Current Affairs - Education

The government of Uttar Pradesh has initiated a probe into the recognition of courses and admissions across all universities, colleges, and institutions in the state. Divisional Commissioners have been directed to set up Special Investigation Teams (SITs) comprising administrative, police, and education officers to carry out the investigation. Institutions are required to provide affidavits, recognition certificates, and detailed information about their courses. Any cases of illegal admissions or unapproved courses will invite strict action, including mandatory refunds of fees along with interest. This move underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality standards in higher education.

IIT Madras has once again topped the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, maintaining its position as India’s leading educational institution for the seventh consecutive year. Released by the Ministry of Education, the 10th edition of NIRF rankings assessed institutions across 17 categories, including engineering, law, medicine, management, agriculture, and sustainable development. IIT Madras stood out not only in the overall category but also in engineering, innovation, and sustainable development, showcasing its consistent excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. This recognition strengthens its global reputation and aligns with India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” by promoting world class education and research.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, approving the establishment of IIM Guwahati in Assam with a central financial grant of ₹550 crore. This move is significant as it brings premier management education to the Northeast, addressing a long-standing regional demand. Guwahati, already a key educational and economic hub, will now host one of India’s most prestigious institutions, thereby fostering inclusive growth, attracting talent, and boosting local development. IIM Guwahati is expected to strengthen higher education infrastructure, encourage entrepreneurship, create jobs, and integrate the Northeast more effectively into India’s academic and economic framework.

The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) scheme, with an outlay of ₹4,200 crore, has been introduced to enhance the quality, equity, and governance of technical education in India. Covering 275 institutions—175 engineering colleges and 100 polytechnics—the scheme will be implemented from 2025 to 2030 with support from the World Bank. Its focus is on boosting research, innovation, and employability skills through the establishment of research hubs, industry-academia collaborations, and modernised curricula. Additionally, MERITE aims to strengthen governance, promote multidisciplinary learning, and prepare institutions for digital transformation, benefiting over 7.5 lakh students nationwide.

IIM Kozhikode has launched ‘Gyanodaya’, a Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Publishing, as part of its Vision 2047. This initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and aims to transform the landscape of management education. Gyanodaya focuses on blending Indian knowledge systems with contemporary teaching methodologies, emphasising inclusivity, innovation, and global relevance. Key components include the development of peer-reviewed academic materials, the introduction of novel pedagogical models, and the publication of original case studies and research. Operated through IIMK’s in-house manuscript platform Pandulipi, Gyanodaya is positioned as a global hub for educational research and knowledge dissemination.