The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The University of Kashmir (KU) has postponed all the examinations scheduled to be held on September 17 and 18.

According to the news agency KNO, Assistant Controller of Examination at KU said that it will notify fresh date of exams separately.

“It is notified for the information of all concerned candidates that all the university examinations scheduled to be held on September 17 and September 18 have been postponed. Fresh dates shall be notified separately,” it reads.

PULWAMA — An air-conditioned reading hall, Bait-ul-Ilm, aimed at providing free study space for students preparing for competitive exams, was inaugurated on Saturday in Pulwama in the presence of prominent figures and local citizens.

Located opposite the old District Court Complex in Pulwama, the facility offers a range of amenities, including separate rest-rooms for male and female students, Wi-Fi, and a collection of books for various competitive exams such as NEET UG, NEET PG, JEE, NTA NET, JKSSB, and NDA. The reading hall is open 24/7 and welcomes students from the 10th standard onwards.

Omar Farooq, a resident of Pathan village in Pulwama and the philanthropist behind the initiative, said he was inspired to provide such a space for students and job-seekers in his hometown after witnessing similar facilities outside Jammu and Kashmir.

“There are no charges at all for using the facility. I wanted to create a conducive environment for the youth in my hometown to prepare for competitive exams,” Omar said.

The reading hall offers individual study stations, which can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. The initiative has been widely praised by local residents and students alike, who see it as a much-needed resource in the area.

SRINAGAR — The Parents Association of Private Schools Kashmir (PAPSK) expresses profound disappointment and dismay over the recent transport order issued by the Committee for Fixation & Regulation of Fee of Private Schools (FFRC) J&K.

A PAPSK spokesperson said that the order, mandating that private schools charge 50% of transport fees during winter vacations in Kashmir, is unacceptable and deeply unjust to the parents and guardians within our community.

He said that the winters in Kashmir are marked by a significant break in the school calendar, during which time all the private schools of Kashmir suspend their transport services.

“Given that these services are not utilized during this period, imposing a 50% transport fee is an undue burden on parents, who are already managing the financial strains of private education in Kashmir,” he said.

The rationale behind this decision appears to be disconnected from the realities faced by the parents, the spokesperson said.

He added, “We firmly believe that it is unreasonable to expect parents to pay for transport services that are not being provided. The financial implications of this order are significant, and enforcing it without regard for its impact on families is an injustice.”

SRINAGAR — Serious allegations have emerged against Kashmir University, accusing its administration of circumventing University Grants Commission (UGC) norms to accommodate temporary fellowship awardees as Associate Professors, potentially undermining the integrity of its recruitment process.

Multiple phone calls and emails received by the news agency KNT from concerned candidates and Assistant Professors in the J&K Higher Education Department claim that the university is making concerted efforts to place former Ramalingaswami and Ramanuja Fellows into Associate Professor roles without adhering to standard eligibility and screening procedures.

These fellows, who were initially funded through temporary fellowships from the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Science and Technology, reportedly continued to receive salaries equivalent to Assistant Professors from the university after their fellowship terms concluded.

In one particular email, the whistleblower alleges that these appointments were made without any eligibility checks, interviews, or public advertisements, directly contravening UGC regulations. To exacerbate the situation, the university administration is said to have issued illegal equivalence certificates. These certificates equate the temporary tenure of research fellows to that of permanent Assistant Professors, thereby making them eligible for promotion to Associate Professor positions.

In February 2024, Kashmir University advertised for Associate Professor positions and is currently in the process of screening applications. The issuance of these equivalence certificates appears to be a deliberate move to ensure the temporary fellows meet the criteria for these roles, potentially at the expense of long-serving, permanent faculty members who have worked across various colleges and universities in J&K.

“This foul play will affect the selection of genuine candidates who have worked hard as permanent faculty for years and have been transferred to all parts of J&K,” one of the candidates stated.

These accusations, if substantiated, represent a significant breach of UGC guidelines and raise serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the recruitment process at Kashmir University.

