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ScooNews Global Education Awards 2018 – Raising awareness and bring to the limelight outstanding work being done in the field of education, worldwide
Bringing together individuals, schools, start-ups and unique companies that are making contributions to the cause of education, the awards aim to recognise their work and showcase it to the world.

- Recognising inspiring individuals, schools and companies, who have made a difference in the field of education
- ScooNews constituted 65 categories of awards to recognise exceptional educators, teachers, education technology companies and startups working in the global education arena
- Principal of the year – Dr Amlan K Saha
- School of the year – The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal
August 4, 2018: ScooNews Global Educators Fest 2018 brought together some of the best educators from across the globe to brainstorm their ideas and practices. The programme which lasted two days (August 3 & 4, 2018) at the picturesque City Palace, Udaipur was home to some of the best speakers, pioneers in the field of education, who shared their insights on varied topics ranging from “Beginning at the roots to make India a global education powerhouse” to “Nation building through education for all.” The Royal Durbar Hall at the City Palace saw speeches and debates that made educators rethink their current ways of teaching and administration and opened up new ideas of teaching that can be put into practice.
The incredibly inspiring fest concluded with the ScooNews Global Education Awards. The annual ScooNews Global Education Awards recognise exceptional educators, teachers, education technology companies and startups working in the global education arena. ScooNews constituted 65 categories for the awards. These awards were created to raise awareness and bring to the limelight outstanding work being done in the field of education, worldwide.
Bringing together individuals,schools, start-ups and unique companies that are making contributions to the cause of education, the awards aim to recognise their work and showcase it to the world. The award categories were thoughtfully cherry-picked to recognise schools and individuals who are soaring ahead in their own fields, be it by using cutting edge technology or by going green!
The awards were presented to the recipients by Princess Nivritti Kumari Mewar in the presence of Mr Ravi Santlani, CEO-ScooNews, Mr Bahul Chandra, Co-founder ScooNews and Mr Rahul Agarwal, Secretary, Pacific University, Udaipur.
Following are the awards and recipients, complete collection of photos are available here:
Pre-school category
WINNER NAME |
AWARDS CATEGORY |
I2GLOBAL SCHOOL |
INNOVATION IN PRE-SCHOOL PEDAGOGY |
BILLABONG HIGH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ANDHERI. |
EMERGING PRE-SCHOOL OF THE YEAR |
WILLIEZ PRESCHOOL |
STANDALONE PRE-SCHOOL OF THE YEAR |
CANVAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (INGENIOUS EDU SCHOLARS) |
EMERGING PRE-SCHOOL CHAIN OF THE YEAR (WESTERN REGION) |
APTECH MONTANA PRE SCHOOLS |
EMERGING PRE-SCHOOL CHAIN OF THE YEAR |
BACHPAN…A PLAY SCHOOL |
BEST PRE SCHOOL CHAIN OF THE YEAR (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
LITTLE MILLENNIUM EDUCATION PVT. LTD. |
BEST PRE SCHOOL CHAIN OF THE YEAR (JURY'S CHOICE) |
PODAR JUMBO KIDS |
BEST PRE SCHOOL CHAIN OF THE YEAR |
School Category
WINNER NAME |
AWARDS CATEGORY |
SACRED HEART SCHOOL, KALYAN |
BEST SKILL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE |
CHILDREN'S ACADEMY – THAKUR COMPLEX |
BEST ICT IMPLEMENTATION |
RAJMATA KRISHNA KUMARI GIRLS' PUBLIC SCHOOL |
BEST GIRLS’ DAY BOARDING-CUM-RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL |
NEHRU WORLD SCHOOL |
BUILDING TRUST THROUGH EQUITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR |
VIDYA DEVI JINDAL SCHOOL |
DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE IN ACADEMICS |
G D GOENKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, UDAIPUR |
EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN SPORTS – REGIONAL |
DR. S. RADHAKRISHNAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BORIVALI |
EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN SPORTS |
G.D. GOENKA PUBLIC SCHOOL, SILIGURI |
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (EAST) |
YS GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS |
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (NORTH) |
DR. S. RADHAKRISHNAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BORIVALI |
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
BOMBAY CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ANDHERI WEST |
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (JURY'S CHOICE) |
CHILDREN'S ACADEMY, MALAD |
PHENOMENAL IMPLEMENTATION IN PEDAGOGY (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
JBCN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, OSHIWARA |
PHENOMENAL IMPLEMENTATION IN PEDAGOGY (JURY'S CHOICE) |
