Education
The lunacy and the uniqueness of English is what piques our interest to keep learning this language!
The English language is a little daunting to learn for people who are learning it for the first time. You can be sure even in a lifetime it would be pretty impossible to learn all of its intricacies. But the lunacy and the uniqueness of it is what piques our interest to keep learning this language.
We should be grateful that we have been introduced to the English language from an early age. One of the most widely spoken languages in the world is a bit of a muddle, from the pronunciations, accents, word meanings and their spellings. Once the basics are in place then it’s a breeze to comprehend this language. Well almost. Most middle class families in India want their kids to be educated in an English medium school, so they have the liberty and ease to explore the world at a later time and date without having too much of a constraint on language, as most of the world knows the language English and even if they don’t know it fluently a fair amount of knowledge is present.
HISTORY OF ENGLISH
English was first brought to Britain in the mid-5th and 7th centuries AD with the arrival of three Germanic tribes who invaded Britain. The Tribes being The Angles, The Saxons and the Jutes. Before this invasion, Britain spoke a Celtic language. The Angles came from “Englaland” and their language was called “Englisc”, and it is from this that the words “England” and “English” were derived.
Old English
Old English doesn’t sound like the language we speak today. Even their alphabet was different. But the most common words used in modern English have roots from the language of this era. For eg. Words like be, strong and water were derived from old English. This dialect was spoken from 400 AD till about 1100 AD.
Middle English
The Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror in 1066 invaded and conquered England. With them ruling Britain they brought in a type of French that became the language of the Royal Court, the ruling and the business classes. There was a language barrier during this time where the lower classes spoke English and the upper classes spoke French. By the 14th century English became dominant in Britain again but with the addition of many French words. This dialect came to be known as Middle English. It was the language of the great poet Chaucer. It remained present from 1100 AD to 1500 AD.
Early Modern English
By the end of the era of Middle English there was a change in pronunciation. From 1500 AD – 1800 AD the Early Modern English came into being as the British had connections with people from all over the World. Vowels were pronounced shorter and shorter. This meant that many new words and phrases entered the language. And with the invention of printing there came about a standard for spelling and grammar. Hence the first dictionary was printed in the year 1604. This English existed from 1500- 1800 AD.
Late Modern English
Since the British Empire at its height covered one quarter of the earth’s surface, the English embraced foreign words from many countries into its own. The late Modern English has many more words due to the Industrial Revolution and the emergence of technology for which new words were created. This was spoken from the 1800’s to present.
When we study a language, say our mother tongue we find it extremely simple. That’s because we have learnt it growing up and is wired in our brains. Learning a new language takes getting used to. English is such a vast language which is complex due to the use of certain words, phrases and their spellings used in different contexts.
Some interesting examples of the language complexities are:
There are Homonyms, same sounding words with different meanings and spellings eg: rise and rice. Synonyms a substitute word for another word, eg: shut and close have the same meanings. Antonyms are opposites of the word, eg: the opposite of tall is short. These are just a few. We also have the different tenses, singular and plural, masculine and feminine, etc.
If you have a rough cough, climbing can be tough when going through the bough on a tree!
And did you know that there is no ham in hamburger and no egg in eggplant (brinjal) or that English muffins were not invented in England, or the French fry was not invented in France.
Then there are paradoxes, where we say that quicksand works slowly and the guinea pig is not from a guinea or from a pig. A boxing ring is square then why is it called a ring? Have you heard that noses run when you have a cold and that your feet can stink?
Did you ever have a feeling that the English language was out to test you or get you? It makes us rack our brains to be sure that we don’t make errors in the usage of words and their spellings. Why are there same sounding words in the first place? Why can’t different words have different spellings? Why do some words have letters in them that are not even used when pronouncing it?
Their, there and they’re three words with the same pronunciation but different usage. Where, were and wear again the same thing. Boggles your mind every time doesn’t it? No matter how well versed we are with the language all of us at some point or the other have committed the error of using these words in our sentences.
Don’t get me started on the words that use silent letters of the English alphabet. I’m sure that you’ll are also asking the same question “If it’s silent then why is it there?” The history of the English language says that it used to be phonemic (yup, that’s right got to learn a new word). Meaning the words looked and sounded the same. Over time pronunciation changed and since the words were already preserved by the printing press some of the letters became silent.
Only 40% of modern day English is phonemic! Words like write, knee, wrist, psychology, daughter, half, all have silent letters. You might dread spelling, but it becomes very important in learning this language. What if you wanted to look up the word knowledge in the dictionary and you didn’t know the spelling. You’d probably look under the letter ‘N’.
Silent letters are not there to confuse us, even though we think so. There are certain rules that explain which letters are supposed to be silent, before and after certain letters. Once we start practising these rules it’ll become easier to remember how the words need to be pronounced and will undoubtedly improve our speaking, spelling and writing skills.
Learning the origins of words known as ‘Etymology’ is also very interesting. It is very fascinating as it provides the history of the words.
There is a magic ‘e’ in words. If you add an ‘e’ at the end of words with short vowel sounds, it elongates the sound of the vowels, eg: tap/tape, con/cone, mat/mate and fin/fine. Pretty cool right?
Try reading aloud the poem by Gerard Nolst Trenité – The Chaos (1922)
Dearest creature in creation
Studying English pronunciation,
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse and worse.
I will keep you, Susy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy;
Tear in eye, your dress you'll tear;
Queer, fair seer, hear my prayer.