The aggrieved candidates are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure adherence to proper norms and to protect the interests of deserving candidates. "Ensuring transparency and fairness in academic appointments is essential to maintain trust and uphold the standards of higher education," the whistleblower stated.

When contacted by the news agency KNT for his comments on the allegations, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar of Kashmir University, categorically denied the allegations. "We have more than 10 Ramalingaswami Fellows who have a fellowship for five years. Some time back, the university had established norms to incorporate them into its establishment. This is a scheme that has already been implemented at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST)," he stated.

Prof. Iqbal clarified that none of the fellows have been formally incorporated into the university's establishment and are continuing with their temporary fellowships. He added, "Last year, we advertised some Associate Professor positions, which follow a set of UGC regulations concerning eligibility. The screening for these positions has yet to take place. Only once the screening occurs, will we determine each candidate's experience, research papers, publications, and overall eligibility."

SRINAGAR — In response to a persistent heatwave, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has ordered a temporary suspension of classwork for primary-level students across the region.

According to Order No. 200-DIVCOM2024, issued on July 28, 2024, all government and recognized private schools will halt classes for students up to the primary level on July 29 and 30. The decision comes in the wake of consistent calls to protect young children from the ongoing extreme temperatures.

Despite the suspension of classes for primary-level students, all teaching and non-teaching staff are required to continue their duties as usual.

The measure comes as the valley experiences an unusual and prolonged heatwave, raising concerns about the health and safety of school children.

Meanwhile, the divisional administration is monitoring the situation closely and said it will take necessary measures as warranted by the changing weather conditions.

SRINAGAR — The Divisional Administration Kashmir on Friday said that there was no possibility of re-announcing the summer vacations for the schools of the region.

According to the news agency KNO, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri told reporters that there were no possible plans for the government to re-announce the summer vacations for schools in the Kashmir region.

“We have already changed the school timing in schools of Kashmir region. Re-announcing the summer vacation is not possible for now,” he said.

Bidhuri further said that the administration will have to take care of minimum working academic days too.

“We have to complete the syllabus of the students within the timeframe and by announcing extra vacations, we won’t be able to complete it,” he said.

The Divisional Commissioner further said that the government was monitoring the weather situations and if required the administration would take a call accordingly.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed profound disappointment and concern on Friday regarding a recent directive from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The directive mandates PhD scholars who have completed five years of residency to vacate their hostel rooms, causing distress among scholars in the crucial stages of their research.

Zubair Reshi, Additional Spokesperson of the Association and a PhD scholar at AMU, voiced the concerns of the affected scholars. "Such a harsh directive has never been seen in the history of AMU," Reshi stated.

He pointed out that scholars have already lost approximately two years of research time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken a considerable mental toll. Reshi called for empathy and understanding from the administration towards the extended timelines that scholars now face.

AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon had instructed the vacating of various hostels during summer vacations. Over the past week, she has been inspecting hostels, while the Registrar and Proctor have sealed dozens of rooms in many halls, including SS North Hall. Scholars have urged that they be allowed to stay in the hostels until they submit their PhD theses.

Reshi emphasized the critical timing, as many scholars are now due for their oral examinations. He demanded that the hostel should not be vacated until these examinations were completed, noting that the decision would cause considerable inconvenience, particularly to female scholars.

Female students have reported relentless pressure from hall authorities to vacate their rooms, which is disrupting their academic work and deteriorating their mental health. Forcing female students out of the secure environment of university hostels without a clear plan for their accommodation and safety is both irresponsible and alarming, Reshi asserted.

The Association accused the university administration of failing to manage illegal accommodations, leading to this situation. Reshi added that vacating the hostels amid 50-degree temperatures poses severe hardships. "The administration is deliberately troubling the students," he said. "Where should students go after leaving the hostel?"

The Association also raised concerns about the safety and security of 1,500 J&K students, who are vulnerable and often face unique challenges. The directive to vacate hostels immediately, without any provision for alternative accommodations, has created an environment of anxiety and insecurity.

The Association urged the administration to consider these specific vulnerabilities and act in a manner that ensures the safety and well-being of all scholars.

