13 UG students suspended in Kovai for attacking PG student

13 UG students suspended in Kovai for attacking PG student

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 24.03.2025

Coimbatore : Thirteen first year undergraduate students of a private college here were suspended for assaulting a post graduate student in the college hostel on Saturday. The 13 students studying BE and B Tech at Nehru institute of technology near Thirumalayampalayam alleged the victim Haathi, a postgraduate student from Chennai studying second year M A Criminology in Nehru college of arts and science had stolen money from their hostel room. 

A video of the assault went viral on social media on Sunday. Preliminary inquiry revealed a group of BE and B Tech students brought Haathi to their hostel room, locked him up there and assaulted him. One of them also recorded the attack on video. The senior student was injured in the assault. According to deputy chief warden of the hostel Maheshwaran, the incident took place on March 20 night. The victim was held in the room throughout the night and was beaten. The harassment continued the following day as well, the internal investigation revealed. After being let out on March 21, he informed his parents, who visited the college hostel on March 22 and took him home. 

As the management got wind of the incident, an in- quiry was conducted and principal M Sivaraja suspended the 13 students. The injured student and the suspended students have been asked to appear before the college administration on Monday for further inquiry. After the internal investigation, the college management reported the incident to the police. The Madukkarai police have also begun a probe. Police said once the victim lodges a formal complaint, a case will be registered.

Academics air equivalency worry over UGC’s new role in foreign degree recognition

Prof Furqan Qamar, the former secretary-general of the AIU and former vice-chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, said recognition of academic degrees is not done by any government agency globally

Basant Kumar Mohanty Published 23.03.25, 05:47 AM

The grant of certificates equivalent to degrees awarded by foreign universities to Indian students will be handled by the University Grants Commission (UGC) instead of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), according to a government decision that has been decried by academics.

Academics have expressed concern over the transfer of responsibility from an independent body like the AIU to a government-controlled agency like the UGC in violation of global practice.

The education ministry is learnt to have communicated its decision to the UGC to take over the work. However, the UGC is yet to set up a wing with experts to handle the task.

Since its inception in 1925, the AIU has been granting equivalence certificates to foreign degree holders to enable them to pursue higher studies and jobs in India. The ministry of human resource development (MHRD), now the education ministry, had in 1995 issued a notification to recognise the work undertaken by the AIU.

However, the UGC, headed by M. Jagadesh Kumar as its chairman, proposed to take over the responsibility in 2023 and unveiled draft regulations. The education ministry has since then held a series of meetings with UGC and AIU officials, sources said.

“The government has decided that the UGC is the appropriate body to perform this responsibility. The government took the decision on the ground that the AIU is a private body and it cannot be allowed to discharge this responsibility,” a UGC official said.

The AIU gets financial assistance from the government for the promotion of sports and games in universities. Currently, 1,004 universities are members of the AIU.

For the AIU to grant equivalence certificates, the foreign university should be recognised in that country, the course should be a full-time, regular (on-campus) degree programme and the programme duration should be the same as Indian universities.

The AIU does not grant equivalence certificates to pathway degrees that help students transition to the second year of an undergraduate course in a university after pursuing a one-year diploma course in another institute.

The UGC may allow equivalence to pathway degrees, according to its draft.

Prof M.M. Salunkhe, the former president of the AIU, disapproved of the government’s decision.

“There have been no allegations against the AIU. It has performed its work professionally for 100 years. It has the expertise. Most importantly, it is truly an independent agency. I believe that an independent agency should handle this work,” Salunkhe said.

Prof Furqan Qamar, the former secretary-general of the AIU and former vice-chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, said recognition of academic degrees is not done by any government agency globally. For example, the European Network of Information Centre and National Academic Recognition Information Centre handles the recognition of academic degrees in European countries.

Qamar said the UN’s education arm Unesco also preferred member countries to designate a similar independent agency for this work.

Madras High Court restrains authorities from publishing NIRF ranking for 2025

Madras High Court restrains authorities from publishing NIRF ranking for 2025

A PIL petition has claimed the ranking is without any basis and is misleading students

Published - March 21, 2025 08:47 pm IST - MADURAI

The Hindu Bureau

The Hindu

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday restrained the Ministry of Education and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) from publishing the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking for 2025.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by C. Chellamuthu of Oddanchatram in Dindigul district. The petitioner claimed the NIRF ranking was totally without any basis and it was misleading students.

NIRF was launched by the NBA on the direction of the Ministry of Education for evaluating higher education institutions in the country. The NBA publishes the NIRF rankings of colleges every year. The NIRF ranking framework evaluates institutions in five broad categories: Teaching, Learning and Resources; Research and Professional Practice; Graduation Outcomes; Outreach and Inclusivity; and Perception, the petition said.

The NBA directs the institutions to upload the data such as student and staff strength, staff salaries, graduation index, placement details and funds received for research and development on its web portal. Based on the data entered by the institutions, rankings were awarded without any further verification or auditing, the petitioner said.

