Education Ministry Set to Reveal NIRF 2024 Rankings Today at 3 PM

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August 12, 2024

August 12, 2024—The Ministry of Education is poised to release the much-anticipated National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 today at 3 pm. The rankings, which will be available for public viewing on the official NIRF website (nirfindia.org), are expected to provide insights into the performance of higher education institutions nationwide.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will formally announce the NIRF Rankings 2024 during a press conference. As part of its ninth annual edition, the NIRF continues to rank institutions based on a set of rigorous criteria that evaluate teaching, learning, resources, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, inclusivity, and overall perception.

The NIRF 2024 will cover 13 distinct categories, including universities, colleges, research institutions, engineering, management, pharmacy, medical, dental, law, architecture and planning, agriculture and allied sectors, and innovation. These categories are designed to highlight excellence across diverse fields of study and research in India.

The NIRF methodology, developed by a Core Committee under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), considers multiple parameters to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of institutions. The rankings not only serve as a benchmark for academic performance but also play a critical role in guiding students and parents in their educational choices.

In the 2023 rankings, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras secured the top position in the ‘Overall’ category for the fifth consecutive year. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru and IIT Delhi followed in second and third places, respectively. In the ‘Universities’ category, IISc Bengaluru maintained its leadership, with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia ranking second and third.

Also read: NIRF Rankings 2022 released: Miranda House declared India’s best college, IIT Madras best institute

The NIRF rankings have seen participation from an increasing number of institutions each year. In 2023, a total of 5,543 higher education institutions were part of the ranking process, underscoring the growing significance of this national assessment framework.

As the nation awaits the release of the 2024 rankings, the spotlight will once again be on IIT Madras, which has consistently topped the charts in both the ‘Overall’ and ‘Engineering’ categories. Similarly, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta are expected to dominate the management category.

The announcement today is set to be a pivotal moment for educational institutions across India, as the rankings reflect not only their current standing but also their trajectory in contributing to the nation’s educational and research landscape.

LEAD Group Survey Validates National Curriculum Framework(NCF) Guidelines: Multi-Modal Education Delivers Results!

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Kapil Suri

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August 9, 2024

Mumbai, 9th August 2024: LEAD Group, India’s leading School Edtech, has released a new study, ‘The Pulse of School Leaders Survey’, which analyses the current state of school education in India. Among its significant findings, schools that deliver multi-modal education to their students rate themselves higher than schools that use only traditional forms such as textbooks.

The nationwide survey was based on ratings from 500+ private schools representing nearly 1.7 lakh students. The schools were asked to rate themselves on four critical student learning outcomes – conceptual Understanding, confidence, English speaking and overall quality of education. While most schools rated themselves high on conceptual Understanding and overall quality, there were gaps in the confidence level of students and English speaking skills.

The survey shows a clear difference in the performance of schools that use Integrated Systems versus those that rely on traditional forms like textbooks alone. Notably, Integrated Systems combine different modes – by textbooks, by videos and by activities – of learning in their lesson plans. These various approaches are recommended by the National Curriculum Framework 2023, which emphasises that learning should extend beyond traditional textbooks.

Conceptual Understanding in core subjects: Over 93% of schools using Integrated Systems believe their students excel in conceptual Understanding of Maths and Science, as compared to only 85% of other schools
Confidence Level: 87% of school leaders using Integrated Systems report good confidence levels in their students, while only 78% of other schools report the same
English Proficiency: 79% of school leaders that deliver multi-modal learning via Integrated Systems report their students to be comfortable speaking in English, compared to 73% in other schools
Quality Education: Most schools rated their quality of education as good. However, while one in three schools using Integrated Systems rated their quality high, only one in four other schools rated themselves high.

According to the survey, principals and school owners using Integrated Systems attribute the above student transformation to multimodal learning with the use of smart classrooms and activity kits (48% of school leaders), focused teacher training (33% of school leaders) and making significant innovations in the curriculum such as ELGA (LEAD’s unique program that teaches English as a skill) and Coding (29% of school leaders).

