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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Cambridge Schools Introduce Career Readiness Programs, Redefining Summer Learning
PNN New Delhi [India], June 28: In yet another endeavour to provide industry exposure to their students and help them learn beyond textbooks, the Cambridge Schools in Delhi-NCR recently organised an extensive summer internship programme for students of Classes 11 and 12. Close to a hundred students participated in the programme that ran through the month of June. "Cambridge School is one of the few schools in the NCR to be running such an extensive internship programme wherein the students get hands-on, practical training in the fields of their interest. It is meant to enable our students to get a deeper understanding of their aspirations and strengths so that they can be sure of the career choices they make in the future", said Shalabh Sharma, Principal, Cambridge School, Greater Noida. The initiative was run in collaboration with nine organisations from across sectors. They were namely Aspiration Jobs (job coaching), Legis Law Chamber (litigation), HAQ: Centre for Child Rights (human rights), Goonj (social work), V Spark Communications (public relations and marketing), Grewal and Singh Chartered Accountants (accountancy), Mindler (career counselling), Mindlogs Psychological Services (psychology), and Arts Room Cafe (kitchen and restaurant operations). Talking about partnering with Cambridge Schools for this programme, Dr GS Grewal, Author and Director at Grewal and Singh Chartered Accountants, said, 'We are pleased to partner with Cambridge Schools for summer training of students. The major outcomes of this training for the students were exposure to real-life situations, valuing time and widening thinking. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 that emphasises the development of practical skills in students.' The students, depending on the nature of the work of the respective organisation, explored diverse roles such as research, writing, psychotherapy, digital marketing, social work, customer and client servicing, etc. Most of these were taken up on-site, while a few were online/hybrid. Shravani Singh, a Class 11 student of Cambridge School, Indirapuram, spoke about her experience of interning at Legis Law Chamber - 'It was an eye-opening experience that brought my studies to life. It was fascinating to see how the theory we learn in class is applied in real-world scenarios. We also met some dignitaries and got to learn from their experiences. I am thankful for the chance to work at the law chamber and attend court sessions'. This engagement is a part of the year-long college and career counselling programme run by the Cambridge Schools in their four campuses - Srinivaspuri, Noida, Indirapuram, and Greater Noida. By and large, the programme includes one-to-one and group counselling sessions, interactions with universities, and industry visits. It is rooted in the schools' vision to empower their students to be able to make their best-fit career decisions.
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
As KSHEC flags ‘violations', St Joseph's University defends programme expansion, calls govt report a ‘misreading of norms'
St Joseph's University has refuted allegations made by the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) that it violated state norms by launching new academic programmes and admitting excess students without government approval. The university, in its official response, termed the objections 'a misreading of UGC norms and state-issued guidelines' and said that it would consider raising the matter with the state government. On June 24, the Karnataka Higher Education Department announced a penalty of Rs 4 lakh on the university based on KSHEC's inspection report which found that St Joseph's had introduced over 20 new undergraduate programmes and admitted more than 500 additional students during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 academic years. The report also said that the institution failed to share 60 per cent of its seats with the state, as mandated for private universities. In a detailed response, Prof Dr Melwin Colaco, Registrar of St Joseph's University, said the changes were made in good faith, based on the National Education Policy (NEP) guidelines issued by the state. 'It is our understanding that the council's objections are based on a wrongful reading of UGC norms and the specific directions issued from time to time,' he said. Tracing the developments back to 2021, Prof Colaco explained that when the institution was still St Joseph's College (Autonomous), affiliated to Bangalore City University, it had restructured academic offerings in response to the NEP. 'Three major programmes were reconfigured into two major combinations, thereby increasing the number of programmes offered, though the overall student intake remained the same,' he clarified. To expand access, particularly for students from marginalised communities, the institution introduced a third academic shift (Shift-III), incorporating courses from the erstwhile St Joseph's Evening College. 'A resolution to this effect was passed during the Academic Council meeting in 2021,' Prof Colaco said, adding that the government was kept informed. 