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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.

In the wake of the NEET 2026 paper leak controversy, the Central government has unveiled a sweeping reform agenda aimed at strengthening India's public examination system. Combining stricter legal penalties with technology-driven reforms, the proposed changes seek to prevent paper leaks, dismantle organised cheating networks, and restore public confidence in competitive examinations.

The reforms come after the cancellation of NEET 2026, an unprecedented development that affected nearly two million medical aspirants, triggered nationwide protests, and renewed concerns over the integrity of India's examination system.

Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law Proposed

To strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament.

The proposed legislation significantly increases penalties for individuals and organisations involved in examination fraud.

Key proposed changes include:

• Minimum imprisonment increased from three years to five years.
• Maximum fine increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.
• Companies or agencies found guilty of facilitating examination fraud could face an eight-year debarment, compared to the existing four-year ban.
• Stronger provisions for faster investigation and time-bound prosecution of organised examination fraud.

According to the government, these amendments are intended to act as a stronger deterrent against paper leak syndicates and ensure more effective enforcement of the law.

Technology at the Centre of Exam Reforms

Alongside legal reforms, the government has launched a broader effort to modernise India's examination ecosystem through technology.

Following the NEET controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-level committee headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend technology-driven solutions for improving the credibility and security of public examinations.

The committee has been tasked with identifying ways to strengthen every stage of the examination process through digital innovation.

Digital Exams and Multi-Shift Testing

Several recommendations under consideration focus on reducing the risk of paper leaks through technological changes.

Among the key proposals are:

• Expanding computer-based testing (CBT) for large-scale examinations.
• Conducting examinations in multiple shifts instead of a single nationwide session.
• Using secure digital systems to reduce dependence on printed question papers.
• Strengthening examination logistics and monitoring mechanisms.
• Improving technology infrastructure for test administration.

Experts believe these measures could significantly reduce opportunities for organised cheating and improve operational efficiency.

Building on Earlier Reform Recommendations

The latest initiative builds upon recommendations made by an earlier expert committee constituted after the 2024 NEET paper leak.

That committee submitted a report containing 101 recommendations covering examination design, security protocols, technology adoption, governance, and administrative safeguards.

According to submissions made before the Supreme Court in May, several recommendations have already been implemented, while others remain at advanced stages of execution.

The newly constituted Nilekani committee is expected to further accelerate India's transition towards a more secure, technology-enabled examination system.

Restoring Trust After the NEET Crisis

The cancellation of NEET 2026 and subsequent protests intensified demands for accountability and comprehensive examination reforms.

India conducts hundreds of entrance examinations and recruitment tests every year, with millions of students competing for limited seats in universities and government jobs. Repeated incidents of paper leaks have raised serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and the credibility of the system.

The government's latest strategy combines stronger legal enforcement with administrative and technological reforms to address both the immediate challenge of examination fraud and the long-term need for a resilient testing framework.

What the Reforms Mean for Students

If enacted and implemented effectively, the proposed reforms could bring several changes for candidates:

• More secure examination processes with reduced risk of paper leaks.
• Wider adoption of computer-based examinations.
• Increased use of multi-shift testing for large-scale entrance exams.
• Faster legal action against individuals and organisations involved in examination fraud.
• Greater transparency and accountability in conducting public examinations.

The reforms also aim to rebuild trust among students and parents by ensuring that merit, rather than malpractice, determines admission to educational institutions and recruitment to public services.

As Parliament considers the proposed amendments and expert committees continue to refine the examination framework, India is moving toward what could become its most comprehensive overhaul of public examinations, combining stringent legal action with technology-driven safeguards to strengthen the integrity of one of the world's largest testing systems.

Fresh allegations of an MPSC exam paper leak have intensified concerns over the integrity of recruitment examinations in Maharashtra, with Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged leak of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) FDA Drug Inspector (B) recruitment examination held on March 22, 2026.

The allegations come amid heightened national scrutiny of examination security following the NEET paper leak controversy, adding to concerns over recurring instances of recruitment and entrance examination irregularities.

Rohit Pawar Alleges Candidates Received Questions Before Exam

Addressing reporters, Rohit Pawar alleged that students associated with Kautilya Academy in Nandurbar had access to nearly 90% of the examination questions two days before the MPSC examination.

He claimed that the alleged leak pointed to the possible involvement of individuals connected with the paper-setting process and called for an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Pawar further alleged that candidates had paid ₹12 lakh to obtain access to the examination paper, with ₹5 lakh allegedly paid in advance. According to him, the questions were circulated through WhatsApp, and although the messages were later deleted, one student allegedly downloaded the material and forwarded it to another individual.

These allegations have not been established in court, and an official investigation is underway.

MPSC Orders Police Complaint and Inquiry

Responding to the allegations, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar said the Commission would file a formal police complaint and conduct a detailed inquiry to verify the claims.

Bhimanwar explained that the Commission first received an email complaint from Gaurav Patil on July 21, alleging that the examination paper had been leaked. However, according to the Chairman, Patil sent another email on July 26 withdrawing the complaint, stating that he had filed it after failing to secure selection and anticipating a long wait before the next recruitment examination.

The Commission, however, decided not to close the matter.

Bhimanwar said police would examine both Gaurav Patil and Rishikesh Gangurde, another candidate who allegedly circulated the complaint on social media, to determine the facts.

He added that both individuals had been asked to appear before the Commission but had not responded to the summons.

"The transparent image of MPSC must be maintained," Bhimanwar said while confirming that the matter would be investigated.

Examination Process Already Near Completion

According to MPSC, approximately 45,000 candidates had registered for the FDA Drug Inspector (B) recruitment examination, of whom nearly 31,000 appeared.

The results were declared on June 12, interviews concluded on July 22, and the provisional merit list was released the same day.

The Commission stated that it received the first complaint about the alleged paper leak one day before the merit list was published. After seeking supporting evidence, the complainant reportedly shared screenshots claiming they showed examination questions being circulated before the test. The complaint was later withdrawn, prompting the Commission to seek a police investigation to establish the facts.

Opposition Alleges Larger Recruitment Exam Racket

Rohit Pawar, along with leaders from the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), alleged that the MPSC controversy reflects a broader pattern of examination irregularities in Maharashtra.

Opposition leaders claimed that recruitment and entrance examinations, including Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), NEET, SRPF recruitment, HSC Chemistry, Talathi recruitment, Public Works Department, Kotwal recruitment, Water Conservation Department, and Mahagenco examinations, have faced allegations of paper leaks or other irregularities in recent years.

Pawar warned that if the government does not provide satisfactory answers by the end of August, the Opposition would launch a statewide agitation demanding accountability.

State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that organised networks manipulate competitive examinations and even influence percentile scores in certain entrance tests. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare questioned why the MPSC responded publicly only after the allegations gained widespread attention.

Government Responds

Amid the growing political controversy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the government's handling of examination reforms and praised former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for initiatives including the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).

As the police inquiry begins, investigators are expected to examine digital evidence, emails, WhatsApp communications, and statements from the individuals involved. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the credibility of Maharashtra's recruitment examinations and ongoing efforts to strengthen examination security across the country.