In a break from previous years, where UPSC CSE notifications were typically issued in February, the Commission has decided to announce the notification and commence the application process in January. However, the exact time of the notification release has not been disclosed.
Last year's data
For reference, UPSC had announced 1,056 vacancies for CSE and 150 for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) in 2024.
CSE 2025 exam schedule
The UPSC CSE 2025 prelims are scheduled for May 25, 2025. Candidates who meet the cut-off marks in the prelims will be eligible to register for the UPSC mains exam. The mains will be held from August 22, 2025, for five days. Meanwhile, the UPSC CSE 2024 interview session is ongoing and will conclude in April.
]]>This is consequent to the updating of the Allotment schedule for All India Quota and State Quota counseling, by Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
As per the revised State schedule, the Provisional Merit and Category Lists have been published on 20.1.2025. The Final Merit and Category Lists will be published on 24.01.2025.
Registration for third phase opens at https://cee.kerala.gov.in/ on 25.01.2025. Rearrangement and deletion of options can be done till 5 pm on 29.01.2025.
TC can be obtained from the admitted colleges with forfeiture of registration fee till 2 pm on 29.01.2025.
Allotment will be announced on 31.1.2025. Those getting allotment should join the allotted colleges during 01.02.2025 to 05.01.2025.
The schedule is tentative and subject to change as per the modifications in the schedule issued by the NMC/MCC.
Detailed notifications with regard to the option registration, allotment, admission, etc. will be issued later.
Candidates may visit https://cee.kerala.gov.in/ regularly for updates. Helpline number: 0471- 2525300
]]>The final date to submit the AISSEE 2025 application is now 5 pm on 23 January 2025. Candidates can apply online at https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/.
The examination fee can be paid via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI until 11:50 pm on 24 January 2025.
Correction window open
Candidates will be able to make corrections to their application forms from January 26 to January 28, 2025. The corrections can be made online through the correction window at https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/.
As per the AISSEE guidelines (Annexure I), candidates can change their Gender, Date of Birth, Category, Medium, Father's Name, and Mother's Name. However, changes to the candidate's Name, Photo, Signature, Mobile Number, Email Address, Permanent Address, Correspondence Address, or Exam City are not allowed.
For queries or clarifications, candidates can contact the NTA Help Desk at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or email at aissee@nta.ac.in. For more information, visit https://www.nta.ac.in/ and https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/.
]]>The allotment is based on the options submitted online by the candidates who have been included in the Rank list based on the entrance examination for admission to B Pharm Lateral Entry - 2024 and Category lists prepared by the CEE.
Candidates can view the allotment details after accessing their homepage by entering their application number, and Password in the 'B.Pharm (LE) 2024 - Candidate Portal' provided in the website and by clicking the menu 'Allotment Result'. Details, such as candidate's name, Roll number, allotment details, tuition fees etc. are available in the Allotment Memo. Candidate having an allotment must download the Allotment Memo. Candidates can also download 'Data Sheet' available in the home page.
Those who have an allotment should take admission at the allotted colleges by 4 pm on 24.01.2025 along with the allotment memo and original documents specified in Clause.7.3.8 of the Prospectus. They should remit the complete fees as per the concerned Government Order to the allotted college authorities at the time of admission.
Those who do not join the college within the specified time, will lose their present allotment and also the higher order options. Such candidates will not be eligible for participating in further rounds of allotments except for Stray vacancy filling.
Helpline number: 0471- 2525300
]]>Those who desire to appear in NEET (UG) 2025 may refer to the detailed Information Bulletin for NEET UG 2025 which will be made available at www.neet.nta.nic.in in due course at the time of launch of application form.
The announcement is available at https://neet.nta.nic.in/
]]>The inaugural session also featured an engaging address by Prof. H.A. Ranganath from the Centre for Human Genetics, Bangalore, who highlighted the importance of Drosophila, often referred to as the 'Cinderella of Genetics', as a powerful biological model system.
Dr. Indrashis Bhattacharya, Head of the Department of Zoology, welcomed the gathering, while Dr. H.P. Gurushankara, the workshop organizer, introduced the dignitaries and outlined the event's agenda. The session was presided over by Prof. K. Arunkumar, Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, who inspired the audience with his address.
Felicitations were offered by Prof. V. Vasudev from the University of Mysore. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. P.A. Sinu, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and the organizing team for their contributions to the event's success.
