SC: Pension cut only for tenure of statutory post

SC: Pension cut only for tenure of statutory post 

11.11.2026 TIMES CHENNAI

By an order of Dec 19, 2006, the finance controller, Uttarakhand PSC, fixed Lt Gen Bhandari’s salary as chairman of Uttarakhand PSC after deducting 17,627, the amount of pension drawn by him. He challenged the deduction before the HC saying the pension was for the service he rendered as an Army officer and had no connection with the role he was assigned as PSC chairman and hence the pension amount could not be deducted from his salary. 

The HC agreed with him in 2010, forcing Uttarakhand to challenge it before SC. After more than 15 years, SC decided the appeal, ruling that Regulation 7(2) had striking similarities with a similar ‘pay minus pension’ principle enshrined in a provision in UPSC Regulations in case of re-engagement of retired public servants in constitutional posts. 

The bench said deduction of the pension amount from the salary was only for the tenure of the constitutional post to which the retired govt servant was appointed and would revive after he demitted the post. Writing the judgment, Justice Anjaria said, “If the cases of the original petitioners were to be accepted and the salary could be determined by adding the pension receivable by them at the time of their retirement from the previous government service, it would have led to absurd consequences.

 “The total amount in such eventuality would exceed the actual salary payable for the post and perhaps would become more than the salary of the highest post. Therefore, by no stretch of logic it could have been contended that in the amount of salary, the pension portion was liable to be added.”

Return documents of student who quit MD course: HC to BMHRC

Return documents of student who quit MD course: HC to BMHRC

Ashutosh.Shukla@timesofindia.com TIMES BHOPAL 10.11.2026

Bhopal/Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh high court has directed Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC), administered by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), to return the original educational documents of a former MD (microbiology) student who quit the course midway. 

The hospital had withheld her marksheets and other papers, demanding a penalty of Rs 25 lakh under a bond signed at the time of admission. A division bench of Chief Justice Alpesh Y Kogje and Justice Pramod Agrawal passed the interim order on Friday on Dr Priyanka Yadav’s petition, subject to its final outcome. 

Yadav, admitted under the OBC quota in 2024-25, alleged excessive work pressure and additional assignments caused symptoms of depression, prompting her to leave. She said she had contemplated suicide on several occasions. Senior counsel Aditya Sanghi said she needed her marksheets, caste certificate and other documents to appear for NEET-PG again, but BMHRC demanded payment before releasing them. 

Citing an earlier high court ruling, Sanghi argued that educational documents were personal assets and could not be withheld. He said Yadav could not afford the penalty and withholding her documents could jeopardise her career. The bench directed the hospital to return the documents pending its final decision.

NMC adds 9,783 PG medical seats; total rises to 68,305

NMC adds 9,783 PG medical seats; total rises to 68,305 

07.11.2026  TIMES BENGALURU

New Delhi: India’s postgraduate medical education system is set for a major expansion, with 9,783 seats being added for the 2026-27 academic year. The increase takes the total approved postgraduate (PG) intake to 68,305, up from 58,522, with govt medical colleges accounting for the largest share of the new seats, reports Anuja Jaiswal. 

Of the additional seats, 4,373 have been added in govt medical colleges, 4,148 in private colleges and 1,262 in deemed universities, Dr M K Ramesh, president of the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) medical assessment and rating board (MARB), told TOI. PG medical seats are spread across several states, with five accounting for a little over half of the national intake. Karnataka has the highest number, with 8,998 approved seats for 2026- 27, followed by Maharashtra with 7,682. Uttar Pradesh has 6,983 seats, Tamil Nadu 6,819 and Telangana 4,417. Together, these five states account for 34,899 seats, or around 51% of the total approved PG broad speciality intake of 68,305.

