The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Centre, seeking their response on pleas related to alleged paper leaks and malpractices in NEET-UG 2024. The court emphasized that even minor negligence must be thoroughly investigated. It expressed concern over the potential consequences of compromised examination processes, stating that it cannot overlook the hard work of students who prepared for the exams. The court urged the Centre and NTA to adopt a proactive stance and rectify shortcomings swiftly. The NEET-UG examination was conducted on May 5, and results were declared on June 4, with 1,563 students receiving grace marks, sparking questions from parents and teachers.

Indian universities shine in the latest QS world university rankings, with 69 institutions making it to the top 500 list, up by 19.4% from last year. Standout performers include IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, ranking top 50 globally for business studies, while Jawaharlal Nehru University secures 20th spot for development studies. QS CEO Jessica Turner underscores India's educational challenge and praises the National Education Policy 2020's goals. She emphasizes the importance of high-quality tertiary education to meet growing demand. Increased representation across subject rankings indicates positive strides in Indian higher education, bolstered by well-regulated private provision.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) emerges as India's highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, securing the 20th position globally in Development Studies. With 69 Indian universities making the list, India witnesses a notable 19.4% rise in entries compared to the previous year. The rankings highlight the substantial contributions of the 12 Institutes of Eminence (IoE), representing a fraction of Indian universities, which account for 40% of the country's entries. Overall, India demonstrates a significant 17% year-on-year improvement, reflecting the positive trajectory of its higher education sector.

The Indian government is set to present the "Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill" in the Lok Sabha on Monday, targeting paper leaks in various exams. The bill suggests substantial penalties, including fines from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment up to 10 years for offenders. In response to recent question paper leaks in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Bihar, the legislation aims to address unfair practices in central agency competitive exams and university assessments. President Droupadi Murmu affirmed the government's commitment to combatting exam malpractices during the Budget session.

A new study from Columbia University’s Teachers College reveals that for children aged 10-12, reading on paper fosters "deeper reading" compared to screens. As nationwide reading scores decline among American youth, the study challenges the push towards digital learning. With illuminated screens becoming common in education, the research suggests a potential link between paper reading and improved comprehension. The study, analyzing brain responses of 59 children, emphasizes the critical age of fourth grade when a shift occurs from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." The findings question the rush towards digital education platforms.

The University of York adjusts entry requirements for overseas students, now accepting A-Level equivalents of BBC grades, while British applicants face a high A*AA to BBB standard. Financial challenges prompt the move, raising worries about UK students' access to Higher Education. With tuition fees frozen and a reliance on international students for funding, critics express concerns over potential neglect of home-grown talent. The university defends its decision, emphasizing a flexible approach to international offer holders, citing different qualifications. The shift reflects broader financial strains affecting institutions nationwide.

One of the UK's largest assessment boards, Edexcel, has announced plans for GCSE English exams to be conducted digitally starting in 2025. Pupils will have the option to type their answers, aiming to ease editing and simplify marking. While praised for increased accessibility, concerns arise about potential loss of handwriting skills. Experts stress the importance of a "hybrid world" for literacy skills, including writing by hand, typing, and texting. Headteachers caution against widening the disadvantage gap, emphasizing the need for clear guidance and resources. The move aligns with a broader trend of exam boards transitioning towards digital assessments.

A proposed review of the UK’s Graduate Route visa allowing two years of post-study work could impact Indian students, who make up 42% of visa holders. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) indicated it will examine if the route benefits Britain by retaining high-skilled graduates. Options include restricting eligible universities, courses, and jobs. Indian groups raised concerns about wholesale questioning of the visa's importance in attracting students. MAC's report comes before a formal commission from the Home Office. If received in early 2024, recommendations could come by late 2024. Any policy changes would significantly influence Indian student flows choosing UK higher education.

The UK Migration Advisory Committee said foreign students on two-year graduate visas who fail to achieve high grades could be barred from staying in the country. Over 98,000 students obtained the visas in June 2023, a 74% yearly increase. Officials fear the route is enabling immigration through low-wage jobs or inactivity. Committee chair Brian Bell said "There's no requirement to get particular grades in your university course or anything like that. That's the question we want to review to think about whether that's sensible." Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said in an article "The graduate route is ripe for comprehensive reform." Additionally, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman pushed to scrap or overhaul the graduate visa over concerns it was fuelling immigration.

Canada has doubled the minimum financial requirement for international students to acquire a study permit, from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635. This will significantly increase costs for Indians who comprise a large chunk of Canada's international students. Students will now need over Rs 12 lakh in their accounts, up from Rs 6 lakh earlier. This reflects Canada's rising living costs which the earlier requirement failed to capture. Many Indian students may find it difficult to sustain themselves on the higher amount due to high rents and limited job vacancies. The last-minute announcement leaves students scrambling and may compel some to explore alternatives destinations.