The selection of principals for 12 new medical colleges located around India has been announced, which is a big development for the healthcare sector. These appointments are significant because the principals will have a major impact on how these medical colleges are run and how they educate their students. Given the candidates’ knowledge and experience, the selection process was demanding.

The choice of principals for medical colleges will have a significant impact on how medical education and treatment are provided in the future. Effective leadership and guidance for the institution are the responsibilities of the principals. They are essential to upholding and raising academic standards, creating a supportive learning environment, and assuring the college’s general development.

The new principals bring a plethora of information, skill, and experience to their positions. They are supposed to lead the colleges towards greatness by applying their extensive knowledge of medical education and administration. To foster an atmosphere that encourages academic quality, research, and innovation, they collaborate closely with teachers, staff, and students.

Principals are also in charge of creating partnerships with medical facilities and research organisations, supporting the accreditation process, and making sure that regulatory standards are followed. They serve as a link between higher education and the healthcare sector, cultivating alliances that are advantageous to students in terms of hands-on learning, internships, and future employment prospects.

Additionally, the principals play a crucial role in cultivating a culture of continuous learning, supporting professional development opportunities, and luring and keeping highly qualified teachers. In order to prepare students for the challenges of a constantly changing medical landscape, they are expected to adopt strategic plans that are in line with the changing needs of the healthcare sector.

Let’s check out the chosen candidates, their titles, departments, and new positions as principals in the corresponding medical colleges in more detail.

1. Dr. Reena Sharma – Professor, Obs & Gynae, Autonomous State Medical College, Ayodhya – Autonomous State Medical College, Amethi
2. Dr. Arvind Singh Kushwaha – Professor, Community Medicine, AIIMS Nagpur – Autonomous State Medical College, Auraiya
3. Dr. Sajjan Lal Verma – Professor, Physiology, Autonomous State Medical College, Deoria – Autonomous State Medical College, Kanpur Dehat
4. Dr. Rakesh Kumar – Professor, General Medicine, Government Medical College, Kannauj – Autonomous State Medical College, Kushinagar
5. Dr. Dhananjay Shrikant kotasthane – Professor and Head of Department, Pathology, Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi (Non-Political) – Autonomous State Medical College, Gonda
6. Dr. Col. Rajat Srivastava – Professor, Community Medicine, Army College of Medical Sciences, Delhi Cantt, Delhi – Autonomous State Medical College, Pilibhit
7. Dr. Manisha Jindal – Professor & Head of Department, Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Noida (Non-Political) – Autonomous State Medical College, Bulandsheher
8. Dr. Urmila Karya – Professor and Head of the Department, Obs and Gynae, L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut – Autonomous State Medical College, Bijnor
9. Dr. Shailesh Kumar Goyal – Professor and Head of Department, S.P.M., Dr. B.S.A. Medical College, Rohini, Delhi – Bijnor Autonomous State Medical College, Lakhimpur Kheri
10. Dr. Dwijendra Nath – Professor, Pathology, LMB Medical College Jhansi, Acting Principal, Government Medical College, Jalaun – Autonomous State Medical College, Lalitpur
11. Dr. Salil Kumar Srivastava – Professor and Head of Department, Pharmacology, Autonomous State Medical College, Pratapgarh / Acting Principal, Autonomous State Medical College, Pratapgarh – Autonomous State Medical College, Sultanpur
12. Dr. Suresh Kumar Singh – Professor, Community Medicine, Autonomous State Medical College, Basti – Sonbhadra

Selecting principals for medical colleges is a critical step in assuring the delivery of top-notch medical education and fostering the development of future medical professionals. These leaders are essential to the development of the institution’s identity, the promotion of academic achievement, and the general improvement of healthcare in the area they serve. 

The Common Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programmes (CUET-PG) has received an overwhelmingly positive response this year, which is a significant step for individuals interested in higher education. The battle is anticipated to be fiercer than ever with applications reaching a startling five lakh, up from 3.75 lakh in 2022, with universities participating at a rate of 66 to 195. This essay explores the specifics of this extraordinary uptick in applications, the causes of it, and the repercussions for applicants to prestigious colleges around India.

