Education / The Times of India
MIT has become the first US university to reject the Trump administrations Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, which offers preferential federal funding in return for sweeping reforms. MIT President Sally Kornbluth stated the compact restricts academic freedom and independence, conflicting with MITs merit-based funding principles. The move highlights growing resistance to federal influence over universities and raises questions about the compacts future among other invited insti
Miguel Cardona, US Secretary of Education under President Biden, joins Yales School of Management faculty to teach education policy in 2025-26. A former teacher and Connecticuts youngest principal, Cardona has led key federal initiatives on student loan forgiveness and equity in education. His appointment comes amid the Trump administrations push to reduce the Department of Educations role. Cardonas expertise spans local, state, and federal levels, offering students valuable insights into educat
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the NDA-1 and CAPF ACs 2025 results. Candidates can check their qualifying status on upsc.gov.in. Qualified CAPF ACs candidates must appear for physical tests conducted by ITBP. UPSC has opened a 15-day window to update key personal details. Non-qualifiers can access their mark sheets online for 30 days. A total of 735 candidates have cleared the NDA-1 and INAC 2025 examinations.
Educational institutions in 17 districts of Bihar will remain closed during the first phase of the Assembly elections to ensure smooth polling and encourage voter participation. Voting will take place in 121 constituencies across North and South Bihar on November 6. The Election Commission has deployed a large workforce and imposed strict security measures at nomination centres. The nomination process ends on October 17, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.
RSSB Ayush Officer recruitment 2025: The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has released the Ayush Officer Recruitment 2025 notification for 1,535 posts across Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani disciplines. The online application process is open from October 10 to November 8, 2025, via rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. Eligible candidates must hold BAMS, BUMS, or BHMS degrees and fall within the 2140 age range. The selection includes a written exam on December 16, followed by document verification and me
Over the past five years, Nobel Peace Prize recipients have hailed from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, underscoring that peace efforts transcend academic fields. Laureates include journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, physicist Narges Mohammadi, philologist Ales Bialiatski, and the collective voice of atomic bomb survivors, Nihon Hidankyo. In 2025, Venezuelan engineer-turned-activist Mara Corina Machado was honoured for her democratic advocacy. Their stories highlight co
President Trumps proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee has alarmed US school districts relying on international teachers, especially in STEM and special education. With over 2,300 H-1B educators in 500 districts, the fee could worsen teacher shortages and burden underfunded schools. Lawsuits challenge the policy, citing its threat to educational quality and workforce stability.
Mara Corina Machado, a Venezuelan industrial engineer and opposition leader, has won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless fight for democracy against authoritarian rule. Her journey from academia to activism reflects a fusion of technical precision and civic courage. Founder of Smate and leader of Vente Venezuela, Machado has endured persecution, exile, and political bans. Her engineering mindset underpins her approach to governance, showing that democracy, like any system, requires con
OICL Assistant Result 2025: The Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) has released the Assistant Result 2025 for the Tier I Preliminary Examination on its official website, orientalinsurance.org.in. Candidates who cleared the exam can download the result PDF and check their roll numbers. The Mains exam is scheduled for October 28, 2025. Detailed scorecards and cut-off marks will be released soon. Candidates must follow official instructions to download call letters for the next stages of rec
NTA has issued an advisory for UGC NET December 2025 applicants to verify their Aadhaar and UDID details before submitting forms. Applications are open from October 7 to November 7, 2025, at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The exam, for JRF, Assistant Professor, and PhD eligibility, will be held in December-January. Correction window: November 10-12, 2025.
The India Skills Report 2025 by Wheebox reveals the top 10 Indian states where women prefer to work, highlighting growing employability trends and regional preferences. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra lead the list. The report underscores how safety, infrastructure, and career opportunities shape womens workplace choices and guide employers diversity strategies.
The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB) has released admit cards for JECA, JELET, and JENPAS-UG 2025. Candidates can download them from wbjeeb.nic.in using their application number and password. JELET and JENPAS-UG will be held on October 18, followed by JECA on October 19. Admit cards and valid photo ID are mandatory for entry.
