AICTE Introduces New Guidelines to Enhance Industry-Academia Collaboration

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June 21, 2024

In a significant move aimed at narrowing the gap between academic theory and practical application, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a set of guidelines to promote industry-academia mobility. Unveiled by AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam, these guidelines are designed to foster stronger linkages between educational institutions and the industry, enhancing the overall academic experience.

The new guidelines include introducing Professors of Practice (PoP), Associate and Assistant PoPs, and increased mobility of women PoPs under the BHARATI (Boosting Higher Education through Assimilation of Resilient and Talented Indian Women) initiative. These measures aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Prof. TG Sitharam, while unveiling the guidelines, stated, “This comprehensive framework underscores our commitment to excellence in higher education and fostering strong, sustainable linkages between academia and industry. The role of the Professor of Practice bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enriching the academic environment with real-world insights. Encouraging the appointment of Women Professors of Practice is a significant step towards gender equality in higher education and the professional sphere. These guidelines promote gender diversity, inclusivity, and seamless industry-academia collaboration, ensuring meritocracy remains central.”

AICTE plans to support this initiative by funding Professors of Practice. Prof. Sitharam announced that AICTE would remunerate 100 women PoPs under the BHARTI initiative. This scheme aims to help distinguished professionals and industry experts, especially those with career breaks, successfully re-enter the workforce.

AICTE Vice Chairman Dr Abhay Jere highlighted the challenges in acquiring the required 15 years of experience for the Professor of Practice role. To address this, AICTE has introduced the roles of Associate Professors of Practice and Assistant Professors of Practice. “These additional roles will ensure that a broader range of experienced professionals can contribute to our academic environment,” said Dr. Jere.

Dr. Jere also praised the committee, led by Prof. G.D. Yadav and the Policy and Academic Planning Bureau of AICTE, for their dedicated efforts in preparing the comprehensive guidelines. The framework balances the inclusion of industry expertise with the academic rigour required for educational institutions.

Also read: Internshala & AICTE Join Forces To Provide Internships & Enhance Student Skills

The press release emphasised that appointing Professors of Practice is crucial for bridging the gap between theory and practice in higher education. These professionals help align academic curricula with industry needs, giving students a deeper understanding of how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world scenarios. Their practical experience enhances student employability by exposing them to industry practices, trends, and challenges. Moreover, Professors of Practice bring valuable industry connections, offering students internship opportunities, mentorship, and job placements.

The mobility of professionals between academia and industry is essential for creating a dynamic and conducive educational environment. This bi-directional flow facilitates knowledge transfer, with industry professionals bringing practical insights to academia and academics applying their research to real-world problems.

This initiative by AICTE marks a significant step towards creating a more integrated and practical educational framework, ensuring that students are better prepared to meet the demands of the industry.

PM Modi Launches New Campus for Nalanda University in Bihar

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Kapil Suri

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June 19, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, on Wednesday. The grand ceremony was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from around 17 nations. Earlier in the day, PM Modi expressed his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of Nalanda University will be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connection with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth.”

The establishment of this new campus is a collaborative effort between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, aiming to revive the legacy of the original Nalanda University. Founded approximately 1600 years ago, the ancient university is renowned as one of the world’s first residential universities and thrived for centuries before its destruction in the 12th century.

Also read: New Era for Nalanda University

The new campus is a testament to modern educational infrastructure. It features two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, accommodating around 1900 students, two auditoriums with a seating capacity of 300 each, and a hostel for approximately 550 students. The campus includes an international centre, an arena for up to 2000 individuals, a faculty club, a sports complex, and numerous other facilities.

A notable highlight of the new campus is its design as a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus, equipped with solar plants, water treatment and recycling facilities, 100 acres of water bodies, and various other eco-friendly amenities.

Chancellor Arvind Panagariya expressed his happiness and optimism about retaining the spirit of the ancient Nalanda University. He remarked, “This is incredibly significant; we have been waiting for the day. We wanted the PM to inaugurate the campus. He has agreed to do so. I welcome him to the campus. Nalanda University was conceived here, and it is an international university. It was cast in those terms, and the project was started with cooperation from more than a dozen Southeast Asian countries. In the spirit of the ancient Nalanda, it lasted about 800 years; Europe was not what it is today, and the USA didn’t exist. The ancient Nalanda attracted students from all over. The new Nalanda started with the same spirit but with a modern touch.”