Explaining the increase, Ramesh said a change in the rules has allowed medical colleges to apply for postgraduate courses much earlier than before. Earlier, colleges could apply to start PG courses only after four-and-a-half years of establishment, when their first MBBS batch had passed out. Under the revised process, they can apply from the second year itself. He also pointed to the sharp rise in the number of medical colleges over the past decade, saying more institutions are now applying to start postgraduate courses. “I have given more to govt colleges,” he said, referring to the larger addition in govt institutions.

UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION 29.10.2026

 

Gen med tops NEET-PG choices among first 100

Gen med tops NEET-PG choices among first 100 

28.10.2026 TIMES AHAMEDABAD 

New Delhi: General medicine accounted for more allotments than radiodiagnosis among top entries in the first round of NEET-PG 2026 counselling, highlighting the competing career attractions of the two sought-after PG specialties, reports Anuja Jaiswal. 

An analysis of Medical Counselling Committee’s Round 1 allotment list shows 51 allotments in general medicine as against 28 in radiodiagnosis among the first 100 entries. 

Dermatology was a distant third with six allotments, while paediatrics and general surgery had three each. Doctors say the choices reflect different career priorities. Radiology attracts candidates because of its good work-life balance

Anna univ grants 1-yr extension to students with pending courses

Anna univ grants 1-yr extension to students with pending courses 

21.10.2026

Chennai: Anna University has granted one-year permission to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students who have exceeded the maximum period of study but could not complete prescribed additional courses due to changes in academic regulations. 

According to Anna University’s academic regulations, students must complete BE and BTech courses within seven years and ME and MTech courses within four years. The decision, approved at the university’s Academic Council, will allow students to complete pending courses during the academic year 2026-27. The provision applies to students enrolled under various regulations in the university’s UG and PG degree programmes, a university circular said. The permission covers students of Anna University departments, affiliated institutions and the Centre for Distance and Online Education. TNN

NEP 2020: Students voice syllabi dilution, exam issues

NEP 2020: Students voice syllabi dilution, exam issues

Hemali.Chhapia@timesofindia.com 04.10.2026

Mumbai: Inadequate hours for mandatory training, withheld completion certificates and hurdles in transferring academic credits are among the concerns students have raised about the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, questioning whether its promise of flexibility is translating into practice. 

The Bombay University College Teachers’ Union (BUCTU) compiled the feedback after interactive sessions at 10 diverse colleges affiliated to Mumbai University. The students flagged diluted syllabi, a growing load of ancillary subjects and examination pressures, alongside difficulties changing colleges, disciplines or major subjects. 

Students undergoing mandatory on-the-job training (OJT) said the duration offered by employers was often insufficient to complete the prescribed hours. Some received “no stipend”, while others alleged that companies withheld completion certificates if they “failed to meet marketing targets”. “Students have further questioned the arrangement of mandatory OJT, arguing that if it is compulsory, universities and colleges should take greater responsibility for facilitating placements and ensuring that students receive the required hours and certification,” said BUCTU’s Madhu Paranjpe. 

Students unable to fulfil the prescribed OJT hours could fail and have to appear for ATKT examinations, she added. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), intended to support flexible learning, has also “fallen short of students’ expectations,” said BUCTU’s Tapati Mukhopadhyay. Students, she added, complained that entry, exit and movement between disciplines or colleges remained almost impossible. Students also said topics in major subjects had been reduced compared with earlier syllabi, while fieldwork and practical hours had been curtailed. They feared this could undermine preparation for competitive examinations and employment. 

Of the 22 credits in a semester, as many as 12 were reportedly assigned to ancillary verticals. “Students said the emphasis on these subjects diverted attention from their core disciplines,” said Mukhopadhyay. The fourth year of the honours programme was unavailable in many colleges, students said. Those not planning postgraduate study consequently had fewer options to secure an honours degree. Moving elsewhere for the fourth year was also difficult because colleges had different structures and limited seats. 

Moreover, multiple internal and external examinations added to the pressure. Students reported errors on the Samarth portal, including being incorrectly marked absent or declared failed, with corrections sometimes delayed. Some examinations lasted only 20 to 30 minutes, prompting concerns about whether students had enough time to attempt their papers adequately.

