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.

India’s medical education sees historic surge as MBBS seats reach 1,37,600: State-wise distribution here

India’s medical education sees historic surge as MBBS seats reach 1,37,600: 

State-wise distribution here 

India's medical education is transforming with a historic increase in MBBS seats and new colleges. The National Medical Commission is spearheading this expansion to boost healthcare access and train more doctors. This move is set to significantly enhance medical education infrastructure across the nation. The country is on track to meet its ambitious targets for medical seat additions.

TOI Education

Oct 20, 2025, 9:58 IST

India’s medical education sees historic surge as MBBS seats reach 1,37,600 

India’s medical education sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, with a historic surge in MBBS seats and new medical colleges across the country. Spearheaded by the National Medical Commission (NMC), this expansion aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 pledge to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years, aiming to improve healthcare access and address the persistent shortage of trained doctors.

 According to PTI, NMC Chairperson Dr. Abhijat Sheth described this growth as a major regulatory milestone, noting that, for the first time, all appeals against MARB decisions were resolved without court intervention. In a parallel move to strengthen medical education, the NMC has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to integrate clinical research into the MBBS curriculum, boosting research infrastructure in medical colleges nationwide. India 

Latest developments In October 2025, the NMC approved 10,650 new MBBS seats and sanctioned 41 new medical colleges for the 2024–25 academic year. This raised the total number of institutions offering MBBS programs to 816 across India. Including seats under Institutes of National Importance such as AIIMS and JIPMER, India’s total MBBS seat count now stands at approximately 1,37,600. 

The approvals followed the commission receiving 170 proposals for expanding undergraduate capacity. Of these, 41 were from government colleges and 129 from private institutions. States such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana saw significant additions. 

Medical seat expansion trend over 2025 Data from the NMC and the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) indicate a steady increase in MBBS seats throughout 2025. Here is a month-by-month run down based on the MARB and NMC data: 

May 2025 The NMC began reviewing proposals for new undergraduate medical seats and institutions for the 2025–26 academic cycle. Preliminary evaluations indicated around 1,17,750 MBBS seats across 808 medical colleges, establishing the baseline for expansion. 

June and July 2025 During this period, multiple states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, submitted proposals to the NMC and MARB for new colleges and capacity expansions. Review committees prioritised underserved regions, including northeastern and central Indian districts. 

August 2025 The NMC announced the first wave of inspections and renewals to finalise the seat matrix ahead of NEET-UG counselling 2025. Provisional letters of permission (LOPs) for college upgrades added approximately 1,800 to 2,000 seats nationally.

September 2025 

On September 24–26, 2025, the NMC published an updated seat matrix adding 7,075 new MBBS seats. This increased capacity from 1,17,750 to 1,24,825. The revision included both renewal approvals and newly sanctioned seats across government and private colleges, marking the start of the largest expansion phase since 2020. 

Early October 2025 Between October 10 and 13, 2025, the NMC released another seat matrix revision for NEET-UG 2025. This approved 9,075 new MBBS seats while phasing out around 456 seats due to pending lawsuits or non-compliance. The total number of MBBS seats reached 1,26,600 across 812 medical colleges. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka received the largest increases. 

Mid-October 2025: Record expansion announced On October 19, 2025, the NMC formally approved 10,650 new MBBS seats and 41 new medical colleges, bringing the national total to 1,37,600 seats and 816 colleges, as reported by PTI. This approval represents the largest single-year seat expansion in Indian medical education history and advances the government’s target of adding 75,000 new medical seats over five years.

State-wise expansion highlights 

The October 2025 NMC report highlights the following state-wise increases: Uttar Pradesh: Over 1,100 seats across 5 colleges 

Maharashtra: Over 950 seats across 4 colleges 

Tamil Nadu: Over 850 seats across 3 colleges 

Gujarat: Over 800 seats 

Rajasthan: Over 700 seats 

Karnataka: Over 650 seats

Madhya Pradesh: Over 600 seats 

Most of the new colleges and seat expansions are being established in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This strategy improves geographical access to medical education and reduces regional disparities. 

The road ahead 

The NMC has indicated that further proposals for 2025–26 seat expansions are under review, with the application window opening in early November. If the current pace continues, India is likely to achieve its goal of adding 75,000 new medical seats well before 2029. This expansion represents a transformative moment for India’s medical education landscape, benefiting NEET aspirants and addressing the country’s long-term healthcare needs. 

With inputs from PTI.

Assembly passes Private Universities Amendment Bill

Assembly passes Private Universities Amendment Bill

The Hindu Bureau. 18.10.2025

Chennai

The Assembly on Friday passed the Tamil Nadu Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, allowing for conversion of existing private or government-aided colleges into a new entity called ‘Brownfield University’, by altering the minimum requirement for contiguous land to establish such a facility. The principal Opposition party, the AIADMK, and some of the ruling DMK’s allies opposed the Bill.

While Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Private Universities Act, 2019, necessitates a minimum of 100 acres of contiguous land to establish private universities, the amendment has slashed the minimum requirement for Brownfield Universities to 25 acres in municipal corporation areas, 35 acres in municipal council or town panchayat areas, and 50 acres in other areas.

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Amendment Act, educational institutions operating in municipal corporation areas or municipal council and town panchayat areas found it tough to identify large expanse of contiguous land. “If the requirement of land is reduced in line with the Acts of private universities of neighbouring States, requests of eligible and deserving educational institutions may be considered,” the statement read.

New clause

A new clause was inserted, earmarking 65% of seats in Medical, Dental, Allied Health, and Indian Medicine courses at all non-minority private universities as government seats, while for minority private universities, half of the seats would be allotted to the government.

Section 37 of the original Act, which dealt with service conditions of employees, was also amended to include a clause stating that those employed in government-sanctioned posts in aided institutions “shall not be in any way less favourable than those which would have been applicable to them if there had been no such conversion”.

Another clause inserted into Section 55 stated that students admitted to a private college before conversion to a Brownfield University would be provided arrangements for instruction, teaching, training, and appearing for examinations, and their degrees would be conferred upon by the affiliate university.

In his reply to the debate on the floor of the House, Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan said the government was keen on protecting aided colleges for the benefit of students. He said if aided colleges were converted into private universities, they would lose the ‘aided’ status, and would stop receiving government grants. Explaining the amendments, he claimed these steps opened up possibilities to take higher education in the State to the next level.

AIADMK MLA and former Higher Education Minister K.P. Anbalagan, CPI(M) MLA Nagaimaali, CPI MLA T. Ramachandran, and Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi MLA T. Velmurugan opposed the Bill. CPI(M), CPI, Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi, and VCK MLA Sinthanai Selvan said the Bill may affect reservation.

K. Selvaperunthagai of Congress backed the Bill.

Tamil Nadu introduces Bill to allow existing private colleges to become universities

Tamil Nadu introduces Bill to allow existing private colleges to become universities

As per the draft amendment, 65% of seats in non-minority private universities and 50% in minority institutions will be earmarked as government seats.

Representative imagePhoto | Express Illustrations

Binita Jaiswal


Updated on:
16 Oct 2025, 8:54 a

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday introduced a Bill in the Assembly to amend the Tamil Nadu Private Universities Act, 2019, enabling existing private colleges, including government-aided ones, to be converted into private universities if they meet the prescribed criteria.

Under the existing Act, only greenfield institutions can be converted into private universities.

The proposed amendment introduces a new “Brownfield University” category, which allows the conversion of existing private colleges into universities, and a “Minority Private University” category that permits linguistic and religious minorities to set up and administer universities under Article 30 of the Constitution.

The government may pass the Bill during the current Assembly session that concludes on Friday. AIADMK MLA and former higher education minister K P Anbazhagan opposed the Bill at the introduction stage.

The seats in government-aided courses in all types of private colleges are presently filled as per the state’s reservation policies.

65% of seats in non-minority private univs to be earmarked for govt quota

However, as per the amendment, if such a college becomes a private university, reservation policies would apply only to medical, dental, allied health, and Indian medicine courses, not arts, science, or engineering. Even in the medicine and related courses, reservation will be applied only for seats earmarked as “government seats”.

As per the draft amendment, 65% of seats in non-minority private universities and 50% in minority institutions will be earmarked as government seats.

To protect the interests of staff and students, the Bill states that employees in government-sanctioned posts in aided institutions must not face service conditions less favourable than what was being enjoyed by them before the conversion.

Although it does not explicitly mention that the government will cease funding salaries, sources indicated that this is implied. The amendment also provides that students already enrolled under the affiliating university before conversion can continue and complete their courses in the same institution, with the new brownfield university responsible for facilitating this transition.

The Bill further relaxes the land requirement for setting up private universities. The existing norm of 100 acres of contiguous land is proposed to be reduced to 25 acres within municipal corporation limits, 35 acres within municipalities or town panchayats, and 50 acres elsewhere. If a proposed campus spans multiple local body categories, the requirement of the zone with the larger land share will apply.

Academicians opined that the amendment could encourage several existing colleges to upgrade themselves into private universities, offering greater flexibility and reduced regulatory restrictions. According to the State Higher Education Department’s policy note for 2025–26, Tamil Nadu currently has eight private universities, all established as greenfield institutions.

The Association of University Teachers (AUT) has strongly opposed the proposal, claiming it could lead to the corporatisation of government-aided institutions and undermine equitable access. “The entire admission process will shift from merit-based to money-based, and both teaching and non-teaching staff could face job insecurity,” said K Raja, general secretary of AUT, urging the government to withdraw the Bill.

