The Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana government is looking to strengthen the state's education ecosystem through international partnerships, following a meeting between the Chief Minister and Dr. Vishwajeet Rana.

The discussions focused on expanding access to globally recognised academic programmes and enhancing educational standards through collaboration with international institutions. A major outcome of the meeting was the progress on establishing Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram, which will become the first school campus in India by GEDU Global Education.

Queen Elizabeth's School to Offer Cambridge Curriculum

According to the state government, the upcoming school will deliver the Cambridge International Curriculum, giving students access to an internationally recognised education framework that is widely accepted by universities across the world.

The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, analytical skills, creativity and global perspectives, helping students prepare for higher education opportunities and careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Gurugram campus marks GEDU Global Education's entry into India's K-12 education sector and is expected to broaden educational choices for families seeking internationally benchmarked schooling.

Focus on International Collaboration

During the meeting, both sides explored ways to strengthen Haryana's education landscape through partnerships with global educational institutions.

The discussions highlighted the importance of:

• Expanding access to internationally recognised academic programmes.
• Improving the quality of school education.
• Encouraging knowledge exchange with global institutions.
• Promoting educational innovation and modern teaching practices.
• Equipping students with globally relevant skills.

The collaboration is part of Haryana's broader strategy to create a more competitive and future-ready education system.

Boosting Educational Opportunities

The state government believes that attracting internationally recognised education providers will help improve learning outcomes while providing students with greater academic and career opportunities.

Officials said such partnerships can contribute to building a stronger talent pipeline by exposing students to global educational standards and best practices from an early stage.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen Haryana's position as an emerging destination for quality education by encouraging greater collaboration between government and international education organisations.

Long-Term Vision for Human Capital Development

The Haryana government reiterated its commitment to expanding access to quality education through meaningful collaborations with leading academic institutions.

By supporting initiatives such as the establishment of Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram, the state aims to enhance educational excellence, promote innovation and prepare students to compete successfully in higher education and the global workforce.

The proposed partnership reflects Haryana's long-term vision of investing in human capital development by integrating international educational standards with the state's evolving education ecosystem.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has extended her support to Indian students protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, calling their campaign a powerful example of "people power" during a demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London.

Joining a gathering organised by the Students' Federation of India (SFI UK), Thunberg praised the determination of students demanding transparency and accountability in India's examination system. Her remarks come as the nationwide movement over the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination controversies continues to draw international attention.

Greta Thunberg expresses solidarity with Indian students

Addressing protesters in London, Thunberg described the Indian student movement as an inspiration for people around the world.

"The Indian Student Protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope. They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power," she said.

She added that the struggle for justice and democratic accountability in India was not confined to one country but represented a broader global movement.

According to organisers, the demonstration sought to express solidarity with students demanding fair, transparent and credible public examinations following allegations of paper leaks and examination malpractice.

London protest highlights global support

Images and videos shared by SFI UK leaders showed Thunberg standing alongside demonstrators carrying placards supporting Indian students.

SFI leaders said the protests in India had inspired people internationally by demonstrating how peaceful collective action could push for accountability and institutional reforms.

The demonstration primarily focused on concerns surrounding alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy, and called for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of public examinations.

Student protests spark policy changes

The student movement in India gained momentum after allegations of examination irregularities triggered widespread protests demanding greater transparency, accountability and systemic reforms.

Following weeks of demonstrations, including those led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the Union government announced several measures aimed at restoring confidence in the examination system.

Among the major developments were:

• Resignation of the Union Education Minister following prolonged protests.
• Announcement of compensation for families of students reportedly affected by the controversy.
• Proposal to strengthen the country's anti-paper leak legislation through amendments introducing stricter penalties.
• Constitution of a high-level examination reforms task force headed by Nandan Nilekani to recommend technology-driven improvements to India's examination system.

The reforms are expected to focus on improving examination security, enhancing digital infrastructure and preventing future incidents of organised examination fraud.

