Times of India_Education

ICSI's registration for the December 2024 CS exam closes on October 10, 2024, with a late fee option available until October 15. Candidates must complete pre-exam tests and orientation programs. Exams run from December 21 to December 30, and fees vary based on program and changes.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 highlight top business schools in the U.S., such as MIT's Sloan School and Harvard Business School. These institutions excel in various programs and provide significant financial aid to ensure accessibility. The rankings emphasize teaching, research, international outlook, and industry income across diverse disciplines.

This feature article compares the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of California, San Francisco, focusing on their dentistry programmes. It explores overall rankings, key subject areas, courses, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities for US students. With Michigan ranking first and UCSF ninth, the piece highlights the benefits of studying dentistry at these prestigious institutions and offers insights for prospective students seeking to advance their careers in dental education.

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has increased the total vacancies for the Combined Civil Services Examination - IV by 2,208 posts, raising the total to 8,932. This decision, following the written exam held on June 9, 2024, is expected to reduce competition and potentially lower cut-off marks. Candidates eagerly awaiting results can check the official TNPSC website for updates on scorecards and merit lists, enhancing their chances for selection.

The need-blind admissions policy allows U.S. universities to evaluate applicants without considering their financial backgrounds. While some institutions offer need-blind admissions, they don’t always guarantee full financial aid. Only a few universities, like MIT and Harvard, provide need-blind admissions along with full financial support for all students. Others may only partially meet financial needs or restrict aid to domestic applicants.

California has implemented a new law limiting smartphone use in classrooms to improve students' mental health, joining other U.S. states like Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Florida. These restrictions aim to reduce distractions, combat anxiety, and prevent cyberbullying. However, students can still use phones during emergencies for safety purposes.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore remains India's top-ranked university in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, despite a slight decline in score. IISc offers scholarships and fellowships to eligible students, excluding those in certain programs. Financial support is provided for up to two years for MTech/MDes and five years for PhD programs.

The UGC's draft guidelines for the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) aim to enhance students' employability by integrating flexible credit transfer and apprenticeship opportunities into undergraduate education. By fostering collaboration between higher education institutions and industries, these guidelines facilitate hands-on experience while allowing students to earn academic credits. With provisions for stipends and a structured assessment methodology, the AEDP initiative is set to revolutionise the Indian education system and better prepare graduates for the workforce.

Two of India’s top management institutes, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Kozhikode, consistently rank in the top three of the NIRF rankings, affirming their status. This article compares their placement records, focusing on key differences such as median salaries and student outcomes, to determine which IIM offers stronger placement prospects for management students.

Studying at Oxford is highly attractive for US students due to its rich history, academic rigor, and high global rankings. Oxford excels in teaching quality, research environment, and international student diversity, providing a strong foundation for future career prospects and a deeply immersive educational experience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra in Maharashtra, expanding the innovative education governance model first launched in Gujarat. These AI-powered centres monitor academic and administrative performance, offering data-driven insights to enhance education outcomes. With 30 VSKs now operational nationwide, they are transforming the education landscape by fostering accountability and innovation. EdTech collaborations and AI tools enable real-time feedback, helping educators tailor their approach to students' needs and supporting the government's commitment to improving education quality.

The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) has announced the recruitment of Leave Training Reserve (LTR) Teachers for government secondary schools in 2024, offering 6,025 vacancies. Positions include TGT Arts, TGT Science, and language teachers, with nearly a third reserved for women. Candidates between 21 and 38 years can apply, with age relaxations available. Detailed advertisements, including qualification and application process, will be released soon on the OSSC website.

IIM Kashipur inaugurated the "Uttarakhand Cell" in the presence of Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, aimed at promoting regional development. The cell will focus on local products, empower farmers and women, and collaborate with universities through signed MoUs, enhancing sectors like agriculture and tourism.

The Delhi High Court has mandated that Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) candidates clean defaced campus structures before counting votes. The court, which halted results on September 26 to address violations, stated that counting would resume once the campus is restored. Candidates agreed to coordinate cleaning efforts, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for October 21.

The UK-India TOEFL Scholarship, launched by TOEFL in collaboration with NISAU, offers ₹2.5 lakh to ten Indian scholars based on their TOEFL scores, totaling ₹25 lakh. Aimed at supporting students pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs at UK universities, this initiative highlights the importance of academic excellence in global education.

A new initiative called 'MARG' (Mentoring for Academic Excellence and Research Guidance) has been launched, connecting Indian and Indian-origin faculty from prestigious U.S. universities with students and researchers in India. Coordinated with the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission, this virtual mentoring series aims to provide guidance on the latest developments and career opportunities in critical technology fields, enhancing academic collaboration between India and the U.S.

A recent survey by K-12 Techno Services highlights that 87% of parents support technology integration in schools to enhance learning. While 28% advocate for its strict educational use, many parents encourage non-screen activities to balance screen time. The survey also reveals significant awareness of the NEP 2020 and the Right to Education Act, but identifies gaps in communication between parents and schools regarding updates and practices.

IDP Education has launched the IELTS Celebrating Success Award, offering Rs 30,00,000 in prizes to 300 students who achieve a band score of six or higher in the IELTS exam between October 1 and December 31, 2024. Participants must post a video on Instagram, sharing how IELTS will help them succeed, and tag @ieltsidpindia. The initiative aims to recognise and reward students' dedication to their academic and professional aspirations.

The State Medical and Dental Counselling Board, Rajasthan, has announced the schedule for Rajasthan NEET UG Counselling Round 3 for MBBS and BDS admissions. Registration began on October 8, and the deadline is October 10, 2024. Candidates who didn't join their round 2 seat must re-register and pay the necessary fees to participate.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd has released the MSEDCL Junior Assistant Admit Card 2024. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website for the exam on October 18, 2024. It is mandatory to carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.