Brownfield university

Pvt colleges can be turned into univs under ‘Brownfield’ category, while minority institutes can become pvt univs under ‘Minority Pvt University’ category

All benefits as per statutes for Calicut varsity V-C: Arlekar

All benefits as per statutes for Calicut varsity V-C: Arlekar

The Hindu Bureau

Kozhikode 12.10.2025

The office of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of State universities, has issued an order clarifying that P. Raveendran, Vice-Chancellor (V-C), University of Calicut, “shall have all the authorities, powers, duties, and responsibilities, conferred on V-Cs, in terms of the acts and statutes of the university.”

This comes in the wake of the explanations sought by the Kerala State Audit department related to the appointment of certain staff in his office and official bungalow and the use of his official quarters in his capacity as Professor, Department of Chemistry. Mr. Raveendran, originally a Professor in the department, was given full charge of the V-C in July 2024 by the then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. He was not selected to the post by a search-cum-selection committee as mandated by the University Grants Commission. The Audit department’s actions followed a complaint raised by P.P. Sumod, Left Democratic Front MLA, who is a Syndicate member of the university.

Mr. Sumod pointed out in his complaint that Mr. Raveendran, who has been holding the additional responsibilities as V-C, was not entitled to use the official bungalow. He was also not supposed to appoint staff in the office. Mr. Sumod also alleged that Mr. Raveendran was not discharging his duties in the Department of Chemistry.

The Chancellor’s office, however, clarified in the order issued on October 8 that he should not be treated as an “officer in charge” or “in any manner inferior to the regularly appointed V-Cs”. He shall not be obliged to perform his normal duties attached to his original post during the tenure of his appointment, and he has the discretion to decide on the issue. He shall be eligible for a furnished accommodation as admissible to the V-C, notwithstanding the staff accommodation available to him. Mr. Raveendran is also entitled to other benefits such as an official vehicle with a driver, medical allowances, and leave travel allowance, the order said.

The order shall have retrospective effect from the date of notification of his appointment. However, the order also said that he shall not have any claim for continuance or permanency in the post.

NEET cut-offs for MBBS, BDS drop after 2nd round of counselling

NEET cut-offs for MBBS, BDS drop after 2nd round of counselling

SEAT MATRIX 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 03.10.2025

Chennai : At the end of second round of counselling for MBBS/BDS admissions, cutoffs in NEET-UG 2025 came down by two to four marks in govt medical colleges compared to first round, and up to 10 marks in govt quota seats in self-financing colleges. While the last mark for a student to get into a medical college (state private university) was 354, the cut-off scores in BDS dropped by up to 100-222 marks in round 2 of counselling.

At the end of round 2, cutoffs dropped in almost all categories, although there was no major difference in ranks. For instance, the OC (open category) cut-off for govt colleges plummeted from 650 in 2024 to 534 in 2025. In 2024, NEET cutoff for a student to get into any college in any category at the end of round 2 was 403 marks. In BDS, the cut-off was 245.

The drop in cut-offs doesn’t indicate an easing of admissions, experts say. “There is only a marginal difference in the ranks of students, though we see big differences in scores,” said student counsellor Manickavel Arumugam. “Students, including many repeat candidates, found the NEET 2025 tougher. Overall performance dropped across India. There was no perfect score, and the top score was 686,” he said.

Students who were allotted seats must join colleges of their choice before deadline, or they will have to take part in the round 3 of counselling for colleges of their choice. 

The National Medical Commission allowed St Peter’s Medical College Hospital to take 100 more students by increasing total seats to 250, while Vivekananda Medical College Hospital and Research Institute will add 50 seats. These seats, along with 50 more in BDS, will be added to seat matrix once the state medical university grants affiliation, said selection committee officials.

NIRF to begin negative marking for dishonesty

NIRF to begin negative marking for dishonesty

Draft Norms For Univ Ranking Aim To Strengthen Internal Checks

Hemali.Chhapia@timesofindia.com 03.10.2025

Mumbai : Centre is rewriting the rulebook for India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), in what could be the sharpest overhaul of the country’s higher education rankings since their inception in 2015. For the first time, penalties are being formally stitched into the ranking methodology, signalling a tougher stance on research malpractice and misrepresentation of data.

The negative marking system will soon be declared. This year, the framework docked some marks from an institute’s overall score if published papers were retracted by academic journals. From the coming year, though, the consequences will be deeper and wider. Not only will universities be penalised for retracted work, but even citations of such tainted papers will draw heavy deductions in the research score — effectively broadening the circle of accountability.

The change is aimed at curbing what officials describe as a “weakness” in India’s research ecosystem. Papers withdrawn for plagiarism, duplication or manipulated data often continue to be cited, giving them a false academic afterlife. “Retractions damage the credibility of the system. And when retracted papers are cited, they really hold no meaning. And hence, such  instances need to be doubly punished with harsher negative marks,” said professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairman of the ranking committee. By extending penalties to citations, he  explained, govt is signalling zero tolerance towards dishonesty in academic output.

