The Times of India News

India is set to overhaul higher education regulation with the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, consolidating multiple bodies into a single authority. This move aims to simplify governance, enhance academic quality, and shift focus from permissions to outcomes. While promising greater institutional autonomy and clearer standards for students, concerns about centralization and effective implementation remain.

DRDO's CEPTAM 11 recruitment drive is now open, offering 764 vacancies for Senior Technical Assistant-B and Technician-A roles. The application deadline is January 1, 2026. Candidates with relevant diplomas or ITI qualifications can apply online. The selection process involves Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations, testing aptitude and discipline-specific knowledge.

The WBJEEB has commenced Round 1 counselling for WB JECA 2025, with online registration open from December 12 to 15, 2025. Qualified candidates with a valid GMR can register, fill choices, and pay the Rs 500 fee. Seat allotment results for Round 1 are expected on December 17, followed by fee payment and reporting.

UP NEET UG counselling 2025 has entered its fifth round for Bachelor of Dental Surgery admissions. The Directorate of Medical Education Uttar Pradesh has published the merit list on upneet.gov.in. Candidates can now fill their choices for dental colleges. A security deposit is required for seat allotment. Document verification will take place at nodal centres.

The U.S. Education Department has redirected $208 million to bolster school mental health services, cancelling over 200 previous grants. This funding prioritizes credentialed school psychologists and evidence-based practices, particularly benefiting rural communities. The move aims to build sustainable mental health support systems within schools, addressing critical staff shortages and rising student needs.

The Trump administrations proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee faces legal challenges from the US Chamber of Commerce and the Association of American Universities (AAU). Plaintiffs argue Congress, not the President, controls visa fees, while the Justice Department defends the proclamation under Section 212(f). The fee primarily affects new H-1B entrants, with major tech employers and international students potentially impacted. Oral arguments are scheduled for December 19 in US District Court, bringi

Railway Recruitment Board has unveiled its 2026 hiring roadmap, detailing tentative notification months for key posts like ALP, Technician, JE, NTPC, and Group D. This structured calendar, spanning February to October, allows aspirants to strategically plan their preparation for upcoming large-scale recruitments. Official RRB portals remain the sole source for confirmed dates.

The Medical Counselling Committee has extended the NEET PG 2025 Round 2 choice filling deadline to December 13, 2025. This change follows the release of a revised seat matrix with new seats. Consequently, the Round 2 seat allotment result has been postponed. Candidates can now update their preferences on the official MCC website.

The Trump administration launched a Gold Card visa program, allowing individuals and corporations to pay for expedited US residency. Priced at $1 million for individuals and $2 million per employee for companies, the program aims to retain top international graduates by offering speed and certainty, addressing concerns about losing talent.

Delhi's new education act aims to curb arbitrary private school fee hikes. The law mandates itemized fee heads, caps on certain charges, and prohibits disguised capitation fees. User-based services must be no-profit, no-loss. A School-Level Fee Regulation Committee, including parents, will now approve fee structures, ensuring transparency and predictability for three years.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's recent congressional hearing has reignited national attention on her leadership and immigration policies. Her journey from a family farm to heading the Department of Homeland Security highlights a career shaped by personal resilience and evolving political influence. This scrutiny underscores her prominent, yet often debated, national standing.

Over 280 teaching vacancies are open across major institutions, including Gauhati University, CGPSC, Delhi University colleges, and Punjab Engineering College, with deadlines in December 2025. Posts range from assistant professors to faculty roles across disciplines. Eligible candidates with postgraduate, M.Phil, Ph.D, or medical qualifications can apply through official websites before the respective closing dates.

Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant leap in learning outcomes, securing 17th position nationally in the Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted remarkable progress, especially in language learning at middle and secondary levels, surpassing national averages. This success underscores the effectiveness of ongoing education reforms aimed at transforming the state's educational landscape.

CFA Institute will announce November 2025 Level I and II exam results in January 2026. Level I results are expected on January 13, 2026, with Level II following on January 15, 2026. Candidates will receive score reports via email and on the official portal, including the Minimum Passing Score and topic-wise performance.

