’s skilling ecosystem.

The initiative was unveiled during a high-level roundtable held at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from government, industry, and academia to chart a future-ready roadmap for India’s talent development.

At its core, the India Skills Accelerator aims to achieve three pivotal goals: increasing awareness of emerging skill demands, promoting stronger public-private partnerships, and upgrading institutional frameworks to build a more adaptive and resilient skilling environment.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education. He is joined by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Development of the North-Eastern Region, who will serve as the co-chair. From the industry, Shobana Kamineni, Executive Chairperson of Apollo HealthCo, and Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and MD of Bajaj Finserv, will provide strategic guidance as private sector co-chairs.

In his opening address, Minister Chaudhary highlighted the importance of aligning India’s skilling strategies with global trends, citing the nation’s demographic strength, digital momentum, and developmental drive as key enablers. “India is at a historic crossroads—where our youth population, technological evolution, and policy focus converge to offer a transformative opportunity. To unlock this potential, our skilling system must be dynamic and globally attuned,” he remarked.

Echoing this vision, Dr. Majumdar emphasized India’s capability to become a global talent hub, especially in high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud technology. He noted that the National Education Policy has already laid the groundwork by enabling vocational and digital skilling pathways.

WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the initiative. “Strengthening synergy across India’s skill development landscape will not only help close critical talent gaps but also accelerate the nation’s digital and innovation-driven economy,” she stated.

Also Read: Punjab announces ₹4.25 crore school projects under 54-day Sikhya Kranti

Participants of the roundtable proposed a structured approach, including the identification of 10 to 12 strategic priorities with measurable outcomes. They also recommended forming dedicated working groups to oversee implementation and track milestones through WEF’s Global Learning Network, facilitating both peer learning and international benchmarking.

The session saw participation from key stakeholders, including senior representatives from MSDE, WEF, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Directorate General of Training (DGT), the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), CBSE, and NCERT.

Punjab announces ₹4.25 crore school projects under 54-day Sikhya Kranti

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April 11, 2025

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has stepped up efforts under the ongoing ‘Sikhya Kranti’ initiative by launching new educational projects worth ₹4.25 crore in the border districts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. The move is part of a larger state-led push to modernize government schools, especially in remote and underserved areas.

During his visit, he inaugurated upgraded facilities at schools in the Rajasansi and Attari constituencies. In Tapiala village, Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) received seven refurbished classrooms and a new toilet block costing ₹23.38 lakh, while the nearby Government Primary School saw the addition of a new classroom and toilet block valued at ₹8.64 lakh—bringing the total investment in the area to ₹32.02 lakh.

In the Attari region, three new classrooms were opened at the Government Senior Secondary School, Jheeta Kalan, built at a cost of ₹48.7 lakh. A boundary wall and toilet block worth ₹8.14 lakh were also unveiled at the local elementary school.

These inaugurations are part of the 54-day ‘Sikhya Kranti’ education campaign launched earlier in the week, which aims to roll out new infrastructure across 12,000 government schools, backed by a massive ₹2,000 crore investment. Bains noted that education remains a top priority, with 12% of Punjab’s upcoming budget earmarked for this sector.

He also announced ₹29.32 lakh in funding for building two classrooms, a toilet block, and a basketball court at the Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), Mahan Singh Gate, in the Amritsar East constituency.

Also Read: PhysicsWallah eyes UPSC prep market with potential acquisitions amid IPO push

He assured that border-area schools will continue to benefit from upgraded facilities and additional teaching staff, noting that more than 300 teachers have already been deployed in the last two years. He also addressed criticism from political rivals, stating that visible progress in education is now empowering students from ordinary families to aim for professional success.

Wrapping up his visit, the minister toured schools near the international border in Khemkaran, Tarn Taran, where he inaugurated modern facilities, including smart classrooms, science labs, and secured boundary walls, together worth ₹3.07 crore.

PhysicsWallah eyes UPSC prep market with potential acquisitions amid IPO push

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April 10, 2025

Edtech giant PhysicsWallah is reportedly gearing up to expand its presence in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) test prep domain through strategic acquisitions, as part of its broader growth and IPO ambitions.

