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.

Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi launches bilingual e-Learning portal

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April 7, 2025

In a significant move towards enhancing digital literacy and streamlining governance, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi unveiled a dedicated e-Learning portal aimed at training government employees on the e-Office platform on Thursday. The initiative is expected to fast-track the state’s journey toward a paperless and efficient administrative ecosystem.

Developed by the Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (HARTRON), the portal is designed to offer structured, easy-to-navigate courses tailored to equip officials with the skills required to seamlessly transition into digital workflows. The platform, accessible at elearninghartron.org.in, is bilingual, supporting both English and Hindi, to ensure inclusive access across departments.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, while launching the portal, stressed the importance of continuous skill development and highlighted that adopting digital tools is no longer optional but essential for transparency, speed, and accountability in governance. He also announced the formation of a dedicated committee to identify additional relevant training programs and recommended collaboration with other institutes to enrich the content library.

Key features of the portal include:

A dashboard displaying data such as the number of participating departments, employee enrollment, and course progress.
Performance tracking for individual users.
A leaderboard to recognise top-performing learners and encourage healthy competition.
e-Certificates upon course completion
A feedback mechanism for quality improvement

Also Read: Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College launches ‘Smart Guru’

This initiative is part of Haryana’s broader strategy to embed digital-first practices in every layer of government functioning, ensuring that services are delivered more swiftly and reliably to citizens.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College launches ‘Smart Guru’

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April 4, 2025

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC) has unveiled Smart Guru, an innovative AI-driven learning application crafted to transform the educational journey of school students. Designed with user experience at its core, this intelligent digital platform leverages artificial intelligence to deliver a highly personalized, engaging, and effective learning experience across various academic subjects.

Smart Guru – Your CBSE Study Buddy goes beyond traditional learning by integrating interactive educational content, real-time performance tracking, and gamified features that make studying more enjoyable and productive. With the ability to generate quizzes tailored to each learner’s progress, the app evaluates comprehension and knowledge through AI-generated insights and adaptive feedback mechanisms.

One of the app’s standout features is its support for educators. It equips teachers with AI-powered analytics to better understand each student’s learning curve, enabling them to adjust lesson plans and teaching strategies accordingly. Whether a student excels or struggles in a subject, Smart Guru adapts to their pace, ensuring no learner is left behind.

In the domain of English, the app offers advanced proofreading tools such as grammar and spelling checks, sentence rewrites for clarity, and tone detection, helping students refine their writing and articulate ideas effectively. It also aids in breaking down complex texts, enhancing reading comprehension and interpretation skills.

From practice worksheets and homework support to detailed performance reports highlighting strengths and improvement areas, Smart Guru fosters a structured learning environment. The result is a confident learner, equipped with real-time insights and guided by intelligent recommendations.

Also Read: Government to establish 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal education

Currently accessible via web browsers, mobile platforms, and extensions, Smart Guru is designed for students, teachers, and parents. A launch on the Google Play Store is on the horizon, making it even more accessible. Notably, the platform offers an ad-free and secure experience, prioritizing user privacy and ensuring safe digital learning for all users.

With a vision to revolutionize school education through smart technology, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College Smart Guru is poised to become an essential tool in the modern student’s academic toolkit.

Government to establish 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal education

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April 4, 2025

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, announced that the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) was launched in 2018-19 to provide quality education to tribal students, equating it to the standards of Navodaya Vidyalayas. The initiative is designed to offer holistic learning experiences within tribal environments.

Under this scheme, the government aims to establish 440 EMRSs, ensuring at least one school in every block where the tribal population exceeds 50% and comprises at least 20,000 people (as per the 2011 Census). Additionally, 288 existing schools, previously funded under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, are being upgraded. The Ministry has set a goal of establishing a total of 728 EMRSs across India, benefiting approximately 3.5 lakh tribal students.

To provide a well-rounded educational experience, EMRSs offer:

State-of-the-art Infrastructure Equipped classrooms, science and computer labs, and well-stocked libraries.
Residential & Boarding Facilities Separate hostels for boys and girls, furnished with essential amenities.
Sports & Extracurricular Activities Playgrounds, equipment, and training in arts, music, and sports.
Healthcare & Nutrition Regular medical check-ups and healthcare facilities.
Digital & IT Learning Smart classrooms, internet-enabled computer labs, and digital education tools.
Vocational Training Skill development programs to enhance employability prospects.

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been tasked with managing and implementing the EMRS scheme. NESTS recently hosted a Principals’ Conclave, providing training on academic management, mental health, safety, and HR practices. Furthermore, State Societies have been empowered to conduct induction programs for teachers, familiarising them with the residential school culture and academic best practices.

The Ministry has partnered with various government agencies to introduce digital learning and skill-based training, ensuring a future-ready education system. These initiatives include:

Smart Classrooms with Digital Boards Implemented in collaboration with ERNET, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
Skill Labs 400 labs set up in 200 EMRSs with support from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MoSDE).
Online Coaching for Competitive Exams IIT-JEE and NEET preparation courses, alongside recorded lectures for Class 11 and 12 students, in partnership with PACE-IIT & Medical.
Dedicated DTH Channel Launched by NCERT to support academic and extracurricular learning in remote regions.
Regional Language Support Teachers have been recruited to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage.

Also Read: Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 paves the way for cooperative education in India

To promote education among tribal communities, the Ministry offers multiple scholarship programs:

Pre-Matric Scholarship for students in Classes IX and X.
Post-Matric Scholarship for students from Class XI onwards.
National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education supports students in top government and private institutes for professional courses like Engineering, Medicine, IT, and Law.
National Fellowship Scheme Provides funding for ST students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs in India.
National Overseas Scholarship Financial aid for meritorious tribal students to study abroad.
Examination Fee Coverage State EMRS Societies bear the application costs for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, and CLAT for Class XII students, reducing financial stress on families.

The expansion of EMRSs marks a significant step in the government’s commitment to improving tribal education, bridging learning gaps, and equipping students with skills for a brighter future.

Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 paves the way for cooperative education in India

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April 3, 2025

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, lauded the passage of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, calling it a transformative step for cooperative education in the country.

Sharing his thoughts on social media, Shri Shah expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading this initiative. He highlighted that the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 will drive cooperation, innovation, and employment, making cooperative education an integral part of India’s academic landscape.

Also Read: Union Govt allocates ₹4,906.32 Cr to PMKVY, ₹666.33 Cr to JSS, and ₹1,238.48 Cr to NAPS in last five years

The newly established Tribhuvan Sahkari University aims to equip youth with specialized training, enabling them to enhance and modernize the cooperative sector. Shri Shah emphasized that this initiative will make the sector more structured, efficient, and future-ready.

Key Components of the LEAP Model

Infrastructure Revamp Highlights

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