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Bhubaneswar, November 13, 2024: In a major development, the Odisha government has decided to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across all state-run universities and affiliated colleges from the current academic year. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement, noting that the NEP's introduction is part of a larger effort to modernize and strengthen the state’s higher education system.

The NEP, launched by the central government in 2020, aims to overhaul India’s education framework at all levels, focusing on research, innovation, and practical learning. Odisha’s adoption of the policy underscores the state’s commitment to building a system that aligns more closely with industry needs and global educational standards. This shift is expected to create a more employable workforce equipped with the skills necessary to excel in today’s competitive environment.

Key Components of NEP-2020 in Odisha’s Higher Education System

The implementation of NEP-2020 brings with it a series of initiatives designed to make education more practical and aligned with real-world applications. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the policy will emphasize research and innovation through a range of schemes, while promoting practical-based learning experiences.

One of the critical aspects of the NEP is its focus on skill development, which will now be incorporated into the curriculum of state universities and colleges. Through internships and other industry partnerships, students will gain firsthand exposure to professional environments, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial applications. This experiential approach is expected to help students build relevant skills and networks that can enhance their employment prospects after graduation.

“Odisha’s youth are our strength, and the NEP will provide them with the opportunities they need to become future leaders and innovators,” Chief Minister Majhi said. “This policy will help reshape our education system to make it more inclusive, equitable, and skill-oriented.”

Focus on Employability and Industry-Relevant Education

As part of the NEP’s implementation, Odisha’s higher education institutions will revamp course structures to focus on employment-ready skills, in tune with industry demands. The curriculum will now incorporate a more flexible structure, allowing students to choose from a variety of electives based on their interests and career goals. The policy emphasizes the creation of multidisciplinary learning pathways, encouraging students to pursue minors in fields that complement their major area of study.

Additionally, state universities and colleges will work to integrate digital tools into the learning environment, thereby increasing accessibility and offering students the chance to develop skills in emerging technologies. The aim is to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, so that graduates can navigate dynamic job markets and adapt to changes in their respective industries.

Opportunities for Research and Innovation

A core component of NEP-2020 is its focus on fostering research and innovation. The policy encourages higher education institutions to build partnerships with industries and research organizations, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology. Odisha’s universities and colleges are expected to set up dedicated research centers and labs where students can undertake projects that address practical challenges faced by the state’s economy and society.

To further support this initiative, the state government has announced its intention to increase funding for research grants and innovation-based projects. “Our goal is to build a knowledge-driven society where students can actively contribute to research and innovation,” said a spokesperson for the Odisha Department of Higher Education.

Implementing NEP-2020: Challenges and Future Prospects

While the introduction of NEP-2020 marks a significant shift for Odisha’s education system, implementing such sweeping changes presents certain challenges. Concerns have been raised about the readiness of institutions to adapt to new requirements, including updating infrastructure, training faculty, and expanding access to digital learning resources. The state government has acknowledged these challenges and pledged to provide necessary support to institutions to ensure a smooth transition.

The Odisha government’s move to adopt NEP-2020 reflects its commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. By aligning education with the requirements of today’s industries and fostering a culture of research and innovation, Odisha aims to produce a generation of graduates who can contribute to the state’s economic and social development.

Prayagraj, November 11, 2024: Thousands of candidates gathered outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) headquarters in Prayagraj on Monday to protest recent changes in the examination schedule for the Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) exams, as well as the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) preliminary exam. The aspirants voiced concerns over UPPSC’s decision to conduct the exams on different dates and across multiple shifts, a move they believe could compromise transparency and fairness in the assessment process.

A Call for a Uniform Examination Format

The protesters are demanding that UPPSC hold these exams in a single shift on the same day to ensure equal footing for all candidates. According to aspirants, the multi-shift format may lead to inconsistencies in question difficulty across shifts, potentially affecting the overall results and reducing the chances of a fair comparison. Many candidates argued that a unified exam schedule would create a level playing field, helping ensure that all test-takers face the same conditions and questions.

Candidates voiced their frustrations over the decision, saying it would increase logistical burdens and travel costs, especially for those from remote areas. “Scheduling different shifts for the same exam creates inequalities. We only want a fair chance to compete without worrying about variance in exam content and difficulty,” said one aspirant who had traveled from another district to join the protest.