SRINAGAR — Despite being properties of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, the control of two important universities of J&K is still with the government.

Waqf Board has repeatedly reiterated that both these universities and their affiliated colleges are their properties and they will take control of them, but to date, both universities are being fully controlled and regulated by the government.

These two universities in question are the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) at Awantipora and Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (BGSB) University in Rajouri.

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, as per the news agency KNT, came into existence by an Act of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly called the Jammu & Kashmir Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Act No. XVI of 2002.

The University is nurtured by the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Council. Land and all other assistance for its creation were offered by the Waqf Board.

Data reveals that over 200-250 kanals of land on which IUST has been set up was donated by the Waqf Board. Besides land, Waqf also donated Rs 44 crore for the creation of this university at Awantipora.

Ironically, the government kept both universities out of the control of the J&K Waqf Board.

In response to a question under the Right to Information Act about the control of these two universities, the Waqf has maintained silence.

An official from the Waqf Board on condition of anonymity said that both these universities are Waqf properties but for reasons better known to the then J&K Government, the Waqf Board was kept out and even it has no representation in both the boards of these universities. He, however, said that sooner or later, Waqf will take control of these universities.

KULGAM — The education sector in southern Kashmir's Kulgam district is struggling due to numerous vacant key positions, including the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO, and 16 Principals, among 170 posts, thereby impacting the quality of education in the district severely.

Figures accessed by the news agency KNO reveal that a position each of Chief Education Officer, Deputy CEO, 16 Principals, 124 Lecturers, 3 ZEOs, 4 ZPEOs, and 21 Headmasters are lying vacant in Kulgam district.

"The Chief Education Officer retired in May this year, and the CEO of Anantnag has been assigned the additional charge of CEO Kulgam. The position of Dy CEO Kulgam has been vacant for many years, with the DDO powers of Dy CEO Kulgam currently assigned to a senior HSS Principal," officials said.

They said that out of 321 sanctioned lecturer posts in the 26 higher secondary schools, only 197 are currently filled, leaving 124 lecturer posts vacant.

"In Kulgam district, there are 26 higher secondary schools (HSSs), but only 10 have Principals, leaving 16 HSSs, including GHSS Kulgam, GHSS Yaripora, and HSS Qaimoh, without heads," officials said.

To address the crisis, the School Education Department has begun the process of hiring 58 allocated ‘Cluster Resource Coordinators’ to provide temporary teaching support in high and higher secondary schools, but these positions have not yet been filled.

Officials further said that there are around six education zones in Kulgam, three of which are vacant: DH Pora, Qaimoh, and Kulgam.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Amir Khan, said that in-charge principals are in place in all these educational institutions. "The matter has also been taken up with the Education Department," he said.

NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the pleas seeking cancellation and re-test of the controversy-ridden NEET-UG 2024, holding that there was no data on record to indicate a systemic leak of question paper and other malpractices.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra heard submissions from a battery of lawyers, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA), and senior advocates Narender Hooda, Sanjay Hegde and Mathews Nedumapra for around four days.

The bench dictated the operative part of the judgement keeping in mind the future of over two million students and said a detailed judgement will follow.

“There is absence of material to conclude that result of NEET-UG 2024 exam is vitiated or there is systemic breach,” the CJI said.

The bench, however, said the fact that the question paper leak took place in Hazaribagh and Patna was not in dispute.

The NTA and the Union education ministry have been at the centre of a massive political row and protests by students over alleged large-scale malpractices ranging from question paper leaks to impersonation in the test held on May 5.

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

The NEET-UG 2024 was taken by 23.33 lakh students at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 overseas, on May 5.

