Education News This Week: Fake news on CBSE exams; UPPSC protests, crackdown on coaching ads

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh once again saw massive protests by job-seekers as thousands gather to oppose the state’s policy of holding recruitment exams. The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission had to finally relent.

Admit cards were issued for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT 2025) and the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a fresh round of cases related to the medical entrance test, NEET UG.

There were more updates related to exams. The government framed guidelines on advertising by coaching institutes and a speech given by an official of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Bhopal became the centre of a fake news scandal on the 2025 board exams.

In other news, Delhi and Haryana schools had to deal with the blanket of smog that descended upon them since Monday; the Delhi High Court will finally allow the votes polled in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections to be counted and results are expected on November 21. In Ambedkar University, Delhi, teachers boycotted work after two of them had their services terminated by the administration. Also in Delhi, the income limit for candidates from the economically weaker section (EWS) was raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh per annum.

Here’s a quick recap of all the major stories from the past week and Careers360’s own reporting.

AYUSH NEET Counselling 2024: AACCC reduces NEET cut-off score by 15 percentile

The Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) has announced a significant reduction in NEET 2024 cut-off scores, lowering them by 15 percentile for both undergraduate and postgraduate AYUSH admissions, across all categories – general, OBC, SC, and ST.

Additionally, the committee has extended the admission deadline to December 20 for the AYUSH streams – Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

Full story | AYUSH NEET Counselling 2024: AACCC reduces NEET cut-off score by 15 percentile for all categories

UPPSC aspirants' protest against multi-shift exams, commission relents

Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exam aspirants gathered in Prayagraj to protest against the commission's decision to conduct PCS prelims and RO/ARO exams across multiple shifts and dates. The PCS prelims 2024 were scheduled for December 7 and 8, while RO/ARO exams were to be held on December 22 and 23.

Candidates were demanding single-shift, same-day examinations to avoid score normalisation. The controversy escalated after police allegedly used force against protesters. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav condemned the police action and criticised the BJP government's handling of the situation.

UPPSC cited a shortage of examination centres as the reason for multiple shifts but ultimately relented and announced the preliminary exam will be held in one day.

Full report | UPPSC PCS prelims will be held in one day, decides commission following protests

Centre cracks down on misleading ads by coaching institutes

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has released new guidelines to regulate ‘misleading’ advertorials by coaching institutes. The rules prohibit false claims about 100% selection rates, guaranteed jobs and salary increases.

Consumer affairs secretary Nidhi Khare announced that the CCPA has already issued 54 notices and collected penalties worth Rs 54.6 lakh from violators. The guidelines specifically target academic support, education, and tuition services, excluding counselling, sports, and creative activities.

Key guidelines include:

• Ban on using candidates’ testimonials without written consent
• Prominent display of disclaimers
• Mandatory disclosure of course details and fee structure
• Accurate representation of faculty credentials

Full report | Centre issues coaching guidelines, prohibits centres from using false claims like '100% selection'

NEET UG row: CBI books student for ‘impersonation’; RTI activist writes to NTA

The CBI registered a fresh case in connection to the controversy around the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, booking a second-year medical student for allegedly impersonating a NEET-UG candidate at DY Patil University centre in Navi Mumbai. The investigation was transferred from Maharashtra Police to CBI on the state government's recommendation.

Nishika Premprakash Yadav, a student at Jawahar Medical College, was caught after the National Testing Agency flagged Mayuri Manohar Patil as a "suspicious" candidate. When asked to provide biometric data for Aadhaar verification, Yadav's fingerprints didn't match, leading to her confession.

Full report | NEET-UG irregularities: CBI registers fresh case, books medical student caught taking test for aspirant

Meanwhile, the NTA has confirmed that potential changes to NEET UG 2025 exam pattern are being evaluated by a Supreme Court-appointed expert committee. The review comes in response to concerns raised by activist Vivek Pandey about proposed age restrictions and attempt limits.

Pandey argues these changes would disadvantage economically weaker students and contradicts the National Medical Commission's earlier directive removing age restrictions. He also opposed the proposed multi-session online format, warning it could lead to ranking disparities through score normalisation.

Full report | NEET UG 2025 Pattern: RTI activist raises objections to age limits, exam format; writes letter to NTA

CBSE denies reports of 15% syllabus cut in 2025 board exams

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) officials and school principals have refuted media reports claiming a 15% reduction in Class 10 and 12 syllabus for the 2025 board examinations. The reports had also incorrectly stated that 40% weightage will be given to internal assessments.

The confusion arose from statements reportedly made by CBSE regional officer for Bhopal Vikas Kumar Agrawal at a principals’ summit in Indore. However, officials from the CBSE headquarters confirmed that no such changes have been notified.

The board has already announced that exams will begin on February 15, 2025, with practicals starting January 1.

