Changes aimed at improving industry exposure and placement opportunities for students
Introduction of Six-Month Internship in New BTech Curriculum
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced a major restructuring of its Bachelor of Technology (BTech) curriculum. Starting from the 2024-2025 academic batch, the institute will extend the duration of student internships to six months, up from the current three-month period. This change is expected to enhance the overall learning experience for students and improve their placement prospects in competitive job markets.
Internships Extended for Industry-Relevant Skill Development
Under the revised structure, the four-year BTech program will now incorporate a longer internship period that spans six months. Traditionally, internships were scheduled during the summer of the third year (sixth semester), lasting from May to July. However, feedback from industry professionals highlighted the need for a more substantial duration to assess student potential and gain meaningful contributions from them. Many companies had previously requested an extension of the internships until August, but this often clashed with academic commitments and exam schedules
Addressing Industry Demands
Professor Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, the Dean of Students at IIT Madras, explained that this change is driven by the growing demand from industry for more time to evaluate the capabilities of student interns. “Many industry professionals felt that the three-month internship period was insufficient to assess students effectively or to have them contribute significantly to projects. As a result, companies often requested interns to stay longer until August,” said Prof. Gummadi.
However, under the previous system, students were required to return to campus by the end of July to resume their core courses, which led to scheduling conflicts. The new six-month internship period, beginning in the summer of the third year, will resolve these timing issues, offering students a better balance between practical industry experience and academic requirements.
Impact on Student Placements
This restructuring of the BTech curriculum is expected to significantly benefit students’ career trajectories. By allowing more time for internships, students will be able to gain deeper insights into their chosen industries, build stronger professional networks, and enhance their skill sets. Moreover, this extended internship period will align better with the hiring cycles of major companies, improving students’ chances of securing competitive job offers even before graduation.
Petitioners Raise Concerns Over NEET PG 2024’s Transparency, Lack of SOPs, and Information Memorandum
The Chief Justice of India remarked, “We cannot jeopardise the careers of 200,000 students for the concerns of just five petitioners. There must be certainty.
The Supreme Court of India has recently postponed the hearing on a petition that questions the transparency of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2024. The petition, which raises multiple issues regarding the examination’s clarity and fairness, highlights critical gaps in the process, such as the absence of a detailed Information Memorandum, lack of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and widespread confusion in the counselling stages.
This postponement means that the concerns raised by candidates regarding transparency and procedural clarity in NEET PG 2024 remain unresolved. Here’s a closer look at the key issues raised in the petition, the Supreme Court’s response, and the possible implications of the ongoing case for medical aspirants across India.
The Petition: A Call for Transparency in NEET PG 2024
The petition, filed by Dr. Ishika Jain, an MBBS graduate, along with other concerned candidates, demands a more transparent and structured approach to conducting NEET PG 2024. NEET PG is the qualifying examination for postgraduate medical courses in India, and it is a critical step for students aspiring to specialise in various medical fields. However, the petitioners argue that the examination process has been plagued by a lack of transparency, with insufficient information provided to candidates regarding exam protocols, counselling procedures, and evaluation methods.
The petitioners’ primary concerns include:
Absence of an Information Memorandum: The petition stresses the need for an official Information Memorandum, a document that would inform candidates of the rules, conduct, and guidelines of the exam in a clear and structured manner. This, they argue, is essential for maintaining fairness and helping candidates understand the specifics of the examination process.
Lack of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Without SOPs, the examination process lacks uniformity, which can lead to confusion and potential inconsistencies. The petition calls for the implementation of SOPs to ensure that the NEET PG 2024 is conducted fairly and transparently.
Counselling Confusion: The petition highlights the uncertainty surrounding the counselling process, which has led to confusion among students, parents, and even states responsible for managing these stages. Petitioners claim that these ambiguities make it challenging for students to make informed decisions regarding their academic futures.
The petition also underscores the need for disclosure of answer keys following the exam. This measure, they argue, would allow candidates to cross-check their responses and ensure that the evaluation process is transparent and free of arbitrary decision-making.
