Times of India

One in four young Americans, aged 16 to 24, cannot read beyond basic text — even as high school graduation rates rise. Data from the NCES and AIR reveal a sharp decline in literacy, fueled by poverty, pandemic disruptions, and systemic neglect. Behind the diplomas lies a crisis: a generation educated in name, but illiterate in practice.

Amid rising tuition, growing student debt, and a competitive job market, Americans are increasingly questioning whether a college degree is worth the cost. While most bachelor’s programs still offer a positive return on investment, outcomes vary widely by state, discipline, and institution. Colleges are responding with tuition adjustments, career-focused programs, and transparency initiatives to prove the enduring value of higher education.

Alberta’s teachers remain on strike, leaving over 700,000 students out of classrooms amid disputes over class sizes, support for special-needs students, and wages. A recent Angus Reid poll shows 58% of Albertans back teachers, reflecting frustration with the government’s management of public education. The strike highlights systemic shortcomings and growing public demand for meaningful reforms.

Princeton University will reinstate SAT and ACT requirements for the 2027–28 admissions cycle, ending its seven-year test-optional policy. The decision follows a review showing stronger academic performance among students who submitted scores. While standardized tests offer predictive insights and objective benchmarks, debates continue over fairness, access, and the role of testing in holistic college admissions.

In 2025, American professionals are rethinking salary priorities. Economic uncertainty, shrinking job openings, and rising layoffs have shifted focus from higher pay to job security, meaningful work, and personal well-being. Many are accepting lower-level roles or pay cuts, reflecting a cultural shift where stability, flexibility, and alignment with personal values now define career success more than compensation.

The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) released the official answer key for the Sub-Inspector (SI) Preliminary Examination 2025, held on October 12 for both Unarmed and Armed Branches. Available online for seven days, candidates must carefully verify their responses and can raise objections via email with supporting documents. The recruitment fills SI vacancies under the 2024 notification.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has postponed the NEET-SS 2025 exam from November 7-8 to December 27-28, 2025, with approval from the NMC and MoHFW. The Information Bulletin will be released soon on the official NBEMS website. Aspirants are advised to monitor updates closely, as the delay impacts preparation timelines for DM/MCh and DrNB Super Specialty courses.

As the U.S. tightens H-1B visa regulations, Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) emerges as a faster, more flexible alternative for skilled professionals. While the H-1B relies on caps and lotteries, GTS emphasizes speed, market-driven demand, and clear pathways to permanent residency, reshaping the global competition for talent and redefining North America’s innovation picture.

Managing children’s screen time has evolved from strict limits to mindful guidance. Experts emphasise quality, context, and co-use over mere duration, advocating collaborative rule-setting, digital safety education, and co-learning. By turning screens into shared learning tools, parents can foster creativity, emotional regulation, and digital literacy, helping children navigate technology safely while strengthening family bonds.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is expected to release the provisional answer key for the CGL Tier 1 Examination 2025 soon on ssc.gov.in. Over 13.5 lakh candidates appeared across 255 centres in 126 cities nationwide. Candidates can download the key, calculate their scores, and raise objections with supporting evidence before the final version determines Tier 2 qualification.

Princeton University will reinstate SAT or ACT requirements for undergraduate admissions from fall 2027, ending its seven-year test-optional policy. The move follows a review showing students who submitted test scores performed better academically. Other Ivy League universities—Harvard, Brown, Dartmouth, and UPenn—will also reinstate standardised testing by 2025. Columbia remains the only Ivy League institution permanently test-optional. Universities cite consistency, academic prediction, and fairness across diverse educational backgrounds as key reasons for the change.

The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has released the Winter 2025 Diploma Examination admit cards on its official website, msbte.ac.in. Candidates can download their hall tickets using their enrolment or seat number. The practical exams will run from October 28 to November 6, and theory exams from November 11 to December 3, with results expected by January 2026.

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has announced the MP SET 2025, inviting applications from aspiring educators statewide. Online registration opens October 25 and closes November 20, 2025, with a correction window until November 22. The examination is scheduled for January 11, 2026. Candidates can apply via mppsc.mp.gov.in by registering, submitting details, uploading documents, paying fees, and downloading the confirmation.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced six major changes for JEE Main, impacting exam pattern, marking scheme, eligibility, exam centres, tie-breaking rules, and syllabus. The registration window is opening soon, and aspirants must prepare accordingly. Key updates include removal of optional questions, negative marking for numerical questions, elimination of age limits, and fewer exam cities. The revised tie-breaking criteria focus on subject-wise scores and error ratios.

From Kerala to Uttar Pradesh, recent hijab-related controversies in Indian schools and colleges have reignited national debate over religious freedom and institutional dress codes. Incidents include students being barred from class, alleged coercion, and police involvement. These cases, spanning Kerala, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and UP, have prompted legal petitions, official inquiries, and public outcry. They highlight the ongoing tension between individual rights and uniform policies, with parents, educators, and authorities responding differently in each instance.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has announced recruitment for 391 Constable (General Duty) positions on a temporary basis. Applications are open from October 16 to November 4, 2025, for candidates aged 18-23 with Matriculation and specific sports achievements. This drive aims to enlist physically fit and skilled personnel.

Government job aspirants have a final chance to apply for five prominent positions across various institutions, with application deadlines closing today, October 16, 2025. Opportunities are available in healthcare, research, and engineering at organizations like IIT Kanpur, DHS, and NHM. Candidates are urged to review eligibility and submit applications promptly.

Indian students on F-1 OPT face SEVIS termination issues when H-1B petitions are withdrawn. Even with withdrawal before the start date, SEVIS can auto-terminate F-1 status, leaving students out of status. This highlights the need for careful coordination with DSOs and USCIS for timely record correction to maintain legal standing.

The CBSE Class 10 Science exam is scheduled for February 25, 2026. Students can access the official syllabus, marking scheme, and sample papers on cbse.gov.in to prepare effectively. The exam comprises 80 marks for theory and 20 for internal assessment, covering five key units. Practice with these resources to understand the pattern and boost scores.

UPPSC APO recruitment 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is closing the application window for the Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) Examination 2025 today. Interested candidates can apply online at uppsc.up.nic.in. The recruitment drive aims to fill 182 vacancies. Applicants must hold a Law degree and meet the specified age criteria. The last date for corrections is October 24, 2025. Application fees vary by category. Candidates should apply and review all details on the official website.