Pressure to perform weighs on medical students, 77% of those surveyed stressed

Pressure to perform weighs on medical students, 77% of those surveyed stressed 

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 07.10.2026

New Delhi: The pressure to perform, fear of poor marks and the worry about not being able to answer teachers weigh heavily on the minds of medical students, 77% of whom have shown moderate to high stress in a New Delhi study. The study comes amid growing regulatory focus on student well-being. 

In Aug, the National Medical Commission (NMC) directed medical colleges to comply with Supreme Court directions on reporting student suicides and unnatural deaths and maintain updated institutional records. Published in the Indian Heart Journal, the study assessed 406 MBBS students across all four years at a govt medical college in New Delhi. 

Of them, 54.43% reported moderate stress and 22.66% high stress. The research involved teams from GB Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Maulana Azad Medical College and IIIT-Delhi. “What was revealing was that more than three-fourths of the students had moderate-to-high stress. Asking a student whether they are stressed is not enough. We need to systematically assess stress and build strategies into medical education to help students deal with it,” said Dr Mohit Gupta, lead author of the study. 

He added that a more inclusive, practical and balanced curriculum, with scope for recreation, could help reduce academic stress. The pressure to do well was the biggest source of stress. Students also reported worrying about not being able to answer teachers’ questions, poor marks and the vast coursework. Many said they felt their efforts were not recognised or that they were not good enough. The findings also echo recommendations of NMC’s national task force on mental health and well-being of medical students, which called for accessible counselling, crisis intervention, mental-health services and greater institutional support. 

“We need to make our students intellectually strong, but we also need to make them emotionally stable. Our education system cannot focus only on academic achievement. We also need to create an environment where students can seek help, manage stress and remain emotionally resilient,” Gupta said. 

Second-year students had the highest proportion of high stress, at 30.11%, though researchers said this could reflect differences between batches. Overall, heart-rate variability (HRV) did not differ significantly between students with mild, moderate and high stress. Final-year students had 29.1% lower RMSSD, an HRV measure, than second-year students after adjustment, but the pattern was inconsistent across years and does not show progressive changes in cardiac autonomic function. 

The researchers said regular monitoring of student stress and structured institutional support are needed, particularly around academic and teaching-learning pressures. They also called for longer-term studies to understand how stress and cardiac autonomic measures change during medical education. The study was conducted between May and Nov 2025 among students aged 18-25 years. As a single-centre, cross-sectional study, it cannot establish causation or represent all medical students in India.

In a record, over 10k women clear JEE(A) 17.8% of qualifiers,

In a record, over 10k women clear JEE(A) 17.8% of qualifiers

Manash.Gohain @timesofindia.com  06.10.2026

New Delhi: Women’s success rate in JEE-Advanced reached a record high in 2026 despite fewer registrations, with over 10,000 qualifying for the first time during this period. Yet their share of IIT seat allotments barely changed, from 20.15% to 20.22%. 

Of the top 100 rankers, 97 were allotted seats at just three IITs — Bombay, Delhi and Madras — with Bombay alone taking 68. This time, a total 18,861 admissions were made in IITs, with 20% being female candidates. Among the top 25 rankers, 8 candidates each took admission in IIT Delhi and IIT Madras, while six toppers took admission in IIT Bombay. 

The Joint Implementation Committee report, prepared by IIT Roorkee, shows sharp gains for SC and ST candidates. Including candidates with disabilities in both years, their qualification rates among registered candidates rose by 9.9 and 8.3 percentage points, respectively, to 50.2% and 42.1%. SC qualifiers increased from 12,528 to 15,856, while the ST count rose from 5,017 to 6,379. Both increases were around 27%, faster than the 4.6% rise in the number of qualifiers, from 54,378 to 56,880

Students get 20L fee shock after counselling allotment at city univ

Students get 20L fee shock after counselling allotment at city univ

Pushpa.Narayan@timesofindia.com 06.10.2026

Chennai: Students allotted govt-quota seats on merit at Sri Venkateswaraa University said they were asked to pay an annual fee of 20 lakh, more than three times the 6.4 lakh fee published before the first round of seat allotment. Admissions to medical colleges in the state — govt-quota seats in govt colleges and all seats in self-financing colleges and state private universities — are conducted by the state selection committee through single-window counselling, based on NEET merit and reservation rules.

