On Thursday, the Delhi government declared that it is vying to make the national capital India's startup hub, with an emphasis on youth- led entrepreneurship and innovation.

Education Minister Ashish Sood stated that through the Directorate of Training and Technical Education (DTTE), the government is enhancing the campus market ecosystem by motivating students and young innovators to consider entrepreneurship as a mainstream career choice.

He made the remarks ahead of the Delhi Startup Yuva Festival, which is set to be launched on Friday at Netaji Subhash University of Technology (NSUT) in Dwarka.

The minister said that more than 75, 000 students and young innovators are engaged in DTTE, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, with participation increasing by 25, 30 per cent annually. Over 470 startups are incubated in government, supported institutions across different sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, education, manufacturing and creative industries.

Sood further mentioned that the startups supported by DTTE are creating an average of four to five direct jobs in their first year, thus making a significant contribution to the employment sector.

These startups have, together, generated a turnover of around Rs 500, Rs 600 crore, according to preliminary figures, he said.

The minister said in addition to the policy support initiatives, the Delhi government is enhancing its startup ecosystem by this new Delhi Startup Policy 2025 that plans to spend Rs 325 crore over five years and target the support of 5, 000 startups by 2035. It intends to extend the activities of incubation centers and innovation labs, especially focusing on student entrepreneurs, women founders, and first generation innovators.

Sood mentioned that the Delhi Startup Yuva Festival is going to be a platform where youngsters, led startups will be showcased, entrepreneurs will be connected with investors and mentors, and innovation driven solutions will be promoted. Over 750 startup pitching and innovation competition applications have been submitted to the festival.

The minister mentioned that to ensure support doesn't stop with the festival, the DTTE has strategically partnered with TiE Delhi, NCR to provide long term mentorship, capacity building, and better access to funding. He also said that the partnership is a symbol of the government's dedication to developing an inclusive, globally competitive startup ecosystem.

The 9th edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s annual interactive programme, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha,’ has seen unprecedented registration numbers. As of January 8, 2026, over 4 crore students, teachers, and parents have signed up. This surpasses last year’s record of 3.53 crore, which had already earned a Guinness World Record.

With the upcoming board exams (PPC 2026), students nationwide are eager to interact directly with PM Modi and gain stress management tips. Students make up the majority of registrations, with approximately 3.75 crore participants.Over 20 million teachers and more than half a million parents have interest in this program initiated by the central government to support students' perception of exams as 'celebration' rather than 'stressed out'.

The registration for Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 is available online at innovateindia1.mygov.in and will close on January 11, 2026. PM Modi expressed on social media that he is excited to meet with the 'Exam Warriors.'

Students in grades 6 through 12 and their teachers and parents can register.

Below is a summary of new registrations as of January 8, 2026, for Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026:

  • Total number of registrants: 40,581,955
  • Total number of students (Class 6 to Class 12): 37,751,681
  • Total number of teachers: 2,300,231
  • Total number of parents: 530,043

This data clearly shows that teachers and parents, along with students, are recognising the importance of children’s mental health during exams.

A special attraction for students this year is the ‘Golden Ticket.’ A total of 10 ‘Legendary Exam Warriors’ selected through the competition will have the opportunity to visit the Prime Minister’s residence and meet PM Modi in person. Additionally, about 2,500 winners will receive special certificates and ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ kits, along with a book titled ‘Exam Warriors,’ written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Registration Process

Step 1. Visit the official website innovateindia1.mygov.in/ppc-2026.

Step 2. Click on the ‘Participate Now’ tab.

Step 3. Select your category (Student/Teacher/Parent).

Step 4. Fill in the details and submit your question (maximum 500 words) for PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasises that board exams are not the end of life, but just a milestone.

The Central Government is actively considering sweeping reforms to India's competitive exam system. A high-level committee recommends replacing NEET, JEE, and CUET with a SAT-based admission model starting 2027. Under this proposal, students would take the Scholastic Assessment Test twice in Class 11, with the better score combined with Class 12 board marks to determine college admissions.

The proposed system aims to fundamentally reshape higher education entry. Instead of high-stakes single exams, preparation spreads across two years of school education. Government officials believe this reduces student stress, eliminates coaching dependency, and strengthens the school curriculum. The April and November SAT tests in Class 11 would create a final percentile when combined with board results, directly allocating seats in IITs, AIIMS, and other top institutions.

An 11-member committee chaired by Higher Education Secretary Vinit Joshi developed this recommendation in June 2025. Key stakeholders including CBSE, NCERT, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, NIT Trichy, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti participated in discussions. Their primary objectives focus on ending coaching culture dominance, lowering student mental pressure, and aligning admissions directly with school syllabus performance.