Full report | Fact-check: CBSE hasn't reduced syllabus by 15%, internal assessments will not be 40% of score in 2025

Education News: Special stories from Careers360

IIT fee hike on the cards: The ministry of education has formed a committee to assess the fee structure at IITs. The fee for the undergraduate BTech programme was last raised in 2016. The panel, including IIT directors, will evaluate fees, expenses, and infrastructure costs.

Full report | IIT fee revision might be on the cards; education ministry panel to examine institute finances

Rajasthan HC reverses extra seats ruling, 100 MBBS students left in lurch: Around 100 students at Pacific Medical College, Udaipur, face uncertainty after the Rajasthan High Court reversed a decision to increase MBBS seats from 150 to 250. The court ruling has left students with no clear path forward, despite having paid fees. Another college in Jodhpur faces similar challenges.

Full report | 100 MBBS students’ fate uncertain as HC reverses ruling on extra seats at Rajasthan private medical college

Only 31% medical students know NExT exam pattern, shows study: A study published in Medical Science Educator reveals that most Indian medical students prefer the National Exit Test (NExT) Step 1 to be conducted biannually. However, only 31% are fully aware of its exam pattern, highlighting a need for clearer guidelines and more student involvement in the process.

Full report | What happened to the NExT exam? Only 31% medical students know exam pattern, says study

‘IMI Delhi adopting comprehensive branding strategy to improve NIRF rank’: IMI New Delhi, India’s first corporate-sponsored B-school, offers PG diplomas in management. During an interview with Careers360, director Himadri Das discusses challenges like competition, diversity, and its drop in NIRF rankings. With strong industry ties, a diverse alumni network, and scholarships, IMI aims to provide high-quality, inclusive management education.

Full report | IMI Delhi adopting ‘comprehensive branding strategy’ to improve NIRF rank among b-schools

Consulting leads but B-school salaries decline: India's top B-schools face a decline in 2024 placements due to the global economic slowdown. Median salaries are down, with consulting emerging as the leading recruiter, which now surpasses IT/ITES in placements. Institutes like XLRI and MDI Gurgaon adapt by turning to alumni networks and startups.

Full report | MBA Jobs: Consulting jobs rise in top B-school placements amid declining salaries, slowdown

Why DU’s distance MBA is popular: Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (DU-SOL) offers an affordable MBA for working professionals, with an annual fee of just Rs 52,570. The programme, launched in 2022, provides flexibility, allowing students to study while working. Despite some administrative challenges, it attracts those seeking career growth through an MBA degree.

Full report | Low fee, no CAT, flexible learning: Why DU’s distance MBA is popular

‘AICTE ratification making GMAT more popular’: GMAT is increasingly accepted by over 150 Indian B-schools, with 35% of test-takers being women. During an interview with Careers360, Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) regional head Gaurav Srivastava talks about how the council aims to expand the NMAT's reach but is facing challenges with AICTE's limited test recognition.

Full report | ‘GMAT completely different from CAT; AICTE ratification making exam more popular now’: GMAC chief

Pharmaceutical management courses evolve with focus on AI, data science: Pharmaceutical management programmes are adapting to industry changes by incorporating data analytics and AI. Institutions like Jamia Hamdard and NIPER are revising their curricula to meet demand for skills in digital health, AI tools, and communication, with 100% placement rates and rising salaries.

Full report | MBA Pharmacy: How AI, data science and technology are reshaping the industry, boosting career options

How online MBAs are boosting career transitions: Online MBA programmes have gained popularity in a post-pandemic world. While graduates highlight career benefits, many feel the absence of peer interactions, alumni networks, and hands-on learning – crucial for networking and real-world applications in the business field – are some of the challenges.

Full report | How online MBA courses at top management schools are enabling career transitions

‘Demand to study in Canada may drop by 40-50%’: Canada's recent policy changes, including ending the Student Direct Stream and tightening post-graduation work permits, are expected to reduce international student numbers by up to 50%, says Sumit Agarwal, founder and director of the India Canada Alumni Network (ICAN) during an interview. While students in Canada are unaffected, many face underemployment, with limited opportunities for permanent residency through menial jobs, he adds.

Full report | ‘I’ve seen students delivering food’: Expert on Canada’s study visa policies and why demand may drop 50%

IIMs take the lead in training teachers and principals: IIMs are training school leaders to embrace innovation, incorporate technology in their work and develop soft-skills.

Full report | IIM Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Lucknow: Top MBA colleges take the lead in school leadership training

Jamia Hamdard’s management courses see over 80% placements: Dean, School of Management spoke on their new programmes, short-term courses, placements and more.

Full report | ‘Jamia Hamdard’s BMS course is industry-driven; saw 80-85% placement’

upGrad’s online MBA courses see high completion rates: The online programmes saw nearly 2,000 registrations daily from January to August. Its co-founder and MD on the online MBA, popular courses, placements and upcoming launches.

Full report | ‘Our online MBA courses have a 80-90% completion rate’: upGrad MD