'We had sought formal approval from the Government of Karnataka and Bangalore City University, but there was no response. As per the circular dated August 26, 2021, autonomous colleges were permitted to introduce new programmes as long as the government was duly informed.' In July 2022, when the institution became a university, it continued offering the modified programmes, assuming continuity under NEP reforms. Approvals were sought for additional PG and PhD programmes from the KSHEC, which were later approved by an expert committee in 2023. However, during a 2025 inspection, a KSHEC member raised objections to the expanded course list and Shift-III, calling it inconsistent with UGC rules. 'We explained that the shift system was introduced to optimise underutilised infrastructure. These concerns were nevertheless recorded as violations,' Prof Colaco said.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
CBSE board exams twice a year: How to make the most of the two chances you get
In a significant move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education ( CBSE ) has announced that students appearing for Class 10 board examinations will now have two opportunities in an academic year to take their final exams. Starting in 2025, this twice-a-year model aims to reduce exam-related stress and allow students a second chance to improve their scores without penalty. This change represents a major shift from the traditional 'one-shot' approach to a more flexible, student-centric system. But with this flexibility comes the need for smart planning, discipline, and strategy. Here's a comprehensive guide on how students can make the most of this opportunity and perform their best under the new system. Understanding the new format Under the revised model, CBSE will conduct two board exam sessions in a year, tentatively in March and July. Students can choose to appear in either one or both sessions. If a student appears in both, the better score out of the two will be considered final. This is not a supplementary or compartment system; both attempts are treated equally and are available to every student. This change brings CBSE in line with global practices, where students are often assessed more than once a year and given multiple chances to demonstrate their learning without being penalized for underperformance in one attempt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy One, Get One Free, Up To 50% Discount, Expiring Soon Original Adidas Get Offer Undo Why this benefits students This new system is designed to ease the high-stakes pressure of board exams. Students no longer have to fear a single poor performance derailing their academic plans. They now have the freedom to try, reflect, and retry. This change allows students to: Improve scores in specific subjects Test their preparation early without fear Align their academic strategy with entrance exams like CUET, JEE, and NEET Develop a healthier relationship with learning and assessments For students who are unwell, anxious, or underprepared in the first session, this model provides a powerful safety net. Phase-wise preparation strategy To maximize this opportunity, students should break their academic year into two clear phases: Phase 1: Foundation and First Attempt (June to January) This phase should be focused on completing the syllabus thoroughly, understanding core concepts, and taking regular mock tests. Students should aim to take the first board exam attempt in March seriously, treating it as a primary shot at success. Phase 2: Revision and Second Attempt (February to June) If students are not satisfied with their first performance, they can use this second phase to revise key areas, work on weak subjects, and attempt the exam again in July with greater confidence and clarity. Deciding when and what to retake It's not necessary to reappear for all subjects in the second session. Students should be strategic and retake only those subjects where they feel they can significantly improve their score. For instance, if you're planning to pursue science or engineering, subjects like Physics and Mathematics become crucial and may be worth retaking if your initial scores are average. Students should analyze their first-session results carefully to determine which subjects will benefit most from a second attempt, and whether their overall percentage can be meaningfully boosted. Balancing board exams with entrance preparations For Class 12 students, this format adds flexibility but also demands smart scheduling. The first board exam attempt may overlap with preparations for national-level entrance tests like JEE, NEET, and CUET. Therefore, if students are satisfied with their first-session performance, they can shift focus entirely to entrance exams in the following months. Alternatively, if they plan to improve scores in the second session, time management will be key. Students may consider creating a blended study plan—one that combines CBSE revision with entrance exam strategies—especially for subjects that overlap like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Managing stress and expectations With the twice-a-year format, students are likely to feel less pressure to be 'perfect' on one specific day. However, it's essential to avoid over-relying on the second chance. The first attempt should still be approached with full commitment and preparation. Parents and teachers play an important role here. Instead of emphasizing score maximization alone, they should encourage consistency, concept clarity, and resilience. The focus must shift from just scoring to building long-term academic strength. The twice-a-year CBSE board exam model is not just a scheduling update—it's a paradigm shift in how student achievement is measured. With proper planning and awareness, students can use this flexibility to their advantage, without compromising on quality learning. The key lies in strategic preparation, timely decision-making, and maintaining mental balance. Instead of fearing exams, students can now embrace them as learning milestones, with not one but two chances to showcase their best selves. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
