தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவ பல்கலை. 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா: ஆளுநா் ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவ பல்கலை. 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா: ஆளுநா் ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மருத்துவம், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களைப் பெற்றனா்.

- SWAMINATHAN

Updated On :28 பிப்ரவரி 2026, 3:29 am

பகிர்:

தினமணி செய்திச் சேவை

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மருத்துவம், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களைப் பெற்றனா்.

அதிக மதிப்பெண் பெற்ற மாணவா்களுக்கு ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்.

சென்னை கிண்டியில் உள்ள தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்.ஜி.ஆா். மருத்துவப் பல்கலை. வளாகத்தில் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என். ரவி தலைமையில் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை நடைபெற்றது. இதில், மருத்துவத்தில், 12,016 பேரும், பல் மருத்துவத்தில் 2,569 பேரும், இந்தியமுறை மருத்துவத்தில், 3,269 பேரும், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 32,305 போ் என 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களை பெற்றனா்.

குறிப்பாக, 144 போ் தங்கப் பதக்கமும், 42 போ் வெள்ளிப் பதக்கமும், 51 போ் அறக்கட்டளை சான்றிதழும், 166 போ் பல்கலை. சாா்பிலான பதக்கங்கள் என 353 போ் பெற்றனா். சென்னை கீழ்ப்பாக்கம் அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரியில் எம்பிபிஎஸ் படித்த சுவேதா என்ற மாணவி, ஒன்பது பதக்கங்களைப் பெற்றாா். அதேபோல், முதுநிலை பட்டம் பெற்ற சுருதி, நிரஞ்சனா, ஆஷா ஆகியோா் தலா 6 பதக்கங்களைப் பெற்றனா். மாணவா்களுக்கான பட்டங்கள், பதக்கங்களை ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி வழங்கினாா்.

பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் பல்கலை. துணைவேந்தா் நாராயணசாமி பேசியதாவது: தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலையில். புதிய ஆராய்ச்சிகளுக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் அளிக்கப்படுகிறது. மாணவா்களின் ஆராய்ச்சியை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், சிறப்பாக செயலாற்றும் மாணவருக்கு ரூ.50 ஆயிரம் ஊக்கத்தொகை வழங்கப்படுகிறது. அத்துடன், 75 ஆராய்ச்சி கட்டுரைகள் வெளியிடப்பட்டு இருப்பதுடன், ஐந்துக்கு காப்புரிமை கோரப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மருத்துவ அறிவியலுடன், தொழில்நுட்ப கற்றலை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், அண்ணா பல்கலை, சென்னை ஐஐடி, வேலூா் தொழில்நுட்பக் கல்லுாரி நிறுவனத்துடன் இணைந்து பணியாற்றி வருகிறோம். குறிப்பாக, செயற்கை நுண்ணறிவு சாா்ந்த மருத்துவப் படிப்புகளும் ஊக்குவிக்கப்படுகிறது. கடந்தாண்டு பள்ளி மாணவா்களிடையே, புதுமை, ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் அறிவியல் சிந்தனையின் ஆரம்பகால ஆா்வத்தை வளா்ப்பதை நோக்கமாக கொண்டு விழிப்புணா்வு கருத்தரங்கம் நடத்தப்பட்டு, மாணவா்களிடையே வரவேற்பைப் பெற்றது என்றாா்.

அமைச்சா் பங்கேற்கவில்லை...: பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் காய்ச்சல் காரணமாக மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள மக்கள் நல்வாழ்வு துறை அமைச்சா் மா.சுப்பிரமணியன், பங்கேற்க முடியாத நிலையில், அத்துறைச் செயலா் செந்தில்குமாருக்கு அழைப்பு விடுக்கப்பட்டிருந்தது. ஆனால், அவரும் விழாவில் பங்கேற்காமல் புறக்கணித்தாா்.

HC overturns order for third valuation of answer scripts

HC overturns order for third valuation of answer scripts 

MBBS STUDENTS 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 23.02.2026

Bengaluru : The high court set aside a single bench order that required a third valuation of answer scripts of certain MBBS students, providing relief to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS). A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha held that the ordinance or notification governing the central assessment programme (CAP) for theory paper assessment of all undergraduate health science courses of the university benefits students. CAP provides for two valuations and considers the higher marks awarded between the two. On July 30,2025, a single bench issued two directions. Firstly, the RGUHS syndicate and academic council were directed to reconsider the matter afresh, specifically with regard to providing essential key answers or model answers for descriptive questions, in order to prevent anomalies or ambiguities during initial evaluations.

 Secondly, RGUHS was told to forward the answer scripts of petitioners to an additional evaluator for fresh assessment, in light of the significant discrepancy between the marks awarded by the evaluators.

 RGUHS challenged the order. The division bench noted that National Medical Commission (NMC) seemed to have altered its stand and that subjective answers could not be evaluated on the basis of key phrases or terms used in the answers. RGUHS argued that answers to medical science questions were evaluated based on students’ understanding and knowledge. “In our view, it would not be appropriate for this court to examine how answers to questions in a particular subject are required to be evaluated. 

