On World Autism Awareness Day 2025, the Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education—announcing strengthened therapy-based support through Block Resource Centres (BRCs) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under Samagra Shiksha. On paper, it all sounds exactly as it should: speech therapy, occupational support, assistive devices, special educators, digital access, even parent counselling and teacher training.

But just three days ago, a deeply disturbing video emerged from a Noida-based private school, showing a special educator manhandling a 10-year-old child with autism in the classroom. The video, accidentally shared on a parent WhatsApp group, has since gone viral, leading to the arrest of the teacher, the sealing of the school, and an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the JJ Act, and the RPWD Act.

It begs the question: Is our reality in special education as inclusive as our rhetoric?

When Inclusion Becomes a Hollow Word

For far too many children with autism in India, inclusion begins and ends in policy documents. What lies in between is often a cycle of unchecked negligence, lack of accountability, and poorly trained or entirely unqualified “special educators” functioning like gig workers—underpaid, under-monitored, and dangerously unprepared.

We’ve heard of children being tied to chairs during therapy hours, being underfed as a behavioural management strategy, or being punished for sensory overstimulation they cannot control. Many so-called educators don’t even have basic training, let alone the emotional intelligence required to support neurodiverse children.

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What Needs to Change?

If we are truly serious about inclusion, then we need more than just circulars and schemes. We need licensing laws that mandate certification and regular evaluation of all special educators. We need background checks, complaint redressal systems, and swift punitive action against violations. We need to ensure every school, government or private, recognised or otherwise, follows minimum compliance protocols for inclusive practices. And yes, we need parent voices on the table when these frameworks are drafted—not just policy architects in boardrooms.

The Ministry’s renewed vision under NEP 2020 is a welcome step, and BRCs could become powerful hubs of change. But only if they are funded, monitored, and held accountable. Inclusion is not a checkbox, it’s a lived culture—and it starts with respect, rigour, and responsibility.

In a significant observation on Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India stressed that hygiene, education, and healthcare—not libraries—must be the top priority to transform rural India. A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant made the statement while hearing a plea to mandate the establishment of public libraries in every village across the country.

“Education is critical, but a person who is starving—will he go to a library?” Justice Kant asked pointedly, underscoring the stark realities many rural communities continue to face. The Bench urged States to allocate 10% to 15% of their budget towards improving essential rural infrastructure to realise the dream of a developed India.

The comments come as a sobering reminder that despite India’s advancements in urban education, schooling in rural areas remains plagued by inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and a lack of basic amenities. In many villages, schools still struggle with broken buildings, lack of toilets, or poor access to safe drinking water.

To address this, replicating successful models like Madhya Pradesh’s CM Rise Schools may offer a practical way forward. These state-run schools have prioritised quality infrastructure, digital learning tools, and teacher training—bringing urban-level standards to rural education. Partnering with local panchayats and tapping into CSR funds could further accelerate such initiatives.

While libraries are undoubtedly valuable for fostering curiosity and civic understanding, the Court’s remarks emphasise that before we turn the page, we must first build the book—and the classroom.

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A seismic shift is underway in global higher education. In the first three months of 2025 alone, international postgraduate interest in the United States dropped by over 40%, according to StudyPortals data. Countries like Iran and Bangladesh saw even steeper drops—61% and 54% respectively. Even India, long regarded as the US’s strongest education partner, registered a 36.8% decline.

This decline isn’t happening in isolation. As students turn their gaze to the UK and alternative destinations, another quiet revolution is unfolding—young learners across the world are rejecting the degree-first mentality in favour of direct-to-skill pathways. And they’re doing it with intention.

Beyond the Campus Walls
“Students are not just choosing programmes; they’re choosing futures in places they perceive as stable, welcoming, and full of opportunity,” said Cara Skikne, Head of Communications at StudyPortals. In contrast, the US has been rocked by a wave of student and faculty deportations, a looming travel ban, and legislative uncertainties since the return of Donald Trump to office in 2025.

But politics isn’t the only factor at play.

The Age of Skill-Based Learning Is Here
In a recent article, our Founder & CEO, Ravi Santlani, aptly summed it up: “High school students today are increasingly turning away from the conventional route of pursuing undergraduate degrees. Instead, they are opting for direct skill acquisition—learning that is more targeted and in sync with the evolving job market.”