Pray, console your loving poet,
Make my coat look new, dear, sew it!
Just compare heart, hear and heard,
Dies and diet, lord and word.
Sword and sward, retain and Britain
(Mind the latter how it's written).
Made has not the sound of bade,
Say-said, pay-paid, laid but plaid.
Now I surely will not plague you
With such words as vague and ague,
But be careful how you speak,
Say: gush, bush, steak, streak, break, bleak ,
Previous, precious, fuchsia, via
Recipe, pipe, studding-sail, choir;
Woven, oven, how and low,
Script, receipt, shoe, poem, toe.
Say, expecting fraud and trickery:
Daughter, laughter and Terpsichore,
Branch, ranch, measles, topsails, aisles,
Missiles, similes, reviles.
Wholly, holly, signal, signing,
Same, examining, but mining,
Scholar, vicar, and cigar,
Solar, mica, war and far.
From "desire": desirable-admirable from "admire",
Lumber, plumber, bier, but brier,
Topsham, brougham, renown, but known,
Knowledge, done, lone, gone, none, tone,
One, anemone, Balmoral,
Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel.
Gertrude, German, wind and wind,
Beau, kind, kindred, queue, mankind,
Tortoise, turquoise, chamois-leather,
Reading, Reading, heathen, heather.
This phonetic labyrinth
Gives moss, gross, brook, brooch, ninth, plinth.
Have you ever yet endeavoured
To pronounce revered and severed,
Demon, lemon, ghoul, foul, soul,
Peter, petrol and patrol?
Billet does not end like ballet;
Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.
Blood and flood are not like food,
Nor is mould like should and would.
Banquet is not nearly parquet,
Which exactly rhymes with khaki.
Discount, viscount, load and broad,
Toward, to forward, to reward,
Ricocheted and crocheting, croquet?
Right! Your pronunciation's OK.
Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,
Friend and fiend, alive and live.
Is your r correct in higher?
Keats asserts it rhymes Thalia.
Hugh, but hug, and hood, but hoot,
Buoyant, minute, but minute.
Say abscission with precision,
Now: position and transition;
Would it tally with my rhyme
If I mentioned paradigm?
Twopence, threepence, tease are easy,
But cease, crease, grease and greasy?
Cornice, nice, valise, revise,
Rabies, but lullabies.
Of such puzzling words as nauseous,
Rhyming well with cautious, tortious,
You'll envelop lists, I hope,
In a linen envelope.
Would you like some more? You'll have it!
Affidavit, David, davit.
To abjure, to perjure. Sheik
Does not sound like Czech but ache.
Liberty, library, heave and heaven,
Rachel, loch, moustache, eleven.
We say hallowed, but allowed,
People, leopard, towed but vowed.
Mark the difference, moreover,
Between mover, plover, Dover.
Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,
Chalice, but police and lice,
Camel, constable, unstable,
Principle, disciple, label.
Petal, penal, and canal,
Wait, surmise, plait, promise, pal,
Suit, suite, ruin. Circuit, conduit
Rhyme with "shirk it" and "beyond it",
But it is not hard to tell
Why it's pall, mall, but Pall Mall.
Muscle, muscular, gaol, iron,
Timber, climber, bullion, lion,
Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,
Senator, spectator, mayor,
Ivy, privy, famous; clamour
Has the a of drachm and hammer.
Pussy, hussy and possess,
Desert, but desert, address.
Golf, wolf, countenance, lieutenants
Hoist in lieu of flags left pennants.
Courier, courtier, tomb, bomb, comb,
Cow, but Cowper, some and home.
"Solder, soldier! Blood is thicker",
Quoth he, "than liqueur or liquor",
Making, it is sad but true,
In bravado, much ado.
Stranger does not rhyme with anger,
Neither does devour with clangour.
Pilot, pivot, gaunt, but aunt,
Font, front, wont, want, grand and grant.
Arsenic, specific, scenic,
Relic, rhetoric, hygienic.
Gooseberry, goose, and close, but close,
Paradise, rise, rose, and dose.
Say inveigh, neigh, but inveigle,
Make the latter rhyme with eagle.
Mind! Meandering but mean,
Valentine and magazine.
And I bet you, dear, a penny,
You say mani-(fold) like many,
Which is wrong. Say rapier, pier,
Tier (one who ties), but tier.
Arch, archangel; pray, does erring
Rhyme with herring or with stirring?
Prison, bison, treasure trove,
Treason, hover, cover, cove,
Perseverance, severance. Ribald
Rhymes (but piebald doesn't) with nibbled.
Phaeton, paean, gnat, ghat, gnaw,
Lien, psychic, shone, bone, pshaw.
Don't be down, my own, but rough it,
And distinguish buffet, buffet;
Brood, stood, roof, rook, school, wool, boon,
Worcester, Boleyn, to impugn.
Say in sounds correct and sterling
Hearse, hear, hearken, year and yearling.
Evil, devil, mezzotint,
Mind the z! (A gentle hint.)
Now you need not pay attention
To such sounds as I don't mention,
Sounds like pores, pause, pours and paws,
Rhyming with the pronoun yours;
Nor are proper names included,
Though I often heard, as you did,
Funny rhymes to unicorn,
Yes, you know them, Vaughan and Strachan.
No, my maiden, coy and comely,
I don't want to speak of Cholmondeley.
No. Yet Froude compared with proud
Is no better than McLeod.