The revised rules will also push institutions to institute stronger internal checks. Universities that persistently accumulate lapses may face the ultimate penalty — being struck off the rankings  altogether. “While the final decision to debar institutes that continue to deliberately misrepresent has not yet been taken, the committee is serious about such cases and is likely to consider harsh  measures,” added Sahasrabudhe.

 “Rankings are signals to students, employers, investors of faith in an institution. To be rubbed off the table would mean more than a bruise to reputation; it may mean a shut door to opportunity,” said an official. NIRF evaluates institutions across five broad parameters: teaching and learning, graduation outcomes, research, outreach and perception. With over 8,700 institutions participating in the 2024 cycle, its results have become a widely referenced barometer for students, recruiters and policymakers.

Experts point out the higher education sector is at a crossroads: on the one hand, the country seeks a larger global footprint in research and innovation, and on the other, it must work to weed  out malpractice that risks damaging credibility. Sharper rules, they argue, are a warning and an opportunity. Universities need to invest in ethics training, plagiarism detection systems &  transparent review mechanisms, lest a single tainted citation pull down their standing, said

Another KGMU doctor resigns, set to join private hosp

Another KGMU doctor resigns, set to join private hosp 

BRAIN DRAIN

Mohsin  Usmani TNN 02.10.2025

Lucknow : With neurologist Prof PK Sharma submitting his resignation on Wednesday, King George’s Medical University lost another senior faculty member. Sharma will serve a threemonth notice period before joining a private medical institute in Alambagh. Prof Sharma cited personal reasons for his exit but said his years at KGMU gave him “immense recognition.” His resignation follows that of Prof Kshitij Srivastava from neurosurgery and Prof Adarsh Tripathi from the psychiatry department. The series of exits widened recently when four doctors — Dr Manu Agarwal (psychiatry), Dr Tanvi Bhargava (anaesthesia), Dr Ashok Kumar Gupta (plastic surgery) and Dr Karan Kaushik (cardiac anaesthesia) — resigned together.

They deposited three months’ salary in lieu of notice, which allowed immediate release. Dr Bhargava joined SGPGIMS, Dr Gupta moved to RMLIMS while Dr Kaushik and Dr Agarwal accepted a private hospital post. In the past month, KGMU also saw the departure of Prof Ajay Verma (respiratory medicine), who joined RMLIMS as head of department, Prof Srivastava, who shifted to a private hospital in Alambagh, and Prof Tripathi, who is serving notice. Senior faculty members have attributed the resignations to mismanagement and administrative lapses. Another factor is the pay gap. 

Salaries for govt medical teachers range between Rs 1.25 lakh at the assistant professor level and about Rs 3 lakh for professors. Private hospitals are offering salaries upwards of Rs 10 lakh a month, along with incentives. Faculty have also raised uniform pay across departments, which places super-specialists, despite longer training and heavier clinical load, on the same scale as non-clinical faculty. Meanwhile, the KGMU Teachers’ Association has sought govt intervention and demanded a policy should be framed for doctors trained in govt institutions.

Govt considers autonomy for BJMC, two medical colleges

Govt considers autonomy for BJMC, two medical colleges

Institutions Can Plan Courses And Update Their Curricula

Sarfaraz.Ahmed@timesofindia.com 2.10.2025

Nagpur : In a push towards academic autonomy in the medical sector, the state govt is considering granting deemed university status to three of its oldest medical colleges, namely JJ Hospital’s Grant Medical College in Mumbai, BJ Medical College in Pune, and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur. This would be the first time govt-run medical colleges in the state are accorded autonomy, a privilege largely enjoyed by private medical institutions. The most notable autonomous medical college in the public sector is AIIMS New Delhi, though it is supported financially by the union govt.

The proposal, submitted by the three colleges to the Department of Medical Education and Research (DMER), has been placed before the state govt, and a decision could be taken by the year-end. When contacted, DMER Director Dr Ajay Chandanwale said the proposal is in its nascent stages. Autonomy would empower these institutes to design their own courses, update curricula, and strengthen research facilities. At present, govt medical colleges in Maharashtra fall under the purview of DMER, while the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik, conducts examinations and awards degrees.

With autonomy, these colleges would gain independence from both bodies, opening the door to quicker decision-making and academic innovation. Explaining the significance, GMCH Nagpur Dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye said, “Autonomy would enable us to run our own courses, hold examinations, and take decisions at the institute level. One of the biggest advantages would be financial freedom, as we would be able to access and utilise our own funds instead of waiting for approvals from DMER.” Officials believe autonomy will not only accelerate institutional development but also benefit students and patients. There could be more postgraduate seats, specialised research centres, and upgraded infrastructure. “The idea is for the state govt to initially support the three colleges financially and then let them come up with proposals or services to boost their revenues,” said a highly placed govt official. Meanwhile, GMCH Nagpur will soon offer heart and liver transplants at its super specialty hospital.