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in reviving an iconic centre of learning, blending the rich heritage of ancient Nalanda with contemporary educational needs and sustainability practices.

Indian EdTech Titans Unacademy And K12 Techno Eye Landmark Merger

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Kapil Suri

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June 19, 2024

SoftBank-backed edtech startup Unacademy, which has been under pressure to turn profitable, is in talks to merge with K12 Techno, the operator of Orchids International Schools, according to a report by Entrackr on Tuesday. The discussions have been ongoing for the past four weeks, and if successful, both companies will own a 50% stake in the joint entity.

Unacademy invested in K12 Techno, the parent company of Orchids International Schools, three years ago. Peak XV is a common investor in both companies. Sources revealed that Unacademy previously attempted to acquire K12 Techno in 2021, but those negotiations did not succeed.

Unacademy, once the second most valued edtech startup after Byju’s, has struggled to raise funds. The startup last raised $440 million in August 2021, led by Singapore’s state-owned Temasek Holdings, at a valuation of $3.44 billion. Founded in 2015 by Gaurav Munjal, Hemesh Singh, and Roman Saini, Unacademy reportedly claimed it was close to achieving profitability in April.

Incorporated in 2010, K12 Techno provides full-stack education services to over 800 private educational institutions, enrolling more than 300,000 students across India under multiple brands. The company boasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 40% over the past five years.

Last month, Venturi Partners, a growth equity firm specialising in consumer investments across India and Southeast Asia, purchased a $27 million stake in Bengaluru-based K12 Techno Services Private Limited from Navneet Learning LLP, a subsidiary of Navneet Education. In September, K12 Techno secured undisclosed funding from private equity firm Kedaara Capital, providing a partial exit for Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India).

Also read: Edtech firm UpGrad to spend $250 million on mergers and acquisitions

The Indian edtech sector, which saw massive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now facing a funding winter and rising costs amid declining demand for online education. Byju’s, led by Byju Raveendran, once valued at $22 billion, has been particularly affected, facing scrutiny over various issues. This has led to calls from shareholders for significant changes, including Raveendran’s ouster. Furthermore, the company has seen the resignation of its auditor, Deloitte, and several board members.

As the edtech industry navigates these challenges, the potential merger between Unacademy and K12 Techno could mark a significant consolidation, aiming to bolster their market positions and drive towards profitability in a turbulent market environment.

Finland International School Expands with Third Campus in India

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Kapil Suri

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June 18, 2024

Finland International School (FIS) has officially launched its third campus in India, located in the upscale Mahalaxmi neighbourhood of Mumbai. The inauguration ceremony at FIS Race Course was graced by Bollywood actors, cricketers, and entrepreneurs, marking a significant milestone for the international school’s expansion into India’s financial capital.

Following the successful launches of FIS Pune in April 2022 and FIS Thane in February 2023, the new FIS Race Course campus, named for its proximity to the famous Mahalaxmi Racecourse, is set to open its doors to students on August 5, 2024. The orientation week for teachers will begin on July 29.

“We have a confirmation of 30 students now and are looking to double that number before the classes begin,” said Nikke Keskinen, founding principal of Finland International Schools and director of academics at Goenka Inc., the company leading the initiative in partnership with Educluster Finland.

FIS Race Course will implement a comprehensive curriculum based on the Finnish National Core Curriculums, offering Early Childhood Education and Care for ages 3-5, primary education for ages 6-10, a middle years program for ages 11-16, and an international board diploma program for ages 16-18. Initially, the school will cater to students from nursery to the fourth grade, with plans to expand to grade 12 in subsequent years.

In addition to the Finnish curriculum, FIS will incorporate aspects of India’s National Education Policy, which was introduced in 2020. “Combining both the Finnish and Indian systems of education forms a powerful synergy that prepares students to thrive in the 21st century,” said Anna Hart, primary school academic principal at FIS Thane.

Prospective students and parents were also introduced to vocational classes in woodworking, textile making, sewing, design, and more, each with dedicated rooms – a rarity in most Indian schools. While the school follows the International Baccalaureate program, Finnish-inspired vocational activities will be integrated into the curriculum through formative assessment.

