AI’s Increased Role in Examinations in 2025
Schools, universities, 5th-8th exams, free uniforms will be implemented in the new year
Pune:In the coming year, there will be significant developments in the education sector, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in exams, implementation of free uniforms, and a variety of other educational reforms across schools and universities.
In 2024, the education sector saw numerous new decisions, some of which stirred controversy, while others, like the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), were positively embraced. The State Examination Board, for the first time, utilized AI technology in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), conducting the exam in a highly efficient manner. Authorities have indicated that AI will likely be used in board exams like 10th and 12th in 2025.
Focus on Holistic Education
The NEP mandates that school education will include three years of pre-primary education, bringing kindergartens, private schools, and Anganwadis under the control of the education system. In 2025, the Vidya Authority will develop a curriculum for pre-primary education, ensuring standardization.
Cluster Universities in Pune
The state government has approved the establishment of cluster universities, with institutions in Pune preparing proposals for such universities. For example, Maharashtra Education Society’s Garware College is collaborating with other colleges to create a cluster university.
Skill-Based Education
The Maharashtra State Skill University has launched a satellite campus in Pimpri Gurav, offering various technical courses such as BTech, MBA, and MTech. In the coming year, efforts will be made to expand these programs and introduce new courses focused on local industries.
New Degree Courses on the Horizon
As per the NEP, Savitribai Phule Pune University has developed a framework for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These new courses, approved by the state government, will be introduced in the 2025-26 academic year, offering fresh options to students.
Reducing Illiteracy Rates
The “Ullas Nav Bharat Saksharta” program, launched by the central government, is running from 2022 to 2027 to reduce illiteracy among people aged 15 and above. The program has already enrolled over 4.92 lakh illiterate individuals online, and even migrant workers involved in sugar mills will continue their education through this initiative.
Changes in Higher Education in 2025
- Annual Exams for Grades 5 and 8: Oral, practical, and written exams will be introduced for students in these grades. Students who fail will need to retake the exams.
- Integrated Textbooks: From 2nd to 8th grade, students will use textbooks that include pages for notebooks, developed by the Balbharati.
- Crackdown on Unauthorized Schools: Authorities will take action against unauthorized schools.
- National Credit Framework: The National Credit Framework will introduce credit divisions for schools and higher professional education. For a 4-year degree, students will need to complete 240 credits, and for postgraduate courses, 260 credits will be required.
- Complaint Redressal Mechanism: The responsibilities of grievance redressal committees and ombudsmen will be expanded to handle student complaints efficiently.
- Textbooks in Regional Languages: Textbooks in regional languages will be developed, allowing education in engineering and medical fields in native languages.
These changes are expected to shape the educational landscape in 2025 and beyond.
