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

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April 3, 2025

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), under the Skill India Mission (SIM), has been actively promoting skill development across the nation through various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) implemented via Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). These initiatives aim to equip India’s youth with industry-relevant skills, ensuring they are prepared for future employment opportunities.

Financial Allocations Over the Past Five Years (Up to 2023-24):

PMKVY: ₹4,906.32 crore
JSS: ₹666.33 crore
NAPS: ₹1,238.48 crore

Under NAPS, apprentices receive a stipend support of up to ₹1,500 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The administration and financial control of ITIs are managed by the respective State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.

Initiatives to Promote Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence:

Introduction of New-Age Courses: PMKVY 4.0 has been launched with a focus on emerging skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Web 3.0, tailored to meet current market demands.
Apprenticeships in AI: Approximately 60 private establishments are offering apprenticeships in seven AI-related courses under NAPS.
Future Skills Training in ITIs and NSTIs: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced 31 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme, covering areas like AI, Mechatronics, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and Semiconductor technology.
Collaborations with Tech Giants: DGT has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading IT companies such as IBM, Cisco, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft to provide training in modern technologies, including AI, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing.
Specialized AI Courses: The ‘Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA)’ course has been introduced to impart AI-based skill training through ITIs and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). Additionally, a 7.5-hour micro-credential course titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)” has been developed for all CTS trainees in collaboration with industry and academic experts.
Launch of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): MSDE has launched the SIDH platform, offering a wide range of AI and ML courses. These range from foundational programs like ‘Fundamentals of Azure AI Speech’ and ‘Machine Learning’ to specialized offerings such as ‘Google Cloud Generative AI’ and ‘AI Strategy to Create Business Value in Healthcare’, catering to various levels of expertise.
Partnerships for Digital Courses: The National Skill Development Corporation, under MSDE, has partnered with international organizations including AWS, Microsoft, Intel, Redhat, Pearson VUE, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Cisco Networking Academy to provide digital courses.

Also Read: CollegeDekho secures ₹30 crore funding to enhance operations ahead of admission season

State-Wise Distribution of Training Centers:

State/UT	PMKVY 4.0 Centres	JSS Centers	NAPS Establishments	CTS ( ITIs)
State/UT	PMKVY 4.0 Centres	JSS Centers	NAPS Establishments	Govt. ITIs	Pvt. ITIs
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	7	1	20	3	1
Andhra Pradesh	408	6	1,147	85	434
Arunachal Pradesh	86	0	25	7	0
Assam	833	6	941	31	16
Bihar	596	21	548	150	1,219
Chandigarh	9	1	166	2	0
Chhattisgarh	202	14	324	120	106
Delhi	222	3	3,013	18	28
DNH & DD	9	2	130	4	0
Goa	8	1	495	11	2
Gujarat	377	8	12,458	273	215
Haryana	629	2	5,872	159	222
Himachal Pradesh	210	11	740	128	139
Jammu And Kashmir	694	1	554	49	0
Jharkhand	246	13	442	77	269
Karnataka	457	12	2,452	274	1,192
Kerala	145	9	1,904	149	297
Ladakh	12	0	16	3	0
Lakshadweep	1	1	1	1	0
Madhya Pradesh	1,527	29	1,126	195	767
Maharashtra	684	21	9,086	422	615
Manipur	164	4	23	10	0
Meghalaya	99	1	41	7	1
Mizoram	102	1	20	3	0
Nagaland	91	1	22	9	0
Odisha	307	29	738	73	427

Puducherry	23	0	245	8	7
Punjab	617	2	933	115	205
Rajasthan	1,613	9	984	182	1,363
Sikkim	37	0	69	4	0
Tamil Nadu	581	9	2,892	93	363
Telangana	157	6	1,314	66	232
Tripura	151	2	98	20	2
Uttar Pradesh	2,965	47	6,395	294	2,964
Uttarakhand	231	8	738	103	71
West Bengal	344	8	1,352	168	139
Overall	14,844	289	49,788	3,316	11,296

CollegeDekho secures ₹30 crore funding to enhance operations ahead of admission season

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April 3, 2025

CollegeDekho, a higher education edtech platform in India, has secured ₹30 crore (~$3.5 million) in funding from Lighthouse Canton, a global investment firm. This infusion of capital aims to strengthen the company’s operational capabilities and expand its reach as it gears up for the upcoming college admission season.