Dean Dr Gajbhiye said the facility now has modular operation theatres where kidney transplants have already started. “Preparations for heart and liver procedures are in the final stages,” he added. Heart and liver transplants cost over Rs 15–22 lakh in the private sector. “But they are now covered under the revised scheme,” said Dr Gajbhiye.

UGC cracks down on 10 universities

UGC cracks down on 10 universities

Bhopal : 29.09.2025

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has raised serious concern over noncompliance by 10 private universities of Madhya Pradesh regarding mandatory information disclosure. Despite repeated reminders, these private universities have defaulted in submitting details under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956, and in uploading the required public self disclosure information on their official websites.

Issuing the notice on its official portal, UGC stated that as per the guidelines on public self disclosure by higher education institutions, issued on June 10, 2024, every higher education institution must maintain a functional website carrying all relevant institutional details. "These disclosures should be easily accessible on the homepage without login requirements, and equipped with a proper search facility. The norms mandate transparency, enabling students and the general public to verify key information," UGC authorities stated in the notice. 

In addition to website disclosure, universities were directed to submit detailed information in the prescribed proforma along with duly attested supporting documents. This submission was intended for inspection under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956. Institutions were further asked to host the same documents on their respective websites for public access. The UGC noted that despite multiple reminders through e-mails and online meetings, 10 private universities of MP have failed to comply with these directions. The regulator has now circulated a list of defaulting universities, warning them to ensure compliance at the earliest. UGC has reiterated that transparency in higher education is non-negotiable and universities failing to adhere to the norms could face consequences. TNN

Steps to get certificates attested through e-Sanad portal simplified

Steps to get certificates attested through e-Sanad portal simplified

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai. 20.09.2025

The process for virtually applying and obtaining attestation of certificates and apostilles by Indian citizens for their documents through e-Sanad portal has been simplified, a senior official of the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in Chennai on Friday.

Under the simplified process, the documents need not go to New Delhi for processing.

Addressing a press conference, the MEA’s Head of Branch Secretariat in Chennai, S. Vijayakumar, said more universities and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu have been integrated into e-Sanad and the process of attestation/apostille of E-Sanad-uploaded documents has been launched in Chennai since the first week of September.

Profile registration

Once the applicant creates a profile in https://esanad.nic.in/register, uploads documents and makes the payment through Bharatkosh, the document issuing authority (university/educational institution) verifies the authenticity.

The attestation is then verified by the General Administrative Department of the State government after which it goes to the MEA for issuing digital attestation. “Within seven working days of receiving the application from the State government, we will dispatch the document to the applicant by speed post,” Mr. Vijayakumar said.

Status tracking

The applicant could track the status online. The simplified process would help Indians looking for foreign employment, Indians residing abroad and Indian nationals going abroad for studies.

The simplified process would help them in the attestation of personal, educational and commercial documents through e-Sanad portal.

Around 300 applications have been successfully processed since the launch of the integration of e-Sanad was rolled out in the first week of September in Chennai, Mr. Vijayakumar said.

SSN college to be merged with Shiv Nadar univ Closure After NOC from State Govt

SSN college to be merged with Shiv Nadar univ Closure After NOC from State Govt

 Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 19.09.2025

Chennai : Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar (SSN) College of Engineering in Chennai, one of the top engineering colleges in the state, has applied for progressive closure from the next academic year (2026-27). The premier college will be merged with Shiv Nadar University Chennai, which is functioning on the adjacent campus, in a phased manner. Shiv Nadar University Chennai will conduct admissions to B Tech and M Tech programmes from the next academic year. 

Students aspiring to join the institution will need to take an entrance exam and clear an interview to gain admission. As of now, SSN College of Engineering is an autonomous college under Anna University and fills 65% of its seats through online counselling, which is based on Class XII marks in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. These students pay ₹55,000 as tuition fees for govt quota seats. 

“During the 2025-26 academic year, the college enrolled around 900 students in the first year. These students will graduate from Anna University after studying for the next four years,” a source from Anna University said. 

SSN College of Engineering was established by Shiv Nadar, founder and chairman emeritus of HCL Technologies in 1996. It rose to prominence with state-ofthe-art facilities on its 230acre campus on the Old Mamallapuram Road in Kalavakkam. It is also known to offer quality engineering education, and placing more than 95% of its students in top companies during campus placements. Officials from Anna University confirmed to TOI that the university received the application for progressive closure from SSN College of Engineering from next academic year. 

“The university will give permission for closure after getting a no-objection certificate from the state govt,” an official said. Shiv Nadar University Chennai, which started four years ago, offers courses in engineering, economics, and other disciplines. “We wanted to merge Shiv Nadar University and SSN College of Engineering to have one worldclass institution offering multidisciplinary programmes,” a spokesperson for SSN Institutions said. “This college will be called SSN School of Engineering under Shiv Nadar University. 

