Latest news with #TOEFL
New Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
YSRCP leader Jagan Reddy demands free re-evaluation of SSC exams, urges action against HRD Minister Lokesh
VIJAYAWADA: YSRCP president and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy lambasted the TDP-led NDA government over irregularities surfaced in the evaluation of recently announced SSC examinations. Demanding free re-evaluation of answer sheets and a pause on admission to institutions based on SSC results, he sought action against everyone responsible, including HRD Minister Lokesh. Accusing the government of failing to evaluate answer sheets properly and ensure transparent results, impacting 6.14 lakh students, Jagan, in a post on the social media platform 'X', pointed out that errors led to lost admission opportunities in institutions like IIIT and Gurukul Junior Colleges. He also alleged that the current dispensation has rolled back the educational reforms introduced by his government, including Nadu-Nedu (school infrastructure), Amma Vodi (financial aid to mothers), English-medium education, TOEFL classes from Class 3, and CBSE/IB curricula, harming the students' global competitiveness. The issue has sparked outrage online, with users sharing stories of students losing IIIT seats due to evaluation errors.
New Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Minister Lokesh slams former CM Jagan over education system failures, SSC exam issues
VIJAYAWADA: HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of damaging the State's education system during his five-year tenure. In response to his allegations over discrepancies in SSC examination evaluations, Lokesh said the current government achieved 99.75% accuracy and maintained full transparency, unlike the previous regime. Citing the fallout of past policies, Lokesh said more than 12 lakh students shifted from government to private schools due to poor decisions, including the rushed implementation of the CBSE curriculum in 1,000 schools without adequate teacher training. '90% of students failed when we assessed their readiness after taking charge. For girls, failing Class 10 often means the end of their education,' he said, defending the rollback of the CBSE model. He also criticised Jagan for wasting Rs 5 crore on an unimplemented IB curriculum plan and leaving Rs 4,500 crore in fee reimbursement arrears. 'From eggs to textbooks, bills worth Rs 1,000 crore were unpaid. You called it reform without teachers who could even pronounce TOEFL,' Lokesh quipped.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
NEET UG: 26th Russian Education Fair held in Delhi; main focus on medical education
The Russian Centre for Science and Culture, in collaboration with Rus-Education, hosted the 26th Russian Education Fair in New Delhi on Saturday. The event primarily highlighted opportunities in medical education in Russia and featured representatives from 10 leading Russian universities offering undergraduate courses in medical sciences (MBBS). The event saw representation from prominent Russian universities, including Orenburg State Medical University, Perm State Medical University, BB Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University, Pskov State University, and Mari State University, among others. From AI-based identification to simpler registration process: ETS to introduce changes in TOEFL Earlier this month, the Russian Education Fair was held in Mumbai, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Patna, Ahmedabad, and Indore. The fair will next be hosted in Chandigarh and then in Jaipur. Speaking at the event, Dr Elena Remizova, Director, Russian House in New Delhi, said: 'Education is one of the strongest pillars of Indo-Russian cooperation. Through initiatives like the Russian Education Fair, we aim to empower Indian students with access to world-class universities in Russia.' Delegates from these select universities interacted with students, sharing insights into the admission process, course structure, academic programs offered, along with support facilities such as infrastructure, hostel facilities, and overall student life in Russia. Speaking to the the vice chancellor of Mari State University explained that there is no blanket cap on admissions for Indian students in Russian universities, unlike in several Western countries where restrictive immigration policies and admission limits are impacting international student intake. 'The Russian Federation will make every effort to accept everyone and guarantee them a decent education,' she said, while emphasising that quality assurance must go hand-in-hand with expanding access. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the number of Indian students in Russia increased from 19,784 in 2022 to 23,503 in 2023 and further to 31,444 in 2024, reflecting a steady rise in enrolments, particularly in medical education. Responding to questions about the increasing attractiveness of Russia as an alternative destination, the vice chancellor said that while other countries are tightening their immigration and education policies, Russia is choosing a more open path. 'We are not looking at limiting the number of seats,' she noted. Instead, the Russian government and universities are actively working to increase the number of seats for Indian students, especially in medical programs. However, this expansion, she cautioned, is not without checks. 'We have to guarantee the quality of medical education that we are providing to Indian students,' she added. This is crucial because many Indian students pursuing MBBS in Russia eventually sit for India's licensing examination, which determines their eligibility to practice back home. He added that Russian universities are not only focusing on completing the curriculum but also preparing students specifically for the Indian licensing exams. She acknowledged that reducing seat availability might be an easier route, but maintaining and improving educational standards while expanding capacity is the more challenging and more important path. 