In a significant move to strengthen traditional medical education, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to establish specialised Ayurveda gurukuls that will allow students to begin their journey towards becoming Ayurvedic doctors immediately after completing their Class 10 board examinations.

The proposed initiative seeks to revive the ancient gurukul system while integrating it with modern medical education, creating a unique pathway that culminates in a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree.

Integrated Pathway from Class 10 to BAMS

Under the proposed model, five Ayurveda gurukuls will be established across the state, each offering 100 BAMS seats.

Admission will be based on an entrance examination conducted after Class 10. Selected students will complete their higher secondary education alongside specialised Ayurveda training before progressing into the integrated BAMS programme.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at nurturing students at an earlier stage, allowing them to build a deeper understanding of Ayurveda throughout their academic journey.

Ancient Gurukul Tradition Meets Modern Medical Education

The proposed institutions will closely follow the traditional residential gurukul system of ancient India, where students (shishyas) live and learn under the guidance of their teachers (gurus).

According to Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (AYUSH) Ranjan Kumar, the objective is to produce practitioners who understand Ayurveda from its foundational principles, including classical Sanskrit texts that form the basis of the traditional medical system.

The curriculum will combine:

• Traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and Sanskrit learning
• Modern medical education leading to a BAMS degree
• Hands-on clinical training
• Holistic wellness and healing practices
• Ethical values and disciplined residential learning

The government believes this comprehensive approach will prepare graduates who are proficient in both traditional Ayurvedic philosophy and contemporary healthcare practices.

Focus on Holistic Learning

Unlike conventional medical education, the proposed gurukuls will emphasise holistic development alongside academic excellence.

Students from diverse social and economic backgrounds will live together on campus, sharing daily responsibilities and participating in community-based activities designed to promote equality, discipline and character building.

Officials say the institutions aim to produce well-rounded practitioners who understand not only Ayurvedic medicine but also India's long-standing traditions of preventive healthcare and wellness.

Cabinet Approval Awaited

The proposal is expected to be placed before the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet for approval. Once cleared, the state government will begin identifying land for the first five gurukuls and initiate the process of designing the academic curriculum.

If the pilot project proves successful, the government plans to establish additional Ayurveda gurukuls across the state in the coming years.

Boosting India's Traditional Healthcare Ecosystem

The initiative aligns with the broader objective of promoting India's traditional systems of medicine under the AYUSH framework. By introducing students to Ayurveda immediately after secondary school, the Uttar Pradesh government hopes to create a new generation of practitioners with a stronger grounding in classical knowledge, clinical practice and holistic healthcare.

If implemented, the programme could become one of India's first large-scale attempts to blend the centuries-old gurukul model with structured medical education, potentially reshaping the future of Ayurveda training in the country.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has introduced a comprehensive social media policy that prohibits students, faculty, staff and affiliated bodies from using the institute's name, logo, emblem or branding on social media platforms and promotional material without prior written approval.

The new guidelines are aimed at regulating the use of AIIMS' institutional identity across digital platforms while ensuring that official communication remains accurate, responsible and aligned with the institute's values.

Who will be covered by the new AIIMS policy?

The social media policy applies to:

• Undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and super-speciality students.
• Student associations, societies and recognised bodies such as ASA, RDA and SYS.
• Faculty members, researchers and administrative staff communicating on behalf of AIIMS.
• Departments, centres and institutional bodies operating official or semi-official digital platforms.
• Third-party collaborators and individuals granted temporary access to AIIMS communication channels.

Approval mandatory before using AIIMS branding

Under the revised guidelines, no individual or organisation associated with AIIMS can use the institute's name, logo, emblem or official branding in digital or print formats without obtaining prior written permission from the concerned department.

The restriction covers a wide range of communication materials, including:

• Social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X.
• Event posters, banners and promotional creatives.
• Videos, reels, podcasts and blogs carrying AIIMS branding.
• Publicity material prepared for institutional events or collaborations.

New registration and content approval process

Student organisations and departments operating official social media accounts must now comply with additional administrative requirements.

They will be required to:

• Register official social media accounts with the concerned department.
• Submit the names, contact details and institutional email IDs of account administrators.
• Appoint a designated Media Coordinator responsible for content approval.
• Clearly state whether content is student-generated or department-generated unless officially endorsed by AIIMS.