The proposal includes strict regulations targeting coaching centers. Daily coaching hours would cap at 2-3 hours maximum. Students under 16 years would face a complete coaching ban. All coaching content must strictly follow NCERT and school curriculum without additional material. These measures directly challenge Kota's coaching industry that currently serves 5 lakh students annually.

SAT syllabus alignment with NCERT textbooks represents the biggest shift. Students could prepare entirely through regular school studies without external coaching. Rural students gain equal opportunity while economically weaker families save ₹5-15 lakh in coaching fees. Parents avoid sending children to distant cities like Kota, allowing families to stay together during crucial Class 11-12 years.

Current JEE and NEET preparation drains family finances through ₹5-10 lakh coaching fees plus ₹3-5 lakh hostel expenses. Travel costs add another ₹50,000-1 lakh annually. The proposed SAT system eliminates these burdens completely. Schools emerge as the new admission powerhouses, fundamentally altering India's ₹25,000 crore coaching industry.

This proposal fulfills National Education Policy 2020's vision for school-centric admissions. Understanding-based learning replaces rote memorization. Creativity and analytical skills receive priority over exam-cracking techniques. Rural and economically disadvantaged students gain unprecedented access to premier institutions through familiar school curriculum.

The committee expects government approval following final report submission in 2026. First SAT-based admissions could begin 2027 with complete nationwide rollout by 2028. Class 11 students should immediately strengthen NCERT preparation and practice SAT-style questions available free online. Parents must avoid premature coaching commitments while monitoring policy developments closely.

Coaching centers face existential threats from these reforms. Kota's economy, built around 5 lakh annual students, risks collapse alongside 50,000 coaching faculty jobs. Schools nationwide prepare to fill this admission vacuum through strengthened Class 11-12 curriculum delivery.

Vinayak Joshi's committee emphasized two clear opportunities from dual SAT attempts. Students improve performance between April and November tests. Second chances reduce single-exam pressure while maintaining merit-based selection. Board exam weightage ensures consistent academic performance remains paramount.

Government sources confirm NEET, JEE, and CUET continue unchanged for 2026 admissions. Students appearing this year follow existing patterns without disruption. The proposal requires Cabinet approval before implementation, expected late 2026. Class 11 students represent the first potential cohort under the new system.

Parents celebrating potential ₹8-20 lakh savings must understand implementation remains uncertain. Coaching centers continue operations through 2026 regardless of policy outcomes. Schools nationwide must urgently upgrade Class 11-12 teaching quality to meet impending admission responsibilities. Rural institutions particularly need infrastructure support to deliver SAT-aligned curriculum effectively.

This potential reform represents India's biggest education policy shift since NEP 2020 implementation. Success hinges on school system readiness and government execution. Students wisely focus on strengthening fundamentals across NCERT syllabus regardless of final policy decisions

Big news for CA students in India! The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has made e-diary mandatory for articleship training. This digital practical training diary will track CA students' articleship work completely online. The new rule came into force from 1st January 2026 for all students beginning training after this date.

ICAI's Digital Push for Better Articleship Training

According to ICAI, this is done to enhance articleship monitoring among firms. The e-diary also introduces consistency in terms of training and minimizes the use of manual records. The information on stipends becomes completely digital. This change should be observed by CA students who are planning articleship registration  in 2026.

Board of Studies (Operations) designed the e-diary platform with assistance of Members and Students Services Directorate. It can be correlated to the competency-based training approach of ICAI to provide uniform monitoring of a country.

ICAI President remarks on the E-Diary Advantages

ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda said, "E-diary creates authentic digital records of articleship training. It brings transparency to trainee activities and reveals new professional areas students explore. The system simplifies administration for students and principals alike."

How ICAI E-Diary Works for CA Students

CA trainees mark attendance and work online. Every record receives time-stamps. Students provide summary reports of work two times a month to the principal. Approval is done within time limits by the principals or an automatic approval is made.

E-Diary Features for CA Students

The students of ICAI receive a number of advantages:

  • Make amendments to entries prior to approval.
  • Track approval status live
  • Login on Self Service Portal (SSP).
  • Stipend books are completely computerized.
  • Form 109 integration where necessary.

How E-Diary Boosts Training Quality

The platform delivers verified, time-bound work records. It identifies skill gaps and prioritizes training focus areas. Leave tracking, stipend management, and completion certificates turn paperless.

Benefits for CA Principals

Firms get real-time access to:

  • Trainee attendance
  • Work progress
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • Quality control
  • Digital MIS reports and alerts

Manual paperwork burden drops significantly.

