The Times of India News

A federal judge has denied the Department of Education's request for an 18-month extension to process student loan forgiveness claims under the Sweet v. Cardona settlement. This ruling upholds a January 2026 deadline, impacting over 200,000 borrowers who applied for relief through the Borrower Defense to Repayment program. The decision reinforces government accountability in handling these long-pending claims.

A dispute is brewing in Washington over federal student loan rules. A technical definition of 'professional' degree could limit how much nursing students can borrow. Lawmakers are urging the Education Department to revise the definition. This change impacts access to advanced training. The outcome will shape future educational opportunities for many.

Aspiring professionals in India face a crucial choice between Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Company Secretary (CS) qualifications. While CA focuses on finance, accounting, and taxation, CS emphasizes corporate governance and legal compliance. Both offer strong career prospects, but understanding their distinct roles and work-life balance is key to making an informed decision for a rewarding professional journey.

Delhi Development Authority has released admit cards for its 2025 recruitment exams for Group A, B, and C posts. Candidates can download their hall tickets from dda.gov.in. The computer-based test is scheduled from December 16, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Ensure you carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID to the exam centre.

The UPSC has introduced a 'Centre of Choice' facility for persons with benchmark disabilities, guaranteeing their preferred exam location. This reform addresses issues where popular centres fill up, forcing disabled candidates to travel long distances. The new policy ensures additional capacity is created, promoting accessibility and reducing burdens for these aspirants across all UPSC examinations.

CBSE's Class 12 Political Science sample paper for 2025-26 offers important insights for the upcoming exams. It highlights a focus on conceptual understanding and application, moving beyond rote memorisation. Students should prepare for a mix of question types, including MCQs, short and long answers, and source-based interpretation, with key themes from NCERT remaining central.

Indian Air Force has extended the AFCAT 1 2026 application deadline to December 19, 2025. Aspiring candidates can apply online for 340 vacancies in Flying and Ground Duty branches. The exam is scheduled for January 31, 2026. Eligibility includes specific age and educational qualifications, with an application fee of Rs 550 plus GST.

Patna schools have adjusted timings to 9:30 am to 4 pm due to a severe cold wave and dense fog. This aims to protect students from extreme morning temperatures and reduce illness. The revised schedule applies to all government schools, with other districts potentially following suit based on local weather. Parents should confirm details with their schools.

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has released its Model Holiday List for 2026, outlining general holidays and vacation periods for all recognized schools. This list serves as a guideline, allowing for minor local adjustments with prior approval. Key holidays and vacation durations are detailed for effective school planning.

SBI Clerk Mains 2025 results are anticipated in December, with thousands of candidates awaiting the outcome of the November exam. Successful candidates will proceed to a Local Language Proficiency Test. The official SBI website will host the PDF result, followed by individual scorecards and cut-off details. Final selection hinges on mains performance and LLPT qualification.

Ketan Deshpande, Founder and Chairman of FUEL Education, was honored with the Special Contribution Human Rights Award for his work in social transformation through education and skill-based learning. The award recognizes his efforts in providing career guidance, skill development, and scholarships to thousands of students, fostering self-reliance and equal opportunities.

A new survey reveals Pune teenagers are increasingly reliant on mobile phones for learning but also concerned about screen time distractions. While 40% see phones as useful in moderation, 33% report negative impacts like lost time and reduced concentration. The study highlights the need for digital wellness programs to foster mindful usage among students.

The Border Security Force has released admit cards for Constable (Tradesman) Recruitment 2025 on its official portal. Candidates can download their hall tickets to appear for the Physical Standard and Efficiency Tests, the first step in the selection for 3,588 vacancies. Ensure all details are verified and carry the admit card with photo ID to the test centre.

Thousands of aspirants are eagerly awaiting the UPSC EPFO 2025 answer key, expected in the coming weeks. The Union Public Service Commission conducted the exam for EO/AO and APFC posts. Candidates can calculate their probable scores by comparing their answers to the official key on the UPSC website, which will be released soon without prior notice.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is closing the choice filling and locking window for NEET PG 2025 round 2 today, December 13, 2025, following the addition of new seats. This revision has led to the postponement of the round 2 seat allotment result, with a new schedule to be announced soon.

Assam Police Sub-Inspector recruitment for 147 vacancies is now open, with applications starting December 16, 2025, and closing January 16, 2026. Graduates can apply for various roles including unarmed and armed branch SIs, communication specialists, station officers, and assistant jailors. The selection involves written tests, physical standards and efficiency tests, and a viva voce.

Maharashtra FYJC admissions for 2025 are now open for a special round, starting today at 2 pm, to fill remaining vacant seats. Students who missed earlier rounds, fresh applicants, and those who cleared supplementary exams can register online until December 14. Allotment results will be out on December 15, with confirmation required by December 17.

Assam Agricultural University is recruiting for 489 contractual positions. Applications are open for roles like Deputy Project Director and Assistant Technology Manager. The last date to apply is December 31, 2025. This is a great opportunity for job seekers in Assam. Selection involves a written test and document verification. Don't miss this chance.

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.