Union Minister of Education Pralhad Joshi has urged greater collaboration among the BRICS countries in creating resilient, innovative and sustainable education systems, emphasising the importance of countries preparing their education systems for future challenges in the world.

At the 13th BRICS Education Ministers' Meeting in Bhubaneswar, Joshi said that education systems need to be prepared to meet the challenges of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, climate change and fast technological advancements.

Pralhad Joshi highlights India's BRICS Education Agenda

The Union Education Minister welcomed the delegates from the BRICS member countries and said that India's BRICS Chairship is based on the theme “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”

He highlighted the need for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability in preparing future generations to adapt to the changing global context.

Joshi's remarks placed education at the centre of discussions on how BRICS countries can prepare their societies and young people for emerging global challenges.

Expanded BRICS Represents More Than 4 Billion People

The new BRICS group has over four billion people and a large proportion of the world's youth, Joshi said. He said that the diversity of BRICS countries is one of the strengths of the group and provides opportunities for countries to share their experiences and knowledge, best practices and new ideas in the field of education.

The minister pointed to the opportunities for deeper cooperation among member countries to create education systems that are better equipped to meet evolving needs and prepare young people for the future.

'Humanity First' Approach to BRICS Cooperation

Joshi said India will continue to advance the BRICS agenda with the spirit of “Humanity First,” in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. He also reaffirmed India's commitment to inclusive development and addressing the aspirations of the Global South.

India calls for deeper BRICS education cooperation

Joshi also urged BRICS countries to enhance cooperation in the field of education through partnership, mutual respect, sovereign equality and consensus. The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Education, heads of delegation and high-ranking officials of the BRICS member countries for discussions on cooperation in the field of education.

The need for more cooperation reflects the challenges that education systems in countries are facing due to the impact of technological change, climate change, economic uncertainty and the need to equip students for a future of work that is changing rapidly.

Significance of the BRICS Education Ministers Meeting

The talks emphasize the increasing significance of international collaboration in education. For BRICS countries, knowledge sharing, educational practices and innovative approaches can be a means to enhance education systems and tackle challenges that cross national boundaries.

Resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability are the key pillars of India's BRICS Chairship and these are the core elements of India's education cooperation with its member countries.

A man once celebrated for clearing 12 competitive examinations in 13 years is now at the centre of one of Jharkhand's biggest alleged recruitment scams. Abhay Kumar Tiwari, a Jharkhand government employee, has been arrested by the state's Crime Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly masterminding a ₹40-crore paper leak and recruitment manipulation racket linked to examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

The case has intensified concerns over the integrity of government recruitment examinations and triggered fresh protests by job aspirants demanding transparency.

From Exam Success to Criminal Allegations

Before his arrest, Tiwari was widely known for an extraordinary record of clearing multiple government recruitment examinations.

His reported achievements included qualifying examinations for:

• Police Sub-Inspector (2018)
• Indian Navy recruitment
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
• IRB Constable
• CRPF Head Constable
• Northern Coalfields Limited
• JSSC Postgraduate Trained Teacher
• Combined Graduate Level (CGL)
• JPSC Assistant Conservator of Forests
• Forest Range Officer
• Food Safety Officer
• 11th Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Examination

Investigators now allege that the same reputation was used to gain the confidence of aspirants.

Alleged ₹25–40 Lakh "Guaranteed Selection" Scheme

According to the CID, Tiwari allegedly operated a well-organised syndicate that promised candidates guaranteed selection in competitive examinations.

Investigators claim aspirants were asked to pay between ₹25 lakh and ₹40 lakh in exchange for leaked examination papers and manipulated recruitment outcomes.

Officials allege that Tiwari projected himself as proof that repeated success in competitive examinations was achievable, encouraging candidates to trust the network and pay substantial sums.

Link to Blacklisted Examination Agency

The investigation has also drawn attention to TRS-Data Processing Private Limited, a Lucknow-based testing agency that had previously been blacklisted by the Uttar Pradesh government over alleged examination irregularities.

Before joining government service as a Block Supply Officer in Poriyahat, Godda, Tiwari had reportedly worked as the company's marketing manager. Investigators suspect he maintained links with the agency even after entering government service.

The alleged connection has prompted demands for a review of recruitment examinations conducted through the agency.

Aspirants Continue Protest in Ranchi

The arrest has not ended public anger over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment process.

Following the declaration of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination results on July 5, hundreds of aspirants launched an indefinite sit-in protest in Ranchi.

The protesters are demanding:

• Cancellation of the preliminary examination.
• A transparent investigation into alleged irregularities.
• Review of examinations conducted through TRS-Data Processing.
• Greater accountability in government recruitment.

The Jharkhand government has initiated talks with protestors, with senior officials inviting a student delegation to meet Chief Minister Hemant Soren. However, the aspirants have insisted that discussions should involve only student representatives.

Investigation Continues

The CID is continuing its investigation into the alleged paper leak network and its possible impact on recruitment examinations.

As the probe progresses, the case has once again highlighted the importance of secure examination systems, transparent recruitment processes, and strong institutional safeguards to maintain public confidence in government examinations.