Also read: National Curriculum Framework in line with the NEP 2020 will play a major role in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

The survey also checked the aspirations and challenges faced by schools. The top aspiration of schools is to be known for academic excellence, and the second highest aspiration is to be tech-savvy, which clearly indicates the importance of technology. The top two challenges faced by schools are the lack of sufficient financial resources and the low learning skills of students, which show that contrary to popular perception, the majority of private schools are affordable and cater to lower- and middle-income families.

Responding to the survey, LEAD Group CEO and Co-founder Sumeet Mehta said, “Schools are the crucible of our future. It is important to know their aspirations, their challenges, and what’s working and what needs to change. We have been believers in multi-modal learning and using technology to empower teachers. And these survey results further bolster our belief.”

Mehta added, “Our goal is to make world-class education accessible to every child in the country, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they will need to excel in the 21st century. The National Education Policy 2020, which was completed four years last month, provides a strong framework that enables India to realise its vision of quality education for all and foster academic excellence.”

B2B Edtech Platform Classplus Projects 65% Revenue Growth, Targets Rs 250 Crore in FY24

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Kapil Suri

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August 9, 2024

Classplus, a B2B edtech platform backed by Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital), is anticipating a significant business growth of 65% in FY24, with revenues expected to surpass Rs 250 crore. The company credits this robust growth to increasing traction from content creators and educators who are leveraging the platform to expand their online coaching businesses.

Mukul Rustagi, Co-founder and CEO of Classplus highlighted the company’s strategic focus on operational efficiency as it edges closer to operational profitability. This focus comes at a crucial time when the broader edtech sector is grappling with financial challenges and questions surrounding business viability.

“We expect revenues to be Rs 250 crore once audited results are announced for FY24, and this will be a 65% growth from Rs 149 crore over the previous year. Additionally, we made strong strides towards profitability, bringing down losses by 70% to about Rs 80 crore in FY24,” Rustagi stated.

Classplus has positioned itself as a critical enabler for content creators and educators, helping them monetise their social media presence and scale their online coaching businesses. The platform’s impact is evident, with creators conducting over two lakh live classes each month and reaching more than eight crore students across 4,500 cities and towns in India and abroad through Classplus-powered apps.

“Our success is closely tied to our content creator partners. These creators have multiplied their earnings 5-6 times by extending their reach beyond local geographies,” Rustagi noted.

Since its inception, Classplus has raised approximately $150 million across seven funding rounds, attracting investments from prominent global investors such as Tiger Global, AWI, Blume Ventures, GSV Ventures, RTP Global, Sequoia Capital India’s Surge, and Times Internet. The company’s valuation in its latest funding round was estimated at around $565 million, with $65 million raised in the Series D round.

Also read: Gyan Live Obtains Key Investment From Classplus For Expansion Initiatives

“As we inch closer to profitability, most of the cash raised in our last round is still with us,” Rustagi added, underscoring the company’s prudent financial management.

Classplus has also diversified its offerings by providing AI-enabled marketing tools, campaign analytics, book publishing capabilities, merchandise launches, paid one-on-one sessions, and a no-code website builder with a wide array of templates for content creators.

In recent years, the platform has witnessed a significant rise in the creator economy, with a diverse range of professionals, including fitness instructors, programmers, language coaches, chefs, and yoga trainers, utilising Classplus to disrupt the way they share their expertise online. Rustagi noted that the non-academic category now contributes over 30% to the business, with the earnings of non-academic creators soaring 2.5 times compared to the previous year.

“Around 80% of Classplus creators are from tier 2 and beyond cities, making a substantial impact on the lives of students in remote tier III and tier IV towns and villages who previously lacked access to quality education,” Rustagi emphasised, highlighting the platform’s role in democratising education across India.

Tamil Nadu to Fund Higher Education for Government School Students at Top Institutions

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Kapil Suri

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August 8, 2024

In a landmark initiative to support the education of students from state-run schools, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on Friday that the state government will bear the higher educational expenses for students who have secured admission to prestigious institutions both in India and abroad.

