WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

EDUCATION

India Hosts 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar

India hosted the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on 7 August 2026 under its BRICS Chairship. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi led the Indian delegation and reaffirmed India’s commitment to a people-centric and humanity-first approach to international educational cooperation.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Declaration. The declaration outlined cooperation in early-childhood care and education, school education, skill development, higher education, academic mobility, research, innovation, start-ups and the mutual recognition of educational qualifications.

The participating countries also discussed the responsible use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in education, improved teacher capacity, inclusive learning systems, climate education and stronger collaboration among universities and research institutions. India emphasised that innovation must enable education systems to evolve continuously and meet the aspirations of future generations.

The meeting was preceded by discussions among senior BRICS education officials from 5 to 6 August. These officials prepared the education roadmap and final declaration adopted by the ministers.

Important Points: The meeting was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. India held the BRICS Chairship in 2026. The declaration focused on education, skills, AI, research cooperation and mutual recognition of qualifications.

CBSE Releases Sample Question Papers for 2026–27 Examinations

The Central Board of Secondary Education released sample question papers and marking schemes for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2026–27 academic session. The materials were made available through CBSE’s official academic portal to help students understand the question-paper pattern, assessment structure and expected method of answering questions.

The sample papers placed greater emphasis on competency-based assessment. These include application-oriented multiple-choice questions, case-based questions, source-based questions and questions that test conceptual understanding instead of simple memorisation.

For Class 10, competency-focused questions continued to receive substantial weightage. The question papers also included objective, short-answer and long-answer questions. In Class 12, the distribution varied according to the subject, but application-based and analytical questions remained an important part of the assessment structure.

CBSE also provided subject-wise marking schemes so students and teachers could understand the allocation of marks and the expected components of a complete answer. The board advised students to rely only on official sample papers and not assume that questions appearing in private practice papers would be repeated in the final examinations.

Important Points: CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education. Sample question papers and marking schemes are available through the official CBSE and CBSE Academic websites.

UGC Warns Students About 32 Fake Universities

The University Grants Commission identified 32 institutions operating as fake or unrecognised universities across 12 states and Union Territories. These institutions were not authorised to award degrees under the UGC Act, 1956.

Delhi reportedly had the largest number of such institutions. Several unrecognised institutions were allegedly attracting students by advertising online or distance-learning courses, guaranteed placements, high salaries and easy degrees.

UGC advised students and parents to confirm an institution’s recognition before paying admission fees or submitting original documents. Students can verify universities through the official UGC website, which provides lists of recognised central, state, private and deemed-to-be universities, along with a separate list of fake institutions.

A qualification issued by an unrecognised institution may not be accepted for higher education, government employment or professional registration. UGC therefore cautioned students against claims such as “100% placement,” “guaranteed degree” or unusually short degree programmes.

Important Points: UGC was established in 1953 and became a statutory body under the UGC Act, 1956. Only institutions legally authorised under the Act can award recognised university degrees.

Bihar to Make Computer Education Mandatory in Schools

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that computer education would be made mandatory in schools across the state. The announcement was made during an artificial-intelligence sensitisation programme organised by Bihar’s Information Technology Department.

The proposed initiative is intended to provide students with essential digital knowledge and prepare them for a technology-oriented economy. Computer education is expected to cover basic computer operations, digital communication, online safety, responsible Internet use and introductory awareness of emerging technologies.

The government connected the educational initiative with its wider plans for digital governance, artificial intelligence, technology-based public services and employment-oriented skill development. Implementation details such as the classes covered, curriculum structure, teacher recruitment and infrastructure requirements are expected to be announced separately.

The decision will require schools to have functional computer laboratories, Internet connectivity, trained teachers and appropriate digital-learning materials, particularly in rural and government schools.

Important Points: Computer education will be introduced as a mandatory component in Bihar schools. The initiative forms part of the state’s broader digital and technology-development strategy.

Azim Premji Scholarship 2026–27 Applications Open

The Azim Premji Foundation opened applications for the Azim Premji Scholarship for the 2026–27 academic year. The scholarship supports girl students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are entering the first year of a recognised undergraduate degree or diploma programme.

Selected students will receive ₹30,000 every year until they complete their first undergraduate degree or diploma. Depending on the duration of the programme, total assistance can reach ₹1.5 lakh over five years.

The scholarship amount can be used for tuition fees, books, travel, accommodation and other educational expenses. The programme is designed particularly to help girls who have studied in eligible government schools or colleges and may otherwise discontinue their education because of financial difficulties.