According to sources, the unicorn is currently assessing seven to eight coaching institutes for potential buyouts, including notable names such as Chaitanya Academy, Drishti IAS, and Rau’s IAS Study Circle. These evaluations mark the startup’s deepening focus on capturing a larger share of India’s booming government exam preparation market.

Recently, a report by Entrackr claimed that PhysicsWallah was in advanced talks to acquire Drishti IAS for around INR 2,500 Cr. However, Drishti IAS CEO Vivek Tiwary dismissed the news, calling it mere speculation.

This potential acquisition spree follows a massive funding round last year, where PhysicsWallah raised $210 million (approx. INR 1,818 Cr) from marquee investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners, GSV Ventures, and WestBridge Capital, pushing its valuation to $2.8 billion. Co-founder Prateek Maheshwari had stated then that the funds would be used for expansion and key strategic acquisitions.

Since its humble beginnings as a YouTube channel in 2016 by Alakh Pandey, PhysicsWallah has evolved into a multi-category edtech platform. It accelerated its growth trajectory in 2020 following its first institutional fundraise and co-founder Maheshwari’s entry. The company has since completed 11 acquisitions and now caters to aspirants preparing for IIT-JEE, NEET, SSC, and UPSC exams—both online and through physical centers.

In 2023, PhysicsWallah also entered a joint venture with Utkarsh Classes, a Jodhpur-based coaching institute specialising in central and state government exams. The edtech firm had announced plans to invest INR 100 Cr to strengthen its UPSC vertical further.

Also Read: IIT Kanpur launches free 30-day NEET 2025 crash course on SATHEE platform

India’s test prep market is projected to hit $17.2 billion by 2029, and PhysicsWallah is positioning itself to become a leading force in this space. Despite a significant surge in operational revenue—jumping 2.6X to INR 1,940.4 Cr in FY24 from INR 744.3 Cr in FY23—the company reported a net loss of INR 1,131.2 Cr in FY24, up from INR 84.06 Cr the previous year. The widening losses are attributed mainly to increased employee-related expenses and valuation changes of its compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS).

As it prepares for an IPO, PhysicsWallah has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) confidentially and aims to raise $500 million through its listing. It has onboarded Axis Capital, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan as lead bankers for the offering.

IIT Kanpur launches free 30-day NEET 2025 crash course on SATHEE platform

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April 10, 2025

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has introduced a free 30-day crash course for NEET 2025 aspirants via its SATHEE platform. Launched on April 7, 2025, the initiative aims to bridge educational gaps and offer top-tier resources to students regardless of location or financial background.

This intensive crash course includes topic-wise recorded video lectures by experienced faculty from IITs and AIIMS, detailed solutions to previous years’ NEET question papers, daily practice quizzes, and a series of full-length mock exams designed to mimic the actual NEET testing experience. A unique addition is a daily formula booklet for NEET and JEE topics, which will be sent to the highest-performing students for effective last-minute revision.

One of SATHEE’s standout features is its AI-driven personalised learning system, which evaluates student performance to pinpoint weak areas and customise study plans accordingly. The course structure emphasises critical, high-weightage topics, ensuring that learners stay focused and well-prepared in the final stretch before the exam.

Available to students both in India and overseas, the course can be accessed for free on the official SATHEE NEET portal (https://satheeneet.iitk.ac.in) or through the SATHEE mobile app, compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Also Read: SiglQ.ai secures $9.5M seed funding

SATHEE, which stands for Self-Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams, is a flagship government initiative under the Ministry of Education and the Department of Science and Technology. It provides free, multilingual, and expert-curated content for a range of national entrance exams, including NEET, JEE, CUET, ICAR, CLAT, and SSC.

SiglQ.ai secures $9.5M seed funding

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April 9, 2025

SiglQ.ai, an AI-powered edtech startup has raised $9.5 million in a seed funding round co-led by The House Fund and GSV Ventures, with additional backing from Duolingo, General Catalyst India (Venture Highway), Peak XV Partners, Calibrate Ventures, and notable angel investors such as Andy Konwinski (Perplexity co-founder), Christian Storm, Trevor Darrell, Jitendra Malik, Srini Devadas, and Sharad Malik.

