News for 'Ministry of Education'

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

US lawmaker flags India's FCRA bill, says could hit bilateral ties

US lawmaker flags India's FCRA bill, says could hit bilateral ties

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A US Congressman has raised serious concerns regarding India's proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), warning that these changes could lead to government takeovers of religious charities and strain bilateral relations.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com5 days ago

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Nearly Half Exit School Before Class 12

Nearly Half Exit School Before Class 12

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Nearly one in two children still leave the school system before completing higher secondary education.

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, calling it "too little, too late" and a "deceptive" measure. The party demands accountability from the Modi government for its alleged failures in preventing and investigating paper leaks, specifically citing issues with the NEET-UG and UGC-NET investigations.

Board Marks To Count For 50% In NEET, JEE admissions?

Board Marks To Count For 50% In NEET, JEE admissions?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The ministry of education is contemplating significant reforms to the admission process for crucial entrance exams like NEET and JEE. Proposed changes include giving 50 per cent weightage to board exam marks, aligning entrance tests with school syllabi, and introducing multiple attempts and computer-based tests. These reforms aim to reduce the high-stakes nature of exams and address issues like evaluation errors and paper leaks.

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has constituted a high-powered committee headed by the director general of health services (DGHS) to formulate a mechanism for conducting a comprehensive audit of the existing system of admission through the NEET-PG examination.

Modi lauds Pradhan's work in birthday message

Modi lauds Pradhan's work in birthday message

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, commending his significant contributions to the implementation of the National Education Policy. This praise follows the successful re-examination of NEET-UG, despite earlier controversies surrounding paper leaks.

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message on paper leaks as an 'eyewash', demanding the sacking of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged brutality against student protestors. The party highlighted the government's initial denial of the NEET-UG 2026 leak and its perceived failure to address widespread irregularities.

Youth Protest: The Lasting Lessons

Youth Protest: The Lasting Lessons

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

At the end of this journey, no matter now it ends, these youngsters will know something essential about the Indian government, the Indian judiciary, the Indian media, the Indian police, the Indian laws and indeed about Indian society, asserts Aakar Patel.

How China, US Crack Down on Paper Leaks

How China, US Crack Down on Paper Leaks

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Beyond imprisonment, candidates caught cheating face cancellation of examination scores, blacklisting under China's social credit system and multi-year bans from appearing in state examinations.

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

From guns to handlooms. From forest trails to a public runway. Women who had once been associated with that conflict walked into the spotlight wearing Bastar's traditional textiles.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'Instead of choosing dialogue, the government chose repression... Force ought to be the last resort, not the first.'

India Creates History At Physics Olympiad

India Creates History At Physics Olympiad

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

All five Indian teenagers who competed at the International Physics Olympiad 2026 won gold medals; thanks to their achievement, India shared the world No 1 ranking with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

'For the rest of his tenure, people will start with the assumption that even Modi can be forced to bow down'

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'The anger among the PoK public is unlikely to subside against Pakistani State in the near future.'

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The number of individuals who declared a gross income of Rs 100 crore or more in their income-tax returns had risen to 301 in 2022-23, moderated slightly to 284 in 2023-24, then climbed to 415 in 2024-25.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that it will closely monitor the steps taken to curb NEET examination paper leaks, emphasising that 'ad hocism has caused trouble for years' and demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the examination process.

CJP's Abhijeet Dipke to appear before MeitY panel over X account block

CJP's Abhijeet Dipke to appear before MeitY panel over X account block

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke is set to appear before a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) committee regarding the withholding of the group's X account. This development comes amidst an ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities and the NEET paper-leak controversy.

Can E20 Janta Party be the next big digital movement?

Can E20 Janta Party be the next big digital movement?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

A new digital political phenomenon, the 'E20 Janta Party', is gaining traction on Instagram, mobilising Gen Z against the government's mandatory 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) and demanding Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's resignation.

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

'I thought this generation was no good, will not be able to do much with all this social media etc. But then, they surprised us.'

Why Are Educated People Falling For Digital Arrest Scams?

Why Are Educated People Falling For Digital Arrest Scams?

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Chief Justice of India expresses concern over the increasing number of digital arrest scams, highlighting a recent case where an elderly woman was defrauded of her retirement benefits.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

EPFO Interest Credit: What You Should Know

EPFO Interest Credit: What You Should Know

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Millions of EPFO subscribers can now check whether 8.25% annual interest for FY2025-26 has been credited to their provident fund accounts.

Sports Ministry Issues Advisory to Prevent Playground Accidents

Sports Ministry Issues Advisory to Prevent Playground Accidents

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Sports Ministry has issued an advisory to state governments in India to improve safety at playgrounds and sports facilities following fatal accidents.

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has entered its 15th day, garnering support from AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, while a student leader from AISA was hospitalised after her condition turned critical.

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 To Launch MA, PhD Courses

NCERT To Launch MA, PhD Courses

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Now that NCERT has received the status of a deemed university, it will start its own MA courses, postgraduate courses, and doctoral research in education, fully funded by the government.'

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.

NEET paper leak: Parl panel summons NTA, CBI over exam conduct

NEET paper leak: Parl panel summons NTA, CBI over exam conduct

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has summoned officials from the Union Education Ministry, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the CBI to address concerns regarding the conduct of examinations.

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.