The Increase in Application Volume

An unprecedented increase in applications for the CUET-PG reflects the growing importance of a standardised entrance exam for postgraduate programmes. The number of candidates this year has increased significantly from last year, rising to around 5 lakh, a stunning increase of about 33%. This increase is related to both the increased availability of study subjects as well as the increase in the number of participating colleges.

A Wide Range of Options

The rise in the number of participating higher education institutions (HEIs) is one of the main causes of the spike in applications. Students now have more options available to them, giving them a wider range of options for their postgraduate education. A total of 46 state universities, 101 private deemed universities, and 10 government-funded HEIs have joined the CUET-PG this year, in addition to the 39 Central Universities. This has made it possible for students to apply for up to 20 different fields of study and pick as many HEIs as they want.

Relief for Candidates

For many candidates, the increase in the number of participating universities has been a pleasant relief. Before, students had to take a number of entrance exams offered by different organisations. The procedure has been streamlined and students are now able to save time, effort, and money thanks to the establishment of the CUET-PG as a standard entrance exam for central universities. According to a senior official of the National Testing Agency, the total number of test-takers is anticipated to reach 9 lakh because the majority of candidates are applying for multiple courses.

Examining the Consequences

The increase in CUET-PG applications has wide-ranging effects on both students and universities. Let’s examine the numerous areas that this development has an impact on in more detail.

Increasing Competitiveness

The number of applications has significantly increased, which has increased the level of competition for admission to prestigious universities. Students now need to work harder to stand out from the crowd and get into the institutions they want. To ace the admission exam in light of the rising competition, careful planning, persistent study, and preparation are required.

Making the Application Process Simpler

By centralising the entrance exam, the CUET-PG has streamlined the postgraduate programme application procedure. To cut down on paperwork and administrative headaches, applicants can now submit one application for numerous subject areas and HEIs. This simplification guarantees that students have a more convenient experience while also saving time.

Increasing Possibilities

Aspiring postgraduate students have a wealth of choices now that more universities are taking part in the CUET-PG. Before, students had to choose between their top schools or fields of study due to a lack of possibilities. The current situation, however, allows candidates to consider a larger range of options and pick HEIs that match their academic objectives and career aspirations.

Students at the Universal Business School (UBS) in Karjat, Mumbai, who are pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, are currently in a difficult situation. Despite putting a lot of time and money into their study, they are having problems with the legitimacy and equivalent of their degree. Concerns concerning the approval and accreditation of the course offered by UBS that is linked with a foreign university have been raised as a result of this issue, which has led a number of students to submit complaints with the appropriate authorities. Let’s investigate this issue further and consider what it means for these pupils.

Students’ Situation at Universal Business School

Students are shocked to learn that their degree’s equivalency is being questioned after paying more than 18 lakhs ($24,000) for a three-year BBA programme at Universal Business School. After changing its name to Universal AI University recently, UBS, which launched its BBA programme in affiliation with a UK-based college in 2013, was formerly known as UBS. The issues relating to the authenticity and recognition of the degree gained by its graduates have not been addressed by this rebranding, nevertheless.

Initial inquiries and complaints

On April 18, a number of students formalised their grievance with the Panvel office of the joint director of higher education. An initial investigation was then carried out to determine the veracity of their worries. The inquiry’s interim report makes the case that a more thorough probe is necessary to address the issues the students cited. They specifically query whether UBS had authorization from any organisation before offering this course associated with a foreign university.

They have also complained to the Karjat police and Superintendent of Police (SP) Raigad, requesting that they fully look into the situation. SP Somnath Gharge has called a meeting with the institute’s office holders and students to further explore the problem. Despite the fact that SP Gharge recognises the significance of the higher education director’s decision in this instance, the complaint has been referred to the relevant department for review to see if any criminal charges, such as forgery, should be pursued.

Sushrut Hate, a 2019 graduate who is now studying for the UPSC test, was shocked to learn lately that his BBA degree is not accepted for positions in the Indian civil service. 

“I invested over ₹15 lakh in this program, only to find out that it holds no value for the career path I aspired to pursue,” he expressed with shock.