THE HERITAGE SCHOOL, VASANT KUNJ |
PHENOMENAL IMPLEMENTATION IN PEDAGOGY |
THE MANN SCHOOL |
GREEN SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AWARD (NORTH) |
JBCN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BORIVALI |
GREEN SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AWARD (WEST) |
MUSSOORIE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL |
GREEN SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
THE EMERALD HEIGHTS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL |
GREEN SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (JURY'S CHOICE) |
EMPYREAN SCHOOL |
PROMISING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR |
CHILDREN'S ACADEMY, ASHOK NAGAR, MUMBAI |
INNOVATIVE SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
VIDYA DEVI JINDAL SCHOOL |
THE BEST SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
G.D. GOENKA PUBLIC SCHOOL, SILIGURI |
THE BEST SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD (JURY'S CHOICE) |
THE GEEKAY WORLD SCHOOL |
THE BEST SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD |
RYAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, GREATER NOIDA |
STEM PROJECT OF THE YEAR (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
VIDYA DEVI JINDAL SCHOOL |
STEM PROJECT OF THE YEAR (JURY'S CHOICE) |
SAMSIDH MOUNT LITERA ZEE SCHOOL |
SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AWARD (SOUTH) |
ROCKWOODS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL |
SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AWARD (NORTH WEST) |
SEEDLING MODERN PUBLIC SCHOOL |
SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AWARD (NORTH WEST) |
WISDOM VALLEY GLOBAL SCHOOL |
SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AWARD (NCR) |
MEENAKSHI WORLD SCHOOL |
EMERGING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (NCR) |
SANJAY GHODAWAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL |
EMERGING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (WEST) |
MOUNT LITERA ZEE SCHOOL , MYSORE |
EMERGING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (SOUTH) |
EDIFY SCHOOL NAGPUR |
EMERGING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (REGIONAL) – EDITOR'S CHOICE |
RAM RATNA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL |
EMERGING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (REGIONAL) – JURY'S CHOICE |
SETH M.R. JAIPURIA SCHOOLS |
EMERGING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR |
MILLENNIUM EDUCATION MANAGEMENT PVT LTD |
SCHOOL CHAIN OF THE YEAR |
VIDYASAGAR SCHOOL |
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (REGIONAL) |
SUNBEAM SCHOOL VARUNA |
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (REGIONAL) |
G.D. GOENKA WORLD SCHOOL, GURUGRAM |
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
JBCN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, PAREL |
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR (JURY'S CHOICE) |
THE SANSKAAR VALLEY SCHOOL, BHOPAL |
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR |
Higher Education Category
WINNER NAME |
AWARDS CATEGORY |
PODAR INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION |
SKILL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR IN HIGHER EDUCATION |
Lifetime achievement awards
WINNER NAME |
AWARDS CATEGORY |
SUNITA SWARAJ |
SCHOOL LEADER OF THE YEAR (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
LAKSHMI KUMAR |
SCHOOL LEADER OF THE YEAR (JURY'S CHOICE) |
GRACE PINTO |
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD |
VINITA RAJ |
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR (EDITOR'S CHOICE) |
DR. AMLAN K. SAHA |
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR |
Products and services category
WINNER NAME |
AWARDS CATEGORY |
MAYA ENTERTAINMENT LTD |
BEST AR/VR LEARNING SOLUTION |
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ORGANISATION |
BEST ASSESSMENTS SOLUTION |
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS |
BEST EDUCATION PUBLISHER |
EBIX SMARTCLASS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED |
BEST E-LEARNING SOLUTION |
EBIX SMARTCLASS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED |
BEST INTERACTIVE SOLUTION |
SPORTSEED-PRO |
BEST SPORTS EDUCATION PROGRAMME |
IIBM INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT |
EMERGING MANAGEMENT EDUCATION (ONLINE) SOLUTION |
FLINTO LEARNING SOLUTIONS PVT. LTD |
INNOVATIVE EARLY LEARNING SOLUTION |
INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL TEACHERS TRAINING ACADEMY (IPTTA) |
BEST TEACHER TRAINING SOLUTION |
HOUSE OF LEARNING |
EMERGING TEACHER TRAINING SOLUTION |
About Scoonews: ScooNews is a monthly magazine catering to news and information of schools, administrators, teachers, parents and students. ScooNews has a print run of 65,000 copies nationally with a target readership of 2,50,000. ScooNews also has an equal presence in the online medium at www.scoonews.com.
Education
India Plans Unified Higher Education Regulator: What the HECI Bill Means

