Vineet Joshi, Ex-Chief Secretary of Manipur, Takes Charge as Secretary of Higher Education

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January 16, 2025

In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, Vineet Joshi, a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1992 batch from the Manipur cadre, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. Before this appointment, Joshi served as the Chief Secretary of Manipur, a position he assumed in May 2023 amid escalating ethnic tensions in the state. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilise the region during a period of significant unrest.

Vineet Joshi has previously held the position of Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), overseeing major entrance examinations such as the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. Additionally, he has served as the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), where he was instrumental in introducing the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and a Master of Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).

The position of Secretary for Higher Education became vacant following the appointment of K Sanjay Murthy as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). Joshi’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Department of Higher Education, aligning with the government’s vision to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in India.

Also Read: Physics Wallah Appoints Ajinkya Jain as Group General Counsel Ahead of Anticipated IPO

His familiarity with the education ministry, having previously served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, positions him well to lead the department during this transformative period. Colleagues and stakeholders anticipate that his leadership will contribute significantly to the ongoing implementation of educational reforms aimed at fostering innovation and inclusivity within the higher education landscape.

As the new Secretary, Joshi is expected to prioritise the execution of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on multidisciplinary education, research, and the integration of technology to meet the evolving demands of the global educational environment.

Physics Wallah Appoints Ajinkya Jain as Group General Counsel Ahead of Anticipated IPO

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January 16, 2025

Physics Wallah (PW), a prominent Indian edtech unicorn, has appointed Ajinkya Jain as its Group General Counsel, Company Secretary, and Compliance Officer. This strategic hire comes as PW prepares for a potential $400 million to $500 million initial public offering (IPO) in 2025.

Ajinkya Jain, an alumnus of the Central India College of Law, Nagpur, and a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), brings extensive experience in legal affairs, corporate governance, and compliance. His expertise is expected to be instrumental as PW navigates its expansion and innovation in the education sector.

Alakh Pandey, CEO and Founder of Physics Wallah, said, “Ajinkya’s experience in legal and corporate governance will be invaluable as we expand and innovate in the education space.”

A Proven Track Record in IPOs and M&As

Before joining PW, Jain led the IPO of Unicommerce eSolutions Ltd in August 2024 and served as Associate Director – Group Company Secretary at AceVector Limited (Formerly Snapdeal Limited). He played key roles in significant merger and acquisition activities at PharmEasy, including the acquisitions of Medlife and Thyrocare, and the filing of the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for PharmEasy.

His appointment follows PW’s recent $210 million funding round led by Hornbill Capital, doubling its valuation to $2.8 billion. The company has raised a total of $310 million to date from investors including Lightspeed Ventures, WestBridge, and GSV Ventures.

In preparation for its anticipated IPO, PW has reportedly finalised Axis Capital, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan as bankers for the proposed public listing.

Additionally, PW has been expanding its leadership team, recently appointing former Blinkit executive Amit Sachdeva as Chief Financial Officer in November 2024.

Also Read: AICTE’s NEAT 4.0 Focuses on Emerging Tech, Drops Overpriced EdTech Products

About Physics Wallah

Founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari, Physics Wallah offers education through online, offline, and hybrid modes across 105 cities in India. The platform provides free education to more than 46 million students through 112 YouTube channels in five vernacular languages.

Despite its rapid growth, PW reported a consolidated net loss of INR 1,131.2 crore in FY24, up from INR 84.06 crore in FY23. However, its revenue from operations grew 2.6 times year-on-year to INR 1,940.4 crore during the same period, indicating significant expansion and investment in its services.

The appointment of Ajinkya Jain is seen as a strategic move to bolster PW’s legal and compliance framework, ensuring robust governance as the company prepares for its next phase of growth and its forthcoming public offering.

AICTE’s NEAT 4.0 Focuses on Emerging Tech, Drops Overpriced EdTech Products

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January 15, 2025

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched NEAT 4.0, the latest phase of its National Education Alliance for Technology, with a sharp focus on affordability and innovation. Unlike its previous edition, NEAT 4.0 onboarded fewer EdTech companies, prioritising value-for-money solutions while eliminating overpriced offerings.

