Veranda Learning to Secure ₹250 Crore Funding to Revolutionise Commerce Education

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December 20, 2024

Veranda Learning Solutions has announced a significant milestone in its growth journey with plans to raise up to ₹250 crores through a preferential issue. This funding marks a crucial step in Veranda’s strategy to scale operations, strengthen its leadership in education, and enhance its offerings across key domains: Academics, Commerce, Government Test Preparation, and Study Abroad.

As part of its expansion strategy, Veranda Learning intends to acquire a 51% stake in BB Publications Private Limited (BB Virtuals) for ₹126.2 crore and a 65% stake in Navkar Digital Institute Private Limited for ₹45.5 crore. These acquisitions aim to bolster Veranda’s offerings in chartered accountancy (CA) and cost and management accountancy (CMA) coaching, reinforcing its position in commerce education across India.

BB Virtuals, founded by CA Bhanwar Borana, is a prominent online CA preparation platform known for producing over 500 rank-holders and guiding more than 200,000 students. Navkar Institute, led by educator Hiteshkumar Shah, is a leading offline CA/CMA coaching provider in Gujarat with over 17 years of excellence in professional education.

These acquisitions will be integrated with JK Shah Classes, which Veranda acquired in 2023, to enhance its CA/CMA/ACCA portfolio. The commerce vertical is projected to achieve an EBITDA of ₹120 crore for FY25 and is expected to reach ₹100 crore at the PAT level in FY26.

Veranda Learning is also planning a corporate restructuring to align its operations with its four-pillar strategy: Academics, Commerce, Government Test Preparation, and Study Abroad. This restructuring aims to improve operational efficiency and strategic focus, facilitating the scaling and monetisation of each segment.

Executive Director and Chairman of Veranda Learning, Suresh Kalpathi, stated, “We are thrilled with the robust response to the private placement driven by marquee investors. This successful fundraising equips Veranda with a robust capital base to drive our next phase of growth and demonstrates the confidence of investors in the vision and our growth potential.”

Also Read: India’s Higher Education to Focus on Skills with New UGC Guidelines

Pravin Menon, CMO of Veranda Learning Solutions, posted on LinkedIn: “We at Veranda Learning are excited to announce our partnership with BB Virtuals and Navkar Institute. This partnership will strengthen our Commerce Education Portfolio by integrating with JK Shah Classes.”

These strategic initiatives highlight Veranda Learning’s commitment to expanding its educational offerings and solidifying its leadership in the Indian education sector.

India’s Higher Education to Focus on Skills with New UGC Guidelines

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December 19, 2024

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is preparing to roll out comprehensive guidelines for incorporating skill-based courses and micro-credentials into higher education programmes. These guidelines aim to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements, ensuring students are equipped with the practical skills needed to excel in a competitive global job market.

Under the new framework, higher educational institutions (HEIs) will embed skill-based courses in their curricula, exposing students to cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital marketing, logistics, supply chain management, and sustainable agriculture. Other unique areas include conflict resolution, digital advocacy, e-commerce, digital payments, and fashion marketing, offering students diverse opportunities for specialization.

The introduction of micro-credentials, a globally recognised form of certification for specific skills, will allow students to build a portfolio of competencies that employers highly value. These certifications can complement degree programmes, giving students an edge in the job market.

Driving Employment and Entrepreneurship
The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes skill development as a core objective of India’s education reforms. UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar explained, “The evolving job market demands a workforce that is not only academically sound but also skilled in practical, industry-relevant areas. These guidelines will help students enhance their employability and encourage self-employment by enabling them to adapt to new and emerging career paths.”

Additionally, students will gain exposure to sustainability practices, mediation techniques, and digital banking trends, empowering them to contribute to industries undergoing rapid transformation.

Also Read :- India Welcomes Top Scholars with New G20 Talent Visa Programme

Engaging Industry Stakeholders
The UGC has also invited multinational corporations (MNCs) to collaborate with HEIs by offering approved skill-based courses. This partnership is expected to ensure that courses remain relevant and aligned with the latest industry trends, creating a robust ecosystem of academia-industry collaboration.