But mind trivial and vial,
Tripod, menial, denial,
Troll and trolley, realm and ream,
Schedule, mischief, schism, and scheme.
Argil, gill, Argyll, gill. Surely
May be made to rhyme with Raleigh,
But you're not supposed to say
Piquet rhymes with sobriquet.
Had this invalid invalid
Worthless documents? How pallid,
How uncouth he, couchant, looked,
When for Portsmouth I had booked!
Zeus, Thebes, Thales, Aphrodite,
Paramour, enamoured, flighty,
Episodes, antipodes,
Acquiesce, and obsequies.
Please don't monkey with the geyser,
Don't peel 'taters with my razor,
Rather say in accents pure:
Nature, stature and mature.
Pious, impious, limb, climb, glumly,
Worsted, worsted, crumbly, dumbly,
Conquer, conquest, vase, phase, fan,
Wan, sedan and artisan.
The th will surely trouble you
More than r, ch or w.
Say then these phonetic gems:
Thomas, thyme, Theresa, Thames.
Thompson, Chatham, Waltham, Streatham,
There are more but I forget 'em-
Wait! I've got it: Anthony,
Lighten your anxiety.
The archaic word albeit
Does not rhyme with eight-you see it;
With and forthwith, one has voice,
One has not, you make your choice.
Shoes, goes, does *. Now first say: finger;
Then say: singer, ginger, linger.
Real, zeal, mauve, gauze and gauge,
Marriage, foliage, mirage, age,
Hero, heron, query, very,
Parry, tarry fury, bury,
Dost, lost, post, and doth, cloth, loth,
Job, Job, blossom, bosom, oath.
Faugh, oppugnant, keen oppugners,
Bowing, bowing, banjo-tuners
Holm you know, but noes, canoes,
Puisne, truism, use, to use?
Though the difference seems little,
We say actual, but victual,
Seat, sweat, chaste, caste, Leigh, eight, height,
Put, nut, granite, and unite.
Reefer does not rhyme with deafer,
Feoffer does, and zephyr, heifer.
Dull, bull, Geoffrey, George, ate, late,
Hint, pint, senate, but sedate.
Gaelic, Arabic, pacific,
Science, conscience, scientific;
Tour, but our, dour, succour, four,
Gas, alas, and Arkansas.
Say manoeuvre, yacht and vomit,
Next omit, which differs from it
Bona fide, alibi
Gyrate, dowry and awry.
Sea, idea, guinea, area,
Psalm, Maria, but malaria.
Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean,
Doctrine, turpentine, marine.
Compare alien with Italian,
Dandelion with battalion,
Rally with ally; yea, ye,
Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, key, quay!
Say aver, but ever, fever,
Neither, leisure, skein, receiver.
Never guess-it is not safe,
We say calves, valves, half, but Ralf.
Starry, granary, canary,
Crevice, but device, and eyrie,
Face, but preface, then grimace,
Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass.
Bass, large, target, gin, give, verging,
Ought, oust, joust, and scour, but scourging;
Ear, but earn; and ere and tear
Do not rhyme with here but heir.
Mind the o of off and often
Which may be pronounced as orphan,
With the sound of saw and sauce;
Also soft, lost, cloth and cross.
Pudding, puddle, putting. Putting?
Yes: at golf it rhymes with shutting.
Respite, spite, consent, resent.
Liable, but Parliament.
Seven is right, but so is even,
Hyphen, roughen, nephew, Stephen,
Monkey, donkey, clerk and jerk,
Asp, grasp, wasp, demesne, cork, work.
A of valour, vapid vapour,
S of news (compare newspaper),
G of gibbet, gibbon, gist,
I of antichrist and grist,
Differ like diverse and divers,
Rivers, strivers, shivers, fivers.
Once, but nonce, toll, doll, but roll,
Polish, Polish, poll and poll.
Pronunciation-think of Psyche!-
Is a paling, stout and spiky.
Won't it make you lose your wits
Writing groats and saying "grits"?
It's a dark abyss or tunnel
Strewn with stones like rowlock, gunwale,
Islington, and Isle of Wight,
Housewife, verdict and indict.
Don't you think so, reader, rather,
Saying lather, bather, father?
Finally, which rhymes with enough,
Though, through, bough, cough, hough, sough, tough??
Hiccough has the sound of sup…
My advice is: GIVE IT UP!
Learning the origins of words known as ‘Etymology’ is also very interesting. It is very fascinating as it provides the history of the words.
It’s said that if you can read 90% of this poem’s words correctly, then you can speak this language better than most and will earn you the title of an English pro.
The English language is a little daunting to learn for people who are learning it for the first time. You can be sure even in a lifetime it would be pretty impossible to learn all of its intricacies. But the lunacy and the uniqueness of it is what piques our interest to keep learning this language.
In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, the Maharashtra School Education Department has initiated a comprehensive mapping of all teaching and non-teaching staff positions across government and aided schools in the state. This major exercise will align all staff posts with the approved ‘Sanction Structure’ and validate these positions against salary records in the state’s official payment processing system, Shalarth.
Mapping for Accountability
According to a recent report by Hindustan Times, the Maharashtra government has issued directives to all government, fully-aided, and partially-aided secondary schools, directing them to complete this mapping process by the end of June 2025. The initiative will involve verifying every teaching and non-teaching position against the Sanction Structure and matching these with salary records on the Shalarth portal, which is used for processing staff payments.