Comparing it with the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR), the petitioner said the NAAC AQAR documents were audited and checked by expert committees sent by the NAAC to the institutions.

‘Data manipulated’

According to him, in all the ranking parameters, the data provided by the institutions that got NIRF ranking was manipulated and completely false. There was no transparency or accountability of the data submitted by the institutions. Instead of collecting data from the available official government records, institutions were invited to submit the data online. Without verifying the information entered, top rankings were awarded, he said.

It could negatively impact the quality of education in India. Reputed academicians and educationalists had criticised the system followed by the NIRF, the petitioner said, and sought the grant of an order of interim stay restraining the authorities from publishing the NIRF ranking for 2025.

The petitioner sought a direction to the NBA to publish the NIRF ranking after comparing and verifying the data submitted by the institutions with the data in the government records and disclose the calculation method.

A Division Bench of Justices J. Nisha Banu and S. Srimathy restrained the authorities from publishing the ranking for 2025. The court sought a counter affidavit and posted the matter to April 24.

Published - March 21, 2025 08:47 pm IST

AKTU to use blockchain tech to check fraud, errors in degrees

AKTU to use blockchain tech to check fraud, errors in degrees 

Mohita.Tewari @timesofindia.com 16.03.2025

Lucknow : The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) is implementing blockchain technology for generating degrees and marksheets. This digital system creates and validates academic credentials through a secure computerised database, ensuring authenticity and preventing unauthorised altera- tions. AKTU officials said that blockchain provides a reliable method for issuing and managing digital credentials. This system eliminates possibilities of errors or manipulations in university documents. Students will have the ability to print their digital degrees as needed.

Following council approval, the university plans to implement this system in the upcoming academic session. “Cases of fraud in degree marksheets often come to the fore in many universities of the country and state. In view of this and further upgrading its technology, the university administration has now decided to use blockchain technology,” said AKTU vice chancellor Prof JP Pandey. He explained that students’ examination and result information will be distributed across multiple ser- vers. The university will compile degree marksheets using roll numbers and other unique identifiers. The system’s security ensures that data remains protected even if individual servers face security breaches or disruptions. “Students will receive login credentials to access and print their degree marksheets as required. Blockchain enhances degree and marksheet security,” said the VC.

Can’t pay you: Govt to Madras varsity ‘Not Bound To Provide Salaries’

Can’t pay you: Govt to Madras varsity ‘Not Bound To Provide Salaries’

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 14.03.2025

Chennai : A letter from state govt stating that it is under no obligation to provide salary or pension grants to the University of Madras has sparked a controvery. Educationists want the govt to adopt a holistic approach to resolve the financial crisis and save the struggling state university. The letter was sent in reply to the member-secretary of Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority asking the govt to depute an officer to appear at the counselling centre on March 12 in connection with a pension-related case. 

“As per University of Madras statutes, there is no obligation on the part of the govt to provide salary or pension or any grant to the university. Previous sanctions were made as a special grant to meet the payment of pension and family pension arrears,” G K Arun Sundar Thayalan, special secretary to govt, said in his letter to the Madras University Registrar on March 11.

“Hence, the university is liable to pay pension arrears, family pension arrears, and DCRG arrears. Above all, the govt does not sanction pensions for the university officials,” he further stated in the letter. Former vice-chancellor of the university P Duraisamy said whatever was stated in the letter is correct as per the statutes. 

“At the same time, the state govt should allow the increase of fees to boost the revenue of the university. The govt should take a holistic approach to solve the financial crisis,” he said. Another former ViceChancellor, S P Thyagarajan, said if the state govt does not provide the funding, it would be disastrous. “University of Madras is not offering any professional courses. The admission to PG programmes in university departments is also less. The state govt should provide the grant so the poor and downtrodden will have access to higher education,” he said.

The govt can adopt any model to provide the grant, he added. “This is the first university established in the state. Not allowing the university to increase the fees periodically also affected it. So, the state govt cannot say it has no obligation. It should immediately release the grants meant for the university,” said C Murugan, general secretary, Madras University Teachers 'Association.

‘Include UGC Chairman’s nominee in V-C search panel for sports university’

‘Include UGC Chairman’s nominee in V-C search panel for sports university’

R.N. Ravi

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI 12.03.2025

Governor R.N. Ravi has called upon the Tamil Nadu government to notify the search committee for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, “as constituted by the Chancellor”, which included the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman’s nominee, the Raj Bhavan said on Tuesday.

Though the Chancellor had, in October 2024, directed the State government to notify the constitution of the committee with four members, including the UGC Chairman’s nominee, the G.O. issued by the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department on January 28, 2025 “purposefully excluded the UGC Chairman’s nominee, in violation of the judgments of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India”, the Raj Bhavan said.

The notifications issued by the State government was contrary to the existing UGC regulations and orders of the Supreme Court, it said.

The Chancellor had urged the Government of Tamil Nadu to recall the said notifications, the Raj Bhavan said.