India is on the verge of a major overhaul in how it governs higher education, with the government aiming to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) with the proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). The move, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, seeks to create a more efficient, autonomous, and accountable regulatory system.
Why Replace UGC, AICTE & NCTE?
The current structure—with multiple agencies overseeing different sectors—has long faced criticism for being fragmented and bureaucratic. Overlaps in jurisdiction, slow decision-making, and limited autonomy for institutions have prompted calls for reform. Committees like the Yash Pal and National Knowledge Commission have recommended a unified regulator to reduce red tape and improve coordination.
What HECI Will Look Like
According to the draft and Lok Sabha updates by Education Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar, HECI will have four independent verticals:
-
Regulation (NHERC) – compliance and governance
-
Accreditation (NAC) – quality assurance
-
Grants (HEGC) – performance-based funding
-
Academic Standards (GEC) – curriculum and learning outcomes
This “light but tight” approach aims to foster innovation and autonomy while maintaining integrity and transparency.
Potential Benefits
-
Streamlined oversight: Instead of navigating multiple authorities, institutions will liaise with one regulator.
-
Better resource allocation: Integrated funding vertical offers performance incentives, echoing models in the UK and Australia.
-
Unified standards: Accreditation and curriculum will be uniform, reducing interstate disparities.
-
Global alignment: Can enhance India’s appeal with international quality frameworks.
Risks & Concerns
-
Centralisation: Experts warn that vesting extensive power in one body may over-centralise control, risking academic freedom.
-
Loss of specialised oversight: Domain experts from UGC, AICTE, and NCTE may be diluted.
-
Bureaucratic inertia: Transition could bring its own delays and resistance from existing bodies.
-
Compliance complexity: Institutions may face confusion adapting to new norms and vertical structures.
Global Inspiration & Way Forward
Many countries offer models worth emulating: the UK’s Office for Students (OfS), Australia’s TEQSA, and the US’s accreditation agencies show that one-regulator systems can work—if they strike a balance between oversight and autonomy. The NEP framework supports this, but success hinges on a smooth transition, capacity building, and safeguarding academic freedom.
In short, HECI is more than an institutional reshuffle. It has the potential to redefine Indian higher education—if implemented thoughtfully. The challenge now lies in building consensus, streamlining regulatory roles, and ensuring this new body empowers institutions, not constrains them.
This news has been sourced from various media outlets, with parts of it written and contextualised by the ScooNews editorial team.
Education
Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024, Govt Reports

More than 4.7 lakh counterfeit NCERT textbooks have been confiscated across India since 2024, the Ministry of Education revealed in the Rajya Sabha this week. The large-scale crackdown is part of NCERT’s renewed efforts to combat textbook piracy and safeguard access to authentic, affordable learning materials for students nationwide.
Responding to a written query in the Upper House, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary stated that textbook piracy has been rampant across multiple states, driven primarily by commercial interests of unauthorised entities. Between 2024 and 2025, over 4.71 lakh fake NCERT books were seized during enforcement operations.
In a series of raids across 29 locations suspected of producing or distributing counterfeit books, NCERT officials also uncovered stocks of fake watermarked paper and high-end printing equipment — collectively worth over ₹20 crore. These raids aimed not only to halt the illegal printing supply chain but also to reinforce the credibility of NCERT materials.
“NCERT textbooks are printed on a no-profit, no-loss basis to reach every child in the country,” Chaudhary reiterated in his reply.
To further stem the piracy tide, NCERT has taken several preventive steps, including reducing textbook prices by 20%, modernising printing methods, and making books more widely available through e-commerce platforms. These steps are aimed at reducing dependency on black-market sources by ensuring affordable and timely textbook access.
In collaboration with IIT Kanpur, NCERT also piloted a tech-based anti-piracy solution using a patented mechanism in one million copies of a Class 6 book. This innovation allows books to be tracked and authenticated, potentially creating a digital trail to curb piracy in the future.
Education
Student Suicides Account for 7.6% of All Cases in India: What the Govt Is Doing Next

