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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
5 ways Indian regional languages secretly boost (or hurt) your IELTS performance
Photo: iStock Have you ever thought about why some IELTS candidates find the speaking section difficult, while others seem to find it easy (even if their grammar isn't fantastic)? The answer may lie not in the amount of English knowledge that one has, but rather, in the interference of one's first language. India has an incredible diversity of languages - there are over 120 major languages and 22 officially recognised languages but what many IELTS students do not consider is that their regional language may influence their English, positively or negatively! In an interview with TOI, Ritika Gupta, CEO and Counsellor at AAera Consultants, revealed how. 1. Pronunciation patterns : A hidden trap Photo: iStock Imagine a Tamil speaker saying 'World' as 'Vorld,' or a Bengali speaker turning ' Van' into 'Ban.' Sounds familiar? Many Indian languages lack certain English sounds. For example, because 'v' and 'w' are not a phonemic contrast in Hindi or Tamil, there may be some confusion when pronouncing these two sounds. This will negatively affect your IELTS Speaking score under the "Pronunciation" band descriptor and the "Fluency" band descriptor (or category). Tip: Use minimal pair exercises and listen to BBC or IELTS example interviews to train your ear. 2. Grammar transfer : A quiet saboteur Certain languages, including Punjabi or Gujarati, frequently have syntax that is very dissimilar to English. For example: Punjabi: 'He is individually market.' Correct English: 'He is going to the market.' This is because Punjabi, along with most Indian languages, does not include auxiliary verbs such as is, are, or has. If you are not careful, you will bring this structure into your IELTS with Writing or Speaking (which will lower your Grammatical Range and Accuracy). Tip: Think in English and not by translating. Use apps like Grammarly to reveal your language transfer errors. 3. Vocabulary advantage: English borrowings help Photo: iStock Here's the good news: India's colonial history and modern media culture mean most Indian languages borrow heavily from English. Terms such as 'hospital', 'mobile', 'school', 'government ', etc. continue to be common terms in Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada and even tribal languages, which provides students an advantage when it comes to vocabulary (particularly in the Listening and Reading components). Beware: The usage might differ. 'Preponed' is commonly used in India but doesn't exist in standard English! 4. Fluency boosters: Storytelling like a native speaker Urdu, Telugu and Bengali are some examples of languages where a strong oral tradition exists, with immense storytelling and poetry as well as expressive forms. Speakers of these languages often do better in the Speaking section if they can grasp the sequence of their ideas in English. The stories, descriptors and emotions that are often comfortably used lead to answers that sound natural and engaging. Tip: Practice mock interviews that include storytelling prompts like, 'Describe a time when' to take advantage of this potential storytelling strength. 5. Writing: Tone trouble In a number of Indian languages, the conveyance of formality is made differently from English. For example, English academic writing has passive voice, hedging such as 'it seems,' 'it is likely,' and a tentative tone. Many regional speakers direct too much or have too much emotion when they write, which affects their Task Response and Coherence. Tip: Read some IELTS Band 9 sample essays to see the format, but also realise the tone. Your regional language is not your weakness however, it is your linguistic fingerprint. The secret is to think about how it is impacting your English and then adjust to it. There are many study abroad consultancies that give guidance to students for the same. In time and with practice, you will learn to accommodate the idiosyncrasies and highlight the benefits of your first language such that it becomes not just your voice, it becomes your stronger voice.
