CBSE Launches Computational Thinking & AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8 Under NEP 2020 & NCF-SE 2023

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 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.

TN Launches ARIVU Curriculum with AI Focus for Classes I-XII from 2027-28 at ₹44,527 Cr Outlay

Tamil Nadu is overhauling its school curriculum with the TN-ARIVU framework, integrating AI and emerging technology from Class I to XII starting 2027-28. With a massive ₹44,527 crore outlay, the state is also launching schemes like Mathichudar, Vetripathai, and PLAY to improve conceptual learning, competitive exam prep, and sports. This is a major state-level education reform that sets a precedent for NEP-aligned curriculum innovation.

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.

VBSA Bill Strips UGC of Grant-Giving; Teacher-Research Grants Collapse 83%, State Universities Neglected

The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill removes UGC's grant-giving role, shifting funding to the Ministry of Education. UGC's individual teacher-research grants have collapsed (83% drop in Major Research Projects, Minor Research Projects down from 900 to 1 teacher), while state universities receive negligible development aid compared to central universities. This formalises a widening funding inequality that exam aspirants must know for education policy questions.

IIT Kharagpur Applies for MD, IIT Madras Plans MBBS: IITs, IISc Redefine Medical Education

India's premier engineering institutes (IITs, IISc) are entering medical education, signaling a paradigm shift under NEP 2020. IIT Kharagpur applied for MD (March 2026), IIT Madras plans MBBS, and IISc's Tata Medical School will offer MD-PhD from 2027. This convergence aims to create 'physician-scientists' and reduce medical device imports, but faces regulatory and capital challenges.

NOTTO Reports 20,000+ Transplants in 2025, Launches Portal and Swap Guidelines

NOTTO released 2025 data showing over 20,000 transplants, persistent gender disparity in organ donation (68% female donors vs 78% male recipients), and launched a new digital portal to enhance transparency. New swap transplantation guidelines aim to expand matching beyond single hospitals, but legal recognition under THOTA is still pending.

Doppler Weather Radars: 51st DWR Inaugurated at Sambalpur Under Mission Mausam

India's 51st Doppler Weather Radar was inaugurated in Sambalpur, Odisha, boosting weather forecasting under Mission Mausam. This expansion enhances early warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall, a core exam topic for disaster management and science-tech.