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The Odisha government has revised the minimum enrolment age for Class 1, aligning with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, children must be at least six years old as of September 1 to be eligible for admission to Class 1.

This policy change reflects a significant shift in Odisha’s approach to early childhood education, aimed at providing young learners with a robust foundation before entering primary school.

The revised enrolment age aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on age-appropriate education and ensuring that children are developmentally ready for formal schooling. By raising the age requirement, the state aims to create a smoother transition for students as they progress from pre-primary to primary education.

To support this change, the Odisha government plans to establish Shishu Vatika in all primary schools. This initiative will provide pre-school education for children aged 5-6 years, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to seamlessly transition into Class 1.

The Shishu Vatika program will focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, and cognitive development while fostering social, emotional, and physical growth. The state aims to implement a holistic approach to early education that nurtures young learners’ creativity and curiosity.

The Odisha government’s decision is a step toward realizing NEP 2020’s broader goals of universal access to quality early childhood education. By ensuring children are better prepared for the rigors of primary school, the state hopes to enhance learning outcomes and reduce dropouts in later years.

This policy change requires parents to adjust their enrolment plans and timelines for their children’s education. Schools will also need to adapt their infrastructure and resources to accommodate the Shishu Vatika initiative and comply with the new age guidelines.

The introduction of Shishu Vatika and the revised enrolment age underline Odisha’s commitment to building a strong educational foundation for its young learners. With these changes, the state aims to ensure that children not only begin their schooling journey at the right age but also do so with the readiness and skills needed to thrive in a structured learning environment.

To promote the Marathi language and culture, the Maharashtra government has announced that Marathi will be made a compulsory subject in all schools across the state from the 2025-26 academic year.

School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse made the announcement, emphasizing that school staff must also have proficiency in "basic working Marathi". The decision applies to all schools in Maharashtra, including those affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, IB, and State Board.

According to the minister, the move aims to strengthen the importance of Marathi language and culture among students. Previously, some schools were allowed to treat Marathi as a graded subject due to pandemic-related disruptions. However, this concession will no longer be available from the next academic year.

The decision has been welcomed by many, who see it as a step towards promoting the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. "Marathi is an integral part of our culture and identity. Making it compulsory in schools will help students connect with their roots," said a parent.

The state government has also assured that necessary steps will be taken to ensure that schools have adequate resources and infrastructure to implement the decision. The move is expected to benefit students in the long run, as proficiency in Marathi will open up more opportunities for them in the state. With Marathi being the official language of Maharashtra, knowing the language is essential for students who wish to pursue higher education or careers in the state.

The Maharashtra government's decision to make Marathi compulsory in schools is a significant step towards promoting the language and culture. As the state prepares to implement the decision from the next academic year, students, parents, and educators are eagerly awaiting the benefits that this move will bring.

With over 2 lakh students from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities participating in the annual Ramayana and Mahabharata exam under the Sanskar Yagya initiative, schools across Maharashtra have taken a significant step towards fostering cultural unity and moral education.

The Sanskar Yagya initiative, designed to instill cultural values and moral lessons, saw unprecedented participation from schools statewide. From bustling urban hubs like Mumbai and Pune to rural schools in remote areas, the initiative reached a diverse student population, reflecting its widespread appeal and relevance.

Students demonstrated their understanding of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing not only academic interest but also an eagerness to explore India’s rich cultural heritage. The exams emphasized universal themes such as integrity, courage, and compassion, resonating across communities and age groups.

Educational institutions played a pivotal role in the success of the initiative. Schools encouraged students to participate, emphasizing the importance of learning values through ancient epics. Teachers integrated lessons from these texts into their curricula, helping students connect historical narratives with contemporary life.

This year’s overwhelming response underscores the program's role in fostering interfaith harmony. Students from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities engaged in the exams, breaking barriers and celebrating shared values.

Parents and educators alike have praised the initiative for its ability to bridge cultural divides. The Sanskar Yagya initiative’s success reflects a growing interest in value-based education. By integrating cultural awareness with academic learning, Maharashtra’s schools are setting a benchmark for holistic education.

As the program continues to gain traction, it highlights the power of schools in shaping young minds and fostering unity in diversity. This remarkable effort by Maharashtra’s educational institutions not only enriches students’ knowledge but also strengthens the social fabric of the state.

The Union Education Ministry, led by Dharmendra Pradhan, has announced major examination reforms, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) focusing exclusively on entrance exams and board exams being held twice a year starting in 2025.

As part of the reforms, the NTA will concentrate entirely on conducting entrance exams for higher education institutions, including the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). This move aims to streamline operations and enhance testing integrity, addressing long-standing issues such as leaks and malpractices.

The agency will undergo a significant overhaul, including the creation of at least ten new posts to strengthen its operations. The reforms also prioritize "zero-error testing" and propose incorporating advanced technology, such as computer-adaptive testing, to ensure secure and efficient assessments.

The CUET-UG will continue to be held annually, with the focus on technological upgrades to accommodate a growing number of applicants and ensure transparency. In a separate move, the Education Ministry plans to conduct board exams twice a year, offering students greater flexibility and opportunities to improve their scores.

These changes aim to create a robust and student-friendly examination framework. While the NTA’s revamped role ensures the integrity of entrance exams, the twice-yearly board exam schedule aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of holistic and flexible learning.

Education experts have lauded these reforms as a step toward modernization and inclusivity, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to ensure smooth implementation. With these initiatives, the government is set to redefine the examination landscape in India, prioritizing student welfare, technological integration, and the reliability of testing mechanisms.