It pointed out that the Supreme Court had held in Prof. (Dr.) Sreejith P.S. vs. Dr. Rajasree M.S. & others that any appointment as Vice-Chancellor made on the recommendation of the search committee, which was constituted contrary to the provisions of the UGC regulations, shall be void ab initio.

The search committee constituted by the Chancellor was as per the provisions of Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University Act as well as UGC regulations, 2018, it pointed out.

“The inclusion of UGC Chairman’s nominee in the Search Committee of State Universities is held to be mandatory by the Supreme Court,” it said.

MBBS student from Jaipur ends life at Kota medical college

MBBS student from Jaipur ends life at Kota medical college

TNN

Mar 7, 2025, 10:09 IST

JAIPUR: A 26-year-old MBBS student of Kota Medical College died by suicide in his hostel room Wednesday night, leaving a brief note apologising to his parents for not being able to fulfil their dreams. The student, Sunil Bairwa, was a resident of Bassi in Jaipur.

Police said Sunil was suspended from college for a year during third year after being allegedly caught cheating, which led to the cancellation of two papers he wrote. Officials suspect the suspension and subsequent struggles with the college administration pushed him into depression, ultimately leading to his death.

His body was discovered in his room at the undergraduate hostel, according to Mahaveer Nagar police station SHO Ramesh Kavia. The hostel warden first informed the college principal, who then contacted the police. Officers found the two-line suicide note in his room.

Alleging harassment by the college, Sunil's father, Kajodmal, said Sunil secured admission to Kota Medical College in the 2019-20 after learing NEET. Kajodmal said Sunil failed his first year exam, but a review of his answer sheets after the family filed a case with Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) declared him as having passed nearly eight months after the original results were published.

Sunil encountered fresh difficulties in the third year, when he was accused of cheating, resulting in two papers he wrote getting cancelled. Kajodmal alleged Sunil was unable to continue his studies in the last year and a half after successive difficulties. He also said whenever Sunil approached the administration to seek resolution, they harassed him instead of offering support.

New RUHS VC takes charge amid protests by med assn First Pharmacist To Hold VC Post At Any Govt Health Varsity

New RUHS VC takes charge amid protests by med assn First Pharmacist To Hold VC 

Post At Any Govt Health Varsity 

Intishab.Ali@timesofindia.com 06.03.2025

 Jaipur : Dr Pramod Yeole assumed the role of Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) on Wednesday, succeeding Dr. Dhananjai Agarwal, amidst ongoing protests led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and various teaching associations across the state. 

Dr Yeole's appointment, made by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, has stirred significant unrest, as he becomes the first pharmacist to occupy the VC position at any govt health university in India. Following his induction, Yeole expressed his intention to leverage his extensive experience of over 30 years in university administration, having served as Vice Chancellor in five universities, to elevate RUHS to new heights.

Despite his assurances, the appointment has been met with fierce opposition from medical practitioners in Rajasthan. Critics argue that appointing a non-MBBS degree holder to lead an institution that oversees 30 medical colleges undermines the integrity of medical education. IMA’s Rajasthan chapter has issued a warning of state-wide demonstrations if the decision is not reversed, citing the critical need for strong medical leadership to uphold educational standards and foster research within the university. 

Dr Yeole, who holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, maintained that his appointment adhered to the regulations stipulated by the university Act and the guidelines set forth by University Grant Commission. "Since the selection committee followed the provisions in the university Act, I believe this protest will not be an issue. The administration operates on a committee-based model, and we will work collaboratively to benefit the university,” he said in an interview with TOI. 

With a leadership background that spans four decades, including significant roles at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University and Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Yeole emphasized his commitment to teamwork and inclusive governance. IMA, however, remained unconvinced. 

IMA Rajasthan secretary Dr PC Garg expressed concerns regarding the implications of appointing a pharmacist as VC of a health university. “Health universities play a crucial role in setting high standards for medical education and advancing research. The VC must possess comprehensive knowledge of clinical practices and public health challenges,” Garg asserted. In his first actions as VC, Dr Yeole met with Governor Bagde and interacted with RUHS statutory officers

NMC issues clarification on NIOS students’ eligibility for NEET UG: Check details here

NMC issues clarification on NIOS students’ eligibility for NEET UG: Check details here

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has confirmed that NIOS students are eligible for NEET UG 2025 under GMER-23 regulations. Clarifying confusion over NTA’s NEET-UG Bulletin 2025, NMC stated that NIOS students, including those taking an additional subject at an authorized institution, can apply. NEET UG 2025 registration is open until March 7.

TOI Education

Mar 1, 2025, 9:47 IST

NIOS enrollment

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a clarification regarding the eligibility of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) students for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate 2025. The clarification follows concerns over discrepancies between the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) NEET-UG Bulletin 2025 and NMC regulations.

In response to an RTI application dated February 11, 2025, the NMC addressed confusion regarding NIOS students’ eligibility for NEET UG 2025 due to interpretations of the NEET-UG Bulletin 2025. The commission clarified that students from NIOS, state open schools, or private candidates qualify under the GMER 2023 regulations.