Greta Thunberg's earlier India connection

This is not the first time Thunberg has commented on developments in India. She had earlier drawn attention during the 2021 farmers' protests after sharing an online toolkit intended to mobilise international support for the movement.

Her latest appearance at the London demonstration once again places her alongside social movements advocating institutional reforms and public accountability.

Growing international attention on exam reforms

The participation of an internationally recognised climate activist has added global visibility to the debate surrounding India's public examination system. While the demonstrations originated over allegations linked to competitive examinations, they have since evolved into broader discussions on transparency, governance and protecting students' interests.

With Parliament considering tougher anti-paper leak legislation and an expert committee working on long-term examination reforms, the issue continues to remain at the centre of national and international attention.

For thousands of Indian students, studying abroad represents the beginning of a dream career. However, an Indian woman living in the United States is urging international students not to lose sight of those ambitions while navigating the realities of life overseas. In a message that has resonated widely on social media, she cautioned students against becoming permanently comfortable in "survival jobs" and encouraged them to continue pursuing careers aligned with their education and long-term aspirations.

The advice comes at a time when increasing numbers of Indian students are moving abroad for higher education, often balancing academics with part-time employment to manage living expenses. While such jobs provide essential financial support, the speaker argues that remaining in them for too long can unintentionally derail professional goals.

A reminder to stay focused on long-term ambitions

In a video shared on Instagram, Sonami, an Indian professional based in the US, reflected on what she considers one of the most common challenges faced by international students after graduation.

According to her, many students leave India with ambitious career plans, hoping to secure professional roles in their chosen fields after completing their studies. However, the realities of paying rent, buying groceries and managing daily expenses often lead them to accept part-time or entry-level jobs while studying.

She clarified that taking such jobs is neither unusual nor a mistake. Instead, she said the concern arises when graduates continue in the same roles for years simply because they have become financially stable or accustomed to the routine.

"Don't let your comfort zone become your destination"

One of the central messages in her video was a reminder for students to regularly evaluate whether their current work is helping them move closer to the goals that motivated them to study abroad.

"Don't let your comfort zone become your destination," she advised, encouraging graduates to reflect periodically on whether they are progressing toward the careers they originally envisioned.

She observed that once people establish a predictable routine, develop friendships and achieve financial stability, it can become increasingly difficult to leave familiar surroundings in pursuit of better professional opportunities.

Keep applying for jobs that match your education

Sonami encouraged international graduates to continue applying for corporate roles and positions related to the subjects they studied, even if repeated applications do not produce immediate success.

She stressed that persistence plays a crucial role in career growth, noting that consistent preparation, skill development and job applications significantly improve the chances of eventually securing employment that aligns with one's qualifications.

Her message also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, networking and upgrading professional skills while working temporary jobs rather than treating them as permanent career destinations.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Beyond conventional employment, Sonami also addressed international students and graduates who dream of starting their own businesses.

She urged aspiring entrepreneurs not to abandon their ambitions simply because they had found financial security through regular employment. Instead, she recommended taking gradual but consistent steps towards entrepreneurship by learning new skills, refining business ideas and building ventures alongside existing responsibilities.

According to her, even small and steady progress can eventually lead to meaningful long-term success.

Social media users relate to the message

The video has sparked widespread discussion among international students and young professionals on social media.

Many users said the advice accurately reflected the challenges of balancing immediate financial needs with long-term career aspirations after moving abroad. Several commenters shared personal experiences of remaining in temporary jobs longer than planned, while others thanked Sonami for openly discussing an issue that many international graduates silently struggle with.

As more Indian students pursue higher education overseas, her message serves as a timely reminder that survival jobs can provide valuable financial support during difficult periods—but they should ideally remain stepping stones rather than final destinations in a student's professional journey.

In an inspiring example of resilience and determination, Mohammad Suhel, a young aspirant from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has cracked the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET UG) with 552 marks out of 720, overcoming severe financial hardships and balancing work with studies. His journey from driving a rickshaw to securing a competitive NEET score has become a source of motivation for medical aspirants across the country.