As part of this initiative, 22 EdTech companies signed MoUs with AICTE, offering 40 innovative products across cutting-edge domains like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, semiconductors, 5G technology, and augmented reality (AR). These products aim to address skill gaps, enhance employability, and align education with industry demands.

Stringent Screening Process
AICTE has introduced a rigorous multi-round evaluation process to ensure only credible and affordable EdTech products make it to the NEAT portal. Companies are assessed on technical, financial, and ethical grounds, with a strong emphasis on affordability. AICTE Chairman TG Sitharam said, “We reject companies offering overpriced products. The value, quality, and financial integrity of the product are critical in our evaluation process.”

Inclusive Access Model
NEAT’s inclusivity model mandates that for every four products sold on the NEAT portal, EdTech companies provide the fifth product for free. These free products are distributed to economically disadvantaged students in remote areas, ensuring equitable access to education technology.

Reduced Participation but Greater Focus
In comparison to NEAT 3.0, which partnered with 58 EdTech companies offering 100 products, NEAT 4.0’s reduced numbers reflect a strategic shift towards quality over quantity. Experts attribute the decline to stricter affordability criteria and a more thorough vetting process.

Diverse Categories in NEAT 4.0
NEAT 4.0 introduces innovative learning solutions in key areas, enabling students to upskill and reskill to meet industry demands. Some of the newly added categories include:

AI, ML, robotics, and drones
AR/VR/MR and gamification
Semiconductors and 5G technology
Biomedical engineering and quantum computing
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), management, and faculty development

Additional offerings include e-content, psychometric assessments, certification courses, vocational training, language learning, and tools for design thinking and coding. These courses aim to cater to diverse learning needs, enhancing employability and bridging skill gaps.

A Legacy of Impact
NEAT 3.0, launched in January 2022 by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, provided free EdTech course coupons worth over ₹253 crore to more than 12 lakh socially and economically disadvantaged students. NEAT 4.0 continues this legacy, ensuring affordability and access remain core principles.

Also Read: UP Rolls Out Social Audit Plan For 1.33 Lakh Schools to Boost Primary Education Standards

The Way Forward
Through partnerships with 22 EdTech companies, including Ansys Software, Dheya Career Mentors, and Intellipaat Software Solutions, NEAT 4.0 integrates a range of tools and courses on a single platform for learner convenience. These partnerships underline AICTE’s commitment to aligning education with industry needs while maintaining affordability.

Chairman Sitharam remarked, “NEAT brings the best educational products onto a single platform, enabling customized learning experiences for students across diverse regions and backgrounds. This initiative equips learners with future-ready skills aligned with evolving industry requirements.”

UP Rolls Out Social Audit Plan For 1.33 Lakh Schools to Boost Primary Education Standards

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January 15, 2025

To enhance the quality of primary education and promote transparency in school operations, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched an ambitious social audit action plan. The initiative aims to evaluate resources and the implementation of government programs across 1.33 lakh government schools over the next five years.

In the first phase, 20% of these schools, 26,720 in total, will undergo audits by March 31, 2025. The process involves collaboration with state universities for training and supervision, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accuracy.

The education department has enlisted universities like DDU University (Gorakhpur), Subharti University (Meerut), MMM Technological University (Gorakhpur), and Lucknow’s Integral and Lucknow University to provide oversight and training. Each cluster social auditor will oversee audits for ten schools, supported by a facilitator team of 1.6 lakh members.

Director General of School Education (DGSE) Kanchan Verma said, “Universities will ensure impartial and accurate assessments, with full support from the education department.”

Also Read: Karnataka Bets Big on KWIN City to Attract Global Universities and Research Giants

Collaborative Approach to Improve Learning Outcomes

The action plan prioritises community engagement by gathering feedback from parents, local stakeholders, and school staff. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and enhance learning outcomes effectively.

In this phase, 150 master trainers from 75 districts are undergoing training to prepare 2,672 cluster social auditors, who will subsequently train the facilitator teams. Block and district-level training sessions are set to conclude by January’s end.

By April, a detailed audit report will outline actionable measures to address gaps in school resources and program delivery. District Basic Education Officers (BSA) have been tasked with organising training sessions and ensuring smooth coordination between universities and local teams.