The university is at liberty to take an appropriate decision uninfluenced by the observations made in the impugned order,” the bench said. “We are unable to accept that referring the answer scripts to a third valuer would, in any manner, mitigate this element of subjectivity in the evaluation of answer scripts,” the division bench  observed.

 “If the third evaluator awards higher marks – that is, higher than the marks awarded by the two evaluators – the question would arise as to which of the marks is required to be accepted. There is no provision to declare the results on the basis of the highest marks awarded by three evaluators,” it observed while allowing the appeals filed by RGUHS.

Live stream to wall climbs: Bihar board exams open in chaos

Live stream to wall climbs: Bihar board exams open in chaos 

18.02.2026

Patna : Phones went live. Gates and walls were scaled. Rules were tested before the first bell. The Class X finals of Bihar School Examination Board opened under a cloud on Tuesday after a Facebook Live broadcast allegedly from inside an exam centre in Siwan district minutes before papers were to be handed out. Streamed from the handle of an official linked to Gorakh Prasad Private ITI, the footage showed students seated inside the hall at the exam centre in Daraunda block of Maharajganj subdivision. The clip spread quickly on social media, triggering questions over enforcement of a strict ban on mobile phones inside exam halls. The video was later deleted. 

TOI couldn’t independently verify its authenticity. Daraunda police station SHO Vikas Kumar said ITI principal Pankaj Kumar was arrested after a complaint. “His mobile has also been seized. The viral video was shot on his mobile by ITI director Prince Singh, who’s on the run,” he said. 

In Patna, a late student at Devipad Choudhary Shaheed Smarak Miller High School tried to scale a 10-foot boundary wall. Security stopped him. At Gardanibagh Girls Higher Secondary School, also in Patna, a girl climbed the gate bars to get inside. In Buxar district, a student scaled a boundary wall and entered. In Begusarai, three students climbed walls to gain access. At VM Inter College in Gopalganj, at least six girls allegedly entered by scaling the boundary wall.

Section of Anna University PhD scholars excluded from convocation

Section of Anna University PhD scholars excluded from convocation

Scholars who completed their viva after this date will be awarded degrees at a separate function later in February, the date of which is yet to be announced.

Binita Jaiswal

Updated on:

03 Feb 2026, 8:31 am

CHENNAI: A section of PhD scholars from Anna University who completed their viva-voce after June 2025 have expressed strong disappointment over the university’s decision to hold a separate degree-awarding function for them in February, instead of including them in the 46th annual convocation scheduled for February 4.

According to a circular issued by the university, only scholars who successfully defended their PhD viva-voce on or before June 30, 2025, will be permitted to receive their degrees in person at the main convocation ceremony. Scholars who completed their viva after this date will be awarded degrees at a separate function later in February, the date of which is yet to be announced.

The decision has left many scholars upset, as the February event will feature a chief guest or the governor, who is traditionally the chancellor of the university. “For many of us, convocation is the most memorable day of our academic life. We worked for years with the hope of receiving the degree on stage in a grand event in front of a chief guest. A separate, low-key function takes away the emotion and recognition associated with that moment,” said a PhD scholar who completed her viva in July 2025.

University officials, however, defended the move, citing logistical constraints. A senior varsity official said the last convocation was held in 2024 and the number of eligible scholars this year has risen sharply. “We can accommodate only about 750 candidates in a single convocation ceremony. Given the large backlog and venue limitations, it is not feasible to include everyone on the same day. Hence, a separate function is being planned to ensure all scholars receive their degrees in person,” the official said.

15 varsities in Tamil Nadu remain headless, figure may touch 20 by year-end

15 varsities in Tamil Nadu remain headless, figure may touch 20 by year-end

The latest addition to the growing list of universities without heads is the Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), following the completion of V-C S Arumugam’s tenure earlier in January.

The tenure of Mother Teresa Women’s University V-C K Kala also came to an end, and the governor, who serves as the chancellor of 20 state universities, granted her a one-year extension using his powers. Photo | Facebook

Binita Jaiswal

Updated on:

03 Feb 2026, 8:10 am

CHENNAI: With 15 of the 22 state-run universities now remaining without vice-chancellors, the governance crisis in higher education in Tamil Nadu has worsened this month, owing to the prolonged tussle between Governor RN Ravi and the state government, and the matter related to powers of governors yet to be settled by courts.

The latest addition to the growing list of universities without heads is the Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), following the completion of V-C S Arumugam’s tenure earlier in January. On the same day, the tenure of Mother Teresa Women’s University V-C K Kala also came to an end, and the governor, who serves as the chancellor of 20 state universities, granted her a one-year extension using his powers. However, the Acts and Statutes of TNOU does not allow similar extension of the V-C’s tenure.

Interestingly, as higher education secretary P Shankar is the convenor of committees of several state universities — which are managing the administration in the absence of V-Cs — and is overburdened, law department secretary S George Alexander has been appointed as the convenor for the committee of TNOU.