Born into a financially disadvantaged family, Suhel grew up watching his father struggle to support the household. After completing Class 12 from a government school under the Uttar Pradesh Board, he began driving a rickshaw on the streets of Muzaffarnagar, earning ₹300–₹500 a day to contribute to his family's income.

Despite the financial challenges, Suhel remained committed to his dream of becoming a doctor. Encouraged by his mother, who never gave up on his education, he continued preparing for NEET UG while working during the day.

Unable to afford expensive coaching classes, Suhel turned to affordable online learning after learning that a strong NEET score could secure admission to a government medical college. Alongside driving a rickshaw, he also tutored Class 11 students, using teaching as both a source of income and a way to strengthen his own concepts.

His preparation was not without obstacles. Having studied in Hindi medium, Suhel initially found it difficult to follow English-language study material. Determined to overcome the language barrier, he made it a habit to learn 50 new English words every day, gradually improving his comprehension.

Suhel's first attempt at NEET ended in disappointment, with a score of 109 out of 720. While the result attracted criticism from some people, he refused to give up. Instead, he analysed his mistakes, focused on improving his weak areas and followed a disciplined routine of working during the day and studying late into the night.

Over time, his performance steadily improved. Biology, once his weakest subject, became one of his strongest, and his mock test scores rose significantly. Although he briefly considered pursuing another medical course due to setbacks, constant encouragement from his teachers and his mother's unwavering support kept him focused on his goal.

His perseverance eventually paid off when he secured 552 marks in NEET UG, bringing him closer to his dream of studying medicine at a government medical college.

Mohammad Suhel's story stands as a powerful reminder that determination, disciplined preparation and family support can help overcome even the most difficult circumstances. His achievement continues to inspire thousands of students preparing for India's highly competitive medical entrance examination.

India has achieved a landmark victory on the global science stage by securing five gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held in Bucaramanga, Colombia.

In a remarkable clean sweep, every member of the Indian team won a gold medal, helping the country secure a joint first-place ranking globally alongside leading science nations including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Taiwan.

The historic performance highlights India’s growing strength in physics education, STEM learning, scientific training and young talent development.

India’s Perfect Gold Medal Sweep at IPhO 2026

The Indian contingent delivered an outstanding performance, with all five participants finishing among the world’s top-performing physics students.

India’s IPhO 2026 Gold Medal Winners

• Kanishk Jain — Pune, Maharashtra

• Riddhesh Anant Bendale — Indore, Madhya Pradesh

• Rishit Garg — Delhi

• Shresth Suraiya — Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Svait Joshi — Ahmedabad, Gujarat

The students competed against 381 participants from 87 countries, demonstrating exceptional ability in both theoretical physics and experimental problem-solving.

India Joins World’s Top Physics Olympiad Performers

With five gold medals, India shared the top position with some of the strongest science-performing nations in the world:

• China

• Russia

• Kazakhstan

• South Korea

• Taiwan

The achievement places India among the elite group of countries producing exceptional young physics talent and reflects the country’s increasing competitiveness in global STEM competitions.

What Is the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)?

The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is one of the world’s most prestigious science competitions for school students.

The annual competition, conducted since 1967, brings together the brightest young physics students from across the globe.

Participants compete through challenging examinations that test:

• Advanced theoretical understanding

• Analytical reasoning

• Experimental physics skills

• Scientific problem-solving ability

Each participating country can send a team of up to five students.

How Indian Students Reach the IPhO Stage

Representing India at the International Physics Olympiad requires students to clear a highly competitive selection process coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

Selected students undergo intensive preparation involving:

• Advanced physics lectures

• Laboratory training

• Problem-solving sessions

• Mock examinations

• Guidance from experienced mentors and scientists

This structured training system prepares students to compete against the world’s best young physicists.

Mentors Behind India’s IPhO 2026 Success

The Indian team’s achievement was supported by a team of expert mentors and scientific observers who guided students throughout their preparation.

