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An assistant professor from Uttar Pradesh has alleged that he was dismissed from his teaching position shortly after participating in a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, raising questions about due process and academic freedom.

Dr. Mohit Bhardwaj, a 32-year-old Assistant Professor of Commerce at Ganna Utpadak PG College in Baheri, Bareilly, claims he was informed of his termination a day after returning from the demonstrations. The college has responded to the allegations through its principal, but a detailed official explanation for the dismissal is still awaited.

Professor links termination to protest participation

According to Dr. Bhardwaj, he travelled to Delhi to participate in the ongoing demonstrations in support of students and returned to campus only to learn that his services had been terminated.

He has publicly alleged that his participation in the protest was the reason behind the decision. Dr. Bhardwaj also stated that he faced police baton charges during the demonstrations before returning to Bareilly.

The professor has further alleged that the chairman of the college's managing society, Rajendra Kumar, has political affiliations that may have influenced the decision. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Questions raised over due process

Dr. Bhardwaj has written to the college administration seeking documents related to his dismissal.

In his representation, he has requested:

• Copies of any complaints filed against him.
• Details and reports of any departmental inquiry.
• Copies of any show-cause notice or charge sheet issued before termination.
• Minutes of the meeting in which the decision to terminate his services was taken.

He has also argued that since his appointment had received approval from the affiliating university, any termination should similarly require approval from the competent university authority or the Vice-Chancellor, which he claims was not obtained.

Additionally, Dr. Bhardwaj pointed to a character certificate issued by the college principal in May 2026 that reportedly praised his conduct and professional performance.

College yet to issue detailed explanation

The principal of Ganna Utpadak PG College has responded to the matter. However, the institution has not yet publicly released a detailed explanation outlining the reasons for the professor's termination or addressing the procedural issues raised by him.

As of now, the allegations made by Dr. Bhardwaj remain his claims, and the college has not publicly confirmed that his participation in the protest was linked to the decision.

Matter likely to attract scrutiny

The case comes amid wider discussions on academic autonomy, employee rights, and procedural safeguards in higher education institutions. With the professor seeking official records related to his dismissal, the issue could draw further attention if the matter is taken up before the affiliating university or other legal forums.

Until a detailed response is issued by the college or the relevant authorities, the circumstances surrounding the termination remain under scrutiny.

A coalition of Left student organisations in West Bengal and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has demanded the immediate release of students and protesters arrested following the recent NEET-related demonstrations in Kolkata. The groups have also called for the withdrawal of cases filed against protesters and reiterated their demand for the scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The demands come after police action following a protest march over the alleged NEET paper leak, which led to multiple arrests and triggered criticism from several student organisations.

Student groups announce fresh protest march

Left student organisations have announced a protest march from Shyambazar to College Street on July 28 at 2:30 pm.

According to the organisers, the march will raise three key demands:

• Scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Withdrawal of cases registered against protesters across the country
• Opposition to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The demonstration is expected to bring together members of several student bodies and youth organisations.

CJP raises concerns over arrests

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that students and protesters were being targeted in multiple states following demonstrations over examination-related issues.

In a statement posted on social media, Das said the organisation had received reports of students being detained or arrested in West Bengal, Assam and Bihar, and urged authorities to drop what it described as "false cases" against protesters.

Student organisations criticise police action

Leaders of several student organisations expressed concern over the manner in which arrests were carried out.

AISA state president Ritam Majhi condemned attacks on journalists during the protests but also alleged that students and youth, particularly from minority communities, were being harassed in the aftermath of the demonstrations. He further criticised the reported barefoot parading of an accused during a police reconstruction exercise, describing it as a violation of human dignity.

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) said the movement would continue despite the resignation of the Union Education Minister, arguing that its central demand for the abolition of the NTA remained unresolved. The organisation also alleged that arrests were being carried out selectively.

Meanwhile, the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) criticised the use of the Anti-Goonda Act, alleging that a majority of those arrested belonged to the Muslim community. The organisation called for the repeal of the legislation and demanded that no criminal cases be filed against peaceful protesters.

Debate over protests continues

The arrests following the Kolkata protest have intensified the debate over the handling of student demonstrations and examination reforms. While student organisations have accused authorities of targeting protesters and curbing democratic dissent, officials have maintained that legal action has been taken in accordance with the law.

With another protest march planned, the controversy surrounding the NEET demonstrations and demands for examination reforms is expected to remain a prominent issue in West Bengal's political and educational landscape.

Haryana is set to introduce CM Shri Schools, a new initiative modelled on the Centre's PM Shri Schools, as part of its efforts to strengthen the state's school education system. The announcement was made by Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda during the Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

Responding to a question raised by a member in the Assembly, the minister said the upcoming CM Shri Schools would follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum and academic framework. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of education in government schools by aligning them with national academic standards.