Education
CBSE Makes CCTV Cameras with Real-Time Audio-Visual Recording Mandatory in Schools

In a notification issued on Monday, to enhance student safety and ensure accountability on school campuses, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras with real-time audio-visual recording across all affiliated schools.
According to the notification, the board has amended its Affiliation Bye Laws-2018, requiring the installation of CCTV cameras at all critical points within school premises, including classrooms, corridors, libraries, staircases, and other key areas—excluding washrooms and toilets. The footage must have a minimum backup of 15 days and should be made available to authorities upon request.
This directive is part of CBSE’s broader commitment to ensuring students’ physical and emotional well-being. It aims to create safer learning environments by preventing bullying, intimidation, and other implicit threats. The move also aligns with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)’s ‘Manual on Safety and Security of Children in Schools’, released in 2021, which outlines safety protocols for creating secure and supportive school settings.
In the official circular, CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta stated, “Children have a constitutional right to live with dignity and access education in a safe and supportive environment. The safety has two aspects — from unscrupulous, un-societal elements and from implicit threats like bullying. All such threats can be addressed using modern surveillance technologies.”
The board noted that bullying significantly impacts student self-esteem and mental health. “Children require a healthy and nurturing environment to thrive. This decision is part of our effort to foster that environment,” the notification read.
While many private schools have welcomed the move, citing improved monitoring and security, several government school representatives expressed concern over the implementation. They highlighted the need to repair existing non-functional cameras before investing in new technology.
As implementation begins, the directive reinforces CBSE’s stance on prioritising student safety through proactive and tech-enabled solutions.
Education
CBSE Plans Two-Level Science and Maths in Classes 11–12 to Ease Pressure and Boost Flexibility

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is considering the introduction of a two-level system for Science and Mathematics in Classes 11 and 12. The plan is aimed at offering students the flexibility to choose the difficulty level of STEM subjects based on their future academic or career aspirations.
As reported by India Today and originally learnt through The Sunday Express, the proposal is an extension of an existing model implemented in Classes 9 and 10. In Class 10 Mathematics, for instance, students currently choose between Basic and Standard versions during board exams—a move that has allowed students not pursuing Mathematics further to pass with confidence and reduced stress.
The upcoming shift aligns with the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages flexible, multidisciplinary learning and student-centric academic pathways.
What the Two-Tier System Means
Under the proposed system, students eyeing careers in fields like engineering or medicine could opt for advanced-level Mathematics or Science, while those focused on the arts, commerce, or vocational pathways could select a standard or foundational version of these subjects.
This customisation acknowledges the diversity of learner needs and aims to reduce the one-size-fits-all pressure that has long characterised India’s board exam-driven system.
Changes Ahead for Schools
If approved, the shift would require significant operational changes in schools—ranging from separate classes for the two levels to revised textbooks, updated assessments, and teacher training. CBSE is expected to issue detailed implementation guidelines after further consultation.
While still under consideration, this move marks a progressive step toward making STEM education more accessible, relevant, and aligned with students’ interests and life goals.
Education
Indian Army to Sponsor Education of 10-Year-Old Who Aided Troops During Operation Sindoor