A fresh controversy has emerged at Swami Arupananda Degree College of Education in Odisha after suspended principal Dayanidhi Routray was booked by the Raghunathpur Police for allegedly entering the college premises without authorisation and removing official files from the institution's office.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, just a day after Routray was released from jail in connection with an earlier case involving allegations of misconduct and assault against college staff.

Allegedly Entered Office Without Permission

According to college authorities, Routray entered the campus at around 9:15 am, when only two peons were present on duty. The in-charge principal and other administrative staff had not yet arrived.

Officials alleged that the suspended principal accessed the college office without informing the administration, opened two office almirahs, removed important institutional files and documents, packed them into two bags, and left the premises.

The entire incident was reportedly captured on the college's CCTV cameras and witnessed by the two staff members present at the time.

College authorities further claimed that Routray did not return the office key after taking the documents.

College Authorities Lodge Police Complaint

Following the incident, the matter was reported to the college president and Jagatsinghpur Sub-Collector Prasant Kumar Tarai.

The in-charge principal, Bhagaban Das, subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Raghunathpur Police.

Confirming the development, Inspector-in-Charge Premjit Das said police have registered a case against the former principal and initiated an investigation into the allegations.

Authorities are examining the circumstances under which the files were removed and whether any official procedures were violated.

Former Principal Defends His Actions

Routray has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he removed only those documents required for ongoing legal proceedings.

According to him, the files contained records relating to certain lecturers and staff members that were needed to be produced before the court.

He also claimed he feared that some documents connected to alleged corruption could be altered if left in the college office.

"I have taken the documents to produce them before the court as the case is under trial. I apprehend that some records related to corruption may be altered. I have taken the files to preserve the evidence," Routray said.

Background of the Case

The latest incident follows Routray's arrest on July 17, when Raghunathpur Police booked him for allegedly abusing, humiliating, and assaulting two lecturers and non-teaching staff after they reportedly refused to comply with what were described as "illegal instructions."

Following his arrest, the Jagatsinghpur Sub-Collector placed him under suspension on charges of misconduct and negligence of duty.

The fresh case has added another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings, with police now investigating whether the removal of official records violated administrative rules or interfered with institutional functioning.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of proper governance, accountability, and record management in higher education institutions, particularly when disciplinary proceedings against senior officials are underway.

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME&R) has opened a grievance redressal window for candidates applying for MBBS and BDS admissions for the 2026–27 academic session. Applicants who have been marked ineligible or wish to raise concerns regarding their application status can submit supporting documents online until August 7.

The Selection Committee published the list of ineligible candidates after scrutinising online applications. Candidates can access the grievance portal using their registered ID and password to upload relevant documents for verification.

Grievance Facility Extended to All Applicants

Initially, only candidates declared ineligible were allowed to log in and upload revised documents. However, the Selection Committee has now expanded the facility to all registered applicants, enabling them to verify their application details and submit supporting documents if required.

Officials clarified that the current window is strictly for grievance redressal and document verification. No fresh applications will be accepted during this period.

Applicants are advised to complete the process before the deadline to avoid any issues during the preparation of the merit list and counselling.

Over 72,000 Applications Received

Tamil Nadu has received an overwhelming response for MBBS and BDS admissions this year. According to the Selection Committee, a total of 72,627 applications have been submitted.

The applications include:

• 41,723 for government quota seats
• 30,904 for management quota seats

Interestingly, the number of applications exceeds the number of students from Tamil Nadu who qualified the NEET-UG 2026 examination.

According to data released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), only 61,306 candidates from the state qualified NEET-UG this year. The higher number of applications may be due to candidates applying under different categories or eligibility criteria available during the counselling process.

Tamil Nadu Adds 950 New MBBS Seats

For the 2026–27 academic year, Tamil Nadu now has 13,999 MBBS seats, following the addition of 950 new seats across government and private medical colleges.

The newly sanctioned seats include:

• 150 seats in three new government medical colleges located in Tiruvallur, Tiruppur, and Namakkal.
• 800 additional seats in private medical colleges across the state.

The expansion is expected to improve access to medical education and accommodate the growing number of NEET-qualified aspirants seeking admission in Tamil Nadu.

What Candidates Should Do Next

Candidates should carefully review their eligibility status, upload any pending or corrected documents through the grievance portal before August 7, and ensure all information is accurate.

Once the grievance window closes, the Selection Committee is expected to finalise the eligibility list, publish the merit list, and begin the counselling process for MBBS and BDS admissions under both government and management quotas.

With nearly 14,000 MBBS seats available this year, Tamil Nadu remains one of India's leading states in terms of medical education capacity, offering significant opportunities for NEET-qualified candidates.

Only 5.67% of schools in India provide uninterrupted education from Class 1 to Class 12, according to the latest data presented by the Ministry of Education in the Rajya Sabha. The figures reveal that just 83,185 schools out of the country's 14,66,682 schools listed under UDISE+ 2025-26 offer students the opportunity to complete their entire schooling within the same institution.

Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary shared the data while responding to a question in Parliament regarding the availability of full-cycle schools and its impact on student transition, retention, and dropout rates.

