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IIT Madras and Sambalpur University Partner to Advance AI Research

Advance AI Research

Breaking new ground in research and academics, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Sambalpur University, Odisha, have announced a powerful partnership. This collaboration focuses on key areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security, chip design, and green technology.

The MoU, signed on May 4th, 2024, brings together the expertise of both institutions. This will foster:

  • Joint Research: Faculty will collaborate on groundbreaking research in areas of mutual interest.
  • Student and Faculty Exchange: Exchange programs will allow students and faculty to gain valuable experiences at each institution.
  • Curriculum Development: Collaboration on curriculum development will ensure students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
  • Skill Development Programs: Joint programs will focus on developing in-demand skills for the future workforce.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Collaborative seminars, workshops, and academic meetings will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

This partnership signifies a major step towards the “Viksit Bharat” vision, promoting collaboration between higher education institutions for national advancement.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of such collaborations, while Prof. Basant Kumar Mohanty, Director of SUIIT, Sambalpur University, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities this partnership presents.

This initiative holds immense potential to propel India’s technological leadership in critical fields.

Affordable AI for Academic Excellence, Discover ChatGPT Edu for Universities

OpenAI

AI is transforming education and research, and ChatGPT Edu from OpenAI is a game-changer for universities. Building on their successful enterprise version, OpenAI designed this specifically for universities to responsibly use AI across campus activities.

Why ChatGPT Edu?

Inspired by universities like Oxford, Wharton, and Columbia who saw amazing results with ChatGPT Enterprise, OpenAI created this specialized version. These universities boosted student engagement and improved efficiency by integrating AI into their systems.

What Can ChatGPT Edu Do?

It’s more than just a tool; it’s a powerful AI solution powered by GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest language model. Here’s what it offers:

  • Smarter AI: ChatGPT Edu excels at understanding text, coding, and math, making it a valuable resource for many academic and research needs.
  • Advanced Features: Data analysis, web browsing, and document summarization tools are included, allowing for a more integrated approach to research and information management.
  • Customization and Teamwork: Universities can build and manage custom AI models tailored to their specific needs, fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and researchers.
  • Security and Accessibility: Enterprise-level security, strong data privacy, and comprehensive administrative controls ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

Real-World Examples of Success

  • Columbia University: Professor El-Bassel uses AI to develop community strategies for reducing overdose deaths. The AI analyzes vast datasets in seconds, saving weeks of research.
  • Wharton School: Professor Mollick uses ChatGPT in his classes for AI-powered discussions, allowing students to engage deeply with the material and develop critical thinking skills.
  • Arizona State University: Professor Reves is creating a “Language Buddies GPT” to help students learn German through personalized conversations and feedback, showcasing the potential of AI in language learning.

The Future of AI in Education

As universities prepare for the new academic year, ChatGPT Edu is ready to help them take AI integration to the next level. Its advanced features and customizable options promise to revolutionize how educational content is delivered, experienced, and managed.

Arizona State University is excited about the possibilities: “Integrating OpenAI‘s technology accelerates our transformation. We’re collaborating to use these tools as a model for other universities,” says an ASU spokesperson.

ChatGPT Edu is a turning point for universities. It allows them to leverage AI to enhance learning and improve campus operations. With its robust features and secure environment, it’s a valuable asset for universities aiming to incorporate cutting-edge technology into their curriculums and daily activities. This initiative not only prepares students for an AI-driven future but also sets a new standard for educational innovation worldwide.

IIM Bangalore Offers New Online Bachelor’s Program In Digital Entrepreneurship

IIM Bangalore

IIM Bangalore has announced the launch of an undergraduate programme in ‘Digital Business and Entrepreneurship’, delivered online through its digital learning initiative, IIMBx.

According to a press release from IIM Bangalore, applications for the programme will open on June 15, 2024, with classes scheduled to begin in September 2024. The course will be directed by Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, a senior faculty member in the Entrepreneurship area at IIMB. This three-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme will offer students internship opportunities and practical projects.

The BBA programme is designed to integrate digital technology with business management principles and an entrepreneurial mindset, providing a comprehensive foundation for students aiming to thrive in the competitive business environment. IIM Bangalore emphasized that this programme aligns with the education policy, featuring a flexible exit option. The courses will be delivered online and asynchronously, with recorded content to accommodate students from various streams. Admission to the programme will require an entrance test.