Educationists warn that the situation could worsen dramatically by the end of the year, with up to 20 universities potentially becoming headless, if the ongoing deadlock over V-C appointments continues. For over two years now, TN’s state universities have been caught in a tussle between Lok Bhavan and the state government over the powers to constitute search committees and appoint V-Cs.

“The absence of V-Cs is not a symbolic issue, it affects every aspect of functioning of the universities,” said SP Thyagarajan, a former V-C. “From faculty recruitment and promotions to research approvals, fund utilisation and academic reforms, everything comes to a standstill when there is no empowered head,” he said, and suggested that the government should hold a meeting with retired V-Cs to find a solution.

Several officials within the varsities told TNIE that routine administrative work has slowed down significantly, as convenors’ committees are reluctant to take major policy decisions. “Convenor committee meeting happens only once in a quarter. Adding to our woes, in the last two years, the higher education department has seen seven secretaries. Every time a new secretary assumes office, he takes his own time to understand issues,” said a professor, Madras University.

Several universities have reportedly delayed faculty appointments, syllabus revisions, and infrastructure projects due to the lack of statutory authority. The leadership crisis is also affecting ranking of the state universities at national and international levels. According to data, nearly 50% of teaching posts across state universities remain vacant. “Allowing universities to function without heads for years is detrimental to students and erodes TN’s reputation as a leader in higher education,” said E Balagurusamy, former V-C of Anna University.

39 govt MBBS NRI seats go for ₹25L to non-NRI students in Karnataka

39 govt MBBS NRI seats go for ₹25L to non-NRI students in Karnataka 

Sruthy Susan Ullas and Sandeep Moudgal 01.02.2026

TNN Bengaluru : A political and ethical storm has erupted in Karnataka over the state govt’s decision to open MBBS admissions in govt medical colleges under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota — a move that critics allege has resulted in affordable govt seats being effectively sold at a premium. 

During NEET-2025 counselling, 57 MBBS seats were earmarked under the NRI category in govt medical colleges. However, only 18 eligible NRI candidates took up these seats. The remaining 39 were subsequently allotted to non NRI students at a steep fee of Rs 25 lakh per year. The decision has triggered criticism from political leaders and stakeholders in medical education, who argue meritorious students are being priced out of govt institutions. 

800 NEET PG aspirants shifted from India to NRI, Other Book, 

 MLA alleges fund diversion from varsity 

BJP MLA Y Bharath Shetty alleged funds were being diverted from RGUHS to start new medical colleges. “While Ramanagara college is run directly by RGUHS, why is money being diverted from the university for Kanakapura and Bagalkot medical colleges? Should the govt not be earmarking money for the specific purpose?” Shetty said, claiming Rs 500 crore was utilised for the new colleges. 

Officials cite similar models in other states . The policy was announced in September 2025, when the state govt declared that 15% of seats in govt medical colleges would be reserved for NRIs at higher fees — a practice until then limited to private medical colleges. While a regular govt MBBS seat costs Rs 64,350 annually, an NRI quota seat carries a price tag of Rs 25 lakh per year. By comparison, NRI seats in private medical colleges in Karnataka cost up to Rs 45 lakh annually. 

The govt’s stated objective behind the move was to make govt medical colleges financially selfreliant and reduce dependence on state grants. However, the timing of the policy proved crucial. By the time the NRI quota was introduced, the seat matrix for the first round of counselling had already been finalised. As a result, the quota was applied only to 252 additional seats created across 10 govt medical colleges, of which 57 fell under the NRI category. 

Data from the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) shows that only 18 eligible NRI candidates applied and were allotted seats. As per rules, the remaining 39 seats were then offered to other eligible applicants in the nonNRI category who were willing to pay NRI fees — a move that sparked the controversy. The issue was raised in the legislative assembly earlier this week by BJP MLA Y Bharath Shetty from Mangaluru North. “For the first time in India, Karnataka is selling govt medical seats for Rs 25 lakh per year,” Shetty alleged. “A seat, which was meant to be affordable for a meritorious Kannadiga student at Rs 1-1.5 lakh per year, is now being sold by the govt [at a much higher price],” he added. Govt officials, however, defended the policy, stating that similar models are followed in Gujarat and Rajasthan. 

“This proposal has existed since 2005. It is a way for colleges to generate funds to develop infrastructure, improve facilities, and ensure student welfare,” a govt official said. He argued that with the National Medical Commission (NMC) increasing the number of seats in govt colleges, general category students would not lose out.

Gold price surge drives up cost of convocation medals

 Gold price surge drives up cost of convocation medals

 Litha.Achari@timesofindia.com 31.01.2026

Indore : A sharp surge in gold and silver prices, and the subsequent increase in costs of academic medals, has complicated preparations at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya for its upcoming convocation in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. This year, the university will award 206 gold medals and 22 silver medals. However, procurement became a challenge as no agency responded to the first tender, forcing the university to issue a fresh one. 

