In a major boost for Indian students aspiring to study abroad, the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement(FTA) promises to make the United Kingdom a more accessible and appealing destination for higher education. With over 150,000 Indian students already pursuing studies in the UK, the FTA introduces a range of indirect yet impactful benefits—from simplified visa processes and financial relief to enhanced job prospects in key service sectors.The agreement reflects a deepening of bilateral ties and acknowledges the critical role of education and professional exchange in strengthening economic and cultural partnerships. Among the notable provisions are exemptions from social security contributions for temporary workers, mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications, and streamlined procedures for intra-company transfers. These developments are expected to significantly ease the academic and professional journey for Indian students, setting the stage for a new era of opportunity and collaboration between the two nations.

Smoother Visas, Lower Financial Burdens

Experts believe the FTA marks a turning point in bilateral relations, bringing indirect but meaningful advantages to Indian students. Among the key benefits are streamlined visa procedures, exemptions from social security contributions for temporary workers for up to three years, and improved pathways to employment in high-demand sectors such as IT, finance, education, and professional services.Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, a leading study abroad platform, highlighted the transformative nature of the agreement. According to him, FTA includes provisions to reduce paperwork and streamline visa procedures, while also promoting mutual recognition of qualifications, particularly in professional fields such as law, architecture, and accounting..

Boost for Career Opportunities in Key Sectors

The agreement also paves the way for smoother intra-company transfers and enhances the recognition of Indian degrees and certifications in the UK job market. These measures are expected to not only ease the transition for students moving abroad but also bolster long-term career prospects in the global economy.With lower financial hurdles and a more welcoming policy framework, the FTA is likely to encourage thousands more Indian students to consider the UK as their destination of choice for world-class education and international career development.

Thiruvananthapuram: The SSLC results for the 2025 academic year, announced here on Friday, recorded a 99.5% pass percentage, which is down by 0.19% compared to the previous year’s result.One of the major features of this year’s result is a sharp decline in the number of candidates who secured A+ in all subjects. The number of candidates who secured all A+ is 61,449, which is down by 10,382 compared to last year.General education minister V Sivankutty, who announced the results at a news conference here, said the fall in the number of candidates clinching A+ for all subjects was a positive indication of the improved academic quality the state syllabus board examination was able to maintain this time.A total of 4,27,020 candidates appeared for the SSLC examination. Of these, 4,24,583 students were declared eligible for higher studies. Kannur revenue district earned the highest pass percentage (99.87%), while Thiruvananthapuram recorded the lowest pass percentage of 98.59%. Pala and Kuttanad emerged as the top educational districts with a cent percent victory. Attingal education district in Thiruvananthapuram put up the worst performance with a pass percentage of 98.28%.The highest number of candidates who took the examination from any revenue/education district was from Malappuram. The district also bagged the highest number of all A+ (4,115).The minister said the education department would conduct an inquiry to find out the reasons for the comparatively worse performance by some govt schools in the examination.The THSLC pass percentage is 99.48%. Of the 3,055 candidates who appeared for the exam, 3,039 candidates were declared eligible for higher studies. As many as 429 candidates bagged A+ for all subjects. The SSLC (HI) pass percentage is 99.51%. Of the 207 candidates who appeared for the exam, 206 became eligible for higher studies. Thirty-one students got all A+. All the 12 candidates who appeared for the THSLC (HI) examination cleared the same.At Kerala Kalamandalam, which runs the AHSLC course, all 66 candidates who appeared for the exam passed.Sivankutty said as many as 856 govt schools clinched 100% victory. While 1,034 aided schools achieved the same feat, 441 aided schools also joined the league. A total of 2,331 schools got 100% victory. Sivankutty said the number of SC/ST candidates who put up an impressive performance was high this time. While 98.66% of SC students cleared the exam, 98.02% of ST students cleared the exam.Applications for revaluation, scrutiny, and xerox copies can be submitted online from May 12 to 17. The Save a Year (SAY) examination for students who failed to clear the exam will be held from May 28 to June 2. Students can appear for a maximum of three subjects in the SAY exam.The certificate of those who cleared the exam will be available in DigiLocker from the first week of June.