Also Read:- Futuristic approach towards design education and student innovations in 2024

“We have structured the programme to be as engaging and interactive as possible. It is designed to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds while ensuring flexibility and quality education,” said Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore.

Cambridge Education Lab Plans To Serve Tier 2 And Tier 3 Cities In India

Cambridge Education Lab

To bring the prestigious Cambridge University education to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, Cambridge Education Lab (CEL), a U.K.-based education services company, has begun partnering with various schools nationwide.

CEL has introduced an aptitude test specifically designed for Indian students in grades 9 to 12, focusing on those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. According to CEL, top achievers in this test will receive full funding for a one-week exploration trip to Cambridge to provide these students with invaluable international exposure.

In addition to this initiative, CEL has announced upcoming educational tours to Finland and Japan. They have also launched an affordable teacher training programme curated by Dr. Sue Brindley, a senior professor at Cambridge University.

Furthermore, CEL has successfully conducted educational tours to three countries and completed two additional tours, including one to Cambridge University and another to Finland in 2023. Founded by Suyash Bhatt, an alumnus and current Fellow at the University of Cambridge, CEL is dedicated to expanding global educational opportunities for Indian students.

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

Since its inception, CEL’s programmes have directly impacted over 60 schools and more than 100,000 students across various states in India.

NAAC Revamps College Accreditation System With Binary Model, Aiming For 90% Coverage In 5 Years

National Assessment and Accreditation Council

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) will introduce a new ‘binary accreditation’ system in June, replacing the current multiple-grading assessment for colleges and universities in India, as reported by News18. This major reform focuses on evaluating institutions based on processes, outcomes, and impacts rather than merely on inputs received.

Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairperson of the NAAC Executive Committee, announced that the binary accreditation system would be implemented before the end of June, with nine committees working on its rollout. All new accreditation applications will subsequently be assessed using this new system.

The binary accreditation system will assign institutions an “accredited” or “not accredited” status, encouraging broader participation in the accreditation process and fostering a culture of quality in higher education. This represents a shift from the current input-focused grading system to an outcome-based approach.

Read More:- NAAC accreditation now in binary terms

These reforms are outlined in the report “Reforms for Strengthening Assessment and Accreditation in Higher Education Institutions,” released by the Ministry of Education on January 28. The changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for a transparent ranking and accreditation system for higher education institutions.

The report, prepared by a panel led by K Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, was submitted in November 2022. The NAAC’s executive committee decided in January to implement the reforms in two stages: the binary system within the next four months and a maturity-based grading system (multi-level) from December 2024.

Officials stated that implementing binary accreditation is a priority for the council within the first 100 days of the new government and aims to cover at least 90% of institutions within the next five years.

Currently, NAAC accreditation is not mandatory, with only about 30% of India’s 1,200 universities and 15% of over 50,000 colleges seeking accreditation. The goal is to increase this to 90% to ensure high-quality education across these institutions.

After the new system is established, NAAC committees will focus on defining multi-level grading parameters to be introduced by December. The maturity-based grading will involve multiple quality levels, from level 1 to level 5, encouraging institutions to continually improve and evolve, eventually reaching levels of global excellence.

Internshala & AICTE Join Forces To Provide Internships & Enhance Student Skills

Internshala & AICTE

Internshala, a career-tech platform, and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have renewed their strategic partneship to provide internship opportunities and enhance skill development for students nationwide.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Internshala and AICTE aims to facilitate student placements in internships aligned with their academic and career goals. By leveraging Internshala’s vast network of industry partners and internship management expertise, AICTE seeks to improve students’ practical learning experiences, equipping them with essential skills for today’s competitive job market and fostering their professional growth.

Commenting on the partnership renewal, AICTE Chairman Prof. T. G. Sitharam said, “Our collaboration with Internshala is a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience, ensuring that Indian youth gain practical skills crucial for their professional development. By combining our expertise and broad reach, we aim to enhance employability for millions of students nationwide, preparing a workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”

Sarvesh Agrawal, CEO and Founder of Internshala expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with AICTE to empower students with valuable internships and skill-building opportunities. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to bridge the industry-academia gap and prepare over 45 million college students in India for their careers by providing practical learning experiences.”

