Today is the last day to apply for a total of 357 vacancies in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The online recruitment is being done by CBSE for Group A, B and C posts for a salary of up-to Rs 45,700, along with other perks.
In Group-A, 14 posts of Assistant Secretary, 14 posts of Analyst (IT) and 7 posts of Assistant Secretary (IT) are on offer. In Group-B, 8 posts of Junior Hindi Translator are vacant for occupation. In Group-C, 2024 posts of Junior Assistant, 60 posts of Senior Assistant, 25 posts of Stenographer, 19 posts of Junior Accountant, and 6 posts of Accountant are being offered.
Interested candidates can apply for the above-mentioned posts on CBSE’s official website https://cbse.nic.in, after checking their eligibility.
Here are some steps that can be followed for the application process:
Step-2: On the home page, click on the ‘Recruitment’ tab
Step-3: Click on ‘Apply online’ and read the instructions
Step-4: Click on ‘Start’ to fill up the application form
Step-5: Upload the required scanned documents
Step-6: Make the online payment and click on ‘Submit’
The application fee for unreserved/OBC/EWS candidates is Rs 1500 (for Group-A posts) and Rs 800 (for Group B and C posts). There is no application fee for candidates belonging to SC/ ST/ PwBD/ Women/ Ex-Servicemen/ Regular CBSE Employee(s) categories.
The online payment can be made by Debit/Credit cards, internet banking, cash cards, mobile wallets and Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).
The candidates will be selected based on the marks scored by them in a computer-based test (CBT), and on the final skill test/ interview.
Only 14 days left for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2020 registration process to be closed down. Candidates who wish to appear for the examination can visit the official website of NTA NEET https://ntaneet.nic.in to register before December 31, 2019.
The admit card for the examination would be available on March 27, 2020, as per the official schedule. The exam is scheduled to be held on May 3, 2020.
Here are the steps to be followed by those who wish to apply:
Step 2: Click on the NEET 2020 application form and register using a unique e-mail ID and mobile number
Step 3: Fill the application form and make a note of the automatically generated application number.
Step 4: Upload the required scanned documents (passport size photo, postcard size photo, class X passing certificate, candidate’s signature and left-hand thumb impression)
Step 5: Make the payment using Debit/Credit card/Net banking/UPI and secure the proof of payment.
The NEET 2020 exam will be conducted from 2 pm to 5 pm and the result will be out on June 4, 2020. The exam will carry 180 questions for 720 marks, with each question carrying four marks. For additional information, the interested candidates can visit the official website of NTA NEET.
Lit Skills Learning has recently launched its flagship “Project English” and is also partnering with Govt of Telangana, Board of Higher & Intermediate Education for implementing its Teacher Training Programs and Student Enrichment Programs. The key is to deliver world class training programs with effective methodologies says Dr Karthik Narayanan, CEO & Founder, Lit Skills Learning, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).
As you strongly believe that English is the gateway to global opportunities, how was your journey in the industry so far? What is the vision of LIT Skills Learning?
During my decade long journey in this industry, I have had some path breaking learnings from the tremendous experiences that I have had, as an educator. I am thoroughly passionate about creating schools that motivate, engage and empower 21st Century Learners for their future. After many successful years of working with leading schools, I wanted to give more back to the society. So I designed a global enterprise to work with schools andschool leaders around the world using 21st Century Leadership behavior, systems thinking, drivers of change, future trends and sustainability tools to create and implement innovative strategic plans to take schools successfully into the future.I founded Lit Skills with a single thought in mind, to provide a greater platform and a simpler approach and methodology to a child in a classroom, which aims to develop the overall english language skills and bridge the gap in learning. We are in pursuit of making products that are accessible and affordable to all.
The vision of our organisation is to ensure that every child in India, especially from the rural sectors, is able to read, write and speak excellent English. We have recently launched our flagship “Project English”, an initiative to bring state of the art learning to the Tier 3 & Tier 4 sectors of India, at the 15th World Education Summit 2019, Mumbai – India.
In what ways are you enhancing the skills of a student? How are you bringing skill training and education together to create employable graduates of tomorrow?