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Business Standard
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
H-1B visa lottery may end: What this means for Indian techies, students
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to replace the current random lottery system for H-1B visas with a weighted selection process—one that could reshape how Indians study and work in America. In a filing to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs last Thursday, the DHS said it was considering a shift to a merit-based selection model. This would apply to the 85,000 capped H-1B visas issued each year, including 65,000 for regular applicants and 20,000 for those with advanced degrees from US institutions. The new process is still under review, and further details have not been released. But the move could have far-reaching effects for Indian professionals and students. The H-1B visa lottery is a random selection process used by the US government to choose applicants for the H-1B work visa when the number of applications exceeds the annual cap. Each year, there are 85,000 H-1B visas available—65,000 for regular applicants and 20,000 for those with US master's degree or higher. If applications exceed this limit (as they usually do), the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs a computerised lottery to decide who gets a chance to apply. Career choices shaped by visa outcomes 'It will almost certainly influence how Indian students and professionals plan their careers. If the system favours STEM roles, US degrees, or higher-paying jobs, we'll see a clear shift in demand toward certain academic paths, institutions, and employers,' Husain Tinwala, president, upGrad Rekrut, the staffing & recruitment arm of upGrad, told Business Standard. He added that early career decisions could be driven more by visa odds than personal ambition. In the 2023 financial year, around 191,000 H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals. That figure rose to roughly 207,000 in FY 2024, continuing a long-standing trend of Indian dominance in the programme. Entry-level STEM graduates may lose out The proposed change could also make things harder for fresh STEM graduates trying to build a long-term career in the US after their studies. 'Changes to the H-1B visa programme will create a weighted lottery favouring higher wages, advanced degrees, and elite 'permanent' employers. This will most likely make it much harder for fresh STEM graduates to climb the ladder for long-term work in the US after completing their degree programmes,' Ritika Gupta, CEO and counsellor, AAera Consultants told Business Standard. She explained that the current Optional Practical Training (OPT) pathway acts as a vital bridge, giving international students hands-on experience while they wait for their H-1B opportunity. 'Currently, OPT provides an invaluable platform allowing international graduates a chance to gain experiential learning while they wait for their H-1B chance. In the future, an entry-level candidate who is an international graduate from a US university may be treated unfairly when the lottery weights the permit toward advanced degrees, higher wages, and elite employers,' she said. Big firms may benefit, startups could lose out Some experts are concerned that a weighted selection could give large corporations an edge over startups and nonprofits. 'If the selection process prioritises employer size or wage levels, large corporations could dominate the pool. Startups and nonprofits—which often operate on lean budgets—may struggle to attract global talent,' said Tinwala. He warned that this could have long-term effects on innovation and diversity in the US workforce. The potential change may also push skilled Indians to explore other destinations. 'Canada and parts of Europe already offer more streamlined, merit-driven immigration systems. If the US process becomes harder to predict, highly skilled talent will simply go where they feel more welcome,' Tinwala said. 'We already see this reflected in the hiring patterns and career preferences of our candidates.' A wake-up call for Indian students Mamta Shekhawat, founder of study abroad platform said the proposal could reshape the way Indian students choose universities and courses. 'We have witnessed how one policy shift abroad can impact every aspect of Indian education,' Shekhawat told Business Standard. 'The recent signal from the DHS to replace the H-1B lottery with a weighted selection process is not just technical fine print: it is a life-changing lever for Indian students, especially those eyeing the world's largest tech job market,' she said. Giving an example, she added, 'A student deciding between a costly master's in data science at a US state school and a new AI/ML programme at IISc will now weigh not just tuition, but the odds of an H-1B. If the weighted system truly favours elite degrees and deep specialisation, IISc may suddenly become a smarter long-term bet.' She also pointed out that students from lesser-known Indian colleges, once attracted to the randomness of the current system, might now opt for upskilling through Indian certifications and aim for multinationals building R\&D centres in India. 'We believe, in this new era, the calculus of worthwhile education and secure employment is being rewritten. Indian students are becoming more strategic, institutions more globally aware, and employers more selective,' Shekhawat said. Growing support for reform in the US Some observers in the US believe the current lottery-based system is no longer fit for purpose. 'The H-1B is the primary way through which the United States attracts high-skilled immigrants. That it is randomly allocated (among eligible applicants) is insane. America deserves better,' Connor O'Brien, research analyst at the Economic Innovation Group said in a social media post. He argued on social media that giving away H-1B visas randomly was a wasted opportunity. 'Eliminating the H-1B lottery in favour of a system that prioritises higher earners first is a no-brainer,' he said. Jeremy Neufeld, director of immigration policy at the Institute for Progress, a nonpartisan think tank, wrote in a January 2025 proposal by the IFP that the change could raise the programme's economic value without increasing the visa cap. 'Replacing the lottery could increase the economic value of the programme to the United States by 88%, equivalent to the effect on GDP of raising the cap by 75,000,' Neufeld wrote. He added that the current system discourages employers from targeting particularly talented candidates, as there is no guarantee they'll secure a visa. He estimated that US employers spend more than $1.9 billion each year on recruitment efforts for H-1B applicants who ultimately don't get selected. Call for clarity and fairness For now, the random lottery remains in place. But experts say that if the new system is adopted, transparency will be crucial. 'People need to know how the system works and what counts. If it feels like a black box or favours only a few, it will lose credibility fast,' said Tinwala. He added, 'That's why we emphasise outcome transparency with both candidates and recruiters—because trust drives long-term value. A well-designed system can reward skill and intent. But if it ends up privileging only power and money, it risks doing more harm than good.'
