News for 'Reform in Higher Education'

QS Rankings Expose India's Higher-Education Gap

QS Rankings Expose India's Higher-Education Gap

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India not only lost its top place as the most represented higher-education system to China, several of its marquee institutions saw a significant drop.

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.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com3 hours ago

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

90 per cent of institutions recorded no improvement in international student metrics, despite government initiatives such as the Study in India programme, UGC regulations on internationalisation, and efforts to attract foreign students.

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.

NEET paper leak: NTA fires 47 officials, promises overhaul

NEET paper leak: NTA fires 47 officials, promises overhaul

Rediff.com2 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated 47 officials and plans legal action following the NEET paper leak controversy. This comes amidst widespread protests and demands for the Education Minister's resignation, as the NTA initiates a major overhaul and recruitment drive to strengthen its operations.

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

Rediff.com2 hours ago

'We have to pull 80 million workers out of agriculture and go back to where we were in 2014. That itself is going to be a huge task.' 'We have already lost time, and that is a catastrophe impending.''

KV Kamath Emphasises AI Application and Education Reform for India's Future

KV Kamath Emphasises AI Application and Education Reform for India's Future

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Veteran banker K V Kamath stresses the importance of reskilling and education reforms to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in India, advocating for practical applications over expensive foundational models.

Reforms in higher education: Have we achieved anything?

Reforms in higher education: Have we achieved anything?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2018

There is clearly something deeply rotten in the systems of institutional governance in the bastions of higher education in India, says TCA Anant.

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

Rediff.com3 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of responding to student demands for accountability and educational reforms with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' treating them as 'enemies of the nation.' She further alleged that the government has degraded India's education landscape and routinely chooses violence over dialogue.

Allow foreign players into higher education

Allow foreign players into higher education

Rediff.com2 Jul 2009

Seeking regulatory reforms in higher education, the Economic Survey has suggested that quality foreign players should be allowed in the sector.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

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.

Education Ministry dismisses concerns over CBSE 'On Screen Marking'

Education Ministry dismisses concerns over CBSE 'On Screen Marking'

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Ministry of Education has dismissed concerns about On-Screen Marking (OSM) affecting students' scores in CBSE class 12 exams and announced a reduction in revaluation and answer sheet verification charges to ease student anxiety.

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Recent changes to tax exemptions and allowances, including increased education, hostel, and HRA limits, have made the old tax regime more competitive against the new regime, prompting salaried employees to re-evaluate their choice for the current financial year.

The case for autonomy in higher education

The case for autonomy in higher education

Rediff.com10 Jul 2018

'Providing funds and autonomy to a few institutions that may not have the intent to excel must not become a case of trying to feed those who are not hungry and starving those who are famished,' says Jitendra Kumar Das, Director, FORE School of Management, New Delhi.

'Higher education still not accessible to all'

'Higher education still not accessible to all'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2014

Prof Pradip Narayan Ghosh, former Vice Chancellor of Jadavpur University, Kolkata tells us how the quota system has been unable to make higher education accessible to a large section of society.

'Is It A Demographic Curse?'

'Is It A Demographic Curse?'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

'The main problem the country faces is not low GDP growth, but low employment growth.'

Relief for Class 7, 8, 9 as CBSE relaxes 3-language policy

Relief for Class 7, 8, 9 as CBSE relaxes 3-language policy

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The CBSE has issued revised guidelines for its three-language policy, granting a one-time exemption to current Class 10 students from studying three languages. Class 9 students will still study three languages but can include two foreign languages and one Indian language, a significant shift from earlier mandates.

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Author of over 100 books, he served as the secretary general of Lok Sabha from 1983 to 1990.

UPA-2's negligence of higher education

UPA-2's negligence of higher education

Rediff.com15 Jun 2010

'The provincial universities have already been lost at the hands of unscrupulous politicians, the central universities are fast moving towards deep degeneration.'

Worried Children, stressed parents join 'Cockroach' protest

Worried Children, stressed parents join 'Cockroach' protest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants, and parents gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for a protest organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, expressing deep concerns over recurring examination controversies, result uncertainties, and a perceived lack of accountability within the education system.

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The government has intensified its Study in India programme and is working closely with universities and states to achieve this goal.

CBSE, NEET Row May Raise Hiring Costs

CBSE, NEET Row May Raise Hiring Costs

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

'For every 10,000 applicants, even an additional Rs 300 to Rs 700 per candidate for testing, assessment administration and re-screening can mean Rs 30 lakh to Rs 70 lakh extra at the hiring-stage cost before training begins.'

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Bihar's greatest resource is not beneath its soil but above it -- its people. With a population approaching 140 million and one of India's youngest demographic profiles, Bihar possesses an asset many societies would envy, explains Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

Govt to ease investment norms in higher education

Govt to ease investment norms in higher education

Rediff.com26 Jul 2008

Private and foreign corporate investment may soon get to flow into Indian higher education with the government considering a move to reform policy that hinders such financing.

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21, with plans to transition to a computer-based test from next year. This decision follows allegations of irregularities in the original exam, prompting strict action and a commitment to ensuring fairness for students.

NEET-UG re-exam on June 21; computer-based test from next year: Pradhan

NEET-UG re-exam on June 21; computer-based test from next year: Pradhan

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which was cancelled due to alleged irregularities, will be re-conducted on June 21.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals a significant increase in West Bengal MLAs with declared criminal cases, rising from 49% in 2021 to 65% in the latest assembly. The report also highlights a rise in the number of 'crorepati' MLAs.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

How Indian Institutions Can Shine On Global Stage

How Indian Institutions Can Shine On Global Stage

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The recipe for Indian higher education institutions to succeed in the global markets is excellence in academics, promoting contemporary socially relevant material, and enabling individuals (learners) to realise their full potential, suggests N Ravichandran.

AI, 3-Language Rule in CBSE Curriculum

AI, 3-Language Rule in CBSE Curriculum

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Art education, physical education and wellbeing, vocational education and interdisciplinary studies will be compulsory.

Why Justice Manmohan Urges Viewing Criticism As Suggestion

Why Justice Manmohan Urges Viewing Criticism As Suggestion

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice Manmohan stated that criticism of the existing legal system should be viewed as a suggestion for improvement rather than a condemnation. He highlighted the importance of addressing shortcomings to elevate the system and urged law firms to adopt a global perspective on legal education. He also emphasised the need for human oversight in technology and addressing the issue of pendency in the legal system.

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a roundtable with AI startup CEOs and held bilateral meetings with global leaders at the India AI Impact Summit, focusing on AI's potential across sectors and international cooperation.

Parliament's winter session ends without pollution debate

Parliament's winter session ends without pollution debate

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die, marking the end of the 19-day Winter Session. Key bills were passed, including one opening the civil nuclear sector to private companies and another replacing MNREGA.

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'What has changed is that the new regulations are backed by a clear enforcement framework. They have real consequences and, for the first time, make compliance unavoidable.'