“India Passes out 8 crore Graduates in a year and only 7% are fit to be hired.94% of Engineering Graduates are not fit to be hired as they lack the core Skills.”This is the biggest burning problem in India today and if the nation needs to be built and advanced in the education sector, especially where technology plays a key role, then the right resources need to be given to teachers and a systematic ‘out of the box’ methodology has to be implemented for students. By introducing our program, we are trying to deliver the best student experience and assuring the teachers have all the necessary resources for effective teaching outcomes.
Activities & Interactive Entertainment – Video Based using Projector and Speakers
Project Based Learning for Science
Personalised Mentoring and Coaching for every child who is lacking the necessary skills in English Language and much more by imparting the LSRW Skills in the Classroom.
We believe that teachers know their students best. We also believe that when given the right resources to inform and deliver effective differentiated instruction, every student benefit. With an extensive collection of incredibly powerful and flexible curriculum resources, our products fill the gaps identified in various learning environments. Without limiting their creativity, innovation, or individuality, we help teachers to provide the impactful instruction their students need to thrive
Our Signature Products/ Solutions for teachers include:
In house training Programs
Digital Training Programs
Workshops and
Online Video Courses (New) – Developed by Dr. Karthik Narayanan on Effective Leadership Skills for the 21st Century Schools/Teachers and Students.
Online video courses is a new initiative which is been developed by me with my tenure of 10+ and having understood the needs and wants in the classroom from a grass-root level of understanding. The courses are custom made which will suit any teacher working in schools. There are Live Webinars and recorded webinars included in the program.
What are the challenges that Lit Skills faces when it comes to meeting students’ expectations?
Challenges are everywhere – Life is full of them. When it comes to educating a child, there are many involved. Every child is special and has their way of learning. The key is to identify and grasp the child’s attention in the first ten minutes of the class. Most importantly, it’s the love and affection that the child receives from the teacher which will have a lasting impression and it all starts from right there in the classroom.
Entertainment has dominated most aspects of life. In what ways are you combining education and entertainment? Are there any chances of overlapping?
Edu-Tainment (Education through Entertainment) is in the new, when it comes to learning. When education and entertainment intersect, we can enjoy the best of both worlds: rich delights and profound learning.For creative classrooms, a bevy of strategically selected edutainment modules, can offer crucial reinforcement for learning without the burdensome drudgery and drills of conventional classactivities. When we can findwaysforstudentstodeveloplearningcompetenciesthroughplayandgames, there’s a better chance they’ll be independently motivated to keep learning that skill long after class is over.Lit Skills combines education with entertainment in a measured ratio that keeps the focus primarily on learning the various modules. The child is incentivised moderately, for every effort of successful completion of a module, to keep one appropriately activated for a balanced learning experience. This educational strategy can be too good to improve their intellectual stimulations with gamification aimed at boosting their thinking capability, problem solving and competitive mind set.
Mr Thangaraj Pandian, Chief Advisor & Mentor – Lit Skills Learning, believes that great journeys begin with great people. Always a very transparent and straightforward advisor, his approach is cheerfully lively and lifts up the spirit of the organisation.
What are the innovative strategic plans to take schools successfully into the future?
As an Educator, I am primarily focused on Teacher Training Programs and different methodologies to implement the above ideologies. We have collaborated with ELT – UK for better and effective teacher training programs that can be implemented for rural Indian English medium schools which can bring the best of the teacher and be a lifelong learner.It is always the Human Interference which plays a key role when it comes to learning, in spite of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) taking over classrooms today.
Engineering Projects (India) Limited (EPI), a Central PSU, under the administrative control of the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Govt. of India is a cohesive body of professionals, having vast experience of undertaking multidisciplinary projects & infrastructure development projects on turnkey basis i.e. from concept to commissioning in India & overseas. EPI was incorporated in the year 1970 for execution of high technology projects in the sectors like industrial, process plants, material handling and electrical projects etc. EPI is a ‘Mini Ratna’ company and possess following certifications:
• ISO 9001:2015
• ISO 14001:2015
• OHSAS 18001:2007
• ISO 27001:2013.
Today, it is ranked as the frontrunner Prime Contracting and Project Management Consultancy Company and has extended its mark of excellence not only in India, but in the overseas market as well. EPI has secured and executed many multidisciplinary projects in India & abroad. EPI’s country wide operations are taken care of by its Corporate Office at New Delhi and its five regional offices (RO) at New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata & Guwahati. Each of these offices functions as a separate profit center, with ample decentralization of executive and decision-making powers at the RO level itself. The following are the objectives of EPI:
• Focus and Maintain business in its most profitable segments while expanding into new business segments.
