89,000 Govt Schools Closed Since 2014, RTE Violations Disproportionately Affect Poor & SC/ST Students

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

342 AICTE-approved technical institutions closed across 17 states in the last three academic years, as per data tabled in Lok Sabha. Maharashtra recorded the highest closures (57), followed by Uttar Pradesh (54) and Madhya Pradesh (53). The government highlighted rising enrolments and policy measures to improve institutional viability.

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.

NCERT Reconstitutes Class 11-12 Political Science Panel with RSS-Linked Academics; Mandate: Cultural Rootedness

NCERT has reconstituted the textbook development team for Classes 11 and 12 Political Science, with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness and Indian knowledge systems. The panel includes at least four academics with RSS/ABVP links, reflecting the ongoing implementation of NEP 2020. Key deadlines: Class 11 textbook by November 2026, Class 12 by July 2027.

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.

Cabinet Approves Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan Scheme; Rajya Sabha Clears Rs 54,067 Cr Appropriation Bill

The UPSC Key article covers multiple critical topics: the Rajya Sabha cleared the Appropriation Bill for Rs 54,067 Cr excess expenditure, the Cabinet approved the Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan scheme to boost CBG production, and new high-resolution images of the Sun's surface were captured. Also includes data on road safety Good Samaritans, school consolidation, and ethanol policy.

Indian Student Mobility Declines 18.5% in 2025 as IITs, IIMs Open Overseas Campuses

Indian students going abroad for study fell for the second consecutive year in 2025, dropping 18.5% to 6.19 lakh. Simultaneously, top Indian institutes like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIM Ahmedabad have established overseas campuses, signaling a dual shift in international education dynamics.

NCERT Reconstitutes Class 11-12 Political Science Textbook Team with Focus on Indian Knowledge Systems and Cultural Rootedness

NCERT has reconstituted the textbook development team for Class 11 and 12 Political Science with a mandate to integrate Indian knowledge systems, cultural rootedness, and inclusion. The move signals a shift in curriculum orientation, with several members having RSS/ABVP links, making it a high-relevance topic for UPSC and other exams focusing on education policy and ideological debates.

NITI Aayog Proposes Kaushal Tracks from Class 9 to Address 8.7 Crore NEET Youth

NITI Aayog's report 'Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047' reveals 8.7 crore NEET youth (15-29) and proposes integrating vocational education from Class 6, including Kaushal Tracks from Class 9, to bridge skill gaps and improve employability. Only 8.25% of graduates are in jobs matching their qualifications.