Imarticus Learning, a leading Indian ed-tech platform, recently released the “Data Science Education Report 2023,” forecasting a significant surge in the global data science education sector. According to the report, the sector is poised to reach an impressive $378.7 billion by 2030, with India’s data science education market expected to reach $1.391 billion by 2028—a remarkable leap from $204.23 million in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 57.52%.

This substantial growth is attributed to a paradigm shift toward data-driven decision-making across diverse industries. Simultaneously, the online education sector is predicted to experience remarkable expansion, escalating from $76.20 million to $533.69 million.

In the realm of job market and recruitment trends, the report identifies data scientists, data analysts, business analysts, and big data engineers as the most in-demand roles. Presently, there are 215,793 open positions in the big data and analytics job market, with projections indicating a surge to over 338,000 by 2028. Key players such as Amazon, AWS, Bain and Company, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and Google are actively seeking data science professionals, offering competitive annual remuneration packages ranging from Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 35.1 lakh.

India is solidifying its position as a global powerhouse for big data analytics with an estimated 30.1% CAGR. The industry is set to grow from $5.7 billion in 2022 to a substantial $30.7 billion by 2027. During this period, India is expected to capture 32% of the global analytics market, creating significant educational and employment opportunities.

Advertisement

The report identifies key roles driving the expansion of the data science sector, with Data Scientists (10.9%), data analysts (10.7%), and business analysts (10%) leading the pack. Financial analysts (5.3%), big data engineers (4.2%), data specialists (1.2%), business intelligence analysts (1.2%), and data science managers (0.9%) are also in high demand. Furthermore, the report highlights a growing demand for professionals with expertise in natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision, technologies fueling innovation in AI applications across various industries.

Imarticus Learning recommends sustained investments in AI research and development as crucial areas for educational institutes to align with industry demands. Nikhil Barshikar, Founder and CEO of Imarticus Learning, emphasizes the importance of nurturing the data scientists of tomorrow, stating, “The Data Science Education Report 2023 reflects India’s growing interest in data science education. It’s more than simply education; it’s a journey into the future, one data scientist at a time.”

The Ministry of Education has launched the third phase of Yuva Sangam, a program designed under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. In this phase, a delegation of 50 students from diverse parts of Madhya Pradesh is embarking on a cultural-cum-educational tour to West Bengal.

The primary objective of Yuva Sangam is to promote experiential learning and acquaint youth with the rich diversity of India. This program offers an immersive experience covering various facets of life, developmental landmarks, architectural and engineering marvels, industrial progress, and recent achievements in the host state. Emphasizing people-to-people connections, the Ministry of Education stated that exposure tours will be conducted throughout November and December 2023 as part of the ongoing phase.

The participants, mainly students from Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and individuals aged 18-30 from across the nation, will be traveling to their paired states. The exposure tours will focus on five broad areas: Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Prodyogik (Technology), and Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect) in the host states.

Yuva Sangam Phase-III encompasses the involvement of 22 States and Union Territories, with Higher Education Institutions paired for exposure tours, such as Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh-IIT Delhi, IIT Dharwad-IIT Ropar, SPPU Pune-IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad-BHU Varanasi, IIM Trichy-IIIT Kota, IIM Sambalpur-NIT Calicut, IIITDM Jabalpur-IIT Kharagpur, IIIT Ranchi-NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Goa-IIT Bhilai, and IIM Bodhgaya-IIIT Surat.

Advertisement

Building upon the success of the first two phases, which engaged over 2000 participants, the third phase is expected to generate considerable enthusiasm and vigor. This initiative aligns with the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ vision of the Government of India, aiming to expand the intellectual horizons of young individuals and sensitize them to India’s diversity, fostering a more connected, empathetic, and technologically robust future.

Affirming the constitutional right to education for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds, the Kerala High Court issued a noteworthy interim order on Thursday. The court emphasized that educational authorities should prioritize safeguarding this fundamental right over endorsing non-educational activities.

The order was issued in response to the state educational authorities’ plan to send school students to the Nava Kerala Sadas, an event organized in the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet.

Justice Devan Ramachandran, in the interim order, warned headmasters and principals of schools not to subject any students to activities outside the educational curriculum on the instructions of the official respondents in this case. The court highlighted that the right to education is constitutionally protected for every student, regardless of their class, creed, or status. It asserted that the duty of educational authorities is to safeguard this right rather than encourage students to participate in non-educational activities.

