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IIT Kharagpur announces major reforms in undergraduate programs aligning with National Educational Policy

IIT Kharagpur campus

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has introduced a series of transformative reforms to its undergraduate (UG) programs, commencing from the academic year 2024-25. These changes, the institute asserts, are in complete alignment with the National Educational Policy (NEP 2020), aiming to enhance educational outcomes and student flexibility.

Starting in 2024, all UG admissions at IIT Kharagpur will lead to a five-year program, either at the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Science (BS) level. In a novel approach, students can pursue dual degree programs after their second or third year. These can be within their primary department or through interdisciplinary dual degree programs (IDDP) offered across various schools and centers of the institute.

This innovative structure opens up many exciting possibilities for students, such as earning a BS (Hons) in Economics alongside an MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning or combining a BTech (Hons.) in Civil Engineering with an MTech in Financial Engineering. By allowing students to make these decisions after gaining experience and insights into their fields of study at IIT Kharagpur, the institute aims to facilitate more informed and personalised educational pathways.

Another significant reform is abolishing the branch change option at the end of the first year for UG students admitted through the JEE Advanced. This decision was made to alleviate the high-stress levels associated with the competitive process, which, for less than 10% of students who successfully change their branch, leaves the remainder facing potential depression, mental health issues, and academic underperformance.

Furthermore, starting with the 2024 admissions, UG students will have the opportunity to pursue a “double major,” allowing them to earn an additional major alongside their primary BTech (Hons) or BS (Hons) degree. This initiative will enable students to broaden their academic horizons and skills in multiple disciplines, such as a mechanical engineering student obtaining a double major in economics or a physics student exploring electronics and electrical communications engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

To complement these degrees, IIT Kharagpur also introduces options for students to earn a “Minor” or a “Micro-Specialisation” in various disciplines, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary studies. Notably, the curriculum will now mandate at least one elective in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) for all students, alongside a diverse selection of electives in areas such as linguistics, happiness and well-being, Indian knowledge systems, and performing arts.

Another innovative feature is the Semester Away Program (SAP), where from the academic year 2024-25, undergraduate students may spend a semester at another renowned national or international institute, industry, or research laboratory, earning full credits for the semester. This program can also be combined with the mandatory summer internship, offering students an extended eight-month exposure to global institutions and industries.

These reforms by IIT Kharagpur represent a significant leap forward in aligning India’s premier engineering education with global standards and the evolving demands of the workforce, thereby preparing students for a future of innovation, leadership, and societal contribution.

Integrating Holistic Education with Technological Advancement

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Naman Bansal, the Pro-Chancellor of Haridwar University, Uttarakhand, India, took the stage at the 28th World Education Summit in Dubai to unfold the university’s remarkable journey, vision, and contributions to the global education landscape. His insights highlighted the institution’s commitment to blending academic excellence with holistic development, set in a campus that is as much a cradle of technological advancement as spiritual wellness.

A Commitment to Holistic Development

Haridwar University champions a holistic educational approach. This philosophy bridges the gap between academia and the industry and ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the global landscape. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and an international perspective, preparing students to excel across various disciplines, including engineering, pharmacy, humanities, science, and management.

Achievements and Recognition

The University’s commitment to excellence has been acknowledged through several prestigious awards, reflecting its status as a leading institution in India’s educational sphere. These accolades, bestowed by notable figures such as the Honorable Defense Minister of India and the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, underscore the university’s impact and its role in shaping the future of education.

Bridging Academia and Industry

The university’s collaborations with industry leaders and esteemed institutions like IIT Rishikesh and the National Institute of Hydrology enrich the academic experience, ensuring that students are academically proficient and industry-ready. These partnerships reflect the university’s proactive approach to integrating practical application with academic learning.

Looking Towards the Future

As Haridwar University marks its presence on the global stage, it remains dedicated to upholding the highest academic standards and adapting to meet the evolving needs of students. Bansal’s presentation at the World Education Summit shared the university’s achievements and its vision for the future. In this future, education is the cornerstone of global excellence and positive change.

In conclusion, Haridwar University, through the words of Naman Bansal, showcased its unique blend of spiritual heritage and technological prowess, setting a benchmark for holistic education on a global scale. As the university continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of education in fostering innovation, knowledge, and character among the leaders of tomorrow.