The government will also cover the initial travel costs for students admitted to prestigious institutions overseas. This year, a total of 447 students from state government schools have gained admission to institutions both within India and internationally. Among these, 14 students have enrolled in higher education institutions in countries such as Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Additionally, students have been admitted to premier Indian institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

Commending the achievements of the students, Chief Minister Stalin praised the efforts of parents and teachers. Addressing officials from other countries present at the function, he urged them to take care of these students “like their own children” and provide them with all necessary support.

Highlighting the progressive increase in admissions, Stalin noted that in 2022, 75 students secured admission to such institutions, which rose to 274 in 2023. This year, 447 students have already secured admission, with the admission process still ongoing at many institutions.

Stalin elaborated on the various steps taken by the government to develop school education in the state. One notable initiative, the Pudhumai Penn scheme, has resulted in a 34% increase in the number of women in higher education. In addition to educational support, the Chief Minister handed over appointment orders to 448 candidates who the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission recently recruited for various posts.

Also read: GUVI launches ‘Naan Mudhalvan-Tamil Nadu Coders Premier League’

Several key ministers, including K. Ponmudy, Ma attended the event. Subramanian, P.K. Sekarbabu, and Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, along with senior officials.

This significant move by the Tamil Nadu government reflects its commitment to providing quality education and support to students from government schools, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations and achieve greater heights.

Samagra Shiksha to PM-USHA: India’s Pioneering Steps Toward Universal Education

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Kapil Suri

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August 7, 2024

New Delhi, August 7, 2024: The Ministry of Education today highlighted the significant strides made under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to ensure equitable and quality education for students across the country, with a particular focus on rural and underprivileged communities.

During a session in the Lok Sabha, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Education, outlined the comprehensive measures adopted to bridge the gap between various social categories in education. He emphasised that the NEP 2020 is designed to ensure that no student is left behind due to their background or geographical location.

The Ministry has aligned several of its schemes with NEP 2020, focusing on the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs). These include students from villages, small towns, and districts with developmental aspirations. “Our goal is to make education accessible and beneficial for every student, transcending social and geographic barriers,” stated Chaudhary.

Samagra Shiksha: A Beacon for School Education

One of the flagship initiatives, Samagra Shiksha, has been operational since the 2018-19 academic year. This Integrated Centrally Sponsored Scheme for School Education aims to provide a holistic education from preschool to class 12. It supports states and territories through grants to create conducive learning environments, free textbooks, uniforms, digital education initiatives, and much more.

The scheme also addresses the needs of children with special requirements, providing financial aid for aids, appliances, and specially designed teaching materials.

Revamping Higher Education

The Department of Higher Education is not far behind in implementing various reforms to expand quality education at the tertiary level. These reforms include the introduction of flexible curricular structures, multiple entry and exit pathways, and credit systems such as the National Credit Framework (NCrF) and Academic Bank of Credit (ABC).

Efforts are underway to enhance industry-academia collaboration and to integrate Indian knowledge systems into the curriculum. The use of technology has been a significant area of focus, improving access and administration in higher education institutions.

Also read: UGC Integrates NEP Guidelines into Postgraduate Programs

Launch of PM-USHA

In a major move, the third phase of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was rebranded as Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) in June 2023. With an outlay of Rs. 12,926.10 crore, the initiative focuses on uplifting educational standards in unserved and underserved areas through 2026.

“Under PM-USHA, priority is given to focus districts that lag in educational parameters like Gross Enrolment Ratio and Gender Parity,” Chaudhary added.

The initiatives under NEP 2020 reflect the government’s commitment to transforming India’s educational landscape, ensuring that every student can reach their full potential irrespective of their circumstances.

IIM Lucknow and FPSB India Launch New Financial Planning Certification Program

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Kapil Suri

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August 6, 2024

In a strategic move to enhance the quality of financial planning education in India, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FPSB India. The agreement, finalised on Monday, marks a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the financial planning industry.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Archana Shukla, Director-in-charge of IIM Lucknow, and Krishan Mishra, Chief Executive Officer at FPSB India. This partnership aims to blend rigorous academic training with professional certification, equipping a new generation of financial planners with the skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of the sector.