NIOS students eligible for NEET UG 2025

Furthermore, the NMC noted that students are permitted to study an additional subject through NIOS, provided it is undertaken at an authorized institution. This clarification aims to address concerns among aspirants regarding their eligibility status.

Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) began the online registration process for NEET UG 2025 on February 7. Interested candidates can apply for the exam through the official website, neet.nta.nic.in, until March 7, 2025.

NEET UG is the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses across India. The NMC’s clarification provides relief to NIOS students seeking to appear for the exam, ensuring they remain eligible under the latest regulations.

Candidates can check the official notice as provided here.

For more information, candidates are advised to visit the official website of the National Medical Commission.

Non-MBBS VC for medical university faces Rajasthan doctors' opposition

Non-MBBS VC for medical university faces Rajasthan doctors' opposition

Mar 5, 2025, 2:29 IST

Haribhau Bagde.

JAIPUR: Rajasthan's medical fraternity reacted with outrage Tuesday to governor Haribhau Bagde appointing someone with a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical sciences as vice chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS), terming it "unacceptable" and threatening a statewide agitation if the decision wasn't revoked, reports Intishab Ali.

The state chapter of IMA has written to Bagde, saying Pramod Yeole being asked to take charge of RUHS was at odds with the institution's responsibility of setting high standards in medical education, and improving public health outcomes. Thirty medical colleges are affiliated to the university. Yeole was previously VC of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in Aurangabad and pro VC of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University.

NAAC purges 900 assessors after corruption allegations

NAAC purges 900 assessors after corruption allegations 

Before Sacking 20% Of Inspectors, It Had Stopped Physical Inspections

Hemali.Chhapia@timesofindia.com 25.02.2025

Mumbai : The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) took a dramatic step, cutting nearly a fifth of its peer reviewers — almost 900 of them — after allegations of corruption surfaced in the grading process. The purge followed a tip-off to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that assessors visiting Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, a deemed university in Andhra Pradesh, solicited a bribe in exchange for the highest accreditation grade. At a moment when NAAC was already reassessing its accreditation framework, the mass removal of reviewers signalled a deeper shift. 

Letters from the NAAC director to the remaining peer reviewers made clear that their work was more than procedural; it was a “nationally important assignment”. “We were reviewing our processes for over a year. We were also looking at the assessors on board and while we removed many, we were also looking at onboarding some senior academicians, vicechancellors, deans, and directors of reputed insti tutes,” said professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairman of the NAAC executive committee. 

In a move aimed at eradicating corruption and streamlining accreditation, after the KLEF case, NAAC abruptly halted physical inspections of colleges. Evaluations, it said, would now be conducted entirely online, eliminating campus visits for colleges. Universities, though, would see a hybrid approach—most assessments would be remote, but select reviewers would still conduct on-site visits to ensure oversight. “Integrity is not a line item—it is the very foundation of trust in the system. 

We dropped more than 900 assessors. In some cases, the data about these assessors was insufficient; in others, we reviewed their assessments and found them lacking. Some were removed based on feedback we received, and in others, we analysed how they wrote their reports,” NAAC director Ganesan Kannabiran told TOI. “In some cases, we compared the two assessment reports and felt that certain assessors’ performance did not meet NAAC’s requirements,” Kannabiran added.

Fake faculty row: Anna univ to inspect all 440 colleges

Fake faculty row: Anna univ to inspect all 440 colleges 

Before Nod For Affiliation This Academic Year

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 24.02.2025

Chennai : In the wake of last year’s fake faculty row, Anna University has decided to inspect all 440 engineering colleges in the state for granting affiliation for 2025-26. During the check, it will look into the permanently affiliated courses to rule out any malpractices. It will check various parameters including qualifications of the principal, faculty members, library, classrooms, labs, and admissions. Last year, top colleges were exempted from physical inspection. 

In a recent circular, the university asked colleges to submit biometric details of faculty members after authenticating them with Aadhaar through the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency and Unique Identification Authority of India. It also asked them to verify all certificates, including PAN and Aadhaar details, with originals. College chairpersons or secretaries of trusts were directed to submit an affidavit stating that all details submitted are true. It also mandated AICTE Faculty ID for all members. “Faculty qualifications, experience, scale of pay, and cadre ratio should be strictly followed as per AICTE norms to grant affiliation,” the circular from registrar J Prakash said. “Those pro grammes which have not fulfilled the stipulated affiliation requirements will be suspended or withdrawn without any further notice.” For the first time, the university sought details of all permanently affiliated courses to verify them.

“Anna University used to give permanent affiliation to courses if the college is offering the course for 10 years with better admission record and no prior punishment. However, it was found that some colleges misused the permanent affiliation and showed them as faculty members in other departments. So, it was decided to verify these courses also,” a source said. The last date for submission of applications for affiliation with a late fee for 2025-26 is Feb 28. AICTE Approval Process Handbook for 2025-26 allowed institutions to appoint up to 20% of faculty as Professors of Practice (PoP) — industry professionals with varying qualifications, including PhDs or BTech with significant industry experience. The university is yet to act against 2,500 faculty members found faking identities and working in multiple colleges at the same time. Some 30 colleges were involved. “There is a court case regarding POP qualifications. University is yet to action against the faculty members and colleges. Then only the physical inspection for 2025-26 will commence,” a source added.