For Class 12 students, choosing the right entrance exam is the first step toward a successful career in higher education. Here’s a comprehensive list of major All India entrance exams for various disciplines along with relevant websites for applications.

Engineering and Architecture

JEE Main: Admission to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges.
Website: http://jeemain.nic.in

JEE Advanced: For IIT admissions.
Website: www.advance.nic.in

NATA: For B.Arch programs.
Website: www.nata.in

GCSET: For B.Tech. & BCA programs.
Website: www.gcset.org

Medical and Health Sciences

NEET: Admission to MBBS/BDS programs nationwide.
Website: www.cbscneet.nic.in

AIIMS MBBS Entrance Test: Admission to AIIMS medical programs.
Website: www.aiimsexams.org

AIPVT: For veterinary science programs.
Website: www.vci.nic.in

GAHET: For paramedical science programs.
Website: www.gahet.org

Design and Fashion

NID NEED: For design courses at NID and other institutions.
Website: www.nid.edu

NIFT: Admission to fashion technology courses.
Website: www.nift.ac.in

UCEED: B.Design programs at IIT Bombay and other institutes.
Website: www.uceed.in

AIDAT: B.Design programs at 60+ Universities.
Website: www.aidatexam.com

Law

CLAT: Admission to National Law Universities.
Website: www.clat.ac.in

AICLET: Admission to Law Universities.
Website: www.aiclet.org

Business and Commerce

CA CPT: Entry-level for Chartered Accountancy.
Website: www.icai.org

CS Foundation: For aspiring company secretaries.
Website: www.icsi.edu

Specialized Fields

BITSAT: Admission to BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, and Goa campuses.
Website: www.bits-pilani.ac.in

IIST: For space technology programs.
Website: www.iist.ac.in

IISER: Integrated BS-MS programs.
Website: www.iiserpune.ac.in

Additional Resources

Students can find free study material for exams like UPSC, SSC, and more at UPSC Fever.

Carefully choose the exams aligning with your career goals and start your preparation early. Visit the respective websites for detailed information and application deadlines.

A severe cold wave has engulfed northern India, leading several state governments to extend school holidays as a precautionary measure to safeguard children from the bitter cold.

States Extend Winter Breaks

  • Delhi: Winter break extended until January 15, 2025.
  • Haryana: Schools to remain closed until January 16, 2025.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Holidays extended until January 16, 2025.
  • Bihar: Schools closed until January 14, 2025.

This decision follows a sharp drop in temperatures, with some regions recording lows between 2°C and 3°C. The chilling conditions have disrupted daily life, prompting officials to prioritize public health and safety.

Government Advisories Amid Cold Wave

Authorities have issued guidelines to help citizens cope with the extreme weather:

  • Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities, especially during early mornings and evenings.
  • Dress Warmly: Layered clothing and winter essentials are strongly recommended.
  • Stay Hydrated: Consume warm fluids to maintain body temperature and prevent dehydration.

Weather Outlook

According to meteorological reports, the cold wave is likely to persist for the next few days, with a gradual rise in temperatures expected only later in the week. Citizens are urged to monitor local weather updates and adhere to safety precautions.

Impact of the Cold Wave

The freezing conditions have also affected transportation and daily activities in several regions. Fog has disrupted rail and air traffic, causing delays and cancellations. State governments are closely monitoring the situation and may implement additional measures if required.

For the latest news on weather updates and school reopening schedules, parents and students are encouraged to stay tuned to official announcements and regional advisories. This proactive extension of holidays underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens during this harsh cold wave. Stay safe, stay warm!

To enhance transparency and accountability, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated all affiliated schools to upload specific documents on its official website. The directive aims to streamline compliance with CBSE affiliation bye-laws and ensure operational transparency across its network of schools.

As per the CBSE directive, the following documents must be uploaded by affiliated schools:

  • Teacher Qualifications and Experience Certificates: Proof of educators’ credentials to ensure quality teaching standards.
  • Teacher Appointment Letters: Official records of teacher appointments in compliance with regulations.
  • Affiliation Certificate: Issued by the CBSE, confirming the school’s affiliation status.
  • Recognition Certificate: Provided by the respective state or union territory government, validating the school’s operational legitimacy.

The uploaded documents will undergo a thorough verification process by the CBSE to ensure adherence to its affiliation norms. This measure is designed to maintain a uniform standard across the board’s 24,000 affiliated schools, both in India and abroad.

Although CBSE has not set a specific deadline for the document uploads, schools are urged to complete the process promptly to avoid any disruptions. Non-compliance may lead to future complications, including potential penalties or scrutiny during affiliation renewals.

This directive is poised to impact a vast number of CBSE-affiliated schools, requiring them to maintain comprehensive records and make them publicly accessible. By mandating document uploads, CBSE intends to:

  • Enhance Accountability: Ensure that schools comply with affiliation and operational norms.
  • Promote Transparency: Provide stakeholders, including parents, with easy access to essential school information.
  • Strengthen Monitoring: Enable the board to monitor and verify school credentials more efficiently.

The directive has been welcomed by education experts and parent associations, who view it as a step towards greater transparency and quality assurance in the school system. However, schools have expressed the need for clear timelines and streamlined procedures to facilitate smooth compliance.

With this initiative, CBSE reinforces its commitment to maintaining high educational standards and operational integrity across its extensive network of affiliated schools. Affiliated institutions are encouraged to act promptly and ensure adherence to the new guidelines.

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