The workshop, spanning five days, will run until January 24, 2025. It has attracted participation from faculty members, post-doctoral researchers, Ph.D. scholars, and postgraduate students from institutions across the country.
]]>With this accomplishment, Mathrubhumi Media School has become the first media school in Kerala to have its entire faculty certified as trainers for Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) courses in media. This milestone strengthens the institution's role in fostering industry-relevant skills among students and aspiring media professionals.
ASAP Kerala, a state government initiative, aims to bridge the skill gap by providing high-quality training aligned with industry standards. The certification ensures that Mathrubhumi Media School's faculty are equipped with advanced pedagogical methods and subject expertise to enhance students' learning experiences.
Speaking about this achievement, a senior faculty member Sandhya PP at Mathrubhumi Media School said, "This certification is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and industry-oriented training. It enables us to provide our students with the best possible learning outcomes and prepare them for successful careers in media and content creation.”
The certification also opens new opportunities for students, as they will now have access to structured training programs that meet national competency standards. With media and digital communication evolving rapidly, the need for well-trained professionals in content writing, journalism, and media production has never been greater.
This milestone sets a benchmark for other media institutions in Kerala, encouraging them to invest in certified training programs that align with national and global industry demands. Mathrubhumi Media School continues to lead the way in skill development and media education, reinforcing its reputation as a premier institution in the field.
]]>Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar, Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala and Chancellor of the University, will preside over the ceremony and confer degrees on the graduating students. Dr. Bindu S, Minister for Higher Education, will deliver the Special Address.
The Convocation will witness the presentation of several awards, including the C.K. Sivasankara Panicker Memorial Gold Medal and the Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Memorial Endowment Gold Medal.
A total of 65 students from the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) programme, 59 from the One-Year LL.M. programme, and 5 from the Two-Year LL.M. of the Integrated LL.M. Ph.D. programme will receive their degrees.
]]>As per instructions issued by Dept of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, integration of APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID with NEET (UG) 2025 is to be ensured.
To support this objective, candidates are encouraged to use their APAAR ID as well as Aadhaar-based authentication during the application and examination process.
Updated credentials are highly recommended for ease of verification, registration process and to enhance the integrity of the examination process.
Candidates should update their credentials in Aadhar, preferably as per their 10th Marksheet/Passing Certificate. Candidates may also ensure that their Aadhaar is linked with a valid mobile number for OTP-based authentication.
Importance of Adhar: (i) Simplified Application Process- Using Aadhaar helps in auto-populating details, reducing manual errors during application submission (ii) Enhanced Examination Efficiency -With advancements in Aadhaar-based technology, such as the Face Authentication Method introduced by UIDAI, candidates can now benefit from faster identity verification tools (iii) Faster Attendance Verification - Facial recognition enables quicker and more accurate identity verification, ensuring smooth entry into the exam hall (iv) Welfare of Candidates - Aadhaar authentication simplifies processes and ensures candidates are uniquely identified, safeguarding their interests throughout the examination lifecycle.
What Candidates Should Do: Candidates should update Aadhaar Credentials. NEET UG 2025 aspirants should ensure that their Aadhaar details (especially their Name and Date of Birth, as per 10th Passing certificate), including facial recognition data, are up to date for an optimal experience during registration process and verification processes. This can be done at the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Center.
NEET (UG) 2025 registration process shall be starting in due course of time.
The notice is available at https://neet.nta.nic.in/
For any clarification, candidates may call at NTA's helpdesk on 011-40759000 or mail at neetug2025@nta.ac.in.
]]>The draft guidelines prescribe a cadre ratio for teaching posts with a pyramidal structure. The ratio proposes that there should be two associate professors and four assistant professors for every professor within each department. This would maintain a faculty hierarchy and enhance academic excellence. Besides, the UGC has required that all teaching posts sanctioned should be filled with urgency to avoid faculty shortage and ensure good quality teaching.
The probation and confirmation process for the faculty members is also well-defined. Newly appointed teachers will be put on probation for a minimum period of one year, which can be extended further for another year depending on performance assessments. On satisfactory completion of this period, faculty members will be confirmed in their roles with a transparent and merit-based tenure system.
Teaching days and workload expectations are other significant areas of focus under the guidelines. In line with the NCrF, which advocates for holistic education, universities and colleges must have at least 15 weeks of teaching-learning days per semester. The rest of the academic calendar will be used for research and administrative work. Moreover, the faculty members must work for at least eight hours a day with classroom teaching, practical sessions, project guidance, assessments, and other academic engagements.