Board exams: Secure answer sheets with white thread only or face action

Board exams: Secure answer sheets with white thread only or face action

TESTING TIMES 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 23.02.2025

Ahmedabad : A new rule has been implemented for the upcoming board exams: students are now required to use only the white thread provided by the Board to secure additional answer sheets. The use of any alternative thread types is strictly forbidden, and any violation of this regulation will be treated as a case of cheating, subject to severe penalties. 

The final exams for Class 10 and Class 12 students will begin on Feb 27. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has released detailed instructions to ensure a fair exam process for all students. To assist students in adhering to the correct answering format, the board has provided specific guidelines within the question papers. Essential instructions will be printed on the second page of each answer sheet, and failure to comply with these directives may result in disciplinary action. Students must verify that the seat number printed on the first page of their answer sheet matches the seat number on the barcode sticker. Any discrepancies should be immediately reported to the invigilator. The barcode sticker must be affixed correctly, without any folds or damage, and students should refrain from making any unnecessary markings on it. 

Students are required to write their seat number both in figures and words at the top of the answer sheet and complete the roll number section on page two. A signature is mandatory after the barcode sticker has been attached. Answers must be written exclusively in blue or black ink. The use of other colours for underlining is not permitted. Students are prohibited from removing pages from their answer sheets or making corrections through overwriting. 

Any alterations in the answer sequence must be properly indexed. Lastly, students are instructed not to leave any blank pages in their answer sheets; any unused pages should be marked with a cross.

Pvt varsities rope in service providers for degree programmes

Pvt varsities rope in service providers for degree programmes

Sruthy Susan Ullas

Feb 19, 2025, 23:48 IST

Bengaluru: Several private universities in the state have started taking the help of service providers to conduct degree programmes, especially in new-age fields where their existing faculty don't have expertise. These programmes range from computer science engineering to BBA to BCom.

Face Prep, for instance, which was into campus placement training for over 16 years, started the business of taking over and running degree programmes in 2023, and is expected to touch 28 colleges in the country for the academic year 2025-26. The courses it handles consist of BCA or BSc in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Machine Learning, BCom in FinTech with Artificial Intelligence, and BBA in eCommerce with Digital Marketing.

"We act as knowledge partners, providing end-to-end solutions for colleges. What makes our programmes different from the conventional curriculum is that students will learn hands-on," said Karthik Raja, CEO of Face Prep. In the model Face Prep offers, it forms the curriculum, which is vetted by the college, sets the criteria for admission, and helps in recruiting and training faculty for the programme.

The CEO of another company providing similar services in healthcare courses said: "These are specifically for new-age programmes that universities are not best poised to either invest in developing curriculum for, training faculty, or setting up skill labs. So, they appoint a service provider. We're a training partner that produces industry-aligned modules and provides placement support and internships. For that scope of work, universities appoint us. The exams, assessment, and award of degrees are done by the colleges."

"For skill-based education, UGC (University Grants Commission) specifically allows universities to appoint a training-cum-placement partner. We help them in curriculum development by bringing industry-side modules, bringing experts from the industry, and setting up skill labs at our own cost," he added.

‘Undervalued profession'

The fact that universities are forced to take the help of service providers is mainly on account of lack of expert faculty, said Rajesh Kumar, CEO and co-founder of Kalvium, which runs computer science engineering programmes in 17 universities, with 13 more in the pipeline for the next academic year.

"The reliance of universities on service providers emerges from the fact that teaching and learning as a profession is extremely undervalued, and the quality of teachers has dipped. This is particularly true in cases like engineering because of the job potential it holds. Hence, there is this move towards partnering with third parties to offer programmes. While PG programmes by service providers have been in practice for some time, UG is just picking up pace now," he said.

"While UGC doesn't permit outsourcing programmes, these service providers act as skill providers, which is permitted by law. This is the space that is being explored by the companies," explained another company CEO working in the domain.

One of the reasons these premier institutions partner with us is the kind of curriculum we've been able to design, which is fairly evolved and advanced compared to what the traditional university system is able to offer

— Rajesh Kumar | CEO & co-founder, Kalvium

Ragging in Karnataka medical college; Kashmiri MBBS student ‘beaten’, given death threats by seniors Second-year student Hamim at Al-Ameen Medical College made to sing, dance, perform 'Al-Ameen' salute, beaten in hostel room. JKSA wants accused suspended.

Ragging in Karnataka medical college; Kashmiri MBBS student ‘beaten’, given death threats by seniors Second-year student Hamim at Al-Ameen Medical College made to sing, dance, perform 'Al-Ameen' salute, beaten in hostel room. JKSA wants accused suspended.

Ragging in Karnataka medical college; Kashmiri MBBS student ‘beaten’, given death threats by seniors... 