Public Feedback and Implementation
The UGC approved the guidelines during a meeting on November 13. The draft will be available on its official portal for public feedback before final implementation. The feedback process will help refine the initiative and address diverse perspectives from stakeholders, including educators, students, and industry leaders.

The rollout of these guidelines is expected to mark a paradigm shift in India’s higher education system, fostering innovation, employability, and global competitiveness.

India Welcomes Top Scholars with New G20 Talent Visa Programme

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December 19, 2024

India is stepping up as a global hub for academic and research excellence with the launch of the G20 Talent Visa, a visionary initiative approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This programme aims to attract top scientists, researchers, and scholars from G20 nations to engage in cutting-edge research, advanced training, and post-doctoral fellowships in India.

The G20 Talent Visa, categorized under the S-5 student visa sub-category, is designed to facilitate international scholars’ participation in academic and research activities. By fostering the exchange of ideas and innovation, the initiative seeks to strengthen India’s educational and technological ecosystems while positioning the nation as a key destination for global academic talent.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged higher education institutions to actively promote this programme among faculty, researchers, and scholars to ensure widespread participation. In an official statement, the UGC outlined the scope of the visa, stating:

“The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the approval of the G20 Talent Visa under the S-5 visa sub-category for scientists, researchers, faculty members, and scholar-academicians from G20 countries to enter India for projects, training programmes, post-doctoral research, fellowships, and more.”

Also Read :- Indian Students Abroad Surge by Over 50% in Five Years; US, Canada, and UK Lead the Way

A Vision Inspired by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi first introduced the concept at the G20 Summit in September, emphasizing its potential to bolster international collaboration.

“This visa programme can serve as a valuable platform for top science and technology talent to explore global opportunities, fostering innovation that benefits economies worldwide,” said PM Modi.

A Global Step for India

The G20 Talent Visa aligns India with global trends, resembling similar talent-focused initiatives adopted by other nations. It underscores India’s commitment to advancing its scientific, technological, and academic landscape through global partnerships.

Unlocking Opportunities for Innovation

By welcoming scholars from G20 nations, the G20 Talent Visa is set to catalyse transformative research and foster collaborations across diverse fields. It aims to address global knowledge gaps and promote cross-border innovation, making India a sought-after destination for academic achievers.

With its official launch expected on January 1, this groundbreaking initiative promises to redefine India’s academic landscape and solidify its role as a global leader in education and research.

Indian Students Abroad Surge by Over 50% in Five Years; US, Canada, and UK Lead the Way

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December 19, 2024

The number of Indian students pursuing education abroad has surged by 52.2% over the past five years, increasing from 5,86,337 in 2019 to 8,92,989 in 2023, according to data presented by the Ministry of Education in the Rajya Sabha. This steady growth, apart from a dip during the pandemic in 2020, reflects the rising aspirations of Indian students to seek global academic opportunities.

The United States leads as the top destination, hosting 2,34,473 Indian students in 2023, followed closely by Canada with 2,33,532 and the United Kingdom with 1,36,921. These three nations collectively account for over 67% of Indian students studying abroad.

Pandemic Impact and Recovery

The trend of increasing overseas enrollment was interrupted in 2020 when the number of Indian students abroad dropped by 55.7% to 2,59,655. Travel restrictions and the global shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic were the primary reasons behind this decline.

Responding to a question by CPI(M) MP V Sivadasan, Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar clarified that the Ministry does not maintain detailed data on students pursuing higher studies abroad. Instead, figures were derived from the Bureau of Immigration records under the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on individuals declaring “Study or Education” as their purpose of travel.

Canada Remains a Preferred Destination Amid Tensions

Canada saw a remarkable 76% growth in Indian student enrollment, increasing from 1,32,620 in 2019 to 2,33,532 in 2023. This growth occurred despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The strained relationship began in 2020 following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s support for Indian farmers’ protests and further deteriorated in 2024 with mutual diplomatic expulsions over the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Canada’s appeal lies in its policy allowing international students to work for up to three years after graduation, offering a pathway to permanent residency.

Also Read: UNESCO’s 2024 Report Champions Culture and Arts Education in India

United States and United Kingdom See Record Growth

The U.S. recorded a 91% increase in Indian students, from 1,22,535 in 2019 to 2,34,473 in 2023. Prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, combined with the lure of high-quality education and research opportunities, drive this demand.