According to a press release, the collaboration represents a major advancement in enhancing financial planning education and certification processes in the country. The partnership will launch a certification program in Financial Planning for the academic session 2024-25, available to both students and working professionals.

Key Outcomes of the MoU:

Certification Program in Financial Planning: The initiative will introduce a comprehensive certification program designed for aspiring students and professionals, combining academic rigour with practical skills.

Enhanced Financial Planning Education: This joint effort seeks to elevate the standards of financial planning education in India, ensuring that students receive industry-relevant knowledge and training.

Professional Certification Integration: The partnership will integrate IIM Lucknow’s academic excellence with FPSB India’s certification process, offering a pathway to obtaining the globally recognised CFP® certification.

Skilled Workforce Development: The collaboration aims to address the industry gap by preparing a new generation of financial planners equipped to offer holistic financial services.

Global Career Opportunities: The program will empower individuals to pursue rewarding careers not just in India but globally while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Prof. Archana Shukla emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating that the partnership with FPSB India reflects IIM Lucknow’s commitment to innovation, industry-relevant education, and cooperation for the benefit of students and the industry. “As we work towards a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ it’s crucial that our Finance and Accounting curriculum remains dynamic and relevant, preparing our students to address evolving financial challenges effectively,” Prof. Shukla added.

Also read: IIM Lucknow celebrates its 38th annual convocation with 785 graduates

Krishan Mishra highlighted the importance of early financial planning and advised students to start planning with their first salary while seeking advice from credible sources. “This partnership aims to bridge the skills gap and equip financial planners to offer comprehensive services,” he said.

Prof. Vikas Srivastava, Dean (Programmes) at IIM Lucknow, underscored the necessity of introducing this program, stating that the partnership with FPSB India is a step towards fostering a generation of adept financial planners.

The collaboration between IIM Lucknow and FPSB India is poised to set a new benchmark in financial planning education, paving the way for a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the global economic landscape.

Kerala Government Introduces ‘Study in Kerala’ and Plans Seven Centres of Excellence

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Kapil Suri

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August 3, 2024

In a significant boost to the quality of higher education in Kerala, the state government has unveiled plans to establish seven ‘centres of excellence’. This initiative is designed to enhance research capabilities and academic standards, aligning with international benchmarks.

On Monday, Higher Education Minister R Bindu addressed the media, outlining the ambitious project which will see a total investment of Rs 11.4 crore this year. The seven centres are set to span various academic fields, including science and technology, social science, language, and culture. Each centre is envisioned as a hub for cutting-edge research and advanced studies, contributing to the state’s growing reputation as a leader in higher education.

The seven centres to be launched are:

Centre of Excellence for Teaching, Learning and Training: Focused on improving pedagogical methods and professional development for educators, this centre aims to innovate and enhance teaching strategies across disciplines.
Kerala Institute for Science, Technology, and Innovation (KISTI): Dedicated to fostering advancements in scientific research and technological innovation, KISTI will serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking discoveries and technological solutions.
Kerala Institute of Advanced Studies (KIAS): This institute will concentrate on high-level research and advanced studies in various academic disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly excellence.
Kerala Network for Research-Support in Higher Education (KNRSHE): KNRSHE will provide essential research support and resources, creating a robust network to facilitate and support higher education research initiatives.
Centre for Indigenous People’s Education (CIPE): CIPE will focus on the education and preservation of indigenous cultures, promoting research and learning about traditional knowledge and practices.
Kerala Institute for Gender Equality: This institute will address gender issues through research and education, working towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in academic and social spheres.
Kerala Language Network: Aimed at the study and preservation of regional languages, this centre will support research in linguistics and cultural studies, enhancing the understanding of Kerala’s diverse linguistic heritage.

