The Times of India News

The Staff Selection Commission has released the tentative answer key for the CPO SI Paper I exam, conducted from December 9-12, 2025. Candidates can now access their question papers and response sheets on ssc.gov.in. An online window is open until December 27, 2025, for raising objections against specific answers, with a fee of INR 50 per question.

Christmas, often perceived as a fixed tradition, is a holiday deeply shaped by belief, history, and evolving customs. From the unknown birth date of Jesus to the recent origins of many popular traditions like Christmas cards and trees, the season is a testament to cultural shifts and historical moments, not just a timeless celebration.

US consumer confidence fell for the fifth month in December, dropping to 89.1, despite a strong labor market. Americans are earning but cautious about spending, with fears of layoffs and economic uncertainty affecting purchases. Jobs now influence not just income but confidence, shaping household behavior and slowing consumerism, with potential ripple effects across the broader economy.

Kerala's KEAM 2026 registration is set to begin soon. Candidates seeking reservation benefits or fee concessions must prepare valid certificates from revenue authorities. This includes Non-Creamy Layer, caste, income, and EWS certificates, with specific requirements for NRI quota applicants. Ensure all documents are state-educational purpose valid to avoid admission issues.

The West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee has announced the round 2 seat allotment for NEET PG admissions. A total of 839 candidates secured MD and MS seats. Those allotted must report to their institutes by December 30. Round 3 registration begins December 31. Candidates can check results on wbmcc.nic.in. Required documents include ID proof and scorecards.

IBPS has released the Regional Rural Banks Officer Scale I Preliminary Examination 2025 scorecards. Candidates can download their results from ibps.in until December 31, 2025. Those who cleared the prelims will now prepare for the Main Examination scheduled for December 28, 2025, featuring six sections. Visit the official website for more details.

Chhattisgarh has released its NEET PG 2025 round 1 seat allotment results, with 273 candidates securing MD/MS seats. The cut-off ranged from AIR 697 to AIR 1.35 lakh. Candidates must report to their allotted colleges between December 24-28 with necessary documents to finalize admissions. General Medicine at Raipur's medical college was the most sought-after program.

The Union Budget 2025 positions education as strategic national infrastructure, boosting the Ministry of Educations allocation to 1,28,650 crore. Key initiatives include broadband for schools, 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, digital textbooks in Indian languages, expanded IIT and medical seats, AI-driven learning, skill centres, and research fellowshipsaimed at enhancing access, quality, and employability for Indias students.

The National Medical Commission has released the NEET UG 2026 syllabus, exclusively based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks. This syllabus outlines topics for Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, emphasizing strict adherence to prevent over-preparation. Candidates are advised to download the official PDF and use NCERT as their primary study material.

Bharat Electronics Limited has released the provisional answer key for its Probationary Engineer recruitment examination 2025. Candidates can check the key on the official website. A window is open for raising objections until December 28, 2025. BEL will then publish the final answer key, which will be used to prepare the examination results.

Bank of India is recruiting 400 apprentices for 2025-26. Graduates born between April 1, 2021, and December 1, 2025, aged 20-28, can apply online from December 25, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Selection involves an online exam and a local language test. Apprentices will receive 13,000 monthly for a year.

The Indian Institute of Management has released the CAT 2025 result on iimcat.ac.in, ending weeks of anticipation for MBA aspirants. The scorecards display scaled scores and normalised percentiles across exam slots. These results will guide shortlisting for WAT, GD, and PI rounds conducted by IIMs and other management institutes. Candidates must check the direct link provided here to download the CAT result 2025.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has expanded the NIFTEE 2026 examination cities to 102, adding Vapi in Gujarat and Daman. This move, requested by NIFT, aims to enhance accessibility for candidates. Applicants can change their exam city preference during the correction window, with the Stage 1 test scheduled for February 8, 2026.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has opened registrations for the 11th Food Analyst Examination 202526, with applications accepted from December 23 to January 22. The computer-based test is scheduled for March 8, 2026, followed by practical assessments and mandatory training. Eligible science graduates with relevant experience can apply online.

Punjab NEET PG counselling 2025 Round 2 choice filling is underway until 5 pm today, following a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that added 53 MD/MS seats across four institutions. Candidates must report to allotted colleges by December 30 to confirm admissions or can opt for upgradation in Round 3.

India's National Testing Agency will introduce facial recognition and live photo checks for major exams like NEET and JEE starting in 2026. This move aims to strengthen candidate verification at application and exam stages. The system builds on successful pilot tests. This technology will ensure fair and secure examinations for all students across the country.