The New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL) has announced the NIACL AO prelims result 2025 on its official website, newindia.co.in. Candidates who cleared the Phase 1 exam held on September 14 will appear for the mains on October 29, 2025. Admit cards for the mains will be available three to four days before the exam.
According to the India Skills Report 2025 by Wheebox, MBA graduates are Indias most employable at 78%, followed by B.Tech (71.5%) and MCA (71%). The national employability rate stands at 54.81%, with rising demand for business, technology, and IT expertise. The report highlights upskilling, adaptability, and a blend of technical and human skills as key to job readiness.
ADRE result 2025: The State-Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC), Assam has released the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) 2025 Grade 3 results at assam.gov.in. Candidates can download their scorecards by logging in with their application number and password. For technical support, contact 9582390056 (MonSat, 10 AM5 PM). Regularly check the official website for recruitment updates.
The CFA Institute has declared the CFA Level 2 August 2025 results, now available at cfainstitute.org. The pass rate dropped to 44% from 54% in May 2025. Candidates can log in with their registered email and password to view and download results. CFA Level 3 August 2025 results are expected on October 16, 2025.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has cancelled NEET PG results of 22 candidates (2021-2025) for malpractice, including 13 from 2025. Additionally, 11 FMGE aspirants faced disqualification. NBEMS emphasized that using cancelled results for admission, employment, or registration is unlawful. The move underscores the boards commitment to exam integrity amid rising scrutiny over transparency.
Trumps $100,000 H-1B visa fee is creating a hiring crunch for US universities and K-12 schools. Institutions like Stanford, University of Michigan, and Washington University risk losing top international faculty in STEM, medical, and specialized fields. Smaller colleges face severe financial strain, potentially reducing global talent, research output, and educational quality, while student opportunities and innovation could also suffer.
Duke University researchers secured a $15M federal grant to expand Duke-PMA, an AI model predicting mental illness in adolescents. Using questionnaires, it identifies at-risk teens with 84% accuracy, offering actionable insights for clinicians. The observational study will focus on underserved rural areas, aiming to shift mental health care from reactive treatment to proactive, preventive interventions.
California has enacted Senate Bill 848, a sweeping law to curb sexual abuse in K-12 schools, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The law mandates stricter training, expands reporting duties, and creates a statewide teacher misconduct database. Following $3 billion in abuse settlements under AB 218, the reforms aim to enhance transparency while districts struggle with severe financial fallout.
Georgias DeKalb County Schools superintendent, Devon Horton, has been indicted on 17 federal charges, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion, for allegedly running a $280,000 kickback scheme while leading Illinois Evanston-Skokie School District. Prosecutors claim Horton and associates used shell companies to defraud taxpayers. Hes suspended with pay pending trial.
Elite Ivy League universities have played a crucial role in shaping Nobel Peace Prize winners. Institutions like Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton have provided the intellectual foundation and connections for leaders in diplomacy and human rights. Their graduates have made significant contributions to global peace through their work in conflict resolution and advocacy.
Alberta's public schools are facing closures due to a teachers' strike, intensifying debate over public funding for private schools. A citizen petition could trigger a referendum on whether to halt these allocations. Critics argue this diverts funds from understaffed public institutions, while private schools warn of accessibility issues and potential tuition hikes.
Vivek Ramaswamy advocates for a revamped US education system. He believes schools must go beyond academics to build student confidence, physical fitness, and civic understanding. Ramaswamy envisions integrating mental health support, healthier school meals, and requiring all high schoolers to pass the immigrant civics test. This approach aims to produce well-rounded, resilient, and engaged citizens ready for modern challenges.
Vivek Ramaswamy advocates for an 'Americans First' approach to immigration, including H-1B visas. He proposes a merit-based system prioritizing skills and economic contribution, with higher fees to ensure employers truly need foreign talent. Ramaswamy stressed border security as a prerequisite for effective legal immigration reforms, aiming to strengthen the US workforce and communities.