The higher education department has also received a complaint from 2020 graduate Akhil Parmar, who claims, “I spent more than ₹18 lakhs on obtaining this degree, hoping it would open doors to promising job opportunities. It’s disheartening to learn that my investment might go in vain.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Mumbai-based student Vivek Rathod, who made the initial complaint back in 2017. “I successfully cleared the CLAT exam to pursue a career in law, but during the admission process, I was informed that my BBA degree is not considered valid for LLB. It shattered my dreams and left me feeling betrayed,” he explained.

These students have filed complaints against the university, along with others, in an effort to get justice for the time, money, and hopes they spent in their education.

A View from Public Figures

Public figures and organisations have taken notice of the scandal surrounding the BBA degree offered by UBS. Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha state secretary Hrishikesh Joshi has written a letter to higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil pleading with him to step in and stop UBS from offering the BBA course. This shows that stakeholders’ worries about the validity of the degree and its possible effects on students’ future chances are growing.

Recent developments addressing the easing of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for dentistry colleges have garnered both appreciation and worry within the education sector. In this piece, we will examine the specifics of this problem and highlight how it affects dentistry schools and students. Our in-depth investigation will provide important new information on the issue at hand and shed light on its wider repercussions.

NEET Relaxation: An Unpopular Step

Certain dental colleges’ recent easing of NEET standards beyond what is allowed has sparked a wave of controversy. While some contend that it gives prospective dentistry students a much-needed option, others express severe concern over the consequences of this choice.

Unacceptable limits and fines imposed

The honorable High Court has adopted a tough stance in regard to the NEET relaxation debate. The court fined the participating dental colleges Rs. 50 lakh in recognition of the seriousness of the matter. Additionally, the court mandated that each impacted student receive compensation in the amount of Rs. 25 lakh in order to address their issues.

This significant verdict serves as a caution to other educational institutions that may think about going above the acceptable limit when it comes to NEET relaxation. The court’s decision highlights how important it is to maintain the examination process’s impartiality and integrity.

Fairness in the Playing Field

In order to create a fair playing field for ambitious medical and dentistry students nationwide, the NEET exam is essential. The exam ensures that all candidates are evaluated on an equal basis by abiding by the specified standards and regulations, encouraging a fair and transparent hiring process.

The choice of some dental colleges to loosen the NEET rules may lead to an imbalance in the system and jeopardize the integrity of the test. It is crucial to acknowledge the significance of keeping a fair and just environment for all students in order to preserve the integrity of India’s medical and dental education system.

Relevance to Dental Colleges

While lowering NEET standards may be considered as a strategy to fill open positions and address the scarcity of dental professionals, it is important to take dental colleges’ own long-term effects into account. The credibility and prestige of these institutions may suffer if the allowed limit of NEET relaxation is exceeded.

Dental schools that use these tactics would have trouble luring qualified faculty members and keeping the confidence of prospective students. Additionally, as evidenced by the most recent court decision, the enforcement of penalties and rewards can have a substantial negative effect on these organizations’ financial soundness, thereby impeding their general development and expansion.

Result for Students

Although aspiring dental students may initially perceive the easing of NEET requirements favorably, it is important to consider the wider ramifications. While it might increase the number of admissions opportunities, it might also lower the standard of instruction. The standard of dentistry education as a whole may be compromised by the admission of students who do not match the required standards, which will have an impact on their educational experience and potential career paths.

In addition, the latest court decision emphasizes the possible ambiguity and instability brought on by such relaxing practices, even though it was intended to allay the worries of the impacted pupils. This ambiguity may cause students to lose faith in the educational system and impede their ability to advance in their careers as dentists.

In conclusion, there has been a lot of discussion in the education sector about the recent relaxation of NEET rules beyond the permissible range by several dentistry colleges. The long-term effects on dentistry colleges and students must be overlooked, despite the fact that it might provide some prospective students with short-term comfort. Maintaining the caliber of dentistry education in India requires that the examination process’ integrity be upheld and that all students are given an equal chance to succeed.

The Undergraduate (UG) counselling held during the academic year 2022–23 is subject to a refund process, and the Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) has just issued essential information on this process. The New Delhi-based All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has successfully reimbursed the security deposits of 12,098 UG candidates in accordance with the established criteria for eligibility for refunds. The official announcement includes a comprehensive list of the candidates who are qualified for the refund, together with their Roll Numbers and Refundable Amounts.

