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.

AICTE to provide engineering textbooks in 12 Indian languages by 2026

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April 8, 2025

In a landmark move towards inclusive and accessible technical education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has rolled out a strategic plan to provide engineering textbooks in 12 Indian languages by December 2026. The initiative aims to eliminate language barriers that often hinder students, particularly those from non-English-speaking regions, from excelling in technical studies.

AICTE Chairman, Prof. T.G. Sitharam, shared that approximately 600 textbooks covering first and second-year courses for diploma and degree engineering programs have already been developed or translated into regional languages. The languages currently prioritised include Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Textbook development for the third and fourth years is currently underway, with about 40 to 50 titles already completed for the third-year syllabus. These textbooks cater to the core engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, electronics, and computer science, and are aligned with AICTE’s model curriculum.

“These books are thoughtfully designed to help students grasp technical concepts in their native languages,” said Prof. Sitharam. Each chapter is structured with clear learning objectives, outcome-based content, and problem-solving exercises to ensure a focused and interactive learning experience.

To streamline and accelerate the translation process, AICTE is harnessing artificial intelligence. A proprietary deep learning model is capable of translating an entire textbook in around 10 minutes with 80% accuracy, after which experts step in for refinement and contextual corrections.

Although India officially recognizes 22 languages, the current rollout focuses on 12 due to budgetary constraints. Prof. Sitharam emphasized that the initiative is not compulsory but rather designed to offer students the freedom to choose the language they are most comfortable with.

“English often becomes a double challenge—students must learn both the subject and the language. If they can understand the content clearly in their mother tongue, it will produce more competent engineers,” he noted.

Also Read: IGNOU set to revive engineering programs in blended mode after over a decade

Addressing concerns over employability for students studying in regional languages, Prof. Sitharam called for government support and industry cooperation. He stressed that India should embrace its linguistic diversity in technical education, just as countries like Switzerland and Canada allow higher studies in native languages.

Ultimately, the initiative seeks to enhance educational equity, improve learning outcomes, and empower students from rural and semi-urban regions, making engineering education more inclusive and effective across India.

IGNOU set to revive engineering programs in blended mode after over a decade

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April 7, 2025

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is collaborating with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to relaunch five discontinued engineering programs through a blended learning format, more than ten years after they were phased out. This initiative marks a significant step toward making technical education more accessible and affordable.

A special committee led by IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nageshwar Rao has been formed to assess the viability of this revival. The panel is expected to submit its findings within a month.

The proposed courses for revival include the Diploma in Civil Engineering (General), Diploma in Computer Science and Technology (DCST), Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME), BTech programs, and a comprehensive Diploma in Engineering and Technology.

AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam emphasized the transformative role of blended learning in the technical education landscape. He explained that students will undertake theoretical classes online, while practical training will require on-campus attendance for approximately three weeks per term. The remaining nine weeks will be conducted online, leveraging digital tools such as virtual and augmented reality for lab simulations and experiments.

“Blended learning is not just a trend—it’s the future of technical education,” Prof. Sitharam remarked. “This approach offers flexibility, reduces the overall cost of education, and enhances reach, especially for students in remote areas.”

The initiative follows multiple meetings held by the committee since its formation in January. AICTE has also submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Education, seeking its concurrence before proceeding with the relaunch of these programs.

Also Read: Mizoram pushes for education boost in Delhi meetings

Historically, IGNOU had offered BTech and Diploma courses through distance learning as part of its Vertically Integrated Engineering Programme (VIEP). However, these programs were discontinued after a 2009 directive from the Ministry of Education prohibited the delivery of technical education through distance learning. This was reinforced in 2012 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Council (DEC), leading to the complete phase-out of engineering offerings by IGNOU.

If approved, this new blended learning model could pave the way for a more inclusive and modern approach to engineering education in India.

Mizoram pushes for education boost in Delhi meetings

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April 7, 2025

Mizoram’s Education Minister, Dr. Vanlalthlana, held crucial discussions in New Delhi on Friday with Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, and DoNER Secretary, Chanchal Kumar, to push forward key developmental priorities for the state.

Highlighting the pressing need for investment in Mizoram’s educational sector, Dr. Vanlalthlana urged the Centre to continue its support in resolving longstanding infrastructure gaps. He underscored the importance of strengthening the state’s academic environment to ensure that students have access to quality education without disruption.

The Minister was accompanied by Mizoram’s Lok Sabha MP, Pu Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, during his meeting with Minister Scindia.

Also Read: Jammu & Kashmir scales up digital learning with over 1,700 new smart classrooms

In a separate dialogue with DoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, Dr. Vanlalthlana delved into broader developmental concerns and sought deeper collaboration to accelerate progress across various sectors in Mizoram.

Jammu & Kashmir scales up digital learning with over 1,700 new smart classrooms

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April 7, 2025

In a significant stride towards digital transformation in education, Jammu and Kashmir has introduced 1,700 smart classrooms across government schools. This initiative is part of a larger push under the national Information and Communication Technology (ICT) scheme, which aims to integrate modern technology into the classroom through devices, e-learning content, and teacher upskilling programs.

With this latest addition, the total number of smart classrooms in the Union Territory now stands at 3,427. This places Jammu and Kashmir among the more proactive regions in adopting edtech solutions, although states like Uttar Pradesh (27,806), Rajasthan (13,057), and Chhattisgarh (10,439) currently lead in numbers.

One of the notable developments this year was the launch of smart classrooms in 12 government schools in the Poonch district, inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Yasin M Choudhary in February 2024. Furthermore, the Tribal Affairs Department has contributed significantly by establishing 200 smart classrooms over the last two years to boost learning opportunities in tribal regions.

Also Read: Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi launches bilingual e-Learning portal

Despite this progress, the initiative still faces hurdles such as inconsistent internet connectivity, challenges in maintaining digital infrastructure, and the continuous need for teacher training. Experts highlight that long-term success will hinge on overcoming these issues to ensure inclusive and effective digital learning environments for all students.

Key Components of the LEAP Model

Infrastructure Revamp Highlights

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