National Education Policy: NEP aims to transform Indian education amid low university enrolment, ET Education
Advt Advt By Nagpur: The National Education Policy (NEP) aims to transform Indian education so quality and skill-focussed approach take priority, said a senior official from the state directorate of higher education (DHE). Shailendra Deolankar, in-charge director of DHE, while speaking at Friday's Teachers' Conclave on NEP Implementation organised by Manthan for Academia in Nagpur, revealed that there are almost a thousand universities in India where the enrolment is in three added that through NEP, Indian education will become the global standard just like it was during the era of Nalanda said, "While 1.4 million Indian students study abroad, contributing $5 billion annually to the US economy, only 55,000 foreign students are currently studying in India. Through NEP 2020, we aim to re-globalise Indian education." He emphasized the policy's goals of enhancing academic quality and increasing India's appeal as an educational conclave concentrated on the systematic implementation of NEP 2020 in Maharashtra, which Deolankar described as a national movement to convert India's youth into skilled, performing assets. He highlighted the policy's shift from the 1986 education model, which he said was overly theoretical, to a skill-oriented framework incorporating credit-based internships and practical modules from the undergraduate level. "This change is critical for leveraging India's demographic dividend, with a median age of 29 and a population of 1.45 billion," said has emerged as a leader in NEP implementation, integrating school and higher education to create a cohesive system. Deolankar praised the state's adoption of frameworks like NEET and JEE, ensuring colleges meet national quality standards. He also highlighted Maharashtra's top rank in management admissions, with 300 institutions participating, reflecting the state's commitment to building a skilled, self-reliant addressed challenges in the higher education landscape, noting that Maharashtra's 7,500 colleges averaged just 85 students each, while nationally, 55,000 colleges served 1,700–1,800 students per institution. Despite low-cost education options, particularly for marginalised communities, many students incurred significant debt to study abroad, prompting introspection on the quality and global competitiveness of Indian stressed the need for educators to view NEP 2020 as a 'survival strategy' for institutions and India's global standing. He cited initiatives like the Lokvidnyan Literacy Board (LLB) as evidence of Maharashtra's collaborative approach, involving the state govt, universities, colleges, and educators. "Maharashtra stands united," he declared, noting that the state's legacy of educational reform, including the concept of autonomous colleges, distinguishes it as a model for NEP's multidisciplinary approach, inspired by Nalanda's ancient model, was another focal point. Deolankar urged educators to shed colonial mindsets and embrace their role as architects of a developed India by 2047. He emphasised that the policy aligns with a 25-year strategic vision, or 'Amrit Kaal', prioritizing infrastructure, investment, and education to position India as an economic and educational called on educators to overcome challenges and continue their pivotal role in shaping not just students but the nation's future, ensuring India's youth are equipped with globally recognised, value-driven skills.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Thackeray cousins unite to protest ‘imposition of Hindi' in schools
MUMBAI: The possibility of the Thackeray cousins reuniting before the local body elections, tentatively scheduled after October, got a renewed spurt of energy with the chiefs of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray respectively, announcing a joint protest rally on July 5 in Mumbai against the ruling Mahayuti government's 'imposition of Hindi' in primary schools from the 2025-26 academic session, as part of the union government's move to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Mumbai, India - November 17, 2014: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray along with Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray at the Bal Thackeray Memorial at Shivaji, Park, Dadar, Mumbai, India on Monday, November 17, 2014 on Bal Thackeray's 2nd death anniversary. (Photo by Kalpak Pathak / hIndustan Times) (Hindustan Times) The announcement was made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday, which was backed by MNS Mumbai chief Sandeep Deshpande separately. Opposition parties, including Sena (UBT) and MNS, and activists and litterateurs, have criticised the state's decision to adopt the three-language policy for primary schools with Hindi as the mandatory third language, terming it an 'indirect imposition', from the time it was announced on April 16. While Raj and Uddhav had decided to hold the protest marches on July 6 and 7 respectively, a phone conversation between Raj and Raut on Thursday evening set the stage for this crucial political development. 