Back in demand, BDS colleges up mgmt quota fee

Back in demand, BDS colleges up mgmt quota fee

04.10.2026

Sruthysusan.Ullas@timesofindia.com 

Bengaluru: After a few years of slump, BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) has come back as one of the popular choices among students, leading to a hike in management quota fees by colleges across Karnataka. While last year there were no vacant seats, colleges are hoping the trend will remain the same this year. The third round of counselling is underway. 

For instance, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences rebounded strongly from Rs 6.5 lakh to over Rs 10 lakh per year, making it the highest fee in the state. Oxford Dental College also hiked its fee by Rs 3 lakh (from Rs 5.6 lakh to Rs 8.6 lakh). Raja Rajeshwari Dental College increased it by Rs 2 lakh (from Rs 4.6 lakh to Rs 6.6 lakh). Dr Girish B Giraddi, director-cum-dean of Govt Dental College & Research Institute, Bengaluru, said:

 “After a slump for 5-6 years, BDS is now popular again. Options for MBBS in many foreign countries like Ukraine, Russia have come down. Since they are not able to go there, students are also opting for BDS here. Moreover, Gen Z believes in work-life balance. They don’t want night duty and additional work. The counselling process has also improved and made choosing BDS much easier.” 

More students are writing National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and are becoming eligible for admissions. “There are also only two slabs of intake now – either 50 or 100. Many colleges with seats between 50 and 100 reduced them back to 50, thus bringing down seats. All these have helped colleges to fill all their seats,” said SNVL Narasimharaju, chairman, Oxford Dental College. 

“Both medical and engineering streams seem to be under a lot of stress right now. After years of slump, demand for dental course is back. Some colleges may have increased the fee this year. But if you look at 10-year statistics, the hike has been minimal. For the amount of investment required in dentistry and the inflation, it really does not matter,” said MR Jayaram, honorary secretary, Karnataka private medical & dental colleges association.

LU allows girls to supervise mess operations

LU allows girls to supervise mess operations 

02.10.2026

Lucknow: Following a strong protest over the quality of food served at Kailash Hostel, the Lucknow University administration has decided to allow girl students to directly monitor food preparation in the hostel mess. 

Residents of the hostel will also be allowed to prepare an inclusive menu schedule for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The decision was taken on the directions of vice-chancellor Prof JP Saini, who conducted a surprise inspection of the hostel on Thursday morning. The inspection followed a demonstration by students on Wednesday against the alleged serving of contaminated food, which reportedly led to food poisoning among five residents. 

Earlier in the day, the university had decided to shut the hostel mess after students staged an overnight protest over the issue. However, the order was later withdrawn following a request from the students. According to the university, the new arrangement is aimed at improving food quality, hygiene and transparency by giving students direct participation in the functioning of the mess. LU spokesperson Mukul Srivastava said: “The VC interacted with students, reviewed the facilities available to them and issued instructions for immediate improvements, The administration will follow up on these directions” Times News Network

Chief accountant’s appointment at GU raises questions

Chief accountant’s appointment at GU raises questions 

30.09.2026

Ahmedabad: Amid ongoing debate over appointments to key administrative posts by Gujarat University’s former vice-chancellor, a fresh controversy appears to be brewing over the new chief accountant. Sources said the current VC in charge has given the post to a woman officer from Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC). The move has raised questions as the officer is reportedly not a permanent employee of GU and was appointed under a UGC scheme on a five-year contract. 

The controversy comes after GU recently removed its former chief accountant amid concerns of poor financial administration. The previous vice-chancellor had reportedly entrusted GU’s accounts department, which handles transactions involving crores of rupees, to a retired ONGC official, inviting criticism. 

Sources said the latest arrangement too has drawn flak as GU has four assistant registrars and three deputy registrars, all of whom are part of the administrative structure. Questions are therefore being raised over why the responsibility was assigned to an officer from an external department. This, they say, could kick up a new controversy amid the ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities in GU.