Private universities and self-financing colleges surrender 50%-65% of their seats for admission under the govt quota. Under the present structure, annual MBBS tuition, fixed by the fee committee, ranges from about 4.35 lakh to 5.40 lakh for govt-quota seats in self-financing colleges and state private universities. For management-quota seats, annual fees range from 15 lakh to 16.20 lakh. Before the first round of counselling in the second week of Aug, the selection committee listed Sri Venkateswaraa University’s total fee at 6.4 lakh, with an additional 2.25 lakh to 3.35 lakh for students opting for hostel accommodation. 

Students said they locked in their choices based on this amount. However, after students locked in their choices and before the first-round results were announced, the selection committee revised the fee structure to 11.5 lakh, excluding hostel charges. The university subsequently revised the fee twice on its website: to 21.9 lakh on Sept 30 and to 23.9 lakh on Monday. This is yet to be updated on the selection committee portal. 

In an advertisement announcing a uniform fee for govt and management-quota seats, the university said it was authorised, under a Supreme Court order in SLP No. 29551/2026 dated Sept 31, to collect 20 lakh as MBBS tuition from govt and management-quota students and 25 lakh from NRI-quota students for 2026-27, as fixed by its fee committee. 

Students admitted in the first two rounds were asked to pay the additional fee or opt for an upgrade and seek a seat in another college in subsequent rounds. “I joined this college because I could not afford fees in deemed universities. Now, the fee is on a par with them. I do not know if I will get a seat in round 3 or 4,” said a student. 

Several students said they had taken education loans based on the initially displayed fee. Banks had sanctioned loans for that amount and were unwilling to increase the limit after the revision, they said. Student counsellor Manickavel Arumugam said the selection committee must intervene. “It must either tell the college that the order cannot be implemented retrospectively or place students in colleges of their choice before the third round,” he said. He added that the Selection Committee’s webpage carried no mention of the revised fee. State health department officials said they were working with the legal team to move the Supreme Court.

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.

MBBS Overseas: Indian students eyeing medicine in Georgia need to check licensing rules carefully

 MBBS Overseas: Indian students eyeing medicine in Georgia need to check licensing rules carefully

TNNPublished: Sep 29, 2026, 17:59 IST Updated: Sep 30, 2026, 14:08 IST

Indian students planning to study medicine in Georgia need to look beyond the advertised six-year course and check whether they will be legally eligible to practise medicine in Georgia after graduation, a requirement that could determine whether they can eventually register as doctors in India.

Under Clause 4(b) of the National Medical Commission (NMC)’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, a foreign medical graduate must possess licence to practise medicine in the country where the medical degree was obtained, at par with the licence granted to citizens of that country.

Georgia currently has around 21 medical universities where Indian students are pursuing medicine, with an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 Indian students enrolling each year.

"If we look at the six-year medical education cycle, that means roughly 30,000 to 40,000 student enrolments across successive batches. A large part of this cohort has enrolled after the November 2021 FMGL Regulations came into force. If there is uncertainty around the licensing, internship or registration pathway, the medical education and future careers of tens of thousands of Indian students could potentially be affected by non-compliance with the FMGL Regulations, 2021," said an educational consultant.

Documents from the Embassy of India in Yerevan, which also covers Georgia, indicate a distinction between completing the six-year medical programme and obtaining an independent licence to practise medicine. A revised embassy advisory dated September 29, 2022, said graduates of the six-year MD programme could work as ‘junior doctors’ in a supervised, non-independent role. For independent practice, they would need to clear the relevant certification examination and complete residency/postgraduate training.

An April 2024 RTI response from the embassy said postgraduate education in a specialised field is mandatory for obtaining a licence to practise in Armenia and Georgia, with the duration ranging from one to four years. A June 2024 embassy communication further said Georgia grants a licence at par with citizens only after successful completion of a postgraduate programme and knowledge of the Georgian language.