The Union Public Service Commission has announced the Combined Defence Services Examination II, 2025 results. Nine thousand eighty-five candidates have cleared the written test. These successful aspirants will now proceed to the Service Selection Board interviews. This marks a significant step towards joining the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
New York high school seniors can apply to nearly 130 colleges and universities for free this fall, a program entering its third year. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers and boost undergraduate enrollment, which remains below pre-pandemic levels. CUNY and SUNY are participating, alongside several private institutions, to encourage more students to pursue higher education.
Asia's higher education sector has significantly strengthened its global standing, with several universities now ranking among the top 50 worldwide according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. China leads in research and industry collaboration, while Singapore and Hong Kong excel in attracting international talent and fostering global connections.
THE World University Rankings 2026: The THE World University Rankings 2026 highlight the US dominance in global higher education with 13 universities placing in the top 20. Institutions like MIT, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford lead the pack, showcasing strengths in research, teaching, and industry partnerships. However, uneven performance is evident, with some universities slipping in rankings amid shifting global and domestic dynamics. The list reflects both the resilience and challenges faci
Nine British universities are establishing campuses in India, a significant step in bilateral academic collaboration. This initiative provides Indian students access to world-class higher education domestically, strengthening educational ties and boosting the UK economy. The expansion aims to deepen science and technology links and address growing demand for higher education in India.
Massachusetts 8th graders struggled on their first Civics MCAS, with only 39% meeting expectations. This reflects challenges like a new test, limited instructional time, Covid disruptions and vague standards. Teachers also face political sensitivities and varying preparation. Addressing these issues requires prioritising depth, extending time and investing in professional development for better civic education.
NEET PG 2025 counselling, managed by MCC, is set to commence in mid-October for postgraduate medical admissions. The process involves multiple rounds including AIQ, Deemed Universities, and Central Universities, with registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to colleges as key steps. Eligibility requires NEET PG qualification, Indian nationality, completed internship, and medical registration.
The Board of Secondary Education, Assam, has extended the application deadline for the HSLC 2026 examinations. Students now have until October 21, 2025, to submit their forms. Payments can be made until October 24, 2025. This extension accommodates the festive season. The HSLC exams are scheduled for February-March 2026. Candidates must complete the process to be eligible.
The UKPSC has announced the PCS Prelims Result 2025. Candidates can check their roll numbers on the official website. Those who cleared the prelims will now prepare for the descriptive Mains examination. This is a crucial step in the recruitment process for administrative posts in Uttarakhand. The Mains exam schedule will be released soon.
The RPSC has announced the RAS mains result 2025, with 2,461 candidates declared successful. The mains exam was held on June 17 and 18, 2025, across multiple centres in Rajasthan in two shifts daily. Over 21,000 candidates qualified for the mains, following nearly 3.75 lakh prelims attendees. The result PDF is available on the official RPSC website. A total of 1,096 posts will be filled through this recruitment process.
PM Internship Scheme 2025: The PM Internship Scheme 2025 offers 12-month internships to youth aged 18-24 across Indias top 500 companies in sectors like banking, energy, and hospitality. Targeting 1.25 lakh interns initially, it provides financial support, insurance, and practical experience. Eligible candidates with ITI, diploma, or degree qualifications can apply online free of charge. The scheme aims to enhance skill development and employment opportunities, bridging academic learning with re
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has confirmed that the RRB NTPC CBT 2 admit card has not yet been released. Fake news circulating on social media about its availability is false. Candidates are urged to download their admit cards only from official regional RRB websites once released. The CBT 2 exam is scheduled for October 13, 2025, with 11,558 vacancies for graduate and undergraduate posts.
Diwali school holidays in 2025 will span five days from October 18 to October 23, covering Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Schools across several states will remain closed during this festive period, providing students an extended break. Parents should check with their childs school as holiday dates may differ by region and management. This long festive break allows families to celebrate traditional events and spend quality time together.
New insights from Harvard research indicate some college majors may face diminishing returns. Employers increasingly value specific skills over general degrees. This trend suggests certain fields could lose appeal. Students are advised to consider majors that offer adaptability and clear industry alignment. Future-proof your education by focusing on in-demand skills and specialisations.