The leadership team included:

• Professor Anwesh Mazumdar (HBCSE-TIFR)

• Dr. Leena Joshi

• Professor Ananda Dasgupta (IISER Kolkata)

• Ms. Nisha Kelkar

Their mentorship played an important role in helping students develop advanced concepts, experimental skills and Olympiad-level problem-solving abilities.

Why India’s Five Gold Medal Achievement Matters

India’s performance at IPhO 2026 represents more than just a medal tally. It reflects the country’s expanding scientific capabilities and investment in developing young researchers.

The achievement is expected to:

• Strengthen India’s global reputation in STEM education

• Encourage more students to pursue physics and scientific careers

• Highlight the importance of talent identification programmes

• Promote scientific curiosity and inquiry-based learning

• Support India’s long-term innovation and research goals

The success also showcases the impact of dedicated teachers, specialised training programmes and institutional support.

India’s Rising Success in International Science Olympiads

Over the past decade, India has steadily improved its performance in global science competitions across multiple fields, including:

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Chemistry

• Astronomy

• Informatics

Organisations such as HBCSE-TIFR, along with teachers and academic mentors across the country, have played a key role in building a strong pipeline of scientific talent.

The five-gold-medal victory at the International Physics Olympiad 2026 adds a significant chapter to India’s growing legacy in international science competitions.

A New Generation of Indian Scientists Takes Centre Stage

The achievement of India’s young physicists sends a powerful message about the country’s future in science and innovation.

As India continues to expand opportunities in research, technology and advanced learning, the success of these five students represents the potential of a new generation ready to compete and lead on the global scientific stage.

For generations, examination scores have been the primary yardstick of student achievement in India. Marks have determined admissions, scholarships, career opportunities and, in many cases, shaped students' self-confidence. However, education experts increasingly argue that academic performance alone cannot capture a student's true potential, prompting a shift towards behavioural assessment under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

While traditional examinations effectively measure subject knowledge and curriculum understanding, they do not assess essential life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, emotional resilience, adaptability, motivation and problem-solving. Questions like whether a student can handle pressure, recover from setbacks or make informed decisions cannot be answered through examination marks alone.

Recognising this gap, NEP 2020 advocates a move from rote learning to competency-based education, encouraging schools to focus on holistic student development alongside academic excellence. The policy emphasises critical thinking, creativity, experiential learning and formative assessment to prepare students for higher education, future careers and lifelong learning.

Education specialists believe behavioural science can play a key role in achieving these objectives. Drawing from psychology, cognitive science and neuroscience, behavioural assessment helps schools understand how students think, learn, respond to challenges and interact with others. Unlike conventional report cards, these assessments provide structured insights into qualities such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, executive functioning, resilience, learning behaviour and cognitive flexibility.

Experts point out that academic success and behavioural competencies are related but distinct aspects of student development. A student may consistently score high marks while facing challenges in confidence, collaboration or independent decision-making outside the classroom. Conversely, students with average academic performance may demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity or adaptability—qualities increasingly valued in higher education and the workplace.

As schools begin implementing the reforms envisioned under NEP 2020, the demand for scientifically validated behavioural assessment tools is growing. Such assessments can help teachers identify students' strengths and areas requiring support, enabling personalised learning strategies and timely interventions.

However, experts caution against relying solely on behavioural assessment models developed in Western countries. Cultural differences significantly influence communication styles, motivation, family expectations, attitudes towards authority and learning behaviour. Assessment tools standardised on foreign populations may not accurately reflect the experiences and realities of Indian students.

This has led to increasing calls for the development of India-specific behavioural and cognitive assessment frameworks that are scientifically validated within the country's educational and cultural context. Such tools can provide more reliable insights into student development while aligning with India's diverse learning environments.

As education moves beyond examination-centric evaluation, behavioural assessment is emerging as an important complement to academic testing. By combining scholastic achievement with evidence-based evaluation of behavioural and cognitive competencies, Indian schools can better support the holistic development envisioned by NEP 2020, preparing students not only to excel in examinations but also to succeed in an increasingly dynamic and complex world.