Top 20 Education News — India & World

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Here are 20 major education developments for today, covering school education, competitive exams, higher education, AI, international education and education policy.

🇮🇳 India

1. CBSE Class 10 & 12 Board Exam 2027: LOC Submission Starts September 24
CBSE-affiliated schools will begin submitting the List of Candidates (LOC) for the 2027 Class 10 and 12 board examinations from September 24. The regular submission window will remain open until October 21, while late submissions will be accepted until October 30 with a ₹2,000-per-candidate late fee. Only students whose names are properly registered through the LOC will be eligible to appear for the board examinations.

2. CBSE Releases 2027 Board Sample Papers and Marking Schemes
CBSE has released subject-wise Sample Question Papers and marking schemes for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2027 board examinations. The board has also clarified that there is no change in the assessment scheme or passing criteria for the coming examinations.

3. CBSE to Reconduct Class 12 Exams for West Asia Students
CBSE is preparing to reconduct Class 12 examinations that were cancelled for students in seven West Asian countries — Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The cancellation had affected examinations covering 40 subjects, including 20 academic papers.

4. NEET UG 2026 Counselling: Round 3 Choice Filling Begins
The Medical Counselling Committee has opened Round 3 choice filling for NEET UG 2026 counselling. Candidates participating in the round can submit and arrange their preferred medical colleges and courses according to the prescribed schedule.

5. NEET-SS 2025 Qualifying Cut-Off Reduced to 30 Percentile
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has reduced the qualifying percentile for NEET Super Specialty 2025 from 50th to 30th percentile across the relevant question-paper groups. The change allows more candidates to qualify for the subsequent counselling process and comes amid vacant super-specialty seats.

6. NEET PG 2026 Answer Key Remains in Focus
The provisional answer key for NEET PG 2026 is being closely watched by candidates after the examination and subsequent retest. The original exam was conducted on August 30, with a retest held on September 5.

7. NTA Exam Calendar Sets Out 2026–27 Schedule
The National Testing Agency’s tentative calendar covers major examinations including JEE Main 2027, UGC-NET, CMAT and CUET-PG. JEE Main Session 1 is tentatively scheduled for January 22–24 and January 28–30, while UGC-NET is scheduled for December 14–19.

8. NTA Changes Operations Following Exam-Security Concerns
The National Testing Agency has moved its operations to a newly allotted government office complex in New Delhi. The agency is also introducing tighter security and technology-related measures following concerns surrounding examination administration.

9. IIT Madras Launches ₹3.3 Crore Construction-Robotics Lab
IIT Madras and Bechtel India have launched a ₹3.3 crore construction robotics laboratory. The facility will support research, technology demonstrations and curriculum development based on real-world construction requirements, with industry professionals contributing mentorship and expertise.

10. Rajasthan Plans Science Clubs in 5,000 Government Schools
The Rajasthan Education Department has announced plans to establish science clubs in 5,000 government schools. The initiative is intended to give students more opportunities for practical experimentation and encourage scientific curiosity beyond textbook-based learning.

11. Bihar to Recruit More Than 32,000 School Teachers
The Bihar Public Service Commission is preparing to begin applications for 32,388 school-teacher positions under the Teacher Recruitment Examination 4.0. Applications are scheduled to begin September 25.

12. West Bengal Reports 933 Schools With Zero Enrolment
The West Bengal government has reported that 933 schools have been shut because of zero enrolment. The development highlights the changing distribution of school-age populations and challenges involving the sustainability of schools with extremely low student numbers.

13. Engineering Colleges Urged to Emphasise Practical Skills
Education experts and industry stakeholders are calling on engineering colleges to move beyond exam-focused learning and give students more hands-on exposure. The discussion centres on concerns that some graduates enter the workplace without sufficient practical understanding of basic engineering processes.

14. Private Universities Asked to Disclose Financial Information
The Supreme Court has directed private universities to provide information including audited accounts, fee structures, surplus investments, government benefits, staffing and grievance mechanisms as part of a review of how private higher-education institutions operate.

15. France’s Choose France Tour Returns to India
The Choose France Tour 2026 begins its India programme, bringing more than 50 French higher-education institutions into contact with prospective Indian students across Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi and Bengaluru. The initiative aims to provide information about study opportunities and French higher education.

🌎 World

16. Mexico Introduces Nationwide School Cellphone Restrictions
Mexico has introduced nationwide rules restricting cellphone use in schools for younger students during the school day. The policy is designed to limit classroom distractions and encourage students to remain focused on learning.

17. China Places Student Health at Centre of Education Planning
China’s latest education planning places greater emphasis on students’ physical and mental health, alongside academic development. Officials have reiterated a “health first” approach as part of efforts to improve student well-being.

18. China-Africa Partnership Expands Digital Vocational Education
UNESCO reports that China and African partners are strengthening cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), with particular attention to digital learning and skills development. The initiative aims to improve access to job-oriented education and modern technical skills.

19. UNESCO Highlights Growing Mathematics Gender Gap
UNESCO is drawing attention to evidence that girls are again falling behind boys in mathematics in a number of education systems. The organisation is examining the factors behind the widening gap and the implications for educational equality and future opportunities.

20. US Law-School Accreditation Faces Federal Dispute
The American Bar Association is fighting to retain its federally recognised role in accrediting US law schools. The dispute involves the ABA’s status as the recognised accreditor and its relationship with the US Department of Education.