During the 2024 convocation, the university had procured gold medals at ₹2,500 each and silver medals at ₹2,000. Present estimates place the cost of a gold medal at nearly ₹15,000 and a silver medal above ₹7,500 — an increase of about 500% and 275% respectively. 

Officials attributed the steep rise to sustained increases in bullion prices since Sept 2024, along with higher making charges, polishing cost, and GST. Each gold medal is made on a 20gm silver base coated with about 400mg of 24-carat gold, not solid gold.

Even so, higher metal prices have sharply pushed up manufacturing costs. “The medals will be ready before the ceremony and the university will not compromise on design, weight, or quality. The tenders will be opened in a day or two and the university is ready to bear the added cost as per present gold and silver prices,” DAVV registrar Prajwal Khare told TOI. At the 2024 convocation, President Droupadi Murmu conferred medals and degrees on toppers.

Annamalai University staff begin indefinite sit-in over pending dues

Annamalai University staff begin indefinite sit-in over pending dues

The members also sought settlement of retirement benefits, including commutation, earned leave surrender amounts and gratuity, which have not been fully paid even years after retirement.

A view of Annamalai University.(Photo | Express)

Express News Service

Updated on:
28 Jan 2026, 9:29 am

CUDDALORE: Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Annamalai University's teachers, employees and pensioners associations began an indefinite sit-in protest on the university campus at Annamalainagar in Chidambaram on Tuesday, demanding immediate settlement of pending dues.

Earlier, under the banner of the JAC, teachers, employees and pensioners held a hunger strike on January 22 to press their demands. As there was no response, teachers and employees decided to boycott work and participated in the sit-in protest from Tuesday.

The demands include immediate grant of promotions, payment of monetary benefits and arrears under the Seventh Pay Commission to teachers and employees, regularisation of NMR and consolidated pay for staff who have not been regularised for the past 15 years, and disbursement of monthly pensions, which have not been paid to pensioners for the past 14 months.

The members also sought settlement of retirement benefits, including commutation, earned leave surrender amounts and gratuity, which have not been fully paid even years after retirement.

Addressing the protesters, Prof C Subramaniyan, JAC coordinator, said, “We are demanding immediate implementation of promotions, Seventh Pay Commission benefits and payment of long-pending pensions and retirement dues. As there has been no action, we have been forced to intensify the protest.”

As a large number of professors, assistant professors and employees boycotted work and joined the sit-in protest, police personnel from Annamalai Nagar were also deployed on the campus. Joint coordinators A Ravi, Prof Ilango, Madhiyazhagan and Kapiladev were present.

OCI draft quota rules in medical edu notified

 OCI draft quota rules in medical edu notified

 TIMES NEWS NETWORK 24.01.2026

Bengaluru : The govt has notified draft rules specifying quotas for Overseas Citizens of India in medical education. As per the rules, OCIs born on or before March 4, 2021, or OCI card holders before the date, are not entitled to any reservation applicable to a citizen of India. OCI candidates born on or after March 5, 2021 or such card holders after that date, are eligible for admission only against any Non-Resident Indian (NRI) seat or supernumerary seat. 

The rule is in sync with Supreme Court orders and central govt rules. The state is now amending Karnataka Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1984 (Karnataka Act 37 of 1984), for admission to govt seats under professional educational institutions rules, 2006. It is also applicable to postgraduate medical and dental degree and diploma courses. 

Members of the public can send objections/suggestions until 15 days from the date of publication of the draft; it was published on Jan 21. “We followed Supreme Court and central govt rules all these years. However, students approached the court despite that. We requested the medical education department to amend the rules so that they are specified. Now, the department notified the rules,” said H Prasanna, executive director, Karnataka Examinations Authority. 

Karnataka usually gets around 100 students with OCI cards for engineering admissions and 20 for medical. CET is taken by over 3.1 lakh students and NEET by around 1.4 lakh students in the state. The students were considered for general merit quota; they were not eligible for reservations.

GU BCom hall ticket blunder causes chaos

 GU BCom hall ticket blunder causes chaos 22.01.2026

Ahmedabad : Chaos and confusion gripped Gujarat University (GU) students as serious discrepancies emerged in the hall tickets for the BCom Semester 1 exams, scheduled to begin on Friday. The administrative lapse forced thousands of students to return to colleges to exchange faulty hall tickets for revised versions just 48 hours before the exams. GU originally scheduled the exams for Jan 22, later pushing them back by a day to accommodate Foundation course exams. 

Despite knowing about this change, GU officials generated the first batch of hall tickets on Jan 20 with outdated dates and incorrect exam sequences. On realizing the error, the university regenerated the hall tickets on Jan 21, instructing colleges to urgently distribute the corrected versions. This left colleges struggling to recall students who had already collected the initial documents, leading to a frantic second round of distribution. TNN

9 years is enough punishment! Supreme Court tells university to consider apology of doctor penalised for wearing digital watch in exam

9 years is enough punishment! Supreme Court tells university to consider apology of doctor penalised for wearing digital watch in exam 

Written By : Barsha Misra

Published On 17 Jan 2026 1:27 PM 

Supreme Court of India

New Delhi: After considering the appeal of a young doctor's father, the Supreme Court has allowed the medico to tender an unconditional apology to the medical college for wearing a digital watch in an exam.