Launched in 2023 by Karttikeya Mangalam and Kurt Keutzer, SiglQ.ai is on a mission to democratize personalized education at scale through cutting-edge AI. The recent funding will fuel the company’s next phase of growth by enabling top-tier talent acquisition, enhancing its proprietary AI technologies, and expanding platform deployment across global educational ecosystems.

Emerging from 18 months of stealth development, SiglQ.ai has unveiled two flagship products—PadhAI and EverTutor.ai—which are already gaining traction in the higher education segments of the U.S. and India.

One of its standout achievements: PadhAI Tutor reportedly outperformed over 1.3 million candidates in the UPSC 2024 Civil Service Exam, ranking #1 nationwide, and surpassing AI competitors like ChatGPT and Claude. The platform has since gained popularity, with over 200,000 UPSC aspirants in India actively using it.

Meanwhile, EverTutor.ai, tailored for GRE preparation, has attracted 10,000+ users within three months of launch, positioning itself as a go-to tool for standardized test preparation.

SiglQ.ai is now focused on expanding EverTutor’s reach for the upcoming spring and fall GRE exam cycles, while also preparing to showcase both tools at the prestigious ASU+GSV Summit—a key platform for education innovation.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Pushes Food Education in Schools

With this funding boost and a clear global vision, SiglQ.ai is set to redefine the boundaries of AI-assisted learning and transform the educational experience for millions of students worldwide.

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Pushes Food Education in Schools

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April 9, 2025

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled a forward-looking health strategy aimed at building a healthier society, starting with children. Speaking at a high-level review meeting on district health indicators, the CM proposed introducing food habit education in school syllabi and outlined a series of lifestyle recommendations for families across the state.

As part of this health-first vision, Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the need to instill better food choices from an early age. “What we eat shapes how we live. If we begin educating children now, we’re investing in a stronger, healthier Andhra,” he stated. The proposal to incorporate nutrition awareness in classrooms is expected to complement broader state initiatives in preventive healthcare.

The Chief Minister urged citizens to adopt simple lifestyle practices to reduce long-term health risks. He recommended a daily 30-minute walk to relieve mental stress and advised families to limit monthly consumption to specific amounts: no more than 600 grams of salt, 2 litres of cooking oil, and 3 kilograms of sugar for a family of four. He also promoted a return to traditional staples such as millets and unpolished rice, citing their nutritional benefits.

“Health isn’t only about hospitals—it’s about habits, discipline, and self-awareness,” Naidu said. Highlighting the global recognition of yoga and meditation, he encouraged their regular practice as tools for both physical and mental well-being.

A key part of this wellness push is digital. The NTR Trust’s ‘Nutriful’ app, with over 400,000 users, offers personalized diet plans to help citizens track and improve their eating habits. Naidu also praised the state’s progress in digital health, with Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts already created for nearly 88% of Andhra’s population.

Taking cues from other states, he pointed to Kerala’s move toward sugar-free meals in schools and Tamil Nadu’s distribution of glucose testing strips at ration outlets as examples worth emulating. He also cautioned against the long-term dangers of pesticide-heavy agriculture, calling for a gradual shift to natural farming methods. “Let’s not repeat Punjab’s mistake, where excessive pesticide use has taken a toll on public health,” he warned.

Also Read: Punjab launches Sikhiya Kranti as AAP pushes for better education and a drug-free future

In addition to these reforms, Naidu reiterated his concern about the state’s ageing population and encouraged young couples to plan for larger families, framing it as part of a broader demographic balance strategy.

With this multidimensional approach, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in health-conscious governance, blending tradition with technology to build a more resilient population.

Punjab launches Sikhiya Kranti as AAP pushes for better education and a drug-free future

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April 9, 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with AAP Punjab in-charge and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, flagged off the ambitious ‘Punjab Sikhiya Kranti’ campaign by launching the inaugural plaque at the newly developed School of Eminence in Nawanshahr. This event marks the beginning of a 54-day education and reform drive across the state.

The campaign, named ‘Sikhiya Kranti’ or ‘Education Revolution,’ aims to upgrade infrastructure in over 12,000 government schools with a total investment of ₹2,000 crore. The plaque, commemorating the opening of the Nawanshahr School of Eminence, built at a cost of ₹5.68 crore, carries the names of both Mann and Sisodia.

