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Karnataka’s Educational Prowess on Display at ATL Marathon 2024

Karnataka has solidified its position as a hub of innovation, with its schools making a remarkable impact at the ATL Marathon 2024. Out of over 19,700 submissions nationwide, Karnataka schools secured an impressive 84 projects as finalists, demonstrating the state’s unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity and problem-solving among its youth.

Mysuru’s Excel Public School (EPS) emerged as a standout institution, contributing 11 finalist projects—a record-breaking achievement for any school in the competition’s history. EPS’s consistent participation in the ATL Marathon over the past six years has firmly established it as a leader in fostering young innovators.

EPS students presented a range of innovative solutions that address critical societal challenges. Their projects included a traffic rerouting device for flood-prone areas and a solar-powered medicine vending machine. These innovations showcased the students’ deep understanding of real-world problems and their dedication to finding practical solutions. The projects also spanned various sectors, including agriculture, education, disaster management, and environmental sustainability.

The success of Karnataka schools, particularly EPS, can be attributed to the robust support ecosystem within the state. Access to resources, mentorship, and state-of-the-art infrastructure has empowered students to transform their ideas into impactful solutions. This thriving environment has enabled Karnataka to become a powerhouse of innovation, ranking 2nd nationally with 15,019 startups in the state.

Also read: Karnataka Govt. to recruit 15,000 school teachers across the state

The ATL Marathon provides a vital platform for students to explore their potential and develop entrepreneurial skills. The selected finalists will now participate in the Student Innovator Program, offering opportunities for mentorship, internships, and funding. This program is designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, further strengthening Karnataka’s innovation landscape.

As Karnataka continues to prioritize education and skill development, the achievements of its schools at the ATL Marathon 2024 are a testament to the state’s bright future. These young innovators are poised to make significant contributions to the nation’s progress, ensuring that Karnataka remains at the forefront of India’s innovation journey.

School Education in Andhra Pradesh Set for Rs 32,000 Crore Boost

School Education

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has underscored the importance of comprehensive reforms in Andhra Pradesh’s education sector, to achieve significant and measurable improvements. During a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday, attended by the Human Resource Development and IT Minister Nara Lokesh and senior officials, the Chief Minister announced the State government’s commitment to investing Rs 32,000 crores in school education.

Naidu highlighted the necessity for updating the current curriculum to meet future demands, suggesting that consultations be held with educational experts, intellectuals, and leaders in the field to guide these changes. He stressed that providing basic amenities in government schools should take precedence over promotional campaigns, ensuring every student’s needs are met.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the goal of achieving 100 per cent student enrollment, with continuous tracking of students until they graduate. To support this, each student will be issued an ID through the APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) system, recently introduced by the Union government.

Also Read: Govt schools of Andhra Pradesh rank second for internet connectivity in South India

In his address, Naidu called for equal emphasis on both English and Telugu in the curriculum, expressing concern over rising dropout rates and a noticeable decline in education standards. The proposed reforms aim to reverse these trends and position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in educational excellence.

IIT Madras Research Anatomy Lab Inaugurated by PFC CMD

IIT Madras

Smt. Parminder Chopra, CMD of Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Anatomy laboratory at the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). Supported by a CSR grant of ₹16.5 crore from PFC, this advanced facility represents a significant leap forward in medical education and research in India.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished figures, including Shri Manoj Sharma, Director (Commercial) of PFC; Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras; Shri Ali Shah, Executive Director, CSR; Prof. R. Krishna Kumar, Institute Professor; Prof. Boby George, HoD of the Department of Medical Sciences & Technology; Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean-Designate of Alumni and Corporate Relations; Shri Kaviraj Nair, OIA, along with other officials from PFC.

The new Anatomy laboratory is a cutting-edge facility, specifically designed to integrate advanced technology into the innovative BS Degree Programme in Medical Sciences & Engineering at IIT Madras. It is the first dry Anatomy lab of its kind in India that meets medical college standards, offering a unique learning environment where students can gain hands-on experience in a field traditionally dominated by conventional methods. This pioneering step not only enhances the quality of medical education but also promotes innovation by encouraging students to develop disruptive product ideas. The hope is that this exposure will lead to the creation of indigenous medical products, reducing India’s dependence on imports and advancing self-reliance in the medical field.

Also read: IIT Madras Tops NIRF Rankings Again, Unstoppable for Six Consecutive Years

Smt. Parminder Chopra emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “We are proud to be associated with this transformative project at IIT Madras. Our commitment extends beyond infrastructure financing; as a responsible corporate entity, we believe in enriching lives through our CSR initiatives and contributing to building a better society. This innovative first-of-its-kind Anatomy lab can be used to explore new technologies for the development of powerful medical devices. By applying engineering principles to medical knowledge, such research has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector.”

IIT Delhi Launches Third Batch of Professional Certificate Programme in FinTech to Address Growing Industry Demand

IIT Delhi

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has launched the third batch of Professional Certificate Programme in FinTech. As the financial technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly, this six-month programme is designed to equip professionals with the advanced skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.