During the court hearing, the government assured that no child would be compelled or encouraged to participate in any event across the districts of Kerala. Despite considering closing the writ petition based on this assurance, Justice Ramachandran stated that it is crucial to ensure that authorities do not abuse their powers in the future.

Advertisement

Students who have successfully completed their 10+2 education without including biology in their curriculum are now deemed eligible to participate in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG), as per the latest guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The updated regulations, effective from June 2, 2023, bring about a significant change in the eligibility criteria. According to Regulation 11(b), candidates who have passed 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and English from any recognized board are now eligible to appear for NEET-UG. This marks a departure from the previous requirement, which mandated the inclusion of biology or biotechnology as a core subject.

This revision comes in response to a series of queries and legal challenges related to eligibility criteria in medical education. Previously, under the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997, candidates pursuing MBBS had to complete two years of continuous study in physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and English during their 11th and 12th grades. The Delhi High Court nullified these provisions in 2018, affecting candidates seeking admission to foreign medical institutions.

In an effort to address these issues, the NMC introduced the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023. The new regulations not only make candidates without biology eligible for NEET-UG but also apply retrospectively, providing relief to those whose applications for eligibility certificates were previously rejected.

Advertisement

In a meeting held on June 14, 2023, the NMC, taking into account the flexibility offered by the New Education Policy, decided to revisit its earlier stance. Candidates can now study the required subjects as additional subjects after completing Class 12th from recognized boards and still remain eligible for NEET-UG and the Eligibility Certificate.

This decision has broader implications as it not only resolves pending court cases but also allows candidates who have become eligible post this announcement to participate in NEET-UG 2024. Additionally, court cases filed by the Medical Council of India (MCI)/NMC will be withdrawn, and the updated position will be presented in ongoing litigations filed by candidates against the MCI/NMC for a more expeditious resolution.

President Droupadi Murmu marked the culmination of her Odisha visit by inaugurating the ‘New Education for New India’ campaign, orchestrated by the Brahma Kumaris in Sambalpur. This initiative, designed to instill values and elevate the consciousness of students, is poised to contribute to the creation of a more enlightened and ethical society.

During her address at the launch, President Murmu underscored the pivotal role of education in societal transformation. She emphasized that foundational to our culture are moral and human values such as service, equality, and sympathy. The President urged the youth to familiarize themselves with these ideals, stressing the importance of caring for elderly parents and marginalized sections of society to foster positive societal development.

President Murmu articulated that moral education is a catalyst for personal and societal growth, bringing about positive transformations. By instilling life values of compassion, kindness, friendship, and fraternity, moral education cultivates an awareness that can lead to constructive changes within individuals and, consequently, contribute to the betterment of society.

Expressing her satisfaction, President Murmu commended Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya for its commitment to paving the way to happiness, peace, and joy. Through character-building, self-realization, and divine experiences, the organization is actively contributing to the positive development of individuals and the community.

Advertisement

The ‘New Education for New India’ campaign, inaugurated by President Murmu, serves as a significant step towards fostering a values-driven educational landscape for the youth in Sambalpur and beyond.

A high-level panel led by C I Issac has recommended the inclusion of epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata in social sciences textbooks, as well as inscribing the Preamble of the Constitution on classroom walls. The seven-member committee, formed last year, has put forth various suggestions for the final position paper on social sciences, a pivotal document guiding the development of new textbooks by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

The NCERT has not yet made a decision on these recommendations. C I Issac, the committee chairperson, highlighted the importance of teaching epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata in the social sciences syllabus, asserting that it fosters self-esteem, patriotism, and pride in the nation among students in their teenage years. Issac expressed concern about a lack of patriotism leading to many students seeking citizenship in other countries and stressed the need for a deeper understanding of one’s roots and culture.

Emphasizing the significance of incorporating these epics into the curriculum, Issac acknowledged that while some boards already cover them, a more comprehensive approach is necessary. Additionally, the panel suggested replacing the term ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks, introducing ‘Classical History’ in lieu of ancient History, and highlighting “Hindu victories” in textbooks for classes 3 to 12.

Issac underscored the nobility of the Preamble, which values social ideals like democracy and secularism. As a result, the panel recommended displaying the Preamble on classroom walls to enhance understanding and learning. The NCERT is currently revising the school curriculum in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with the anticipation that the new textbooks will be ready for the next academic session.