Karnataka Bets Big on KWIN City to Attract Global Universities and Research Giants

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January 15, 2025

In a bold step towards redefining India’s educational landscape, Karnataka is set to develop the Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City, a sprawling 5,800-acre futuristic hub located between Dabaspet and Doddaballapur. Designed to attract top-tier institutions from around the globe, KWIN City aims to be a beacon of innovation, education, and healthcare.

Commerce, Industries, and Infrastructure Minister MB Patil announced the government’s ambitious plans to host world-class institutions in KWIN City, highlighting its four distinct districts: Knowledge, Health, Innovation, and Research. Among the first notable initiatives is an offer to house the Tata IISc Medical School, a collaborative project between the Tata Group and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which recently received a funding pledge of ₹500 crore from Tata Group.

“We are delighted to offer land for the Tata IISc Medical School in KWIN City and encourage IISc and the Tata Group to consider this or future projects here,” Patil shared on X, reflecting his commitment to nurturing transformative educational ventures.

Patil emphasised that KWIN City is poised to host various prestigious institutions and research hubs. As part of the initiative, discussions are underway with global academic leaders, including Johns Hopkins University (USA), the University of Liverpool (UK), and York University (Canada). The government aims to leverage recent UGC regulations to attract the top 500 global institutions to establish campuses in India.

Also Read: GEMS Education Introduces $100 Million Flagship School in Dubai with World-Class Amenities.

KWIN City: A Vision for Growth

In addition to its educational focus, KWIN City will host a Life Sciences Park, cementing its status as a leading destination for academic medicine and healthcare innovation in Asia. Patil underlined the potential for academia-industry collaborations to accelerate Karnataka’s growth trajectory. “One single institution can transform the local economy. With KWIN, we aim to create an innovation engine for India,” he said.

To promote this vision, Karnataka plans to convene a roundtable, led by the Chief Minister, for not-for-profits and global foundations interested in investing in education, skilling, and innovation.

This initiative promises to place Karnataka at the forefront of global education and innovation, establishing KWIN City as an unparalleled destination for premium institutions and groundbreaking research.

GEMS Education Introduces $100 Million Flagship School in Dubai with World-Class Amenities. Details Here

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January 14, 2025

GEMS Education, a leading global private education provider, has unveiled plans for its most ambitious project to date, the School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in Dubai Sports City. This $100 million investment marks the company’s largest expenditure on a premium school, with costs approximately 30% higher than previous developments.

The SRI campus will span 47,600 square meters and is set to open in August 2025. It will feature a range of cutting-edge amenities designed to provide students with unparalleled educational and extracurricular opportunities:

Helipad for Parents: An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad, offering convenient access for families.
NBA-Standard Basketball Court: A professional-grade court to support high-level basketball training and events.
Premier League-Standard Football Field: A top-tier football pitch meeting international standards.
Olympic-Size Swimming Pool: A FINA-certified pool suitable for competitive swimming.
400m Olympic Running Track: A standard track to facilitate athletics training.
Esports Center: A dedicated facility to support the growing interest in competitive gaming.
Robotics and Disruption Labs: Spaces equipped for hands-on learning in emerging technologies.

Curriculum and Fees

SRI will offer an enhanced British curriculum, with annual tuition fees ranging from AED 116,000 to AED 152,000 for FS1 to Year 6, and up to AED 206,000 for Year 12. The school will initially cater to students from FS1 to Year 6, with plans to expand to Year 7 and 8 in its second year. Founding families are being offered a 20% discount for the 2026 academic year.

Technological Integration

Emphasising the integration of technology in education, SRI will incorporate AI-driven personalized learning systems and utilise blockchain technology for recording student achievements. Additionally, students will have opportunities to engage in practical engineering projects, such as go-kart workshops on a 400m track.

Sustainability and Parent Amenities

The campus is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability. Amenities for parents include underground parking, dedicated workspaces, and an on-site coffee shop, enhancing convenience and community engagement.

Also Read: Meghalaya’s First State-Owned University Inaugurated as a Beacon of Knowledge

Alignment with UAE Initiatives

The establishment of SRI aligns with the UAE’s Social Agenda 33 and Dubai’s Vision 2040, aiming to advance the nation’s educational landscape and reinforce its position as a global hub for innovation and excellence.