The institute has also instructed users to avoid posting confidential institutional information, politically sensitive or religious content, defamatory material, or any communication that could harm the institute's reputation.

Sponsored posts, promotional collaborations and partnerships with external brands will require separate institutional approval.

AIIMS warns of disciplinary and legal action

The institute has warned that misuse of its name, logo or institutional identity, or violations of the new social media policy, may invite both disciplinary and legal consequences.

Possible disciplinary measures include:

• Written warnings.
• Suspension of institutional privileges or association.
• Derecognition of student organisations or societies.
• Restriction or denial of permission to organise institutional events.
• Legal action in cases involving unauthorised use of AIIMS branding or serious policy violations.

Why the new policy matters

The latest guidelines reflect a growing trend among higher educational institutions to strengthen governance over their digital identity as social media becomes an increasingly influential communication platform.

By introducing a structured approval process, AIIMS aims to prevent unauthorised use of its brand, reduce the risk of misinformation, and ensure that official communication maintains professional standards while protecting the institute's reputation.

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 re-examination was conducted smoothly across Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, with more than 18,000 medical aspirants appearing for the high-stakes entrance examination under extensive security arrangements.

The re-examination, organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA), follows the cancellation of the original NEET-UG exam due to allegations of a question paper leak. The retest is a crucial step in restoring confidence in India's medical entrance examination system and ensuring a fair opportunity for lakhs of aspiring doctors.

According to examination authorities, Gautam Budh Nagar district recorded an attendance rate of over 88 per cent. Of the 10,823 candidates registered across 23 examination centres, 9,540 students appeared for the test. In neighbouring Ghaziabad, 8,743 of the 9,666 registered candidates attended the examination at 22 centres, resulting in an attendance rate of approximately 90.4 per cent.

To ensure the secure conduct of the examination, more than 1,000 police personnel were deployed across examination venues and major traffic points. Authorities established help desks near metro stations, bus stands and transit hubs to assist students and parents travelling to centres.

Security measures included CCTV surveillance, frisking of candidates, regulated entry and exit procedures, parking management and continuous monitoring of traffic movement around examination venues. Senior police officials supervised arrangements throughout the day to ensure a smooth and transparent examination process.

The examination was conducted from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, while candidates with benchmark disabilities were provided additional time in accordance with prescribed guidelines.

Many students expressed relief after finally being able to appear for the examination following weeks of uncertainty. Candidates said the prolonged delay caused anxiety and disrupted preparation schedules, but they remained hopeful that the re-examination would conclude the controversy surrounding the test.

Education experts noted that maintaining transparency, security and student welfare is critical for safeguarding the credibility of national-level entrance examinations.

Ahead of the high-stakes NEET UG re-exam and SWAYAM semester tests, NTA rolls out nationwide staff training, enhanced security measures, and admit cards for 900 courses in a bid to restore confidence in India's examination system.

New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen examination integrity and streamline operations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched Pariksha Karmayogi, a nationwide training programme for examination personnel, while simultaneously releasing admit cards for the SWAYAM January 2026 semester examinations covering nearly 900 courses.

The initiative comes ahead of the NEET UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, following the cancellation of the May 3 test amid allegations of question paper leaks. Designed to improve procedural compliance and accountability, the Pariksha Karmayogi programme offers structured training to Centre Superintendents, Invigilators, and other examination staff involved in conducting national-level entrance tests.

The programme comprises four modules covering the entire examination lifecycle. While the first module focuses on the role of officials in ensuring fairness and transparency, subsequent modules address pre-exam preparedness, centre security, exam-day operations, and post-examination responsibilities. A quick reference guide has also been included to help officials adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs). The training is being delivered through self-paced learning on the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat platform, with certification provided upon completion.

The training drive forms part of a broader security overhaul for the upcoming NEET UG re-exam. Authorities have introduced multiple safeguards, including transportation of question papers by the Indian Air Force, three-tier security arrangements at examination centres, biometric and facial recognition verification of candidates, and deployment of more than five lakh security personnel. The government has also dismissed recent rumours of fresh paper leaks, urging candidates to rely only on official communications.