Advertisement

The recommendations made by the panel will be considered by the 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC), established in July, tasked with finalizing the curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials for these classes.

In a recent announcement, the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, revealed that the Central Government has allocated Rs 100 crore for initiatives aimed at incorporating Vedas and Indian languages into the educational curriculum.

As part of this initiative, students who successfully pass the Veda Bhushan examination at the Class X level and the Veda Vibhushan examination at the Class XII level, conducted by Vedic boards, will now have the opportunity to pursue higher education in any college, including those offering courses in medicine and engineering.

This significant decision follows the approval of Vedic education recognition by a government-appointed body, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

The decision will benefit the students from Vedic boards – Bharatiya Siksha Board (BSB), Maharshi Sandipani Rashtriya Veda Sanskrit Shiksha Board (MSRVSSB) and Maharshi Sandipani Rashtriya Ved Vidya Pratisthan (MSRVVP) – who will not need not have to sit for another exam held by National Open Schooling Examination.

Advertisement

In a seminal declaration, N R Narayana Murthy has thrust the spotlight on a critical facet of India’s education system, urging an annual investment of $1 billion for the comprehensive training of school teachers. This visionary proposition advocates tapping into the wealth of experience harboured by 10,000 retired, highly accomplished educators from both developed nations and India, with a specific focus on STEM areas — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

At its core, this proposal compels us to reevaluate our educational priorities, directing attention towards the educators who are the architects of our nation’s intellectual foundation. While discussions on educational investments often revolve around students, Murthy’s call resonates with the acknowledgment that the future of teaching lies in the hands of our educators.

The fundamental question that emerges is, why the emphasis on such substantial financial allocation for teacher training? To begin with, investing in teachers is an investment in the very fabric of our society. They are the conduits of knowledge, shaping the minds that will steer the nation’s trajectory. However, despite the crucial role they play, the teaching profession is often undervalued and undercompensated.

The suggested $1 billion annual investment is undoubtedly a substantial figure, prompting some to question the necessity of such a significant financial commitment. It is imperative to recognize that teaching, despite its paramount importance, is often remunerated far less than corporate roles, despite the immense responsibility it carries. This discrepancy in compensation is a deterrent to attracting and retaining top-tier talent in the education sector. Hence, the call for substantial funding is not just an arbitrary figure but a strategic move to rectify the undervaluation of the teaching profession.

Advertisement

Moreover, this proposal prompts us to reflect on the broader issue of the societal perception of teaching. Teachers, the architects of intellectual growth, deserve not only financial remuneration which is well deserved for their pivotal role in an economy but also comprehensive training that keeps them abreast of evolving pedagogical methodologies and technological advancements. Respect, a commodity sometimes undervalued, is also an integral part of the equation. The proposed investment is not merely a financial allocation; it is a symbolic gesture of acknowledging the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of our nation.

The concept of enlisting 10,000 retired, highly accomplished teachers, both from developed nations and India, is particularly noteworthy. It suggests a collaborative approach, harnessing global expertise to elevate the standard of teaching in India. The focus on STEM areas is strategic, aligning with the evolving demands of the job market and technological landscape.

The ‘Train the Teacher’ program, coupled with the proposed annual expenditure of $1 billion, stands as a transformative initiative poised to redefine the landscape of education in India. Envisaging this as more than a mere financial allocation, the program introduces a comprehensive training approach at the school level. This strategic move is not just about empowering teachers with subject matter expertise; it’s a holistic endeavor aimed at fostering a culture of critical thinking, encouraging experimentation, promoting teamwork, igniting curiosity, and honing problem-solving abilities among educators. By instilling these qualities in teachers, the initiative creates a cascading effect on students, shaping a learning environment that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures the essential skills crucial for navigating the challenges of the future.

The broader impact of such an initiative extends beyond individual teachers. It gives birth to a ripple effect where enhanced teacher training translates into a more dynamic and effective education system. Students exposed to well-trained educators benefit from a more enriched learning experience, preparing them not just academically but also fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for the challenges of the future.

In conclusion, Narayana Murthy’s call for a $1 billion annual investment in teacher training is a clear and much awaited call for a paradigm shift in our approach to education. It beckons us to recognize and rectify the undervaluation of teachers, both in terms of remuneration and societal respect. It is an investment not just in individuals but in the very bedrock of our nation’s intellectual growth. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the emphasis on teacher training becomes not just an option but an imperative for sculpting a future-ready generation.