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It’s not just anecdotal anymore. Traditional degrees are seen as costly, time-consuming, and often outdated by the time graduation arrives. From AI to digital marketing, the tools of the trade are changing faster than university curricula can keep up.

Students aren’t dropping out of education—they’re redefining it.

Degrees vs. ROI
With sky-high tuition fees and limited job security, the ROI on traditional education has come under scrutiny. Online certification programmes, apprenticeships, and bootcamps now offer practical, job-ready skills at a fraction of the cost.

Platforms like Coursera, NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation), and even corporate-backed skilling academies are filling the gap. Startups and Fortune 500 companies alike are updating their hiring rubrics, increasingly dropping the “mandatory degree” filter in favour of demonstrable skills, project portfolios, and real-world experience.

The UK’s Gain, The US’s Loss
With its relatively stable policy environment, the UK has seen a rise in popularity. As per StudyPortals, 7% of students considering the US are also exploring the UK, nearly double the percentage considering Canada.

While the UK government has its own challenges—like the dependants ban—it has vowed to continue welcoming international students and retaining the Graduate Route.

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The Bigger Picture
This is more than a geopolitical trend. It’s a generational pivot. Students are no longer defaulting to age-old templates of education. They are curating learning experiences that are nimble, purpose-driven, and future-ready.

As schools, counsellors, and policymakers, we must now ask: are we preparing students for entrance exams, or are we preparing them for life?

(Source- The PIE News)

In a critical step toward confronting the alarming rise in student suicides, a Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force on Mental Health and Student Well-being in Education held its first meeting on 29 March 2025. This comes just five days after the apex court formed the committee, recognising that student suicides have now outnumbered those in the farming sector—a tragic and urgent wake-up call for the country’s education system.

The task force, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, has been given the mandate to examine mental health concerns within higher educational institutions and recommend policy-level reforms to prevent student suicides. The move follows a petition filed by parents of two students from IIT Delhi, who had allegedly died by suicide, seeking an FIR and deeper accountability.

Listening to India: A National Consultation

In a progressive and people-first approach, the task force will soon launch a website and social media platforms to invite public feedback. From educators and students to psychologists and parents, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to share suggestions and lived experiences. Additionally, the panel will conduct public meetings, review existing laws and policies, and consult with institutions and mental health experts.

Who’s On Board?

The panel comprises a cross-section of experts and representatives from:

• Ministry of Women and Child Development

• Department of Higher Education

• Department of Social Justice and Empowerment

• Department of Legal Affairs

• Mental health professionals

• Education policy specialists

• Legal experts

What’s Next?

The Supreme Court has asked for an interim report in four months and a comprehensive final report in eight months. These reports will serve as blueprints to strengthen institutional mental health frameworks and enable the development of preventive policies and on-ground support mechanisms in schools and universities.

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Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, while announcing the task force earlier this month, had sharply criticised the lack of robust systems to support mental health in educational spaces—pointing to “serious gaps in legal and institutional structures.”

This development comes at a crucial time as schools, colleges, and policymakers across the country grapple with rising mental health issues among students. The outcomes of this task force could very well reshape how educational institutions approach emotional well-being—not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of holistic learning.

In a landmark reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced sweeping changes to the Class 10 and 12 curriculum, exam structure, and assessment methods. These changes, which will come into effect from the academic session 2025-26, aim to foster flexibility, skill development, and holistic learning.

Biannual Board Exams

One of the most significant updates is that CBSE will now conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year—in February and April—allowing students to choose the attempt that suits them best. However, Class 12 board exams will continue to be held once a year. This change offers students more chances to improve their performance and alleviates exam-related pressure.

Revised Passing Criteria

CBSE has also made the passing criteria more flexible. In Class 10, students who fail in key subjects like Science, Mathematics or Social Science can now substitute them with a passed skill subject or an optional language subject. The overall pass percentage remains at 33% in both theory and internal assessment.

Introduction of Skill-Based Subjects

With a strong push toward vocational and future-ready learning, the revised curriculum introduces new skill-based subjects.
For Class 10, students can now choose between:

• Computer Applications

• Information Technology

• Artificial Intelligence

They can also select either English or Hindi as their language subjects.