This funding round follows CollegeDekho’s $35 million Series B raise in December 2021, which saw participation from Winter Capital, ETS Strategic Capital, Calega, and Man Capital. The continued investment highlights the company’s growing influence in bridging the gap between students and higher education institutions across India.

CollegeDekho intends to deploy the new capital to:

Enhance technology infrastructure to streamline processes.
Expand its outreach to support more students and educational institutions.
Strengthen its services to optimize college admissions.

Ruchir Arora, CEO & Co-Founder of CollegeDekho, stated:
“This funding ensures we are well-prepared for the upcoming admission cycle and beyond. Our vision remains steadfast—helping students access quality, skill-oriented higher education while enabling them to make informed choices.”

Financial Performance and Impact

The company recently reported a 32.2% increase in operating revenue, rising from ₹163 crore in FY23 to ₹215.6 crore in FY24. While net losses remained steady at ₹129 crore, CollegeDekho has successfully scaled operations while maintaining cost controls.

Over the past seven years, the platform has facilitated over 2,00,000 student admissions and has contributed ₹5,000 crore in fee income to educational institutions.

To bolster its operational efficiency and retail admissions segment, CollegeDekho has appointed two seasoned professionals.

Arshad Mumtaz joins as Chief Operating Officer – Enrolment Business. With 26 years of expertise in sales, operations, and outsourcing, he has previously held leadership roles at IGT Solutions, Spanco, and Bharti Airtel. He will spearhead operations and sales for the company’s retail business.

Deep Prakash takes on the role of Head of Sales – Retail Business & GetMyUni. With over 20 years of experience in sales strategy and market expansion, Deep has led initiatives at SMC Real Estate, Cloudfarm, and Agent Hero. He will be responsible for national sales and revenue growth.

Also Read: Amit Washington joins Xarpie, Machani Group as CEO & Managing Partner for Education Excellence & Transformation (MEA & India)

Commenting on the leadership appointments, Ruchir Arora added:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Arshad and Deep to our team. Their expertise will play a crucial role in optimizing efficiencies and driving growth in our retail admissions business.”

With this latest round of funding and leadership reinforcements, CollegeDekho is well-positioned to scale its operations and further strengthen its presence in the higher education sector.

Amit Washington joins Xarpie, Machani Group as CEO & Managing Partner for Education Excellence & Transformation (MEA & India)

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April 2, 2025

Amit Washington joins Xarpie, Machani Group as the CEO & Managing Partner – Education Excellence & Transformation for the Middle East, Africa (MEA), and India regions. With over 25 years of experience across education, EdTech, vocational training, and corporate learning solutions, he is set to lead Xarpie’s mission to revolutionize education through innovation, personalization, and accessibility.

Amit Washington has held leadership roles at some of the most influential education organisations. Most recently, he served as the CEO for a GEMS Education Group company, where he played a pivotal role in expanding and optimizing education services across international markets. His work at GEMS Education—one of the world’s largest private education providers—focused on scaling digital learning solutions, building global partnerships, and driving educational transformation.

He also founded ed2100, an ed-tech venture committed to democratising education by delivering personalised, 21st-century learning experiences. His expertise extends to deploying large-scale corporate learning programs, youth employment initiatives with state and federal governments, and developing EdTech products for K-12 education (B2B & D2C).

Also Read: PhysicsWallah in talks to acquire Drishti IAS

With a strong presence in Africa, India, and the UAE, he has successfully built new business units, managed multi-cultural teams, and spearheaded education strategies for corporates, governments, and development agencies. His leadership spans industries including telecom, banking, FMCG, and hospitality, bringing a multifaceted perspective to learning & development.

At Xarpie, Amit will lead AI-driven education solutions, industry-academia collaborations, and large-scale learning ecosystems that enhance access, equity, and excellence in education. As a practitioner of First Principles Thinking, he is known for turning ideas into reality through creativity, grit, and perseverance.

Join us in welcoming Amit Washington to Xarpie!

PhysicsWallah in talks to acquire Drishti IAS

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April 1, 2025

India’s edtech unicorn, PhysicsWallah (PW), is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Drishti IAS, a prominent coaching institute for civil services exam preparation, according to an Entrackr report. If finalized, the deal, valued between ₹2,500-3,000 crore, would be among the most significant acquisitions in the Indian edtech space.