Chronology of events in NEET-UG 2024 case

Following is the chronology of events in the case:

• Feb 9, 2024: National Testing Agency (NTA) issues public notice for online submission of application form for NEET-UG 2024.
• May 5: The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 cities abroad.
• May 17: SC seeks responses from Centre and NTA on plea alleging irregularities in NEET-UG 2024 held on May 5.
• June 4: Results for NEET-UG 2024 declared, 67 candidates bag top rank.
• June 11: Observing that the sanctity of NEET-UG 2024 has been affected, SC seeks responses from the Centre and the NTA on a plea seeking the holding of a fresh examination on grounds of alleged question paper leak and other malpractices.
• June 13: Centre tells SC it has cancelled grace marks given to 1,563 candidates who took the NEET-UG examination for admission to MBBS and other such courses. Centre says they will have the option to either take a re-test or forgo the compensatory marks awarded to them for loss of time.
• June 14: SC seeks responses from Centre and NTA on a plea seeking a CBI probe into allegations of question paper leak and other irregularities in NEET-UG 2024.
• June 18: SC says that even if there was “0.001 per cent negligence” on the part of anyone in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, it should be thoroughly dealt with.
• June 23: As many as 813 of the 1,563 candidates earlier awarded grace marks in NEET-UG appear for a re-test, officials said.
• July 1: The number of candidates sharing top rank in medical entrance test NEET-UG reduced to 61 from 67 as NTA announces revised results.
• July 5: Scrapping the NEET-UG 2024 exam in its entirety would “seriously jeopardise” lakhs of honest candidates and not be rational in the absence of any proof of large-scale breach of confidentiality, Centre tells SC.
• July 5: NTA tells SC that cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 would be hugely counterproductive and significantly harmful to the larger public interest, especially to the career prospects of those who cleared it.
• July 10: Centre tells SC there was neither any indication of “mass malpractice” nor a localised set of candidates being benefitted leading to abnormal scores in NEET-UG 2024.
• July 18: SC directs NTA to declare by 12 noon of July 20 centre and city-wise results of NEET-UG 2024 while masking the identities of the aspirants.
• July 22: SC asks the director of IIT-Delhi to set up a team of three experts that would go into a particular question of Physics asked in the NEET-UG 2024 examination and submit a report on the correct answer by next day noon.
• July 23: SC rules out cancellation, re-test of NEET-UG, 2024 exam. “There is absence of material to conclude that result of NEET-UG 2024 exam is vitiated or there is systemic breach,” says CJI D Y Chandrachud.

PULWAMA — Students from the Food Technology Department of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora have bagged internships from reputed MNCs including ITC, NESTLE, Mondelez International, Pepsico, Cococola, Shreiber and others.

"With a focus on experiential learning, the interning students shall gain first-hand experience of working in the food industry," a spokesman of IUST said in a statement issued here.

The statement added that industry internships are aimed at helping students imbibe the entrepreneurial spirit and inspire them to set up their own ventures.

Dr Aamir Hussain Dar, Coordinator of Industry Connect at IUST, said that industry internships form part of the course structure to enable students to learn the practical and application aspects of their course. He said the university extended internships for students to better their chances of placement.

SRINAGAR — The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Tuesday announced a revised school timing schedule to mitigate the effects of the ongoing heatwave in the Valley.

Starting Tuesday, July 23, and continuing until August 10, all government and private schools in Kashmir up to the higher secondary level will function from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Teaching and non-teaching staff will report for duty from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The order from DSEK comes amid numerous appeals from parents and other stakeholders expressing concerns about the impact of the extreme heatwave on students.

Pertinently, weather forecasts indicate that the region will continue to experience high temperatures in the coming days.

SRINAGAR — With the persistent heatwave in Kashmir, teachers and parents on Monday urged the School Education Department to either adjust school timings or announce an additional summer break.

Speaking to the news agency KNO, General Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Teacher Association (JKTA) Hatim Qayoom said the persistent heatwave is affecting the studies badly and the concerned should consider the change in school timing in both rural and urban areas.

“Due to the extremely hot weather conditions, nowadays, students in schools are feeling low mostly from afternoon onwards. This is affecting their studies badly,” Qayoom said.

He requested the concerned authorities to take appropriate measures in this regard.

Meanwhile, a delegation of various fronts visited the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in this regard.

Parents of the students have also urged the government either to change the timing of schools or extend the summer break.