The mapping process will leverage an Application Programming Interface (API) developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), allowing the education department to cross-check the data submitted by schools for accuracy. Schools will be required to upload a PDF copy of their completed Sanction Structure mapping before the release of July salaries in August. Any institution failing to comply will face salary disbursement restrictions.
This exercise is a direct response to growing concerns about financial mismanagement in school staffing, including payments made to unauthorised or non-existent employees. The education department has made it clear that strict action will be taken against schools and staff who fail to comply with the new data submission guidelines. Salaries will be withheld in cases where schools delay or neglect the mapping process.
A senior education officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Hindustan Times, “We are taking a data-driven approach to ensure that only legitimate employees are drawing salaries from government funds. The mapping of posts and salary systems will bring transparency and accountability at every level.”
Implications and Potential as a National Model
This initiative has the potential to become a model for other states seeking to ensure transparency in education funding. If successful, the mapping drive can eliminate the problem of “ghost employees,” ensure the fair distribution of government funds, and prevent the influence of politically-backed illegal appointments. However, it also places significant pressure on school administrations, which must ensure complete and accurate data submission.
While the drive promotes accountability, there is a risk of administrative overload, especially in remote or understaffed schools. The use of digital tools, such as the API integration with Shalarth, is a positive step, but effective implementation will depend on user training and technical support.
If proven effective, Maharashtra’s staff mapping initiative could serve as a blueprint for other states in India to adopt a similar approach, ensuring that education funds are used solely for legitimate purposes.
Education
Indian Students Flock to Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai for Higher Studies: 38% Surge Recorded
Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study-abroad destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. According to a recent report by Gradding.com, a study-abroad platform, the number of Indian students choosing countries like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai has surged by 38%. This trend marks a significant shift in the preferences of Indian students seeking global education.
While the US, UK, and Australia have long been popular choices, the tightening of immigration policies and restrictive post-study visa rules in these countries have caused a decline in student interest. Canada experienced the biggest drop in Indian student enrollments at 41%, followed by the UK with a 27.7% decline and the US with 13%. In contrast, Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai have become preferred alternatives due to their globally recognised institutions, affordable education, and strong job markets.
Mamta Shekhawat, founder of Gradding.com, highlighted the changing landscape, stating, “The evolving preferences of Indian students reflect a transformative shift in global education dynamics. With destinations like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai offering quality education, affordability, and strong career prospects, we’re witnessing a more informed and strategic approach to overseas education.”
The numbers reinforce this shift. The total number of Indian students studying abroad rose from 750,365 in 2022 to 892,989 in 2023, with a notable increase in those opting for lesser-explored destinations. Singapore, for instance, recorded a 25% year-on-year growth in Indian student enrolment.
The rise of these new destinations is attributed to their student-friendly policies, industry partnerships, and focus on emerging sectors such as finance, technology, and healthcare. As Indian students continue to explore alternative destinations, universities in Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai are expected to see a steady influx, reshaping the global education map.
Education
John King’s Book ‘Teacher By Teacher’: A Global Tribute to the Transformative Power of Education
For John B. King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education, school wasn’t just a place—it was a lifeline. In his newly released memoir, Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives, King traces his journey from a grief-stricken child in New York to the corridors of educational leadership in Washington, D.C. But while the book is rooted in the American educational experience, its messages about the impact of teachers resonate far beyond U.S. borders.
In an exclusive interview with Education Week’s Sam Mallon on May 5, 2025, King reflected on his memoir, the teachers who shaped his life, and the ongoing challenges educators face worldwide.
A Childhood Saved by Teachers
King’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship. Following the death of his mother and his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s, school became King’s sanctuary. “Teachers saved my life,” he shared, recalling how educators believed in him, nurtured his potential, and gave him hope even when the world outside seemed dark.
From those formative years, King went on to earn degrees from Harvard, Columbia, and Yale. His career as a teacher, school principal, education policymaker, and eventually, U.S. Secretary of Education became a journey of giving back. The memoir celebrates not only King’s personal resilience but the quiet heroism of teachers everywhere.
Former Secretary of U.S Education John King. Image Source- EducationWeek
While King’s book is anchored in American education, the messages it carries are universally relevant. Teachers worldwide are grappling with challenges—overcrowded classrooms, mental health issues among students, and ever-changing education policies. In his interview with Education Week, King highlighted how schools must be more than academic factories. They must be safe havens, places of healing, and hubs of inspiration.
King advocates for “trauma-informed practice”—an approach where teachers are equipped to understand and support students facing emotional challenges. This is a lesson that transcends borders, as schools globally encounter rising mental health concerns among students.
Teacher Evaluations and Policy Pressures
King’s time as U.S. Secretary of Education was marked by ambitious reforms—from implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to pushing for more rigorous teacher evaluation systems. But looking back, he acknowledges a key lesson: change cannot be forced without teacher buy-in.
“Teachers can’t be bombarded with reforms,” he explained. Change must be gradual, and educators must feel a sense of ownership over new policies.
King’s narrative is ultimately about hope. In his memoir, he shares how a single teacher’s encouragement can change a student’s life trajectory. He recalls how his father’s legacy as New York’s first Black deputy schools chief was kept alive by a former student who, years later, shared how impactful his father’s teaching was.
Teaching is more than a job—it is a calling. It is a force for social good, a platform for mentorship, and a means to nurture the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and dreamers. King’s Teacher By Teacher is a reminder that educators everywhere have the power to transform lives, often without even knowing it.