Candidates with incorrect bank details are awaiting a refund.

The candidates have also been made aware of the fact that 321 people’s security money refunds are still outstanding as a result of their failure to provide accurate bank information while registering for the AACCC-UG counselling in 2022. The All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, has also made a separate list with these candidates’ Roll Numbers and Refundable Amounts in order to address this issue.

These candidates are hereby required to send an email from their registered email addresses to [email protected] on or before May 17, 2023, with the right bank information. The following bank information is necessary:

1. Name of the Account Holder
2. Bank Account Number
3. Name of the Bank
4. IFSC Code with Branch name of the Bank
5. Clear image of Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque in PDF format

Please make sure you submit the right bank information. The Ministry of Ayush, the AIIA, and the AACCC will not be held liable for any refund issues brought on by candidates providing inaccurate information. Any correspondence pertaining to this issue will not be read or responded to.

The Central Counselling Committee for Ayush Admissions’ (AACCC) Function

The Hon. Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India approved the establishment of the Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) in 2019. AACCC is a department of the Ministry of Ayush, and its main duties are as follows:

1. Finalization of the counseling procedure and schedule for Ayush admissions.
2. Coordination with the concerned agencies for counseling against State/UT quota seats.
3. Fixation of counseling fees (registration fees) and security deposits.
4. Streamlining the counseling process for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: How many UG candidates have received their refund as per the AACCC’s announcement?
   • A: As per the announcement, 12,098 UG candidates have been refunded their security money.
2. Q: What is the reason behind the refund pending for 321 candidates?
   • A: The refund is pending for these candidates due to incorrect bank details provided during the registration process.
3. Q: How can candidates with pending refunds provide their correct bank details?
   • A: Candidates should send an email to [email protected] from their registered email addresses, including the required bank details mentioned earlier.
4. Q: What is the deadline for submitting the correct bank details for refund initiation?
   • A: Candidates must submit their correct bank details on or before 17th May 2023.
5. Q: What will happen if a refund fails due to incorrect details provided by the candidate?
   • A: The AACCC, M/o Ayush, and AIIA will not be held responsible for refund failures caused by incorrect details provided by the candidate

Several foreign countries recognize Indian higher education degrees. However, certain fields, such as engineering and medicine, continue to lag. In this post, we shall dig into the mechanics of recognizing Indian degrees in foreign higher education institutes, as well as why engineering and medicine encounter recognition issues.

Indian Degrees Are Recognized at Foreign Higher Education Institutes

Several foreign countries recognize Indian degrees, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia. This is an important component of international education and a big advantage for Indian students interested in pursuing higher education overseas. However, the recognition process involves a number of technicalities that must be addressed in order for degrees to be recognized smoothly.

In Arvind Chaturvedi’s (Pro Vice Chancellor) opinion, foreign higher education colleges, like IILM University, Gurugram, base their decisions on the repute of Indian universities/institutions. Official recognition is essential for institutions that are not well-known. The University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Medical Commission (formerly Medical Council of India), and Bar Council are among the regulatory agencies utilized for verification. Foreign HEIs recognize top Indian accreditation bodies such as NAAC and NBA, and the factors of these accreditation agencies are weighted by some.

Also,Executive Director of the Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), Radhika Shrivastava, says that recognition may require a comparison of the curriculum, length of the program, and quality of study. The academic competence of the degree is also an important consideration in the recognition procedure.

Why are engineering and medicine still lagging in terms of recognition?

Despite the fact that Indian degrees are recognized in foreign higher education institutes, engineering and medicine degrees continue to face recognition challenges. The discrepancy in curriculum and academic standards is one of the key factors. Engineering and medicine curriculums in India are highly controlled and structured differently from those in other nations. As a result, foreign HEIs may refuse to acknowledge Indian degrees in these subjects, or may only do so after thorough evaluation and verification.

Another reason is that there is a lack of actual experience in these sectors for Indian students. The Indian education system is very theoretical, and students may lack the practical experience to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This might lead to a lack of practical skills and knowledge, making meeting the practical criteria demanded by international HEIs difficult.

How can Indian higher education institutions meet global education standards and have their degrees recognized by foreign universities and corporations?