Each centre will be equipped with a top-tier faculty, researchers, and industry representatives. Additionally, a five-member core academic team will lead each centre, supported by a group of doctoral and post-doctoral students. The centres are planned to be situated on university campuses to foster academic collaboration and integration, leveraging existing resources and infrastructure.

In conjunction with these developments, the Kerala government is also launching the ‘Study in Kerala’ programme. This initiative is designed to position Kerala as a premier educational destination for international students. Under this programme, foreign students will be offered innovative courses and unique academic experiences in areas such as Kerala’s traditional art forms, indigenous knowledge, tourism, and culinary traditions. This effort aims to attract students from around the globe, furthering Kerala’s stature as a global educational hub.

Also read: Kerala government plans to launch new e-learning module for children on cyber threats

Minister Bindu also announced that a higher education conclave would be held later in the year, scheduled for November-December. This conclave, to be jointly hosted by various higher education institutions across the state, will serve as a platform to discuss and showcase the comprehensive reforms and advancements in Kerala’s education sector.

These initiatives represent a significant step towards transforming Kerala’s higher education landscape, enhancing research capabilities, and promoting academic excellence on both a national and international scale.

Karnataka’s Initiative to Support 25,000 Students

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Kapil Suri

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August 2, 2024

Karnataka is set to launch a significant educational initiative, offering free coaching to 25,000 pre-university science students from government colleges to help them prepare for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Common Entrance Test (CET). School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced this on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards levelling the playing field for students from rural backgrounds, who often lack access to such resources compared to their urban counterparts. The government has allocated Rs 12.5 crore for this project, which will also include free coaching for other competitive exams.

Minister Bangarappa explained that the coaching would be available to both first and second-year pre-university course (PUC) students. The selection process will involve shortlisting 25,000 students from a pool of 80,000 PUC science students through an entrance exam. Qualified trainers from a selected coaching institute will provide the coaching. The government plans to invite tenders soon to engage a coaching institute for this purpose.

In addition to this coaching initiative, Minister Bangarappa highlighted some of the challenges facing the state’s education system. He pointed out that approximately 6,400 government schools in Karnataka have fewer than ten students enrolled. To address this, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is working on a project to develop model schools in each panchayat based on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach aims to attract students from schools with low enrollment to these model schools, where they will receive quality education.

The Education Minister also expressed concern about parents’ reluctance to send their children to government schools and the issue of children being involved in fieldwork and other menial jobs at a young age. He acknowledged the infrastructure and teacher availability issues in government schools and assured that efforts are being made to resolve these problems. Minister Bangarappa urged parents to prioritise education and send their children to school rather than engaging them in work at an early stage.

Also read: Veranda Learning Steps Into Upskill Government College Students In Karnataka

Additionally, the minister announced that the education department is working on reducing the weight of school bags by introducing single notebooks for multiple subjects or note sheets instead of traditional notebooks. In a pioneering move, the department is also planning to trial a face-recognition system to mark students’ attendance. This system will be linked to the Students Achievement Tracking System (SATS), which monitors students’ performance, representing a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.

These measures reflect Karnataka’s commitment to improving educational opportunities and addressing systemic challenges in the state’s education sector, aiming to create a more equitable environment for all students.

Tata Motors Unveils Vidyadhan and Utkarsha Programs to Empower Higher Education

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Kapil Suri

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August 1, 2024

In its ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between aspirations and accessibility, Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer, today announced the launch of two special funding programs, ‘Vidyadhan’ and ‘Utkarsha’. These initiatives aim to support the higher education of children of its technicians working in manufacturing facilities across India, including plants in Pune, Lucknow, Jamshedpur, Dharwad, Sanand, and Pantnagar regions.

Under the ‘Vidyadhan’ program, education loans are being made available at concessional rates to support the higher education of children who have successfully cleared grades 10th and 12th. The ‘Utkarsha’ program offers additional annual scholarships to benefit girls, transgender individuals, and specially-abled children.