The acquisition aligns with PhysicsWallah’s expansion strategy, marking its foray into UPSC and state commission exam coaching—one of India’s most competitive educational segments. It also strengthens PW’s push into hybrid education, where it aims to generate ₹1,000 crore in offline revenue by FY25.

Notably, this move comes as PhysicsWallah prepares for an initial public offering (IPO), with reports indicating a fundraising target of $500 million at a $5 billion valuation. The company has already taken steps towards a public listing by appointing three independent directors.

Founded by Vikas Divyakirti, Drishti IAS has been a key player in the civil services coaching sector for over 26 years. In FY24, the institute reported ₹405 crore in revenue and ₹90 crore in profit, with its flagship Mukherjee Nagar centre in Delhi contributing 58% of its total earnings. Other key locations include Prayagraj, Jaipur, and Karol Bagh.

Also Read :- Foundation stone laid for New Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh

However, Drishti IAS CEO Vivek Tiwari has dismissed these acquisition reports as “mere speculation.”

Founded by Alakh Pandey, PhysicsWallah has transformed from a YouTube-based educational platform into a leading hybrid edtech firm. The startup has secured over $300 million in funding to date, with a valuation of $2.8 billion following a $210 million Series B round in September 2023.

In FY24, PW’s revenue surged to ₹1,940 crore, a significant jump from ₹744 crore in FY23. However, the company’s losses also escalated, soaring 13-fold to ₹1,131 crore in FY24 from ₹84 crore in FY23, as it aggressively invested in technology, marketing, and offline expansion.

If the deal materializes, it would cement PhysicsWallah’s position as a dominant player across multiple competitive exam categories, bridging its expertise in JEE and NEET coaching with UPSC preparation. This expansion would further solidify its presence in the offline education landscape, making it a formidable force in India’s edtech industry.

Foundation stone laid for New Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh ₹38 Crore Project to Enhance Educational Infrastructure in Assam

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March 31, 2025

New Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh

In a significant step towards strengthening educational infrastructure in Assam, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the foundation stone for the new Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh. The long-awaited project, set to be developed with an investment of ₹38 crores, aims to provide world-class facilities for students, teachers, and parents, fostering holistic learning.

Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal emphasized the pivotal role Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dibrugarh, has played in shaping young minds. He highlighted that the new building aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, ensuring that students receive quality education in a modern and conducive environment.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and this initiative reaffirms our commitment to nurturing young talent for a self-reliant India. This new infrastructure will empower students with knowledge and skills to lead our nation into a brighter future,” he stated.

Shri Sonowal expressed gratitude to the Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, for facilitating the necessary funding for this project. He also stressed the importance of incorporating green spaces within the school premises to promote learning through nature, fostering creativity and curiosity among students.

“Our aim is to align with the National Education Policy’s vision of inclusive and holistic learning. The design will integrate ample green spaces, ensuring a sustainable and inspiring environment for students,” he added.

Also Read :- CBSE announces 2025-26 syllabus with major changes in Class 10 and 12 exams

The minister highlighted that Dibrugarh has a strong academic ecosystem, which must be further nurtured to equip the youth with skills for innovation and economic development. He stressed the need for investments in modern infrastructure, quality education, and skill development to match the rapid growth seen in Guwahati.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Assam Minister Prasanta Phukan, Dibrugarh Mayor Dr. Saikat Patra, Vice Chairman of Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Rituparna Baruah, Chairman of Assam Petrochemicals Limited, Bikul Deka, the District Commissioner of Dibrugarh, and the Principal of KV Dibrugarh, among others.

With this initiative, Dibrugarh is set to witness a transformative step in its education sector, paving the way for a brighter and more self-reliant future for its students.

CBSE announces 2025-26 syllabus with major changes in Class 10 and 12 exams

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March 31, 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the syllabus for Class 10 and Class 12 for the academic session 2025-26, outlining significant changes in the examination structure. The revised curriculum provides detailed learning objectives, subject guidelines, and assessment criteria for students appearing in the CBSE Board Exams 2026.

Two Board Exams for Class 10, Unchanged Format for Class 12

Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, CBSE has introduced a dual-exam system for Class 10 students, allowing them to appear for board exams twice a year—in February and April. This initiative aims to reduce academic stress and provide students with an additional opportunity to improve their scores. Meanwhile, Class 12 board exams will continue to be held annually. The 2026 Class 12 board exams are scheduled to commence on February 17, with nearly 20 lakh students expected to appear.

