Pondicherry University will be adding 15 new departments

India's fastest growing Pondicherry University has planned to add 15 more departments, taking the total to 55 departments. Pondicherry University will also be adding about 40 new Masters and PhD programme in 12th 5 years plan.

The vice-chancellor of the university, JAK Tareen has informed the media.

"After the addition of departments in the XII five year plan period, the total departments may touch 55 with 200 programmes" he said.

Pondicherry University has witnesses exponential increase in number aspirants from across the company for admission to Masters and PhD programmes

"The total number of students writing the entrance exams increased from 7900 in 2007 to 49,000 in 2012. Simultaneously, the student intake has also increased from about 900 to over 3500. The overall growth of the university has been 300 per cent on all fronts, which is itself a record in the country" Vice Chancellor JAK Tareen elaborated.

JIPMER signs MoU with University of Michigan, USA

Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA, on boost research projects at Pondicherry campus. University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA is providing USD 50,000 (Rs 30 lakh) and JIPMER will be contributing same amount for research projects.

Faculty is the lifeblood of a university: Pranab Mukherjee

President of India, Pranab Mukherjee while speaking at the Twenty Third annual convocation of Pondicherry University said "I was a teacher before I joined public life. I know how satisfying it is for a teacher to give students the joy of learning; to make them appreciate, reflect and differentiate the strands of thinking; to make them worthy and willing to shoulder responsibility,"

IIM Ahmedabad director likely to get 1 Crore package

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has planned to increase the yearly package of its Director to Rs 1 Crore, a five fold increase from Rs 20 lakh. The new package will help in attracting the best minds to head the institute. Board of Governors (BOG) have already made up their minds to give approval to increasing package hike. Samir Barua's term ended in November, 2012 but has been given extension till next director is appointed.

IITs to increase fees by 80% in 2013

Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) is all set to increase the yearly fees by 80% for undergraduate courses. The fees will be increased to RS 90,000 annually from Rs 50,000. The final decision will be taken by the IIT Council on Monday. This hike was recommended by IIT Standing Committee. A government panel has recommended to increase the fees to Rs 2 - 2.5 lacs yearly. HRD Ministry has supported the idea to increase the fees of IITs to match those of Indian Institute of Management (IIMs). IIMs presently charge around 3 times that of IITs.

Volkswagen‘s apprenticeship program in India

Volkswagen‘s Group has launched mechatronics apprenticeship program at Pune, India. The program will provide employability in production, maintenance, planning, quality assurance and research and development. According to John Chacko “ This will provide industry ready working force”. I feel it to be a great initiative that will help in bridging the Education Employ-ability gap and make students workable from day one of joining the company. More such programs should be launched by other companies to increase employment and practical knowledge of students.