Keskinen emphasised the unique approach of FIS Race Course, calling it the flagship model among all branches. “India is a huge country, with a lot of competition, but the question is whether learning has to remain the same or we should see some major changes. We have mentored teachers to better coach students and incorporate individual learning plans. The goal is to have personalised, stress-free education with minimal planning,” he said. Keskinen also revealed plans to establish a campus in the North Indian state of Punjab, with a deal close to being finalised with the state government.

Also read: Finland to do away with all school subjects

The launch of the FIS Race Course highlights the growing educational collaboration between India and Finland. This partnership has been strengthened by recent visits from Finnish officials, including Education Minister Anna-Maja Henriksson’s visit to India in October 2023. States like Kerala have also discussed exploring educational cooperation with Finnish representatives.

Despite the challenges of integrating the Finnish education system into India, Keskinen remains optimistic. “We must remember certain non-negotiable elements when transferring the Finnish school system to India. We don’t expect FIS to be a huge school in terms of student size and are aiming to maintain a basic ratio of 2 teachers per 20 students,” he added.

Rajani Naik, academic vice principal of middle school and MYP coordinator at FIS Race Course, believes that while India’s education landscape may not drastically change due to schools like FIS, much to learn from Finnish pedagogy will benefit students.

As Finland aims to attract 15,000 international students and workers by 2030, Goenka Inc., led by Managing Director Shashank Goenka, plans to build resources for Indians seeking to upskill through programs in Finland. “Everyone doesn’t have to go to the UAE or the US; Finland is also a great option to work. We have to make it easier for these international workers to bring their families to Finland as well,” stated Keskinen.

Education Financing Made Easy with GradRight’s PhonePe Partnership

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Kapil Suri

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June 17, 2024

GradRight, an AI-driven Edfintech platform connecting students, universities, and lenders, has partnered with PhonePe, India’s leading digital fintech company, to extend its education loan services to Indian students.

GradRight primarily serves students from over 2000 tier 2 and 3 towns and cities in India. These students typically need more access to quality social networks, counselling, and financing services. With this partnership, GradRight intends to deepen its reach and power a seamless financing services experience for PhonePe’s unmatched network of 535+ million registered users nationwide. Through this integration, students and parents can now conveniently access the GradRight platform within the PhonePe app and get education loans of up to 2 crore with competitive interest rates starting from 9.25%.

Speaking on the partnership, Aman Singh, Co-Founder, GradRight, said, “This collaboration is a testament to the power of technology in making education more accessible and affordable for students from lower—and middle-income families in every corner of India. The partnership changes the game by expanding our service opportunity to thousands to millions of students. Our technology-first approach offers us a unique advantage in matching the speed and reliability of PhonePe and serving its students and parents who wish to avail of education loans.”

Speaking on the launch, Hemant Gala, CEO, PhonePe Lending, said, “We are excited to partner with GradRight to offer Education loans through our newly launched Secured lending platform. Education loan is a very large market & within that, the study abroad loan market has been showing an upward trend over the last few years. This collaboration leverages PhonePe’s massive 535+ million user base with GradRight’s expertise in financing overseas education. It helps us empower students with convenient access to higher education funding through secured lending solutions directly within the PhonePe app.”

GradRight offers various services beyond financing to empower all stakeholders in the international higher education ecosystem. It also helps students find the best-fit colleges and programs, universities to find and market themselves to the best-matched students, counsellors to help finance their students, and insurers to offer customised health insurance plans unique to each college and student’s requirements.

UGC Integrates NEP Guidelines into Postgraduate Programs

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Kapil Suri

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June 17, 2024

University Grants Commission (UGC) unveiled a revamped curriculum and credit framework for postgraduate programmes, aligning them with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This new framework aims to change PG courses’ academic structure and flexibility nationwide significantly.

The updated framework provides guidelines for credits and the academic structure for one-year and two-year postgraduate programmes, removing the requirement for specific disciplines for entry. Notably, it introduces an exit option for students enrolled in two-year programmes after the first year, allowing greater flexibility in educational pursuits.