Read more at: https://news.careers360.com/ragging-in-karnataka-medical-college-al-ameen-kashmiri-mbbs-second-year-student-beaten-given-death-threats-seniors-jksa

NEW DELHI: 19.02.2025

Amid multiple reports of ragging incidents in colleges across the country, another case has now surfaced in Karnataka wherein a Kashmiri MBBS student has been allegedly ‘brutally’ ragged and assaulted at a medical college. Second-year student Hamim was beaten up by senior students of the 2019 batch at Al-Ameen Medical College in Bijapur, according to the Jammu Kashmir Students Association (JKSA). 

Calling it a ‘deeply disturbing incident’, the student body has sought state chief minister Siddaramaiah’s intervention to ensure strict action against the accused students and to safeguard the rights and safety of students, especially non-locals. It also demanded expulsion of those found guilty from the college.

According to the national convenor of JKSA, who spoke to the victim, the ragging had been going on for months, over a probable clash of power between the senior students and the MBBS student who is the captain of the cricket team of 2023 batch. 

Power clash, death threats 

The student belonging to Anantnag was beaten, humiliated, and severely ragged by seniors, JKSA alleged. Narrating the incident, the association said that the issue came up during a cricket match between the 2019 and 2022 batches on February 18. Initially, Hamim was asked to stay out of the boundary of the playground by the seniors, to which he complied and started watching the match from a distance. When he refused to stay afar, asserting his rights, the seniors allegedly confronted him. What initially was a verbal altercation, quickly turned into bullying, with a group of seniors asking Hamim to perform an "Al-Ameen salute”, sing songs, and dance for their amusement.

They even tried to force him into their car, in an attempt to harm him further. Calling such actions inappropriate and against college rules, the victim student refused and took out his phone to record the incident, further enraging the seniors. Later in the evening, some students barged into the Kashmiri student’s hostel room and inflicted physical assault on him, beating him repeatedly and forcing him to record a video apologizing. 

They also gave him death threats and warned him that he would not be allowed to play cricket for the next four years. “You have four more years here. We are locals—imagine how terrible we can make your life,” the seniors were quoted as saying by the student. “Such incidents highlight the alarming culture of unchecked ragging and abuse within educational institutions. This is not just an isolated case of violence—it is a failure of the system meant to protect students. Immediate legal action must be taken against the perpetrators, and both college authorities and law enforcement must intervene swiftly,” said JKSA. 

Stronger antiragging measures need to be implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of all students, especially non-locals and Kashmiri students, who often face additional discrimination, it added. 

Recently, a junior student at a government nursing college in Kerala’s Kottayam was subjected to ‘brutal’ ragging, an incident that triggered widespread public outcry in the state. Five third-year students who targeted first-year nursing students have been arrested. In similar cases, a government college student in Kerala made allegations of brutal ragging, and an Indore medical college student claimed ragging on social media. Follow us for the latest education news on colleges and universities, admission, courses, exams, research, education policies, study abroad and more..

 To get in touch, write to us at news@careers360.com.

Madras HC upholds attendance requirement, denies exam plea

Madras HC upholds attendance requirement, denies exam plea

It further noted that even if 10% attendance is provided through condonation, the petitioner would have 67%, which is still 8% short of the requirement.

Express News Service

Updated on:

20 Feb 2025, 9:35 am

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has refused to order a private educational institution to allow an undergraduate student with low attendance rate to attend examinations, stating such a relief would amount to mocking other students who regularly attended classes.

The student, who was studying BCom (second year) at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, moved the HC praying for a direction to allow him to take the examinations and also attend classes in the 2024-2025 academic year. A single judge had dismissed his petition. Later, he filed an appeal.

Dismissing his appeal petition recently, a division bench of Justices R Subramanian and C Kumarappan observed that it has repeatedly been held that in academic matters, the court will not interfere but leaves it to the wisdom of academicians.

As per UGC regulations, a student should have at least 75% attendance to become eligible for writing the examinations, and if a student does not meet the requirement, the only result could be that he cannot appear for examinations, the bench said. It further noted that even if 10% attendance is provided through condonation, the petitioner would have 67%, which is still 8% short of the requirement.

Concurring with the counsel for the university, the bench said, “If this court chooses to sympathise with such students, it will only be misplaced sympathy and it would amount to mocking the students who attended classes regularly.”

Saying that the bench does not find any infirmity in the single judge’s order, it dismissed the petition. However, it said if the student is willing to re-do the course by paying the required fee, the university has to take him back on its rolls.

SWAYAM courses suffer high attrition and low completion rates

SWAYAM courses suffer high attrition and low completion rates

 Lack of investments in digital infrastructure, tough exit exams and long classroom sessions with no guaranteed immediate benefit to the learner could be the key reasons 

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 17.02.2025

Less than 4% of students enrolled for SWAYAM courses have completed the programme since 2017, revealed a parliamentary panel committee report released recently. With complaints including outdated content, inflexible teaching, and poor infrastructure being cited as key reasons, questions are being raised about the efficacy of the courses to upskill learners from class IX to the postgraduate level. Experts claim that the large number of dropouts and the low completion rates are due to the lack of investments in digital infrastructure, tough exit exams and boring classroom sessions that make tech intervention a dire necessity. What the courses entail All the courses are interactive and available free of cost, though general citizens wanting a SWAYAM certificate must register for the final proctored exams for a fee and attend in person at designated centres on specified dates. 

