Serving as a primer for news articles in print/digital media, this write-up aims to share recent notable events in Indian education, inspiring educators and stakeholders to adopt best practices. It is crafted to be a valuable source of information for individuals keen on staying updated about the latest trends, events, and innovations in Indian education. By keeping abreast of these developments and incorporating best practices, we can collectively contribute to the vision of providing high-quality education at an affordable cost to everyone in India and globally.
QS I-GAUGE Institution of Happiness Report 2024, released by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Bengaluru: At the QS I-GAUGE 'Institution of Happiness' Conclave, held on November 14, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar unveiled the QS I-GAUGE Institution of Happiness Report 2024. This comprehensive survey gathered responses from over 160,000 students and 20,000 faculty members across 108 institutions in India. It highlights the impact of inclusivity, safety, and mental health resources on well-being and provides actionable recommendations to foster happiness in educational environments.
The report underscores the need for mentorship programs, accessible career services, and enhanced mental health support to empower students and faculty. With a focus on inclusivity and institutional growth, it provides a roadmap to create more positive educational ecosystems. Download the full report at https://www.igauge.in/reports.
UGC to allow students to complete degrees in two and half years
Chennai: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to roll out a new flexible approach in higher education, beginning with the 2025–26 academic year. This system will allow students to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in just three years. Additionally, the proposed changes offer an accelerated route for students, enabling them to finish a three-year degree in as little as two and a half years. This flexibility will benefit students who are able to manage a higher workload, providing them with a quicker path to graduation.
In addition, the UGC is offering students who prefer a slower pace the option to extend their standard three-year degree to four years and the four-year degree to five years. This flexibility will allow students to pause and resume their studies based on their personal circumstances. The policy, developed with recommendations from IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for personalised learning timelines and multiple entry and exit points.
Announcing the same during a conference for autonomous colleges at IIT Madras, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said, “We are planning to implement this from the next academic session," reported India Today. In the same conference, the UGC Chairman emphasised that the aim of this approach is to provide students greater control over their education, enabling them to manage their learning pace without compromising on academic goals.
A first in 15 years, India dethrones China as top source of international students in US
New Delhi: According to the Open Doors 2024 report, Indians have surpassed Chinese as the largest group of international students in the US for the first time since 2009. In 2023-24, Indian students accounted for 3.31 lakh (29.4%) of the 11 lakh international student population in the US, up from 25.4% the previous year. Chinese students numbered 2.77 lakh (24.6%), a decline from 27.4%.
This marks the lowest Chinese student count in the US since 2013-14, while the number of Indian students has tripled since then. Together, India and China dominate with a combined share of 54%, up from 52.8% last year. Other top countries include South Korea (43,149), Canada (28,998), and Taiwan (23,157).
Indian postgraduate students grew by 18% to 1.96 lakh (59% of the total), with undergraduate numbers rising 13%. In contrast, Chinese postgraduate students declined 2.58%, and undergraduates dropped 12.75%. Mathematics and Computer Science remained the most popular fields for Indian students, with 42.9% pursuing these disciplines.
Dharmendra Pradhan says reforms for zero-error entrance tests in January, asks states to support
New Delhi: Hon’ble Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan recently announced that the Centre is introducing various reforms for entrance examinations in January and appealed to state governments to extend their support for zero-error entrance tests. Pradhan said this after inaugurating a national workshop on higher and technical education on Tuesday, during which secretaries of states and UTs were also present.
“From January onwards, for next year, entrance exam reforms will be implemented. The Radhakrishnan committee has suggested reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the committee has submitted its report. To implement these recommendations, we need the support of the States,” he said.
The committee was constituted in June with the mandate of making recommendations on three aspects: reforming the examination process's mechanism, improving the data security protocol, and improving the structure and functioning of the NTA.
Bihar Government to roll out Smart Classes in Schools by March 2024
Patna: The Bihar Government has announced a transformative initiative to introduce smart classes in all government middle and high schools by the end of the fiscal year 2024. This decision, highlighted by Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth during the "Shiksha ki Baat" program, aims to leverage technology to enhance the quality of education through multimedia learning tools. The program reflects the state’s commitment to modernising classrooms and making education more engaging and accessible.
By incorporating digital tools and interactive content, the initiative seeks to foster an enriched learning environment for students. This step is part of a broader vision to integrate technology into educational practices, ensuring that students in government schools are better prepared for the demands of a digital future.
Disclaimer
The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.
Sources
https://indianexpress.com/article/education/study-abroad/indian-students-surpass-chinese-us-9675984/
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}