Bihar government is establishing two new academies for Prakrit and Pali languages to foster their restoration and promotion. These initiatives fall under the newly formed Higher Education department, aiming to preserve India's rich cultural heritage. Experts highlight the historical significance of these ancient dialects, crucial to Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani built vast business empires through different learning journeys. Ambani pursued formal education, gaining technical knowledge and mentorship. Adani learned through hands-on experience from a young age. Both paths demonstrate that success can be achieved through structured learning or direct application. Their stories offer valuable lessons for aspiring professionals, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptability.

Assam Public Service Commission has announced the Junior Engineer (Civil) Result 2025. Candidates can now check the merit list on the official website, apsc.nic.in. Those whose roll numbers appear in the PDF have qualified for the next stage, document verification. The result details category-wise qualification and marks. Further instructions will be released soon.

The Staff Selection Commission has released Admission Certificates and Scribe Entry Passes for the Combined Hindi Translators Examination, 2025, Paper-II, scheduled for December 14, 2025. Candidates can download these crucial documents from the official SSC website. It's vital to verify all details and carry printed copies to the exam venue for a smooth process.

CBSE has announced six major changes for the 2026 board exams that students in Classes 10 and 12 must know. Updates include a new structure for Science and Social Science papers, two annual exam sessions, 75% mandatory attendance, a new 9-point grading system from 2026, provisional Class 11 admission, and a revised paper pattern focusing on competency-based questions. Students are advised to understand these rules, follow the updated guidelines, and prepare accordingly to ensure compliance and m

The National Testing Agency will conduct the UGC NET December 2025 cycle. The exam is scheduled for the first week of December 2025. It will be a Computer-Based Test. The assessment determines eligibility for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship. Candidates will face two papers in a single session. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

Himachal Pradesh is opening doors for 530 Patwari positions, with applications commencing December 12, 2025, through January 16, 2026. Aspiring candidates, aged 18-45 and holding a Class 12 certificate, can apply online at hprca.hp.gov.in. The selection involves a written test and document verification, followed by a training period with a stipend.

India witnessed a surge in GenAI learning in 2025, with Coursera reporting over 3.6 million enrolments, the highest globally. Learners explored courses ranging from introductory AI to specialised GenAI skills, including prompt engineering, LLM applications, and AI workflow automation. Top-ranked programmes came from Google Cloud, IBM, AWS, Vanderbilt University, and DeepLearning.AI. Key skills focused on automation workflows, data literacy, cybersecurity, and problem solving. The trend reflects

Hyderabad's educators convened at Oakridge International School for a pioneering conference on AI's role in education. Led by international coach Ann Palmer, the event explored practical AI integration for teaching, learning, and leadership, emphasizing responsible use, student safety, and future readiness. The school showcased its own AI-driven learning initiatives.

Meghalaya schools closed: Schools, colleges, and banks in Meghalaya remained closed as the government observed a holiday to honour Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma, a Garo leader and early freedom fighter who led the first protest against British colonial forces in 1872. MBSE Class 11 practical exams were postponed from December 12 to December 15, 2025. Cultural programmes and seminars marked the day, while students look forward to upcoming winter holiday vacations, including Christmas and New Year cel

BITS Pilani has unveiled the BITSAT 2026 schedule, opening registrations on December 15, 2025, for two exam sessions. The first session runs April 15-17, with a second from May 24-26. Aspirants can aim for one or both, with the best score considered for admissions to all three BITS campuses. Online applications are exclusively via admissions.bits-pilani.ac.in.

ICSI has released admit cards for CS Executive and Professional December 2025 exams, commencing December 22. Candidates must download their hall tickets from the official website, icsi.edu, for entry. The admit card contains crucial details like exam dates, centre, and instructions. Ensure you carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID on exam day.

INI CET Jan 2026: AIIMS New Delhi has released the mock seat allotment result for the INI CET January 2026 session. The provisional allocation covers MD, MS, MCh (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS courses across AIIMS, JIPMER, NIMHANS, PGIMER, and SCTIMST. Candidates can check and download the PDF from aiimsexams.ac.in. The mock round allows reviewing and adjusting choices before the 1st round of counselling. Detailed steps to download the result are provided, with a direct PDF link.