While the government has not yet announced the number of schools, locations, or implementation timeline, the proposed CM Shri Schools are expected to complement the existing PM Shri Schools programme, which focuses on creating model schools equipped with modern infrastructure, technology-enabled classrooms, and competency-based learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

CM Shri Schools to follow CBSE pattern

According to the Education Minister, the new CM Shri Schools will adopt the CBSE pattern, providing students with a curriculum designed to strengthen conceptual learning, skill development, and holistic education.

The initiative is expected to improve access to quality education while offering government school students an academic environment comparable to leading CBSE-affiliated institutions.

Haryana continues 25% EWS reservation in private schools

During his statement in the Assembly, Mahipal Dhanda also highlighted the state's implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, under which 25% of entry-level seats in private schools are reserved for children belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG).

Sharing admission figures from the previous academic session, the minister said:

• 14,127 applications were received under the RTE admission process.
• 11,803 eligible students were allotted seats in private schools across Haryana.

The reservation aims to provide children from economically disadvantaged families with access to quality education in recognised private institutions.

Focus on improving school education

The proposed CM Shri Schools, along with continued implementation of the RTE quota, reflects Haryana's broader strategy to strengthen school education through improved infrastructure, quality teaching, and equitable access.

With the schools expected to follow the CBSE curriculum, the initiative could provide students with enhanced academic opportunities while supporting the state's efforts to modernise government education.

Further details regarding the rollout, eligibility, and operational framework of the CM Shri Schools are expected to be announced by the Haryana government in the coming months.

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has started the admission process for 49 distance and online programmes offered through its Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) for the 2026-27 academic session. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the university's official admission portal until August 10, 2026.

The programmes are being offered under both the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) modes, giving students the flexibility to pursue higher education while balancing work and other commitments.

JMI introduces two new online programmes

For the 2026-27 academic session, JMI has expanded its academic offerings by introducing two new online courses:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biosciences
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Admission to these newly launched programmes will be based on candidates' performance in their qualifying examination, followed by an interview.

List of JMI distance and online courses

Postgraduate (PG) programmes

JMI is offering admissions to the following postgraduate courses:

• MA in Education
• MA in English
• MA in Geography
• MA in Hindi
• MA in History
• MA in Human Resource Management
• MA in Islamic Studies
• MA in Political Science
• MA in Public Administration
• MA in Sociology
• MA in Urdu
• MCom
• MBA (Open and Distance Learning)

Undergraduate (UG) programmes

Candidates can apply for:

• BA (General)
• BCom
• BBA

Apart from degree programmes, JMI has also opened admissions for several diploma and certificate courses, including:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
• Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education
• Advanced Diploma in Educational Media Production
• Advanced Diploma in Mass Media
• Certificate in Computer Hardware and Network Technology
• Certificate in Information Technology

JMI Admission 2026: Selection process

Admission to most undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes will be merit-based, considering candidates' performance in the qualifying examination.

However, MBA (ODL) and B.Ed. admissions will be conducted through an entrance examination scheduled for August 22, 2026, at the Jamia Millia Islamia campus. The university will issue admit cards with details regarding the examination venue and reporting time.

Document verification and admission confirmation

Candidates shortlisted for admission will receive confirmation through their registered email addresses. The university will also communicate the schedule for physical document verification.

According to the official admission calendar, document verification and fee payment will take place between August 31 and September 10, 2026. Admission will be confirmed only after successful verification of documents and payment of the prescribed fee.

Important dates for JMI CDOE Admission 2026-27

Why choose JMI's distance and online programmes?

JMI's Centre for Distance and Online Education aims to make quality higher education accessible to a wider section of learners through flexible learning modes. With the addition of new programmes such as BSc Biosciences and MBA, students now have more opportunities to pursue industry-relevant courses without attending regular classroom sessions.

Candidates interested in pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or certificate programmes through distance or online education should complete their applications before the August 10 deadline and regularly check the university portal for admission updates.

The University of Delhi has released the first cut-off list for Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board (NCWEB) admissions for the 2026-27 academic session. The first admission list covers BA (Programme) and BCom courses offered through various NCWEB teaching centres across Delhi.

According to the university, the first cut-off list was published on July 27, while the online admission process will begin on July 28. Eligible candidates who meet the prescribed cut-off for their preferred teaching centre can complete the admission process through the official NCWEB admission portal after document verification.

DU NCWEB Admission 2026 begins from July 28

The NCWEB admission process is conducted exclusively for women candidates residing in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Unlike regular undergraduate admissions at Delhi University, which are based on CUET-UG scores through the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), NCWEB admissions are granted purely on the basis of Class 12 marks.

Candidates securing the required percentage in the first cut-off list can apply for admission to BA (Programme) and BCom courses at their preferred teaching centres, subject to eligibility conditions and verification of documents.

NCWEB First Cut-Off 2026 released for BA and BCom

Delhi University has issued separate first cut-off lists for different NCWEB teaching centres offering BA (Programme) and BCom courses. Since cut-off percentages vary across colleges and categories, applicants are advised to carefully check the centre-wise cut-offs before applying.

Admission will only be confirmed after successful verification of educational certificates, category documents (where applicable), and other required credentials.