Time of India
21-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Step By Step Into Neglect: These CP Escalators Are Taking You Nowhere
1 2 New Delhi: Multiple escalators meant for pedestrian safety and convenience at busy junctions in the Connaught Place area and its outer circle don't function, despite repeated complaints from shopkeepers and the public. Following criticism some time back, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) fixed some escalators from the 22 units installed across Connaught Place that link subways to major roads. However, a significant number of the escalators continue to be out of order because of broken components and missing parts due to thefts. This causes inconvenience to office-goers, and many prefer to use zebra crossings instead of the subways. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi During a visit to the outer circle, TOI found escalators not working in M Block at Barakhamba Road, at the intersection of Kasturba Gandhi Marg and the outer circle, opposite the Gopaldas building, among other places. At the M Block market, no sweeping seemed to have taken place as waste had collected next to the out-of-order escalators and pedestrians were avoiding using it. "These escalators aim to dissuade people from crossing the roads haphazardly and allow smooth movement of traffic on the road. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo However, created by investing so much money, they are mostly non-operational," said Ritika Gupta, a pedestrian near M Block. The situation raises questions about maintenance and security upkeep of the NDMC, which claims to have installed hundreds of CCTV cameras and developed a control and command centre for the smooth management of its services. "These open or partly damaged escalators with no guards often become the hub for unwanted activities. Ideally, NDMC should have made arrangements or installed gates at the entrances of subways to keep these facilities safe at night. People, especially women commuters, avoid using them as they become deserted." NDMC officials stated that they do repair the units. "There are 22 escalators in the outer circle of Connaught Place, at five subways. At present, 13 are functional. While a comprehensive annual maintenance contract has been awarded to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) company, the replacement of damaged or stolen parts is not covered in the contract. The malfunctioning of the escalators is due to theft of parts or vandalism by miscreants. " Last year, the council also coordinated with the local police to check the theft of escalator items, carried out cleaning operations, and decided to depute security staff in three shifts for 75 days after the former NDMC vice chairman Satish Upadhyay made a visit to these sites. "To deal with the issue of theft of accessories, the civil engineering department has processed the case to cover all entrances and provide proper locking arrangements to avoid theft and damages," said the NDMC official. The officials added that these escalators were installed during 2010-11. As per the CPWD work manual, the prescribed life of escalators is 15 years, which is why the OEM firm has been directed to submit a detailed survey report of all the escalators as well. The council has also placed escalators in other locations across Lutyens' Delhi, apart from Connaught Place, and many times these are found non-operational too.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
CUET Subject Strategy: Why confidence and course fit matter more than popularity
'In CUET, it's not just about what most students choose — it's about what you can ace,' says a Delhi University aspirant. With CUET UG 2025 results now declared, the 2026 senior secondary batch of students is reassessing their subject choices for next year's exam. While popular subjects like Business Studies and English continue to dominate the full-score charts, a new trend is emerging—niche subjects, though less commonly chosen, are helping confident candidates gain a competitive edge. According to CUET UG 2024 data, Business Studies led with 2,098 students scoring a perfect 200, followed by Political Science (5,141 candidates) and English (1,683). In 2023, English had topped the list with 5,685 students scoring full marks. These mainstream subjects remain favourites due to large student pools and widely available resources. Interestingly, regional and less commonly opted subjects—such as Assamese, Mizo, Japanese, and German—had just one or two students scoring full marks. Though seemingly marginal, this points to a strategic opportunity for students aiming to stand out. Introduced in 2022, the CUET UG is held as an entrance test to shortlist candidates for admission to UG programmes at central universities across the country and other participating state universities. Candidates can choose a maximum of five subjects from a pool of 37 subjects (13 languages + 23 domain-specific subjects + one general aptitude test). The subjects are selected based on the eligibility criteria for a programme at a desired university. This year, only one student scored 100 percentile in four of five chosen subjects. Of the 13.54 lakh registered candidates, 10.71 lakh appeared for the exam. 