Revised Assessment and Grading for Class 10

The new evaluation method for Class 10 will follow a 9-point grading system, converting numerical marks into grades. Each subject’s board exam will be conducted for 80 marks, while the remaining 20 marks will be allocated for internal assessment. To pass, students must secure a minimum of 33% in each subject.

CBSE has also introduced three skill-based subjects for students to choose from:

Computer Application (Code 165)
Information Technology (Code 402)
Artificial Intelligence (Code 417)

Additionally, students must opt for either English or Hindi as a language subject during Class 9 and 10.

In a key revision, students who fail in core subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or a language paper but pass a skill-based or optional language subject can have the failed subject replaced by the qualified skill or language subject in their result calculation.

Also Read :- D2L shines in G2’s 2025 best software awards

New Skill-Based Electives for Class 12

The Class 12 assessment will also follow the 9-point grading system. CBSE has introduced four new skill-based elective subjects:

Land Transportation Associate
Electronics and Hardware
Physical Activity Trainer
Design Thinking and Innovation

Students opting for technical subjects such as Informatics Practices (Code 065), Computer Science (Code 083), and Information Technology (Code 802) will be allowed to choose only one from these options.

The Class 12 curriculum has been structured into seven major learning areas:

Languages
Humanities
Mathematics
Sciences
Skill Subjects
General Studies
Health and Physical Education

These updates reflect CBSE’s ongoing efforts to modernize its education system, enhance student flexibility, and integrate skill-based learning for better career readiness.

D2L shines in G2’s 2025 best software awards

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March 31, 2025

D2L has earned a prestigious spot in G2’s 2025 Best Software Awards, securing third place among the Best Education Software Products and ranking among the top software companies in Canada.

John Baker, CEO of D2L, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and user experience. “D2L Brightspace is honored to be recognized as one of the Best Education Software Products by G2, the world’s largest and most reputable software marketplace. This award speaks to D2L’s commitment to innovation and product design.”

This latest accolade builds on D2L’s track record of success, including its top ranking as the most user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) in G2’s 2024 summer rankings. The company continues to lead in multiple categories, spanning education, corporate learning, and mid-market segments, with a strong presence in Latin America.

D2L’s flagship LMS, Brightspace, is widely celebrated for its robust content creation tools, interactive modules, assessments, and communication features. Institutions such as Kennesaw State University have commended the platform for its ability to support multimodal online learning and enhance personalised education experiences.

Also Read :- IIT Mandi, NSDC & NCU collaborate to launch India’s first Specialised B.Tech in semiconductor design

G2, the world’s largest software marketplace, determines its annual rankings based on verified user reviews and market presence data. With a vast repository of over 180,000 product listings and nearly 3 million verified reviews, G2’s Best Software Awards highlight the industry’s most trusted and impactful solutions.

Godard Abel, Co-founder and CEO of G2, emphasized the significance of these rankings: “With over 180,000 product listings and nearly 3 million verified reviews, the G2 marketplace offers the most trusted insights software buyers can rely on. Our annual Best Software Awards showcase the best of the best among these solutions, rooted in the voice of authentic customer feedback. Congratulations to D2L and all 2025 Best Software Award winners for being among the less than 1% of vendors on G2 who earned a spot on this year’s lists!”

IIT Mandi, NSDC & NCU collaborate to launch India’s first Specialised B.Tech in semiconductor design

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March 29, 2025

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s semiconductor talent pipeline, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and The NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram, to launch a pioneering B.Tech program in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) with a specialisation in Semiconductor Design and Technology.

The agreement was officially signed today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a significant step toward bridging the skill gap in the semiconductor industry. This jointly certified program will integrate cutting-edge academic learning with hands-on industry experience, preparing students for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors.

Key Features of the Program:

Specialised Curriculum: The B.Tech ECE program at NCU will include 25 dedicated credits in semiconductor design and technology, delivered online by IIT Mandi’s expert faculty.

Expert-Led Learning: Courses will be offered through online, offline, and hybrid modes, ensuring accessibility to students across different locations.

Industry Integration: NSDC will play a crucial role in facilitating internships, skill loans, and industry partnerships, enhancing career opportunities for students.

Hands-on Training: Students will undergo immersive learning through campus visits to IIT Mandi’s state-of-the-art labs, gaining practical experience in semiconductor fabrication and design.

Also Read :- Sharp decline in school enrollments raises concern

Recognised Certifications: Students will earn certifications from IIT Mandi upon successful completion of specialized courses, adding value to their academic credentials.