Students can now be eligible for a PG programme in a discipline corresponding to their major or minor(s) in their undergraduate studies. The UGC specified that universities can admit students based on their undergraduate performance or through entrance examinations. Importantly, regardless of their chosen undergraduate disciplines, students can qualify for any PG discipline by passing national or university-level entrance examinations in that discipline.

“Candidates who have completed a four-year undergraduate programme or a three-year undergraduate programme followed by a two-year PG programme, or a five-year integrated UG-PG programme in STEM subjects, will be eligible for admission in ME, MTech in allied areas,” stated the UGC.

This initiative by the UGC aligns with the NEP 2020’s vision of creating a more flexible and inclusive higher education system. By allowing students to switch disciplines and offering multiple entry and exit points, the new framework seeks to accommodate diverse educational backgrounds and career aspirations.

The release of this new curriculum and credit framework marks a significant step towards implementing NEP 2020 in higher education. It is expected to enhance the academic experience for postgraduate students by providing more flexibility, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and aligning education with global standards.

NCTE Hosts Orientation for PM SHRI Teachers on NMM and NPST

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Kapil Suri

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June 17, 2024

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), under the direction of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, successfully conducted a five-day virtual orientation program from June 10-14, 2024. This comprehensive initiative targeted over one lakh teachers from PM SHRI schools across 29 States, Union Territories (UTs), Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS) across the nation.

The sessions aimed at enhancing the capacity of PM SHRI school teachers by equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 effectively. For five days, teachers participated in two-hour sessions that provided valuable insights into the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) and the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST). The program’s design ensured that different states and UTs were covered daily, promoting widespread participation and inclusion. Sign language interpreters were engaged throughout the sessions to further inclusivity.

Key Highlights of the Orientation Program

National Mission for Mentoring (NMM):

The session on NMM included a detailed presentation and a technical demonstration showcasing the registration process and usage of the NMM portal for mentors and mentees.
The NMM digital portal was highlighted as a continuous support mechanism, facilitating effective interaction between mentors and mentees, thereby strengthening the mentoring process.

National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST):

The NPST session focused on enhancing teachers’ understanding of performance expectations and improvement strategies as recommended in the NPST Guiding Document.
The session outlined three core standards, various teacher levels, and the NPST framework aimed at the capacity building of in-service teachers. The information provided was designed to help teachers achieve their professional and personal goals.

Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson of NCTE, and Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa, Member Secretary of NCTE, played pivotal roles in contextualising the orientation sessions. Their expertise provided the necessary background and understanding of both NPST and NMM, setting the stage for a productive and informative series of sessions for PM SHRI school teachers.

Also read: NCTE organises 2-day capacity building workshop to implement National Mission for Mentoring

The virtual orientation program underscored NCTE’s commitment to supporting the professional growth of PM SHRI school teachers. By providing a deeper understanding of NMM and NPST, the sessions empowered teachers to foster a robust educational foundation for their students. The initiative aligned with the goals of NEP 2020 and set a precedent for future capacity-building endeavours in the Indian education sector.

Education Minister Plans HECI Legislation Following 100-Day Consensus

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Kapil Suri

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June 15, 2024

The Union Education Ministry is set to advance its long-standing agenda of establishing a single higher education regulator, the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), within the next 100 days. This significant move comes alongside efforts to implement a twice-a-year board exam format starting in 2025.

The ministry’s agenda includes introducing HECI legislation in Parliament. This proposed regulator aims to streamline the regulatory framework by subsuming existing bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). HECI is expected to replace the current “rigid” regulatory regime with a more enabling “light but tight” system. Recognizing the substantial impact of this shift, the ministry plans to keep the option open for the legislation to be referred to a parliamentary panel. This step is intended to ensure comprehensive consensus through multiple rounds of stakeholder consultations.

Previous attempts to establish HECI under the Modi and UPA governments faced parliamentary hurdles. To avoid past pitfalls, the ministry exercises caution and seeks broad-based support before presenting the bill.

Also read: Delhi University holds consultative meeting on HECI

In parallel, the ministry is planning significant reforms in school education. From the 2025 academic year, a twice-a-year board exam format will be introduced. Two models are under consideration: allowing students to opt for exams every six months or adopting a JEE-like schedule with exams in January and April. The latter model is gaining more support.