The UK saw the most dramatic rise, with a 273.9% increase in Indian student numbers, from 36,612 in 2019 to 1,36,921 in 2023. The Graduate Route Visa, introduced in 2021, has been a key factor, allowing students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years post-graduation (three years for PhD holders).

This growing trend reflects the global aspirations of Indian students, driven by opportunities for world-class education, work experience, and pathways to residency in these countries.

UNESCO’s 2024 Report Champions Culture and Arts Education in India

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December 19, 2024

The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia has unveiled the sixth edition of its flagship annual report, titled “Rhythms of Learning”, which explores the transformative role of culture and arts education in India. This edition, focused on Culture and Arts Education, underscores its potential to foster creativity, promote inclusive learning, enhance social cohesion, and advance sustainable development.

As a nation with a rich cultural heritage, India holds unique opportunities to integrate arts into education, creating a holistic approach to learning. The report is a landmark initiative, being the first to adapt UNESCO’s Framework for Culture and Arts Education to the Indian context. By tailoring global strategies to local needs, it provides actionable insights and strategies to strengthen arts education across the country.

Tim Curtis, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, emphasised that culture and arts education fosters creativity, critical thinking, and empathy, skills vital for addressing modern challenges. Authored by the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, the report leverages a mixed-methods approach, combining policy analysis, interviews, surveys, and case studies. It highlights innovative initiatives from diverse regions, showcasing successful arts education practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, expressed optimism about the report’s impact: “The Department of School Education and Literacy and UNESCO share a mission of promoting India’s cultural diversity. I am pleased to see this report on ‘Culture and Arts Education’ and hope it inspires initiatives that harness the power of culture and arts in education.”

The report aligns closely with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, both of which advocate Art-Integrated Learning (AIL) and emphasise preserving traditional knowledge systems. Additionally, it provides a roadmap to strengthen access, equity, and institutionalisation of arts education ecosystems nationwide.

Key Recommendations
The report concludes with ten actionable recommendations for advancing culture and arts education in India, including:

Establishing a culture and arts education steering committee.
Enhancing rural-urban connectivity through arts education.
Strengthening teaching capacities in arts education.
Promoting arts education as a lifelong learning tool.
Leveraging technology to improve accessibility.
Creating centres of excellence in arts education.
Introducing new undergraduate programs in culture and arts education.
Developing a national repository for culture and arts education.
Implementing an effective assessment system for pedagogy.
Establishing a dedicated culture and arts education fund.

Also Read: IIT Madras Launches ‘Fine Arts and Culture Excellence’ Quota for Undergraduate Admissions

The launch event was highlighted by a live instrumental performance curated by the Naadvistaar Foundation, celebrating the integration of arts and education as a source of creativity, cultural pride, and shared humanity.

This comprehensive report serves as a vital resource for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to harness the power of arts to transform India’s education landscape.

IIT Madras Launches ‘Fine Arts and Culture Excellence’ Quota for Undergraduate Admissions

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December 18, 2024

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has announced the launch of the Fine Arts and Culture Excellence (FACE) admission scheme for its undergraduate programmes. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to acknowledge and reward students who have demonstrated exceptional talent and achievements in fine arts and cultural activities.

Under the FACE scheme, two additional seats per programme will be created across all BTech and BS courses at IIT Madras. Of these, one seat will be reserved exclusively for female candidates, while the other will be open to all genders. The provision applies to Indian Nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)/Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) who have opted to be treated as Indian nationals during the JEE (Advanced) 2025 registration process.

Speaking at the launch, IIT Madras Director Professor V Kamakoti emphasized the significance of the initiative. “IIT Madras is embarking on a new journey to recognise and reward talent in fine arts and culture through the Fine Arts and Culture Excellence admission scheme. We are excited to provide this unique opportunity for students to join our prestigious programmes,” he said.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in applying under the FACE admission scheme must meet the following requirements:

Qualify for JEE (Advanced) 2025 with a valid rank.
Fulfill the minimum academic criteria for IIT admissions.
Demonstrate significant achievements in fine arts or cultural activities recognized within specific categories.