This makes it important for prospective students to distinguish between a medical degree and a licence permitting independent practice.

After the six-year MD, a graduate may have junior-doctor status, while independent practice requires additional examinations and postgraduate training. Depending on the specialisation, the overall pathway could therefore extend substantially beyond the advertised six-year degree.

NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board had, in an August 8, 2023, public notice, advised students to independently verify the duration of the course, medium of instruction, syllabus, clinical training and internship requirements before enrolling in a foreign medical institution.

It also warned that discrepancies could affect eligibility for registration in India.

"Regulation 4(b) requires a medical graduate to have a legal licence to practise medicine independently. Therefore if Georgia requires a graduate to complete postgraduate training or certification before independent practice, then simply becoming a “Junior Doctor” after the 6-year medical degree would not be sufficient to meet the requirement of regulation 4(b)," he added.

A Georgian Embassy notice issued in India in August 2024 described MD graduates as junior doctors authorised to perform their duties under a certified specialist. It claimed that they were fully equivalent to MBBS graduates for that purpose. However, the question under FMGL 4(b) is whether that status amounts to the level of practice and licensing required under the regulation.

The NMC’s response to a CPGRAMS grievance dated September 24, 2026, provides a further indication of the regulatory concern.

It said junior-doctor status would satisfy Clause 4(b) only if it legally permits practice at the required level. If independent practice in Georgia is possible only after postgraduate certification, junior doctor status alone would not satisfy the requirement. The response also said the determination depends on Georgian law and licensing requirements.

Students who joined foreign medical programmes before and after November 18, 2021 may also fall under different regulatory frameworks. Those joining after the FMGL Regulations came into force will be among the cohorts whose eligibility under the newer rules will become increasingly relevant when they seek registration in India.

HC sets 6-month timeframe for disciplinary action against errant state govt employees

HC sets 6-month timeframe for disciplinary action against errant state govt employees

K.Kaushik@timesofindia.com 03.10,2026

Madurai: Reminding Tamil Nadu govt of its stated ‘zero tolerance’ towards corruption, Madras high court has ordered that disciplinary proceedings initiated against errant govt employees should be completed within six months. “If govt servants who are violating the conduct rules and engaging in corrupt practices are dealt with in a prompt manner, then it would send a strong message against corruption and discourage other officers from committing such acts,” said Justice B Pugalendhi. Directing the govt to amend the Tamil Nadu Civil Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules and relevant conduct rules by incorporating GOs and court rulings that permit simultaneous conduct of disciplinary and criminal proceedings against delinquent govt servants, the judge said: 

“By keeping the disciplinary proceedings in abeyance merely because the criminal case is pending, and thereby permitting such delinquent officers to continue in service and receive benefits, the very purpose of the conduct rules would be defeated. Such an approach would have the effect of enabling delinquent officers to avoid or delay the consequences of their misconduct.” The judge said, “When the entry of a person with criminal antecedents into govt service is considered to have a bearing on the purity of administration, the involvement of a serving govt servant in a criminal case cannot be viewed with any lesser seriousness. The continued presence of such a person in service, without timely departmental action, has a direct bearing on the purity, functioning and reputation of the administration.” 

He added, “The court is unable to understand as to how the disciplinary authority can take a call on whether the disciplinary proceedings can be kept in abeyance, when the decisions of the Supreme Court have consistently made it clear that there is no legal bar for simultaneous disciplinary proceedings during the pendency of criminal cases.” The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by govt servants against whom criminal cases were filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, based on traps conducted by DVAC. On being placed under suspension, they filed petitions challenging their suspension orders saying they were under suspension for a prolonged period and that disciplinary inquiry has not been conducted against them.