TNPSC Group VA Hall Ticket 2025: The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released the Group VA Hall Ticket 2025 for the Combined Civil Services Descriptive Examination. Candidates under Notification No. 16/2025 can download their admission memos from tnpsc.gov.in or tnpscexams.in. The exam will be held in Forenoon (FN) and Afternoon (AN) sessions. Aspirants must carry a printed hall ticket and valid photo ID to the exam centre. Detailed download steps and examination instructions ar

DMER Pharmacist result 2025: The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has released the DMER Result 2025 PDF for Laboratory Technician and Pharmacist posts. Candidates who appeared in the Group-C Computer-Based Written Examination can now download the official PDF from www.dmer.maharashtra.gov.in. The result includes names, roll numbers, and marks of qualified candidates. Selected candidates are eligible for the next stages, including Proficiency Test and Document Verification. Ea

DSSSB MTS recruitment 2025: The Delhi Subordinate Service Selection Board (DSSSB) has released the official notification for MTS recruitment 2025, offering 714 vacancies across various categories. Eligible candidates with a matriculation qualification, aged between 18 and 27 years, can apply online at dsssb.delhi.gov.in from December 17, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Selection will involve a written exam, document verification, and medical examination. The application fee varies by category, and ag

The Finance Ministry has introduced major reforms to streamline recruitment examinations and result declarations for SBI, NBs and RRBs through IBPS. Officer-level results will now be announced first, followed by clerical-level results, with a standardised sequence across banks. The changes aim to enhance transparency, reduce attrition, and allow candidates to make informed choices. The move addresses operational challenges arising from workforce migration and ensures more predictable, stable rec

A midnight fire at the hostel of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya in Arunachal Pradeshs Tawang district claimed the life of a six-year-old Class I student, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit. Thirty other children were rescued by a Class VIII student and the hostel warden. District officials visited the site, ordered a magisterial inquiry, and announced a safety audit of all residential schools. The fire, intensified by wooden structures, caused extensive property damage.

CLAT 2026 answer key: The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will close the CLAT 2026 answer key objection window at 5 pm today. Candidates can challenge the provisional key on the official portal, which now charges a reduced objection fee of Rs 500. The exam recorded high attendance across 156 centres, and results will be released after objections are reviewed. The consortium will publish the final answer key before announcing admissions to UG and PG programmes at 25 NLUs.

IIT Guwahati hosted its first CARE Conference on Data Science and AI, uniting global universities, Indian institutes, industry leaders, and policymakers to shape a responsible national AI framework. The three-day event explored advances in generative modeling, explainability, healthcare AI, robotics, quantum algorithms, cryptanalysis, and high-performance computing. Insights will inform Indias upcoming AI Vision Document, aimed at building an inclusive, transparent, and future-ready AI ecosystem

BPSC AEDO recruitment 2025: The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will close applications today for the BPSC AEDO Recruitment 2025, which offers 935 Assistant Education Development Officer posts under Advt. No. 87/2025. The online application window, open since August 27, 2025, will remain accessible until the end of the day at bpsc.bihar.gov.in. Candidates must meet the age and eligibility criteria, submit required documents, and pay the online fee. Selection will involve a written exam, d

West Virginia's Board of Education has approved the closure of 15 schools across six counties, citing mounting fiscal pressures and declining enrollment. This significant consolidation action, affecting Barbour, Logan, Randolph, Roane, Upshur, and Wetzel counties, comes after local boards sought final approval for mergers. Emergency budget conditions and aging infrastructure are key drivers behind these difficult decisions.

Top U.S. universities are enrolling record numbers of low-income, Pell Grant-eligible students following the ban on race-based affirmative action. Institutions like Princeton and MIT have seen significant increases, driven by expanded financial aid and broader recruitment efforts. While economic diversity is rising, racial diversity outcomes are mixed, and legal challenges from the Trump administration are escalating.