Though written from an American perspective, Teacher By Teacher is a love letter to educators everywhere. It is a call to support teachers, to understand the pressures they face, and to recognise the life-changing impact they can have on their students.
For a world that often takes teachers for granted, John King’s memoir is a reminder of the heroes who stand at the front of every classroom, ready to make a difference.
Excerpts referenced in this article were taken from John King's exclusive interview with Education Week on May 5, 2025, in Washington, conducted by Sam Mallon for Education Week.
Education
Operation Sindoor and Operation Abhyaas: Navigating School Safety and Student Well-being Amid Rising Tensions
In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. This military action has prompted heightened security measures nationwide, including the closure of schools in several border districts and the initiation of Operation Abhyaas—a nationwide civil defence mock drill aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness.
As a precautionary step, educational institutions in border districts of Punjab (Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur), Rajasthan (Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer), and Jammu & Kashmir have been temporarily closed. These closures aim to ensure the safety of students and staff amid potential cross-border hostilities.
Operation Abhyaas: Enhancing Emergency Preparedness
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated Operation Abhyaas, a comprehensive civil defence exercise conducted across 244 districts. This drill encompasses activities such as air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation procedures, and public training sessions. In Delhi, for instance, 55 locations are participating in the drill, involving students, teachers, and civil defence volunteers.
Addressing Student Anxiety and Promoting Well-being
The current climate of uncertainty and the implementation of mock drills can understandably lead to anxiety among students. Educators and school administrators play a pivotal role in mitigating these concerns:
-
Open Communication: Provide age-appropriate explanations about the drills and current events, reassuring students about the measures taken for their safety.
-
Emotional Support: Encourage students to express their feelings and provide support through counseling services or designated safe spaces within the school.
-
Routine and Normalcy: Maintain regular school routines to provide a sense of stability and normalcy for students.
-
Parental Involvement: Engage with parents to keep them informed and involved in addressing their children’s concerns.
While the current geopolitical situation necessitates heightened security and preparedness, it is crucial to balance these measures with the emotional and psychological well-being of students. Through proactive communication, support, and engagement, educators can help students navigate these challenging times with resilience and understanding.
The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate admissions (CUET-UG) 2025, originally scheduled to commence on May 8, is likely to be postponed, according to sources close to the National Testing Agency (NTA). While an official confirmation is still awaited, fresh dates for the examination are expected to be announced shortly.
The delay follows the recently concluded NEET-UG examination—an extensive exercise that required significant logistical oversight, especially as NEET had faced scrutiny last year over alleged integrity lapses.
Despite the approaching exam date, the NTA has yet to release the subject-wise date sheet for CUET-UG 2025, adding to the anticipation and confusion among over 1.35 million applicants—marking the highest-ever number of registrations for the exam since its inception.
This year, CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, signifying a notable departure from the hybrid format adopted in 2024. The hybrid model was introduced to accommodate varied digital access across regions, but also led to logistical complications. In fact, the 2024 CUET-UG exam was abruptly cancelled across Delhi the night before it was scheduled due to operational constraints.
The first edition of CUET-UG in 2022 was marred by technical issues and inconsistencies across multiple shifts, necessitating a complex score normalisation process. The shift to a fully CBT format this year is expected to streamline operations, but the current delay and lack of clarity raise questions about preparedness.
As undergraduate admissions in central universities and several private institutions are now tied to CUET-UG, any delay in the exam calendar has a cascading effect on the academic schedule.
Students and stakeholders are advised to monitor the official NTA website for updates on the revised dates and examination guidelines.
Education
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025: Nominations Now Open for India’s Young Achievers
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has officially opened nominations for the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2025, a national-level award that celebrates the exceptional achievements of children across the country. The last date to submit nominations is 31st July 2025, and applications must be submitted online via the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
Open to children aged between 5 and 18 years as on 31 July 2025, the PMRBP recognises outstanding contributions in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture, and Science & Technology. Children may be nominated by individuals or institutions, and self-nominations are also allowed.
To apply, nominators must register on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal with essential details such as name, date of birth, contact information, and Aadhaar number. After logging in, users must select “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025” under the ongoing nominations section. The application requires a detailed description (maximum 500 words) of the nominee’s achievement and its societal impact, along with supporting documents and a recent photograph.
Do you know a young hero whose story can inspire the entire nation?
Nominate them today at 👉 https://t.co/7nl4GXleo8
Hurry! The last date to submit is 31st July 2025.#PMRBP2025 #VeerBaalDiwas@PIBWCD | @mygovindia | @PMOIndia | @EduMinOfIndia pic.twitter.com/i3gVto5gzh— Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) May 2, 2025
The award, conferred annually by the President of India at a ceremonial function in New Delhi, is regarded as one of the highest civilian honours for children. It aims to inspire India’s youth by showcasing exemplary stories of courage, innovation, and leadership among peers.
At a time when young people are shaping conversations on climate, technology, arts, and inclusive change, initiatives like the PMRBP are a powerful reminder that excellence can begin early—and deserves national recognition.
For detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines, visit https://awards.gov.in.
Over two decades since it first opened its doors to the children of the mountains, Druk Padma Karpo School in Ladakh—popularly known as Rancho’s School from the iconic film 3 Idiots—has officially received affiliation from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This marks a significant milestone for the cold desert institution that has long stood at the intersection of innovative education and cinematic fame.