Jamia’s first PG dental surgery batch asked to sign nostrike undertaking

Jamia’s first PG dental surgery batch asked to sign nostrike undertaking

27.09.2026

Sugandha.Jha1@timesofindia.com 

New Delhi: Candidates allotted seats in Jamia Millia Islamia’s first batch of Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) this year are being asked to sign an undertaking that prohibits them from participating in or associating themselves with any strike or activity deemed “prejudicial to the interests, discipline, peace and functioning” of the university. The undertaking, which is part of the documents required for completing admission formalities, comes alongside a Rs 10-lakh bond that MDS students are required to furnish if they leave the course midway. 

The bond requires the student and the surety to pay Rs 10 lakh, with 15% interest till realisation, if the student withdraws from the course “for any reason whatsoever”. Jamia, however, said the undertaking “will have no bearing” on admission. The university said MDS seats were being allotted through counselling by Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) on the basis of NEET-MDS merit and the undertaking was merely an admission formality. 

“In case someone does not sign the undertaking, it does not mean that admission will not be granted as seats are allotted by MCC,” chief public relations officer Saima Saeed told TOI. The bond, Saeed said, is intended to compensate for the public investment in infrastructure, faculty, manpower and clinical resources and the loss of a PG seat once the programme has commenced. It is intended to ensure that scarce MDS seats are utilised responsibly, she added. 

However, Jamia’s newly framed ordinance for the course, approved by its executive council in June, says admissions will be in accordance with the rules prescribed by National Dental Commission (NDC) and the university. The undertaking and bond are among the documents prescribed by the ordinance, but NDC doesn’t ask for them. Explaining the no-strike clause, Saeed said it was intended to maintain academic discipline in the demanding postgraduate programme. 

“As these are rigorous courses, attendance is a major requirement and indulging in protest, etc., can impact that. That clause is there to ensure general discipline and maintain a cordial and healthy environment,” she said.

Jamia claimed that no other course had a no-strike clause. Its Bachelor of Dental Surgery students, however, are required to furnish a Rs 3-lakh discontinuation bond. Such bonds are also introduced by several other institutions. Maulana Azad Dental College has a Rs 10-lakh bond, while Aligarh Muslim University and Banaras Hindu University have bonds of Rs 8 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively. 

The PG programme is a sought-after choice among candidates appearing for the highly competitive NEET-MDS examination, Jamia said.

Govt seeks 250 crore from VTU

 Govt seeks 250 crore from VTU

25.09.2026

Bengaluru: Karnataka govt reportedly sought Rs 250 crore from Visvesvaraya Technological University, after the institution got back Rs 700 crore from income tax department.

VTU recently recovered more than Rs 700 crore of its corpus fund that had been seized over “tax dues”. The university’s accounts were frozen in 2012-13 after I-T department raised a demand of Rs 250 crore, claiming VTU hadn’t secured exemption under Section 12(A) of Income Tax Act, which allows certain institutions and non-governmental organisations to claim full exemption from income tax.

When the accounts were seized, VTU had about Rs 450 crore accumulated as corpus, built up through examination fees, those collected from affiliated colleges and annual reimbursements from Karnataka Examinations Authority. Along with another Rs 250 crore belonging to the university, it had more than Rs 700 crore.

The govt is learnt to have sought Rs 250 crore from this fund. “The issue was discussed at the executive council meeting and govt letter was read out. The council decided not to part with the money. It belongs to students, who took admission in affiliated colleges. It should be used for their benefit; govt has no right to it,” said a source.

However, vice-chancellor S Vidyashankar said he hasn’t received any such letter. “If we receive any letter from govt, we will discuss at the executive council and take a decision,” said the VC.