Applications must be submitted through the official Azim Premji Foundation scholarship portal. Applicants should carefully check the applicable state, schooling, course and institutional eligibility requirements before applying.

Important Points: The scholarship provides ₹30,000 annually. It supports eligible girl students pursuing their first undergraduate degree or diploma and can continue for programmes lasting between two and five years.

Delhi University Holds Major Placement Drive

The University of Delhi organised a large placement drive on 8 August 2026 to connect students with employment opportunities. More than 75 organisations from different sectors participated, while over 500 students from various academic programmes attended the event.

The participating organisations offered opportunities in areas such as finance, consulting, information technology, marketing, sales, education, research, communication and business operations. Students were able to interact with recruiters, understand job requirements and participate in recruitment-related activities.

The programme was intended to improve career access for students from different colleges and academic backgrounds. Delhi University also indicated that it would organise additional placement and employment-focused initiatives to strengthen connections between academic learning and workplace requirements.

Important Points: The placement drive was conducted on 8 August 2026. It involved more than 75 recruiters and over 500 students from Delhi University.

NCERT Granted Deemed-to-be-University Status

The National Council of Educational Research and Training was officially granted the status of an Institution Deemed to be University. The Ministry of Education confirmed the decision after an expert committee of the University Grants Commission reviewed and recommended NCERT’s application.

The new status will allow NCERT to offer its own undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and specialised degree programmes, subject to regulatory requirements. It will also strengthen the organisation’s capacity to undertake advanced educational research, teacher education, curriculum development, assessment reforms and studies related to school education.

NCERT already performs a central role in developing national curricula, textbooks, teacher-training resources, learning outcomes and educational research. Its elevation is expected to expand collaboration with universities, state educational bodies and international institutions.

The deemed-university designation does not change NCERT’s primary responsibility as India’s leading academic institution for school education. It provides greater academic autonomy and enables the organisation to award recognised degrees in relevant disciplines.

Important Points: NCERT was established in 1961 and functions under the Ministry of Education. Its headquarters is in New Delhi. The deemed-university status was granted under the applicable provisions of the UGC Act, 1956.

National Scholarship Portal Launched for Agriculture Students

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the National Scholarship Portal-based Direct Benefit Transfer system for students pursuing agricultural education. The programme was launched at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa, New Delhi, on 10 August 2026.

Through the initiative, scholarships and fellowships worth ₹21.35 crore were transferred directly to the bank accounts of more than 6,000 agriculture students. The digital system is intended to make payments transparent, timely and easier to monitor.

Agriculture students will now receive scholarship assistance every month through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism. The minister emphasised that examinations, admissions and scholarship payments must be completed on time and that agricultural education must combine classroom knowledge with practical experience in fields, laboratories and farming communities.

The initiative is expected to support students studying agriculture, horticulture, agricultural engineering, animal sciences and related disciplines while reducing delays in scholarship disbursement.

Important Points: More than 6,000 students received ₹21.35 crore. The funds were transferred through NSP-DBT. The programme was launched at ICAR-IARI, Pusa.

Government Reports ₹19,216.46 Crore Scholarship Assistance for SC Students

The Central Government reported that ₹19,216.46 crore had been disbursed during the preceding three financial years under different scholarship schemes administered by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment for students belonging to Scheduled Castes.

The Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students accounted for the largest share, with expenditure of ₹17,224.63 crore. The scheme supports eligible SC students pursuing recognised education after Class 10, including senior-secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and professional programmes.

The government stated that Direct Benefit Transfer, regular reviews and digital verification systems were being used to improve transparency and reduce delays. Scholarship assistance is generally transferred to eligible students’ bank accounts after verification by institutions and state authorities.

Other educational-support programmes for SC students include pre-matric scholarships, assistance for higher education and schemes intended to improve access to quality residential and professional education.

Important Points: Total assistance during the last three financial years was ₹19,216.46 crore. The Post-Matric Scholarship accounted for ₹17,224.63 crore.

Deen Dayal SPARSH Scholarship Announced for School Students

The West Bengal Postal Circle announced the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Scholarship for 2026–27 to promote philately as an educational and creative hobby among school students.

Under the programme, 40 scholarships of ₹6,000 each per year will be awarded to regular students studying in Classes 6 to 9 in recognised schools under the West Bengal Postal Circle. The scholarship amount is generally paid at the rate of ₹500 per month.