A Long Journey to Recognition
Founded in 2001 and lauded for its unconventional teaching methods and sustainable campus, the school was until recently affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (JKBOSE). Despite meeting high academic and infrastructural standards, the school faced delays in securing the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from JKBOSE.
“We had been trying to get CBSE affiliation even before Ladakh became a Union Territory,” shared Principal Mingur Angmo. “Now, with the affiliation in place, our first batch of Class 10 students has already appeared for their CBSE board exams.”
The affiliation brings with it new opportunities: the school is preparing to expand its offerings up to Class 12 by 2028 and is currently training its teachers to align with CBSE’s evolving curriculum—especially in the wake of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
Where Cinema Meets Classroom
Made famous as the backdrop for several scenes in 3 Idiots, including the now-legendary “Rancho’s Wall,” Druk Padma Karpo has become a frequent stop for tourists visiting Ladakh. The wall was relocated in 2018 to reduce disruptions to the school’s learning environment, but its legacy continues.
Even today, visitors are occasionally allowed to witness school activities, like student-led mock elections and sustainability projects. The school’s philosophy blends hands-on learning with real-world problem-solving—long before such practices became policy prescriptions.
A Symbol of Change for Ladakh’s Schools
The CBSE affiliation is more than a moment of celebration for Druk Padma Karpo—it sets a precedent for other schools in Ladakh still affiliated with JKBOSE. With discussions about forming a separate territorial education board underway, this development might serve as a roadmap for institutions in similar limbo.
More importantly, CBSE affiliation opens pathways for Druk Padma Karpo’s students to pursue higher education and career opportunities across India and abroad, thanks to the broader recognition of the national board’s credentials.
As Principal Angmo noted, “Our approach to education has always been different—focused on understanding rather than rote learning. With CBSE now also moving towards competency-based teaching after NEP, we’re optimistic about merging our ethos with national reforms.”
The story of Druk Padma Karpo School is a reminder that good education can come from the most unexpected places—sometimes even from a windswept plateau framed by the Himalayas. With its blend of tradition and transformation, the school now embarks on a new chapter—one where storytelling, cinema, sustainability, and structured pedagogy go hand in hand.
By the year 2050, India is expected to be home to the largest population of children in the world—an estimated 350 million. That’s nearly the entire population of the United States, but all under the age of 18.
This projection, from UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report, is more than just a statistic—it’s a call to action. As the demographic centre of the world’s children shifts firmly toward South Asia, and particularly India, the pressure on educational systems, teacher preparedness, and infrastructure is mounting. The big question is: Are we ready?
The Numbers Behind the Challenge
According to the report, while the global child population will remain relatively stable at 2.3 billion in the 2050s, regional distributions are changing dramatically. South Asia, including India, will continue to shoulder a significant share, even as fertility rates fall in other parts of the world.
India alone is projected to have:
-
350 million children under the age of 18 by 2050
-
14.9% of the global child population
-
A drop of 106 million children compared to early 2000s figures, but still the largest youth population worldwide
Despite this, a substantial proportion of these children will live in economically disadvantaged conditions. The report notes that the number of children in today’s low-income countries is expected to double, and 23% of the global child population will live in these regions by the 2050s—up from just 11% in the 2000s.
A System Under Strain
The implications for India’s schooling system are significant. Even today, the challenges are visible: overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and disparities in access to quality learning, especially in rural and marginalised communities. If this is the reality now, one can only imagine the stress an additional 350 million young minds will put on the system without robust intervention.
To meet this demographic surge, India must accelerate investments in:
-
School infrastructure: New schools, more classrooms, better facilities.
-
Teacher recruitment and training: Prioritising not just numbers, but competency-based teaching skills.
-
EdTech and blended learning: With thoughtful integration—not replacement—of classroom learning, digital tools can help bridge accessibility gaps.
-
Early childhood education: Foundational learning cannot be delayed. A larger young population needs stronger ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) implementation.
Curriculum That Looks Forward
With more children set to live in urban areas by 2050—three out of five, globally—the way education is designed will need to adapt to rapidly urbanising societies. This isn’t just about adding schools in cities. It’s about rethinking the curriculum for a generation that will grow up digitally native, climate-conscious, and globally connected.
Curriculum designers will need to move beyond rote learning and into 21st-century skills: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, environmental literacy, and AI readiness. It also means preparing children to live in an ageing society, where intergenerational support systems might look very different from today.
The Teachers of Tomorrow
The report highlights that dependency ratios—the number of dependents (children and elderly) per working-age adult—will remain high in regions like South Asia. This makes the role of teachers not just instructional, but transformational. Teachers will be frontline policymakers, social workers, and innovators all rolled into one.
Investing in teacher training today means investing in the emotional, cognitive, and social development of future generations. This also includes mental health support for both students and educators, as the pressures of this shift begin to take hold.
Why the World is Watching India
India’s role on the global education stage is about to become even more prominent. With the largest share of the world’s children, its policies, pilot programmes, public-private partnerships, and pedagogy will shape not only its own future—but serve as a model (or a warning) for the rest of the world.
UNICEF’s report urges governments to act now, not later, to shape the future. The youngest future belongs to India. Whether it’s a dividend or a disaster depends on the choices we make today.
For the first time since 1931, India is set to conduct a nationwide caste census—a move that has stirred political headlines and, perhaps, textbook margins too.
Announced officially by the Union Government this week, the caste enumeration will be included in the upcoming national census, marking a significant shift in how demographic data is collected and analysed. While states like Bihar have recently undertaken caste surveys, this is the first time in post-independence India that the Centre has agreed to officially gather detailed caste data, beyond the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) traditionally documented since 1951.