• Attract and retain the best people and known as the place where the Bestengineers choose to be.
• Deliver exceptional client service with an unrelenting focus on value creation.
• Pursue operational excellence with a strong focus on quality and margins.
• To continuously upgrade and adopt all technological advancements to meet the growing needs of customers.
• To enhance competitive spirit of the organization through principles of continuous learning and empower to perform.
• To stride on the path of growth by adding every possible value to our service in pursuit of long term relations with all our clients.
EPI has a fairly diverse portfolio of services in a wide range of section, but major portion of profit comes from civil construction projects. With constant thrust on growth, EPI continues to explore diversified frontiers. It is also expanding its overseas footprints. The acquisition of infrastructure projects in Oman, Myanmar and Sri Lanka validates EPI’s focus on exploring new geographical and technological frontiers even further.
PRODUCTS/SERVICES
As a prime Consultancy & Contracting Company, EPI has proven its expertise and experience in virtually every sector. The range of services provided includes:
• Perimeter Security Solutions
• Feasibility Studies
• Detailed Project Reports
• Supply of Plant & Equipment
• Quality Assurance
• Civil & Structural Works
• Erection, Trial Run and Commissioning
• Training of Supervisors & Operators
• Operation & Maintenance
• Overall Project Management
In light of the changing market place, EPI is exploring possibilities to enter into tie ups in project execution with renowned experienced associates. Presently, EPI is making efforts to diversify in following areas as well:
• Urban Transportation (MRTS).
• City Surveillance Projects.
• Mining.
• Oil & Petrochemicals Projects.
• Railways.
• Ports/ inland waterways.
• Roads/highways
• Green building
• Prefabrication/precast technology
MARKETING STRATEGY
Keeping in view the various Government of India initiatives/ policies such as Ease of doing business, relaxation in FDI norms, Make in India etc., EPI has entered/is entering into MOUs with various suitable entities for securing works in infrastructure development sector. To secure business, EPIL constantly scans the opportunities across various geographies such as Maldives, Malaysia, Qatar, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Nepal, KSA and African Countries as part of its international expansion.
PROCESS QUALITY CHECKS
EPI is proud to be one of the first few companies to have been awarded integrated certification for Quality Management and the Environment Management System ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 for all its areas of operation, OHSAS 18001:2007 for Corporate Office and ISO 27001:2013.
To achieve the goal of revamping the curriculum, we are urging all the colleges and universities to come up with a new and modern curriculum in their institutions, thus making the classes more interesting for the students to attend, says Shuchi Sharma, Secretary of Higher & Technical Education Department, Government of Rajasthan, in conversation with Kartik Sharma & Prathana Dutta of Elets News Network (ENN).
You have recently taken the position of Secretary, Higher Education and Technical Department, in the State of Rajasthan. How do you see this responsibility and are you looking forward to it?
It’s a great responsibility that I have been entrusted with and I feel though a lot has been done to give a good education system to the society still there is the scope of improvement. In fact, something needs to be done in a direction that emphasizes the evolution of the student as a good human being. Therefore, I believe somewhere a dent is needed in the fundamentals of the present education system to achieve this goal.
At the 15th World Education Summit Mumbai, you spoke on the concept of ‘Joy of Giving’. Could you share your insight on this concept and what is the need of such a concept in the Higher Education sector today?
Knowledge shared is knowledge gained. ‘Joy of Giving’ is the concept that is tied up to the innate nature, compassion and interdependence in human beings. It is a paradox that the more we acquire, the happier we become. In reality, acquiring more and more leads to discontentment and what we give to others is what makes us feel content. If we inculcate ‘Joy of Giving’ as an essential part of the school curriculum, we can teach the child to apply it in day-to-day activities, thereby crystallising the curriculum. A child who is a ‘giver’ is more beneficial to the society than an ‘acquirer’.
What is your vision in developing the higher education ecosystem in the state of Rajasthan?