Who Needs an E-Diary? Complete Timeline

Category

E-Diary Status

Start Date

New trainees (post 1 Jan 2026)

Mandatory

1 January 2026

Ongoing trainees

Manual diary

No change

Stipend records

Fully digital

Immediate

Impact on CA Articleship 2026

This reform impacts the articleship planning of lakhs of CA students. Before the students begin training, they will have to learn the e-diary platform. Principals should ensure that they become approved in time to prevent deemed approvals.

What CA Students need to do now

  • E-diary is available on Visit ICAI Self Service Portal.
  • Review biannual submission procedure.
  • Make sure there is a stable internet in the day-to-day entries.
  • Monitor key milestones of the track.

The Future of CA Training in India

The e-diary developed by ICAI is a significant digital advancement in chartered accountancy education. Experts refer to it as an article monitoring revolution. The system will enhance improved skill development and professional accountability. 

To get the latest updates, visit ICAI official announcements. 

Tucked away in the hills of northeastern India, Mizoram has accomplished something that no other state has been able to do so far: 100 per cent literacy. The state has officially become India's first fully literate state by 2025, thus making a historic leap from the 91.3 per cent literacy rate as per the 2011 Census. The milestone confirmed by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 202324 data and government records, puts Mizoram at the forefront of India's education story.

However, the success of literacy in Mizoram is more than just a statistical achievement. It is a mirror of the strength of the state's social fabric. At the core of this societal change is Tlawmngaihnaa value deeply rooted in Mizo culture, which among other things, stresses selflessness, collective responsibility, and community service. The cultural ethos thus became one very natural thing to do, with neighbours teaching neighbours, seniors guiding the youth, and entire villages taking ownership of education.

After 2011, the state redoubled its efforts to promote literacy by combining policy support with grass roots mobilization. Schools extended learning hours, adult education centres sprang up, and night classes became popular not only in towns but also in the remotest hill villages. Digital learning tools helped remove geographical barriers, while women who have for a long time been considered the backbone of Mizo society took a very significant part in motivating entire families to participate in literacy programmes.

Government measures also played a role in consolidating these efforts. Free education, scholarships for school dropouts, teacher incentives and targeted outreach were the means by which no segment of society was left behind. Officials estimate that more than 90 per cent of households took part in literacy drives through self, help groups and local organisations.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma referred to the feat as a proof of unity, discipline and peoples participation. He also pointed out that Mizoram's success is an example that scarce resources do not necessarily put a ceiling on one's ambition. With just over 1.3 million people in the state and a difficult terrain, the state has narrated how community driven governance can bring about a complete change in the lives of the people.

As India moves towards the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Mizoram's experience is a feasible model that other states can follow to overcome literacy challenges. The emphasis is now on quality being sustained comprehension, critical thinking and lifelong learning beyond basic literacy.

In illuminating this path, Mizoram has shown that lasting change begins not with grand promises, but with collective will.

SAI International School in Bhubaneswar has continuously been ranked the No. 1 day-cum-boarding school in India in Education World India School Rankings 2024-25 and has provided a transformative CBSE, IGCSE, and IBCP education that has cultivated well-rounded global citizens with innovative pedagogy and eternal values.

Vision of Founder

Established in 2008 by the visionary Late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, SAI International School was born from a profound dream to create joyful learning environments where every child thrives and happiness and optimism. The philosophy of Dr Sahoo, imprinted on each brick of the institution, is focused on spreading well-being and making India better through education. 

Guru-Shishya Parampara

Deeply rooted in the ancient Guru-Shishya Parampara, the school views educators as true Gurus who guide Shishyas toward ultimate truth (satya), salvation (moksha), and complete growth of body, mind, and spirit within the framework of righteousness and virtues.  This is an ancient practice that builds strong mentor-student relationships and guarantees the personalized approach to tutoring that extends beyond the academic field to inspire life-long curiosity and morality.

Comprehensive Academic Ecosystem

Spanning Pre-Nursery to Class 12 on a sprawling 5-acre campus at Plot 5A, Chandrasekharpur, Infocity Road, Bhubaneswar 751024, this co-educational powerhouse offers streams in PCM, PCB, Commerce, and Arts. Fully CBSE-affiliated (Affiliation No. 1530112) as a "New Generation School," SAI integrates a multifaceted Learning with 360 framework:

  • Intelligent Classrooms and Technological Benefit: The use of innovative digital solutions, AI-based applications, and interactive whiteboards makes the lessons more interactive.
  • State of the Art Laboratories: The laboratories are well equipped with advanced science, computer, robotics, and biotech labs in order to assist the inquiry.
  • Improved Curriculum: A combination of CBSE and IGCSE/IBCP, with the focus on critical thinking and global skills.
  • Experiential Learning: Field Trips, project based programs, and real world simulations develop practical skills.
  • Assessment & Remediation: The evaluation is continuous and total personalized remediation is ensured that no child is left behind.