Parents seek cerebral palsy help too late: Docs

Parents seek cerebral palsy help too late: Docs 

Vivek.Chauhan@timesofindia.com 02.10.2026

Lucknow: Parents often believe cerebral palsy (CP), a condition caused by damage to the developing brain that affects movement and muscle control, is contagious, inherited, caused by parental actions or untreatable. Such misconceptions delay specialist care, experts said on the eve of World CP Day. Prof Vikas Verma, head of Paediatric Orthopaedics at KGMU, said many families seek specialist care only after a child turns four or five, delaying rehabilitation. 

Verma said the department sees 15 to 20 children with CP daily in its outpatient clinic. He said 80% of children requiring rehabilitation should be brought to specialists early, but many arrive late because their families believe little can be done. “In nearly 7 out of 10 cases, children can lead near-normal lives if they receive treatment early,” Verma said. Prof RK Garg, head of Neurology at KGMU, and Verma said CP is a brain injury that affects movement, posture and balance but does not progressively worsen. Verma said the condition is not infectious and cannot spread from one child to another. 

People believe CP always develops due to lack of oxygen during childbirth. “While oxygen deprivation can be a contributing factor, the condition can result from several causes affecting brain development before, during or shortly after birth,” said experts. Another misconception is that treatment is impossible because brain injury cannot be reversed. Verma said physiotherapy, supportive braces and, in some cases, surgery can improve movement and address problems affecting muscles and joints. 

Doctors stressed that CP does not necessarily mean intellectual disability; associated learning, communication, vision, hearing or seizure-related problems vary from child to child. They advised parents to seek medical evaluation if a child has difficulty controlling the head, sitting, standing or walking, uses one side of body more than the other, or shows unusual stiffness or floppiness.

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

Higher edu council summons pvt varsity officials for records

Higher edu council summons pvt varsity officials for records 

01.10.2028 TIMES BENGALURU

Bengaluru: Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) Wednesday summoned vicechancellors, registrars and finance officers of private and deemed-to-be universities in the state for a meeting, seeking extensive financial, academic and administrative records, including five years of audited accounts. 

The meeting, convened under the chairmanship of higher education department principal secretary Thulasi Maddineni, follows a Sept 17 Supreme Court order. The universities were asked to submit information and documents listed by the council in both hard and soft copies. 

The state has 28 private universities, one public-private university and 11 deemed varsities. However, not all submitted data, citing that some of them have huge enrolments and submitting such numbers could be cumbersome. Among the documents sought are five-year signed audited financial statements, income-tax returns and computation records, general ledgers, bank statements, cash books, investment records and details of opening and closing balances of various funds. 

The council also sought course-wise fee details, including development and special-event fees, along with admission rules, prospectus, merit and entrance records, student ledgers, fee receipts, refunds and scholarship details. The scrutiny covers university governance and functioning, with institutions asked to furnish details of sponsors, trusts or societies, board members, related-party transactions, remuneration, leases, procurement and service contracts, along with invoices and payment records. 

The council has also sought information on course approvals, examinations, question-paper preparation, answer-script evaluation, staff recruitment, contracts, service rules, payroll, attendance and class registers. The Supreme Court has emphasised financial accountability and transparency in private universities, including disclosure of funds generated and utilised and payments made to nonoperational individuals or governing board members. Times News Network

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.

771 Gujarat MBBS-BDS allottees skip seats over fees

 771 Gujarat MBBS-BDS allottees skip seats over fees 

Many Eye Cheaper Alternatives Or Better Allotments 

Bharat.Yagnik@timesofindia.com 26.09.2026

Ahmedabad: For Meman Mohammad Shaikh, a resident of Salad village in Vadodara district, a confirmed admission at a private medical college came with a hefty price tag which his family could ill afford. The open-category candidate secured admission at Parul University, but the annual fee of about Rs 10 lakh made him abandon his long-held dream to study medicine. 

“My family cannot afford paying such exorbitant fees. I am now looking at a BHMS or BAMS course at another institute, where the annual fees of around Rs 2 lakh fit our budget,” said Meman, whose father runs a saree shop in Salad near Vadodara. 

“I have secured a government scholarship of about Rs 2 lakh and expect another Rs 2 lakh as financial assistance from my community. Despite this, my family will have to bear Rs 6 lakh for the first year itself and then Rs 10 lakh subsequently every year if I pursue the medical course,” he explains. 