One of the parents of a student, Manzoor Ahmad said the current weather conditions in Kashmir were not favourable for the students to attend the classes. He, however, said that schooling is also important for students. “The government should either announce further summer vacations or change the timing of schools immediately," he said.

Another parent said he has decided to keep his son back at home till the weather situation improves. “Nothing is more important than the health of my son. I can bear this loss but I can’t compromise the health of my child,” he said.

Pertinently, Kashmir Valley is reeling under an intense heatwave and the MeT department has informed that the situation will almost remain the same for at least a week.

Director of School Education Kashmir Tassaduq Hussain Mir was not available for their comments.

Meanwhile, top officials of the School Education Department said that they were assessing the situation in this regard. “We will seek suggestions from the concerned stakeholders and will take a call accordingly,” the official said.

Earlier on June 30, the School Education Department announced summer break for all schools falling in winter zones from July 08 to 17.

PULWAMA — Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), will preside over the university's third convocation on July 25, 2024.

Prof. Anil Kakodkar, a distinguished nuclear scientist and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, will be the chief guest and deliver the convocation address. Prof. Kakodkar has held key positions including Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy.

Sh. R. R. Bhatnagar, Advisor to the LG J&K, and Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the J&K Higher Education Commission, will be the Guests of Honour.

Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, will present the university report. The convocation will see over a thousand graduating students receiving degrees, including 27 gold medallists, 53 merit holders, and 19 doctorates.

Prof. Romshoo emphasized that the convocation is an important occasion to honour the graduates and marks a journey of excellence in research, academics, and outreach. He reiterated IUST's commitment to providing quality education and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approach, and strong values among its students.

SRINAGAR — The School Education Department on Tuesday clarified that there will be no extension in summer vacation and subsequently ordered students to resume classes from July 18.

According to the news agency KNO, SED on microblogging site X said that all schools including government-owned and recognized private ones shall be re-opened on July 18, 2024 after summer vacations across the UT.

It also ordered the Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers and Heads of Institutions to follow the cleanness advisory.

The cleanliness advisory asked the school heads to ensure that all premises, including classrooms, corridors, and common areas, are thoroughly cleaned with special attention towards clean toilets, ensuring these are hygienic and well-maintained. It also asked to ensure clean water as well as disinfecting water tanks to ensure safe drinking water. Also, ensure rooftops are free of debris and dirt.

The advisory further stressed trimming and maintaining lawns and grounds to provide a neat and safe environment for students; clearing any junk, waste, or debris from the school premises to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment; identifying and removing any stagnant water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and other pests; and inspecting the premises for any water leakages and ensure they are promptly repaired to avoid water wastage and potential damage to the infrastructure.

SED in the advisory further said, “These measures are crucial to provide a safe, clean, and conducive environment for students as they return to school.”

Earlier on June 30, SED announced summer break for all schools falling in winter zones from July 8 to July 17.

PULWAMA — Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo has been granted a two-year extension in his term as Vice Chancellor by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

Prof Romshoo was appointed as Vice Chancellor of IUST in 2021 as the fourth Vice-Chancellor and the order issued by Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat on July 8 states that the extension shall be effective from August 15, 2024 when his first term completes.

The University under the leadership of Professor Romshoo has achieved remarkable milestones, particularly with regard to the implementation of NEP 2020, fostering a research-oriented and student-centric educational environment, promoting interdisciplinary research, encouraging entrepreneurship and start-up culture, strengthening industry-academia collaborations besides prioritizing upgradation of the university's infrastructure.

Professor Romshoo, having served as Dean of Research at the University is an eminent academic and distinguished researcher, with an illustrious career spanning over 35 years. His extensive research in the field of Earth Sciences, particularly focusing on climate change, water resources, and glaciology, has earned him national and international recognition.

Prof Romshoo also espouses social and environmental causes engaging actively in community outreach programs particularly related to climate change impacts, disaster management, and sustainable development in the Kashmir region.

The IUST community congratulated Prof Romshoo and expressed confidence that the university will further its mission of providing quality education, advancing research, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the region under his leadership.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is set to declare the results of the annual regular Class 11th examinations within the next 48 hours.