Besides infrastructure, we need to focus on the syllabus and keep it from getting redundant. Irrelevant topics which are still taught in classes need to be removed. In case of a redundant syllabus, not only are teachers disinterested in teaching, even the students don’t turn up in lectures due to boredom. We need to move in the direction of upgrading the curriculum. To achieve this goal, we are urging all the colleges and universities to come up with a new and modern curriculum in their institutions, thus making the classes more interesting for the students to attend.
What measures are taken to enhance the quality and upgrading the curriculum of Technical Education in the state?
TEQIP (The Scheme of MHRD and World Bank) has provided Rs 10 crore to each engineering college of Rajasthan and Rs 20 crore to Rajasthan Technical University, Kota, for enhancement of quality and up gradation of curriculum of technical education.
In last few months, the department has arranged many training seminars, conferences for improvement of pedagogy and various latest equipment’s. About Rs 25 crore will be spent in current financial year on modern labs, computers and research facilities by which more than 10 thousand students of technical institutes will be benefitted with better facilities in education, research and consultancy.
What are the newly introduced schemes for Research and Development of the state in terms of technical education?
Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and semester system has been introduced in all departments of Rajasthan Technical University, Kota. This has been recognized by National Board of Accreditation, New Delhi.
Uploading of university degrees on National Depository platform.
Under RUSA Scheme of MHRD there is construction of cafeteria and books in library will be marked with radio frequency identification (RFI)
What initiatives have been undertaken by the department to make education sector vibrant and result-oriented?
With an objective to prepare good academicians, the department has started induction training programme for newly appointed assistant professors. Initiatives like free coaching classes for regular students of the colleges help the department in making education sector vibrant and result-oriented. Subject matter experts in the department are preparing e-content for these classes. The department is also opting for skill education initiatives along with regular studies to make students after their graduation and post- graduation degree.
Please provide a brief description about the administrative initiatives taken for smooth functioning of the department.
The review meetings with the concerned officials of the respective department on regular basis are among the major initiatives that helped in smooth functioning of the department. We have also installed Biometric attendance system for principals and professors. The OIC system installed in various colleges helps in monitoring the progress and problems of the colleges at CCE level.
What message would you like to give to the students?
My message to the students is that life is the most precious gift of God. It should be lived joyfully. For this, every moment should be lived creatively. We should not lose any opportunity to leave something new and go on contributing to building a healthy society.
The challenge of improving the quality of teaching by training teachers and supporting them with modern teaching aids, tools and methodologies need to be taken up, says Pankaj Gupta, President, IIHMR University, in conversation with Shivani Babbar of Elets News Network (ENN).
With almost 25 years of experience in teaching, leadership and institution building, how has been your experience in the industry so far?
What is your vision after joining IIHMR as the President? I believe in living mindfully in the “now” and living ‘One day at a time’ and for all these years I have lived by this. Now when I look back, it seems like a beautiful canvas. I strongly believe that fulfilment in life can be achieved by the right knowledge, quality education and inner journey.
I decided to enter the world of academics at a young age of 21 with the credence that this is the way for change. Over the years, I realised the importance of spirituality and mindfulness and the long time I have spent in silence solitude at Chopta, near Kedarnath, has changed my perspective and way of living life. My personal focus now is not just academic excellence but also achieving human excellence based on ethics, truthfulness and a need for self-realisation. My core area of teaching was Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Strategic Cost Management. But now I am more focused on life related courses such as, Self-awareness and Mindfulness, Ancient Wisdom, Money to Meaning etc. Aspiring to bring in a moral compass to healthcare management education, we have recently launched, “Centre for Wellness, Mindfulness and Ethics” at IIHMR University. I have also introduced the students to the basic tenets of this ancient Indian discipline through various workshops and training sessions.
Tell us the challenges that the education ecosystem is still facing in today’s time.
Today, it is very difficult to predict over half the expertise and skillsets which will be required in the next 5 years. The concept of lifelong learning will have to be embedded in the way we teach our youth. Education institutions have been made accessible to all through various schemes and initiatives undertaken by the government. We face the challenge of student’s enrolment and learning. To enable this, an enabling ecosystem should be developed which attracts students, teachers who have a passion for their chosen vocation, pedagogy that transitions from routine learning to conceptual methods that can keep both teachers and students engaged and engrossed. The challenge of improving the quality of teaching by training teachers and supporting them with modern teaching aids, tools and methodologies need to be taken up with creating self-inspired ‘Gurus’.