The mode of admissions will change, and the admission process and fee structure will be in line with Shiv Nadar University,” the spokesperson added. The tuition fees for BTech programmes at Shiv Nadar University is ₹3.5 lakh.

UGC Can't Debar A University From Enrolling PhD Students Under UGC Act Or Regulations:

UGC Can't Debar A University From Enrolling PhD Students Under UGC Act Or Regulations: 

Delhi High Court 

Nupur Thapliyal 

17 Sept 2025 10:00 AM

The Delhi High Court has observed that the University Grants Commission (UGC) does not have the power to debar a University from enrolling PhD students under the UGC Act, 1956, or its Regulations.

“Clearly, there is no provision in the Act, which confers power on the UGC to debar the University from enrolling Ph.D. scholars for alleged non-adherence of its provisions,” Justice Vikas Mahajan said.

Also referring to the UGC Ph.D. Regulations, the Court said:

 “It appears that the said Regulations provide for the minimum standards, as well as, lays down the procedures for award of Ph.D. degree, but the said Regulations neither prescribe any consequence of non-compliance with any of the provisions of said Regulations nor confer any power upon the UGC to debar a University from enrolling Ph.D. students or take any action for alleged non-adherence.”

Justice Mahajan thus allowed the plea filed by Singhania University challenging an order passed by the UGC debarring the varsity from enrolling scholars under its Ph.D. Programme for the next five years i.e. from academic year 2025-26 to 2029-30.

 The plea also challenged a public notice whereby prospective students and their parents were advised not to take admission in Ph.D. programme offered by the University in question.

Setting aside the impugned order and the public notice, the Court said that the Preamble and Section 12(j) of the UGC Act envisage that regulatory authority of the UGC is limited to co-ordination and determination of standards in universities and performance of such functions by the UGC as may be deemed necessary for advancing the cause of higher education in India.

 It said that neither the Preamble nor the provision contemplates imposition of penalty in the event of non-compliance with the provisions of the Act or its Regulations.

“Except for limited power found under Section 12A of the UGC Act, which allows initiation of an inquiry only against a college, followed by passing of a prohibitory order with the approval of the central government, no power of debarment as exercised by UGC in the impugned order dated 16.01.2025, can be found under the UGC Act and the Regulations referred to in the SCN and the impugned order,” the Court said.

 “…there is no express penal provision specified either under the UGC Act or the Regulations invoked which authorises the UGC to impose the penalty debarring the University from offering Ph.D. programmes for the next five years,” it added.

The Court concluded that the penalty awarded to Sanghania University in the impugned order was neither traceable to the provisions of the UGC Act nor to the Regulations which were invoked in the impugned order.

“Awarding of penalty in the absence of express provisions in the UGC Act, cannot be justified by way of implication under the broader regulatory functions or powers of the UGC referred to in the preamble or Section 12(j) of the UGC Act,” the Court said.

“In that view of the matter, the impugned order dated 16.01.2025 being outside the purview of the statute2 and the statutory Regulations invoked, is a nullity and liable to be set aside,” it added.

Title: SINGHANIA UNIVERSITY v. UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION

3 deemed univs get 150 more MBBS seats

3 deemed univs get 150 more MBBS seats

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 03.09.2025

Chennai : Three deemed universities in Tamil Nadu — Sri Lalithambigai Medical College and Hospital, Bharat Medical College and Hospital, and JR Medical College and Hospital — have been granted permission by National Medical Commission to add 50 additional MBBS seats each, taking the tally of additional seats to 150, Centre has told the state. 

While there are no new govt medical colleges in TN, the Centre will release the list for additional seats in self-financing medical colleges affiliated with Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University soon. “These seats will be added to the seat matrix. Students who opted for upgrade in round 1 and students who will take part in further rounds will have more options to choose from,” said a senior official. Overall, the National Medical Commission approved around 1,000 seats in new govt medical colleges in states such as Assam, MP, UP, Telangana, and Rajasthan; an almost similar number of additional seats in existing medical colleges across the country; and around 500 seats in deemed universities.

Karnataka's RGUHS asks colleges to play Naada Geethe, National Anthem at all events

Karnataka's RGUHS asks colleges to play Naada Geethe, National Anthem at all events

 Playing of the Naada Geethe and National Anthem during public events is part of the protocol prescribed by the state government. RGUHS officials admitted that some of the colleges had not been following the protocol, prompting them to issue the circular.

DHNS Last Updated : 26 August 2025, 03:30 IST Follow Us :

RGUHS has issued a circular mandating that each event commence with the playing of the Naada Geethe and conclude with the rendition of the National Anthem. Bengaluru: In a circular issued each of its affiliate colleges, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has directed the institutions to compulsorily sing or play the ‘Naada Geethe’ at the commencement of any event, and ensure it concludes with the rendition or playing of the National Anthem.