'Jai Maharashtra. There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand,' Raut posted on X on Friday, along with an old picture of the cousins in one frame, and tagged chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union home minister Amit Shah. 'Raj Thackeray called me to say there should be a common protest march of Marathi people; not two separate ones,' Raut told media persons. 'I told Uddhav Thackeray about it; he immediately accepted and soon the date for the joint rally was finalised.' Deshpande confirmed the move soon after, stating the cousins were coming together in a march organised 'in the interest of Marathi language'. 'Raj saheb took the initiative and called Raut. This was necessary to show the power of Marathi people. A message also needed to go out to the country that we have the strength to thwart any attempt to throttle Marathi language,' he said. Soon after the decision was made, people in the know told HT that Deshpande and Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai chatted about the logistics of the march, most likely to be held between Girgaum to Azad Maidan in the afternoon of July 5. This is the first time the Thackeray cousins presented a united front since speculation of their reunification abounded following Raj's podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar in April, where he said he was ready to set aside differences with Uddhav in the larger interest of Maharashtra. Uddhav was quick to respond saying he would welcome a patch-up if Raj moved away from 'forces that were working against the interest of Maharashtra'. The two have now found common ground in their fight against the 'imposition of Hindi' in primary schools. The cousins who had separated following a power tussle over the control of Shiv Sena in 2005, will be seen on a public platform after two decades. Reacting to the development, state cultural affairs minister and city Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Ashish Shelar said the Thackeray cousins 'are victims of misunderstanding'. 'The NEP and the three-language formula were discussed when Uddhav Thackeray was chief minister in 2022. A report to this effect was submitted by a panel to the government at the time. Earlier, a report on the three-language formula and making Hindi mandatory was submitted to then Congress government in 1968. It was the Congress government that made Hindi mandatory in secondary schools. All those who are opposing the decision now have misunderstood the process,' Shelar said. Pawar backs Thackerays It is unlikely that the protest will be limited to the two parties – Sena (UBT) and MNS — as the Thackerays have started approaching others who are also opposed to the decision. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) will join forces with Uddhav and Raj in the morcha. This was revealed in a statement issued by state NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil on Friday evening. Patil's statement came a few hours after party chief Sharad Pawar expressed optimism about the Thackerays coming together over the common cause of Marathi language. 'If the Thackerays want all political parties to join the protest, we need to know their stand and exact plans,' Pawar said in Kolhapur in the morning. Patil's statement in the evening read: 'In the protest against the imposition of Hindi under the NEP 2020's trilingual policy, a mass rally of Marathi-speaking citizens has been organized in Mumbai on July 5. NCP (SP) has extended its full support to this march.' Meanwhile, on Friday, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar telephoned senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, requesting his party leaders' participation in the morcha. Wadettiwar said he will discuss the matter with party president Harshwardhan Sapkal and other senior leaders, following which a decision will be taken. Choosing to remain non-committal about joining forces with the cousins, Sapkal said while the party has been opposing the government's decision, 'it is more important that it withdraw its decision than us participating in the protest'. 'BJP is following the RSS agenda for Hindi and Hindu Rashtra. They have conspired to crush the Marathi language along with all the other regional languages. We respect the Hindi language but oppose the BJP government's decision of making it mandatory in schools,' Sapkal told HT. Teach Hindi after Class 5: Ajit While the opposition's move against the government is gathering steam, one from the ruling coalition's own flock, the NCP, voiced its opposition to making Hindi mandatory from Class 1. Party chief and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said, 'In my view, Hindi should not be taught between Class 1 to 4. It should be started from Class 5. Students should only learn Marathi from Class 1. They should know how to read and write Marathi, and while doing so they will learn reading and writing Hindi language. Hindi can be mandatory from Class 5.'