Research and administrative duties the policy has referred to the fact that faculty must engage themselves in research projects, skilling programs, internships, and inter-disciplinary collaboration. Universities are encouraged to provide flexible distributions of workloads to accommodate teachers as part of administrative duties so that academic productivity is not derailed.
It also speaks about different kinds of leaves available for the faculty. Thus, the policy culminates that its primary concept includes the development and maintaining of a healthy balance between the work and personal life.
Duty leave up to 30 days per year is allowed for attending academic conferences, workshops, and invited lectures. Study leave is given to assistant professors for higher qualifications or research projects to ensure that the faculty member is academically productive without any financial constraints.
Another form of leave that was introduced is the sabbatical leave, given to professors and associate professors with at least seven years of service, allowing them to pursue research or academic endeavors for up to one year, but not exceeding two years throughout their service.
In a progressive measure, maternity leave has been enhanced to 180 days, while female teachers have two years of childcare leave. For male faculty members, the entitlement is up to 15 days of paternity leave and shows a trend toward gender-sensitive policies. It includes adoption and surrogacy leave, aligned with the norm of society and social change.
The code of professional ethics is outlined in very strict guidelines, with an emphasis on the duties of teachers towards students, colleagues, institutions, and society. The guidelines require faculty members to maintain academic integrity, continue professional development, and provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Plagiarism and other unethical academic practices are strictly discouraged and emphasized to be maintained through academic honesty.
Teachers are further encouraged to be involved in co-curricular and community services such as mentorship, counseling, and development of skills. This is to transform a gap between what is learned academically and what is really applied outside the library and make students productive in multidimensional career development.
The draft guidelines address the relationship between teachers and non-teaching staff, urging faculty members to work collaboratively and foster a respectful and cooperative institutional culture. This directive seeks to create a harmonious work environment that enhances overall institutional efficiency and effectiveness.
Moreover, the document has set standards for the assessment of Ph.D. programs to ensure uniformity across universities. Assistant professors, assistant librarians, and assistant directors of physical education are also required to undergo an orientation course recognized by regulatory bodies such as UGC and AICTE, which would promote structured professional development at the entry level.
The UGC also brings parity in faculty allowances and benefits with those of Central and State Government employees. These include travel and house rent allowances, children's education benefits, and medical coverage under schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme. The guidelines propose pension, gratuity, and ex-gratia compensation similar to government norms, thereby reinforcing financial security for educators.
Overall, these draft guidelines mark a significant step in enhancing academic governance and faculty welfare in India's higher education system. By standardizing service conditions, promoting research excellence, and emphasizing ethical teaching practices, the UGC aims to create a more dynamic, accountable, and student-centric academic environment. As the education sector undergoes rapid transformations, these guidelines seek to ensure that universities and colleges remain well-equipped to meet emerging academic challenges and global standards.
The author is Dean of Mathrubhumi Media School in Kochi, Kerala. Views expressed are personal.
]]>The exam scheduled for January 15, 2025, was postponed on account of festivals, including Makar Sakranti and Pongal. The UGC NET is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across 85 subjects.
According to the NTA's notification, the revised dates for the rescheduled exams are as follows:
January 21, 2025 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm)
January 27, 2025 (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm)
Candidates are advised to visit the official UGC NET website for updates on admit card releases and further instructions regarding the revised schedule.
]]>Political rivalry allegations
The exclusion of Dr Ciza Thomas has sparked accusations of political rivalry. While former VCs aligned with the government's interests are included in key sessions, Dr Ciza Thomas has been sidelined, with only less crucial sessions assigned to current VCs. Her exclusion comes after tensions between the state government and the Vice Chancellor, who was appointed by former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
Dr Ciza Thomas's appointment as VC of Digital University had been controversial, as she was appointed by the former Governor, a move that did not sit well with the current administration. The government's resentment grew further after her appointment, even withholding her pension benefits upon retirement.
]]>The exam for admission to PhD programmes, awarding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and appointment as assistant professors is being conducted from January 3 to January 16 for 85 subjects in the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
"The NTA has received representations to postpone the exam on January 15 on account of festivals, including Pongal and Makar Sakranti. In the interest of the aspirants, the exam has been postponed and a new date will be announced later," Rajesh Kumar, Director (Exams), NTA, said.