Playing of the Naada Geethe and National Anthem during public events is part of the protocol prescribed by the state government. RGUHS officials admitted that some of the colleges had not been following the protocol, prompting them to issue the circular. The varsity also aims to instil values of patriotism among both students and staff by having the songs played at public events.

RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr B C Bhagawan, while conceding that the varsity boasted a diverse student body representing various states across the country, said that it was important for them to become acquainted with the culture of Karnataka. Furthermore, the VC has instructed affiliate colleges to put a stop to the tradition of honouring either him or other varsity officials with bouquets, shawls, garlands and other paraphernalia, and instead present them with medical books. “We need to have medical books in the libraries of several medical colleges. Books gifted to officials can, in turn, be donated to the government medical colleges. My advise to other guests would be to donate books received as gifts to medical college libraries,” Dr Bhagawan said.

 “The Vice-Chancellor will not accept traditional gifts, instead he may be presented with a set of textbooks. These books will be gifted to deserving students from economically weaker sections studying in government colleges,” read the circular.

Fake NRI admissions racket in medical education: The new red lines on who is and who isn’t a guardian

Fake NRI admissions racket in medical education: The new red lines on who is and who isn’t a guardian 

A massive fake NRI-quota admissions scam exposed by the Enforcement Directorate has revealed how fabricated guardians, forged certificates, and counterfeit notary stamps were used to secure nearly 18,000 medical seats in West Bengal and Odisha. In response, authorities have enforced stricter rules—tightening guardianship definitions, disallowing extended family sponsorship, mandating embassy-issued certificates, and limiting validity to one year to prevent misuse.

TOI Education

Aug 26, 2025, 15:41 IST

Medical education 

The fake NRI-quota admissions racket laid bare by enforcement agencies recently has revealed how “sponsors” and “guardians” were manufactured to buy medical seats, turning loopholes into a thriving shadow market. According to a TNN report, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), aided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian missions abroad, has uncovered that nearly 18,000 MBBS and PG seats in private medical colleges across West Bengal and Odisha were secured through forged NRI certificates, counterfeit US notary stamps, and fabricated family trees—with agents and college promoters colluding to generate huge illicit proceeds. 

Here is a look at the tightened NRI admissions guidelines—who qualifies as a bona fide sponsor or guardian, who doesn’t, and why these distinctions now matter more than ever. Who can sponsor under the NRI quota To begin with, an applicant must be an Indian national holding a valid Indian passport and must have completed more than 182 days of stay in their country of residence to obtain an NRI certificate. Only then do the following categories qualify for NRI-quota educational benefits: NRIs themselves. Children of NRIs. Wards of NRIs—but only if the ward is a minor under the NRI’s bona fide guardianship. Evidence of guardianship must be produced before the Indian Mission/Post; merely “looking after” a student does not make someone a guardian. An affidavit to this effect must be filed with the Mission/Post.

This is the fulcrum of the system: The only third-party sponsor allowed is an NRI who is the legal, bona fide guardian of a minor. Anything looser will fail scrutiny. 

Who is not a guardian (no matter how close the family) 

The guidelines shut the door on precisely those family relationships that agents had exploited to secure MBBS and PG admissions for aspirants. The following are explicitly excluded as “bona fide guardians” for NRI-quota admissions—even if they are NRIs and reside abroad: Real brother or sister of the student (first-degree relatives other than parents). Uncle and aunt on the father’s side. Maternal uncle and maternal aunt on the mother’s side. Grandparents on either side. First-degree maternal or paternal cousins. Translation: Extended family sponsorship is out. If an agent is pitching “your Dubai-based uncle can sponsor,” that is non-compliant by definition. The one-year clock on certificates 

Another guardrail that kills document recycling: Every NRI Certificate issued by an Indian Mission/Post is valid for one year only, and renewal needs proof of continued stay abroad, subject to other conditions being met. This applies to the parent/candidate whose NRI status is being used. For Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cases, Missions may issue similar certificates for educational benefits, explicitly noting OCI status; passport number and “period of stay” may be omitted because they are irrelevant to OCIs/PIOs. Paperwork that will be checked—physically The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has spelled out what must be on the table for NRI-seat choice and what happens next: NEET scorecard. Self-attested declaration that the candidate is NRI/OCI/PIO or a child of NRI parents (format provided). OCI/PIO card, if applicable. Embassy-issued NRI Certificate of the parent or candidate. Crucially, original documents of all candidates will be checked at the allotted college at the time of reporting.

The declaration warns that if any information is false or frivolous, the seat will be cancelled and the candidate will face punitive/legal action. Why these red lines matter The ED’s casework shows the exact weak points exploited by the agent–college nexus: Rented sponsors, photocopied family trees, affidavits notarized without the supposed NRI even being in India, and the same sponsor pack recycled across candidates. The new rules answer each tactic: Tight definition of guardianship, family-relationship exclusions, embassy-fronted certification, and one-year validity to stop document laundering.