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For Class 12, four new skill-based subjects have been introduced:

• Land Transportation Associate

• Electronics and Hardware

• Physical Activity Trainer

• Design Thinking and Innovation

The curriculum for Class 12 is now organised around seven major learning areas:

• Languages

• Humanities

• Mathematics

• Sciences

• Skill Subjects

• General Studies

• Health and Physical Education

New Grading System

Class 10 assessments will now follow a 9-point grading scale, with 80 marks allotted to the written exam and 20 marks to internal assessments. This move aims to promote consistent performance throughout the academic year rather than focusing solely on final exam outcomes.

Curriculum Access and Implementation

The updated curriculum is already available to all CBSE-affiliated schools and includes detailed information on learning outcomes, pedagogical strategies, and assessment frameworks. Educators have been encouraged to align their teaching methodologies accordingly.

This overhaul represents a significant stride toward personalised learning and skill development. With its dual-exam format, diversified subject offerings, and practical focus, CBSE’s new model hopes to reduce academic stress and make education more meaningful for today’s learners.

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In the realm of school education, play-based learning has emerged as a powerful and supportive approach to fosters creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and social skills along with conceptual understanding. The genesis to this method is the concept of provocation. A strategically well thought of stimuli that could initiate the thinking process. It is used to arouse the curiosity and invite children to explore, question, engage and deeply interact with their environment. Provocations are carefully designed elements that challenge children to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate with their peers. It is the power of provocation in play-based learning that promotes effective implementation of the teaching learning strategies to enhance the educational experience. Thus, promoting a high quality and sustainable learning. 

Understanding Provocation

Provocations are initial setups in form of stories, objects, case studies, role plays or any kind of resource showed to students at the start of a lesson. Their aim is to initiate the thinking process. It creates an environment where students are encouraged to indulge in exploration, experimentation and express their ideas freely.

A good provocation has the capacity to capture interest and motivate  all stake holders to engage in deeper learning. It is accompanied by few guiding questions like- “What do you think this is?”, “Why has it been placed here?” , “What are your views on it?” or “ Where have you seen this being used?” . Based on answers given further guiding questions are asked and a path of learning is crafted.  Guiding questions accompanying the provocation may be pre decided when the learning objective and learning outcome is predefined, to ensure the desired learning outcome.  However, in case of an open-ended learning objective just drafting the path would be enough. Students will then take it further from here. 

Benefits of Provocation in Play-Based Learning

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1. Creativity and Imagination: Breaking the monotony of the sessions, provocations stimulate students’ imagination and creativity. Students think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions and ideas. 
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: As new challenges are presented students put their cognitive skills to work and thus delve deeper into the concept. Ensuring critical analysis of the situation and proposing possible solutions for the same. Thus enhancing their critical thinking and problem solving skills. 
3. Social and Emotional Development: Since the whole class is involved collaboration is at its peak. Each student sharing their views, perspectives and thoughts. Skills such as communication, teamwork, negotiation, and empathy are hence taken care of. In addition to this, solving the given challenges can boost their self-esteem and confidence. 
4. Active and Engaged Learning: Quote by Benjamin Franklin explains it all. “Tell Me and I Forget; Teach Me and I May Remember; Involve Me and I Learn”. 

The Role of Educators in Provocation

We , The Educators play a pivotal role in designing and implementing provocations. They must be designed carefully and thoughtfully. It is imperative for provocations to be thought provoking to showcase its power. Thus educators must devote ample time to design one. Students interest, development stage, their capabilities and age are few pointers guiding the educators to select an age-appropriate provocation. Provocation should cater to each student’s unique  learning style and differentiated interests. By aligning provocations with these interests, educators can create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience. You may want to consider the conceptual understanding of your class in case learning objective is targeted towards curriculum. 

More importantly, educators should be empowered to facilitate discussions and guide explorations without hinting the outcomes. Open-ended questions should accompany the provocation to ensure students maintain the tangent of class discussion. There may have n number of tangents with a single provocation. Each tangent will help students explore and experiment. Given freedom to direct their learning students will be more confident in their ability to explore and discover.

To conclude the P cube – Power of Provocations in play-based learning is a tool which offers students the opportunities to explore, think critically, and engage deeply with their environment. The power of provocation lies in its ability to ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Careful designing and implementation of provocation we can create a dynamic and impactful learning experience that fosters sustainable life skills.

So, Friends, educators and countrymen, lets put on our thinking cap and hit on the buzzer for a P cube. 