Applicants must have a good academic record and should be members of a philately club in their school. If a school does not have such a club, a student with an individual philately deposit account may be considered. Selection involves a written quiz on philately and general knowledge, followed by evaluation of a philately project.

The term SPARSH stands for Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude and Research in Stamps as a Hobby. The programme uses postage stamps to encourage students to learn about history, geography, science, culture, national personalities and major events.

Important Points: The scheme is administered by the Department of Posts. Selected students receive ₹6,000 annually. It is available to eligible students in Classes 6 to 9.

NIT Goa Invites Applications for Yuva Sangam Phase VII

The National Institute of Technology Goa invited students and young people from Goa to participate in Yuva Sangam Phase VII, under which selected participants will visit Mizoram.

The programme is open to eligible young people between 18 and 30 years of age. Registration opened on 4 August and will continue until 18 August 2026 through the official Yuva Sangam portal.

During the visit, participants will interact with students, educational institutions and local communities in Mizoram. They will also visit industries, heritage sites, cultural centres and important tourist destinations. NIT Goa is coordinating the Goa delegation, while the Central University of Mizoram is the partner institution in Mizoram.

Yuva Sangam is an initiative under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. It seeks to promote cultural exchange, national integration, academic interaction and understanding among young people belonging to different states and Union Territories.

Important Points: NIT Goa is paired with Mizoram for Phase VII. Eligible participants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Registration closes on 18 August 2026.

Delhi University Releases Third Undergraduate Merit List

The University of Delhi released its third merit list for undergraduate admissions 2026 on 8 August. Candidates could check their allotment through the university’s Common Seat Allocation System and undergraduate admission portal.

Students allotted seats in the third round were required to accept them by 11 August. Colleges subsequently had to verify applications, following which candidates were required to complete the admission process by paying the applicable fee within the specified deadline.

The admission process covered undergraduate programmes offered by participating Delhi University colleges. Seat allocation was based on programme preferences, category, availability of seats and the applicable entrance-examination or admission criteria.

The third allocation round provided another opportunity to candidates who did not receive a seat in earlier rounds or sought an upgrade to a higher-preference course or college.

Important Points: The third undergraduate merit list was released on 8 August. Candidates had to accept allotted seats by 11 August through the DU admission portal.

Jharkhand Students Protest Alleged Recruitment Examination Irregularities

Thousands of students and job aspirants marched towards the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in Ranchi on 10 August to protest alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Their complaints included reported question-paper leaks, delays, disputed examination procedures and concerns regarding transparency in the recruitment system.

The demonstrators demanded the cancellation or investigation of disputed examinations, stronger action against those responsible for paper leaks and reforms to protect the fairness of future recruitment tests. Some protesters also called for an investigation by a central agency.

Police used barricades, water cannons, tear gas and batons after sections of the demonstration attempted to move through restricted areas and clashes occurred. The Jharkhand government stated that it was willing to continue discussions with student representatives and that action had already been taken on several demands.

The incident brought renewed national attention to examination security, recruitment transparency, student confidence and the need for stronger safeguards against question-paper leaks.

Important Points: The protest took place in Ranchi on 10 August. The principal demands concerned recruitment-examination transparency, alleged paper leaks and an independent investigation.

 

Quick Revision — Education

13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting: Held in Bhubaneswar; concluded with the BRICS Education Ministers’ Declaration.

1. CBSE sample papers: Released for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2026–27 academic session with emphasis on competency-based assessment.
2. UGC warning: Students were cautioned about 32 fake or unrecognised universities.
3. Computer education in Bihar: The state announced plans to make it mandatory in schools.
4. Azim Premji Scholarship: Eligible girl students will receive ₹30,000 annually for their first undergraduate degree or diploma.
5. Delhi University placement drive: More than 75 recruiters and over 500 students participated.
6. NCERT: Granted Institution Deemed to be University status.
7. Agriculture scholarships: ₹21.35 crore transferred to more than 6,000 students through NSP-DBT.
8. SC scholarships: ₹19,216.46 crore disbursed under different schemes during the preceding three financial years.
9. Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana: Forty annual scholarships of ₹6,000 announced for eligible students in Classes 6 to 9 under the West Bengal Postal Circle.
10. Yuva Sangam Phase VII: NIT Goa invited eligible youth to participate in an educational and cultural visit to Mizoram.
11. DU third merit list: Released on 8 August for undergraduate admissions.
12. Jharkhand examination protests: Students demanded action over alleged recruitment-test irregularities and paper leaks.