Also Read: IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Launches Inaugural PhD Programme in Energy and Sustainability

Independent Application and Seat Allocation Process

Applications for FACE admission will be submitted through a dedicated portal, independent of the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) platform. A FACE Rank List (FRL) will be prepared based on candidates’ cultural achievements.

Seats will be allocated in multiple rounds based on the FRL. Selected candidates must withdraw from JoSAA 2025 and pay the seat acceptance fee. The process will allow candidates to freeze or slide seats, similar to the JoSAA allocation process.

This year, IIT Madras is the sole institute offering the FACE admission scheme, setting a precedent for integrating cultural excellence with academic achievement in India’s higher education landscape. For more details, visit the official FACE portal.

IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Launches Inaugural PhD Programme in Energy and Sustainability

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December 18, 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has unveiled its first PhD programme at its international campus in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the critical areas of Energy and Sustainability. This programme is set to commence in January 2025 and aims to address critical global challenges related to energy transitions and environmental sustainability.

The PhD programme is designed to delve into advanced research areas, including:

Renewable energy systems
Sustainable process engineering
Decarbonisation strategies
Process intensification
Microgrids and power distribution
Application of artificial intelligence and data science in energy transitions

Scholars will work on frontier topics linked to achieving NetZero targets, promoting solutions with real-world impact.

Application Details

Prospective candidates can submit their applications online until December 31, 2024. The selection process will evaluate applicants based on academic merit, qualifying examination scores, relevant experience, and performance in interviews. Notably, the application fee has been waived for this inaugural cohort.

Financial Support

Admitted students will benefit from full tuition waivers and attractive monthly scholarships. The programme is open to both UAE nationals and international students, reflecting IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

Strategic Alignment with UAE Priorities

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategic focus on sustainable energy and technological innovation. By establishing advanced research programmes in Abu Dhabi, IIT Delhi aims to contribute significantly to the region’s educational and industrial landscape.

Also Read: India’s Schools Witness 73% Rise in Electrification Over a Decade

Expansion of Academic Offerings

The launch of the PhD programme follows the introduction of other academic courses at the Abu Dhabi campus, including an MTech programme in Energy Transition and Sustainability in January 2024, and two BTech programmes in Computer Science and Engineering, and Energy Engineering in September 2024. The programme aligns with the UAE’s priorities, underlining the institute’s focus on sustainable solutions through academic and research excellence.

For more information on the PhD programme and application process, candidates can visit the official website: abudhabi.iitd.ac.in/ph.d_admissions.

India’s Schools Witness 73% Rise in Electrification Over a Decade

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December 18, 2024

India has made remarkable progress in schools electrification over the past decade. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently announced that 91.8% of schools across the country now have access to electricity, a significant leap from 53% in 2013-14. This achievement underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure and create better learning environments for students.

The improvement is part of a broader initiative to address infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas. As per Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data, the electrification rate in schools has shown steady growth over recent years. In 2019-20, 80.16% of schools had electricity, rising to 86.58% by 2021-22. Union Territories like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Puducherry now boast 100% electrification, while states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat report near-total coverage.

However, regional disparities persist. Rural schools, particularly in northeastern states, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, face challenges in accessing functional electricity. These gaps highlight the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable infrastructure development across urban and rural regions.

Electricity in schools goes beyond powering lights and fans. It serves as a foundation for modernizing education, enabling smart classrooms, computer labs, and audio-visual learning tools. For rural and government schools, electrification is transformative, providing students access to digital learning and bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary education systems.

Also Read: India Tops International Junior Science Olympiad with Unprecedented Six Gold Medals

This achievement is a testament to the government’s focus on holistic educational reforms. The drive toward electrification aligns with broader goals of enhancing learning outcomes and creating an environment where every child has access to quality education. However, addressing remaining challenges, such as ensuring reliable electricity in remote areas, will be essential to sustaining this progress.

India’s electrification journey reflects its commitment to empowering future generations through improved infrastructure and equitable access to educational resources, marking a significant step toward a brighter future.