Within the next 100 days, the ministry will launch the Vidya Samiksha Kendra, a digital initiative to connect data flow from every school to a national dashboard in Delhi. This initiative aims to enhance educational oversight and data management.

All these initiatives align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations. The ministry is committed to accelerating the implementation of NEP recommendations during this government term. The 17th Lok Sabha’s panel on parliamentary assurances recently criticized the education ministry for its “lack of commitment and proactive approach” in pursuing the HECI proposal. In response, the ministry is intensifying its efforts to ensure timely and effective implementation of its educational reforms.

IIT Madras Launches B.Tech Program in AI & Data Analytics, Admissions via JEE

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Kapil Suri

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June 15, 2024

In a pioneering move to prepare the next generation of tech leaders, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled a new undergraduate programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics. Scheduled to commence from the academic year 2024-25, the BTech programme will admit 50 students selected through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced.

The initiative, housed under the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, marks a significant leap forward in integrating cutting-edge technology education with real-world applications. Established with a generous ₹110-crore endowment from Sunil Wadhwani, an esteemed alumnus and co-founder of iGATE and Mastech Digital, the programme underscores IIT Madras’s commitment to shaping future AI innovators.

Prof. V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of AI and its transformative potential across various disciplines. “AI is evolving rapidly, permeating engineering, science, and humanities. Understanding these multidisciplinary connections is crucial for success in this field. The BTech in AI and Data Analytics is uniquely positioned to address this aspect, making it the first of its kind globally,” said Prof. Kamakoti.

Also read: IIT Madras and Sambalpur University Partner to Advance AI Research

The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of AI fundamentals, ranging from mathematical underpinnings to practical applications and responsible design. Prof. B Ravindran, Head of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, highlighted the programme’s structure, divided into four core parts: Foundation in Sciences, Modeling Techniques, Training and Deployment of Models, and Domain Applications.

“AI is at a juncture akin to where computer science stood 30 years ago. It promises to be the defining technology of this generation and beyond. Our programme ensures that students grasp AI fundamentals and gain the expertise to pursue advanced research,” noted Prof. Ravindran.

The BTech programme offers flexibility through various electives within and outside the department, enabling students to tailor their learning journey to their interests and career aspirations. This academic freedom is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities and industry collaborations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse AI-driven roles in the global marketplace.

IIT Kharagpur Appoints Rintu Banerjee, First Woman to Hold Deputy Director Position

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Kapil Suri

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June 15, 2024

In a historic move, Prof. Rintu Banerjee was appointed Deputy Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the institute’s history and highlights Prof. Banerjee’s outstanding contributions to biotechnology.

Prof. Banerjee has had a distinguished career, serving in various pivotal roles at IIT Kharagpur. She is the founding head and current chairperson of the P K Sinha Centre for Bioenergy and Renewables. Additionally, she has led the Centre for Rural Development, Innovative and Sustainable Technology and served as the Head of the Department of Agricultural & Food Engineering for three years.

Her extensive portfolio at IIT Kharagpur includes serving as the Chairperson of the Centre of Excellence in Precision Agriculture & Food Nutrition, the nodal coordinator for Australia and New Zealand for the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), and the Coordinator for the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG).

Prof. Banerjee’s academic journey began with a PhD in Microbial Biotechnology from the Chemical Engineering Department at IIT Kharagpur. Her career has been marked by a strong focus on industry-academia collaborative research, which has resulted in the transfer of numerous technologies to various industries and the earning of several national and international patents.

Also read: IIT Kharagpur Announces Major Reforms in Undergraduate Programs Aligning with National Educational Policy

Her notable achievements include the successful commercialization of her 1G & 2G Ethanol technology. Prof. Banerjee has also contributed significantly to academic literature, publishing two books on environmental biotechnology and OMICS-based approaches in plant biotechnology. Her research has been supported by various government and private funding bodies, including the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), among others.

With her appointment as Deputy Director, Prof. Banerjee is expected to continue her trailblazing work and inspire a new generation of scholars and researchers. IIT Kharagpur looks forward to her leadership in driving innovation and excellence at the institute.

Key Highlights of the Orientation Program

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