Further, the top court bench has also requested the university to consider his representation with "utmost sympathy" and an endeavour to save the young professional's career.

While considering the plea by the father, the Apex Court observed that the son's nine-year professional exile was "a more than sufficient punishment having regard to the nature of the misdemeanours", and also noted that any further blockage of his career would be "too harsh and disproportionate".

"At the end of the day, there is a father standing in court with folded hands, trying to save the academic career of his son, in whose MBBS degree, it appears that the University has made some adverse remarks based upon the history of adopting unfair means. The sheer frustration caused due to the inability of his son to pursue higher studies, is seemingly prompting the first petitioner, seemingly has brought negativity and is instigating the first petitioner to file complaints here and there. While we do not find any merit in those complaints, within the scope of interference under Article 137 of the Constitution, and consequently, we see no ground to interfere with the imprinted order passed by the Bar Council of India..." ordered the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.

The matter goes back to February 2017, when at Chennai-based Sri Ramachandra Medical College, the petitioner's son was found wearing a digital wristwatch during an examination. Under the University's strict "unfair means" policy, the student's exam was cancelled. Despite clearing the papers later, the shadow of the incident continued to follow the student. This resulted in the family getting engaged in a relentless legal crusade, losing in the High Court and the Supreme Court, dismissing their Review and Curative petitions.

As per the latest media report by Verdictum, the student's father appeared in person, alleging a conspiracy involving "polluted counsels" and "fabricated documents". He also argued that the Bar Council of India failed to investigate his claims of fraud by legal representatives who allegedly withdrew the petitions without consent.

After considering the matter, the Court observed,

"We are conscious of the fact that Ramchandra Medical College and Research Institute, Purur, Chennai, has not been called or heard at this stage. It is so only to avoid them to be burdened with litigation expenses, especially when we are not passing an order of irreversible adverse impact on the functioning of the college. So, all that we observe is that Petition No. 2, for that matter, even his father, Dr. ***, Petition No. 1, to tender an unconditional apology to the university along with an application for expunsion of the adverse marks said to have been recorded in the marksheet of MBBS degree. We request the medical college to consider such a representation with utmost sympathy and with an endeavour to save the professional career of a young doctor. The amendments in favour of the petitioners, it shall be highly appreciated if a favourable order is passed at the earliest and preferably within one month from the date of submission of the representation." While refusing to reopen the merits of the original 2017 disqualification or the dismissed curative petition, the Court pivoted toward a humanitarian solution. The Court observed that the sheer duration of the struggle- a nine-year block on a medical career- had become a punishment far exceeding the gravity of the original offence.

The Court did not entertain further litigation against legal professionals or the university and directed the petitioners to offer an unconditional apology to the institution. Also, the Court requested the University to act with "utmost sympathy" to expunge the adverse remarks, prioritising the future of young professionals over the technicalities of past misconduct.

"However, it seems to us that the first petitioner, as well as his son, have suffered enough on account of the misdemeanours committed by Petitioner No. 2 while he was appearing in the examination held on 23rd February 2017. The multiple rounds of unsuccessful litigation, coupled with the fact that Petition No. 2 has not been able to seek admission to higher specialised courses for almost nine years, is a more than sufficient punishment having regard to the nature of the misdemeanours attributed to him, his son, attributed to the second petitioner. If his professional career as a doctor is permanently blocked, which is bound to happen if there are adverse marks in his degree issued by the medical college, such a punishment will become too harsh and disproportionate to the proven misconduct," ordered the Court. With this observation, the Court disposed of the matter.

Universities rush to file patents for rankings, few acquire commercial value

Universities rush to file patents for rankings, few acquire commercial value 

Experts urge dismantling siloed research ecosystem to accelerate lab-tomarket transition of technologies 

Divyansh.Kumar@timesofindia.com 12.01.2026

Indian universities are producing an impressive volume of patents, yet most innovations never leave the labs to be used as a valuable product in market or industry. Form-27 (statement of working) submitted at the Indian Patent Office (IPO) has noticed a dip in the commercially viable patents, 16,000 to just 560 in the past five years. Experts highlight that roughly 96% of patents filed have been deemed commercially unviable. 

Indian universities file patents that look remarkable on paper but do not find value in the industry. For education leaders, policymakers, and researchers, the number of patents filed are solely for getting a place in international and Indian ranking frameworks. “A patent is often treated as the finish line, while it is only a milestone in a long journey of engineering, validation, manufacturability, standards, user behaviour, and cost,” says Prof V Ramgopal Rao, group vicechancellor, BITS Pilani and former director, IIT Delhi. The problem is not solely related to restricted funding but largely associated with identifying the market value. “We have built an academic system that celebrates novelty on paper, but does not equally reward the hard, iterative, sometimes messy work of translation,”he says. 

