News for 'Education Ministry'

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The NEET-UG re-exam was held at centres across the country and overseas on Sunday amid tight security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination.

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The NCERT Class 8 social science textbook has undergone significant revisions, including a tweaked narrative on the 1947 Partition, the inclusion of VD Savarkar's demand for Swaraj, and the removal of references to Adolf Hitler and Nazi ideology. These changes follow a Supreme Court intervention regarding controversial content on the judiciary.

NEET UG: Punjab's Aryan, Haryana's Panshul top exam; 11.21 lakh qualify

NEET UG: Punjab's Aryan, Haryana's Panshul top exam; 11.21 lakh qualify

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Punjab's Aryan Gupta and Haryana's Panshul Bansal topped the NEET-UG for medical admissions as 11.21 lakh candidates qualified the entrance exam this year, the National Testing Agency announced on Thursday.

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.

CBI arrests Pune woman lecturer for leaking NEET-UG physics paper

CBI arrests Pune woman lecturer for leaking NEET-UG physics paper

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The CBI has arrested a Pune-based lecturer for allegedly leaking the physics paper of NEET UG 2026 to a select group of aspirants. The lecturer, employed with a Pune school, is termed as another 'source' for the paper leak. The CBI investigation continues with searches and analysis of seized documents.

CBSE revaluation portal hit by cyberattack, fees spike to Rs 68,000

CBSE revaluation portal hit by cyberattack, fees spike to Rs 68,000

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The CBSE revaluation portal experienced a cyber attack, affecting the payment system and leading to unauthorised access for approximately 50 students. The incident caused fee display abnormalities, prompting investigations and system enhancements.

Pune School Principal Arrested In NEET Paper Leak Case

Pune School Principal Arrested In NEET Paper Leak Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A Pune school principal has been arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case, accused of sharing examination-related questions and content with students for financial gain, according to the CBI.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

India Set To Introduce Dedicated AI Regulation Framework

India Set To Introduce Dedicated AI Regulation Framework

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Secretary S Krishnan announced that the government is considering a dedicated regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence, moving beyond existing IT rules to address challenges like deepfakes and synthetic content. This comes as global policymakers grapple with AI's rapid emergence and its implications.

General Dhiraj Seth takes over as 31st Army Chief

General Dhiraj Seth takes over as 31st Army Chief

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

General Dhiraj Seth has been appointed as the new Chief of the Army Staff, taking command of the 1.3 million-strong Indian Army. He brings nearly four decades of extensive experience, including commanding two operational Army commands along the western front, and will lead the force in its pursuit of self-reliance and readiness amidst dynamic global geo-strategic challenges.

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

India's Anti-Doping Fight Gets Boost From Neeraj Chopra

India's Anti-Doping Fight Gets Boost From Neeraj Chopra

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has partnered with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to launch a "Clean Sports Campaign" aimed at combating doping in India. This initiative comes as India faces a serious doping problem, topping WADA's list of offenders, and seeks to educate athletes on anti-doping regulations and promote fair play. Chopra emphasised the importance of patience over quick gains through doping, highlighting the long-term damage it causes to athletes and the nation's sporting image.

How NDTL And SGT University Are Shaping Clean Sport's Future

How NDTL And SGT University Are Shaping Clean Sport's Future

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and Shree Guru Govind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University have signed an MoU to promote clean sport through joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. This partnership aims to advance scientific research in anti-doping, forensic analysis, and healthcare diagnostics, while also shaping the next generation of professionals in these fields.

Cabinet okays new education policy, HRD is now education ministry

Cabinet okays new education policy, HRD is now education ministry

Rediff.com29 Jul 2020

"The policy draft has been approved. The ministry has been renamed as education ministry," a senior HRD ministry official said. The existing NEP was framed in 1986 and revised in 1992. A new education policy was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto ahead of the 2014 general election.

Education ministry issues guidelines for reopening of schools

Education ministry issues guidelines for reopening of schools

Rediff.com6 Oct 2020

Universities and schools across the country were ordered shut on March 16 to contain the spread of the coronavirus. On March 25, the Centre announced a nationwide lockdown.

Maha to cooperate in NEET paper leak probe: Fadnavis

Maha to cooperate in NEET paper leak probe: Fadnavis

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured full cooperation in the CBI probe into the NEET paper leak case, following the arrest of a suspect from Nashik. The NEET (UG) 2024 exam was cancelled amid allegations of irregularities, leaving over 22 lakh medical aspirants anxious.

Meet The New CBSE Chief

Meet The New CBSE Chief

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sarthak Sidhant, a 17-year-old student from Jharkhand affected by CBSE's online marking system, made a presentation before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tuesday on alleged irregularities in the tendering process for the selection of vendors for online marking of Class 12 answer scripts.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

Gurugram doctor under scanner in NEET-UG paper leak probe

Gurugram doctor under scanner in NEET-UG paper leak probe

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Police sources indicate a physical copy of the NEET-UG paper was allegedly leaked from a Nashik printing press and brought to a doctor in Gurugram, prompting an investigation. The NEET (UG) 2026 exam was cancelled amid paper leak allegations, triggering nationwide outrage.

