India is reconsidering its participation in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a global evaluation of 15-year-olds' competencies in mathematics, reading, and science, conducted triennially by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). India's sole participation in 2009 resulted in a 73rd place out of 74 countries, leading to withdrawal due to perceived "cultural disconnect" with the test format. Plans to rejoin in 2021 were deferred to 2025 due to the pandemic. Despite earlier commitments, current reports indicate India may again opt out, potentially delaying global benchmarking for Indian students.

King's College London is inviting Indian post-graduate students to apply for the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, offering a £10,000 fee waiver for 30 students pursuing full-time, on-campus study starting in September. The awards, now in their second year, aim to support students with a vision to make a positive societal impact. Applicants must apply for their course by April end. Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the university's historical ties with India and highlighted the importance of the awards in overcoming financial barriers for Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK.  

A recent report highlights that over 65 lakh students failed to clear Class X and XII board exams in 2023, underscoring the significant hurdles students face beyond board examinations. The Ministry of Education is addressing these challenges by proposing standardized assessment patterns across all 60 school boards to reduce performance disparities. Additionally, starting from the 2025-26 academic session, students will have the option to appear for board exams twice a year, allowing them to retain their best scores. These initiatives aim to alleviate academic stress and provide students with multiple opportunities to succeed in their educational journeys.

The CBSE Controller of Examinations emphasized the importance of adhering to the word limit in language papers, stating that writing concisely can improve clarity and save time. Students are advised to focus on key points rather than exceeding the word limit, which may lead to a loss of marks. The guidance aims to help students perform better in board exams by maintaining structured and to-the-point answers.

The 2025 Oscars may be canceled for the first time in 96 years due to devastating Los Angeles wildfires causing widespread loss of life and destruction. The Academy is considering shifting focus to support and fundraising for affected communities. A secret contingency strategy has been activated, similar to measures taken after 9/11. The wildfires have displaced many, including celebrities, and claimed at least 25 lives. If the event proceeds, lavish £140,000 goody bags will be scrapped to avoid appearing insensitive. Nominee announcements have been postponed to January 23, as the city grapples with its ongoing tragedy.

The Ministry of Education has released the NIRF Rankings 2024, with IIT Madras securing the top spot in both the overall and engineering categories. IISc Bengaluru was ranked as the top university, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the University of Delhi (DU). In the management category, IIM Ahmedabad led the rankings. This year, new categories, including skill universities and state-funded government universities, were introduced. Over 10,800 higher education institutions participated in the rankings, reflecting a significant increase from last year’s participation.

Global Business School (GBS) recently held its graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for over 1,500 students who received their certificates. The event was divided into three segments, with morning and afternoon ceremonies and a VIP lunch in between. The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Lord Bilimoria, Mr. Alex Mejia, Division Director at United Nations Institute and Research (UNITAR)  and Mrs. Seema Malhotra, Labour MP. Some of the VIP guests were Baroness Pola Uddin, Mr James Murray, Labour MP, Mr Anwar Choudhury, Former Governor Cayman Islands at Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Former British High Commissioner, Mr Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London, Virender Sharma, former Labour MP, Mr Rajesh Agrawal, former Deputy Mayor of London, Sir Graham Brady, former MP, Mr Stanley Johnson, Sir Tim Lankester, member of GBS advisory Board, representatives from the British Army, Royal Navy and many more. GBS Founder and GEDU group CEO, Dr. Vishwajeet Rana, GBS CEO Prof. Ray Lloyd, and GBS Deputy CEO James Kennedy also attended the ceremony to celebrate the students' achievements. The student community, with an average age of 37, has demonstrated remarkable dedication to self-improvement, balancing education with work and family commitments. GBS has created a supportive learning environment, enabling students to realize their full potential. Many graduates have shown a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the school has equipped them with the tools to advance their ventures. The ceremony highlighted the power of education in a supportive environment, with stories of students from humble beginnings achieving their goals. GBS has experienced significant growth, with over 35,000 students across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds, and the creation of over 1,500 jobs. The school remains committed to providing high-quality teaching, guidance, and support, ensuring students receive the education they deserve. The graduation ceremony was a testament to GBS's mission of changing lives through education and widening access to opportunities in underserved communities.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has postponed the NEET PG examination, originally scheduled for June 23. The decision was made as a precautionary measure, with a new date to be announced soon. The move has drawn criticism from the United Doctors Front Association, with its president, Dr. Lakshya Mittal, likening it to "playing with the emotions of doctors." Candidates had traveled across states for the exam, and the last-minute postponement has caused frustration. The ministry has acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and promised to announce a new date soon. The exact reason for the postponement is yet to be disclosed.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the NEET PG exam postponement, citing his "silence" on the issue. The exam was postponed hours before its scheduled date, amid allegations of paper leaks and discrepancies in the ongoing NEET UG exam. Rahul Gandhi took to social media, stating that the PM is "completely helpless" against the "paper leak racket and education mafia". He alleged that the government is threatening the future of students and called for action to save the country's future. The postponement has left students in uncertainty, highlighting the need for a robust education system.

The NTA is re-evaluating NEET-UG 2024 scores due to irregularities. Six out of 67 top scorers may lose 60-70 points after "grace marks" for time loss are removed. This impacts students at a center in Jhajjar, Haryana. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on July 8. The NTA has canceled grace marks for 1,563 students and offered them a retest on June 23. Allegations of paper leaks in Bihar and Gujarat are being investigated. Despite issues, NEET counseling will start on July 6. Protests and calls for a CBI investigation continue.