Last year, govt sought funds from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences — Rs 600 crore from its Rs 1,400-crore corpus. tnn

11 varsities to get interim VCs: Edu min

11 varsities to get interim VCs: Edu min 

V.Srivatsal@timesofindia.com 24.09.2026

Trichy: Universities under the higher education department without vice-chancellors (VCs) would soon have in-charges as an interim arrangement, higher education minister P Viswanathan said on Wednesday. He said the present govt, unlike the previous DMK govt, would adopt a “nonconfrontational” approach with governor to find a permanent solution. The minister’s statement comes after a similar arrangement recently put in place at Alagappa University in Karaikudi and Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli. 

The arrangement, according to the minister, will now be extended to the other 11 universities. Speaking to reporters in Trichy after a consultation meeting with staff and students at Bharathidasan University, Viswanathan said that then Governor R N Ravi had insisted on inclusion of a UGC nominee in the VC search panels, which became a bone of contention between DMK govt and governor. Towards the end, DMK govt also initiated interview processes to appoint VCs to Bharathidasan, Bharathiar and Periyar universities. However, the matter got stalled in court.

While one group seeks accountability, another is rallying around IIT-B prof

While one group seeks accountability, another is rallying around IIT-B prof 

22.09.2026

Yogita Singh & Hemali Chhapiatnn 

Mumbai: Opinion within IIT-Bombay is sharply divided on the death of by suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode on Sept 18, mirroring the debate outside its gates and on social media. “Among many of us in engineering, the feeling is that the institute authorities have largely done what they were required to do,” said a second-year student from hostel 4. “We also feel the director has handled the situation well. He heard students out and helped calm the anxiety on campus.” 

The student said the mood was different among sections of the humanities students, where demands for the director’s resignation have been far more vocal. Others cautioned against reading the protests as representative of the entire campus. “IIT-B has close to 14,000 students. Those protesting are a relatively small number compared to the total student population,” said a student. 

Those divisions are also playing out online. One section has sought accountability over allegations of caste discrimination and questioned whether institutional processes adequately protect students at moments of extreme distress. Another has rallied around professor Suryanarayana Doolla who was the invigilator at the exam where Wakode was allegedly found with a phone, arguing that faculty cannot be publicly pronounced guilty for enforcing exam rules before an inquiry establishes the facts.

Faculty voices have attempted to separate the two issues. Academic misconduct, they argued, must be dealt with firmly, but disciplinary systems must simultaneously have safeguards, counselling and sensitivity built into them. The inquiry will now have to establish what transpired before Wakode’s death, whether institutional procedures were followed, and where accountability, if any, lies — in a campus where grief and anger have produced sharply competing versions of the same events. During the initial stage of the investigation, the crime branch will collect all documents and case-related paperwork from Powai police, where the FIR was initially registered. The team will examine the case records and subsequently record statements of various people.

Wakode’s family in Yavatmal sought a CID investigation into the death, alleging foul play. IIT-B said it will constitute an independent inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the death. “We apologise for the statements contained in our earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding the demise of Sahil... The details and circumstances leading up to the incident remain subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities,” it said. Students have alleged that due procedure was not followed after Wakode was found with a phone, with some also alleging that he was threatened with suspension. In its first statement, issued on Friday, IIT-B had maintained that “no disciplinary action was initiated against the student”. 

Institute sources said Monday’s decisions were taken at a meeting of the board of governors. An open house, which had first been scheduled and then cancelled, was held in the evening, where students again raised their demands. Wakode’s family has filed an FIR against Doolla and “other institute officials”, accusing them of abetment and harassment over the past three months. Protesting students had demanded an apology for what they described as the “defaming” of Wakode, besides an independent inquiry committee with student representatives and external members recommended by them. No decision has yet been taken on the composition of the committee. With Doolla’s suspension among their foremost demands, a section of students said the protests will continue. The Wakode family’s lawyer, Nikhil Kamble, said they were seeking police permission to stage a hunger strike on campus.