Enrollment dates for the School of Research and Innovation have yet to be announced. Prospective families are encouraged to stay informed through official GEMS Education channels for upcoming updates.

First State-Owned University Inaugurated in Meghalaya, Opens New Era in Education

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January 14, 2025

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma officially inaugurated Meghalaya’s first state-owned university, Captain Williamson Sangma State University, at a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries including Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal.

The institution, named after Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, marks a historic milestone in the state’s education journey. Originally conceptualized in 2011 as a technical university, its scope was expanded in 2022 to affiliate both technical and non-technical colleges across the state.

Chief Minister Sangma termed the launch a “red-letter day” for Meghalaya, emphasising its potential to transform the education landscape. “This university is not just a name; it is a promise of hope, growth, and limitless possibilities for our people,” he said. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making the institution a center for research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Infrastructure and Vision

The university’s main campus infrastructure, initiated in 2018 at a cost of ₹16.96 crore, was inaugurated in January 2023. The state government plans to establish a Shillong campus to serve students from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills regions. The institution is now operational, with colleges across Meghalaya invited to apply for affiliation.

Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar highlighted that affiliation with the state university would exempt students from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), unlike institutions tied to North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

Strategic Goals and Challenges

The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges in Meghalaya’s education sector, including low enrollment, single-digit student numbers in certain schools, and financial burdens on government-supported institutions. He pledged to rationalize measures to improve accountability and quality in education services.

UGC Recognition and Affiliations

Captain Williamson Sangma State University has received recognition under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, as of December 6, 2024. Several colleges, including Williamnagar College, Captain Williamson Sangma College, and Tura Christian College, have already submitted applications for affiliation.

Also Read: Bihar Sports University Gains UGC Approval, Sets Path for Sports Education Excellence

Expert Insights

Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, the university’s Vice Chancellor, is committed to fostering quality education and research. Commissioner Vijay Kumar Mantri described the institution as a key step in bridging Meghalaya’s education gap.

A New Era for Education

With robust plans for expansion and innovation, the university is poised to become a beacon of knowledge and pride for Meghalaya.

Bihar Sports University Gains UGC Approval, Sets Path for Sports Education Excellence

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January 14, 2025

Bihar’s inaugural sports-focused educational institution, Bihar Sports University, in Rajgir, Nalanda district, has been officially recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. This significant endorsement enables the university to commence academic programs in physical education and sports sciences from the 2025-26 academic session.

The university plans to offer a range of programs, including diplomas and postgraduate diplomas in sports coaching across various disciplines, diplomas in yoga, and a four-year Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) degree, pending approval from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). These programs aim to provide comprehensive education and training to aspiring sports professionals in the region.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy on August 29, 2024, coinciding with National Sports Day. These institutions are integral components of the International Sports Complex at Rajgir, a sprawling facility covering 90 acres and constructed at a cost of ₹740 crore. The complex is designed to support training in 24 sports disciplines simultaneously, offering athletes facilities for training, accommodation, and medical care within the same campus.

The International Sports Complex features a main cricket stadium with a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators, alongside eight smaller stadiums accommodating around 10,000 spectators each. Additionally, the complex includes a world-class sports library and specialized training centers for various sports. Facilities for athletics, football, hockey, volleyball, kabaddi, and other sports are available, complemented by a state-of-the-art hospital, fitness center, and sports research amenities.

Recently, retired IAS officer Shishir Sinha was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Sports University. His leadership is anticipated to steer the university toward achieving its mission of promoting sports education and excellence in the state.

The UGC recognition marks a pivotal moment for Bihar Sports University, empowering it to function as a high-level research and training center for sports. The university is expected to play a crucial role in nurturing talent, promoting sports education, and positioning Bihar as a hub for sports training and development.

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh to Aim for 100% Pass Rate in Class 10 and 12 by 2030, Announces CM Mohan Yadav

As per UGC guidelines, the university is required to appoint an Ombudsperson by the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, to address student grievances. This appointment is expected to be completed within two months of the commencement of academic activities, ensuring a supportive environment for students.