The State Bank of India has extended the SBI Specialist Cadre Officer recruitment 2025 application deadline to January 5, giving candidates additional time to apply for 996 vacancies. Eligible graduates can submit applications online through the official portal. Selection will be based solely on interview performance, with no written examination prescribed for this recruitment cycle.

IIM Mumbai has announced its MBA admission policy for the 2026-28 batch. Admissions will be based on CAT 2025 scores, followed by interviews. Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree with specific marks. The selection process considers CAT scores, interview performance, and academic records. Seat reservations will follow government norms. The institute reserves the right to modify the policy.

Rajasthan's Sriganganagar education department has issued a stern warning to private schools, prohibiting them from forcing students to dress as Santa Claus for Christmas. The order, citing parental consent and sensitivity towards 'Veer Bal Diwas', emphasizes that schools will face action if students or parents are pressured into participating in such activities.

Government job aspirants have a crucial week to apply for over 26,000 vacancies across various central and state organizations. Key recruitment drives from SSC, DRDO, WBPSC, CEIL, and BEL have application deadlines between late December 2025 and early January 2026. Candidates are urged to review eligibility and submit applications promptly to avoid last-minute issues.

Bihar DElEd admission for the 2026-28 session closes today, December 24, 2026. Aspiring elementary teachers must register on the official portal for over 30,000 seats. The entrance exam requires a minimum of 50% in Class 12, with relaxations for reserved categories. Details on eligibility, exam pattern, fees, and required documents are available.

The Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test (KARTET) 2025 results have been declared on the official portal. Candidates can download their scorecards online and verify key details. Those who qualify must now secure their eligibility certificate, track upcoming teacher recruitment notifications, keep documents ready, and prepare for further selection stages, as KARTET qualification only establishes eligibility, not direct appointment.

The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board has released the Kolkata Police SI admit card 2025 on its official portal. Registered candidates can download the hall ticket using their application number and date of birth. The written examination begins on December 30, 2025, and the admit card includes key details on exam timing, venue, and mandatory instructions.

The Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test 2025 concluded on December 17. Candidates are eagerly awaiting the provisional answer key, expected by the last week of December. This key will allow them to check their responses and calculate scores. Aspirants can raise objections to the provisional key before the final version is released. The OTET certificate holds lifetime validity for teaching positions.

The Railway Recruitment Board has revised the RRB Group D 2025 CBT schedule for recruitment to over 32,000 railway posts. The exam, earlier planned for early January, will now be conducted on select dates in January and February. Candidates will receive city intimation alerts via registered SMS and email, with admit cards issued shortly before the exam.

The Staff Selection Commission has urged applicants for Constable (GD) and Rifleman (GD) posts to submit applications before the December 31, 2025 deadline. Candidates are cautioned against last-minute submissions due to potential website traffic issues, with no extensions to be granted. The application window is currently open at the official website, ssc.gov.in.

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board has announced a revised Group D recruitment drive for 2025. A total of 406 vacancies are available across various state government departments. Candidates with matriculation can apply. The application deadline has been extended to January 3, 2026. Selection involves a written exam and document verification.

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board has released the RSSB AAYUSH admit card 2025 on its official website, rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. Registered candidates can download the hall ticket using their login credentials. The Ayush Officer written examination is scheduled for December 26, 2025, and the admit card carries key exam-day details and mandatory instructions.

Bihar Public Service Commission has announced the Assistant Section Officer Preliminary Exam results for 2025. Out of over 60,000 candidates, 668 have qualified for the mains. The results, released on December 23, 2025, are available on the BPSC website. This marks a crucial step for aspirants vying for 41 ASO posts.

The Assam Public Service Commission has released the APSC Grade-4 admit card 2025 on its official website, apsc.nic.in. Registered candidates can download the hall ticket using their login credentials. The OMR-based screening test is scheduled for January 4, 2026, marking the first stage of the Grade-IV recruitment process.

The US Department of Education is reviewing Brown University's campus safety protocols. This action follows a recent campus shooting. The review will check if Brown met federal requirements under the Clery Act. The Department may impose penalties or demand policy changes if violations are found. Brown University is cooperating with the federal inquiry.

CTET February 2026 applicants can now correct their application details until December 26, 2025, on the official website. Over 25 lakh candidates registered for the exam, scheduled for February 8, 2026, marking a significant increase from previous years. Corrections are permitted for personal information and paper selections, but not exam city preferences.

The National Medical Commission has opened online applications for new MBBS colleges and increased UG seat intake for the 2026-27 academic year. The application window is from December 29, 2025, to January 28, 2026. Revised fees and substantial bank guarantees are now required, with a temporary relaxation on the seat cap.