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are no longer restricted by national borders in today’s globalized society. Students from all over the world seek the best educational possibilities, and HEIs strive to attract them by providing high-quality education. However, getting their degrees recognized by foreign HEIs and corporations can be difficult for Indian HEIs. In this essay, we will look at how Indian HEIs can achieve global education standards and have their degrees accepted by overseas HEIs and corporations.

The demand for cross-border education has expanded as a result of globalization. As a result, there has been a rise in the mobility of students and professionals seeking higher education in various parts of the world. To attract students and professionals from other nations, Indian HEIs must adapt to the changing educational landscape and match global education standards.

The Value of Accreditation

Accreditation is the process of assessing and evaluating the educational quality provided by a HEI. Accreditation bodies verify that a HEI’s education meets globally recognized standards. Accreditation can be sought from a variety of regional and global accreditation organizations. In management, for example, AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS are globally recognized accrediting organizations that adhere to a rigorous methodology and strict requirements.

Internationalisation

Another option to fulfill global education requirements is to internationalize HEIs. Collaboration with foreign universities, study abroad initiatives, and employing international professors are all ways for HEIs to foster internationalization. Collaboration with international institutions can assist Indian HEIs in offering joint programs, exchange programs, and research collaborations, which can attract foreign students and improve Indian HEIs’ global profile.

Curriculum Creation

Indian higher education institutions’ syllabi must be standardized with global education norms. HEIs must embrace global best practices and provide courses in new sectors such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. This can assist Indian HEIs in attracting foreign students interested in these disciplines.

Faculty Competence

Faculty quality is a significant component in determining the quality of education provided by a HEI. Indian higher education institutions must attract and maintain high-quality teachers with experience in teaching and research in their respective fields. Faculty members with international experience can help the school and its programs gain a global perspective.

Foreign HEIs Recognize Accreditation Bodies

Accreditation can be sought from many Indian accreditation organizations, including NAAC, NBA, AICTE, and AIU. However, the type of accreditation provided by these organizations varies. The NAAC accredits institutions, whereas the NBA accredits curricula such as M.Tech. (Mechanical) or MBA. Similarly, AICTE certifies programs, while AIU offers equivalent non-degree programs such as PGDM. Furthermore, the UGC, India’s main accreditation body for higher education, is recognized by many foreign HEIs.

Why is Accreditation of Indian Professional Degrees Important?

Recognition of Indian professional degrees in engineering, medicine, and other professions by foreign higher education institutions (HEIs) and businesses has been a source of worry in recent years. Despite significant improvement in the Indian education system, many Indian higher education institutions continue to struggle to match global quality standards and get recognition for their degrees.

Further, we will investigate the causes of the lack of recognition of Indian professional degrees, as well as the relevance of accreditation for Indian HEIs in order to improve educational quality and acquire recognition for their degrees from overseas HEIs and employers.

What exactly is accreditation?

Accreditation is the procedure through which an institution’s academic programs are examined to see if they match the accreditation agency’s quality requirements. Accreditation assures that an institution achieves specific quality criteria and that its academic programs meet students’ educational and professional needs.

Why is Accreditation Important for Indian Higher Education Institutions?

Accreditation is essential for Indian HEIs wanting to have their degrees recognized and accepted by overseas HEIs and businesses. Accreditation provides a dependable measure of quality assurance and standardization, which is critical for achieving degree recognition and acceptance by overseas HEIs and businesses.

Differences in the syllabus, teaching methods duration, and internship contribute to the lack of recognition of Indian professional degrees. This lack of recognition affects the majority of private sector HEIs in India, although it cannot be generalised. Many private HEIs in India are now pursuing global accreditation in order to avoid this discrimination.

Accreditation Bodies Working Together

Collaboration among certification bodies can provide chances for sharing best practices, exchanging expertise, and encouraging Indian HEI internationalization. Such collaborations can assist Indian HEIs in aligning with international quality standards and practices. Collaboration with foreign accreditation organizations can assist Indian higher education institutions in better comprehending the global higher education landscape and adapting to changing international standards.

A merger or joint venture of an Indian agency with a foreign agency, on the other hand, is unimaginable until the strategy, methods, parameters, and rigour are the same. There is a significant variation in the methodology and rigour of Indian and foreign accreditation authorities. Most global accreditation agencies have objectively measurable parameters. There is virtually no room for subjectivity or manipulation.