Remembering industrialist Ratan Tata on his death anniversary: His profound wisdom offers students guidance on integrity, resilience and purpose. His timeless quotes, like transforming criticism into monuments and the importance of collaboration, inspire a balanced approach to success, emphasising character and contribution over mere speed or solo achievements. Tata's legacy encourages responsible dreaming and authentic growth.
Bihar STET admit card 2025: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will release the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2025 admit card on October 11, 2025, at bsebstet.org. The exam, conducted through Computer Based Test (CBT), starts on October 14. Candidates can download the admit card using their user ID and password. The exam features two papers covering various subjects, with specific passing marks for different categories. Detailed instructions for downloading the admit card are
RRB NTPC UG result 2025: The RRB NTPC UG Result 2025 is expected to be released soon on rrbcdg.gov.in, likely in mid-October. The recruitment covers 3,445 vacancies across various posts including Commercial cum Ticket Clerk and Junior Clerk cum Typist. Candidates can check their results and merit lists online by following simple steps. The selection process also includes CBT-II or Typing Skill Tests for certain posts, followed by document verification and medical examination.
UPSSSC Mains Result 2025: The UPSSSC Mains Result 2025 for Combined Junior Assistant, Junior Clerk and Assistant Level-III posts has been declared. Candidates who appeared in the main examination can check their results on the official UPSSSC website. The results are based on the written test under Advertisement No.-08-Exam/2023 and will be visible until October 28, 2025. Selected candidates will move forward in the recruitment process based on their scores.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a governance crisis at JNU. In its report, the body highlights declining SC and ST student enrolments, irregular faculty recruitment, reduced research admissions, and halved academic expenditure. The report criticises the growing centralisation of power under the Vice Chancellor, bypassing established appointment norms and compromising the universitys academic ethos and inclusive c
The University of Oxford tops the THE World University Rankings 2026 for the tenth year running, while US universities show signs of decline amid political and funding pressures. Asias elite universities stall after years of rapid progress, though wider regional growth continues. The UK maintains strength at the top but faces challenges in lower-ranked institutions. Demographic shifts and policy constraints signal ongoing change in the global higher education landscape, as detailed by Times High
Terri Lesley, a former library director in Campbell County, Wyoming, has received a $700,000 settlement after being dismissed in 2023 amid a dispute over LGBTQ+ and sex education books in a public library. Lesley claimed her termination violated her First Amendment rights. Campbell County denied wrongdoing, citing performance issues. The case has ended with the payout, but a separate lawsuit against individuals involved in the book objections continues, as reported by the Associated Press.
The Trump administrations new $100,000 H-1B visa fee threatens rural US schools and hospitals that rely on skilled immigrant workers. Many rural communities face teacher and doctor shortages, which could worsen due to increased visa costs. The fee risks forcing schools to hire uncertified staff and hospitals to reduce services. Though exemptions exist, rural budgets may not cover the extra expense, putting essential services in isolated areas at risk.
California has passed a pioneering law to phase out ultraprocessed foods from school meals by 2035. The legislation targets foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, aiming to improve children's health. Schools must begin removing these items by 2029, with vendors banned by 2032. Some districts already offer scratch-made meals sourced locally. The law raises concerns about costs, but paediatricians support it to combat rising chronic conditions linked to poor nutrition.
International student arrivals to the US dropped nearly 22% this summer compared to 2024, with the steepest declines from countries affected by new visa restrictions and a travel ban under President Trump. August alone saw a 19% fall. Visa delays, policy uncertainty, and political concerns have driven students to consider alternatives such as the UK and Germany. Institutions in the US now face financial strain as international enrolment continues to decline.
American universities are at the forefront of global scientific innovation. This year's Nobel laureates from US institutions are recognized for groundbreaking work in quantum physics and immune system regulation. Their discoveries promise to revolutionize computing, cybersecurity, and medicine. These achievements highlight the power of research ecosystems in driving world-changing advancements.