Tensions Escalate at UPPSC Headquarters

As the number of protesters swelled, they were initially met with a police barricade and prevented from staging their planned sit-in at Gates No. 2 and 3 of the UPPSC headquarters. When the demonstrators attempted to breach the barricades, clashes broke out, leading the police to deploy a lathi charge to disperse the gathering. The confrontation escalated as protestors moved to a nearby intersection to continue their demonstration, chanting slogans and calling for UPPSC to reconsider its exam schedule.

Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as police and protestors faced off. Some protestors claimed they had been met with unnecessary force, while police officials said the measures were necessary to control the large crowd and prevent disruptions in the vicinity of the commission’s headquarters. The protest created significant traffic congestion, and authorities urged residents to avoid the area until the protest subsided.

UPPSC’s Response and Assurances

In response to the protests, UPPSC released a statement acknowledging the concerns of the candidates but defended the multi-shift format as necessary to manage the increasing number of aspirants. Officials cited logistical challenges, noting that a unified exam would require an unprecedented number of centers and resources. The commission added that it has implemented strict measures to ensure that question paper quality and difficulty level remain consistent across all shifts, including randomization of question sets and careful selection of examination centers.

The UPPSC assured candidates that it values fairness in the examination process and pledged to continue monitoring the feedback from aspirants. However, officials did not indicate any plans to immediately reverse the decision, prompting candidates to warn of continued protests if their demands are not addressed.

Growing Tensions Among Aspirants in Competitive Exams

The protest is the latest in a series of actions by candidates challenging exam formats and schedules, underscoring growing anxiety among aspirants in Uttar Pradesh and across India. As competition for government positions intensifies, candidates increasingly focus on perceived disparities in exam procedures that they believe could affect outcomes. With aspirants now facing the possibility of further protests and disruptions, UPPSC’s handling of this situation may set a precedent for other examination bodies across the country.

For now, aspirants remain hopeful that UPPSC will reconsider its exam schedule, and many have pledged to continue their peaceful demonstrations until their concerns are addressed.

Chennai, November 13, 2024: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has restructured its Bachelor of Technology (BTech) curriculum to offer extended industry exposure through a new six-month internship program. This adjustment, effective for the 2024–2025 batch, aims to better align with industry expectations and provide students with more comprehensive work experience. The initiative marks a shift from the current three-month internship model to a six-month duration, giving students ample time to gain practical knowledge, apply theoretical concepts, and improve their chances for competitive placements.

Enhancing Industry Readiness with Extended Internships

In the restructured four-year BTech program, students will undertake internships in their third year, starting in the sixth semester. Traditionally, internships occurred between May and July, following the academic year’s end. Under the new model, students can extend their internships until August, allowing for a more in-depth experience without interrupting core academic commitments. The aim is to provide students with the practical skills needed for success in their careers.

Professor Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, Dean of Students at IIT Madras, highlighted that this change was partly inspired by feedback from industry professionals who believed that the previous three-month period was insufficient. “Many companies felt they did not have enough time to evaluate students’ skills or to see impactful work contributions from them. Companies would often request an extension until August, but students had to return to campus by July for core courses. This led to challenges, especially when extension requests conflicted with exams,” Professor Gummadi explained.

Curriculum Adjustments to Accommodate Extended Internships

To accommodate the extended internship period, IIT Madras has made changes to its course structure. Courses that typically began in early August will now be rescheduled to start later in the semester. This shift ensures students can stay in their internships without compromising academic responsibilities. The revised curriculum also provides flexibility for students to balance academic requirements and real-world experience.

By enabling a six-month internship period, IIT Madras aims to deepen students’ engagement with industry projects. With more time to contribute to significant projects, students can better hone their technical skills, adapt to professional environments, and develop critical competencies in problem-solving and teamwork.

Positive Reception from Industry Partners and Students

The move has been welcomed by both students and industry partners. Companies have praised the extension, noting that six months allows students to be entrusted with more meaningful roles. “Longer internships allow us to assign students to critical tasks and evaluate them thoroughly,” said an HR executive from a leading tech firm. For students, the extended internship duration is a promising opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers, especially in fields that require substantial training or project completion.

This initiative reflects IIT Madras’s commitment to adapting to evolving industry trends and enhancing the employability of its students. With the extended internship period, the institute aims to provide BTech students with a stronger foothold in the competitive job market, ensuring they graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and the applied skills demanded by modern industries.

As India’s job market continues to evolve, IIT Madras's restructured curriculum positions it at the forefront of producing industry-ready graduates, making them more competitive and attractive candidates for placements domestically and internationally.