Researchers seeking opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and strengthen international collaborations can now apply for the US-India TRUST Fellowship 2026-27, with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) opening applications for the prestigious programme.

The fellowship is designed to foster deeper research partnerships between India and the United States by enabling post-doctoral researchers and early-career faculty members from leading American institutions to undertake one-year research projects in India. Selected fellows will collaborate with researchers at top Indian universities and research institutions from July 2026 to June 2027.

The programme focuses on several strategic and emerging technology domains that are increasingly shaping global innovation and economic growth. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced telecommunications, and other high-impact technology sectors. Through collaborative projects, participants will contribute to research that addresses critical scientific and technological challenges while promoting knowledge exchange between the two countries.

According to organisers, the fellowship aims to create long-term academic and research partnerships by bringing together talented researchers from both nations. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing projects, access India's growing research ecosystem, and work alongside experts in their respective fields.

The US-India TRUST Fellowship is being implemented as a public-private partnership led by the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and advanced research, areas that have become central to the evolving strategic partnership between India and the United States.

Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are currently open through the official IIT Madras portal. Interested candidates must submit their applications by June 30, 2026. IIT Madras is also expected to organise an information webinar to guide prospective applicants through the fellowship structure, eligibility requirements, and selection process.

As both countries continue to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, the TRUST Fellowship offers researchers a valuable platform to gain international exposure, contribute to impactful scientific work, and build professional networks that could drive future innovation. The programme is expected to further enhance research mobility and strengthen academic ties between Indian and American institutions.

K12

Sanskrit to Become Mandatory Section in Classes 6 and 9 Across Kendriya Vidyalayas from 2026

KVS directs all schools to offer at least one Sanskrit section under the three-language formula, aligning with NEP 2020 and CBSE's revised language policy.

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has announced that all Kendriya Vidyalayas across India and abroad will be required to run at least one Sanskrit section in Classes 6 and 9 from the 2026–27 academic session. The move is aimed at ensuring a common language option for students, particularly children of transferable central government employees, while remaining aligned with the three-language framework envisaged under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Under the new arrangement, Hindi and English will continue as the first two languages, while students will choose either Sanskrit or a scheduled regional language as their third language. Although Sanskrit sections will be compulsory for schools to offer, students will retain the freedom to opt for a regional language if they prefer.

According to KVS, the decision has been taken to address the educational needs of students whose families frequently relocate due to government service. A common Sanskrit option across all Kendriya Vidyalayas is expected to provide greater academic continuity and reduce disruptions caused by varying regional language offerings.

The implementation strategy will vary according to school size and student demand. In single-section schools, separate groups may be formed if at least 15 students choose Sanskrit or another language option. Multi-section schools will organise sections based on enrolment patterns and language preferences.

The rollout, however, may pose challenges for some schools, particularly those facing shortages of qualified Sanskrit teachers. To address staffing gaps, KVS is expected to explore contractual appointments and other temporary arrangements. Schools may also use State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) materials where National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks are not yet available.

The initiative is closely linked to the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and recent CBSE reforms. From July 1, CBSE requires Class 9 students to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages. Foreign languages may be offered only as additional subjects.

KVS officials said data collected through the Samagam portal will guide staffing requirements, section formation and timetable planning for the 2026–27 academic year. The move marks another step in the implementation of NEP 2020's vision of promoting multilingualism and strengthening the study of Indian languages in schools.

Global Edu 

Oxford-Linked Ellison Scholars Program 2027 Opens Applications for Fully Funded Undergraduate Study

International students can study at Oxford with full financial support while working on cutting-edge research and innovation projects tackling global challenges.

Students aspiring to pursue undergraduate studies at one of the world's leading universities now have an opportunity to apply for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program 2027, a fully funded scholarship initiative in the United Kingdom that combines academic excellence with hands-on innovation and research.

Funded by the Ellison Institute of Technology, the highly competitive programme enables outstanding international students to study at the University of Oxford while contributing to projects focused on solving major global challenges through science, technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The programme goes beyond traditional scholarship models by integrating undergraduate education with practical research experience. Selected scholars will participate in innovation projects, summer internships, technological development programmes and collaborative research initiatives at EIT Oxford throughout their academic journey.

The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition fees, a generous living stipend, travel expenses, conference participation costs, and arrival-related expenses such as flights, visa fees and healthcare. Scholars will also receive support for their personal technology requirements and gain access to paid innovation project internships.

Applicants may choose from any undergraduate degree programme offered by Oxford University. Students with strong academic backgrounds and interests in fields such as artificial intelligence, computer science, machine learning, robotics, engineering, mathematics, economics, biology, chemistry, medicine, microbiology and plant sciences are particularly encouraged to apply.

The programme is open to high-achieving secondary school graduates from around the world who demonstrate a passion for innovation, scientific research and addressing real-world problems. Candidates must meet Oxford University's academic entry requirements, satisfy the minimum grade criteria for their chosen course, and fulfil the institution's English language proficiency requirements.

Required application documents include a curriculum vitae, a valid passport, secondary school academic records, proof of English language proficiency and any additional supporting documents requested during the application process.

Interested candidates must first complete an eligibility assessment and submit an online application through the official Ellison Scholars portal. Shortlisted semi-finalists will subsequently be required to complete Oxford University's separate admissions process.

The deadline to apply for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program 2027 is July 31, 2026.

Miscellany

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NEP Reforms to Boost Sports and Academics Together, Says Pradhan; Links Vision to India's 2036 Olympics Ambition

Education Minister outlines roadmap to integrate sports with academics through credit-based recognition, Apaar IDs, and IIT quotas as India eyes the 2036 Olympics and Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that the National Education Policy (NEP) is transforming the way sports and education interact in India, with new measures aimed at ensuring that student-athletes can excel in both academics and competitive sports.

During a visit to Bhopal, Pradhan highlighted that the NEP is the first education policy in the country to systematically integrate sports and physical education into mainstream academic frameworks. He said the reforms would provide formal recognition to students' sporting achievements through credit-based academic systems and digital records linked to Apaar IDs.

According to the minister, athletic participation will increasingly contribute to students' academic progression, helping remove the long-standing divide between classroom learning and sports training. He also pointed to the introduction of sports quotas in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which would enable talented athletes to pursue higher education without compromising their sporting careers.

Pradhan linked these reforms to India's broader developmental ambitions, describing the proposed hosting of the 2036 Olympics as a significant milestone in the country's long-term growth trajectory. He said the Olympics vision aligns with India's aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the centenary year of Independence.

"The integration of education, skills and sports is essential for building a self-reliant India," he said, outlining a 20-year roadmap that combines talent development, academic excellence and sporting achievement.

During his visit, the minister toured the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy along with state Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang, where he interacted with athletes, coaches and officials. He reviewed the academy's training infrastructure and discussed ways to strengthen sports ecosystems through education reforms.

Pradhan also met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to review the implementation of NEP initiatives, skill development programmes and digital learning projects in the state. He commended Madhya Pradesh for its efforts in higher education innovation.

The minister's visit also included participation in a Swachh Bharat cleanliness drive at Nageshwar Temple, where he called for greater public involvement in maintaining cleanliness and civic responsibility, reflecting the government's emphasis on citizen participation alongside educational and developmental reforms.