Manish Sisodia stressed that education is the strongest antidote to the drug menace. “The road to a drug-free Punjab runs through the classroom,” he said, highlighting the Kejriwal-Mann model, which emphasises strict action against drug traffickers and robust education reforms to shield the youth from falling into addiction.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh unveils LEAP education model

Chief Minister Mann reflected on the journey, stating that many families once had to abandon dreams of private education due to high fees. “Three years ago, we made a promise to fix this, and today, our government schools offer facilities on par with private institutions,” he noted. Inspired by the Delhi model, Punjab has introduced world-class upgrades in infrastructure, while teachers are being trained in global institutions such as Singapore, Finland, and IIM Ahmedabad.

Mann concluded by reiterating the government’s two-fold mission—cracking down on the drug trade and nurturing future generations through quality education.

Andhra Pradesh unveils LEAP education model

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April 9, 2025

In a bold move to revolutionise its education landscape, Andhra Pradesh has introduced a comprehensive new model named LEAP (Learning Excellence in Andhra Pradesh). Announced by Education Minister Nara Lokesh, the initiative aims to revamp the curriculum, teaching methodologies, and school infrastructure across the state, with implementation set to begin in the 2025-26 academic year.

The LEAP model is designed to foster foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) while incorporating play-based learning, digital literacy, and 21st-century skills. A key feature is an AI-powered remedial assessment system that will help track student progress and provide targeted interventions.

“With LEAP, Andhra Pradesh is laying the groundwork for a globally benchmarked, inclusive, and skill-oriented education system,” Minister Lokesh said in a statement to PTI.

Key Components of the LEAP Model

Curriculum & Pedagogy Overhaul: Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the revised curriculum will integrate holistic learning, value-based education, and a greater emphasis on extracurricular activities.
Bridge Support for Transitions: Students moving to Grades 6 and 9 will receive bridge courses, while summer learning kits—comprising assignments and assessments—will be made available to students from Grades 6 to 8.
AI-Driven Tools: Assessment data will drive the creation of prescriptive learning tools and customized e-content, helping students receive personalized support.
Teacher Empowerment: The model includes a structured training ecosystem for educators, featuring performance-aligned evaluations, digital content on best teaching practices, and modules for vocational education facilitation. School principals will also benefit from leadership workshops and mentorship programs.

Infrastructure Revamp Highlights

Introduction of Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) concepts and print-rich classrooms in pre-primary and primary sections.
Establishment of 2–3 model Anganwadi Centre (AWC) schools per assembly constituency.
Ensuring basic amenities such as girl-friendly toilets, electricity, and running water in AWCs.

The overhaul comes in response to various educational surveys, including the ASER report, which highlighted significant gaps in student learning outcomes across the state.

Andhra Pradesh’s vision is to create a world-class education system by 2029, with a focus on equipping learners with technical proficiency, leadership abilities, and life skills, powered by cutting-edge technologies like AI.

With LEAP, the state is positioning itself at the forefront of education innovation in India, setting a potential model for other states to emulate.

UGC bids farewell to Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar

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April 8, 2025

The University Grants Commission (UGC) announced on April 7 that its Chairperson, Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, has stepped down from his position upon reaching the retirement age of 65.

In a heartfelt note shared on social media, the UGC extended its gratitude to Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, calling his tenure a transformative chapter in India’s higher education landscape. The commission lauded him for introducing “unprecedented student-first reforms” and driving “institutional changes of lasting impact.”

Appointed in February 2022 following his role as Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof Kumar emerged as a staunch advocate for the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. His leadership was marked by the rollout of major initiatives such as:

Launch of the National Credit Framework and Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
Flexible entry and exit options in degree programs
PhD eligibility relaxation for NET/JRF-qualified candidates
Introduction of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP)
Mandating the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions
Strengthening digital and distance learning via platforms like SWAYAM and Open and Distance Learning (ODL)

Also Read: AICTE to provide engineering textbooks in 12 Indian languages by 2026

Prof Kumar’s inclusive approach and vision aligned closely with the NEP’s goals of flexibility, accessibility, and global competitiveness in Indian academia.

“His commitment to education and his warm connection with stakeholders across the board will be deeply cherished,” the UGC said in its farewell message, wishing him continued success in the future.

Key Components of the LEAP Model

Infrastructure Revamp Highlights

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