(more…)

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New Delhi, 27 March 2025: In a major move that could redefine school accountability and student participation, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has warned that Class 12 students studying in dummy schools may be barred from appearing in board examinations. This comes amid growing concerns over schools that enrol students only on paper while they attend private coaching centres full-time, bypassing regular school attendance.

The issue has gained nationwide attention after a JEE (Mains) topper was revealed to be from a dummy institution, SGN Public School in Nangloi, which has since been disaffiliated. A surprise CBSE inspection uncovered multiple violations, including the admission of students who did not attend regular classes. The board took strict action, citing a breach of affiliation norms.

The Delhi High Court also took cognisance of the matter, branding the dummy school phenomenon a “fraud” and ordering both CBSE and the Delhi government to act swiftly. In a ruling dated 27 January 2025, a bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed authorities to ensure adherence to the mandatory attendance rule required for board exam eligibility.

Criticising the increasing trend of students being enrolled in name only while pursuing full-time coaching elsewhere, the court called for rigorous monitoring and regulation. “This defeats the very purpose of formal schooling,” the bench noted, urging CBSE and local authorities to submit a detailed affidavit outlining steps taken to curb such practices.

CBSE has already taken action against more than 300 dummy schools across India, reaffirming its commitment to holistic learning and adherence to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates comprehensive and experiential education rather than rote learning confined to coaching centres.

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While the Delhi government has downplayed the issue by stating there’s no formal definition of a ‘dummy school,’ the court maintained that any institution violating attendance norms and academic structure fails the spirit of education. The bench has asked for clearer policies to prevent students from being short-changed on learning opportunities.

As the academic year progresses and board exams approach, CBSE’s firm warning serves as a wake-up call to students and parents alike. The board has reiterated that both parties are responsible for ensuring consistent attendance and genuine academic participation.

Repercussions:
This decision could lead to widespread disqualification of non-attending students from board exams, upend coaching-centre-first models, and push schools to re-evaluate enrolment practices. It may also spark regulatory reforms, with long-term implications on how Indian students balance formal schooling and competitive exam preparations.

Mumbai, 26 March 2025: In a commendable outreach initiative, Target Learning Ventures, a leading publishing house, recently conducted a comprehensive career counselling session for students of Matrubhoomi High School in Kandivali. The session, aimed at 9th and 10th-grade students from economically weaker backgrounds, was held in collaboration with INSEED NGO, which works to provide essential academic support to the school.

The session was led by Mr Sachin Kodolikar, Executive Director of Target Learning Ventures, who introduced students to various personality types—communicative, reflective, analytical, and assertive—and their relevance in different career paths. The approach helped students understand how their personal traits could align with diverse professional opportunities.

Mr Kodolikar also introduced students to skill-based career options, drawing attention to government-recognised courses and platforms such as the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). He encouraged the students to participate in the India Skills competition and explore non-traditional career paths that could lead to long-term growth and self-reliance.

“We are obliged by INSEED NGO for giving us this opportunity,” said Mr Kodolikar. “This initiative is about more than career guidance—it’s about broadening horizons and helping students make informed decisions.”

Sangeeta Shirname, Founder of INSEED NGO, expressed her appreciation for the session, noting its significance in inspiring students to look beyond conventional careers such as engineering and medicine. She added that many students were excited about the upcoming opportunity to visit the Target Learning Ventures office for hands-on exposure.

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In an important stride towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Ministry of Education has launched the “Baalpan ki Kavita” initiative—an ambitious project to restore and revive Indian rhymes and poems for young children across the country. Spearheaded by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), this initiative aims to build a vibrant compendium of age-appropriate, culturally resonant poems in all Bharatiya Bhasha (Indian languages) and in English, for pre-primary to Grade 2 learners.

The initiative recognises the powerful influence of rhymes and poems in early childhood education—offering not only linguistic development but also cultural grounding. Through the “Baalpan ki Kavita” contest, DoSE&L and MyGov are inviting educators, parents, poets, and language enthusiasts to contribute existing or original rhymes under three categories: Pre-primary (ages 3–6), Grade 1 (ages 6–7), and Grade 2 (ages 7–8). The entries can be submitted from 26 March to 22 April 2025 on the MyGov website, and should reflect joyful, child-friendly content rooted in India’s diverse cultural milieu.

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, it has also sparked necessary conversations around what it means to restore “Bharatiya” poems in a truly pluralistic and inclusive India. Critics and educators alike are cautioning that while returning to linguistic and cultural roots is commendable, it is equally essential to ensure that the selected rhymes reflect progressive values, diversity, and regional representation.