Eligibility for the certificate is announced on the course page, and learners will get certificates only if their criteria match. “However, post the UGC’s new framework for SWAYAM courses in August last year enabling universities to conduct exams for SWAYAM courses, students will now take exams at their universities without any cost. Once the students clear the exam, the credits of the courses can be used in their university programme. Should the students fail, a supplementary exam will be conducted by the university at no cost to the learners,” BJ Rao, vice-chancellor, University of Hyderabad, says. 

With the two key deterrents of certificate fee payment and absence of supplementary ex ams being ironed out, students are more likely to complete the courses, reaping the benefits of a flexible learning system. But then, not every academic is convinced. “Unlike in the IITs where the barrier is a tough entrance exam (JEE Advanced), in SWAYAM courses–90% of which are developed by IIT faculty–the challenge lies at the exit level where learners’ ability to grasp topics is tested through proctored exams which act as quality filters. Even though tens of thousands of learners may enrol for these courses, not many want to complete it, simply because they aim to gain knowledge and not necessarily to collect certificates, which is often the case with working professionals,” says V Ram Gopal Rao, vicechancellor, BITS Pilani Group and former director, IIT Delhi. 

According to the parliamentary committee report, teachers who are engaged in imparting lessons report inadequate training, low compensation, and technical issues while recording Swayam lectures. There is an urgent need to make the classes more interesting and prevent high dropout rates, adds Rao. “Leaners constantly complain about monotonous classes where PowerPoint presentations by professors may not help retain students’ interest. This makes the need for tech interventions involving 3D animations, AR/VR platforms all the more relevant, to clarify concepts and improve content delivery,” he says. Mapping recruiters with students The parliamentary commit tee further observed that digital initiatives in education would only provide a lukewarm response in terms of engagement unless the Union education ministry proactively helped learners with placement opportunities wherever possible or set up a platform associated with SWAYAM for connecting recruiters to students. 

With rapid development in technology and AI tools to prepare students for mock interviews and personality training, the idea of a platform to map recruiters with students can be achieved, says Rao. Dealing with the divide Linking the courses with job prospects is not a suitable idea as every course cannot be mapped to a job since pla cement is an integrated outcome of the learning and skilling of the student, says BJ Rao. Increasing internet penetration in the country will ensure better inclusivity and continuity of learning in the rural belt, he adds. PV Navaneethakrishnan, former professor and director of Entrance Exams and Admission, Anna University, Chennai, counters, “The low percentages of SC/ST (4%) and OBC (7%) students having internet-enabled computers according to Oxfam India 2022, and as pointed out by the parliamentary panel, is indicative that the digital divide still exists. Along with this, the urbanrural divide also contributes to the attrition among SWAYAM learners. Since the online

scheme is not familiar or easily accessible to the underprivileged, the system should include periodical offline classes and tutorials with subject experts at convenient locations. This will inculcate in them a sense of belonging and induce confidence in the usefulness of the pursuit. Admissions based on a formal aptitude test will also help reduce the dropout rate.” It is important to reconcile with the fact that not all registrants are serious about completing the courses, particularly since the programmes are free, cost nothing on dropping out, often long and with no guaranteed immediate benefit. “For many, the initial enthusiasm may wear out with the increasing stress of studies as the course progresses. This is an inherent drawback of many online courses, and not just SWAYAM,” Navaneethakrishnan adds

5-yr bar on PhD admissions at Raj univ; ‘high enrolment’ complaints

5-yr bar on PhD admissions at Raj univ; ‘high enrolment’ complaints

Yogita.Rao@timesofindia.com 15.02.2025

Mumbai : A university in Rajasthan, popular among Mumbai college teachers for securing PhDs, has been debarred by the University Grants Commission (UGC) from enrolling students in their PhD programmes for the next five years, starting 2025-26. Shri Jagdish prasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University (JJTU) has also been asked to discontinue enrolling PhD students immediately. The private university from Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu is governed by laws of the Rajasthan state govt and was founded by Mumbai-based Shri Rajasthani Seva Sangh in 2009. 

The trust, which runs schools and colleges in Andheri, plans to appeal. One of the complaints against the university is they “awarded an unusually high number of PhDs during the period from 2016 to 2020”. The university awarded 1,830 PhD degrees in this period and 408 in 20-20. Another complaint alleged it appoints outside faculty as PhD guides. Teachers said several of its PhD guides earlier were from Mumbai colleges. 