UGC directs HEIs to follow guidelines on healthcare courses in ODL mode

UGC directs HEIs to follow guidelines on healthcare courses in ODL mode 

Experts are concerned about poorly designed online and distance-learning programmes that may compromise patient care standards

 Priyadarshini.Gupta@timesofindia.com 25.08.2025

In an earlier notification, the University Grants Commission (UGC) directed Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to stop offering programmes in healthcare and allied disciplines through online or Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modes starting from the 2025-26 academic session. The ban covers programmes such as Psychology, Microbiology, Food and Nutrition Science, Biotechnology, and Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, among others. The directive stems from the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, which mandates that such courses can only be taught in regular mode. 

The decision follows recommendations made during the 24th meeting of the Distance Education Bureau Working Group in April 2025 and was formalised at the UGC’s 592nd meeting on July 23. “No HEI will be allowed to provide healthcare and allied courses in ODL or online mode from July 2025. Any recognition already granted for these programmes for the JulyAugust 2025 session and onwards will be withdrawn,” the UGC has stated. However, following representations received from HEIs, the UGC has decided to extend the last date to admit learners in ODl/online programmes for academic session July-August, 2025, from September 15, 2025 to October 15, 2025. All HEIs offering these programmes are advised to adhere to the revised timeline and ensure compliance with the applicable regulations and guidelines issued by the UGC from time to time. Students are advised to verify the ODl/online recognition status of the programmes and the HEI on the UGC-DEB portal before taking admission. 

Manish Ratnakar Joshi, secretary, UGC, says, “The Commission has clearly stated in its circular that offering these courses online is not 2 permissible without explicit approval from the NCAHP, and since no such permission has been granted, univer sities have been directed to discontinue admissions in online or ODL formats.” However, concerns remain as several colleges had already opened admissions before the circular was released, creating confusion for students who had enrolled with the expectation of continuing their studies. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), one of the largest providers of online and ODL mode of learning, too had opened admissions for students. Hence, students need to be vigilant and revisit their options before applying to courses under ODL mode. Talking to Education Times , Yagna Shukla, chairperson, NCAHP, says, “The move is rooted in the provisions of the NCAHP Act which states that courses in healthcare and allied disciplines must only be taught in regular mode. 

Students who pursue such programmes in ODL or online formats cannot be registered under the Act. UGC and IGNOU had approached the NCAHP to explore the possibility of registration, but it is not permissible under law.” Seeking Clarity The NCAHP Act was passed in 2021, with the Commission formally set up in 2023. Shukla says, “Since early 2024, enforcement of the provisions has gathered pace, and institutions have come forward seeking clarity on the status of distance-mode courses. Students already enrolled in ODL, online healthcare programmes will not be given alternate recognition, and no other models will be considered.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has already released a standardised curriculum in April 2023 for implementation from the 2026 academic year. Covering 57 professions across 10 categories, including physiotherapy, radiotherapy, anaesthesia and operation theatre technology, emergency medical technology, and medical laboratory sciences, the curriculum will be mandatory for all institutions and state councils. “The NCAHP is also finalising two sets of regulations; one outlining minimum standards for institutions willing to offer healthcare programmes, and the other governing registration procedures and service standards for allied healthcare professionals. These regulations, currently under legal vetting, are expected to be notified as early as the next academic year to give institutions time to prepare,” Shukla adds. One of the most pressing issues is the shortage of healthcare professionals in the country. Shukla says, “Shortage of healthcare professionals cannot justify compromising standards. Priority must first be on quality rather than quantity. Poorly designed distance-learning programmes may compromise standards of care which could harm patients. 

By enforcing a standardised, in-person curriculum, the aim is to build a strong foundation of quality and competence in allied healthcare professions. Once quality benchmarks are in place, the system can then focus on gradually increasing the number of professionals.” The NCAHP 2021 Act states that courses with a clinical component should not be taught through distance or online learning. While this makes sense for fields such as nursing, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, or microbiology, Payal Mago, director, Campus of Open Learning, University of Delhi, says, “Psychology as a discipline, when offered in BA or MA programmes without any clinical specialisation, should not be included in the ban. At DU, Psychology is taught as an academic subject focusing on areas such as school counselling, career guidance, and organisational behaviour, and does not prepare students to practise as clinical psychologists. 

For instance, even a postgraduate in Psychology cannot practise Clinical Psychology without pursuing further qualifications such as an MPhil.” DU has stopped taking admissions in Psychology in ODL mode this academic year to avoid confusion among students. Prof Mago adds, “Psychology, which makes for a popular subject among students, should be allowed to continue in distance and online modes, as it does not fall under clinical healthcare.”