ADYPU and Pearson announce strategic alliance to boost India’s education landscape

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Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU) has partnered strategically with Pearson, the global leader in educational content and learning, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer Pearson’s BTEC Higher Nationals undergraduate courses. These vocational qualification programs, crafted by experts and endorsed by universities and professional bodies, aim to bridge the gap between education and industry demands across various sectors.

This collaboration underscores ADYPU’s dedication to delivering exceptional education and supporting the comprehensive development of its students. By integrating Pearson’s renowned BTEC qualifications, equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree in the UK, ADYPU enhances its curriculum with real-world scenarios and practical assessments, promising a unique and industry-relevant learning experience.

Prof. Hrridyash Deshpande, Vice-Chancellor of ADYPU, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its alignment with the university’s goal to furnish students with premier educational resources and readiness for career success. Jane Baker, Vice President of Workforce Skills at Pearson, also celebrated the agreement, emphasising the mutual commitment to expanding educational opportunities and equipping students with vital skills for the modern workforce. This collaboration is set to significantly elevate the quality and impact of education at ADYPU, cultivating future leaders equipped for global challenges.

A Decade of Technology Transformation in Higher Education

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Technology has changed higher education dramatically over the last ten years, revolutionizing many facets of teaching, learning, administration, and students to be prepared to meet the New challenges. As a result of the unparalleled surge in technological advancements, technology has completely changed our lives, and the higher education sector is no exception. Technology has revolutionized the way students learn, faculty teach, and institutions operate. This article delves into the key aspects of this technological evolution and its implications for the higher education landscape.

Digital Learning Platforms: The emergence of digital learning platforms has redefined the traditional classroom experience. With the advent of online courses, interactive modules, and virtual classrooms, students now have the flexibility to pursue education beyond geographical constraints.

Personalized Learning: Technology has enabled a shift towards personalized learning experiences. Adaptive learning platforms, artificial intelligence, and data analytics have allowed educators to tailor educational content to individual students’ needs.

Data Analytics and Learning Insights: The abundance of data generated within digital learning environments has given rise to the era of data analytics in education. Institutions are now leveraging advanced analytics to gain insights into student performance, engagement patterns, and learning preferences. This data-driven approach enables educators to tailor their teaching methods and enhance overall learning outcomes.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Incorporating virtual and augmented reality technologies into higher education have opened new dimensions for immersive learning experiences. Students can now conduct virtual experiments, or participate in realistic simulations, transcending the limitations of traditional teaching methods.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated various aspects of higher education, from admissions processes to student support services. AIpowered chatbots offer immediate assistance to students, addressing queries and providing guidance 24/7. Additionally, AI algorithms assist in grading assignments, offering educators more time for meaningful interactions with students.

Online Assessment and Certification: The traditional examination model is evolving with the introduction of online assessment tools. Automated grading systems, plagiarism detectors, and secure online exam platforms have streamlined the evaluation process. Furthermore, the rise of digital badges and certificates has allowed learners to showcase their skills and accomplishments in a more granular and verifiable manner.

RMK Institution Transformation over a decade: RMK institutions have undergone a remarkable transformation with the support of knowledge partner industries to enrich the curriculum and enhance knowledge in emerging Technologies. Outcomebased education is inculcated to establish competency-based learning standards. Incessant faculty upskilling through knowledge partnerships promotes academic excellence and the long-term success of our institution. Our institution adopted a customized AI-based learning app: RMK Nextgen have features like learning snippets, digital notes, video lectures, MCQ with Bloom’s taxonomy, daily challenges and topic-wise Analysis help to personalize and optimize the learning level of every student to reach their fullest potential. Further, this learning app helps the teacher to conduct live assessments in the classroom to measure the understanding level of students.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations: While the technological transformation in higher education is commendable, it comes with its own set of challenges. Issues such as data privacy, digital inequality, and the need for faculty training are critical aspects that institutions must address.

The Next Frontier: As we look ahead, the next decade promises even more innovation in higher education technology. Augmented Reality, Blockchain for credentialing, and the integration of AI into curriculum design are just a few areas that hold immense potential. Institutions that embrace these advancements stand to create more dynamic and responsive learning environments, preparing students for the demands of an ever-evolving global landscape.

Conclusion: The past decade has been a transformative period for higher education, marked by the integration of technology into every aspect of the learning journey. As we embark on the next chapter, educators, administrators, and policymakers need to collaborate in shaping a future where technology enhances, the pursuit of knowledge. By leveraging the power of innovation responsibly, higher education can continue to be a beacon of progress and enlightenment in the years to come.

