We bring you the latest news update on the Indian education sector from last week.

HRD Ministry considering revival of 3 bills on higher education

The HRD Ministry is considering revival of three crucial bills on higher education. The Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010, Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Technical Educational Institutions, Medical Educational Institutions and University Bill, 2010 and The National Accreditation Regulatory Authority for Higher Educational Institutions Bill, 2010 are the bills to be examined. These legislations had lapsed with the end of the 15th Lok Sabha.
To read more: http://zeenews.india.com/news/delhi/hrd-ministry-considering-revival-of-...

Medical dreams soar on foreign shores

Even as the Medical Council of India (MCI) slashes the seat count at medical colleges to improve the standard of medical education in the country, students aspiring to become doctors have begun weighing options abroad to realize their dreams. While a significant number of students from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been pursuing medicine in China, Russia and other CIS countries, those from Bengal generally opt to study at home. That trend is undergoing a change with time
To read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Medical-dreams-soar-on-f...

Teenagers in mini-metros are more tech savvy

According to a recent survey, teenagers from mini-metros across India have increasingly been using social networking sites as compared to their counterparts in metros. 78.58% of youth in mini metros surveyed had a Facebook account as against 72.87% in metros and 75.73% on an all India basis. In terms of career interests, the findings showed that IT and Engineering were clearly preferred by the youth but media & entertainment were gaining ground.
To read more http://www.thehindu.com/business/teenagers-in-minimetros-are-more-tech-s...

Bridging the distance gap

Most students, according to surveys, prefer a mix of face-to-face and online education (blended), says Gard Titlestad, secretary general, International Council for Open and Distance Education. Open and distance learning (ODL) mode of education has grown exponentially in the last few years. Offering a range of conventional courses and even offbeat programmes, the ODL space is poised for further growth. Experts believe that technology, new methodologies and open education are making open, distance and online education popular. The expenses involved in higher education are also making the ODL mode more relevant.
To read more: http://www.hindustantimes.com/hteducation/chunk-ht-ui-hteducationsection...

First-year taught postgraduate student numbers 2007-13

Despite fears about a slow-down in international demand for UK university places, there were still more overseas students starting taught postgraduate courses in the UK in 2012-13 than in 2007-08, according to a report. But the opposite is true for home students.
To read more: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/first-year-taught-postgraduat...