SC’s Response and the Decision to Postpone
During the initial hearing, Justice JB Pardiwala, who presided over the matter, listened to the arguments presented by the petitioners’ legal representatives, advocates Vibha Makhija and Parul Shukla. Justice Pardiwala stated that the case would be rescheduled for a “Non-Miscellaneous Day,” a court day dedicated to handling specific legal matters in greater detail.
This decision to defer the case means that the Supreme Court will give the petition a dedicated, comprehensive hearing in the future. For now, however, the concerns surrounding NEET PG 2024 remain unresolved, leaving candidates in a state of uncertainty as they await the court’s further decision.
Key Issues Raised by the Petitioners
Information Memorandum: The petition calls for a comprehensive Information Memorandum that would clarify the rules, regulations, and conduct of NEET PG 2024. Petitioners argue that the absence of such a memorandum has created a knowledge gap, leaving candidates uninformed about essential aspects of the exam and its procedures.
SOPs for Exam and Counselling: Standard operating procedures are typically used to maintain consistency and fairness in official processes. The petition argues that NEET PG 2024 lacks clear SOPs, particularly regarding the counselling stages. Without these, candidates face ambiguity, potentially leading to missteps and confusion in the admission process.
Lack of Clarity in Counselling Process: Petitioners highlighted that states themselves were unclear on the counselling procedures, which has only compounded the confusion. This lack of clarity can affect students’ decision-making abilities, as they may not fully understand the requirements and steps needed to secure a position in their desired postgraduate programme.
Frequent Amendments to Information Bulletins: According to the petition, NEET PG 2024’s information bulletins have undergone last-minute changes that have caused confusion. Petitioners claim these amendments are often made based on the “whims and fancies” of the examination agencies, further creating distrust among candidates who expect a standardised and predictable process.
Implications for NEET PG Aspirants
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the NEET PG 2024 exam and future medical entrance examinations. NEET PG is a high-stakes examination, and transparency and clarity are critical to maintaining trust in the process. Many students have dedicated years of preparation to this examination, and they are eager to see the concerns addressed and the process improved.
If the Supreme Court rules in favour of the petitioners, we may see the following changes:
Enhanced Transparency: An official Information Memorandum and SOPs would provide candidates with a clearer understanding of the examination and counselling stages, reducing uncertainties and building trust.
Post-Exam Answer Key Disclosure: Releasing answer keys after the exam could help candidates verify their responses, ensuring a fair evaluation process.
Clear Guidelines for Counselling: Establishing standardised counselling procedures could help eliminate confusion, allowing candidates to make more informed decisions about their academic futures.
In the meantime, students and other stakeholders in the medical field are closely watching the case, hopeful that the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling will bring about greater transparency and fairness in NEET PG 2024.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Transparency in Medical Examinations
As India’s medical field grows increasingly competitive, the need for a transparent and structured examination process is essential. NEET PG 2024 is a gateway for aspiring doctors who aim to specialise in various medical fields, and clarity and consistency in this process are crucial.
The lack of transparency in NEET PG 2024, as highlighted by the petition, reflects a broader need for reform within the medical examination system. From ensuring that candidates have access to comprehensive information to implementing uniform SOPs, transparency is the foundation of a fair examination process.
As this case unfolds, it is likely to spark discussions about how India’s medical entrance examinations can be improved. If successful, the petition could set a precedent, encouraging examination authorities to adopt practices that prioritise fairness, clarity, and accountability.
Awaiting Clarity on NEET PG 2024
The Supreme Court’s decision to defer the hearing on this petition means that candidates will need to wait for further updates. However, the issues raised in this case have already highlighted key areas where improvement is needed in NEET PG 2024.
For now, the petitioners and candidates alike are awaiting a resolution that will hopefully bring about the changes needed to create a more transparent and reliable NEET PG exam process. As we wait for the next hearing, the focus remains on the court’s potential role in ensuring that candidates have the information, structure, and support they need to pursue their medical aspirations fairly.
Rank List Based on NATA Scores and Qualifying Exam Results; Provisional Category List Also Available
The Kerala Engineering, Architecture, and Medical (KEAM) 2024 BArch admission rank list has been officially released, marking a significant step for candidates seeking admission to architecture courses in the state. The rank list has been compiled by merging the scores of the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), which is administered by the Council of Architecture (CoA), along with the candidates’ marks from their qualifying exams.
