Times of India

The University of Pennsylvania, Donald Trump’s alma mater, has rejected his administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence,” a proposed funding-linked deal requiring tuition freezes, limits on international students, and protections for conservative speech. Joining MIT, Brown, and USC, UPenn cited academic freedom and autonomy concerns, marking a symbolic blow as Trump’s former university rebuffs his education policy.

After months of delay, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has started NEET PG 2025 counselling registration at mcc.nic.in. Candidates can apply for admission to MD, MS, and Diploma programmes under the 50% All India Quota. While the information bulletin is out, MCC is yet to release the detailed counselling schedule.

Assam TET final result 2025: The Assam TET final result 2025 for Graduate Teacher (GT) and Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) has been released by the Department of School Education, Assam. Candidates can check their results online at ssa.assam.gov.in and sebaonline.org using their application number and date of birth or password. The result includes candidate details, marks obtained, and qualifying status. Candidates are advised to download and print their scorecards for recruitment purposes and report discrepancies to the authorities promptly.

Diwali 2025 school holidays: Diwali 2025 falls on October 20, but school holiday dates vary across states and boards. While most CBSE and ICSE schools have declared a holiday on October 20, some regions may extend the break to October 21 for Govardhan Puja. The confusion arises due to state-specific calendars and local observances. Parents and students are advised to check with their respective schools for the exact schedule, as some institutions may follow different timelines.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will stop issuing hard copy migration certificates for Class X and XII students from 2025. Instead, students will receive digital certificates via DigiLocker, accepted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for higher education admissions. During the transition period, hard copies can be requested through CBSE's Duplicate Academic Document System. The new system eliminates fees for migration certificates and aims to simplify certificate access and verification.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the practical exam schedule for Classes 10 and 12 in winter-bound schools for the 2025–26 session. As per the circular, practical, project, and internal assessments will be held from November 6 to December 6, 2025. The schedule applies only to winter-bound schools; others will follow later dates.

Delhi University’s Ambedkar College witnessed an alleged assault when DUSU joint secretary Deepika Jha and ABVP members slapped professor Sujit Kumar, convenor of the college disciplinary committee, during duty. Teachers’ bodies, including DUTA and DTF, condemned the attack, calling for an immediate inquiry. Jha claimed provocation, while experts criticized ABVP’s repeated campus violence and urged strict action.

Harvard Crimson joined 43 college newspapers in an amicus brief supporting Stanford’s lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s targeting of international students for political speech. Visa revocations and arrests of pro-Palestine students sparked fears, causing self-censorship in campus media. The case highlights conflicts between First Amendment protections, student press freedom, and federal immigration authority, with nationwide implications for journalism and noncitizen rights.

OPSC OCS Prelims 2024 answer key: The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Preliminary Examination 2024 on opsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the key and raise objections until October 22. The exam, held on October 12, fills 200 vacancies across state services. After reviewing objections, OPSC will finalise the answer key. Detailed instructions for downloading and objection submission are available on the official website.

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s layoffs in the Education Department’s special education division amid the US government shutdown. The order pauses dismissals affecting nearly 500 staff, including those overseeing IDEA funding. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said special education funding remains intact, while unions and the court prepare for ongoing legal battles. The next hearing is expected within two weeks.

The SSC has released the CGL Tier 1 2025 answer key on ssc.gov.in for 13.5 lakh candidates. Aspirants can download it using their credentials and raise challenges online with valid evidence. The provisional key helps gauge performance ahead of Tier 1 results, and top candidates will advance to Tier 2, a critical step toward India’s prestigious government positions.

Oklahoma rescinds a controversial Bible mandate in public schools, restoring local district discretion. New superintendent Lindel Fields reverses former policies under Ryan Walters, which required Bibles in classrooms and Biblical instruction for grades 5-12. The move addresses civil rights concerns, ongoing lawsuits, and misuse of taxpayer funds, signaling a broader reassessment of education policy and a return to constitutionally balanced classroom practices.

Indiana University fired Jim Rodenbush, director of student media, after he resisted censorship demands. The university ended the Indiana Daily Student’s print edition, citing financial difficulties and shifting focus to digital. Editors and legal experts accuse the university of censorship despite claims of editorial independence. The IDS will continue publishing online while print editions cease indefinitely, sparking ongoing debate about free speech and student media autonomy on campus.

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it unlawful and cost-prohibitive for businesses. The group argues the fee violates federal law and threatens US access to global talent. The move has sparked industry concern, with tech leaders warning it could stifle innovation and competitiveness.

USC has officially rejected US President Donald Trump's proposed funding compact, joining MIT and Brown University in declining the offer over concerns about academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The compact tied federal research funding to compliance with conservative-aligned policies, including restrictions on admissions, gender definitions, and campus structures. USC interim President Beong-Soo Kim cited the risk to free inquiry, stating the university could not support measures that undermine academic excellence and governance, as reported by the LA Times.

Harvard reported a $113 million deficit for fiscal year 2025, its first since 2020, despite an 11.9% growth in its $56.9 billion endowment. The shortfall stemmed mainly from federal research grant suspensions under the Trump administration, rising expenses, and new endowment taxes. Although investment returns remain strong, these challenges highlight deeper financial risks and uncertainties for the university’s future funding stability.

John Bolton, former national security adviser under Donald Trump, has been indicted on 18 counts for allegedly mishandling classified information. Prosecutors claim he stored top-secret files at home and shared sensitive diary-style notes with relatives, some later exposed in a hack tied to Iran. Bolton denies wrongdoing, calling the charges politically motivated amid heightened Washington tensions.

US universities are facing mounting pressure to prove their return on investment (ROI) as tuition costs rise and job market conditions worsen. New data shows that while many degrees still offer financial returns, outcomes vary widely by state and subject. With declining public trust and new state and federal accountability measures, universities are adapting by lowering tuition, adjusting courses, and focusing on job readiness. Students are increasingly driving this shift with employment outcomes top of mind.

New York City Public Schools have sued the US Education Department over $47 million in grant cuts tied to transgender inclusion policies. The lawsuit argues that the city’s practices comply with Title IX and state laws, while federal officials claim they violate female students’ rights. The case could redefine how transgender protections are enforced in schools nationwide.

Canadian universities are navigating a financial transformation shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving research priorities, and dependence on international student tuition. A Statistics Canada study (2025) shows larger research-focused institutions are more resilient, while smaller universities face revenue challenges. Strategic measures, including boosting domestic enrollment, industry partnerships, and digital infrastructure, are guiding institutions toward long-term financial stability amid new federal policies.