Meanwhile, NTA has issued admit cards for the SWAYAM January 2026 examinations, scheduled from June 17 to 21 across nearly 200 centres nationwide. Candidates can download their hall tickets using their application number or registered email ID. The examinations will be conducted in computer-based and hybrid formats, with paper patterns varying across courses.

Education experts view Pariksha Karmayogi as a potentially transformative reform that could standardise examination administration across India, reduce operational lapses, and help rebuild public trust in large-scale competitive examinations.

New Delhi: In a major escalation of its attack on the Centre, the INDIA bloc on Monday unanimously demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and CBSE examinations, accusing the government of failing millions of students.

The demand emerged from a high-profile meeting of 23 opposition parties at the Constitution Club, where leaders discussed issues ranging from examination controversies and unemployment to electoral integrity and rising prices.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the alliance had resolved to seek Pradhan's immediate resignation, alleging that students were let down by a series of exam-related failures, including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and reported technical glitches in CBSE systems.

Calling it a "betrayal of lakhs of youth," Kharge said the opposition would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament.

Opposition Closes Ranks

The meeting brought together top opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and others, signaling renewed efforts to strengthen opposition unity ahead of key political battles.

Leaders agreed to hold coordination meetings every two months, with the next major INDIA bloc gathering scheduled for Hyderabad on August 8.

Fresh Battle Over Electoral Rolls

Apart from education issues, the alliance also sharpened its attack on the government's electoral processes. Kharge announced that the bloc would soon send a letter to the Chief Justice of India raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged threats to voting rights.

The opposition maintained that questions surrounding electoral transparency require urgent attention and vowed to keep pressure on the government.

BJP Hits Back

The Bharatiya Janata Party swiftly rejected the allegations. BJP MP Sambit Patra dismissed the opposition's criticism of SIR as a repetitive excuse used after electoral setbacks.

Patra argued that similar electoral roll exercises had taken place in states governed by opposition parties and accused the INDIA bloc of selectively raising objections only after defeats.

Parliament Showdown Ahead

The opposition alliance also demanded that the Centre convene an all-party meeting to discuss unemployment, inflation, farmers' concerns and the broader economic situation.

With the Monsoon Session of Parliament approaching, opposition leaders indicated they would mount a coordinated campaign on issues affecting youth and democratic institutions, setting the stage for a potentially stormy session.

The meeting underscored the INDIA bloc's attempt to project unity and shift the political narrative toward education, jobs and electoral accountability as national political tensions continue to rise.

A physiotherapist preparing for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination has gone viral on social media after sharing a glimpse of her highly demanding daily routine, drawing admiration for her dedication while also raising concerns about burnout among aspirants.

The video, posted on X by user @dr.jyotivermapt with the caption “3:50 AM.. Patients, Kitchen & 12 Hours Study | UPSC First Attempt,” documents an intense day packed with studies, professional work and household responsibilities.

According to the video, the aspirant begins her day at around 3:53 AM, starting with a glass of water before settling down for study sessions on her terrace by 4:22 AM. The early morning preparation continues until approximately 6:40 AM, after which she takes a short break for yoga.

The rest of the day follows a similarly rigorous schedule. Study sessions dominate her morning and afternoon, interrupted only by brief breaks and essential chores. Around 11 AM, she takes time to cook food before returning to her books. Alongside UPSC preparation, she manages routine household tasks, including washing dishes, drying clothes and other domestic work.

In the evening, she balances her studies with her profession as a physiotherapist. Around 6:40 PM, she leaves home to attend to patients and later returns to continue studying. Her day reportedly concludes close to 10:50 PM, amounting to nearly 18 hours of continuous activity involving academics, work and household responsibilities.

The video quickly gained traction online, with many users praising her commitment and perseverance. Several comments wished her success in achieving her dream of becoming a civil servant, while others expressed amazement at her ability to maintain such an intensive routine.

However, not all reactions were celebratory. Some users questioned the sustainability of the schedule and highlighted the physical and mental strain such routines can impose. Comments about the lack of rest and the risk of exhaustion reflected broader concerns regarding the pressure faced by UPSC aspirants across the country.

The viral post has reignited discussions about the demanding nature of competitive exam preparation in India, particularly for candidates who simultaneously juggle employment, family responsibilities and personal commitments while pursuing their goals.