This initiative is a significant step in India’s semiconductor roadmap, fostering innovation and enhancing the nation’s technological capabilities. By integrating academic rigor with industry-driven skills, this program is set to become a game-changer for aspiring engineers in the semiconductor domain.

Sharp decline in school enrollments raises concern

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March 28, 2025

India has witnessed a significant decline in school enrollment rates in the academic year 2023-24, particularly at the elementary level, according to government data presented in Parliament on Thursday. The figures indicate an alarming eight-percentage-point drop compared to 2021-22, raising concerns among policymakers and education experts.

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, while responding to a query in the Lok Sabha regarding the living standards of tribal communities, highlighted that the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for tribal students at the elementary level declined from 103.4% in 2021-22 to 97.1% in 2023-24.

A similar trend was observed across all communities, where GER at the elementary level dropped from 100.13% in 2021-22 to 91.7% in 2023-24, pointing to a broader issue in the education sector.

Enrollment Rates Declining Across All Education Levels

The downward trend was also evident at the secondary and senior secondary levels. For tribal students in classes 9-10, the GER saw a slight dip from 78.1% in 2021-22 to 76.9% in 2023-24. Meanwhile, for students from all communities, it declined from 79.56% to 77.4% in the same period.

The situation was even more concerning at the senior secondary level (classes 11-12), where GER for tribal students fell from 52% in 2021-22 to 48.7% in 2023-24. Among students from all communities, GER decreased from 57.56% to 56.2%.

Also Read :- Tripura Government enhances education quality with key initiatives and teacher recruitment

Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari demanded an explanation from the government regarding the sharp decline in school enrollments. Citing data from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), he criticized the Narendra Modi-led government, accusing it of neglecting the education sector and failing to secure the future of young students.

Tiwari further attributed the decline to widening economic disparity and financial mismanagement. He also pointed out infrastructure deficiencies, noting that classrooms in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam remain underutilized, while states such as Telangana, West Bengal, and Punjab struggle with overcrowding and lack of basic facilities.

With the enrollment rate dipping across all levels, concerns about accessibility, affordability, and quality of education continue to grow, making it a pressing issue for policymakers to address.

Tripura Government enhances education quality with key initiatives and teacher recruitment

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March 28, 2025

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted the state government’s proactive measures to improve education quality, including the recruitment of 4,656 teachers over the last five financial years. Speaking during the Tripura Assembly session, he emphasized the government’s commitment to foundational literacy and numeracy through the Nipun Mission, launched on November 18, 2022.

The Nipun Mission aligns with the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN), a central program ensuring that children acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills by Grade 3. Under this initiative, 10,182 primary teachers have been trained in foundational literacy, facilitating activity-based learning in schools. Furthermore, 200 Block and Cluster Resource Persons have been trained as master trainers to support primary teachers across the state.

To create engaging learning spaces, ‘Nipun Corners’ have been established in classrooms across all schools. Additionally, the state has been providing daily cooked meals under the PM Poshan scheme to government and government-aided school students from Class I to VIII. In a pilot initiative, breakfast is also being served to 47,792 students from pre-primary to Class VIII in Dhalai, an aspirational district.

Encouraging innovation in teaching, the government hosted a state-level teaching and learning aids exhibition and competition, featuring innovative teaching tools developed by educators. Over 7,000 teachers participated in this initiative, following 160 district-level competitions.

To help Class I students transition smoothly into school, the government introduced a nine-week bridge course called the ‘Vidya Setu Module’, modeled on NCERT guidelines. Additionally, parent-teacher conferences were organized to align families with the state’s educational objectives.

The Building as Learning Aid (BALA) project has transformed pre-primary classrooms with engaging decorations, significantly increasing student enrollment from 3,352 in 2020-21 to 12,253. Activity-based teaching has also been implemented at the pre-primary level, leading to improved attendance.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Government Collaborates with UNESCO

Reinforcing its commitment to quality education, the government has strengthened teacher recruitment through the Teachers’ Recruitment Board, Tripura (TRBT) via the TET examination.

With these initiatives, the Tripura government continues to enhance educational standards and ensure a brighter future for students across the state.

Two Board Exams for Class 10, Unchanged Format for Class 12

Revised Assessment and Grading for Class 10

New Skill-Based Electives for Class 12

Key Features of the Program:

Enrollment Rates Declining Across All Education Levels

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