The debarment notice came two days ago following the recommendation of UGC’s standing committee, which found that JJTU did not follow provisions of the commission’s PhD regulations. The university was given an opportunity to explain why it failed to comply with provisions of the UGC PhD regulations; however, the responses received from JJTU were not found satisfactory’. The  committee constituted to monitor whether universities are following the procedure and awarding PhD regulations is also to suggest corrective measures and recommend action to be taken against erring universities. A trustee, though, said there is always misconception about private universities. 

“The UGC has never capped the total number of students who enrol in PhD programmes; what it mentions is the research scholar per guide ratio, which is four for assistant professor, six for associate professor, and eight for professor. JJTU has been adhering to this norm. The only oversight on our part is that we did not submit the Rajasthan govt-appointed committee’s report from 2023 in the submissions to the UGC. The committee was given the list of guides from outside the university along with the in-house ones, and they raised no objection to the appointment of outside faculty,” said the trustee, adding they would submit the committee’s report and appeal to the UGC to reconsider the ban in the coming week. 

The Rajasthan govt set up the committee in 2023 after receiving complaints against the university for appointing higher numbers of PhD guides from outside the university, which was against UGC norms. The committee closed the complaints after an inquiry. JJTU is sought by aspiring college teachers and even those seeking promotions or better placement. 

A senior teacher said the university rose to popularity as there is higher demand from aspirants in Mumbai colleges. “Earlier, Mumbai University’s selection process and approvals from the research and recognition committees (RRC) used to take a longer time, and there were fewer guides for commerce subjects, and JJTU was seen as an easier alternative,” said the teacher, adding the university claims to follow all UGC norms. PhDs from JJTU, on some occasions, were not considered for Maharashtra’s career advancement schemes, said a Mumbai University official.

VTU directs colleges to refund students’ fees

VTU directs colleges to refund students’ fees 

SruthySusan.Ullas@timesofindia.com 15.02.2025

Bengaluru : Following complaints about refund of fees to students in case of withdrawal of admissions, Visvesvaraya Technological University warned of action if colleges do not follow the directions of apex bodies on this matter. In a circular dated Feb 11, the university said it received many petitions and requests regarding refund of fees to students in case of withdrawal or cancellation of admissions.

 “The university had advised/instructed colleges to follow the norms of apex bodies. Despite that, the university is receiving such complaints. Hence, once again, it is hereby informed to heads of institutions to follow the directions of UGC, AICTE and VTU in this regard, failing which the university will be forced to initiate action against the college and will also report to AICTE, UGC and the state govt,” said the circular. As per UGC regulations for 2024-25, full refund of fees should be made in case of cancellation of admissions/migrations of students up to Sept 30, 2024, and with a deduction of not more than Rs 1,000 as processing fee up to Oct 31, 2024. For any admission schedule extending this date, the rules will be as follows: Students will get 100% if cancellation is 15 days or more before the formally notified last date of admission; students should get 90% for withdrawing less than 15 days before notified last date of admission; 80% for 15 days or less after last date of admission; 50% for 30 days or less, but mo re than 15 days after last date of admission, and no refund if cancellation is more than 30 days after formally notified last date of admission. “Students often struggle to get refund from colleges.

Not only do colleges not refund, but they also threaten to not return the original certificates. Some of them go to the extent of asking for full course fees,” said Mithesh Kumar Moodukonaje, founder of National Pre-University Students,  Parents and Teachers Association. “Students can email their complaint to UGC fee samadhan portal along with fees paid receipt, admission cancellation intimation, etc., marking the email ID of the college too,” he said

GU lost A++ NAAC grade due to 515 vacant positions

GU lost A++ NAAC grade due to 515 vacant positions 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 12.02.2025

Ahmedabad : Gujarat University could not score A++ in the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluation due to over 500 vacant teaching and administrative positions. The NAAC committee, in its recently released report, highlighted several key shortcomings affecting the university’s performance, including faculty shortages, infrastructure gaps and delays in recruitment. The university has begun preparations to address these issues. A NAAC team which had recently inspected the varsity has currently given it an A+ grade. Before that, GU had been rated B. One of the major concerns was the large number of unfilled positions. Currently, 103 teaching and 412 administrative posts remain vacant, totalling 515 vacancies. This figure is nearly equal to the number of occupied positions. 

Although a recruitment process was initiated in 2022, it was halted before the interview stage. The process has not resumed due to factors such as the new vice-chancellor’s appointment, the implementation of the Gujarat Public Universities Act, and changes in education policy. The NAAC team noted that GU’s inability to fill these positions was a key reason why it lost top accreditation grade. Additionally, the team emphasised the need for an inclusive learning system for differently abled students, development of a well-equipped sports complex and improved hostel facilities. The report also stressed the importance of attracting more international students and establishing transportation within the campus.

The report further highlighted uncertainty regarding grants, as GU is awaiting a Rs 100 crore grant for infrastructure and academic improvements. The team also pointed out the need for upgrading laboratories and digitising department records. Addressing the concerns, VC Neerja Gupta said, “Immediate steps are being taken to introduce a transport system for students, and if the recruitment process faces further delays, we will bring in professors on deputation.