A top official at JKBOSE was quoted by the news agency KNS as having said that all formalities are complete and the results will be announced on Saturday or Sunday.

Students who took the Class 11th exams have been eagerly awaiting their results. Despite the long wait, the official assured that the results would be available on the official JKBOSE website within the next 48 hours.

It is pertinent to mention that the Class 11th exams were held in April 2024 and concluded in the last week of May.

NEW DELHI — Observing that the sanctity of the NEET-UG 2024 has been "breached", the Supreme Court on Monday said a re-test may be ordered if the entirety of the process is affected and sought details from the National Testing Agency and the CBI including the timing and manner of the paper leak, besides the numbers of wrongdoers, to know the extent of its effect.

"Let us not be in self-denial. Self-denial is only adding to the problem," a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud told the Centre and the NTA, which conducts the prestigious test, in a string of strongly-worded observations.

"One thing which is very clear is that the leak has taken place. That the sanctity of the exam has been breached is beyond doubt. The question is how widespread is the leak," said the bench which also comprised Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

Posing a volley of searching queries, the bench said a re-test has to be ordered if the breach in sanctity affects the entirety of the process.

The court said if the sanctity of NEET-UG 2024 is "lost" and if the leak of its question paper has been propagated through social media, then a re-test has to be ordered.

It said the extent of question paper leak and the beneficiaries across geographical boundaries have to be ascertained before the top court may order a re-test in the controversy-ridden exam which was taken up by 23.33 lakh students at 4,750 centres in 571 cities including in 14 cities overseas.

It said if the breach was confined to specific areas and it was possible to identify the wrongdoers, then it may not be appropriate to order for a re-test in an examination of such a massive scale.

The apex court said it will have to scrutinise whether the alleged breach has taken place at a "systemic level", whether it has affected the integrity of the entire exam process and whether it was possible to segregate the beneficiaries of the fraud with untainted candidates who undertook the test on May 5.

"In a situation where a breach in sanctity affects the entirety of the process and it is not possible to segregate the beneficiaries of the wrongdoings from others, it may be necessary to order a re-test," the bench said.

"One thing is clear that leak of question paper has taken place," it said and sought information from the NTA about the number of wrongdoers identified so far and the methodology adopted for it.

The court directed the investigating officer of the CBI, which is conducting a probe into the allegations of malpractices, OMR sheet manipulation, impersonation and cheating, to place before it a report indicating the status of the probe as on Monday.

It said the NTA must disclose the steps taken so far for the identification of beneficiaries of wrongdoings.

The bench asked the NTA to apprise it about the steps taken to identify the centres and cities where the question paper leak took place, the modalities followed for identifying the beneficiaries and their numbers ascertained so far.

"Before we decide to pass an order for a re-test, we must understand what is the nature of leak," the bench said, adding it was tough to ask over 23 lakh candidates to re-appear for the examination. "What is the modality in which the leak took place? If the modality of the leak is through electronic means like Telegram and WhatsApp …, then there is a possibility that the leak is widespread," it said.

"From this perspective, the NTA is directed to clarify on the basis of the materials in its possession: (i) When the leak of question paper first took place; (ii) the manner in which question paper was leaked and disseminated; (iii) the time duration between the occurrence of leak and the actual conduct of exam which took place on May 5," it said.

While seeking information about the status of counselling of NEET-UG 2024, which has been deferred for the time being, the top court also asked the Centre and the NTA about the feasibility of using the data analytics from the cyber forensic unit or other expert agencies to ascertain suspect cases where they can be asked to take up re-test.

Expressing concern over ensuring the sanctity of NEET-UG, the court said it would be necessary for the government to consider setting up a multidisciplinary team of renowned experts so that such instances are not repeated in future.

The bench was hearing over 30 pleas related to the NEET-UG 2024 including those alleging irregularities and malpractices in the May 5 test and seeking a direction to conduct it afresh. It said if the question paper leak was taking place through Telegram, WhatsApp and electronic means, then "it spreads like wildfire".