The curriculum prioritizes six holistic pillars, Physical, Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Purposeful, balancing peak health, well-being, and life purpose for every student.​

Impact on Leadership and Community.

The legacy of Dr. Sahoo is maintained through a 500+ faculty team of SAI under Principal Nilakantha Panigrahi (M.Sc, B.Ed). Diversity in the school helps eliminate the socioeconomic boundaries and cuts across the board in the society and retains leading positions. Parent reviews are glorifying the fun: "SAI makes learning an adventure, according to one parent.

Extra-Curricular Excellence and Student Life.

Outside of school, SAI develops leaders in 50+ clubs in robotics, debate, MUN, eco-warriors and performing arts. There is the resilience and teamwork created by annual events such as SAI Olympiad, cultural fests and international exchanges. Wellness programs combine yoga, mindfulness, and counseling, which is in line with the spirit of body-mind-soul harmony. The results have been national toppers in CBSE boards, wins in Olympiads and alumni in IITs, Ivy Leagues, and other companies worldwide.

Leadership and Communal Impact.

SIA continues the legacy of Dr. Sahoo with a 500 plus faculty body that believes in progressive methods of pedagogy under Principal Nilakantha Panigrahi (M.Sc, B.Ed). The school is inclusive and cuts across socioeconomic boundaries such that it serves a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds without compromising on the top rankings. Parent reviews speak of the happy mood: one of the guardians states that SAI makes learning an adventure.

Significance of Parents to SAI International Bhubaneswar.

Regarding academic performance (nearly 100% board performance), overall development, and capability to secure the future, the families in Odisha can be provided with the best ROI at SAI. Siblings, merit and entrance tests will be prioritized in the admissions of 2026-27 via saiinternational.edu.in. The education centre of Bhubaneswar is the right place where SAI raises the future innovators.

The reason why parents prefer SAI international bhubaneswar.

As a family with the ideal CBSE school in Odisha, SAI provides the best ROI in terms of academic excellence (almost 100% boarding results), overall development, and skills in the future. 

Admissions for 2026-27 opening soon. Apply via the official website of the school.

Mother Public School in Bhubaneswar is a shining light in terms of academic achievements since its inception in 1991 which started as a simple preschool, and is now a CBSE-affiliated senior secondary school with several campuses with a population of above 7,000 students.

Small Start and Astonishing Expansion

The school was opened by Mrs. Poly Pattnaik as Prakrit -daycare center and pre-school- due to a serious necessity of Odisha working mothers to have an opportunity to safely leave their children learning and playing. It began with a modest student population of 20 students and grew to become a full-fledged institution with a focus on creative learning and good education. Nowadays it has five campuses in the region that are run by 750 hardworking and committed teachers and professionals, and whose main aim is to make well rounded people by use of tradition, transferable skills and comprehensive development.

Leadership Vision and Philosophy

Mrs. Poly Pattnaik, Managing Director, embodies undying optimism in her journey to bridge societal gaps toward a "literate world." Director Minati Sabat emphasizes career-oriented education with life skills, while Principal Mr. Sreejeet Patnaik draws from Carl Sagan, promoting curiosity, imagination, and collaborative learning beyond textbooks. This leadership creates an inclusive environment where culture and values thrive, empowering 35,000+ students over decades

College Level Academics and Curriculum Hits.

The co-educational school is associated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and serves students between Nursery and Class 12 with 99% university success rate and 100 percent parent satisfaction. It also has a dynamic curriculum, which encompasses most of the major learning domains such as Visual and Performing Arts, Language and Literacy, Numeracy, Environmental awareness, Personal and Social Development, Health and wellness, and Creativity and Imagination. The certified courses and clubs promote innovation, resilience and life-long learning as students are prepared to face the challenges of the world and be grounded on morals and ethics.

Facilities and Location

The Prakrit Preschool campus is situated in Forest Park, Plot No. 37, Bhubaneswar, 751009, which is in the middle of the city and is conveniently close to Indoor Hall, Bapuji Nagar, and other places of interest. It is well-equipped with all the modern facilities such as smart classes, WiFi services, playgrounds, laboratories, arts and sports, music and dance, and transport. It is open every day between 7 AM and 6 PM and provides a challenging secure environment to pre-schoolers as well as older students.

Why Parents Select Mother Public school Bhubaneswar?

The school has a rating of 4.1/5 based on 569 reviews, which means that academic rigor, extracurriculars, and character-building are valued and the school is a good choice in terms of CBSE schooling in Bhubaneswar. The admissions are conducted according to systematic procedures that can be found on the official webpage with focus on diversity and quality.

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