Also Read:- AICTE Launches PhD, M.E, M.Tech Programs For Diploma Faculty

Dr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, CCO of AICTE, added, “The AICTE internship portal has over 4.8 million internships posted, with a target of 10 million by 2025. We are pleased to collaborate with Internshala, which publishes more than 10,000 internships daily, connecting our students with various industries to gain real-time experience.”

Through this partnership, students will gain access to a broad range of online training programs, workshops, and internships across various sectors, including technology, management, finance, and more. These initiatives aim to address the changing needs of the job market and equip students with relevant skills. Internshala will actively encourage students to explore and engage with these opportunities in their areas of interest, thereby bridging the industry-academia gap and enhancing their professional skills.

Edtech Platform Adda247 Sees Revenue Surge 88% To Rs 243 Crore

Adda2a47

Adda247, an edtech startup supported by Google, has seen a remarkable surge in its financial performance, with its revenue for FY24 nearly doubling to Rs 243.39 crore from Rs 129.65 crore in the previous year. Moreover, the company has successfully reduced its net losses by two-thirds, bringing them down to Rs 101 crore from Rs 296 crore in FY23.

Established in 2016 by Nagar and Saurabh Bansal, Adda247 has evolved into a leading provider of educational services targeted at aspirants of public sector bank jobs, government positions, and railway opportunities. The startup delivers an extensive array of educational products, including live online classes, video courses on demand, mock tests, E-books, and printed materials tailored for various competitive exams.

The substantial growth of the company is attributed to strong performances in established sectors like government job exams and UPSC preparation, along with a significant boost from the newly introduced K13 vertical, which contributed about 15% to the overall revenue. Adda247 has found particular success in regions where non-Hindi languages are predominant, benefiting from less competition. A spokesperson from the company highlighted, “Our vernacular offerings for state-level exams are thriving, especially in non-Hindi areas where the market is comparatively open, unlike in Hindi-speaking regions which are highly competitive.”

Live online classes have proven to be the most profitable source of revenue for Adda247, making up almost 70% of its total earnings. The highest demand comes from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for about 30-35% of the total revenue. Presently, the platform serves over 40 million monthly users and provides courses in 12 regional languages.

Looking forward, Adda247 is set to broaden its geographical and linguistic reach within the year while also enhancing its skilling and upskilling courses. The company is on a path to reach profitability by the end of this year and is aiming for a potential public listing by 2027. Currently, with around 1 million paid users, Adda247 aims to increase this figure to 1.7 million by the end of the year. To date, the startup has acquired two significant entities—StudyIQ in 2021 and Veeksha in 2023—and has raised a total of $63 million, including a pivotal $35 million investment in 2022 led by WestBridge Capital, with additional funding from Google, Info Edge Ventures, and Asha Impact.

Veranda Learning Steps In To Upskill Government College Students In Karnataka

upskill govt college students

Veranda Learning Solutions, a prominent educational firm on the stock exchanges, has announced a strategic partnership with the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC). This collaboration is set to introduce upskilling programs in Karnataka, as stated in a recent press release by the Chennai-based company, which was established by Kalpathi AGS Group in 2018.

The new initiative is part of the ‘Kalike Jothege Kaushalya’ project, a government-led effort designed to enhance skill development and provide career guidance to students in state-run colleges throughout Karnataka. The partnership specifically supports the implementation of a wealth management course, marking a significant step towards educational enhancement in the region. Initially, this project will roll out as a pilot program in the Raichur and Gulbarga districts of Karnataka.

Suresh Kalpathi, Chairman and Executive Director of Veranda, expressed the company’s dedication to extending its educational outreach, emphasizing that this partnership with KSDC represents a crucial expansion of Veranda’s geographic presence and its commitment to delivering superior skill development programs nationwide.

This isn’t Veranda’s first foray into such partnerships. In 2022, the company successfully collaborated with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, training over 20,000 students in advanced skills like cloud computing and big data analytics. This history of successful collaborations highlights Veranda’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational growth and skill enhancement across India.

AICTE Launches PhD, M.E, M.Tech Programs For Diploma Faculty

AICTE

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has unveiled new full-time ME, MTech, and PhD programs for the academic year 2024-25 as part of its Quality Improvement Program (QIP). These programs are specifically designed for full-time faculty members at AICTE-accredited polytechnic engineering institutes who are interested in advancing their education under the QIP initiative.