SAVE forbearance in the US is ending soon, affecting over 7.6 million student loan borrowers enrolled in the Biden-era SAVE plan. Borrowers must choose new income-driven repayment, or IDR, plans, including IBR, PAYE, ICR, or the upcoming RAP. Those pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness can use the PSLF Buyback option. For borrowers unable to pay, unemployment, economic hardship, and other deferments may be available. Early planning is essential as the US Department of Education begins outreac

Bihar is gearing up for Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE) 4.0, with over 27,000 teaching vacancies anticipated across primary to senior secondary levels. This significant hiring drive, the fourth in a year, aims to address teacher shortages and meet national standards. The Bihar government highlights this as a key job creation initiative, with official notification expected soon.

A new national survey reveals a workplace where performative busyness has eclipsed genuine productivity. Resume Nows Ghostworking Report shows employees routinely faking activity, job-searching on company time, and struggling with distractions across both remote and office settings. The findings expose a system driven by pressure, miscommunication and eroding trust, where workers increasingly prioritise appearances over meaningful output.

MeitY has warned of fake DigiLocker apps on Google Play Store designed to steal data. Only the official app by NeGD, Government of India, is genuine. Students, who rely on DigiLocker for crucial documents, are urged to download only from official sources, verify developers, and practice strong cybersecurity habits to protect their information.

Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala is hiring 550 Act Apprentices. Applications are open for various technical trades. This is a great chance for ITI graduates to gain experience. The application deadline is January 7, 2026. Selection is based on merit from 10th and ITI marks. This opportunity offers valuable industry exposure.

Australia has banned children under 16 from major social media platforms. This law aims to protect young users from online harms and mental health issues. Tech companies are adapting with new age verification methods. India and other nations are watching this bold move. The ban impacts education and family dynamics.

Applications from Indian students to Dubai have surged, with postgraduate courses accounting for over 70% of interest. Business, management, data science, analytics, and AI are the most popular fields, supported by structured internship pathways. Tuition fees and living costs in Dubai remain significantly lower than the U.S. or U.K. Indian students now make up roughly 42% of international higher-education enrolments in Dubai, highlighting the emirates growing role as a preferred study abroad des

Indias AI growth is constrained by high GPU costs, limiting access for startups, universities, and public-sector engineers. Performance engineeringoptimising hardware-software integrationoffers a solution by improving memory usage, bandwidth, and CPU-based AI inference. Techniques like memory pooling via CXL and model quantisation enable efficient, scalable AI on existing servers, reducing costs and energy consumption. By training engineers in hardware-software co-optimisation, India can transfo

The Indian Army's Central Command is seeking applications for Stenographer Grade-I positions on a deputation basis. Eligible government officers with stenography experience can apply through proper channels within 30 days of the advertisement. The role offers a Level-6 pay matrix and an initial three-year tenure. Strict adherence to application guidelines is mandatory for consideration.

Bihar SHS ANM admit card 2025: The State Health Society, Bihar has released the ANM admit card 2025 for the National Health Mission (NHM) recruitment examination. The Computer Based Test (CBT) for 5006 ANM posts and 220 Ophthalmic Assistant posts will be held from December 17 to 19, 2025, across Bihar. Candidates can download their hall tickets from shs.bihar.gov.in. Benchmark disability candidates requiring a scribe must submit prescribed documents. The admit card includes exam details, reporti

India's Department of Science and Technology is bolstering its research and development through INSPIRE programs like MANAK, SHE, and Vigyan Jyoti. These initiatives are designed to ignite scientific curiosity in young minds from school to higher education, fostering innovation and encouraging careers in science. The programs actively promote inclusivity, ensuring diverse talent contributes to India's knowledge-driven economy.

CAT 2025 results are anticipated between late December and early January, following the exam on November 30. After the provisional answer key and objection window closed, the evaluation is complete. Past trends suggest a release 3-5 weeks post-exam, with scorecards expected on iimcat.ac.in. Candidates should verify details promptly.

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission has released the provisional answer key for the LT Grade Teacher Hindi examination 2025. Candidates can download the key from the official UPPSC website. They can verify their answers and estimate their scores. A window is open for candidates to submit objections to the provisional key.