With a number of high-profile entrance and recruitment examinations around the corner, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has taken the health and preparedness of National Testing Agency (NTA) and other examination conducting bodies to ensure that the huge responsibility of conducting them smoothly is undertaken.

With lakhs of students and job aspirants relying on the examination agencies for a hassle-free process, Joshi met with the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and a senior NTA official to assess their preparedness for the upcoming examinations. While the minister did not name the examinations, he mentioned that they would be discussing the conduct of the examinations for the next academic year.

Joshi later met with the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy to deliberate on the next set of education reforms that would be announced in the coming year for school education. Unlike the examination reforms, where the government has been focusing on improving the examination system to cater to the needs of lakhs of students, the education reforms would be focused on preparing students for the future by inculcating foundational values.

Speaking of education reforms for school education, Joshi said that strengthening the foundation of each student would be the focus of the next set of education reforms. In an effort to ensure that India's young population is equipped to deal with the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, the government is working towards building an education system that encourages innovation and addresses the aspirations of the youth.

In another meeting, Joshi spoke of ensuring that examination conducting bodies are fully prepared to handle the process. Joshi said that apart from the government's efforts of improving the examination system by introducing new measures, it is imperative that the examination agencies are fully prepared to deal with the students' requirements to avoid any last-minute issues.

The minister noted that the demand for national-level entrance tests has increased manifold as students and parents have both started to view them as an integral part of education. While parents and students look forward to an improved education system, the former is concerned about the ease with which they can navigate the process. It becomes the responsibility of the government to ensure that the examination process is improved as lakhs of students rely on them. The minister's emphasis on foundational values indicates that the government is keen on not just improving test scores but also on enhancing learning levels of students.

The minister's meetings with the department secretaries suggest that while the government is focussed on ensuring that upcoming examinations take place without any issues, it is also considering far-reaching educational changes that would improve the quality of school education. While the concerns of students who would be appearing for these competitive examinations would be addressed for the time being, the country's youth would be better equipped to face the future.

The Tamil Nadu government is considering a ban on school sports competitions between 11am and 3.30pm following the death of a Class XII student during an inter-school sporting event in Vaniyambadi, Tirupattur district.

The issue was raised during Question Hour in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by AIADMK legislature party whip Agri S Krishnamurthy, who sought compensation for the family of Mukesh, a Class XII student of a government school who died after reportedly sustaining injuries during an inter-school sports competition.

Responding to the concern, Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna described the student's death as unfortunate and deeply concerning. He said the Tamil Nadu government would work towards framing specific guidelines for sporting events organised by the School Education Department.

The minister said he would discuss the matter with the School Education Minister and explore the possibility of introducing a comprehensive policy to ensure the safety and well-being of students participating in outdoor sporting activities.

Highlighting the risks associated with children playing sports during periods of intense heat, Arjuna said prolonged exposure to high temperatures could result in serious health complications.

“Children playing under extreme heat could suffer serious health complications, including damage to internal organs. We need a separate plan to address this issue,” the minister said.

The government is now considering issuing a circular through the School Education Department that would prohibit schools from organising sports competitions between 11am and 3.30pm, when temperatures are generally at their highest.

The proposed measure is aimed at reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and other serious health complications among students participating in outdoor events. If implemented, the guidelines could significantly change the way schools schedule inter-school competitions, athletics meets and other outdoor sporting activities.

“We are compelled to consider such a decision to ensure that incidents like the death of this student do not recur in the future,” Arjuna said.

The minister also indicated that the issue had been brought to the attention of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. The government is expected to consider financial assistance for Mukesh’s family following further discussions.

The incident has renewed concerns over student safety during school sporting events, particularly as temperatures remain high in several parts of Tamil Nadu. The proposed restrictions could become part of broader safety guidelines designed to protect children from extreme heat and ensure that schools take adequate precautions while organising outdoor competitions.

The Tamil Nadu government's final decision on the proposed ban and the detailed guidelines for school sports events are expected after consultations with the concerned departments.

Students in Telangana schools are set to experience a break from their regular academic routine as the state education department introduces 10 designated “bag-less days” for students in Classes I to X during the 2026-27 academic year.

The initiative aims to reduce the dependence on conventional textbook-based learning and encourage students to participate in practical, creative and interactive activities. On these designated days, students will not be required to carry their regular school bags and textbooks.

The directive was issued by E. Naveen Nicolas, Director of School Education and State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha. The initiative seeks to create a more engaging, joyful and stress-free learning environment while encouraging curiosity, creativity and practical understanding among students.

Focus on Experiential Learning

Instead of following the usual classroom timetable, schools have been instructed to organise experiential learning activities suitable for different age groups.

The activities may include science experiments, educational field trips, student surveys, creative projects, model-making and skits. Schools have also been encouraged to invite local professionals, artisans and experts to interact with students and provide them with exposure to different professions, skills and vocational opportunities.

Physical activities will also form an important part of the programme. Schools may organise sports, gardening and other outdoor learning exercises to ensure that students receive a well-rounded educational experience.

The education department has directed schools to select activities based on students' age, interests and the resources available within their local communities.

Schools Must Prepare Structured Plans

To ensure that the bag-less days are meaningful and properly organised, schools will be required to prepare annual plans in advance.

The department has emphasised that activities must be structured, educational and conducted under appropriate supervision. Schools will be expected to ensure student safety during field visits, outdoor activities and other practical learning sessions.

The initiative is designed to move learning beyond classroom walls and help students understand concepts through observation, experimentation and real-world experiences.

Telangana Bag-Less Days Schedule

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has identified the third Saturday of five months for conducting the programme.