Globally, only about 5-10% of patents are successfully commercialised. At Indian campuses the picture is hardly better. NIT Rourkela (NIT-R), which secured 13th position in the Engineering category in 2025 NIRF rankings, reports a conversion rate of just 1015%, meaning roughly nine out of every ten campus patents do not reach the market. Prof Swadesh Kumar Pratihar, dean  (Sponsored Research), NIT-R, cites a lack of translational research as the primary reason. “The lack of translational research at an institute forces the patent to become just a novel idea or a proof-of-concept and doesn’t contain the commercialisation blueprint. To turn that idea into a technology, we need to integrate multiple disciplines,” adds Prof Pratihar. There is a surge in patent filings from private universities, which sometimes exceeds the combined output of all IITs. 

The disconnect between filings and utility, experts argue, is driven by structural and cultural factors. One reason is incentive design. Rankings and accreditation frameworks such as NIRF and NAAC currently reward patent counts and similar outputs — a system that some HEIs appear to exploit. “NIRF has a specific category for ‘Innovation’ where patents carry a much higher weightage. This creates a powerful incentive for universities to file as many patents as possible to climb the rankings, rather than focusing on impactful, marketable projects,” says Achal Agrawal, data scientist and founder, Indian Research Watch. Highlighting the absurdity of the current surge in patent filings, Agrawal adds, “Last year, close to one lakh patents were approved, up from 30,000 in previous years.” Valley of Death The core of the crisis lies in the ‘finish line’ mentality. Many HEIs treat a patent grant as the end of the journey, rewarding faculty for the filing while ignoring the hard, iterative engineering required to turn IP into a product. Most Indian academic research stalls at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or 4 (Proof of Concept). Industry, however, only begins to take interest at TRL 7 or 8 (Operational Demonstration). This ‘Valley of Death’ is where inventions go to die given the territorial nature of Indian labs. 

“Traditionally, research in India has been siloed. Successful commercialisation of a patent requires to bring together different minds. The approach of integrating engineering, business, and design needs to be institutionalised in our HEIs,” adds Prof Pratihar. NIT-R is attempting to break that mould with a centralised equipment booking system giving first-year students and senior researchers equal access to high-end tools. Prof Rao warns that celebration of filings without follow-through turns patents into paperwork rather than pathways. “What is missing is milestone-linked translational funding that pays for iteration, testing, product engineering, and field pilots, not just the first prototype,” he adds. Agrawal stresses that India loses many of its brightest researchers to industry because academic salaries and conditions for PhDs remain uncompetitive. “Companies prefer their own employees’ research because they perceive a skill gap in academic labs,” he says, adding, “In Europe, companies often fund PhDs directly, creating immediate bridges between lab and market. Such models are worth emulation.

No separate recognition needed for MBBS seats: NMC

No separate recognition needed for MBBS seats: NMC

Once seats are approved or renewed annually, that batch will be treated as recognised for that year, regulatory body tells medical colleges; directs them to submit only an annual report and fee

Earlier practice of granting separate recognition to
MBBS seats had been discontinued under fresh regulations issued in 2023. File photo

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

NEW DELHI  11.01.2026

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed medical colleges not to submit separate proposals for recognition of MBBS seats, clarifying that the annual renewal of seats itself will be treated as recognition under the current regulatory framework.

“The commission has issued the clarification after the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) started receiving applications from some medical colleges for recognition, along with fees. Now we have made it clear that there is no need for separate applications for recognition of MBBS seats and fee structure,’’ said a Union Health Ministry official. The earlier practice of granting separate recognition to MBBS seats had been discontinued following the implementation of the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023.

As per these regulations, medical colleges are required to submit only the annual disclosure report (ADR) along with the prescribed fee on the NMC portal, as and when called for. The ADR is a mandatory report, which colleges submit to the NMC with details on their infrastructure and ability to maintain standards needed to conduct the medical courses.

Once MBBS seats are approved or renewed annually, the permitted batch and the seats will be treated as recognised for that particular academic year, the NMC said in its order. Such medical colleges and institutions will be considered accredited ones for the said courses, it added.

Madras HC relief for SC medico denied government quota

Madras HC relief for SC medico denied government quota

Affirmative action is not exception or bounty, but is constitutional right of student concerned, says Justice Chakravarthy

Differing with the submission, Justice Chakravarthy said, “I find force in the case of the petitioner that even though she comes within the government quota seats in the Private Medical College, she has wrongly been denied the seat.”(Express illustration)

R Sivakumar

Updated on:

09 Jan 2026, 8:28 am

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has come to the rescue of an Arunthathiyar (SC-A) MBBS student, who was given admission under the management quota though eligible for government quota, by ordering the state government to bear the excess amount of fees over and above the government quota.

Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the orders recently on a petition filed by S Malarvizhi, of Palaiyapalayam village in Namakkal district, currently pursuing MBBS course at the Karpaga Vinayaga Medical College in Madhurantagam.

