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IIT Kanpur's Innovative Admission Method

Breaking away from the traditional JEE Advanced test, IIT Kanpur has admitted five students to its Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) courses for 2024-25.

For most engineering aspirants, admission to IIT is a priority, which requires high marks in JEE Mains and Advanced. But this year, IIT Kanpur has decided to admit five candidates to its BTech and BS courses on the basis of their performance in Olympiads, according to a leading news source. Surprisingly, all five candidates have opted for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) as their course of study.

The two of the admitted students attended the International Informatics Olympiad Training Camp (IOITC) and the remaining three attended the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC). Although no disclosures have been made about their backgrounds and identities by the institute, it has confirmed that they were shortlisted on the basis of their Olympiad performance, training camp attendance, and adherence to eligibility criteria similar to that of JEE Advanced.

All Five Students Have Opted for CSE

The Olympiad-based entry route was on offer in five fields: Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, Economic Sciences, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, and Chemistry. But all five students have selected CSE.

Current Admission Limitations

Administrators have explained that no other academic assistance will be given to students who have entered through the Olympiad path. They will be part of the regular curriculum together with students who entered through JEE Advanced. Currently, the method of admission is limited to only a few BTech and BS courses.

Overview of Selection Process

Students are selected on the basis of their Olympiad performance. Shortlisted students have to sit for a compulsory written test and may have an interview, with the final choices decided by a departmental committee. This way, students admitted through the Olympiads have equal academic standards compared to students who were admitted based on the JEE.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit in Bishkek has raised eyebrows in global capitals. For many, this looked like a routine diplomatic gathering. But Martin Wolf, Chief Economic Commentator at the Financial Times, believes it could signal something bigger: the early signs of India and China exploring a new kind of relationship.

“A very, very big question”

Wolf is cautious but clear about the possibilities. “I think that’s a very, very big question and at this stage I don’t think we know the answer. But it could be the beginning of a major reset. These are very early days. The powers involved, particularly India and China, have a great deal of history and a great deal of suspicion,” he told CNN-News18.

For decades, India and China have distrusted each other—over their border disputes, their role in Asia, and their growing ambitions. But Wolf points out that something unusual is happening: both countries are reacting to the same problem—the unpredictable behaviour of US President Donald Trump.

“Crazy and unreliable”

Under Modi, India’s relationship with the US was expected to be one of the strongest in the world. Wolf admits he assumed the same. “It was a huge shock to me. I really assumed that relations between India and US under Modi and Trump will be good. I assumed that Americans regarded relations with India as among the most important in the world.”

But instead, Trump’s policies—particularly his sweeping tariffs—have unsettled New Delhi. Wolf doesn’t mince words about the effect: “Trump’s behaviour towards India and his behaviour broadly towards the world has created anxiety, anger and doubt about the future. Inevitably, any major player will like to find alternative ways of organizing their lives when they find that one of the players has become so crazy and unreliable.”

A practical partnership, not friendship

Does this mean India and China will suddenly become close allies? Wolf doesn’t think so. “How closely they can cooperate? We don’t know,” he says. What he does suggest is a more limited but useful relationship. “This doesn’t mean India and China will have a warm relationship. It might [be] a practical relationship where opportunities will be explored for trade and cooperation and to deal with US, which is [a] threat to both of them.”

In other words, India and China may never trust each other fully—but they might find it useful to work together when faced with what Wolf calls an “economic warfare” by the US.

What it means for India

For India, the choice is not simple. On one hand, the US remains its most important defence and security partner. On the other, Trump’s unpredictability forces India to keep other doors open. A working relationship with China, even if limited, gives India more space to manoeuvre on the global stage.

The old saying goes: “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Wolf believes this idea could now shape India-China ties. Whether it lasts or not, one thing is clear—Trump’s actions have shaken the old world order, and India is exploring new options.