📚 So, what exactly is a caste census?
Think of it as a social snapshot. A caste census doesn’t just count—it maps. It records the distribution of caste groups across India and looks at their access to education, employment, housing, and welfare. The aim is to help policymakers understand who’s thriving, who’s still struggling, and where gaps remain.
🏫 Why should schools care?
Because this isn’t just data for government files—it’s a lesson in equity, diversity, and history.
The caste census is more than a bureaucratic exercise. It’s an opportunity for educators to unpack centuries of India’s complex social structure and help young minds make sense of why some policies exist in the first place. Reservation, affirmative action, social justice—these are not just chapter headings. They’re real-world mechanisms built on understanding where society stands.
For school students, this could be a way to understand that historical inequality doesn’t disappear just because it’s uncomfortable to discuss. Including caste enumeration as a case study in Social Science classes can foster honest, inclusive conversations about privilege, access, and opportunity.
We can rightly put it by saying, “Understanding caste isn’t about division, it’s about awareness.”
🏛️ From 1931 to 2025: What changed?
Under British rule, caste was recorded in every Census between 1881 and 1931. After independence, India stopped documenting caste broadly, focusing only on SCs and STs. The last comprehensive attempt was the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), but its data was never officially released due to questions around accuracy.
This latest announcement, therefore, is more than a policy decision—it’s a social reckoning.
And while political parties like the Congress have long demanded such a survey, arguing it’s crucial for equitable development, its inclusion now provides a teachable moment for the education system.
✏️ Making it student-friendly
Here’s how schools can make the caste census more accessible and meaningful to students:
-
Storytelling through data: Use infographics and classroom discussions to show how socio-economic progress varies across communities.
-
Project-based learning: Let students study their local area’s access to public services—schools, hospitals, ration shops—and link it back to the idea of representation.
-
Debate and dialogue: Create spaces where students can discuss reservations, inclusion, and diversity with sensitivity and empathy.
-
Historical comparisons: Encourage students to trace how the Census evolved over time and what it tells us about India’s changing priorities.
In an age of growing data literacy, this is a golden chance to show students how numbers can tell stories—and how those stories can shape policy and perception.
Because education isn’t just about teaching history—it’s about helping students read between the lines of it.
In a move poised to bring relief to thousands of parents, the Delhi government has approved the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees 2025 Bill. The draft legislation, passed during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to regulate and standardise the fee structure in all 1,677 schools across the capital—including private, aided, and unaided institutions.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Gupta termed the decision “historic and brave,” stating that for the first time, a “foolproof” framework would be established to bring fee transparency across all types of schools in Delhi. “There was no prior mechanism to regulate fee hikes. This Bill will ensure a clear guideline and procedure that schools must follow,” she said.
The development comes amid a rising number of complaints from parents regarding steep and unexplained fee hikes. The Chief Minister also highlighted growing concerns about alleged student harassment in the name of unpaid or increased fees.
To implement the new regulations, Education Minister Ashish Sood announced the formation of a three-tier committee system. These panels will be responsible for reviewing and approving fee structures every three years, factoring in a school’s infrastructure, facilities, and resources.
In a notable step towards inclusive governance, the committees will include three teachers and five parents, selected through a draw of lots. These members will collaboratively determine the permissible fee slabs, thereby ensuring both transparency and stakeholder participation.
The government’s move is also part of a broader crackdown on schools accused of imposing arbitrary and excessive fees. Education officials confirmed that investigations are underway and that regulatory action will follow wherever needed.
As part of its education reform efforts under the National Education Policy 2020, the Delhi government’s focus on equity, accountability, and participatory decision-making marks a significant shift in how school finances are monitored in the national capital.
Maharashtra Launches Statewide Staff Mapping Drive for Schools
Indian Students Flock to Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai for Higher Studies: 38% Surge Recorded
John King’s Book ‘Teacher By Teacher’: A Global Tribute to the Transformative Power of Education
Operation Sindoor and Operation Abhyaas: Navigating School Safety and Student Well-being Amid Rising Tensions
CUET-UG 2025 Likely to be Postponed, Fresh Dates Expected Soon
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025: Nominations Now Open for India’s Young Achievers
CBSE Finally Comes to Rancho’s School: Druk Padma Karpo Breaks a 24-Year Wait
India 2050: Are We Preparing for the World’s Youngest Classroom?
Caste Census: A New Chapter in Our Social Sciences Textbook?
Delhi Approves Landmark Bill to Regulate School Fees Across 1,677 Institutions
NCERT Class 7 Textbooks Updated: Mughals Removed, Focus on Indian Ethos and Pilgrimage
Aalamaram 2025: Where Indian Educators Came Together to Grow, Reflect, and Lead
India Bids Farewell to NEP Architect Dr K. Kasturirangan
Trump Signs Executive Order to Promote AI Integration in U.S. K-12 Education
Maharashtra to Regulate Pre-Primary Education with New Law Aligned to NEP 2020
Harvard University Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze
Education Alone Won’t Feed Minds: Why Teachers Must Be Trained in Nutrition Too
CBSE Introduces Mandatory Bridge Course for Classes 6 to 12 in Chhattisgarh Under NEP 2020
CBSE Mandates 50-Hour Annual Training for Teachers, Declares STEM as 2025 Theme
China Embarks on Ambitious AI-Driven Education Reform to Build a ‘Strong Education Nation’ by 2035
Delhi Government Cracks Down on Dummy Schooling; Over 600 Schools Inspected, 10 Issued Notices
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Warns Private Schools Against Arbitrary Fee Hikes and Student Harassment
MAHAJYOTI’s Book Distribution Scheme to Empower 7,000 OBC Students Preparing for JEE/NEET & MHT-CET
Harvard Stands Its Ground: Harvard Faces ₹18,400 Crore Funding Freeze After Rejecting Trump Administration’s Demands
Is Your School Following These Mandatory CBSE Committees?
