Published: Monday, July 21 2025
India’s education landscape is buzzing with policy shifts, cost concerns, and fresh learning opportunities. Today’s roundup breaks down:
- CBSE’s plan for a two-level science and maths system in Classes 11-12.
- Key dates and eligibility for the CLAT 2026 law entrance exam.
- A startling ₹1,700 crore was lost by Indian families to hidden international bank fees in 2024.
- Ten free online IIT courses in aerospace engineering are open for enrollment.
CBSE Proposes Two-Level Science & Maths for Classes 11-12
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is preparing to introduce basic and advanced tracks for science and mathematics in senior secondary classes. The initiative—an extension of the flexibility already offered in Class 10 mathematics—aims to let students align subject depth with career goals.
- Flexibility: Engineering-oriented students could opt for the advanced version, while those leaning toward humanities or commerce may choose the basic track.
- Stress Reduction: Tailored difficulty levels are expected to cut academic pressure and improve engagement.
- Implementation Needs: Schools would need updated textbooks, teacher training, and parallel timetables to run both tracks smoothly.
If approved, the reform will be phased in alongside other National Education Policy 2020 measures that emphasise choice and multidisciplinary learning.
CLAT 2026: Exam on December 7, Registration Opens August 1
The Consortium of National Law Universities has released the full timeline for CLAT 2026, the national entrance test for undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes.
Exam Date: Sunday, December 7 2025, 2 pm–4 pm, offline mode.
Registration Window: August 1 – October 31 2025.
Eligibility:
- UG: Class 12 pass with ≥45 percent (40 percent for reserved categories).
- PG: LLB degree with identical marks criteria.
- Fees: Last year’s fee stood at ₹4,000 for General/OBC and ₹3,500 for SC/ST/BPL; a similar structure is expected.
- Quality Push: The early schedule aims to restore confidence after CLAT 2025 faced Supreme Court criticism for question errors and prolonged counselling delays.
Aspirants are advised to track the official CLAT portal for detailed syllabus and pattern updates.
Hidden Bank Fees Cost Indian Students ₹1,700 Crore in 2024
A joint report by Wise and Redseer Strategy Consultants reveals that Indian families lost about ₹1,700 crore (US$200 million) in 2024 to opaque bank charges on overseas tuition and living-expense transfers.
- Exchange-Rate Markups: Traditional banks add 3 – 3.5 percent on currency conversion.
- Processing Delays: Transfers often take 2 – 5 working days, creating cash-flow stress for students.
- Shift to FinTech: Growing awareness is pushing learners toward low-fee, real-time digital platforms.
- Economic Scale: With outbound education remittances hitting ₹85,000 – ₹93,500 crore last year, hidden fees equate to nearly three times India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission budget.
The report underscores an urgent call for transparent pricing and faster settlement in cross-border student payments.
10 Free IIT Courses in Aerospace Engineering—Enrol by August 15
For learners fascinated by flight and space, the IITs have opened ten no-cost online courses via the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL). Highlights include:
- Introduction to Aerospace Engineering (IIT Bombay)
- Aircraft Design and Aeroplane Performance (IIT Bombay & IIT Kanpur)
- Design of Fixed-Wing UAVs and UAV Design – Part II (IIT Kanpur)
- Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics and Space Flight Mechanics (IIT Kanpur & IIT Kharagpur)
Key points:
- Enrollment Deadline: August 15 2025.
- Start Dates: Most courses begin in July 2025; exams span September-November.
- Cost: Learning materials are free; optional certification exams cost ~₹1,000.
These offerings are ideal for students, professionals, or hobbyists seeking a zero-tuition deep dive into aerospace fundamentals, propulsion, UAV design, and more.