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to address issues faced by students regarding the CBSE examination system, following allegations of irregularities. The government has committed to transparency and accountability, assuring that all genuine concerns will be addressed effectively.

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Members of Parliament questioned top National Testing Agency (NTA) officials about the NEET-UG paper leak, with the NTA stating the CBI is investigating the matter. The parliamentary panel also discussed measures to prevent future leaks and reforms within the NTA.

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

An innovation roadmap, a mechanism to double annual bilateral trade within next five years, and a joint artificial intelligence framework were among 13 outcomes to emerge from wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

SC forms high-powered committee to review Centre's Aravalli report

SC forms high-powered committee to review Centre's Aravalli report

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has established a high-powered committee, chaired by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), to independently review the Centre's report on the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range, aiming to resolve 'critical ambiguities' in its findings.

CBSE Class 12 Re-Evaluation To Be Completed Today

CBSE Class 12 Re-Evaluation To Be Completed Today

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

'The system is now under the CBSE's control with cybersecurity professionals and IIT officials overseeing it.'

Focus on your studies: Pradhan to NEET aspirants amid row

Focus on your studies: Pradhan to NEET aspirants amid row

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

After reviewing the preparations at the headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Pradhan said meetings have been held under the Cabinet secretary, and all the states have been asked to cooperate.

TMC MP Alleges BJP Involvement In NEET Paper Leak

TMC MP Alleges BJP Involvement In NEET Paper Leak

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has accused the BJP of being linked to the alleged NEET paper leak, claiming that individuals associated with the ruling party are involved in the scandal. He alleges the BJP is an 'expert in theft,' citing previous instances of 'vote theft' and 'job theft'.

Strike at exam paper mafia, not students, Rahul tells Modi

Strike at exam paper mafia, not students, Rahul tells Modi

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Indian government's temporary restriction on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, calling it a 'new trick' that punishes students instead of tackling the root cause of paper leaks. He highlighted the suicides of two students, Umesh and Riya, linking their deaths to the 'broken, corrupt system' and the government's alleged failure to protect students from exam mismanagement.

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Salesforce Pledges AI Skill Development For 1 Million In India

Salesforce Pledges AI Skill Development For 1 Million In India

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Global tech major Salesforce has committed to equipping one million learners across India with AI-focused skills by 2030, leveraging government partnerships, virtual internships, academic centres, and its partner network.

NEET aspirants lose faith in NTA after leak; seek AIIMS to conduct exam

NEET aspirants lose faith in NTA after leak; seek AIIMS to conduct exam

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 due to alleged paper leaks has led to widespread outrage among aspirants, who are questioning the competence of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and demanding that AIIMS-Delhi conduct the medical entrance exam.

India-UK Trade Deal to Kick Off July 15, PM Modi Confirms

India-UK Trade Deal to Kick Off July 15, PM Modi Confirms

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into effect on July 15, 2026, anticipating a significant boost to bilateral trade and investment.

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, prioritising it over motorised vehicle movement, and has called for the establishment of a regulatory body to ensure its enforcement and provide restitutionary remedies for violations.

Cyberbullying Pushes New School Policy

Cyberbullying Pushes New School Policy

Rediff.com15 May 2026

'Cyberbullying has become extremely worrisome now, with several complaints being received from schools.'

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements, including AI-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and police escorts, to ensure the smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

SC to examine NEET-PG cut-off reduction impact on education standards

SC to examine NEET-PG cut-off reduction impact on education standards

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court will examine whether the reduction in NEET-PG qualifying marks affects the standard of postgraduate medical education, following petitions challenging the cut-off reduction for the current academic year.

NEET-UG to swtich to computer mode from next year: NTA to SC

NEET-UG to swtich to computer mode from next year: NTA to SC

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has informed the Supreme Court that the NEET-UG exam will transition to a computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year, following consultations with the Centre and recommendations from a high-level committee.

NEET Paper Leak: Coaching Centre Claims Teacher Sought Clarification

NEET Paper Leak: Coaching Centre Claims Teacher Sought Clarification

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A director of a Pune coaching centre claims that Tejas Shah, a physics teacher arrested in connection with the NEET UG paper leak, contacted Manisha Havaldar, a senior faculty member and accused, for clarification on physics topics in his individual capacity.

CBI Nabs Doctor, Teacher In NEET Paper Leak Investigation

CBI Nabs Doctor, Teacher In NEET Paper Leak Investigation

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The CBI has arrested a doctor and a physics teacher in connection with the NEET UG paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 13. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.