Majority of Students Still Change Schools During Their Education

The data indicates that the overwhelming majority of Indian schools do not provide continuous education from the primary level to senior secondary level. As a result, most students are required to change schools at one or more stages of their academic journey.

Education experts have long argued that school transitions can affect academic continuity, student adjustment, and learning outcomes. However, the Ministry noted that key education indicators have shown steady improvement despite the limited number of full-cycle schools.

Student Transition and Retention Rates Improve

According to the Ministry of Education, student movement across school stages has become smoother over the past year.

The transition rate from the preparatory stage to middle school increased from 92.2% in 2024-25 to 93.8% in 2025-26.

Similarly, the transition rate from middle school to secondary education improved from 86.6% to 88.3% during the same period.

The secondary-level retention rate also recorded significant progress, rising from 47.2% in 2024-25 to 51.9% in 2025-26. Meanwhile, the secondary school dropout rate declined from 8.2% to 7.0%, indicating improved student participation and continuity.

Over 1,600 Schools Upgraded to Senior Secondary Level

To improve access to higher classes, the government approved the upgradation of 1,617 secondary schools into senior secondary schools between 2018-19 and 2026-27.

Among the states:

• Rajasthan received the highest number of approvals with 606 schools.
• Odisha followed with 331 schools.
• Punjab received approval for 241 schools.
• Uttar Pradesh accounted for 98 schools.
• Assam and Karnataka received approvals for 47 and 43 schools, respectively.

Several other states and Union Territories, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh, also benefited from the school upgradation initiative.

Supporting NEP 2020 Through Samagra Shiksha

The Ministry stated that these upgrades are carried out under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, with annual proposals submitted by states and Union Territories based on local educational needs.

The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to expand access to quality education, strengthen school infrastructure, reduce dropout rates, and create inclusive learning environments for students across the country.

The latest UDISE+ data suggests that while India continues to improve student retention and transition rates, expanding the number of schools offering uninterrupted education from Class 1 to Class 12 remains a key challenge for the country's school education system.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Sashastra Seema Bal (Combatised General Duty) Group 'C' Posts Recruitment Rules, 2026, introducing a 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers in the recruitment of Constable (General Duty) posts. The new rules replace the 2011 recruitment framework and align the recruitment process with the Centre's Agnipath scheme.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), one of India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for guarding the 1,751-km India–Nepal border and the 699-km India–Bhutan border.

50% Reservation for Ex-Agniveers

Under the new recruitment rules, 50% of Constable (General Duty) vacancies in every recruitment year will be reserved for ex-Agniveers.

The recruitment process will take place in two phases:

• Phase I: Recruitment for the reserved 50% vacancies will be conducted by the designated Nodal Force exclusively for eligible ex-Agniveers.
• Phase II: The remaining vacancies, along with any unfilled posts from Phase I, will be filled through an Open Competitive Examination as per the existing recruitment process or future government guidelines.

The provision is aimed at facilitating the induction of trained former Agniveers into the SSB while maintaining a structured recruitment system.

Age Relaxation and Examination Exemptions

The revised rules provide several benefits to ex-Agniveers:

• First batch of ex-Agniveers: Up to 5 years' relaxation in the upper age limit.
• Subsequent batches: Up to 3 years' age relaxation.

Eligible ex-Agniveers will also receive exemptions from:

• Written examination
• Physical Standard Test (PST)
• Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

These exemptions will apply subject to the conditions specified in the recruitment rules.

Recruitment Framework for Group 'C' Posts

The SSB Recruitment Rules, 2026 govern appointments to the following Group 'C' General Duty posts:

• Assistant Sub-Inspector (General Duty)
• Head Constable (General Duty)
• Constable (General Duty)

The sanctioned strength under the new rules includes:

• 5,886 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (GD)
• 13,358 Head Constables (GD)
• 54,109 Constables (GD)

The number of vacancies may vary depending on operational requirements and workload.

Eligibility for Constable Recruitment

For direct recruitment to the post of Constable (General Duty), candidates must:

• Be 18–23 years of age (subject to applicable relaxations).
• Have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
• Meet the prescribed physical and medical standards notified by the Central Government.
• Be placed in the SHAPE-I medical category.

Comprehensive Service Rules

Besides introducing provisions for ex-Agniveers, the notification lays down detailed guidelines relating to:

• Promotion and departmental advancement
• Deputation
• Re-employment of ex-servicemen
• Reservation policies
• Probation and confirmation
• Retirement
• Service liability
• Departmental Promotion Committees

The rules came into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette on July 27, 2026.

Aligning Recruitment with the Agnipath Scheme

The revised recruitment framework follows the Union Government's policy to provide career opportunities for former Agniveers after completion of their military service under the Agnipath scheme.

Earlier, Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha that the government had created a separate Ex-Agniveer category for recruitment to Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman posts in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. He also announced the establishment of a dedicated Ex-Agniveer Wing under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate the future induction and career progression of former Agniveers across the CAPFs.

With the implementation of the SSB Recruitment Rules, 2026, the government aims to leverage the skills and training of ex-Agniveers while strengthening the recruitment and human resource framework of one of India's key border guarding force