'Many students are now waking up to the fact that niche subjects may offer an edge,' says an assistant professor at a central university in Assam. 'If a student is genuinely strong in a subject like Sanskrit or Persian, their chances of ranking high improve due to less saturation and more manageable competition,' the professor added. According to Karan Mehta, co-founder of Toprankers, a smaller test-taker pool doesn't guarantee a high percentile; it only changes the distribution dynamics. 'If you're among the top scorers in a niche subject, you might get a high percentile with less pressure. But if the test is tough or the pool is highly competent, even one incorrect answer can drastically lower your score. So, your percentile depends more on relative performance than just the number of test takers,' he added. However, as per Ritika Gupta, CEO and counsellor at AAera Consultants, for a niche CUET subject with a smaller number of test-takers, a student can certainly stand a better chance of attaining higher percentiles, as long as they perform well. Generally, with a smaller number of candidates, there is less spread in scores, which may favour a prepared candidate. 'This only holds if the student is capable of the subject. If a student does poorly, then the poor performance of a smaller number of candidates would become noticeable and could lead to a drastically lower percentile. It is worth noting that normalisation also benefits groups; therefore, the key remains performance. The more important thing for choosing a subject is the subject's relevance to the programme the student is seeking, as well as how confident the student feels with the content. Choosing just based on the lower number of test-takers should not be the priority,' she added. In CUET's normalised scoring pattern, how many people score high in a subject can directly impact percentile rankings. So, even though it might be easier to find resources for business studies or biology, scoring in these subjects can be more competitive. For Angad Arora, a humanities student from Chandigarh who took Punjabi as a language subject, the decision paid off. 'I was fluent in the language since childhood, but people discouraged me because it wasn't 'mainstream'. Turns out, I scored 200 — and it boosted my CUET percentile,' he says. Garima appeared for six subjects in CUET UG 2022 – English, Hindi, political science, geography, history and physical education. She got full marks in all the subjects and took admission in Political Science (Hons) at the Hindu College. She opines that if one is interested in niche subjects, it can be beneficial for the score card. 'It just boils down to one thing – which subjects you are confident in,' she added. However, teachers caution that niche subjects should be chosen only when a student is genuinely confident. Ramnath Kanakadandi, senior course director at T.I.M.E, opines that subjects should be selected based primarily on one's interest combined with the long-term prospects of the area. Competition is a factor to be considered, only after considering the earlier two parameters and only in an all things being equal kind of scenario, Kanakadandi added. 'If we make competition the primary factor, we run the risk of getting into subjects or courses that may not offer the benefits that we can otherwise get, based on our interest/ability,' he added. Before selecting your subjects for CUET, Garima added, it is extremely important to see the particular requirements for your desired course and University. Candidates will have to make sure that their combination of subjects satisfies those requirements. 'Taking niche subjects might give you a competitive edge but it needs to align with your overall goal too. For example, if you want to pursue a bachelors in Zoology from DU, you need to score marks in Biology, Chemistry and Physics with English only being a qualifying subject. In such scenarios, I would say there's not much scope for niche subjects. Hence, you'll have to work harder in your domain subjects. Have a clear understanding of the requirements of your desired course and dedicate your time and efforts accordingly,' she added. Moreover, limited takers for some subjects mean that a poor performance might have a sharper negative impact on percentile, since normalisation factors in the overall difficulty and cohort performance. With CUET opening doors to over 200 universities and changing the face of undergraduate admissions, subject selection has become more strategic than ever. Experts suggest that students should begin self-assessment early in Class 11, mapping their comfort zones and aligning their CUET subject choices accordingly. Mehta said subject selection is one of the most critical steps in CUET planning. He has asked the candidates to always begin by checking the subject requirements of target universities and programmes on the CUET information bulletin or university websites. Some programmes mandate specific subjects — Economics (Hons) often requires maths. 