Meman is among 771 students who were allotted MBBS or BDS seats in the first two rounds of Gujarat’s UG medical and dental counselling but have failed to confirm their admissions, according to data from the state Admission Committee for Professional Undergraduate Medical Educational Courses (ACPUGMEC). 

“Students leaving confirmed seats in MBBS and BDS courses in such high numbers is unprecedented,” said a senior member of the medical admission committee. High fees have emerged as a key concern among students who are weighing whether to accept their allotted seats or wait for the next round, officials said. 

Several students said they were considering dental, pharmacy, Ayurveda and homeopathy courses where the fee burden is lower. Uday Karavadra, who scored 421 in NEET and was allotted a seat at SAL Medical College, Ahmedabad, also declined admission in MBBS. 

“The annual fee of Rs 11.68 lakh would have taken the five-year cost to nearly Rs 55 lakh. My father is a farmer and under no circumstances can we afford such a high fee,” he said. Karavadra is now considering studying Ayurveda.  

Representational pic High fees have emerged as a key concern among students who are weighing whether to accept their allotted seats or wait for the next round

2 yrs on, colleges await new NAAC rules rollout

2 yrs on, colleges await new NAAC rules rollout 

SruthySusan.Ullas@timesofindia.com 26.09.2026

Bengaluru: Higher educational institutions are awaiting implementation of National Assessment and Accreditation Council’s (NAAC) new accreditation framework almost two years after it was announced, with applications suspended since 2024. NAAC had proposed replacing its CGPA-based grading system, ranging from A++ to D, with a two-tier model comprising binary accreditation and maturity-based graded levels. 

The proposal followed recommendations of Radhakrishnan Committee on transformative accreditation reforms, approved by the ministry of education in July 2024. NAAC has not specified when the framework will be introduced. 

For institutions whose tenure has expired, NAAC has posted a circular on its website extending the validity of expired accreditations until the maturity-based graded system is launched. The delay has affected colleges seeking improved ratings to apply for autonomous status or transition to universities from autonomous colleges. “Institutions could also lose recruitment opportunities because employers consider rankings and ratings,” a faculty member overseeing accreditation at a private higher educational institution said. 

NAAC director Ganesan Kannabiran said the council is working to introduce a basic framework suitable for a sector with a large number of unaccredited colleges. “The framework must accurately measure quality without setting unrealistic standards that discourage institutions from applying,” he said. “I cannot give an exact timeframe, but it will happen soon.” Explaining the delay, Kannabiran said NAAC had received nearly 2,350 applications by the time they stopped accepting new ones in 2024. 

“We had a commitment to complete those existing applications, which continued until last Sept, as running parallel processes could have caused confusion,” he said. “A committee is reviewing modifications intended to bring more institutions within the accreditation system while maintaining a threshold level of quality. NAAC will launch the framework after its approval, while other preparations are proceeding simultaneously,” he 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

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.

Andhra student falls to death at Rajkot univ hostel

Andhra student falls to death at Rajkot univ hostel 

20.09.2026

Rajkot: A second-year engineering student from Andhra Pradesh died after falling from the 10th floor of her hostel at Marwadi University in Gujarat’s Rajkot on Saturday morning. Police suspect it to be a suicide. 

The deceased, Sobarnika Venkatesh Alla, was pursuing a BTech degree in computer science and engineering with a specialisation in AI. According to police, the student fell around 10:30 am. Students, wardens and campus staff rushed to the spot after hearing the impact. 

Emergency medical services were called, but paramedics declared her dead at the scene. No suicide note was found in her room. Police have begun an investigation and are examining her phone records. 