In a heartwarming gesture of gratitude, the Indian Army has pledged to fully sponsor the education of 10-year-old Shvan Singh, a young boy from Punjab’s Ferozepur district who supported troops with food and water during the intense gunfire of Operation Sindoor.
During the cross-border conflict in early May, Shvan—then mistakenly reported as ‘Svarn’ Singh—fearlessly stepped up to help soldiers stationed near Tara Wali village, just 2 km from the international border. With lassi, tea, milk, and ice in hand, the Class 4 student made repeated trips, delivering supplies to the troops amid ongoing shelling and sniper fire.
Moved by his courage, the Golden Arrow Division of the Indian Army has now taken full responsibility for Shvan’s educational expenses. In a formal ceremony held at Ferozepur Cantonment, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, felicitated the boy and applauded his spirit of service.
“I want to become a ‘fauji’ when I grow up. I want to serve the country,” Shvan had told media in May. His father added, “We are proud of him. Even the soldiers loved him.”
Shvan’s actions during Operation Sindoor—India’s strategic missile strike on nine terror camps across the border in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack—have now turned him into a symbol of quiet heroism and youthful patriotism.
In a world where headlines are often dominated by despair, Shvan’s story reminds us that bravery has no age—and that the seeds of service can bloom early.
Education
State Boards Empowered to Offer Skilling & Assessment Under New NCVET Model

A national workshop was held on July 18, 2025, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. Organised jointly by the Ministry of Education (DoSE&L), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), the event brought together more than 150 delegates, including senior officials from 24 State and Union Territory education boards.
The central aim of the workshop was to help State Boards apply for recognition as Dual Category Awarding Bodies under NCVET. This status enables boards to both conduct training and assess students in vocational courses aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), particularly up to Level 4 — which includes critical entry-level skill training linked to employment.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and ensure vocational education is deeply integrated within the school system.
Officials from MSDE and NCVET emphasised that becoming a Dual Category Awarding Body places greater responsibility on State Boards — not just to conduct assessments, but to maintain quality standards in vocational pedagogy and learner outcomes.
A highlight of the workshop was a hands-on session where States received live technical support to complete their applications. As a result, all 24 participating States began their onboarding process, while six States — Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Nagaland — completed and submitted their applications. The Goa Board also shared its experience through a case study.
Education
University of Southampton Opens First Full-Fledged Foreign University Campus in India

The University of Southampton has launched its fully operational campus in Gurugram, becoming the first foreign university to do so under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) regulations.
The UK-based institution received its Letter of Intent last year and completed the campus within 12 months. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the campus on Wednesday, calling it a milestone for NEP 2020 and the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
“This sets a precedent for internationalisation at home and for India’s vision of becoming a global knowledge hub,” Pradhan said.
Beginning in 2025, the campus will offer UK-aligned undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including BSc degrees in Computer Science, Economics, Business Management, and Accounting & Finance, as well as MSc degrees in Finance and International Management. Students will also have the option to study up to one year at Southampton’s UK or Malaysia campuses.
Pradhan urged the university to introduce strong STEM offerings and focus on global challenges. Haryana CM Saini welcomed the initiative as a boost to Gurugram’s emergence as an education and innovation hub.
The university will recruit 75+ faculty members with international credentials. The inaugural student cohort includes candidates from India, the UAE, and Nepal.
Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi added that the UGC’s streamlined guidelines are enabling more such collaborations, helping position India as an attractive destination for international education.
The University of Southampton is a Russell Group institution and ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide. Its Gurugram campus is expected to strengthen India’s global academic ties and offer students a world-class, locally accessible education.
Education
NCERT’s New Class 8 History Textbook Addresses “Darker Periods”, Highlights Religious Intolerance and Resilience