Candidates who appeared for the KEAM 2024 exam can now check the complete rank list on the official website of CEE Kerala. Additionally, the provisional category list, detailing candidates’ status in various community and category claims, has also been published.
However, CEE Kerala has informed that some candidates are missing from the rank list due to unresolved application issues. These candidates will receive their ranks once the issues with their applications are addressed. To view the category list, candidates must log in to the KEAM 2024 Candidate Portal and select the ‘Category List Provisional’ option.
This publication marks the beginning of the counselling process for eligible candidates, who are advised to verify all details carefully before proceeding with further steps.
To download the KEAM 2024 BArch admission rank list, you can:
Print out the document for future reference
Go to the official website of CEE Kerala: Click here
Click the “KEAM 2024 candidate login” link
Click the “BArch Rank List” link
The rank list PDF will appear on your screen
Download the rank list and save it on your computer
CBSE to Release Class 10, 12 Exam Date Sheet in December for 2025
CBSE Exam Schedule for 2025 to be Published in December; Exams Begin February 15
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is gearing up to release the much-anticipated date sheet for the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams for 2025. According to recent updates from the board, the schedule is expected to be available in December, providing students a clear timeline to prepare for this crucial academic event.
Once released, students can download the official timetable directly from CBSE’s website (cbse.gov.in). This online availability will ensure that candidates, parents, and schools have access to the exact dates for each subject and can plan their preparation accordingly. CBSE’s confirmation regarding the exam start date as February 15, 2025, means students now have only a few months to finalize their preparations.
The upcoming board exams mark an important milestone in students’ educational journeys, as Class 10 exams typically determine students’ streams for
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is gearing up to release the much-anticipated date sheet for the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams for 2025. According to recent updates from the board, the schedule is expected to be available in December, providing students a clear timeline to prepare for this crucial academic event.
Once released, students can download the official timetable directly from CBSE’s website (cbse.gov.in). This online availability will ensure that candidates, parents, and schools have access to the exact dates for each subject and can plan their preparation accordingly. CBSE’s confirmation regarding the exam start date as February 15, 2025, means students now have only a few months to finalize their preparations.
The upcoming board exams mark an important milestone in students’ educational journeys, as Class 10 exams typically determine students’ streams for higher studies, while Class 12 exams play a crucial role in college admissions. Therefore, the timely release of the date sheet will be a key factor in helping students organize their study plans, especially given the wide variety of subjects covered under the CBSE curriculum.
Introduction of a Unified Test for Professional Courses Aims to Streamline Admissions
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is preparing to introduce a common entrance test for all private universities in Karnataka starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This move, aimed at simplifying the admissions process, will impact the state’s 32 private universities, of which 17 currently offer professional courses. The plan emerged following a meeting with the Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar and representatives from these universities.
A Unified Entrance Exam for Private Universities
Under the new initiative, private universities that offer professional courses will no longer conduct separate entrance exams. Instead, they will choose one of the standardized exams, including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET), or the Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) exam. The Higher Education Department has recommended that universities consider adopting a single, unified exam as a step toward simplifying the application process and reducing the financial burden on students who might otherwise sit for multiple exams.
Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar commented on the initiative, stating, “Some universities have decided to consider JEE scores, others are inclined towards KCET, and a few prefer COMEDK. We are encouraging them to adopt a common exam.” In addition, the government may later explore a common entrance test for general degree programs at private universities.
Addressing High Fees and Standardizing Regulations
Another significant topic during the discussions was the high fees charged by private universities for professional courses. To address this, the universities have been directed to form a fee-fixation committee headed by a retired judge. This committee will be responsible for setting appropriate fee structures, with the goal of bringing uniformity and fairness to tuition costs across institutions. Dr. Sudhakar emphasized that each private university is required by law to fix fees only through such committees, ensuring transparency and regulation in fee structures.
For seats allocated through the KCET, which constitute 40% of the seats in professional programs, the fee will continue to be regulated by the government on an annual basis. This provides some relief to students and families who are concerned about rising education costs.
In line with its goals of creating a cohesive educational environment, the government is also considering a common law that would bring all private universities under one regulatory framework. Currently, each private university operates under its own legislation, which results in a lack of uniformity across institutions.