The FinTech industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with India emerging as a global leader. Fuelled by a robust digital infrastructure, a young population and a proactive regulatory environment, India’s FinTech adoption rate stands at an impressive 87 per cent, surpassing the global average of 67 per cent. According to the BCG Global Fintech Report, the industry is expected to reach a staggering $1.5 trillion in revenue by 2030. ASSOCHAM projects the Indian FinTech Industry to reach USD 420 billion by 2029, growing at a cumulative annual rate of 31%.

Speaking on the announcement, Professor Smita Kashiramka, Professor, Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi said, “FinTech has had a profound impact on revolutionising our financial services, changed consumer behaviour and market dynamics. The FinTech market is surging to new heights and is yet to pivot and realise its potential, with growth to be experienced across sectors. Our Professional Certificate Programme in FinTech is designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate this complex landscape and drive innovation in the industry.” 

Professor Sonali Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi added, “The FinTech industry is not just about technology, it encompasses a deep understanding of the financial sector and the strategic use of technology to devise innovative solutions. Our programme is designed to provide learners with a holistic understanding of the FinTech ecosystem, enabling them to develop groundbreaking solutions that challenge conventional norms and unlock new opportunities.”

Through a combination of online and offline sessions, industry experts and faculty from IIT Delhi will equip learners with FinTech’s ABCDs: Artificial Intelligence (including Gen AI in FinTech), Blockchain, Cloud Computing and Big Data, as well as digital payments, data analytics and regulatory frameworks. The programme features a one-day immersion session at the IIT Delhi campus, over 100 hours of online learning via the state-of-the-art Interactive Learning (IL) platform, and a Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode of delivery.

Learners will benefit from lectures, real-world Harvard and global and Indian case studies, learning with some GenAI tools and a Capstone project. This programme will be highly beneficial for professionals exploring careers as Financial Analysts, Compliance Experts, FinTech Product Managers, Data Scientists and more. Upon completion, learners will be awarded an e-certificate by CEP, IIT Delhi.

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi: 

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is one of the 23 IITs created to be Centres of Excellence for training, research and development in science, engineering, and technology in India. Established as the College of Engineering in 1961, the Institute was later declared an Institution of National Importance under the “Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1963” and was renamed as “Indian Institute of Technology Delhi”. It was then accorded the status of a Deemed University with powers to decide its academic policy, conduct its examinations, and award its degrees.

Continuing Education Programme (CEP):

Executive education is a vital need for companies to build a culture that promotes newer technologies and solutions and builds a workforce that stays abreast of the rapidly transforming needs in the technological, business and regulatory landscape. Committed to the cause of making quality education accessible to all, IIT Delhi has launched Online Certificate Programmes under eVIDYA@IITD (विद्या@IITD), enabling Virtual & Interactive learning for Driving Youth Advancement @IITD for Indian as well as international participants. 

These programmes offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) are designed to cater to the training and development needs of various organisations, industries, society and individual participants at national and international levels with a vision to empower thousands of young learners by imparting high-quality Online Certificate Programmes in cutting-edge areas for their career advancement in different domains of engineering, technology, science, humanities and management.

IIT Madras Tops NIRF Rankings Again, Unstoppable for Six Consecutive Years

iit madras

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 results were released by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reaffirming the dominance of premier Indian institutions. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras once again emerged as the top educational institution in the country, clinching the number one spot for the sixth consecutive year since 2019.

In the highly anticipated rankings, IIT Madras also retained its top position in the engineering category for the ninth straight year since 2016, showcasing its continued excellence in technical education. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, upheld its status as the leading institution under both the universities and research categories, a title it has held since 2016 and 2021, respectively.

This year, The NIRF rankings included 16 categories, expanding from last year’s 13, with new categories for open universities, skill universities, and State public universities. This expansion reflects the growing diversity and specialisation in Indian higher education.

Union Minister Pradhan, during the announcement, hinted at a new criterion for future rankings: sustainability. This potential inclusion underscores the increasing importance of environmental and social governance in the academic sector.

Among management institutes, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad remained unchallenged at the top, marking its fifth consecutive year as the best management school since 2020. In medical sciences, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, continued its reign as the top institution for the seventh consecutive year.

Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, emerged as the premier institution for pharmacy, while Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, was recognised as the best college for dental science. IIT Bombay was named the best ‘innovational institution,’ followed by IIT Madras and IIT Delhi, further solidifying IIT’s reputation for cutting-edge research and development.

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

In the engineering category, IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay followed IIT Madras, securing the second and third spots, respectively. For management, IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode were ranked just behind IIM Ahmedabad.

Colleges from New Delhi dominated the rankings in the colleges category, with Hindu College and Miranda House leading the pack. IIT Roorkee maintained its first position in architecture and planning for the fourth year in a row, while the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, was once again named the best law school, marking its seventh consecutive year at the top.

The NIRF rankings continue to be a key benchmark for assessing the performance and prestige of Indian educational institutions, guiding students and stakeholders in making informed decisions about higher education. This year’s rankings highlight the consistent performance of India’s top institutions and the government’s commitment to broadening the scope of academic evaluation with the potential inclusion of sustainability as a ranking criterion in the future.

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

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!

LEAD EdTech

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

Classplus

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

Tamil Nadu

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

NEP 2020

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.

 

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