342 AICTE-Approved Technical Institutions Closed in 3 Years; Maharashtra Tops with 57 Closures

Parliamentary Panel Flags NCERT Textbook Delays, Application-Based Exams Widening Curriculum Gap for Classes 9-12

A parliamentary panel has identified a critical gap between the NEP 2020-aligned curriculum and its implementation for Classes 9-12, citing delays in NCERT textbook releases and the shift to application-based board exams as sources of student stress. The report also flags declining teacher training, uneven enrolment, and the persistent shortfall in education spending (4.1% of GDP vs the 6% target), making it a high-relevance issue for education policy and governance questions.

AICTE Approves 5,099 New Institutions in 2024-25; Computer Applications & Management Account for 7.1 Lakh Seats

AICTE's Annual Report 2024-25 shows a massive expansion in technical education, with 5,099 new institutions and 7.49 lakh seats. Computer Applications and Management dominate, while Engineering sees modest growth. This data is crucial for understanding shifting trends in higher education and can be tested in Prelims through factual MCQs (numbers, institutions) and in Mains for policy analysis on skill development.

NEET-UG 2026 Leak Forces Minister Resignation; Jharkhand Recruitment Irregularities Span 7 Years, Demand CBI Probe

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered nationwide protests, leading to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Simultaneously, Jharkhand aspirants are demanding a CBI probe into a seven-year pattern of irregularities across JPSC and JSSC exams, highlighting systemic recruitment failures. This news is critical for understanding exam integrity, governance accountability, and the human cost of delayed recruitment.

NEP 2020: 5 Foreign University Campuses Approved, GER Rises to 30% with 2035 Target of 50%

NEP 2020 completes six years with 5 foreign university campuses now approved (3 more in June 2026). However, true internationalisation must benefit all 4.5 crore students. India's GER stands at 30% (target 50% by 2035), while Indian students going abroad declined from 9.08 lakh (2023) to 6 lakh (2025). The next phase must focus on global quality across every campus.

IIM UG Expansion: 11 of 22 IIMs Offer UG Courses; IPMAT/JIPMAT Registrations Surge 4x in 5 Years

IIMs are rapidly expanding into undergraduate management education, with 50% now offering UG programs. This shift challenges the traditional CAT-MBA monopoly and creates new admission pathways (IPMAT, JEE). For aspirants, this means more options but also changing competition dynamics.

AICTE Launches AIEDFP: Rs 245 Crore Doctoral Fellowship for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

AICTE has launched a Rs 245 crore doctoral fellowship programme (AIEDFP) to promote problem-driven, application-oriented PhD research with real-world impact. This is a key step towards linking academic research with industry, startups, and societal needs, aligning with India's goal of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.

CBSE Mandates Two Bhartiya Bhashas Under NEP 2020 Three-Language Formula from Class 6 (2026-27)

CBSE schools from the 2026-27 academic session must offer two Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas) as R2 and R3 under NEP 2020's three-language formula. However, practical roadblocks like teacher shortages, limited language options, and transition issues for existing students threaten effective implementation, with Hindi and Sanskrit becoming default third languages.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026: Judicial Magistrate Mandated for Delays Over 2 Years

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026, passed in Lok Sabha, tightens verification norms: delays beyond two years now require a judicial magistrate's order instead of an executive magistrate. This amendment aims to curb fraudulent birth certificates, which have become near-conclusive proof for Aadhaar, passports, voter IDs, and school admissions. The bill raises concerns over accessibility for legitimate citizens, especially in remote areas.