Times of India

A Chinese philosophy student with a valid US visa and scholarship was detained, interrogated, and deported upon arrival in Texas, despite previously studying in the US without issue. He was banned from re-entry for five years, with no clear reason provided. The Chinese Embassy reported similar cases and criticised the US for discriminatory treatment. President Trump’s recent statements appear to conflict with such enforcement actions, raising concerns over policy consistency, as reported by the Associated Press.

Harvard University's Economics program is academically strong. It offers great career opportunities. Tuition fees are about $56,550 for 2024-2025. Living costs add $26,316 yearly. Total annual expenses reach around $82,866. Harvard provides need-based financial aid. This makes education accessible. A Harvard degree offers long-term career benefits. Graduates find jobs in finance and policy.

The University of Chicago is implementing $100 million in budget cuts due to a $288 million deficit, impacting faculty hiring, PhD program admissions, and research funding. These measures aim to address slowed federal funding, potential enrollment declines, and rising costs. Despite the reductions, the university plans to grow undergraduate enrollment and maintain academic quality through strategic adjustments.

North Dakota is set to introduce public charter schools by 2026-27. This follows the passage of Senate Bill 2241. These schools will be tuition-free and adhere to state standards. Funding will follow students, averaging $8,360 per student. The Department of Public Instruction is developing the application process. Existing public schools can convert to charter status with parental approval.

Growing hostility towards the H-1B visa program in the U.S. is evolving into a politically charged attack, threatening Indian professionals' livelihoods. Rhetoric from figures like Governor DeSantis and others frames Indian workers as threats, fueling anti-immigrant sentiment and discriminatory practices. This environment creates uncertainty for Indian students and professionals seeking opportunities in the U.S. technology sector.

Academic stress is a common problem for students. Artificial Intelligence offers solutions. AI tools create personalized study plans. They also help with note-taking and homework. AI flashcards make revision easier. Time management apps prevent burnout. AI writing assistants improve assignments. Some AI tools even support mental well-being. These hacks help students study smarter and reduce stress.

US schools are increasingly using AI to enhance learning and ease teacher workloads, but must adhere to federal guidelines emphasizing privacy, equity, and human oversight. Many states are developing AI frameworks, creating a complex regulatory landscape. While AI assists with lesson planning and personalized tutoring, schools are addressing challenges like bias and over-reliance through comprehensive policies and training.

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans' education system in 2005, leading to a charter-based model that displaced thousands of Black educators. Now, two decades later, initiatives are underway to rehire Black teachers, aiming to restore representation and improve student outcomes. This effort highlights the importance of equity and cultural continuity in education reform.

New York City's Department of Education is set to spend a record $42,168 per student in 2025-26, leading the nation in per-pupil expenditure. This substantial investment, driven by new state mandates and staffing requirements, aims to improve educational outcomes. However, the city faces scrutiny to ensure student performance aligns with this unprecedented level of funding.

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has announced the Group 1 Preliminary Examination 2025 results, held on June 15, 2025, on its official website. A total of 1,843 candidates have been shortlisted for the Main Examination. Shortlisted candidates must upload documents between September 3 and 12, 2025, and pay ₹200.

The Princeton Review’s latest rankings reveal the 10 private U.S. colleges offering the best return on investment (ROI). Institutions like Princeton, MIT, and Stanford top the list thanks to generous financial aid and high post-graduation earnings. Despite steep sticker prices, strong aid packages and no-loan policies ensure these elite schools provide exceptional value and long-term career outcomes for students.

A Bengaluru international school's ₹7.35 lakh annual fee for Grade 1 has ignited a debate on affordability and access to quality education. The viral fee structure sparked outrage, with many questioning if even high-income families can afford such costs. This controversy highlights the growing disparity in education expenses, raising concerns about whether quality education is becoming a luxury in India.

Back-to-school shopping has become a $39.4 billion ritual, but rising inflation and new tariffs are squeezing parents harder than ever. Families are planning earlier, relying more on credit, and bargain-hunting at discount retailers. While overall spending rises slightly, per-child spending continues to fall, reflecting higher prices and hidden costs like extracurriculars that push household budgets to the limit.

India's booming AI industry faces a critical talent shortage, with only one qualified engineer available for every ten Generative AI job openings. This scarcity drives salaries sky-high, particularly in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Tier-2 cities are emerging as tech hubs, fostering greater inclusion and offering new opportunities, but urgent upskilling is needed to sustain India's digital growth.

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has confirmed the 71st Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) Prelims 2025 will be held on September 13, 2025, dismissing postponement rumors. Vacancies for the 71st CCE have been revised to 1,264, including 14 DSP posts. Additionally, BPSC has announced the Assistant Education Development Officer (AEDO) recruitment 2025, offering 935 positions.

The Allahabad High Court has quashed Uttar Pradesh government orders that pushed reservation beyond 79% in four district medical colleges, terming it a violation of the 50% cap. Acting on a petition by NEET candidate Sabra Ahmed, the court directed the state to re-fill seats as per the Reservation Act, 2006, and follow due legal procedure.

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will begin KSET 2025 registration on September 1 at 11 AM via cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates can apply until September 18, with fee payment due by September 19. The KSET exam for Assistant Professor eligibility is scheduled on November 2, 2025. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).

CBSE has launched a nationwide initiative inviting students of Classes IX–XII to participate in podcasts and social media platforms like YouTube. Through videos, audio clips, and testimonials, students can share their voices on academic and personal matters. Schools can nominate students within 10 days via a Google form. The program aims to enhance communication, confidence, and digital engagement.

For the first time, IITs have admitted more students than their sanctioned capacity in 2025. Against 18,160 seats, 18,188 were allotted through JoSAA to minimise vacancies. IIT Bombay, Delhi, Kharagpur, and Kanpur exceeded intake, highlighting both demand and infrastructure challenges. With government-backed expansion and rising female representation, IITs continue to operate at, and beyond, their capacity.

India’s school enrolment has hit a seven-year low at 24.68 crore in 2024–25, driven mainly by a falling birth rate and shrinking primary cohorts, UDISE+ data shows. While government schools lost 59 lakh students, private schools gained almost the same. Dropout rates fell, but southern states with low fertility saw sharper declines, underscoring India’s demographic and educational shift.