How is the curriculum designed at your institution? What are the special features that make IIHMR different from other universities?
We try to make classes more interactive in nature which is a healthy mix of formal lectures, case studies, presentations and lots of experiential workshops. The teaching methodology is supplemented with lectures and sessions from industry experts. Apart from this, we have introduced practicum which is followed one day in a week where we conduct field visits, guest lectures, quiz sessions and case studies leading to a highquality educational offering. This was introduced to develop ‘rigor and relevance’ in their ongoing Modules.
IIHMR University is South Asian region’s premier knowledge institution specialising in research, postgraduate education and training exclusively in the healthcare Sector. The University offers MBA in Hospital and Health Management, Pharmaceutical Management and in Rural Management. It also offers master’s in public health (MPH) programme, in cooperation with John Hopkins University, USA. Apart from this, the institution also runs doctoral programs, executive education, research and consultancy in a variety of fields related to the health care sector.
Over the past decades the institution has conducted more than 800 research projects and studies in health policies and programs at the national and international levels. Our vision is to make a visible impact on improvement of health services management, produce world-class research output and emerge as the one of the leading academic centres of excellence in the Asian region.
What are your future endeavours in shaping the future course of the University?
We at IIHMR have been striving to achieve optimal education, creating a formidable framework for healthcare. IIHMR University is arming its students with the right kind of tools to create a positive interference in serving the public. To enhance this, we intend to expand our scope to multidisciplinary factions, aiming for global expansion.
IIHMR-U has recently launched ‘Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship’ (CIIE) on 26 September, 2019. CIIE aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation using a 360-degree approach to enable start-ups. The focus is on producing venture ready workforce and transforming Job seekers to job creators.
IIHMR University here has been ranked first amongst the cleanest higher educational institutions in India in the Swachh Campus rankings 2019. What were the initiatives taken to be one of the cleanest universities?
IIHMR University has been ranked first amongst the cleanest higher educational institutions in India in the non-residential universities category in the Swachh Campus Rankings 2019 organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Govt. of India. We are elated and proud to receive the award for being the cleanest university in India. cleanliness is one of the most important goal of real education and we must adopt it. The basic aim of education must be to make a complete human being. Our University is a green-clean institution that also promotes a culture of cleanliness, health, sanitation, waste management, rainwater harvesting, solar power, and a green eco system. The University is committed to the cause of environment conservation.
Recently, we also declared our campus ‘plastic and smoke-free’. Our students, faculty and staff have played a very important role in this regard and we are very proud of the team. The use of plastic is detrimental to the environment and human body. Keeping this in view the university has taken an important decision to ban plastic in the university. Henceforth single-use plastic items like bottles, cups, glasses and other items, polythene bags and plastic items have been banned. Our University fared well with all the parameters of Swacchta Ranking and here we are!
The university aims to develop more job creators in place of job seekers, thus developing the syllabus and curriculum, with more emphasis on practical and fieldwork, says Prof H D Charan, Vice Chancellor, Bikaner Technical University, in conversation with Prathana Dutta of Elets News Network (ENN).
Established in 2017, what is the vision of Bikaner Technical University that makes it stand tall amongst other universities in the state of Rajasthan?
Our vision is to provide knowledge and develop skills along with proper etiquette in the students and make them more employable for the future
What are the initiatives taken to achieve excellence in innovation and research at your institution?
The university aims to provide knowledge and develop skills in the students. Therefore, keeping the priorities straight, it is developing the syllabus and curriculum with more emphasis on practical and fieldwork including universal Human Value Education and Professional Ethics..
Apart from MTech and MBA, what are the other courses introduced? How well is the curriculum upgraded to suit the industry demands for the students?
The University has started some new courses fulfilling the demand of the present and future market. Eventually students will be more employable and land with good jobs. We have also started some new courses like Bachelor of Design, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science & Computing, etc.
What are the guidelines for the recruitment at Bikaner Technical University, in order to create transparency in the recruitment process?
As per the strict guidelines by AICTE & UGC, qualifications and eligibility for the desired position should be checked from time to time. The university will follow the process for the screened candidates and they have to pass through a written examination and interview process of the weightage of 70% and 30% respectively. The written exam is based on testing the depth knowledge of the subject, while the interview comes with the presentation, discussions etc in front of the interview board. All the processes are recorded and can be reviewed.