Californias 2020 ban on transcript withholding marked a pivotal shift in higher-education debt policy, aiming to free students from punitive barriers tied to unpaid balances. Five years on, the reform has widened access and influenced national policy, but lingering misinformation at some colleges continues to dilute its impact, advocates warn.

Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test 2025 results are out. Candidates can check their scores on the official website. The exam was held for teaching aspirants. Those who qualify will be eligible for teaching posts. The certificate is valid as per government norms. Qualifying does not guarantee appointment. Visit the official website for updates.

The Greater Chennai Corporation is recruiting 311 contractual healthcare professionals for its City Urban Health Mission by January 5, 2026. The drive aims to bolster public healthcare with roles ranging from Medical Officers and Nurses to specialized therapists and administrative staff. Selection will be merit-based following interviews and document verification.

The Science Olympiad Foundation has announced the International General Knowledge Olympiad results for 2025-26. Students who took the Level 1 exam can now check their scores online. The IGKO assesses general awareness and problem-solving skills. Top performers will receive awards and scholarships. Results are available on the official SOF website. Students should contact their schools for any discrepancies.

The Rajasthan Pre D.El.Ed 2026 application window is now open for the two-year Diploma in Elementary Education program, with the deadline set for December 31, 2025. Conducted by VMOU, Kota, the exam assesses candidates in mental ability, Rajasthan general awareness, teaching aptitude, and language proficiency. Eligibility requires 10+2 with specific marks and an age limit of 18-28 years.

Karnataka NEET PG counselling 2025 round 2 seat allotment results are out on cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Over 3,100 candidates secured MD/MS seats, with General Medicine and Radiodiagnosis at BMCRI being highly sought after. Objections can be emailed until December 23. Candidates must report to allotted colleges with necessary documents to confirm admission.

2025 saw significant shifts in Indian education governance, with new laws addressing school fees, coaching centre regulation, and higher education frameworks. While not a single sweeping reform, these measures signal a move towards more deliberate, legally-backed policies across national and state levels, aiming for greater transparency and accountability in educational institutions.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has extended the deadline for applying to the Direct Recruitment Quota Examination 2026, giving candidates time until December 27. The drive seeks to fill 124 Group A, B and C non-teaching posts. Applications and fee payments can be completed online at cbse.gov.in under the revised schedule.

Kerala's KMAT 2026 registration is now open for MBA admissions. Aspiring students can apply online until January 15, 2026, for the exam scheduled on January 25. Eligibility includes a Bachelor's degree, with no upper age limit. The Computer Based Test features 180 questions across four sections, with qualifying marks varying by category.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited has released the IOCL JE and Junior Officer CBT result 2025 on its official website. Candidates can download their scorecards from December 22, 2025, to January 3, 2026. The computer-based test was held on October 31, 2025, and shortlisted candidates will advance to Group Discussion, Group Task, and interview rounds.

The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has released the Class 5 and Class 8 board exam timetables for 2026. Examinations are scheduled from February 19 to March 5, with a single shift daily from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The detailed subject-wise schedules for both classes are now available.

The Gujarat Police Recruitment Board's application window closes today, December 23, 2025. This drive aims to fill 13,591 positions including Police Sub-Inspectors and Constables. Candidates must meet educational, age, and physical standards. The selection involves physical tests and written examinations. Interested individuals should apply promptly through the OJAS Gujarat portal before the deadline.

The Medical Counselling Committee has announced the provisional seat allotment for the NEET UG 2025 special stray round. A total of 264 candidates are on the list. Those with discrepancies can email objections until noon today. The final result will determine seat allocation. Candidates must report to their colleges between December 24 and December 31, 2025.

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has released the AP EAMCET 2026 exam schedule. Engineering entrance exams are set for May 12-15 and 18, 2026, followed by agriculture and pharmacy tests on May 19-20. The detailed notification and application process are expected to commence in March 2026.

Medical Counselling Committee has extended the NEET PG 2025 resignation window for Round 1 and Round 2 seats until December 26. Candidates who joined or were upgraded can resign, but will forfeit their security deposit. Physical reporting to the college and generating a resignation letter via the MCC portal are mandatory for a valid exit.

The State Bank of India will close applications for SBI SO recruitment 2025 today, December 23, ending the process to fill 996 Specialist Officer posts. Eligible candidates meeting age and qualification criteria can apply on the official website. The selection process includes shortlisting, interview, document verification, and medical examination, with updates available only on SBIs portal.

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission has announced 2,158 Group B vacancies. Positions include Medical Officer and Dental Surgeon. Registration begins December 22, 2025, and closes January 29, 2026. Interested candidates must check eligibility on the official website. This recruitment drive offers significant opportunities for qualified individuals across various medical and allied fields.