'To increase the number of seats and to maintain that quality of education that the universities have a legacy of, it is a more difficult thing, and we are taking all the measures,' she said. The vice chancellor revealed that last year, around 34,000 Indian students travelled to Russia for higher education – the vast majority of them for medical studies. 'Ninety-nine per cent students travel for medical courses only, because for engineering and other courses there is not such demand,' she explained. This demand stems from the imbalance in India's own medical education system, where around 24-25 lakh students appear for the NEET exam every year, but only about 1 lakh MBBS seats are available across both government and private institutions. Looking ahead, Russian universities are preparing to accommodate over 40,000 Indian students in medical programs this year alone. When asked about the factors attracting Indian students to Russia, the vice chancellor pointed to a blend of historical, economic, and cultural reasons. 'The first aspect is the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries,' she said, noting that the first Indian student went to Russia in 1948, and the first medical student followed in 1968. This continuity, she added, has ensured that geopolitical or political disturbances have never disrupted the educational journeys of Indian students in Russia, a key concern for families when choosing a destination. Secondly, affordability is a major draw. In India, private medical education can cost over Rs 1 crore, whereas in Russian universities, the entire six-year MBBS course costs between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 45 lakh, making it far more accessible. In addition, many Russian universities have adapted their infrastructure to cater specifically to Indian students. 'There are separate hostels for Indian students, separate arrangements for boys and girls as per the requirements of the parents here,' she said. Facilities such as Indian mess, departments for cultural adaptation, and special safety protocols – including 24-hour CCTV surveillance and police patrolling make Indian students and their families feel more at ease. Lastly, the global recognition of Russian medical degrees means that graduates can pursue careers not just in India but also in countries like the US and the UK. When asked whether there is a fixed cap on the number of Indian students each university can admit, the vice chancellor stated that individual universities set their own intake limits based on available infrastructure and teaching staff. 'Some universities have 500 seats, some universities have 200 seats,' she said. The vice chancellor also mentioned that a new university has entered the Russian-Indian education market this year, starting with an initial intake of 100 Indian students to test its facilities and systems. 'Universities have their own set of guidelines according to which they prescribe the number of students they can take,' she concluded.
India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
TOEFL to offer AI-based ID checks, adaptive testing from 2025
Starting next year, the TOEFL test will become more personalised. It will adjust in real time based on how a student performs, thanks to a new multi-stage adaptive design for the reading and listening sections launching in means the questions will change depending on the test taker's skill level, making the test fairer and more ID VERIFICATION AND EASIER REGISTRATIONFrom May 2025, the TOEFL home edition will get a fresh update to make test-taking smoother. One key change is AI-assisted identity verification called ENTRUST. This will reduce check-in problems and speed up the process. Alongside this, the registration and test-day steps will be simplified to help reduce stress and make things easier for SCORING SYSTEM ALIGNED WITH CEFRIn addition to the familiar 0-120 score, TOEFL will introduce a new banded score scale from 1 to 6. Both scores will appear on the new score aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which makes it easier for schools and employers to understand language SHORTER TEST EXPERIENCEETS has been updating TOEFL since 2023. They cut down the test time from three hours to under two and started showing the official score release date right after the goal is to create a less stressful, more efficient experience for test takers TOEFL test is accepted by over 12,000 institutions in 160+ countries. It's especially popular in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, where 98% of universities recognise it. These updates by ETS aim to keep TOEFL modern and user-friendly in a changing world.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Top Medical Courses & Destinations for Indian Students
Are you exploring options to study abroad after 12th medical? With intense competition and limited seats in Indian medical colleges, thousands of Indian students are now choosing to pursue medical courses in abroad destinations such as the USA, UK, Australia and Europe. This blog covers the best medical courses after 12th in abroad, top countries, eligibility criteria and how MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad, along with US and UK medical education consultancy services, can guide your career path. Pursuing medical abroad after 12th provides numerous advantages: Global recognition from medical councils like NMC, ECFMG, WHO and GMC (UK) Cost-effective MBBS options in countries like Russia, Georgia and the Philippines Access to modern infrastructure and clinical exposure NEET qualification is sufficient in many destinations no extra entrance exams Medical education in the USA follows a different structure: In the USA, medical degrees are postgraduate (MD) programs After 12th, students need to complete a 4-year pre-med program They must clear the MCAT exam to