Times of India

The US labour market showed signs of cooling in August 2025, with just 22,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate steady at 4.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite widespread stagnation, health care and social assistance emerged as growth engines, adding hundreds of thousands of jobs over the year and offering a rare silver lining for job seekers.

Columbia University has emerged as the last Ivy League school to maintain a fully test-optional admissions policy, even as peers like Princeton and MIT reinstate SAT and ACT requirements. The policy, aimed at promoting equity and holistic evaluation, has sparked debate over fairness, academic preparedness, and access, highlighting the ongoing tension between traditional metrics and inclusive admissions practices.

The Trump administration has expanded the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education to all U.S. colleges, linking federal funding to bans on DEI initiatives and strict caps on international students. MIT rejected the proposal, citing academic principles, while other institutions remain cautious. Experts warn the compact could deepen funding divides and challenge campus autonomy nationwide.

The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has declared the results of the Clerkship Examination (Part I) 2023, with 89,821 candidates qualifying for Part II. The exam, held on November 16 and 17, 2024, across multiple centres, shortlists candidates for clerical roles in various state departments. Results are available on the official website, psc.wb.gov.in.

The pandemic disrupted foundational learning for US students, leaving grades 3–8 struggling in reading while math shows only modest improvement, according to NWEA. Experts stress that closing these gaps requires evidence-based strategies, technology-driven tools, and active engagement from teachers, policymakers, and communities. Strengthening literacy and numeracy, backed by targeted interventions, is critical to restore academic progress and prepare students for future success.

Maharashtra’s CET Cell has launched a strict verification drive after uncovering discrepancies in documents submitted for NEET-UG 2025 Round-3 admissions. Following a TNN investigation that revealed candidates holding seats elsewhere reappearing in the state merit list, 152 students have been asked to re-upload original documents by October 16. The move aims to curb seat-blocking and restore credibility in medical admissions.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to release the official notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2025, providing key details on eligibility, exam patterns, syllabus, and application procedures. Aspirants can access the notification on ctet.nic.in, download the PDF, and stay updated on dates, application corrections, admit cards, and exam schedules to secure this vital teaching certification.

The Kerala Excise and Prohibition Department has released the provisional shortlist for candidates eligible to appear in the Physical Measurement and Physical Efficiency Test for the post of Civil Excise Officer (Trainee) 2025 in Kannur District. Register numbers are listed numerically and do not indicate ranking. Candidates must now prepare for the next stage of selection.

A US appeals court upheld a Michigan school’s ban on ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ shirts, ruling that vulgarity outweighs political speech in schools. The phrase, a euphemism for an obscenity directed at President Biden, was deemed inappropriate despite claims of free speech violations. The court stressed maintaining decorum, while a dissenting judge argued the phrase was protected political expression. The decision highlights ongoing challenges balancing free speech and respectful conduct in schools.

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has opened applications for 113 Statistical Officer posts, starting October 28, 2025, with the deadline on November 26, 2025. Candidates with a second-class Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Commerce with Statistics, or M.Sc (Agriculture) Statistics are eligible. Applications must be submitted online via rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in, following the prescribed registration and payment process.

Alberta's teachers' strike enters its sixth day, impacting 740,000 students. Negotiations resumed between the government and the ATA, focusing on wages and overcrowded classrooms. Families are managing with online lessons and limited childcare support. Public opinion leans towards supporting teachers, with nearly 60% sympathizing with their cause amid ongoing disruptions.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the final results of the Junior Secretariat Assistant/Lower Division Clerk (JSA/LDC) LDCE 2024, held for recruitment to the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS). A total of 62 candidates were recommended, including 49 UR, 8 SC, 5 ST, and 6 PwBD candidates. Cut-offs ranged from 99.25 to 156.25, and results are provisional, pending document verification.

The Supreme Court has approved the UPSC’s decision to release provisional answer keys immediately after the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Candidates will now be allowed to raise objections before results are declared. This reform follows petitions by aspirants demanding transparency. The Court noted that the decision was made after careful deliberation. UPSC will finalise the keys through expert review, marking a significant shift from its previous policy of publishing answer keys after the entire exam cycle.

SSC constable recruitment 2025: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) closes applications today for over 1200 Constable and Head Constable vacancies in Delhi Police. Posts include Assistant Wireless Operator (AWO), Tele-Printer Operator (TPO), and Constable (Driver)-Male. Unreserved candidates must pay a Rs 100 fee; SC, ST, and Ex-servicemen are exempt. Fee payment closes on October 16, with application corrections allowed from October 23 to 25. The computer-based exam will take place in December 2025 or January 2026. Apply at ssc.gov.in now.

CBSE has opened a correction window for Class 10 and 12 students to review and update their List of Candidates (LOC) information. This is the final opportunity for students to ensure accuracy in personal details, subjects, and exam centre selections before final roll number certificates are issued. The online process is straightforward, requiring school verification for final approval.

Indian student enrolments in New Zealand have risen nearly 50% since 2023, driven by streamlined visa processes, extended work rights, and quality education aligned with skill shortages. Competitive tuition fees and government scholarships also attract students. Growth spans all education subsectors, with Private Training Establishments leading. Education New Zealand highlights this steady recovery as a sign of the country’s appeal as a study destination that supports student wellbeing and career pathways.

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission has announced 113 openings for Statistical Officers. Candidates with a Master's degree in Statistics or related fields can apply. The age limit is between 21 and 40 years. The selection involves a written exam and document verification. Applications open on October 28th via the RPSC website. This is a chance for a government career.

Renowned foreign-policy strategist Ashley J. Tellis, known for his expertise on US-India relations, faces charges for allegedly retaining classified national-defense documents. The case, involving over a thousand pages of sensitive records and alleged meetings with Chinese contacts, has cast a shadow over his distinguished career. Investigators are examining intent as his legacy is tested.

The CBSE Class 10 Mathematics exam for 2026 is scheduled for February 17. The Mathematics Standard paper lasts three hours with 80 marks and includes five sections comprising MCQs, short and long answer questions, and case studies. Sample question papers and marking schemes for both Mathematics Standard and Basic, including visually impaired versions, are available on the CBSE website. Calculators are not allowed, and neat diagrams are required.

Jharkhand Academic Council has released Class 10 and 12 compartment results for 2025, providing a crucial second chance for students. Those who took supplementary exams in August-September can now check their detailed scorecards online. The results include subject-wise marks and qualifying status, guiding students on their next academic steps.