"The exam on January 16 will be conducted as per the earlier schedule," he added.
On January 15, the exam was scheduled for 17 subjects, including mass communication and journalism, Sanskrit, Nepali, law, Japanese, women studies, Malayalam, Urdu, Konkani, criminology, folk literature, electronic science, environmental science and Indian knowledge system.
The UGC-NET was also postponed last year after the education ministry received inputs that the integrity of the exam might be compromised. PTI
]]>This request comes two days after the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, passed a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of the draft regulations.
In his letter, Satheesan expressed concerns over provisions in the draft regulations related to the selection and appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) and the qualifications required for the appointment and promotion of academic staff in colleges and universities.
He warned that granting such powers to the Chancellor (Governor) could severely impact Kerala's higher education sector.
"If this becomes law, the Governor will have unfettered authority to implement the Centre's agenda, which could dismantle our esteemed higher education sector. It is imperative for us to find a way forward and adopt a unanimous resolution against this in the Assembly," Satheesan wrote in the letter.
The Kerala Assembly, with its 140 members, is set to convene later this month for the budget session. Given that the BJP has no representation in the Assembly, any resolution proposed by the Vijayan government is likely to pass unanimously.
The draft UGC regulations propose granting the Governor/Chancellor the authority to form a three-member search-cum-selection committee for appointing V-Cs. This committee would include nominees from the Chancellor, the UGC Chairman, and the university's apex body, such as its syndicate or senate.
Satheesan's letter comes amid speculation about the role of the new Kerala Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who recently succeeded Arif Mohammed Khan. The latter frequently clashed with the Vijayan government over higher education policies.
All eyes are now on the Kerala government and the upcoming Assembly session to see how this issue unfolds.
IANS
]]>Period of contract is initially for one year. The position is purely on contractual basis subject to satisfactory performance. The consolidated remuneration is Rs. 30,000/- per month.
Educational Qualification: Applicant should hols an Undergraduate degree in any discipline/ branch of Science/Arts/Engineering/Extension with aggregate of minimum 60 percent mark from a recognized University/ College. Preference will be given for those having under graduate degree, B.V.Sc and B.Sc in Life Science.
Desirable: Good working knowledge in Computer/Online processing and experience in preparing reports in MS Word, Excel, Power point etc.
Desirable Qualification: English/Hindi/Kannada Regional Language must for interacting with farmers for collecting data
Age limit: Minimum 21 years and maximum 45 years as on date of interview. SC candidates only will be engaged as per DAPSC rules.
The detailed Notification along with the Application format is given at http://nianp.res.in/careers
The walk – in – interview will be held on 27-01-2025 (Monday) at 10:30 am in Committee Room, Administrative Block, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition & Physiology, Adugodi, Bangalore- 560030.
Those interested in the position may appear for the Interview on the scheduled date and time with the filled Application Form affixing a passport size photograph on the top and declaration duly signed in the application form annexed with duly self-attested all supporting documents/certificates such as Proof for age, Category Certificate, Educational Qualifications–Mark sheets & certificates from 10th class onwards, experience, etc.
Original documents of the candidates appearing interview in-person will be verified on the date of interview.
Candidates should be present at least 30 minutes before (10 am on 27.01.2025) for completing necessary formalities
For details, Notification may be seen.
NTA is conducting the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2025 Session-1 at different Centres located in various cities throughout the country and 15 cities outside India as per following details:
Paper 1 (B.E./B. Tech)- 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29 January 2025; First shift (9 am to 12 noon) and Second Shift (3 pm to 6 pm); Paper 2A (B. Arch), Paper 2B (B. Planning) and Paper 2A & 2B (B.Arch & B. Planning both)- 30 January 2025, Second Shift (3 pm to 6.30 pm)
The advance intimation for Allotment of Examination City has been hosted at https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/
Candidates may check/download their Examination City Intimation slip of JEE (Main) - 2025 Session-1, using their Application No. and Date of Birth from the website and go through the instructions contained therein.
Candidates may note that this is not the Admit Card for JEE (Main) 2025 Session 1. This is advance information for the allotment of the City where the Examination Centre will be located, to facilitate the candidates.
The Admit Card of JEE (Main) 2025 Session-1 shall be issued later.
In case any candidate faces difficulty in downloading/checking the Examination City Intimation Slip for JEE (Main)-2025 Session-1, he/she can contact on 011-40759000 or e-mail at jeemain@nta.ac.in.