Advertisement

Lighthouse Learning, India’s leading Early Childhood and K-12 Education Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, and York College of Pennsylvania in the US, have announced a three-year partnership to expand educational opportunities for students. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 16, 2023, aims to provide students with enriched educational experiences overseas and access to scholarship opportunities.

As part of the collaboration, students from Lighthouse Learning will have the opportunity to participate in annual multidisciplinary learning workshops conducted by York College faculty. This partnership also opens avenues for Lighthouse Learning students to compete for prestigious scholarships and explore diverse programs offered by the US-based College. This immersive approach aligns seamlessly with Lighthouse Learning’s mission to nurture personal development and equip students with skills for success in the global economy.

The MoU was formalized by Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Lighthouse Learning, and Dr. Thomas D. Burns, President of York College of Pennsylvania. York College is renowned for its excellence in professional business, engineering, and education programs, boasting a comprehensive range of over 70 majors across various disciplines.

Under the terms of the MoU, students who attend secondary schools operated by Lighthouse Learning for a minimum of two academic years will be eligible to apply for a guaranteed $9,000 USD merit scholarship per academic year throughout their four-year program. Additionally, these students can also apply for competitive-based scholarships offered by York College, such as the James L. Mohatt Excellence in Music Scholarship, Vincent Risley Scholarship, Eisenhart Community Scholars, and Presidential Research Fellowship.

Advertisement

Commenting on the partnership, Prajodh Rajan expressed great enthusiasm, stating, “We are extremely delighted to announce our partnership with York College, a renowned institution known for its high-quality professional programs. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to student success, as it opens new possibilities for students.”

President Thomas Burns of York College added, “We are honored to extend our hand in partnership with a renowned institution such as Lighthouse Learning. Our commitment is to be the beacon that guides students toward their dreams.”

Lighthouse Learning (formerly EuroKids International) is India’s leading Early Childhood and K-12 Education group, backed by KKR Capital, with a commitment to delivering the Joy of Learning to students. The group’s portfolio includes EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool, Billabong High International, Centre Point Group of Schools (Nagpur), Heritage International Xperiential School, and Heritage Xperiential Learning School.

Celebrating 20 years since its inception, Lighthouse Learning has set new standards in early childhood and K-12 education, focusing on innovation in pedagogy, technology use, and child safety.

Advertisement

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched 37 PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalayas and 26 PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in Odisha. Dignitaries, officials, academicians, and students were also present at the event.

While speaking at the event, Shri Pradhan expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and said, these schools will work in full spirit of the National Education Policy 2020 and provide quality education to the students with comprehensive and inclusive education. He also informed that about 800 government schools in Odisha will be developed into PM Shri Schools and more than Rs. 1600 crore will come. He also requested the Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik to sign an MoU to implement the PM Shri Yojana in Government Schools of Odisha through which, two writing schools in every block and urban area of Odisha will be developed into PM Shri Schools.

Shri Pradhan stated that to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, the education sector of the country needs to move forward. For that, rural children should be educated in the 21st century to prepare them for the future, he commented.

Earlier in the day, the Minister inaugurated the administrative and academic building, dormitory, and guest house at the Oriental Language Centre of the Indian Language Institute, Bhubaneswar. Shri Pradhan, while speaking at the event, highlighted the importance of the development projects that will help to expand the facilities for training Odia, Shantali, Bengali, and Maithili.

Advertisement

Shri Pradhan also emphasized the unique identity of the Odia language, stating the sweetness of the language spoken in Sambalpur and Ganjam and the elegance of the language in Mayurbhanj and Dhenkanal. He also mentioned that the tribes of Odisha have different languages.

The Minister also informed that on the occasion of the Bharatiya Bhasha Diwas, to be celebrated on the birth anniversary of freedom fighter, eminent Tamil poet Mahakabi Chinnaswamy Subramania Bharati, on 11 December, a lecture and essay competition on Odia language will be organized in all schools and colleges, to encourage the new generation.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for implementing the National Education Policy 2020, Shri Pradhan mentioned that priority has been given to teaching not only language as a subject but also other subjects in the mother tongue. When children read texts in the language they speak and listen to at an early stage, their ability to research, reason, and analyze is enhanced, he commented.

PM SHRI schools will showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and emerge as exemplary schools shaping the path towards a brighter future for students. They will create holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st-century skills.

Advertisement