India Tops International Junior Science Olympiad with Unprecedented Six Gold Medals

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December 17, 2024

India has achieved a historic milestone at the 21st International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) held in Bucharest, Romania, from December 2 to 11, 2024. The Indian contingent secured six gold medals, emerging as the best-performing nation among participants from 57 countries.

The IJSO is a prestigious annual competition that challenges students under the age of 16 in the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through rigorous theoretical and experimental examinations. The top 10% of participants are awarded gold medals, making India’s clean sweep of six golds a remarkable feat.

List of Indian Gold Medalists at IJSO 2024:

Swetank Aggarwal
Bhavyaa Gunwal
Jinansh Shah
Manas Goel
Harshit Singla
Pranit Mathur

The selection and training of these exceptional students were overseen by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), an organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in science education across the country.

A felicitation ceremony was organised on December 13, 2024, at Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Rajajinagar to honor the students and their mentors. The event was graced by Professor Anil Kumar, Dean of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), as the chief guest. Other dignitaries included Professor Ahluwalia, President of IAPT, Professor Dwarakanath, Chairman of Vidyavardhaka Sangha, and Professor Lakshminarasu, Vice Chairperson.

Educational institutions played a significant role in nurturing these young talents. Notably, students from Narayana Educational Institutions, including Bhavyaa Gunwal and Shwetank Agrawal, contributed to the gold tally. Dr. P. Sindhura, Director of Narayana Educational Institutions, expressed pride in their achievements, stating, “Our students have once again exemplified what dedication, hard work, and the right guidance can achieve.”

Also Read :- NTA to End Recruitment Exams, Prioritise Higher Education Entrances starting 2025: Dharmendra Pradhan

Similarly, four students from Allen Career Institute were among the gold medalists, highlighting the institute’s commitment to academic excellence. A spokesperson from Allen stated, “With six gold medals, India has secured the top position among 57 participating countries.”

The Indian govenment’s support and investment in science education have been instrumental in this success. By providing resources and opportunities for young scientists, the government aims to foster innovation and maintain India’s competitive edge in the global scientific community.

The IJSO was established in 2004 and has since become a platform for young students worldwide to showcase their scientific prowess. India’s consistent participation and success in the Olympiad underscore the country’s dedication to cultivating a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

This unprecedented achievement not only brings honor to the nation but also inspires future generations of Indian students to pursue excellence in the sciences. The collective efforts of students, educators, and institutions have set a new benchmark in the realm of international academic competitions.

NTA to End Recruitment Exams, Prioritise Higher Education Entrances starting 2025: Dharmendra Pradhan

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December 17, 2024

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will discontinue conducting recruitment examinations from 2025 and will focus exclusively on higher education entrance tests, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Tuesday. The move follows recommendations by a high-level panel constituted earlier this year in response to controversies such as the NEET paper leak and repeated exam cancellations due to suspected leaks and technical issues.

Speaking about the reforms, Pradhan said, “The NTA will restrict itself to entrance exams for higher education. Recruitment exams will no longer be part of its mandate starting next year.” He also confirmed that the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG will continue to be held annually.

The Ministry of Education is also exploring a shift to technology-driven and computer-adaptive tests, which are expected to ensure a more secure and efficient testing process. Discussions with the Ministry of Health are ongoing regarding whether the NEET exam will adopt a computer-based format or retain the traditional pen-and-paper approach.

Additionally, Pradhan announced a significant restructuring of the NTA in 2025. “At least ten new posts are being created to improve its functioning. The aim is to make NTA a zero-error testing agency,” he said.

Also Read :- XAT 2025 Achieves Record 1.42 Lakh Registrations Amid Key Exam Updates

The reforms come in the wake of major examination challenges, including the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper and several exam cancellations. These incidents raised concerns about the integrity of the testing system and prompted demands for a robust overhaul. By narrowing its focus to entrance exams, the NTA seeks to strengthen its operations, restore credibility, and enhance the overall examination experience for candidates.

The National Testing Agency was established in 2017 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education and has been responsible for conducting entrance examinations for higher educational institutions and recruitment tests for various government positions. As the NTA undergoes restructuring, the Ministry of Education emphasises its commitment to creating a transparent, efficient, and error-free examination system that upholds the standards of higher education in India.

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