Candidates must keep visiting www.nta.ac.in and https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ for the latest update.
]]>
The position is under the project on 'Hematophagous biting midges (Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) of the Andaman and Nicobar Island with an emphasis on their ecological molecular aspects and association with human and livestock' funded by SERB, DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi.
The engagement will be initially for one year, which may be extended for further period(s) based on satisfactory performance of individual and funding. Remuneration will be Rs. 47,000/- + Admissible HRA (As per rules) per month.
Place of Posting will be Diptera Section, ZSI HQ, Kolkata.
Educational Qualification: Applicant should hold a PhD in Zoology/ Life Sciences from a recognized University in India.
Desirable Qualification: Research experience in (Supported by research publications) (i) Taxonomy of Diptera (ii) Ecological modelling (iii) DNA Barcoding (iv) Mitogenomics
Age limit: The upper age limit will be 35 years as on 17.01.2025. The upper age limit is relaxable up to 5 years in the case of applicants belonging to Scheduled Castes/Tribes/ OBC-Non Creamy Layer / Physically Handicapped candidates as per Govt. of India rules.
The Notification with Application form is available at https://zsi.gov.in/ (Events > Advertisement link)
The Interview is to be held at 11 am on 17th January, 2025 at ZSI, New Alipore, Kolkata.
Those interested may appear for the interview as per the time schedule given in the Notification. They should bring the duly filled-in application with self-attested true copies of testimonials of qualifications, experience, date of birth etc. along with copies of mark sheets of all examinations.
All original documents should be produced at the time of registration
More details are given in the Notification.
]]>The inclusion of a candidate in the rank list does not entitle him/her for admission to the courses unless he/she satisfies all the conditions of eligibility as prescribed in the Prospectus.
Candidates will be admitted to the courses, only if the academic eligibility conditions as prescribed in the Prospectus are fulfilled and verified by the college authorities concerned, at the time of admission.
Helpline number: 0471- 2525300
]]>
Qualifications
Master's Degree in the relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks.
B.Ed. Degree with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade.
National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC or CSIR, or equivalent tests such as SLET/SET, or a Ph.D. degree in the relevant field.
Interested candidates may send their application in advance along with an updated CV to est.teach@cukerala.ac.in. For more details, visit the university's official website: www.cukerala.ac.in.
According to these new rules, the Chancellor (Governor) will have the authority to nominate the chairman of the search committee for vice-chancellor appointments, while the UGC Chairman will appoint the second member. The third member can be nominated by various university committees, such as the Syndicate, Senate, Executive Council, or Board of Management.
The new guidelines, applicable to both central and state universities, come at a time when there has been ongoing conflict between the Kerala government and the former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan over vice-chancellor appointments. The UGC's rules state that any vice-chancellor appointments made in violation of the new guidelines will be deemed invalid.
New VC appointment process under UGC rules
The search committee can present a list of five names for the Chancellor's consideration. The appointed vice-chancellor will serve for a term of five years or until the age of 70, with these rules also applying to reappointments.
Higher education institutions that fail to comply with these norms could face severe consequences, including exclusion from UGC schemes. Additionally, they may face bans on offering undergraduate, online, and distance education courses.
Contract teachers appointment rules
The UGC's revised guidelines also address the appointment of contract teachers. New rules include:
Kerala government's struggles with former Governor over VC appointments
The Kerala government faces additional challenges with the new UGC guidelines. The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the Chancellor holds the authority over Vice Chancellor appointments, a stance reinforced by the new guidelines.
Currently, all universities in Kerala, except the University of Health Sciences, lack a permanent vice-chancellor. Arif Mohammed Khan had appointed temporary VCs amid ongoing disputes with the state government. However, the Governor's actions were challenged by the CPM-dominated syndicates, resulting in prolonged court battles.
The Kerala government and universities have opposed the Governor's role, arguing that the 2018 guidelines only required a UGC representative in the search committee. They also opposed the idea of the Chancellor leading the committee. The new UGC guidelines, however, make the Chancellor the final authority, leaving the state with limited influence.
Despite Kerala's efforts to pass legislation that would remove the Governor from the position of Chancellor, those efforts were blocked when the President rejected the bills. The introduction of the new UGC guidelines effectively shuts down the state's legal and legislative options for challenging the VC appointment process.
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