ULLAS, Saakshar Bharat, NEP 2020: Why India's Adult Literacy Schemes Keep Failing

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.

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.

41 Lakh Private Schoolteachers in India Face Low Pay, Unequal Legal Protections Across Southern States

This article exposes the stark reality that over 41 lakh private schoolteachers in India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, face low salaries (₹8,000-₹25,000/month) and lack of legal protections due to fragmented state laws that often exclude unaided schools. The disparity between aided and unaided schools leaves teachers vulnerable to arbitrary dismissal and poor working conditions, highlighting a systemic failure in labour rights for educators.

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.

AISHE 2026: Total Enrolment 4.50 Cr, GER 30% but Structural Asymmetries Persist

AISHE 2026 shows India's higher education enrolment crossing 4.50 crore and GER reaching 30%, with improved gender parity. However, the report reveals five structural asymmetries—private sector dominance, discipline imbalance, skewed PhD focus, rapid private university growth, and quality concerns in distance learning—that limit equity and quality. Key for UPSC: NEP 2035 target of 50% GER remains distant without addressing these imbalances.

AI in Education: 11% of Papers Contain AI Text, Shift from Banning to Guided Use Needed

India's education system must move from fear-led restriction to structured enablement of AI. With 11% of student papers containing AI language, institutions need to define permitted use, require disclosure, and assess process over output. The article outlines two parallel strategies: using AI to teach better and teaching students to use AI better.

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.