What are the future schemes for Affordable Quality Education that will enable students toprofessional skills and develop a perspective globally?
Bikaner Technical University is working mainly in three ways mentioned below:
It is developing the syllabus and curriculum, with more emphasis on practical and fieldwork. Fieldwork includes the rigorous work performed by the students at the working site or industry of their respective fields. \
Since a very long time, Bikaner Technical University has been working continuously to develop its syllabus and curriculum in the emerging areas of the technology i.e. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science & Computing, and Design, etc, that meet the demands of present and future markets and industries with an ideology favorable to humanity.
Simultaneously, the university is working to update the knowledge and skills of the faculties also by organising regular ‘Faculty Training Programs’ with AICTE in the field of the present and future technology and emerging areas also. The university has successfully organised 8 FTPs and 06 Workshops for HVE and trained around 350+ Teachers in each.
Our priority is to make youth employable and to make the college campuses conducive for the holistic development of the students. Keeping this in focus many entrepreneurship and skill development programs are now being started and some of them are underway in colleges, says Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Rajasthan, in conversation with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).
What has been your top most priority as Minister of Higher Education?
Our priority is the holistic development of the students. We want the State Higher Education to reach the level where it can match the Global standards. We want our students to grow in an environment where they can become job oriented and are capable of getting jobs globally.
The Government is endeavouring in this direction through its scheme and programmes for students so that they can get career and job oriented opportunities as employment is the major challenge for the youth. We do not want to create just graduates or postgraduates; in fact, we want skillful graduates and postgraduates who can sustain in the fast-changing global world and economy.
What policies and new initiatives have been undertaken by the Government in the last 6-7 months?
Our priority is to make youth employable, and to make the environment conducive for the holistic development of the students. Keeping this in focus, many entrepreneurship and skill development programmes are now being started and some of them are in progress in colleges. We aim to make students employable along with learning which can help them in the creative utilisation of their time and money. Our summer camp programme “Kaushal Unnayan” has met with great success which was organised in 163 government colleges of the State in June.
We have initiated the process of making college campuses secure, safe and free for the girl students. Girls mentoring cells and internal complaint committees have been set up so that our daughters feel safe and secure when they are away from home. Many programmes are organised by our colleges to train girls in self defence.
To promote education in the state, the government has opened 50 new colleges and now we can boast that not a single subdivision in the state is without a college. This shows our determination towards making education accessible to all.
To encourage physically challenged students, our Chief Minister has announced higher education scholarship which is a valuable contribution and help to the students.
What specific has been done for the betterment of the education ecosystem?
Our Government is dedicated towards improving the quality of higher education, its development and creating a healthy educational environment in the state.
For this, CM Ashok Gehlot had announced the Resource Assistance and College with Excellence (RACE) for all the colleges. Under this, one college from each district has been nominated as ‘nodal’ and a total of 33 district resource aid committees have been formulated. Through this initiative, we are promoting the process of resource redistribution in the state education system and kick-starting a new chapter of development of the colleges.
Besides, for the first time, we are going to conduct the annual auditing of all the government colleges under Annual Auditing Programme, which was again announced in the budget speech by the Chief Minister. This initiative would be a great tool in monitoring the performance and development of the colleges.
Technology is taking over education in a grand manner. What are the technological initiatives in pipeline that can empower the weaker section?
We are going to start an online 24*7 Quick Response System (QRS) scheme to answer the queries of the students on a real-time basis. It is specifically been created for the students who belong to the weaker section of the society and cannot afford to attend expensive coaching classes. Moreover, an application has been created for the Universities through which helpline facility for students, monitoring the academic & extracurricular activities of universities, the transmission of orders, and overseeing the work of district resource committees.
We are heavily focusing on imparting employment-related training to students while they are still studying. For this, we have collaborated with Rajasthan Skill and Livelihood Development Corporation (RSLDC). Under this, we will be rendering 39 regular courses for skill development in selected government colleges. 25 Language Labs are being planned to be established in the selected government colleges to help students in grasping the requisite language skills for acquiring jobs in the future.
We wanted to develop a platform that could streamline campus workflows and also create an engaging community, says Hemant Sahal, Founder and CEO of the campus management and engagement platform – CollPoll, in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).