'Choose your subjects in a way that you keep multiple program options open including backups,' he added. Emphasising that ability should be a key factor when selecting subjects, a senior course director at T.I.M.E. noted that eligibility criteria vary across colleges. For instance, English is not a mandatory subject for many programmes. Even where it is required, each university and programme has its own CUET score cutoffs. While a high English score may help meet the cutoff for certain courses, a low overall score due to other subjects could still affect admission chances. The key to success in CUET lies in aligning subject choices with both your strengths and your academic goals. While niche subjects can offer a strategic edge by reducing competition, they should only be considered when they align with the eligibility criteria of your desired course and institution. For aspirants aiming for specific programmes like zoology or economics, prioritising core domain subjects is non-negotiable. Ultimately, whether you choose a popular or less conventional subject, the decision must be guided by confidence, clarity of purpose, and a deep understanding of university requirements. There has been a noticeable shift toward strategy-based subject selection. Earlier, students picked subjects based on boards or school teaching. Now, they are considering scoring potential, normalisation impact, and previous year college cut-offs. For example, many students are adding the General Aptitude Test and language subjects purely for college flexibility and backup options. Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
Hans India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Indian students turning to Oz as US tightens visa norms
Hyderabad: A growing number of Indian students aspiring to go abroad for higher studies are now choosing Australia over the United States (US) for their higher education, marking a significant shift in academic preferences of foreign-bound students. Education consultants attribute this trend to a combination of practical factors, including tightening of visa norms by the US and Canada. Growing uncertainty in the North American market is also playing a key role. Further, hassle-free visa policies, extended post-study work rights, lower tuition fees, quicker return on investment, and a safer, more affordable lifestyle in Australia, are turning the tide in Oz's favour. While the US has traditionally been the first choice for Indian students, they now say that visa uncertainties and limited work rights under the present Trump dispensation are pushing them to look elsewhere. In contrast, Australia's streamlined visa process and clear pathways to permanent residency are making it an increasingly attractive option. Students aspiring to go to the US have seen rising visa rejections, long delays, and uncertainty surrounding post-study work options, especially under the present dispensation. In contrast, those bound for Australia are seeing a relatively smoother visa process, access to world-renowned institutions, and attractive post-study work opportunities. 'Indian students are increasingly choosing Australia over the US due to several practical reasons. The US has seen rising visa rejections, long delays, and uncertainty surrounding post-study work options—especially under Trump. In contrast, Australia offers a smoother visa process, world-renowned institutions, and attractive post-study opportunities,' says Ritika Gupta, CEO of AAera Consultants Rathan Yarlagadda, CEO of Ascent Consulting Abroad Studies LLP, says 'Two of the most significant reasons are: the abundance of work opportunities during and after studies in Australia, and growing concerns over the possible removal of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US, along with the current atmosphere of confusion and misinformation from the US government.' Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students to stay and work for 2 to 6 years after graduation, depending on their field and location of study. This is a major draw compared to the US OPT programme, which offers just 1 to 3 years of work authorization, often followed by the complex and competitive H-1B process. According to Dilip Kumar N, Australian Migration Agent at Future in Australia, 'The shift is clear. Australia offers open work rights, faster ROI (return on investment) due to lower tuition fees, and fewer immigration hurdles. It's safer, especially for female students, and recent policy updates—like reduced work visa requirements and new scholarship schemes—are making it even more accessible.' Cost is another critical factor. Australian universities offer relatively lower tuition fees and require lower living expenses compared to US institutions. Students can also work part-time, which helps them manage finances more effectively. Shailandra, Director and Founder of ProgeoN Overseas Education, highlighted the growing appeal: 'Australia's globally ranked universities, multicultural environment, and strong research and career prospects make it the ideal choice. Students find the experience both enriching and financially manageable.' Renu Pandey, Managing Director of SRH Global Edu, summed it up: 'Australia offers academic excellence, career growth, and long-term settlement opportunities in one package. It's a balanced and forward-looking choice for students'.