"There is no question that leak of question paper has taken place. We are determining the extent of the leak," the bench observed. It said there were certain "red flags" as 67 candidates had scored 720 out of 720.

"In the previous years, the proportion was very low," the bench added.

The pleas will be taken up on July 11.

The Centre and the NTA, which conducts NEET-UG, recently told the apex court through their affidavits that scrapping the exam would be "counterproductive" and "seriously jeopardise" lakhs of honest candidates in the absence of any proof of large-scale breach of confidentiality.

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

If you want to become a real estate professional in any state of the US, you need to get your license first. This means that you will be legally recognized and respected by your peers in the industry. The good news is that you can study to become a licensed realtor online.

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Also, you need to pick a course that offers you all the required elements, even as you pursue a license in realty online. The beauty of taking online real estate broker courses is that they offer flexibility and convenience, so ensure the course you take offers you that.

Here are some considerations when choosing the course to help you obtain your real estate license online:

Consider accreditation and state approval

The licensing of real estate professionals and training institutions is regulated at the state level. Before you choose a real estate online school, to qualify for your license, ensure that it has received approval from your state’s real estate commission. Also, it should have been accredited by a relevant body. This is crucial to ensure the course meets the necessary requirements and educational standards.

To find out if an institution or a real estate online course is approved, you need to visit the website of your state’s regulatory body. You can click here for info about one of the best accredited and approved real estate online courses.

Consider the mode of course delivery

Another thing to consider when choosing your online real estate course is how the school delivers the course material. This should match your preferred mode of learning. For example, if you prefer self-paced learning, choose an online course that gives you that flexibility.

On the other hand, you can opt for a course that has an instructor-led format if you like a more structured way of learning.

Check the instructor’s expertise and experience

The quality of education as you study real estate online depends to a certain extent on the instructors’ expertise and experience. It would be best that you take time to check the credentials of the lecturers so you are sure they have the needed qualifications and are well-experienced.

Consider exam preparation and support

The major reason you enroll in a real estate online course is to help you pass your licensure exam. Thus, you should look for a program that prepares you well for the broker or real estate agent exams. The best course should offer top-notch exam preparation resources including study guides, practice tests, and exam tips.

In addition, some online realty courses offer the students support services such as tutoring, job placement help after graduation, and counselling. You should consider such courses as they can help you make a smoother entry into the industry.

Check the cost implications and financial aid

It is important you consider the various costs related to the online real estate course, including the course fees, and other resources like exam preparation materials. These costs should be within your budget, so you need to compare several courses and pick the one that matches your budget best while offering good value.

Also, find out if the course provider offers scholarships, payment plans, or other financial aid to make financing your online realty education more manageable.

Conclusion

When choosing the best online real estate course for you, consider things like course approval and accreditation, mode of delivery, instructors’ expertise and experience, support services, and cost implications.

BANDIPORA — Sahiba Shakeel, a 15-year-old girl from Ajas village here, has scripted a heartwarming story of resilience and academic excellence. Despite being 90% visually impaired, Sahiba has secured an impressive 409 out of 500 marks in her Class 10th exams.

Sahiba's path to success was marked by challenges. Born into a humble background, her father, Shakeel Ahmad Rather, is an auto-rickshaw driver, and her mother is a homemaker. Yet, financial constraints and visual impairment couldn't dampen Sahiba's spirit.

"Sahiba didn't have access to coaching institutes or conventional study materials. But with unwavering support from an NGO run by Naziya Hurra, she excelled," said Shakeel Ahmad. "Since she was six, the NGO provided her with specialized help, including recorded lectures on microchips," he added.

"Despite her limitations, Sahiba displayed remarkable determination," he said. "During exams, a dedicated helper transcribed her dictation. This teamwork, combined with Sahiba's grit, led to her achievement," he further elaborated.

"Being visually impaired, you need help for everything. I'm happy with the results and my performance. I'm grateful for the support from my family, teachers, Naziya Ji, and especially my exam helper Tafia Tariq," Sahiba said, according to the Srinagar-based news agency KDC.

"I want to work hard and empower specially-abled people. I understand their struggles," she expressed.