DCP Hetal Patel said, “Her roommate told us that she had been shouting at somebody on the phone and suddenly jumped. We will know more after unlocking her phone and examining the call detail records.” The university’s deputy registrar, Varghese Nidheesh, said emergency assistance was sought immediately after the incident. The deceased’s cousin, who was in the city, was informed, and her family in Andhra Pradesh has also been notified. Investigators are recording statements from hostel residents and classmates as part of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. tnn

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

Class 9 student dies after suspected heart attack in school

Class 9 student dies after suspected heart attack in school 

03.09.2026

Mandya: A 14-year-old student died after reportedly suffering a heart attack during lunch break at SCMM High School in Somanahalli village of Maddur taluk Wednesday. The deceased is Veeramani, who was staying with his grandparents while his parents were residing in Tamil Nadu. According to school authorities, the incident occurred during lunch break when Veeramani suddenly collapsed while drinking water. He was a class 9 student at the school. Teachers immediately rushed him to Maddur Public Hospital in a school vehicle, where he was provided first aid. 

As his condition was critical, doctors advised that he be shifted to Mandya MIMS Hospital for further treatment. However, doctors at MIMS confirmed that the boy had died. Dhananjay, BEO, Maddur, confirmed the death of Veeramani and mentioned that the student was very active in school. The news of Veeramani’s death left his parents and relatives devastated, with the family mourning outside MIMS hospital. Maddur police have registered a case and are conducting an inquiry into the incident. tnn Lunch-hour tragedy

Can’t recover excess salary from retd Class III, IV staff: HC Bhopal/Jabalpur:

Can’t recover excess salary from retd Class III, IV staff: HC Bhopal/Jabalpur:

02.09.2026

Recovery of excess salary payments from retired Class III and Class IV govt employees is illegal, Madhya Pradesh HC has held while dismissing a revision petition filed by the state govt against a 2025 order. The case relates to Ramrao Bhimte, who joined the police force as a constable in 1991 and retired as a sub-inspector after 36 years of service. 

In 2024, seven years after his retirement, the Bhopal DIG ordered the recovery of Rs 10,87,192 from his pension on the grounds of “erroneous payment of ad hoc increase in the salary during his service period”. The division bench of acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal, in its Aug 25 order, referred to a 2015 SC judgement in which the apex court had held that there should be no recovery from Grade C and Grade D employees after retirement. tnn

IIMB’s first UG branch has more boys and CBSE students

IIMB’s first UG branch has more boys and CBSE students 

Sruthysusan.Ullas @timesgroup.com  27.08.2026

Bengaluru: From a whopping 12,000 applications, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) has selected its first batch of undergraduate students. The batch comprises 56 boys and 24 girls, with an equal mix of commerce and science students. IIM-B is launching its BSc (hons) programmes in data sciences and economics at its new campus, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore–Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, in Jigani-Anekal area. 

Each programme has 40 seats. In Dec 2025, TOI had reported that the institute had received an overwhelming 12,000 applications. Subsequently, 453 candidates were shortlisted for interviews for 2026–30 academic year. Classes are set to begin on Aug 31, 2026. The inaugural cohort has 56 male and 24 female students. Of these, 39 have studied commerce, 39 science, and two arts and humanities. “Together, they bring a healthy mix of analytical and quantitative foundations to the incoming cohort, true to the multidisciplinary nature of the programmes,” said the premier institute. The incoming batch also brings an “exceptional academic track record”, the institute added, with more than half of the batch having scored above 90% overall in their class 12 examinations, 24 scoring more than 80%, and 44 students scoring above 90 marks in mathematics. The batch also reflects a diverse educational and geographic footprint. On the schooling board front, the majority of students – 51 – come from a CBSE background, followed by 23 from state boards, four from the IB curriculum, and one each from National Institute of Open Schooling and CISCE. 

The batch draws students from across the country, with the largest contingents coming from Maharashtra (18), Karnataka (13), and Uttar Pradesh (10), and representation spanning 20 states in total, “reflecting the pan-India appeal of the programme”.  Recently, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between IIM Bangalore and Tata Trusts (Sir Dorabji Tata Trust), formalising a significant philanthropic contribution by Tata Trusts towards development of the school. The school was thus renamed Indian Institute of Management Bangalore – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies. The campus is located approximately 23 kilometres from IIMB’s Bannerghatta Road campus and is being developed as a dedicated residential academic environment designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, research and innovation.