Announcing the launch of Vidyadhan and Utkarsha, Mr Sitaram Kandi, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Tata Motors, stated, “Quality education is vital for progress and development. With these programs, we are making higher education more accessible and enabling the next generation of our hardworking technicians to fulfil their dreams as well as those of their parents. While the children can focus on studying beyond 10th and 12th grades in any field of their choice, the parents do not have to worry anymore about the financing required for it. They will have better opportunities to build a successful career and life with the right qualifications and skills.”

Also read: Tata Motors signs MoU with NIT Trichy

Vidyadhan: Building Brighter Futures

‘Vidyadhan’, an education loan program, serves as a transformative bridge to higher learning, empowering the next generation to realise their potential to the fullest. Eligible technicians can access loans of up to Rs. 7.5 lakh, covering up to 95% of fees for domestic education or up to 85% for international education fees. These loans are being offered in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), with Tata Motors providing concessions on the interest rate charged by SBI – 50% lower interest rates for boys and 70% lower for girls, transgender individuals, and specially-abled children. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a full-time graduate or postgraduate course of at least two years in duration affiliated with recognised universities or AICTE-equivalent institutions in India or abroad.

Utkarsha Scholarship: Fostering Inclusivity with Empowerment

The ‘Utkarsha’ program will provide a scholarship of Rs. 25,000/- annually to support the higher education of girls, transgender individuals, and specially-abled children post successful completion of grade 10th or 12th. To qualify, applicants must have scored a minimum of 60% and secured admission to a recognised university or AICTE-equivalent institution in India or abroad.

With the launch of Vidyadhan and Utkarsha, Tata Motors continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering the next generation through accessible and inclusive education, ensuring that the children of its technicians have the opportunities and support needed to achieve their educational and career goals.

Dharmendra Pradhan Launches NATS 2.0, Ensuring Rs. 100 Crore Stipends to Nurture Young Talent

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Kapil Suri

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July 31, 2024

New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at enhancing the employability of young Indians, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal. Alongside the portal launch, he announced the disbursement of ₹100 crore in stipends to apprentices through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The initiative took place in a high-profile event in New Delhi, attended by leaders in education and industry.

The NATS 2.0 portal is designed to streamline the registration and application process for apprenticeships across various sectors, including IT/ITeS, manufacturing, and automobile. It serves as a dual platform where establishments can manage their apprenticeship vacancies and contracts efficiently. Pradhan highlighted that this portal will significantly democratise apprenticeship opportunities, bridge the existing skills gap, and make Indian youth future-ready.

Also read: Budget 2024-25 Lauded by Dharmendra Pradhan in Drive for India’s 2047 Goals.

During the event, two panel discussions were held, focusing on the future of apprenticeships and the integration of degrees with apprenticeships, the collaboration between industry and higher education, and the utilisation of technology to enhance e-governance and the efficiency of DBT.

Eminent dignitaries such as K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education; Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE; and Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC, attended the event. The event also recognised top contributors to the apprenticeship ecosystem, including major corporations like Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd., Infosys Ltd., and Tech Mahindra Pvt Ltd.

In his address, Pradhan stated, “The NATS Portal 2.0 is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic expansion of our apprenticeship frameworks to meet the dynamic needs of both industry and our youth.” He emphasised the importance of apprenticeships in today’s technology-driven age, not only for degree attainment but for building real-world competencies.

The NATS 2.0 portal, developed in-house by the Ministry of Education with support from AICTE and the Board of Apprenticeship Training, is touted as a one-stop solution for managing the complete lifecycle of apprenticeship activities. This includes everything from student registration, vacancy advertisement, and application processing to contract creation and stipend disbursal through DBT.

Pradhan also called upon educational institutions and industries to actively participate in this revamped apprenticeship scheme. “We aim to make apprenticeship a mass movement, integral to our education system,” he added, urging stakeholders to devise a comprehensive strategy to utilise India’s demographic dividend effectively.

The launch aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to mainstream vocational education and remove barriers between different streams of education, promoting a more integrated and flexible approach to learning and skill development.

The initiative marks a pivotal step towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to enhancing the skilling, employability, and economic potential of India’s youth.

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