We bring you to current updates from the dynamic education sector in India for the month of May 2014.
This market intelligence is put together to provide a gist of the ongoings in the education sector in India.

1. Higher education poised for a turnaround
The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) approval of setting up of 98 community colleges across India seems to have come at the right time. However, the real question is, will these community colleges change the face of higher education in India? Sector specialists speak about the need for such colleges as they propose to ease placement as well as produce ‘industry-ready’ students, among other advantages.

To know more, visit: www.dnaindia.com/pune/speak-up-pune-speak-up-higher-education-poised-for...

2. India will find its rightful global ranking of higher education institutions: President Pranab Mukherjee
President Pranab Mukherjee has expressed confidence that India will sooner than later find its rightful place in the global ranking of higher education institutions. The president made the above remarks while addressing a delegation from QS, ICAA, British Council, FICCI and KPMG. Mukherjee expressed happiness that efforts are bearing fruit with the number of Indian institutions in the new Asian Universities Ranking.

To know more, visit: www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/india-will-find-its-rightful-...

3. Why more Indian students are opting for online courses
A number of factors are contributing to a rise in demand for online learning that is offered by a number of new startup ventures. Companies like Edureka, handa ka funda and Jigsaw Academy which offer online learning use a combination of live interactive sessions, animation to explain a subject, as well as flexible schedules and constant feedback. "We have seen tremendous response to online education," said Jigsaw Academy co-founder Gaurav Vohra.

To know more, visit: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Tech/Jobs/Why-more-Indian-students-are-o...

4. Need for affordable medical services driving students to develop healthcare applications in India
The need for affordable medical services and a growing market for tech-based applications are driving students to develop healthcare applications in India. Over a dozen campus start-ups that topped various industry contests this year are breaking new ground in medical technologies.

To know more, visit: www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/...

5. Students ‘positive’ about transnational HE despite high cost
According to a recent data from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, there are now more international students taking degrees offered by English universities in their home country than there are studying in England - with 545,000 students registered on TNE courses in 2012-13. TNE is viewed by students as a way of developing their professional skills and furthering their careers, according to the research, with 72 per cent believing such programmes offer good value for money, despite often costing more than local alternatives.

To know more, visit: www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/students-positive-about-transnationa...

6. Polytechnics in State Await Central Nod
The State Government has requested the Centre to accord approval to nine polytechnics to start functioning from 2014-15 academic year as the buildings have already been completed. In a letter, Chief Secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra has requested to accord approval to the polytechnics at the earliest. The polytechnics are located at Jajpur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Puri, Angul, Bargarh, Boudh, Koraput and Nayagarh. The MHRD had proposed to set up 22 Government polytechnics in the under-served and uncovered districts of the State under the scheme of ‘Submission on Polytechnic’.

To know more, visit: www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/9-Polytechnics-in-State-Await-Cen...

7. Double-degree edge to IIM-Calcutta students
To give an edge to its students in today's world of fierce competition, the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C) has started tying up with global majors in business education for double degree partnerships. From this year, the institute will send students to selected B-schools in Europe, where they will spend an equal number of terms of study as they will on the Joka campus. A double degree is quite novel and different from a 'dual degree'

To know more, visit: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/Double-degree-edge-t...