Views expressed by R.M. Kishore, Vice Chairman, R.M.K. Group of Institutions

UGC considers common counselling for CUET-UG admissions to streamline process

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) is exploring the introduction of a standard counselling process for students based on the Central Universities Entrance Test (CUET) scores. Drawing inspiration from the centralised counselling procedures employed in medical and engineering admissions, this initiative is poised to provide a unified and streamlined platform for applicants to central universities.

UGC has formed a dedicated committee, incorporating officials from diverse universities, to assess this proposal’s feasibility and potential impact. A pilot run will involve five prestigious institutions, signifying a crucial step towards realising this ambitious project.

The CUET-UG, which debuted in 2022, has quickly emerged as a pivotal mechanism for undergraduate admissions across central universities, registering an impressive 14.9 lakh candidates. Its widespread acceptance has propelled it to become the second-largest entrance examination in India, surpassing the traditional frontrunner, the JEE-Main, in terms of participant numbers.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for orchestrating the CUET-UG, has announced a hybrid examination format for the 2024 iteration. This format, accommodating both computer-based testing and traditional pen-and-paper assessments, aims to cater to candidates’ diverse needs and preferences. The mode of examination for specific subjects will be determined based on registration numbers, with higher-demand subjects being allocated to the pen-and-paper format utilising optical mark recognition (OMR) technology.

Higher education leads to higher unemployment rates in young educated Indians, ILO reports

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The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reveals data that indicates, in India, young individuals with higher education degrees are experiencing substantially higher unemployment rates than those without formal education. Specifically, graduates face a jobless rate of 29.1%, nearly nine times the 3.4% unemployment rate of their uneducated counterparts.

This trend underscores a growing issue within the Indian labour market, where unemployment is significantly more prevalent among the youth, particularly those with secondary education or higher. The ILO’s findings show that the unemployment rate for young people with at least secondary education is 18.4%, six times higher than those without education.

The data suggests a pronounced disconnect between the skills the education system provides and the job market demands. Renowned economists, including former central bank Governor Raghuram Rajan, have voiced concerns that the inadequacies in India’s education system could impede the country’s economic growth in the long term.

Despite a decrease in the overall share of young unemployed Indians aged 15 to 29, from 88.6% in 2000 to 82.9% in 2022, there has been an increase in the proportion of educated unemployed youths, rising from 54.2% to 65.7%. This shift highlights the challenges in generating high-quality jobs for the burgeoning educated youth in the non-farm sectors.

Women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by this trend, representing 76.7% of the educated unemployed youth, as opposed to 62.2% for men. India’s female labour force participation rate is among the lowest globally, at around 25%, though it saw some improvement during the pandemic due to a rise in subsistence employment.

The report also touches on the situation in urban and rural areas, indicating a widespread challenge across different geographies. Comparatively, China’s youth unemployment rate for individuals aged 16-24 was 15.3% in the early months of the year, significantly higher than the 5.3% rate for the urban population.

Odisha joins forces with centre to implement PM SHRI school scheme

PM SHRI school scheme

The Odisha government has agreed to join hands with the Central government to roll out the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. This collaboration was formalised with an announcement from the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, indicating Odisha’s readiness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre. This step is crucial in the scheme’s deployment nationwide, highlighting Odisha’s role as a forward-thinking participant in educational advancement.

With this agreement, Odisha moves ahead in the national educational reform agenda, distinguishing itself from West Bengal, Kerala, and Delhi, which remain the only states yet to sign an MoU with the Union Ministry of Education for the PM SHRI scheme. This initiative directly reflects the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision, aiming to revolutionise the Indian school education system by setting up model schools across the country. These schools are envisaged to serve as benchmarks for quality education, integrating holistic learning approaches that cater to the all-round development of students.

The PM SHRI scheme is not just another educational program but a strategic endeavour to enhance schools’ infrastructure, curriculum, teaching methodologies, and technological integration. It aspires to create an ecosystem where schools become the cradle for nurturing future generations, equipped with knowledge, skills, and values essential for the 21st century. The scheme underscores the importance of access to quality education for every child, aiming to bridge the gap between urban and rural educational standards.