The designated dates include September 19, November 21, December 19, February 20 and March 20. These activities will result in a total of 10 bag-less learning days during the academic year.

By spreading the initiative across different months, the Telangana education department aims to provide students with regular opportunities to take a break from traditional classroom learning.

The programme reflects a growing emphasis on experiential and activity-based education, where students are encouraged to explore, create and engage with their communities rather than relying entirely on textbooks.

With science experiments, creative projects, field visits and interactions with professionals forming part of the programme, the 10 bag-less days could offer Telangana students a more practical and enjoyable approach to learning.

Chandigarh Police have launched an investigation after an LLB student at Panjab University was found dead in a university hostel. The incident comes days after the death of an MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi.

An LLB student at Panjab University was found dead at one of the university's hostels, Chandigarh Police said on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Chatanniya Singh, a resident of Panipat in Haryana. He was pursuing his LLB at the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University.

Police have initiated an investigation into the death and are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details are awaited.

The incident comes days after the death of a 31-year-old MSc Physics student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, who allegedly died after falling from a building on the institute's campus.

IIT Delhi Student Died After Falling From Building

According to Delhi Police, a PCR call regarding the incident was received at around 8.33 am at Kishangarh police station.

Police personnel rushed to the spot and shifted the student to the IIT Delhi campus hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

The Crime Team and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team were subsequently called to inspect the location and collect evidence.

During the preliminary investigation, police found that the student had entered the IIT Delhi campus through the main gate at around 8 am. He then reportedly went to the Lecture Hall Complex, took a lift to the sixth floor and allegedly fell from the building.

Police said that no apparent injury marks other than those believed to be consistent with the fall had been found during the preliminary examination.

No Suicide Note Found, Police Examine Phone

Delhi Police said no suicide note had been recovered from the spot.

A mobile phone was found in the deceased student's pocket and will be examined as part of the investigation.

Police are also collecting counselling records and other relevant information from the institute as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

The two incidents have drawn attention to student welfare and mental health support systems on university campuses. Authorities in both cases are continuing their investigations.

Police have arrested a 35-year-old playschool attendant in Delhi's Maujpur for allegedly abusing a three-year-old boy, while the school's director, principal and a teacher have also been named in the case.

A 35-year-old attendant at a playschool in Delhi's Maujpur has been arrested for allegedly abusing a three-year-old boy, police said on Sunday.

The case was registered on Friday following a complaint filed by the child's father. Four people, including the school's director, principal, a 30-year-old teacher and the attendant, have been named as accused in the case.

Police said the attendant has been taken into custody, while the teacher has been asked to join the investigation. The roles of the school's director and principal are also being examined.

Family Notices Injuries and Behavioural Changes

The child's family reportedly became concerned after noticing physical injuries and sudden changes in his behaviour.

According to the family, the three-year-old became frightened of using the washroom and frequently cried at night. They also noticed bruises on his face and arms.

The child's father, lawyer Navneet Choudhary, said his son fell ill after returning home from school on August 18.

According to Choudhary, the child began vomiting and complained of dizziness. A paediatrician reportedly advised the family to consult an ENT specialist after noticing swelling around the child's eyes.

The ENT specialist allegedly found severe swelling in both ear canals and reportedly suspected that the child may have suffered repeated physical assault.

CCTV Footage Allegedly Shows Abuse

Following the medical examination, the family demanded access to the school's CCTV footage.

According to the child's father, school staff initially claimed there were technical problems with the CCTV system. However, the family was allegedly asked to pay Rs 1,500 to view the footage the following day.

After paying the amount, the family was shown CCTV recordings that allegedly depicted the child being subjected to physical abuse inside the playschool.

According to the father's allegations, the footage showed the toddler being pulled by his ears, tied to a chair for an extended period, kicked and repeatedly struck.

The father alleged that the child was tied near the apron area and repeatedly assaulted, including being kicked and violently pulled by his ears.

Case Registered Under POCSO, JJ Act and BNS

Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The investigation is ongoing, and police are examining the alleged involvement and responsibilities of other school officials named in the complaint.

The incident has raised serious concerns over child safety and supervision at early childhood education centres, with the investigation expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2026 on 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions (HEIs) and polytechnics at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 5.

The awardees have been selected from central higher education institutions, state universities and polytechnics for their contributions to teaching, research, innovation and outreach.

21 faculty members selected

According to official information, the awardees include:

• 12 faculty members from central higher education institutions
• 5 faculty members from state universities — three government and two private
• 4 faculty members from polytechnics — two government and two private

The awards recognise exemplary teachers and faculty members whose work has contributed to improving the quality of education.

How were the awardees selected?

Nominations for NAT 2026 were invited online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal between May 26 and July 20, 2026.

The process allowed self, institutional and peer nominations under the 'Jan Bhagidari' approach.

Candidates were evaluated on parameters including:

• Teaching-learning effectiveness
• Research and innovation
• Outreach activities
• Sponsored research
• Faculty development programmes
• Consultancy and teaching contributions

The selection was conducted in two stages. A Preliminary Search-cum-Screening Committee first shortlisted the nominees, following which a Committee of Jury selected the final awardees.

Awards aligned with NEP 2020

The National Awards to Teachers for HEIs and polytechnics were introduced in 2023, with two award categories created under the broader National Awards to Teachers framework.

The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises creating a culture of excellence in education through incentives, rewards and recognition.

The September 5 ceremony will therefore recognise teachers not only for classroom teaching but also for their contributions to research, innovation, institutional development and the wider education ecosystem.