Key Requirements for Accreditation

Every accrediting procedure necessitates the application of strict criteria. Infrastructure, faculty needs, teaching and learning methods, libraries, IT infrastructure, adhering to quantifiable outcomes-based systems, and effective evaluation processes are all critical. Good placements also represent success. Internships and industry connections are equally vital for engineering and management schools. Other key characteristics include diversity and inclusiveness, worldwide links in terms of student and faculty exchange, research, and publishing, to name a few.

In a recent declaration, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared that the state government will cover the college costs of girls chosen to study in engineering, law, IIT, and medical colleges through the Ladli Laxmi scheme. This initiative aims to promote females’ education and equip them to pursue their career aspirations without financial constraints. The Ladli Laxmi Utsav will also be observed throughout the state in order to create awareness and provide opportunity for girls to demonstrate their talents.

Ladli Laxmi Yojana

The Ladli Laxmi Yojana aims to empower girls via education.

In 2007, Madhya Pradesh started the Ladli Laxmi Yojana to empower girls through education. The scheme’s goal is to provide financial aid to families for their female kid’s education and to encourage the birth of a girl child. This scheme provides financial help to families upon the birth of a girl child, enrollment in primary school, and completion of the 12th grade exams. The Ladli Laxmi Yojana has been successful in increasing the enrollment of girls in state schools and colleges.

Free college education in engineering, law, IIT, and medicine.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s recent announcement will boost the Ladli Laxmi Yojana by giving free college education for girls in engineering, legal, IIT, and medical institutes. This measure will encourage more girls to pursue higher education and allow them to compete on a level playing field with their male peers.

Celebrating Ladli Laxmi Utsav and Encouraging Girls to Display Their Talents

The Madhya Pradesh government launched the Ladli Laxmi Utsav to recognise girls’ achievements and give opportunity for them to demonstrate their talents. From May 9 to 15, Madhya Pradesh will celebrate Utsav in every city and panchayat. To raise awareness and encourage girls to participate, a variety of competitions, programmes, and health check-ups will be conducted.

The Effect of the Ladli Laxmi Yojana on Female Education in Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, the Ladli Laxmi Yojana has had a tremendous impact on females’ education. females’ attendance in schools and universities has increased, and more females are finishing their education. The scheme has also encouraged families to prioritise the education of their girl child. The recent declaration of free college education for ladies in engineering, law, IIT, and medical schools would enhance girls’ education in the state even further.

The Madhya Pradesh government’s plan to provide free college education to girls at engineering, legal, IIT, and medical colleges as part of the Ladli Laxmi scheme is an important step towards encouraging girls’ education and empowerment. This change will allow more ladies to pursue higher education and fulfil their career objectives without financial constraints. The Ladli Laxmi Utsav will also provide girls a chance to show off their talents and celebrate their accomplishments. Madhya Pradesh is setting an example for other governments to follow by fostering gender equality in education through these measures.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) overwhelmingly accepted the National Credit Framework (NCrF) to facilitate credit earning, transfer, and accumulation by students across all IITs. The decision was made at the 55th IIT Council meeting on April 18, during which the UGC Chairman delivered the NCrF.

The NCrF, a comprehensive framework embracing primary, secondary, postsecondary, and vocational education and training, incorporates creditisation of learning across several dimensions such as academics, occupational skills, and experiential learning. With the implementation of NCrF, all 23 IITs will be able to provide students the opportunity to earn credits that can be transferred and accumulated for future academic pursuits.

The UGC Chairman praised the decision, saying, “Adoption of national credit framework by the IIT Council is a great decision because this will provide a better equivalence of credits obtained in general (academic) education, technical education, and skill & vocational education.” It will inspire the remainder of the higher education system to adopt and apply the national credit framework, resulting in a uniform inclusive meta framework throughout the country.”

Aside from adopting NCrF, the IIT Council examined student suicides and emphasised the significance of a solid grievance redressal mechanism, increased psychological counselling, reduced pressure, and emphasising the importance of lessening students’ fear of failure or rejection.