Odisha sets a precedent for educational excellence and innovation by agreeing to implement the PM SHRI scheme. This partnership between the Odisha government and the Centre is a testament to their commitment to uplifting the educational landscape, promising a brighter future for students nationwide. The MoU, to be signed before the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year, marks the start of a new era in school education, emphasising collaborative efforts to realise the goals of the NEP 2020.

Implementing the PM SHRI scheme in Odisha is expected to catalyse a transformative change in the educational sector, making schools more inclusive, learner-centric, and conducive to fostering students’ critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This initiative paves the way for Odisha to become a beacon of educational reform, inspiring other states to follow suit and contribute to the nation’s collective aspiration for a revamped educational system.

UGC calls on state boards to promote CUET UG 2024 applications

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has appealed to state education boards across India, encouraging them to actively promote the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2024 among students. In an official notice, the UGC highlighted the CUET (UG) as a pivotal platform that offers students a unified opportunity for admission into Central Universities (CUs) and various other participating institutions, including State Universities, Deemed, and Private Universities nationwide.

The commission’s outreach aims to ensure that students from all corners of the country are made aware of and motivated to seize the opportunity presented by CUET UG 2024 for their higher education aspirations. This initiative seeks to streamline the admissions process into undergraduate programs, making it more accessible and equitable for students from diverse backgrounds.

Scheduled to take place in a hybrid mode from May 15 to May 31, the CUET UG 2024 will accommodate linguistic diversity by offering the examination in 13 languages. These include Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, thereby catering to a wide array of students across the country.

The UGC has also indicated that the results of CUET UG 2024 are expected to be announced by June 30. However, it was noted that the specific dates might be subject to changes aligned with the National Election Schedule, ensuring that all students can participate in the exam without any scheduling conflicts.

IIM Bangalore and FPSB India unite to launch executive program in financial planning

IIM Bangalore and FPSB India

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) and the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB India) announced a partnership. This collaboration marks the beginning of an innovative executive education program in financial planning to elevate the nation’s professional and educational finance landscape.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two esteemed institutions introduces a curriculum specifically tailored for working professionals and students. This initiative responds to the increasing demand for sophisticated financial planning education, combining IIM Bangalore‘s and FPSB India’s expertise to offer comprehensive learning experiences that align with the industry’s evolving requirements.

Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, emphasised the program’s aim to bridge the academic-industry gap in personal finance. “We are excited to collaborate with FPSB India to nurture future finance professionals equipped for success in the dynamic business world,” Krishnan remarked.

Krishan Mishra, CEO of FPSB India, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unparalleled opportunities this partnership will provide for students aspiring to excel in the financial planning sector.

The program will focus on theoretical knowledge and practical insights through joint events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events aim to promote financial literacy, encourage research, and address the changing needs of the personal finance sector.

Also Read:- IIM-Bangalore launches healthcare incubation programme

Furthermore, FPSB India has committed to offering five scholarships based on merit to support deserving candidates aspiring to become certified financial planner professionals. This initiative underscores the partnership’s dedication to empowering individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and certifications for a successful career in financial planning.

IIT Kanpur launches new online master’s degree programs in finance and sustainability

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) announced the introduction of new eMasters degree programs. These cutting-edge online programs, including specialisations in climate finance, business finance, fintech, and quantitative finance, aim to prepare ‘future-ready’ finance professionals to meet the increasing demand for skilled talent within the finance sector.

The new offerings by IIT Kanpur come with a flexible duration of 1-3 years, making them accessible to a broader range of professionals looking to advance their careers. Notably, admissions to these courses will not require a GATE score, thereby widening access to a quality education from one of the country’s premier technology institutes.

The eMasters in Financial Technology and Management program is designed to merge traditional finance principles with the burgeoning field of fintech, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of how technology is reshaping the financial industry. Similarly, the quantitative finance and risk management program emphasises research and practical training to enhance risk management competencies.

Furthermore, the business finance program aims to equip professionals with advanced knowledge in finance and economics, preparing them to make strategic decisions in their careers. The climate finance and sustainability program addresses the urgent need for expertise in carbon management and ESG, offering specialised training that blends finance with environmental sustainability.

Administered by the Department of Management Sciences and the Department of Economic Sciences, these eMasters programs offer a blend of live interactive weekend classes and self-paced learning options. With a 60-credit curriculum designed to meet industry standards, the programs also provide a pathway for credit transfers towards higher education opportunities, such as MTech and PhD programs at IIT Kanpur, further emphasising the institute’s commitment to creating a seamless educational journey for its students.

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