Madhya Pradesh to Aim for 100% Pass Rate in Class 10 and 12 by 2030, Announces CM Mohan Yadav

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January 13, 2025

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced an ambitious target to achieve a 100% pass rate for students in Class 10th and 12th board exams by 2030. The CM made this announcement during the launch of the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission on Sunday, coinciding with the celebration of National Youth Day, which marks the birth anniversary of the renowned philosopher and youth icon, Swami Vivekananda.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yadav expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, emphasizing the government’s vision for youth empowerment. “I am happy that our government has launched the Yuva Shakti Mission today. It aligns with Swami Vivekananda’s belief that if the youth are capable and well-educated, India will indeed lead the 21st century,” he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s continuous efforts to uplift various sections of society, including youth, farmers, women, and the underprivileged. He outlined the objective of ensuring that every student in the state succeeds in the Class 10 and 12 exams by 2030, paving the way for their future endeavors. “Our government is committed to providing the necessary resources and opportunities for youth to pursue careers in any sector they choose,” he added.

The launch ceremony saw CM Mohan Yadav lighting a lamp and paying floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda, along with unveiling the logo of the Yuva Shakti Mission, which is centered around the motto “Atma Deepo Bhava: Samvad, Samarthya, Samriddhi” (Be the Light of Yourself: Dialogue, Capability, Prosperity).

The mission focuses on creating a coordinated platform for youth development through skill-building, education, and socio-economic empowerment. As part of the launch, CM Yadav administered an oath to the youth, encouraging them to become self-reliant, skilled, and to contribute positively to society.

Also Read: PhysicsWallah Crosses 150 Centres Across India; New Vidyapeeth Centres in Dibrugarh, Chennai and Udaipur

The Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission aims to achieve three primary objectives:

Ensuring that the income level of every youth meets or exceeds that of a minimum-skilled worker.
Guaranteeing that every youth completes education up to Class 12.
Promoting youth participation in social initiatives, with a goal of 70% participation by 2030.

Through these goals, the mission aims to empower the youth of Madhya Pradesh and drive the state’s socio-economic development towards a brighter future.

PhysicsWallah Crosses 150 Centres Across India; New Vidyapeeth Centres in Dibrugarh, Chennai and Udaipur

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January 10, 2025

Homegrown ed-tech unicorn PhysicsWallah continues its remarkable growth trajectory by expanding its offline footprint to over 150 Vidyapeeth and Pathshala centres across 20 states in India. This milestone comes as the platform gears up for the academic year 2025-26, with the addition of 30 new centres in cities like Dibrugarh, Chennai, and Udaipur. Notably, Chennai marks PhysicsWallah’s first offline centre in Tamil Nadu.

Among the 150 centres, around 10 offer the Vidyapeeth Residential Programme (VPRP), designed to provide holistic support for NEET and JEE aspirants. This programme, which combines top-tier coaching with residential facilities, has been expanded from 3-4 cities to 10, addressing the growing demand for specialised education. As per the company’s website, PhysicsWallah’s offline network now caters to students in more than 100 cities nationwide.

PhysicsWallah’s educational offerings include two core formats: Vidyapeeth, which encompasses fully offline centres, and Pathshala, a hybrid model blending online and offline learning. Both formats focus on equipping students for competitive exams such as JEE and NEET, maintaining the platform’s reputation as a leader in affordable, high-quality education.

Speaking at an annual event in Kota, Alakh Pandey, founder and CEO of PhysicsWallah, announced a 30% discount on all offline batches for the 2025-26 academic year, available until January 20, 2025. Pandey also reiterated the company’s commitment to affordability, confirming that all courses would remain priced below ₹5,000 in 2026.

Also Read: IIT Delhi Introduces Robotics Programme to Equip Leaders in Emerging Tech

As PhysicsWallah prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) later this year, it aims to raise $500 million at a valuation of $5 billion, a move poised to solidify its status as India’s first publicly listed ed-tech company. The announcement follows a successful funding round in September 2024, where the platform secured $210 million at a $2.8 billion valuation.

Founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari, PhysicsWallah began as a YouTube channel and has since evolved into a comprehensive education platform with backing from prominent investors like Hornbill Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Westbridge, and GSV Ventures.

Collaborative Approach to Improve Learning Outcomes

Infrastructure and Vision

Strategic Goals and Challenges

UGC Recognition and Affiliations

Expert Insights

A New Era for Education

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