The petitioner scored 455 marks out of 720 in NEET and was eligible for admission under the government quota seat under SC-General category. However, she was given admission under the management quota during 2024-25. Seeking to quash the merit list as less meritorious candidates were given government quota seats, she moved the HC.

Representing the petitioner, advocate N G R Prasad, assisted by advocate Parveen Banu, submitted that the Selection Committee has committed the mistake of considering her only for SC-A quota and not under SC-General for which she was very much eligible.

He said the TN Arunthathiyars (Special Reservation of seats in Educational Institutions including Private Educational Institutions and of appointments or posts in the services under the State within the Reservation for the Scheduled Castes) Act, 2009, and Clause 18 (6) of the admission prospectus provided for considering the candidate under the SC-General category also but such benefit was denied.

However, standing counsel for the Selection Committee, advocate Sneha, submitted that as per the relevant Act and rules, an SC-A candidate can be considered for admission under the SC-General category only if there are no seats available in the former and when the petitioner was considered for admission, there were BDS seat vacancies under the SC-A category.

Differing with the submission, Justice Chakravarthy said, “I find force in the case of the petitioner that even though she comes within the government quota seats in the Private Medical College, she has wrongly been denied the seat.”

He said reservation is not a bounty but a right. “Even assuming that the procedure that is adopted by the respondents is right, now the law is very well-settled that the reservation or positive discrimination/affirmative action is not an exception or a bounty that is conferred on the student concerned but is a valuable constitutional right ensuring equality and merit,” he said.

Justice Chakravarthy also said the relevant Act, rules and the 2010 G.O. provide for consideration of SC-A candidates under the SC-General category too.

Declaring the non-selection of the petitioner to the government quota seat as “illegal”, he ordered the student to pay only the government quota fees and directed the respondent authorities to pay the difference of fees amount above the government quota amount of Rs 4.35 lakh per year and reimburse the difference in fees already paid.

The judge made it clear that the order of payment of difference in fee amount shall not preclude the petitioner from availing of scholarships or other benefits meant for SC-A students.

Situation in State-run universities in Tamil Nadu worrisome, says Governor

Situation in State-run universities in Tamil Nadu worrisome, says Governor

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai  10.01.2026

State-run universities in Tamil Nadu hardly figure in the top ranks of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), a nationwide ranking system for higher education institutions, giving an indication of the academic environment in the State, Governor R.N. Ravi said on Thursday.

Addressing students and faculty members during a conclave on Indian Republic @75 and the inauguration of Vendhar Museum Phase II at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Mr. Ravi said several institutions from Tamil Nadu figured in the top 20 NIRF rankings, but there were hardly any State-run institutions on the list. It was not because of the students studying in these universities, who were potentially as bright as those in other universities, but because the academic environment in the State was vitiated, he said.

The University of Madras, which was among the top universities in India, had lost its glory in the past few decades, he said.

“The situation is indeed worrisome, not only in Madras University but other universities, especially the State-run universities, as well,” he said.

He alleged attempts by “certain forces” in the country to undermine the people’s confidence in constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission of India and the judiciary.

Deepam row

Referring to the Thirupparankundram deepam controversy, he said never before had the country witnessed a situation where the High Court had granted a request to light the ceremonial lamp for Karthigai Deepam atop a hill, but the State had put all its might into preventing it from happening.

Evict SASTRA varsity from government land, says HC

 Evict SASTRA varsity from government land, says HC

Mohamed Imranullah S.

CHENNAI  10.01.2026

The Madras High Court on Friday directed the State government to evict Shanmuga Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA), a deemed university based in Thanjavur, from 31.37 acres of government land in its occupation for nearly 40 years.

The Third Division Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and C. Kumarappan said the Thanjavur Collector could even seek the assistance of the police to evict SASTRA from the property, required for setting up a prison, within four weeks. The orders were passed while the court dismissed two writ petitions filed by SASTRA in 2022 challenging a Government Order (G.O.) issued on February 23, 2022.

Prez returns Madras varsity bill

Prez returns Madras varsity bill 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 30.12.2025

Chennai : President Droupadi Murmu has returned the bill passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2022 amending the Madras University Act, 1923, to empower the state govt to appoint and remove the vice-chancellor of the University of Madras. This power is now vested with the governor, who is the chancellor of the state university. Sources in the higher education department said the President returned the bill a few days ago.

The Tamil Nadu assembly had passed two bills to amend the laws governing 13 state universities to empower the state govt to appoint vice-chancellors. In view of the delay in giving approval to these bills by the governor, Supreme Court deemed 10 bills as assented to by the governor and empowered the state govt to appoint vicechancellors. However, Madras high court stayed process of appointment of vice-chancellors to state universities. The amendment to Madras University Act, 1923, which empowered the state govt to remove the vice-chancellor, needed assent from the President as the act was passed before Independence.