get into a medical school Popular pre-med undergraduate majors: Biology Chemistry Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience While the route is longer, US-trained doctors are globally respected. A professional US medical education consultancy can help streamline this path by assisting with university selection, MCAT prep, visa support and scholarships. Medical courses after 12th in Australia offer direct entry into prestigious universities: Bachelor of Physiotherapy MBBS or Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) Bachelor of Nursing Eligibility: Class 12 (with PCB stream) English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) Some universities require UCAT ANZ or ISAT Australian degrees are widely accepted in the UK, India and Southeast Asia. Australia medical education consultancy can help you apply to top medical universities in Australia with clarity on entrance tests, timelines and visa formalities. The UK is a globally trusted destination for medical education: Direct-entry programs such as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) are available Duration: Typically 5–6 years including foundation training Recognized by General Medical Council (GMC) and NMC Entry Requirements: Class 12 with PCB UKCAT (UCAT) or BMAT entrance exams IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency A dedicated UK medical education consultancy can help students understand UK university guidelines, clinical internship structures and the PLAB licensing exam required for practice. Besides the USA, UK and Australia, students can explore options in: MBBS in Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and the Philippines BSc Nursing in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand Pharmacy, Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine in Europe These courses are both affordable and career-oriented, often without the cutthroat competition found in Indian entrance systems. Pursuing an MBBS degree abroad can be a complex journey, especially for students unfamiliar with international education systems. Trusted MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad play a crucial role in simplifying this process and ensuring a smooth transition to your dream medical school. Firstly, these Overseas Education Consultant help students choose the right universities that are recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission) and the WHO. This ensures that the medical degree earned abroad is valid and accepted in India and internationally, allowing students to practice medicine without hurdles upon their return. The best education consultants in Ahmedabad provide end-to-end support throughout the entire application process. From preparing and submitting the university application to managing necessary documentation such as transcripts, recommendation letters and passport details, they handle every detail meticulously. They also assist with the visa filing process and sop assistance , helping students navigate the often complicated visa requirements and paperwork efficiently. Preparing for mandatory exams like and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and English proficiency tests like IELTS ,TOEFL and can be daunting. Consultants offer guidance and resources to help students meet these requirements confidently. Cost is another significant factor. These experts provide detailed cost comparisons for different universities and countries, helping students and their families make informed financial decisions. They also assist with practical aspects such as accommodation arrangements and travel planning, reducing stress and saving time. For specialized destinations like the USA and UK, dedicated education consultants in Ahmedabad offer country-specific guidance. They help students navigate unique admission requirements, entrance exams such as the MCAT or UKCAT and licensing procedures. This personalized support greatly enhances a student's chances of success and smooth transition abroad. Overall, MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad act as knowledgeable mentors, simplifying a complex process and enabling students to pursue quality medical education overseas confidently. Studying medical courses after 12th in the USA, UK, Australia, or other countries offers excellent global opportunities. With expert guidance from MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad, along with professional support from US and UK medical education consultancy services, your dream of becoming a globally recognized medical professional is well within reach. Need step-by-step support to study medicine abroad after 12th? Contact trusted MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad and get connected to experienced US and UK medical education consultancy teams today! Name: Medibridge Education Consultants Phone NO: +91 98790 26668 Email: info@ Website: Address:7B, 7th Floor, Suryarath Complex,B/H. White House, 1st Lane Panchvati,Off. CG Road,Gulbai Tekra Road Ahmedabad (380006), Gujarat 1. Which country is best for medical study after 12th? Ans:Top countries include the USA, UK, Australia, Russia and the Philippines. These offer quality education, global recognition and clinical exposure. 2. Which course is best after 12 abroad? ANs:MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing and Biomedical Sciences are among the best medical courses abroad after 12th, offering strong career prospects. 3. How can I study medical abroad after 12th? Ans:Qualify NEET, choose an NMC-approved university, apply with required documents (12th marks, IELTS/TOEFL) and secure a student visa with guidance from trusted abroad education consultants. 4. Which medical course is best to study abroad? Ans:MBBS is the most popular medical course abroad due to global recognition and career scope. Alternatives include BDS, Nursing and Physiotherapy, depending on your interest. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