BU paid 2L for Minto Hall, rented out own auditorium for 25k

BU paid 2L for Minto Hall, rented out own auditorium for 25k

Ramendra.Singh@timesofindia.com  22.09.2026

Bhopal: A day after TOI reported how a half-cup tea at Barkatullah University went for a princely Rs 450 and a 1-km ride to the campus cost Rs 3,000, more disturbing details tumbled out from its 2022-23 convocation event, raising further questions over alleged fiscal mismanagement. It now turns out that the varsity hosted its annual convocation at an external venue, Minto Hall, paying Rs 2 lakh as rental fee, despite having its own auditorium on campus. 

The varsity’s own auditorium was, instead, rented out to the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MPCST) for just 25,000, raising questions about the logic and costeffectiveness of the venue decision. The decision has drawn criticism from students, who have questioned why an outside venue was selected for the convocation.

The disclosures are gaining traction, inviting scrutiny of the varsity’s financial administration as it prepares to host the Bhopal Science Fair, organised by MPCST, from Sept 22. As the controversy unfolds, BU has decided to constitute a probe committee to examine the damning finds from the 2022-23 convocation event. The registrar, SB Singh, said the panel would look into the revelations around the convocation. 

Students have alleged that the contrasting rental amounts raise questions about the financial prudence and transparency of the university’s decision-making process, demanding an independent probe to determine if the expenses were justified. “This raises serious questions about the logic behind the decision,” a student said. Another said, “If the auditorium was available, the university should explain why it wasn’t used for its own convocation. The rental agreements and expenditure details must be made public.” 

Masters in physiotherapy & occupational therapy not general degrees: UGC

Masters in physiotherapy & occupational therapy not general degrees: UGC 

20.09.2026

Chennai: University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that MPT (Master of Physiotherapy) and MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) degrees should not be awarded as general degrees. 

“Based on a communication from National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), the degrees MPT and MOT shall be awarded with the respective specialisations and not as generalised ones. However, for admissions made prior to the academic year 2026-27, the degrees may be awarded in accordance with the earlier UGC notification,” said the notification issued by UGC secretary Shyama Rath on Sept 16 . 

The list of specialisations for MOT includes rehabilitation, mental health, geriatrics, hand and oncological sciences, while the specialisations for MPT includes neurosciences, cardiopulmonary sciences and sports sciences. It also includes new specified degrees such as bachelor of medical laboratory science, bachelor of emergency medical technologist (paramedics), master of advance care paramedics, bachelor of anaesthesia and operation theatre technology, bachelor of psychology, and master of medical social work. Times News Network

T.N. to get six new nursing colleges, more seats in allied healthcare courses

T.N. to get six new nursing colleges, more seats in allied healthcare courses

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI. 19.09.2026

Six new government nursing colleges, with 100 B.Sc. Nursing seats each, will be established at the Government Medical College, Tirunelveli; K.A.P. Viswanathan Government Medical College, Tiruchi; Government Medical College, Dharmapuri; Vellore Government Medical College; Government Medical College, Tiruvannamalai; and Government Medical College, Namakkal, an official release said on Friday.

The entire expenditure of ₹270.26 crore for the six colleges will be met from the funds of the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University. The construction of academic buildings and hostels is in progress.

Admissions soon

Admissions to all 600 seats will be taken up during the current academic year, a press release said. The existing space available at the respective colleges will be used to conduct classes.

In addition to these, a new government nursing college will be established at the Coimbatore Government Medical College and ESI Hospital with 60 B.Sc. Nursing seats.

No new government nursing college was established in the State after 2014. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had announced in the Assembly that additional seats will be created in nursing, pharmacy and allied healthcare courses at a cost of ₹351 crore.

In February this year, then Health Minister Ma. Subramanian had announced that six new government nursing colleges would be set up.

A total of 1,925 additional seats are being created in the existing government nursing colleges and nursing schools. These include 1,290 seats in Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery, 440 seats in B.Sc. Nursing, and 75 seats in the M.Sc Nursing course.