Sudha Murty Advocates Mandatory Training and Exams for Teachers Every Three Years
Hello Kids Expands to 1,000 Centres, Aims for 2,000 by 2028
Maharashtra to Mandate Registration of Pre-Primary Schools from 2025 for Better Regulation
Saudi Teacher Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour Wins $1 Million Global Teacher Prize
Nagaland Schools Launch ‘Adolescent Girls Club’ to Empower Young Girls Under Mission Shakti
“Be the Change in a Changing World”: Anita Karwal and Anju Chazot Reflect on NEP 2020
CBSE Warns Dummy School Students May Be Barred from Board Exams
Sunbeam Indiranagar Shines in Academics, Arts, and Sports, Cementing Its Legacy of Holistic Education
Rewriting Ambedkar: Why Students Must Know the Man Beyond the Constitution
Nurturing Creative Confidence: The Power of ‘Yes’ and ‘Yet’
IIT Guwahati Developing VR Metaverse for PM SHRI Schools—But is the Metaverse Still the Future?
‘Baalpan ki Kavita’ Initiative Launched to Restore Indian Rhymes for Young Learners
China Embarks on Ambitious AI-Driven Education Reform to Build a ‘Strong Education Nation’ by 2035
Delhi Government Cracks Down on Dummy Schooling; Over 600 Schools Inspected, 10 Issued Notices
Is Your School Following These Mandatory CBSE Committees?
Maharashtra to Regulate Pre-Primary Education with New Law Aligned to NEP 2020
PM Modi Leads ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ with Deepika Padukone & Sadhguru
Stonehill International School Students Shine in Spectacular Performance of In the Heights
CBSE Mandates 50-Hour Annual Training for Teachers, Declares STEM as 2025 Theme
Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE): Sustainable Practices in CBSE Schools
Rajasthan Cabinet Approves Bill to Regulate Coaching Centres Amid Rising Student Suicides
India Bids Farewell to NEP Architect Dr K. Kasturirangan
The Scindia School Students Launch Three Groundbreaking Startups in Record Time
Kerala to Introduce Anti-Ragging Cells in Schools to Tackle Bullying
NCERT Class 7 Textbooks Updated: Mughals Removed, Focus on Indian Ethos and Pilgrimage
SGEF2023 | Special Address by Rama Datt, Trustee, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Trust, Jaipur
ScooNews | After Movie | ScooNews Global Educators Fest 2023
Aftermovie | NIES2 UP Chapter | 21 Jan 2023
WEBINAR | Gamification in Education: How Digital Badges Can Boost Student Motivation and Engagement
ScooNews | WEBINAR| Importance of Physical Activity for Children at School | Plaeto
SCOONEWS | WEBINAR | WHY DIGITIZING YOUR SCHOOL IS A MUST | TEACHMINT
Keynote Address | Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar
Anurag Tripathi, Secretary, CBSE at SGEF2022
How schools can nurture every student’s genius
Aftermovie | SGEF2022 | Jaipur
Li Andersson | Minister of Education | Finland
Anurag Tripathi, Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) discusses NEP2020
ScooNews | Early Ed Asia 2019 | Aftermovie
#PodarECEconf : Pursuing quality ECE
#CBSE Class XII #Results #Highlights
The interesting story of India’s educational system | Adhitya Iyer
A young scientist’s quest for clean water
The Danger of Silence: Clint Smith
National Digital Library of India is an initiative by HRD Ministry
Remembering Kalpana Chawla on her birthday!
Message from Sadhguru for Students!
Message from Sadhguru for Students!
The Untapped Genius That Could Change Science for the Better
Eddy Zhong: How school makes kids less intelligent TEDxYouth@Beacon
#TEDxCanberra : What if every child had access to music education…
-
Education2 months agoSudha Murty Advocates Mandatory Training and Exams for Teachers Every Three Years
-
Education2 months agoHello Kids Expands to 1,000 Centres, Aims for 2,000 by 2028
-
Education3 months ago
Maharashtra to Mandate Registration of Pre-Primary Schools from 2025 for Better Regulation
-
Education3 months agoSaudi Teacher Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour Wins $1 Million Global Teacher Prize
-
Education3 months agoNagaland Schools Launch ‘Adolescent Girls Club’ to Empower Young Girls Under Mission Shakti
-
Education2 months ago“Be the Change in a Changing World”: Anita Karwal and Anju Chazot Reflect on NEP 2020
-
News2 months ago
CBSE Warns Dummy School Students May Be Barred from Board Exams
-
Education2 months agoSunbeam Indiranagar Shines in Academics, Arts, and Sports, Cementing Its Legacy of Holistic Education
-
Education1 month agoRewriting Ambedkar: Why Students Must Know the Man Beyond the Constitution
-
Education3 months agoNurturing Creative Confidence: The Power of ‘Yes’ and ‘Yet’