The IIT Council’s unanimous adoption of NCrF is a key step towards establishing a more student-centric education system in India, where students can harness their learning across schools and domains. The IITs have provided an example for other higher education institutions to follow and apply the national credit system, resulting in a uniform and inclusive meta framework for education across the country.

Scholarships for women in STEM: announced by the British Council

The grants are designed to assist the recipients in progressing in their professions and to give them the open and honest discussion and expertise to support technology and development in their native countries.

The third intake of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM was just revealed by the British Council. For female STEM researchers from India and other southern nations in Asia, there are 26 grants and fellowships accessible.

Women who have children may also apply for the award with extra assistance. The university’s application deadlines vary butdeadlines vary by university, but they fall between March and May 2023. The deadlines for each university should be checked by the students. Visit britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem if you are interested and qualify.

There is no country-specific cap on the grants; they are given out based on merit. Coventry University, the University of Bath, the University of Manchester, the University of Southampton, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh are among the six UK universities offering the grants.

This scholarship grant is designed to help women scholars build successful careers in STEM fields and give them the tools they need to share their knowledge and advance research and innovation at home.

The grant will pay for education, a stipend, travel costs, visa fees, premiums for medical insurance, special support for mothers, and English language assistance for selected Indian scholars who choose to pursue a master’s degree or an Early Educational Scholarship at a UK university.

Candidates can apply for Master’s programmes and Early Academic Fellowships through 21 UK universities in disciplines like computer science, data science, biotechnology, environmental engineering, civil engineering, medicine, public health, machine learning, robotics, information technology, renewable energy, and energy management, among others.

Capital, India: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has now mandated that every international student who wishes to take a seat in Indian HEls must register at the Education India Portal in order to regularise medical admissions of foreign students into the country’s Higher Education Institutes (HEls). The HEls have also been directed to register on the portal and upload the admission offer issued to students. The notification was published on the NMC’s official website, informing all medical colleges that the Department of Higher Education (DoHE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has developed the Education Ndia Portal, which is now ready for use and will be made mandatory beginning with the academic year 2023–24. 

The concerned international student will need to register on this portal in accordance with the NMC directive. The student will receive a unique ID (UID) following registration on the portal, which may be used for all reasons, including the issuance of a student visa. A student visa will only be issued after the visa issuing authorities have checked and verified the student’s credentials on this portal. Regardless of the length of the course, this will be applicable to all students who want a student visa. 

Also, the HEls must create an account on this portal and upload the admission offer made in the student’s favour. The requirement for the student to create a TAD and register on the portal should be made clear in the admissions offer. The top medical regulator has ordered all medical universities and colleges to register right away on the aforementioned website and to inform international students of this.

The mandate was demonstrated at a conference on February 7 this year, presided over by the Secretary for Higher Education, where all the ministries and departments, as well as the Reserve Bank of India, which oversees Higher Educational Institutions (HEls), have been invited to go over the particulars of putting the Education India portal into operation. It was emphasised that in order to verify the information provided by HEIs on the portal, a Nodal Officer must be designated by the concerned authority or body, and the Nodal Officer’s contact information must be given to DHE as soon as possible. 

The portal is available for utilization and will be made necessary for intakes for the academic session 2023–2024, the Secretary (HE) stated to the attendees. The portal has undergone a number of updates with MHA’s input and a security audit.  Students’ UIDs will be shared with the FRRO, the immigration department, and the MHA for additional processing. In addition, he disclosed that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) would utilise this platform and solely use it to finance scholarships. 

The UID will be used by the Visa Office/FRRO to process the visa based on the data found on the site. He emphasised how crucial it was for every educational institution and foreign student to sign up on this platform. Also, he made it clear that the compliance officers, who will be chosen by the HEls offering courses to international students, should update the student’s information on a regular basis. INFLIBNET provided a thorough overview of the portal, describing its layout and the details needed to register.

Recently, the NMC released rules for the granting of a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to such medicos, standardising the electives and observation programmes offered to foreign nationals at medical colleges nationwide. These regulations establish the time frame, seat distribution, processing fee, and overall purpose of the electives and observer programmes for foreign nationals. 

You can view the NMC notifications by clicking below:

https://t.me/bodmasmedical/2722