Gen Z employees in today's workplace have earned the reputation of being straightforward and boisterous when it comes to setting clearly demarcated boundaries between professional and personal life. The post was made by the lead developer at a remote-based company. In group discussion, the developer had asked the HR department to conduct an interview with the candidate, who stated he was recovering from an accident. With appreciation and professionalism, the applicant replied in brief manner, stating himself to be "a thousand times better" than the lead developer. For added credibility to the assertion, he claimed alumnus status in a high-profile institution. He then concluded by bluntly stating that he would not anymore be interested in working with the company. 

Reactions of the Community

The exchange elicited a variety of responses from Redditors, most of whom were shocked at the candidate's arrogance. One of the commenters wrote stating that a candidate who hadn't yet worked on live projects was claiming superiority just because he went to college with a firm cutoff for admissions. Another commenter jokingly observed that individuals like these learn humility only after they have experienced failure.

Others soon seconded the call to terminate the first-time candidate immediately. They argued that it's not technical ability but likability, humility, and charm which would many times be every bit as crucial in the workplace. Arrogance when starting out is a turn-off to any employer as much as they care.

The original poster also came back with more background. He stated that upon noticing the candidate's attitude, he had written to himself to recommend reasons for rejection. The candidate was from MNNIT Allahabad and held very good academic grades, even better than those of the OP. However, the OP contended that showing grades or birth cannot make up for a bad attitude. He emphasized in his email that this pride would not provide scope even with top-end companies commonly known as MAANG, FAANG, or WITCH. Divided Opinions

Though the majority of users faulted the tone of the candidate, there were some who didn't agree. They thought that maybe the anger is due to a late reply from the HR department. They thought that there had to be professionalism exercised from both ends—whether engineers or housekeeping. Not showing respect, they explained, could result in such negative reactions.

But all agreed that the candidate's message went too far, describing it as rude and immature. They concluded that the candidate had probably not yet encountered the type of rejection that leads to humility. Some also noted another blatant reality: the interview had taken place on a Sunday, which they perceived as an unwelcome imposition.

Ultimately, the incident pointed out two vital lessons—candidates must communicate respectfully even without a certificate, and hiring managers must offer timely and professional processing of the recruitment process in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

At least 3.19 lakh candidates took the School Level Selection Test (SLST) of the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) on Sunday, the state's first such teacher recruitment exam since the Supreme Court scrapped over 26,000 teaching and non-teaching jobs in April.

The apex court had termed the 2016 recruitment process "tainted and vitiated", prompting a fresh round of examinations.

The test, for assistant teacher posts in classes 9 and 10, was conducted at 636 centres across the state. It began at noon and ended at 1.30 pm, with an additional 20 minutes provided to specially abled candidates.

TIGHT SECURITY AND CHECKS

A three-tier security system was put in place to prevent malpractice.

The aspirants were required to report two hours earlier to the examination for comprehensive scrutiny, i.e., naka inspections outside, admit card bar code scanning, and disallowing bringing anything except pens provided at centres.

Mobile phones and other electronic devices were disallowed, even for officials and supervisors conducting the examination.

The WBSSC also introduced single-use security codes in each question paper. Even some of the teachers who had been removed from their jobs after the Supreme Court verdict came out to give the exam. One of the candidates, 55 years old, cried before entering the hall, saying, "Do you think that preparation like a young student is possible after serving as a teacher for seven years? I have no preparation, because mentally I am not in a position to take this pain."

POLITICAL SPAT OVER NON-STATE CANDIDATES

The exam also drew Bihar and Uttar Pradesh candidates, which created political outcry. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticized the BJP, saying candidates from "double-engine governments" came to Bengal because hiring was stopped in their states.

"No one ever wrote Bengal's exams are only for Bengalis. No one mocked or embarrassed them. No one screened them," he posted on X.

BJP MLC Sajal Ghosh countered that West Bengal candidates write exams in other states too. CPI(M) MLA Shatarup Ghosh alleged that the state government would now be levying "cut money" on outstation candidates.

SECOND PHASE OF EXAMS ON SEPTEMBER 14

WBSSC chairperson Siddhartha Majumdar maintained that another 2.46 lakh candidates would appear in the recruitment exam for assistant teachers of class 11 and 12 on September 14 at 478 centres.