How did you see the need for a product like CollPoll?
Earlier, when I was consulting within the educational field, I saw that a lot of institutions employed ERPs. However, the problem with ERPs is that they are transactional in nature. They are impersonal and offer rigid solutions that are not easily customisable. That is why we saw the need for CollPoll. We wanted to build a holistic platform that not only offered all the functionalities of an ERP which are required to run an institution, but also the very reason why an education institution is set up – provide a learning community where students, faculty, and staff can engage, collaborate and communicate more efficiently.
Can you share some additional insights on how exactly CollPoll engages with campus stakeholders?
We have developed modules for every function of an institution. Faculty can plan lessons in advance, manage attendance, grade assignments, and do so much more. The administrators can drastically reduce instances of human error by digitising hundreds of workflows within the campus and seamlessly manage critical functions such as admissions and fee payment, among others. Students can register for events, take quizzes, join clubs and chapters, discover jobs or internships and give feedback. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
What is the one feature that stands out?
Nearly every module that we offer through CollPoll is critical to us. But with our Campus Help Centre (CHC), institutions can digitise thousands of workflows with total ease. From enabling no dues process to hostel services, the feature grows along with the needs of the campus. The CHC also offers a fully digitised grievance redressal system. Users can request leave, avail visitor gate pass and do so much more just by logging onto CollPoll.
What kind of clientele do you work with?
Our clients are spread across the globe including India, Middle East, Africa, and South-East Asia. In India, we work with some of the most reputed educational institutions. Three of our clients have the Institution of Eminence status – OP Jindal Global University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and KIIT Bhubaneswar. But it’s not about resting on our laurels. We directly engage with senior leadership of progressive education institutions without deploying a sales team. We are already in talks with a large number of institutions to deploy CollPoll platform.
Speaking of the future, technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been shaping many industries. Will such technologies be incorporated onto the CollPoll platform?
Moving forward, one of our main objectives is to continue utilising advanced technologies to further upgrade the scope of what we offer. We plan on employing AI for actions such as smart timetable generation and scheduling examinations, among others. We also want to continue improving the user experience within the platform with use of technologies such as chat-bots and voice-based actions. At CollPoll, we want to continue innovating and enhancing the platform to achieve the vision of an open and connected education system.
In an exclusive interview with Prathana Dutta of Elets News Network (ENN), Prof R A Gupta, Vice-Chancellor, Rajasthan Technical University (RTU), Kota, gives his insights on how RTU, Kota is working towards a bright future for the youth of Rajasthan and fostering a culture of high quality research in the institute.
What is the vision of RTU that makes it an engine of societal growth in the state of Rajasthan?
The state’s first technical university, Rajasthan Technical University at Kota has been developed with a vision to provide opportunities to the youth of the state, particularly those from humble village backgrounds. The university endeavours to provide the youth with a platform to groom their personality, improve their technical education, develop their entrepreneurship skills and make them employable. The students are encouraged to face the challenges of the competitive world by taking up projects based on solving social/industrial problems. The university adopts villages for upliftment by spreading education through mentoring and motivation.
What are the initiatives taken by you to foster a culture of the high-quality research at your institution?
Initiative of high quality research: A type of research which is oriented to solve industrial and social problems for the benefit of the society is being promoted. To provide better opportunity and ease of access to the upcoming areas of research, various research centres have been established across the state of Rajasthan. To ensure quality and to establish a firm place in emerging technological fields, examiners are appointed from premier institutes and scholars are encouraged to work with pioneers in the relevant fields. A plagiarism checking software has also been adoptedEducation is evolving rapidly to keep up with the needs of industry and markets. In view of this, are you making regular changes to the curriculum of popular courses like B.Tech?
To incorporate global industrial requirements in the present education system, the syllabus/curriculum has been revised as per the modular curriculum prepared by AICTE with inputs from people in industries, premier institutes and alumni of the institute.
Do you follow a student-centric approach to learning? If so, what are the initiatives taken in this regard?
Due weightage is given to interdisciplinary courses, elective courses .and open electives to provide flexibility to the students to opt for courses as per their interest and inclination. A six-week industrial training is ensured for students to familiarise them with the current trends in industries and in areas of their interest. Various innovative teaching methods are being adopted to make the education learning based