DU NCWEB Admission Schedule 2026

Delhi University will conduct NCWEB admissions in multiple rounds to fill available seats.

Important dates include:

Earlier, the university had conducted online registration from July 8 to July 24 for NCWEB undergraduate admissions.

Who is eligible for DU NCWEB admission?

To apply for NCWEB undergraduate programmes, candidates must:

• Be women applicants residing in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi
• Have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board
• Meet the prescribed centre-wise and category-wise cut-off percentage
• Complete document verification and admission formalities within the specified deadline

What is NCWEB?

The Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board (NCWEB) is a unique initiative of the University of Delhi that provides higher education opportunities to women who are unable to attend regular college due to personal, professional, or family commitments.

Classes are conducted primarily on weekends at designated teaching centres affiliated with Delhi University, allowing students to pursue undergraduate education while balancing other responsibilities.

What's next for applicants?

Candidates who do not qualify in the first admission list need not worry. Delhi University will release second, third, and subsequent cut-off lists based on seat availability. Aspirants are advised to regularly monitor the official NCWEB admission portal for updates on cut-offs, counselling, document verification, and admission deadlines.

With admissions beginning on July 28, eligible candidates should complete the online admission process promptly to secure their seats in their preferred BA (Programme) or BCom course under DU NCWEB Admission 2026.

With the NEET UG 2026 results declared and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) expected to release the counselling schedule for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) admissions shortly, medical aspirants are now preparing their college preference lists. Choosing the right institution is a crucial step in the admission process, and the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 remains one of the most trusted benchmarks for comparing medical colleges in India.

Prepared by the Ministry of Education, the NIRF rankings evaluate institutions on parameters such as Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practice (RP), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), and Peer Perception (PR).

Here are the top five medical colleges in Tamil Nadu according to the NIRF 2025 Medical Rankings.

1. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

Christian Medical College

Ranked third nationally, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, is the highest-ranked medical institution in Tamil Nadu.

CMC performed exceptionally well across all NIRF parameters, particularly in Teaching, Learning and Resources, where it scored the maximum 30/30 for Faculty-Student Ratio and 18.82/20 for Faculty Qualifications and Experience.

The institution also recorded an impressive Peer Perception score of 83.74, the highest among Tamil Nadu's medical colleges. In Graduation Outcomes, CMC scored 24.63/25 in Placement and Higher Studies, 24.90/25 in University Examinations, and a perfect 30/30 in Graduation Performance, reflecting its strong academic and career outcomes.

2. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Securing the ninth position nationally, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has established itself as one of India's leading private medical institutions.

The university achieved maximum marks in Faculty-Student Ratio (30/30) and scored 19.29/20 for Faculty Qualifications. It also demonstrated balanced performance in research, publications, intellectual property, and professional practice.

Its Graduation Outcomes remained a major strength, with 22.83/25 in Placement and Higher Studies, 25/25 in University Examinations, and 30/30 in Graduation Performance, highlighting strong academic success and employability.

3. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

Ranked 11th nationally, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences is recognised for its strong research ecosystem.

The institute recorded one of the highest research scores among Tamil Nadu's medical colleges, securing 32.22/40 in Publications and 28.59/40 in Quality of Publications. It also earned maximum scores in Faculty-Student Ratio and nearly perfect scores for Faculty Qualifications.

Strong academic outcomes, including 25/25 in University Examinations and 27/30 in Graduation Performance, make Saveetha a preferred choice for students interested in research-oriented medical education.

4. Madras Medical College & Government General Hospital, Chennai

Madras Medical College

One of India's oldest and most prestigious government medical institutions, Madras Medical College secured the 16th position nationally.

The college excelled in Graduation Outcomes, achieving a perfect 25/25 in Placement and Higher Studies, 25/25 in University Examinations, and 30/30 in Graduation Performance.

It also earned full marks in Student Strength and Faculty-Student Ratio, while maintaining a high Peer Perception score of 61.61, second only to CMC among the top Tamil Nadu institutions.

5. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Ranked 18th nationally, SRM Institute of Science and Technology continues to strengthen its reputation in medical education.

The institution performed well in research, recording 23.03/40 in Publications and 20.91/40 in Quality of Publications. It also secured strong scores in Graduation Outcomes, including 22.94/25 for Placement and Higher Studies and 25/25 in University Examinations.

Its excellent faculty resources and modern infrastructure make it a popular choice among NEET aspirants.

Top 5 Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu (NIRF 2025)

Why NIRF Rankings Matter for NEET Aspirants

As NEET UG 2026 counselling approaches, NIRF rankings can help students make informed choices while filling their college preferences. Beyond rankings, aspirants should also consider factors such as hospital exposure, faculty quality, research opportunities, internship experience, infrastructure, tuition fees, and location before finalising their options.

With institutions like CMC Vellore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Saveetha, Madras Medical College, and SRM Institute of Science and Technology consistently performing well across teaching, research, and graduate outcomes, Tamil Nadu remains one of India's leading destinations for quality medical education.