The commission also denied 1,806 teachers who have been tagged 'tainted' from being part of the new process.

State Education Minister Bratya Basu assured the candidates of assistance, saying, "The entire administration is always with you to ensure security, transparency and all the facilities at 636 centers so that you give your best."

For convenience in travel, Kolkata Metro ran advance services on the Blue and Green lines.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in order to restrict substance use among students. The agreement, signed in CBSE offices at New Delhi, aims at establishing schools as a priority ground for prevention, awareness, and intervention.

The agreement lays down an overall framework of cooperation. Quarterly agendas of awareness, teacher and counsellor training sessions, e-learning courses, and community outreach have been put on the table.

MoU SETS FRAMEWORK FOR AWARENESS DRIVES

A pilot will be initiated in 100 CBSE schools, with a hub-and-spoke model to cover more numbers.

Anurag Garg, Director General, NCB, and Rahul Singh, Chairperson, CBSE, signed the MoU.

Speaking to the assembly, Anurag Garg highlighted the school's frontline position. He went on to say that anti-drug measures cannot be left entirely to police activity. Schools must become a part of the solution.

CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh stressed the board's role in keeping students safe.

He said the board is ready to arm schools with facilities and data so prevention becomes not just a policy but a practice.

CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta spoke of providing schools with safe and secure zones.

He also linked the project with the Tele-MANAS, the government mental health care program, and said early intervention is as important as prevention.

In fact, what the MOU says is that schools would not merely rely on classroom teaching.

They will also be dynamic centers of drug-prevention activities, where teachers, parents, and students come together. Counselling service will be launched as a direct line of support.

AWARENESS PROGRAMMES

This was followed by a grand awareness programme conducted by over 500 principals, counsellors, and wellness teachers of CBSE schools. Two sessions framed the discussion.

Food Corporation of India Chairman and Managing Director Ashutosh Agnihotri addressed the issue of leadership in schools.

His argument was simple: schools should be guiding children not only academically, but in resisting societal problems.

Dr Anees C Deputy Director, NCB, spoke on the subject "Refuse the First Dose, Secure the Future." He demonstrated the chain of dangers of consuming drugs early and how schools, peers, and families can individually and collectively step in to sever it.

The programme was wound up with a question-answer session. Principals and counsellors asked questions, presented ground realities, and sought steps to enhance school-level interventions.

The collaboration with CBSE–NCB is a shift in strategy. It defines substance abuse as much of an educational and social problem as a law-and-order problem. 

By focusing on schools, the two organizations are betting on early awareness, preventive actions, and community support.

Should the pilot succeed, the pilot may establish how the education sector handles one of the most vital challenges facing young people today.

The Centre will work to train faculty members to become top-notch case method teachers and aid case development with funds, research support, editing, and review.

IIM Ahmedabad Launches Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning

The Centre's initiatives will range from training its faculty to be top-notch case method teachers to funding, researching, reviewing, and editing support for developing cases.

Professor Saral Mukherjee, Chairperson of the newly-opened Centre, stated, "With the opening of the centre dedicated to building the case pedagogy, IIMA wants to help young scholars and doctoral students learn how they can develop powerful learning experiences for tomorrow's management students."

Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, said in an event, “The case method of learning was pioneered in India by IIMA, shaping leaders who can think critically and view challenges from multiple perspectives. The establishment of this Centre will strengthen our ability to innovate in case pedagogy and serve as a hub for research, collaboration, and faculty development in this field. We thank Mr. Madan Mohanka for his kind support, which will enable us to go further in this direction and spread its influence in management teaching.

Before the opening of the Centre, an invited conference named 'Case Method in 2025:=

'Taking Stock and Moving Forward' was also convened by MMCoECML on August 30. It had faculty members and delegates from different management institutes presenting case pedagogy-related initiatives in their respective colleges. This was accompanied by a roundtable discussion on the potential for institutes and stakeholders to work together to enhance the case ecosystem.