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released the new Class 8 Social Science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond for the 2025–26 academic session, marking the first time students are introduced to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire at this grade level under the revised National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
This new volume, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, takes a more direct approach in describing episodes of violence, religious conflict, and iconoclasm during the 13th to 17th centuries, while simultaneously including cautionary notes emphasizing historical context and contemporary responsibility.
A Shift in Framing Historical Conflict
In a departure from previous editions, the book explicitly refers to political instability, destruction of religious sites, and forced conversions during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule. It discusses multiple invasions, plunder campaigns, and attacks on temples by rulers and generals such as Malik Kafur and Alauddin Khilji.
A newly added explanatory section, titled “A Note on Some Darker Periods in History,” outlines the rationale for such inclusions, stating the intent is to understand historical violence dispassionately and not attribute blame to present-day communities. The note reads, “Understanding the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule or misplaced ambitions of power is the best way to heal the past and build a future where, hopefully, they will have no place.”
Focus on Mughal Rule: Blending Power with Faith
The chapter titled Reshaping India’s Political Map covers major developments under the Mughals, from Babur to Aurangzeb. Babur is depicted as both a cultured figure and a “brutal conqueror,” with references to his own writings about the aftermath of his military campaigns. Akbar is described as having a reign marked by “a blend of brutality and tolerance,” acknowledging both his early military actions and later efforts at interfaith dialogue.
Aurangzeb’s rule is discussed in terms of both religious motivations and political strategy. The book references farmans (imperial edicts) ordering temple demolitions and notes debates among scholars about his intentions.
While these sections document religious intolerance and violence, they are accompanied by recurring statements that urge students not to draw contemporary conclusions or apportion modern blame for historical events. One note reads: “Some of the invaders and rulers mentioned above committed terrible deeds and atrocities… but it is important to keep in mind that we, today, bear no responsibility for actions of individuals hundreds of years ago.”
Shivaji and the Marathas: Strategic Leadership and Cultural Identity
The subsequent chapter on the Marathas emphasizes Shivaji’s leadership, administrative innovation, and cultural contributions. He is portrayed as a leader who upheld his faith while respecting others and worked to restore desecrated temples.
According to the NCERT, these revisions are not simply textbook updates but part of a comprehensive overhaul that reimagines pedagogy and curriculum in light of NEP 2020. “Any comparison with the old syllabus and textbooks is therefore fruitless,” the NCERT said in a public statement.
Education
QS Rankings 2026: Delhi Named Most Affordable; Mumbai In Top 100 for Best Student Cities

The QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, released on July 15 by UK-based higher education consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), have placed Seoul as the world’s best city for students, overtaking London and Tokyo for the first time. However, the rankings also mark significant progress for Indian cities, particularly on the affordability and employment outcomes fronts.
India’s four largest metros—Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai—all improved their positions compared to last year. Mumbai re-entered the global top 100, climbing 15 spots to rank 98th. Delhi rose to 104th, Bangalore to 108th, and Chennai reached 128th.
Among the standout achievements, Delhi has been ranked the world’s most affordable city for students, scoring 96.5 out of 100 on the affordability index. Mumbai (86.3), Bangalore (84.3), and Chennai (80.1) also featured among the top 15 globally in this category. The affordability metric assesses cost-of-living factors such as tuition, housing, and daily expenses.
The QS Best Student Cities Rankings are based on six key indicators: QS university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student view. To qualify, cities must have a population exceeding 250,000 and host at least two universities featured in the latest QS World University Rankings.
India’s upward trajectory in the 2026 edition reflects both domestic education reforms and international recognition. Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, noted that the progress aligns with the goals of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, especially in promoting global engagement and student-centric learning. “In just ten years, India has seen a 390% increase in the number of universities featured in the QS World University Rankings,” she stated.
In the employer activity category, Delhi and Mumbai broke into the global top 50, signaling strong graduate employability. Bangalore registered the steepest climb, rising 41 positions to 59th, while Chennai jumped 29 spots, indicating the growing international credibility of graduates from these cities.
Global Highlights:
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Seoul ranked #1 globally, followed by Tokyo (#2) and London (#3).
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Munich and Melbourne rounded off the global top five.
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A notable shift toward Asia is evident, with 39 cities from the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Australia and New Zealand) featured in the rankings. Among the 34 Asian cities listed in 2025, 26 improved their positions this year.
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Other high-performing Asian cities included Kuala Lumpur (#12), Beijing (#13), and Taipei (#14), achieving their highest-ever rankings.
As India approaches the fifth anniversary of NEP 2020, the steady rise of its cities in global education indices suggests that structural investments in quality, accessibility, and employability are beginning to pay off. While challenges remain, especially in global perception and desirability metrics, the country’s metros are steadily carving a space in the international higher education map.
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