In allied and healthcare courses, 2,778 additional seats are being created from this academic year. Nine new courses, including Bachelor of Physician Associates, Prosthetics and Orthotics, as well as Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, will have a total intake of 1,132 candidates. In addition, 735 seats are being created in pharmacy courses, the release said.

NEET-SS cut-off down; 40 seats returned to TN

NEET-SS cut-off down; 40 seats returned to TN 

19.09.2026

Chennai: A day after the Centre told the Supreme Court it had reduced the qualifying percentile for NEET-SS from 50 to 30, the TN Medical Officers’Association (TNMOA) said its sustained legal battle helped secure the return of 40 vacant super-speciality seats to the state for govt doctors. 

The Centre told the court that 1,857 super-speciality seats remained vacant across the country after the second round of counselling. This included 40 seats in TN. Candidates who become eligible after the percentile reduction will be allowed to participate in the special stray vacancy round. 

Earlier, TN had surrendered 152 vacant in-service super-speciality seats to the all-India pool following a Supreme Court order. “TNMOA filed a writ petition seeking protection of the interests of in-service doctors,” said general secretary Dr M Akilan. The association said the govt must create posts and offer incentives for super-speciality courses that do not attract enough candidates. TNN

Can MBBS student be given one grace mark? HC to medical univ chancellor

Can MBBS student be given one grace mark? HC to medical univ chancellor

14.09.2026

Bhopal/Jabalpur: MP high court has asked the chancellor of state-run MP Medical Science University based in Jabalpur to apprise the court whether he has an extraordinary power to grant one grace mark to a student according to the statute of the university. 

The student of the varsity-affiliated Gajra Raja Medical College in Gwalior had requested the court to intervene and help him get one grace mark in the MBBS first year exam so that he doesn’t have to lose a year. On Sept 8, the division bench of Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice A K Singh asked additional advocate general Jahanvi Pandit to find out from the chancellor of the MP Medical Science University as to whether there is any provision for granting one grace mark to the petitioner “to save a year of an otherwise bright medical student“. 

The petitioner, Ramnaresh Kushwah, contended that he failed the first year MBBS exam by just one mark. He is regularly attending the second-year classes but may not be allowed to appear in the exam because of a deficiency of one mark in the first-year exam. He said the chancellor of the university has an extraordinary jurisdiction under clause 32 of the Madhya Pradesh Universities Common Ordinance No 6 to grant grace marks in cases of such extraordinary hardships. The court has placed the case among 10 top cases for hearing on Sept 15

Changes in varsities Act opposed

Changes in varsities Act opposed

The Hindu Bureau

MADURAI 13.09.2026

The members of the Madurai Kamaraj, Manonmaniam Sundaranar, Mother Teresa, Alagappa, Tamil Nadu Teachers’ Education and Anna University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) have objected to the recent amendments to Tamil Nadu Private Universities Act, 2026, passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly recently.

Under the original Tamil Nadu Private Universities Act enacted in 2019, institutions were required to possess a minimum of 100 acres of land and maintain a permanent fixed deposit endowment of ₹50 crore.

According to A.T. Senthamarai Kannan, general secretary of MUTA, the State government has successfully passed the amendment in the Assembly following an earlier ordinance in October 2025 that met with an intense public backlash.

The revised legislation significantly lowers these entry barriers.

“The minimum land requirement is now slashed to 12 acres within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits, 18 acres in other corporations and municipalities, and 25 acres in rural areas. Additionally, the mandatory permanent endowment fund has been halved from ₹50 crore to ₹25 crore,” he added.

He argued that while State-run universities—which uphold social justice and reservation policies while providing affordable education—struggle with chronic underfunding, the government is rolling out the red carpet for private players.

He warned that proliferating private campuses without robust regulatory guardrails could lead to exploitative labour conditions and job market vulnerabilities for graduates.

Mr. Senthamarai Kannan urged the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider the legislative amendment.

MUTA demanded that the State instead focus its resources on strengthening State-funded institutions to safeguard educational equity and the reservation system.