Top 20 Education News: India & World
Sunday, September 20, 2026
🇮🇳 India Education News
1. West Bengal Class 12 Semester 3 Exams to Begin on September 21
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education will conduct Class 12 Semester 3 examinations from September 21 to October 14, 2026. Approximately 7.18 lakh candidates are registered.
For the first time, OMR sheets will be used for the examinations. Authorities have introduced additional security measures, including CCTV surveillance, metal detectors, sealed question papers and restrictions on electronic devices.
2. Utkal University Reports Alleged Examination Paper Leak
Utkal University in Odisha has filed a police complaint following allegations of an examination paper leak. The second-semester degree examinations began on September 12 and are being conducted across approximately 300 affiliated colleges.
The examination process is scheduled to conclude on September 24. The investigation is expected to determine how the alleged leak occurred and whether further action is required.
3. Tamil Nadu Plans Seven New Government Nursing Colleges
The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to establish seven government nursing colleges, creating approximately 660 additional seats.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the availability of nursing, pharmacy and paramedical professionals. The estimated investment is around ₹351 crore, according to the report.
4. Harvard Executive Education Programmes to Launch in Hyderabad
Harvard Executive Education programmes are scheduled to begin in Hyderabad from December 2026.
Discussions are also reportedly underway regarding the possibility of international institutions, including MIT and Purdue, establishing offshore campuses in Hyderabad. The developments could expand access to international executive-learning opportunities in India.
5. NEET Reform Panel Prepares Report
A panel examining reforms to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is preparing its report. The Supreme Court has emphasised the importance of a permanent institutional structure and dedicated personnel for administering the examination.
The discussions focus on examination management, institutional capacity and the need to improve the reliability of the medical entrance process.
6. Delhi Launches Innovation Challenge for Young Students
The Delhi government has launched the Seva-First Innovation Challenge 2026, a 100-day programme inviting students and young innovators to develop technology-based solutions.
The challenge covers areas such as agriculture, waste management and education. It reportedly includes a prize pool of ₹2 crore, along with mentorship and support from the startup ecosystem.
7. Delhi Schools Introduce ‘Meri Seva, Mera Sankalp’ Competition
The Delhi Directorate of Education has launched a reel-making competition for government-school students as part of the Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan.
Students are encouraged to create content on public service, environmental protection, civic responsibility and nation-building. The campaign is scheduled to continue from September 17 to October 17.
8. CBSE Conducts ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Talkathon
The Central Board of Secondary Education is conducting a live talkathon titled “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” on September 20 at 6 p.m.
The 45-minute programme focuses on substance-abuse awareness and prevention among school students. Experts are expected to discuss associated risks and preventive strategies.
9. Cambridge Highlights Flexible Subject Choices in India
Cambridge University Press and Assessment has highlighted the importance of flexible subject combinations in Indian schools.
According to a Cambridge official, allowing students to make choices based on their interests and developing strengths aligns with the learner-centred approach promoted by India’s National Education Policy 2020.
10. Kerala University Draft Rules on Campus Politics Face Objections
Objections have been raised against draft rules proposed by Kerala University to regulate political activities on campus.
Student and union representatives have expressed concerns about the powers granted to university authorities and college principals, including the possibility of disciplinary action or suspension.
11. Northeast Education Conclave Calls for Region-Specific NEP Rules
The Northeast Education Conclave 2026 discussed the need to account for regional differences when implementing education policies.
Participants argued that a uniform framework may not adequately address challenges related to geography, school infrastructure and access in the northeastern states.
12. IIT Roorkee Awards Degrees to 1,277 Undergraduate Students
IIT Roorkee’s 2026 convocation included 1,277 undergraduate degree recipients.
The graduates came from programmes including architecture, engineering, integrated master’s courses and science-related disciplines. The convocation highlighted the institute’s undergraduate academic achievements.
13. Maharashtra Engineering Admissions Show Strong Demand for Computer Science
Data from Maharashtra’s MHT-CET admission process indicates that computer engineering remains a highly preferred branch among students.
The available figures also show that 10,502 students were admitted to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programmes, representing approximately 5.77% of total BE-BTech admissions.
14. Uttarakhand Cancels Medical Admissions Over Fake Certificates
Authorities in Uttarakhand have cancelled medical admissions connected to allegedly forged reservation certificates.
The investigation is continuing, and officials have stated that any additional fraudulent documents discovered during the process will also be cancelled.
🌍 World Education News
15. More Than Half of US Colleges Report Decline in International Applications
A survey reported that more than half of US colleges experienced a decline in international applications.
Visa-processing delays, geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty were identified as factors affecting recruitment from major student-sending countries, including India and China.
16. IELTS Examination in India Moves Fully to Computer-Based Format
IELTS examinations in India are transitioning to a fully computer-delivered format from September 2026.
The paper-based format is being discontinued as part of the change. The move is expected to alter how candidates complete the test, although preparation requirements and assessment components remain important considerations for applicants.
17. Indian University Students Receive International Scholarships
Students from Ashoka University reportedly secured 18 prestigious international scholarships in a single year.
The scholarships include awards associated with institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. These opportunities support postgraduate study and international academic mobility.
18. Global Universities Reassess International Student Recruitment
Universities in the United States are reassessing their international recruitment strategies amid visa delays and changing geopolitical conditions.
The developments are particularly relevant for students from India and China, two major sources of international enrolment. Institutions are monitoring application trends and the wider policy environment.
19. Universities Increase Focus on Artificial Intelligence Skills
Higher-education institutions are continuing to examine how artificial intelligence can be integrated into teaching, assessment and professional training.
In India, education discussions increasingly focus on curriculum flexibility, technology-based learning and preparing students for changing employment requirements. These developments are connected to broader education-reform discussions under NEP 2020.
20. Education Systems Face Pressure to Modernise Curricula
A national education seminar in Kochi highlighted the need to update curricula, teaching methods and assessment systems.
Participants emphasised the importance of aligning education with technological change and future employment requirements. The discussion reflects a broader international focus on skills-based and learner-centred education.