No V-C since 2003,  Madras univ sans V-C since 2023 The bill said, “The vice-chancellor shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the government passed on the ground of wilful omission or refusal to carry out the provisions of this Act or abuse of the powers vested in him.” It further stated that govt shall order an inquiry by a judge of the high court or an officer not below the rank of chief secretary in a case where it proposed to remove the V-C. It also said the vice-chancellor shall be given an opportunity to make a representation. In the statement of objects and reasons of the bills, then higher education minister 

Ponmudy said that in the Gujarat University Act, 1949, and the Telangana Universities Act, 1991, the respective state govt has the power to appoint vice-chancellors of universities. The University of Madras has been functioning without a V-C since August 2023 due to a tussle between the Governor and state govt on appointing a UGC nominee in the V-C search committees.

Docs design stent that costs less and may work better Engages, Retracts Clots From Blocked Brain Arteries Enabling Better Recovery

Docs design stent that costs less and may work better Engages, Retracts Clots From Blocked Brain Arteries Enabling Better Recovery 

Nandini.Sengupta@timesofindia.com 05.11.2025

Stroke stents are a critical medical solution, but they are also a pricey alternative. Now, JIPMER Puducherry has completed clinicals trials of mechanical thrombectomy or clot removal using a locally made device stent retriever. “We call it Supernova. It is expected to cost one-third of well-known international products,” says Dr Sunil Narayan, professor & head, department of neurology at JIPMER.

 The stent, he adds, first engages and then retracts clots from within blocked brain arteries enabling better recovery of patients. “The first generation of catheters were aspiration catheters, the second generation were stents and now the third generation are a combination of the two.” Designed and patented by Indian-origin engineers and interventional radiologists in the US (centrally directed by an Indian-origin professor from the University of Miami) and manufactured by Gravity in the USA and Irills Gurutva in Hyderabad, the Supernova is a “revascularization device”. “It is a self-expanding, laser cut stent retriever composed of nitinol, a nickel and titanium alloy that is super elastic which makes it ideal for medical devices. 

The Supernova stent has small implantable components that increase visibility under scans,” says Dr Narayan. Apart from clinical trials at JIPMER Puducherry, the Supernova device has been used to treat stroke patients in Pakistan and Thailand as part of clinical trials. It will be manufactured in India from next month. The trial results were submitted to the drug controller general of India (DCGI) in Aug 2024 and have received approval for sales. The trial results were also presented at the World Stroke Congress in Barcelona last week. “The

aim is to manufacture in India and make it available at low cost to lower income countries where the stroke burden is even higher,” says Dr Narayan. “The country’s contribution to more affordable treatment of stroke patients is well-established because of the Tenecteplase thrombolysis drug, a biosimilar made in India which is as efficient and a bit safer (than international options). It became the standard of stroke therapy first in Indian govt institutes and now in private hospitals,” says Dr Nararan. The drug is also being exported to several foreign countries

Settle terminal benefits to ex-varsity staff: HC tells TN

Settle terminal benefits to ex-varsity staff: HC tells TN 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 05.11.2025

Chennai : Terming as alarming the non-payment of terminal benefits and pension arrears to former staff and their families of Madras University to the tune of ₹95.44 crore, Madras high court directed the state and the university to take steps to settle the arrears. Relying on a report filed by the state on the total terminal and pension benefits payable from Apr 2015 to Sept 2025, Justice N Anand Venkatesh said, “It is clear from the above that a total of 87 teaching staff, 249 non-teaching staff, and 129 family pensioners are yet to be settled with the terminal benefits, which runs to the total tune of ₹95,44,21,085. 

“The above figures are quite alarming and the finance secretary of Tamil Nadu govt must necessarily come up with a solution to settle the entire pensionary benefits to the teaching staff, non-teaching staff, and family pensioners,” the judge said. The secretary, while filing a status report on an earlier occasion, took a stand that they would continue to extend their cooperation and guidance to ensure that there is timely disbursement of the pensionary dues. This commitment that was expressed before this court shall be translated into action by immediately allocating funds for settling the entire terminal benefits, the court added. The observations were made on a contempt of court petition.

Withdraw T.N. Private Universities (Amendment) Bill: former V-C

Withdraw T.N. Private Universities (Amendment) Bill: former V-C

E. Balagurusamy

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai 27.10.2025

Former Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of Anna University E. Balagurusamy has urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to withdraw the recently introduced Tamil Nadu Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

In a letter to the Chief Minister on Sunday, a copy of which was shared with the media, he highlighted that the conversion of government-aided colleges to private universities would lead to the dilution of public control, uncertainty for faculty and staff, and possible withdrawal of government support. “The private university status can lead to a steep increase in fees, reducing access for students from economically and socially weaker sections who rely on affordable aided-college education,” he contended.

The State government on Saturday decided to review what Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan called the “Draft” Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, in response to pushback from teachers’ bodies and a section of MLAs. The Bill was passed by the Assembly on October 18. “The dilution of reservation policies and social justice measures threatens equitable access to higher education and undermines decades of progress in inclusive education,” Mr. Balagurusamy added, and 

urged the State to hold consultations with all stake-holders before introducing any amendments to the Act.