For decades, Indian children have grown up reciting foreign nursery rhymes like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Jack and Jill, with little exposure to traditional Indian poetic forms. While some schools have occasionally included regional gems such as Nani Teri Morni Ko Mor Le Gaye (Hindi) or Chanda Mama Door Ke (widely popular in Hindi and Telugu), these have rarely found a standard place in national curricula.

The absence of Indian rhymes in mainstream education can be attributed to colonial hangovers, lack of standardisation across states, and an education system that long prioritised English-medium content. However, the NEP 2020 has made a strong case for multilingualism and cultural rootedness in foundational education—opening the door to such initiatives that celebrate India’s linguistic diversity.

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That said, educationists emphasise that inclusion must go hand-in-hand with critical curation. Rhymes must reflect the India of today—not just folklore, but stories that uphold gender equality, environmental awareness, and kindness. We must move beyond simplistic moral binaries or caste-laden tales that have occasionally crept into traditional literature.

In fact, there’s an opportunity here to revive some of India’s lesser-known literary treasures—folk rhymes from the hills of Himachal, tribal lullabies from Odisha, Malayalam couplets about the monsoon, Marathi riddles, and more. Rhymes like Appa Amma (Kannada) or Kokila Kokila (Tamil) can be powerful vehicles for language immersion, identity formation, and emotional development.

Still, romanticising the past without scrutiny is not ideal. While the intent to preserve Bharatiya Bhasha is commendable, there is a fine line between celebration and cultural imposition. This initiative must not become a tool to homogenise or politicise early education. India’s strength lies in its diversity—and that diversity and representation must be reflected in the poems our youngest citizens grow up reciting.

As “Baalpan ki Kavita” moves forward, stakeholders must approach the process with sensitivity, balance, and a deep commitment to building a generation that cherishes its heritage while dreaming with open, inclusive minds.

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​India’s escalating environmental challenges, particularly concerning air pollution, have reached alarming levels, posing significant threats to public health and the nation’s sustainable development. Recent data underscores the severity of the situation:​

• Widespread Air Pollution: A report by IQAir indicates that only 17% of the world’s cities meet air pollution guidelines, with countries like Chad, Congo, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India having the dirtiest air. India alone accounts for six of the nine most polluted cities, with Byrnihat being the worst. ​AP News+1The Guardian+1

• Life Expectancy Impact: Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens an average Indian’s life expectancy by 5.3 years, relative to what it would be if the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³ was met. In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, this figure rises to 11.9 years. ​AQLI

• Severe Smog Events: In January 2025, New Delhi experienced dense smog, significantly reducing visibility and threatening to disrupt flights. The city’s air quality index (AQI) reached 351, categorizing it as “very poor” according to India’s top pollution control body. ​Reuters

In response to these pressing environmental concerns, the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 has strongly advocated for the inclusion of environmental education as an interdisciplinary area of study within the school curriculum. This initiative aims to instill environmental awareness and sustainable practices among students from an early age, fostering a generation equipped to tackle environmental challenges.​

Environmental education has been seamlessly integrated into various subjects across different educational stages. For instance, topics such as “Forests: Our Lifeline” in Class VII Science and “Our Environment” in Class X Science provide students with a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems and the importance of conservation. Additionally, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed supplementary materials, including project books and activity guides, to further enrich environmental learning.​

Beyond the classroom, initiatives like Eco Clubs have been established in schools to promote practical engagement with environmental issues. Aligned with the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign, these clubs encourage students to participate in activities such as optimizing water usage, reducing waste, recycling, and conducting plantation drives. By actively involving students in these initiatives, Eco Clubs aim to cultivate a sense of responsibility and proactive behavior towards environmental stewardship.​

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 further emphasizes the critical importance of integrating environmental awareness and sustainability principles into education. By sensitizing students to environmental and climate change concerns, the policy seeks to inculcate values, attitudes, behaviors, and skills essential for addressing environmental challenges, thereby preparing them to contribute to a sustainable future.​

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Addressing India’s environmental crisis requires a multifaceted approach, with education playing a pivotal role. By embedding environmental studies into the curriculum and fostering active participation through initiatives like Eco Clubs, schools can empower students to become informed and engaged citizens. This educational foundation is crucial for developing innovative solutions and driving collective action towards a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.​