The programs, which include an 18-credit course, will last six months and are delivered in a hybrid format. They are hosted by institutions such as the IITs, IISc, and C-DAC, with funding provided by AICTE, according to the official release.

Selection for these programs involves assigning candidates to appropriate host institutions based on received applications. The post-graduate certification programs at these institutions will only commence if at least thirty candidates are enrolled in each course.

AICTE Admission Timeline:

Candidates must submit their applications by June 6. The interview process at the respective institutions is scheduled from June 18 to 20. Institutions must then submit a candidate list to AICTE by June 20, with final results announced on June 24. The program begins on June 30.

The mandatory on-campus session of the program will run from June 30 to July 12, followed by a combination of online and possibly on-campus sessions from July 14 to December 11. Mandatory on-campus sessions will resume from December 14 to 26, with final evaluations by the host institutions occurring from December 21 to 26. The final results will be disclosed on January 13, 2025.

Also Read | AICTE joins hands with Starburst Aerospace to propel Innovation in Aerospace, Space, and Defence Sector

Subjects Covered:

The program will cover subjects including AI/ML, Data Science, Data Analytics, Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), Cyber-Physical Systems, IoT & Drone Technology, Intelligent Transport Systems, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Additive Manufacturing.

AICTE Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility for the AICTE-QIP-PG Certificate Programme includes being a full-time regular and permanent faculty member in core engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Materials/Metallurgical, Electrical and Electronics, Chemical, etc., at degree or diploma level institutes approved by AICTE. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of teaching experience at the graduate or diploma level in an AICTE-accredited institution. Additional criteria set by the host institutions may also apply. The program’s duration is six months, with each session hosting up to 50 candidates at a designated host institution. The hybrid course requires a minimum of four weeks of offline attendance. Enrolled candidates are entitled to two casual leaves per session, and attendance requirements include at least 80% for lectures and 90% for lab work to qualify for final evaluation and certification.

UGC Permits 18 Karnataka Universities To Partner With International Universities

University Grants Commission (UGC)

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has sanctioned a plan for 18 state universities and higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Karnataka to partner with overseas universities to offer twinning, joint, or dual degree programs.

Among these 18 institutions are prestigious ones such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bengaluru, University of Mysore, Visvesaraya Technological University (VTU), and private institutions like Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Christ University, which are both deemed to be universities.

These collaborations will cover a variety of fields including psychology, nursing, engineering, information technology, biotechnology, law, human rights, and arts and humanities, all of which have been approved.

Following the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the UGC announced the University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions to offer Twinning, Joint Degree and Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022, on May 2, 2022. These regulations aim to foster superior academic partnerships with international educational institutions, thereby enhancing the academic and research stature of Indian HEIs. It is anticipated that such academic collaborations and the exchange of students and faculty will propel Indian institutions toward higher international standings.

A twinning program involves a collaborative framework where students registered at an Indian HEI will split their study time between India and a foreign institution, ultimately earning a degree from the Indian HEI.

In joint degree programs, the curriculum is collaboratively designed by the Indian and partnering foreign institutions, with graduates receiving a unified certificate from both upon completion.

Dual degree programs are also designed collaboratively but are awarded separately by each institution upon the student fulfilling both degree requirements. This approach is distinct because it does not equate to pursuing two different degree programs simultaneously in separate disciplines or levels.

The UGC also stipulates certain prerequisites for such collaborations; Indian HEIs must secure approvals from their respective governing bodies, such as the Board of Governors, Board of Management, Syndicate, or Executive Council. Additionally, for programs in specialized fields like technology, medicine, law, agriculture, and other professional areas, further approvals from relevant statutory councils or bodies are required.

Also Read | UGC Instructs Universities to Establish Up to 25% Additional Seats Exclusively for International Students

S. Vidyashankar, the Vice Chancellor of VTU, shared with The Hindu that preparations for memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with foreign universities are well underway. VTU has previously engaged in teaching exchanges and research collaborations with various international universities, permitting students to undertake internships and projects globally. Now, VTU is advancing agreements for twinning programs, notably with Temple University in Philadelphia, USA, with discussions progressing smoothly. Furthermore, plans are in place to establish agreements allowing foreign universities to offer twinning programs in India.

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