JOBS AND EDUCATION
Education in the UK: Gateway to a global and dynamic career – The Times of India

British Council GREAT Scholarship
A unique chance to live in the UK and study at some of its best universities, the scholarships not just offer financial support to students from India but also open doors to a unique, multi-cultural as well as modern environment. Students get to learn from the best of faculty, study amongst peers from diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds. This rich environment not just polishes their soft and professional skills but also helps them become industry-ready professionals with a global experience to their backing.
GREAT Scholarships offered by the British Council
One of the most prominent scholarships students from India can apply for is the GREAT Scholarships offered by the British Council. Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course.
The scheme offers opportunities to study at some of the UK’s globally ranked universities. With their high-quality courses, these internationally recognised qualifications make for impressive stamps on one’s Curriculum Vitae.
The programmes at the many colleges are ideal for both recent graduates and working professionals wanting to enrol in postgraduate opportunities in the UK.
The upcoming academic year
For the 2025-26 academic year there are 26 postgraduate scholarships available from UK universities for students from India.
Each scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council with participating UK higher education institutions.
Available across various subjects, students can pick from 19 core subjects, two courses on justice and law, and three on science and technology.
British Council GREAT Scholarship
UK as a leading study destination
The UK offers world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and exposure to a diverse, multicultural environment. The postgraduate degrees are thus not just a gateway to higher and professional education but also help transform students into future-ready professionals.
The industry-ready programmes enhance employability and career prospects in an increasingly globalised job market. The programmes are suited for undergraduate students exploring postgraduate opportunities abroad as well as working professionals considering higher education to advance their careers.
Post study work opportunities
The introduction of the Graduate Route in 2021 has opened doors for Indian students to explore career opportunities in the UK after completing their studies. This pathway not only extends post-study work permits but also accommodates students who pursued their education online due to the pandemic. The Graduate Route stands as a bridge between academia and professional careers, offering a valuable transition for graduates looking to kick-start their journeys in the international job market. In fact, according to findings from UUKI’s International Graduate Outcomes report, an overwhelming 83% of international graduates affirm that their UK degree significantly contributes to their job acquisition.
Alumni speaks
GREAT scholar Bhavana from India is pursuing a master’s at Arts University Bournemouth. She founded an architectural firm in Bengaluru and has returned to studying after many years of work to inform and add to her existing practice. “All the facilities here have really opened up a lot of possibilities for me,” she says in regards to her experience thus far studying in the UK.
“Fine art education will enrich my architecture work and expand my creative practice, she adds.
2021-22 Women in STEM scholar Shilpa finished her master’s in hydrology and water management at Newcastle University in September 2022. “It was important for me to go to a place which recognises the conservation side of things, especially when it’s hard to find courses focusing on niche domains such as hydrology and water management. There are very few universities with this specialism and Newcastle is one of the top universities when it comes to working towards sustainable development goals in research. In the future, I’d love to work in rural water security,” she shares.
British Council GREAT Scholarship
Six tips to draft an ideal application for the GREAT Scholarship
1. Make sure you’re eligible and stick to the word limit
First and foremost, meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria. If you fit the bill, write an application that is not just impressive but is within the stipulated word limit! You clear this step, before you get to interact with a real person.
2. Don’t shy away from sharing your achievements to prove your mettle
Spell out each and everyone of your achievents – don’t cut back. If you don’t share your achievements with the people reading your application, they won’t know your worth. Don’t worry about ‘talking about yourself too much’ or ‘boasting’. They want and need to know your achievements to decide whether to grant you the scholarship.
Mention the score on your report card and share details about the extra activities you have engaged in over the last few years – drama club, sports group, choir – it could be anything.
3. Organise your scribbles
Scribble your application with your capabilities and your ambitions in the best way that you can. Howvere, give the essay a syructure structure so can describe details about yourself and your goals in the limited space you have.
4. Express the importance of the scholarship to you and your career
People reading your application will want to know what you hope to gain and ultimately give back (to the industry/ society) from receiving the scholarship. Jot down your aspirations and plans.
5. Talk about the impact that you can create in your country and community with a GREAT Scholarship
In your application, you should try to highlight how the knowledge, skills and experiences you will gain through your education won’t just help your own personal and professional growth but also the growth of your nation. You will be assessed on your ambitions, including in the longer term.
6. Just go for it and re-apply in case of rejection
Many a time studnets keep thinking about applying for a programme, with little to no action to follow. The idea of facing global competition can be intimidiating but self-belief and clear goals can go a long way. Just be sure as to why you want to apply for the scholarship, fill am impressive appliaction, and submit. It’s worth taking the chances. And if, at first, you don’t succeed or you don’t get exactly what you’re looking for, there is always another window just ‘round the corner.
Step-by-step guide to applying for the GREAT Scholasrhip
1. Visit the universities page above to find out more information and then follow the link through to the university’s website.
2. Apply for individual scholarships following the instructions given on each university’s scholarship webpages.
3. The deadline to apply for a GREAT Scholarship varies according to each institution. For details on individual institutions deadlines please see the institutions page.
4. Successful scholars will be informed by individual universities on the result of their applications.
5. Scholarship funding will be issued to successful scholars by individual universities after registration
For more information, visit:
• GREAT Scholarships India | British Council
• Why Study in the UK
Disclaimer: Content Produced by British Council a division of British High Commission
JOBS AND EDUCATION
NEET UG 2025 exam city intimation slip released on neet.nta.nic.in, admit card expected by May 1: Check direct link here – The Times of India
NEET UG city intimation slip 2025 out: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the Advance City Intimation Slip for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025, a crucial step for over 23 lakh medical aspirants preparing for the undergraduate medical entrance exam. The slip, available as of April 23, 2025, informs candidates of their allotted exam city, enabling them to plan travel and accommodation logistics. The NEET UG 2025 exam is scheduled for May 4, 2025, and the admit card is expected to be released by May 1, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates, exam details, and more.
The NEET UG 2025 City Intimation Slip was made available on the official NTA website, neet.nta.nic.in, on April 23, 2025, earlier than the anticipated date of April 26. Candidates can download the slip by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The slip specifies the exam city but does not include the exact exam center address, which will be detailed in the admit card. This advance notification helps candidates, especially those assigned centers far from home, arrange travel plans well in advance. The exam will be conducted across 552 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, totaling 566 exam cities, with approximately 5,000 exam centers.
Admit Card Release Date
The NEET UG 2025 admit card is slated for release on or before May 1, 2025, as confirmed by the NTA. Candidates can download it from neet.nta.nic.in using their application number and date of birth or password. The admit card is a mandatory document for exam entry, containing critical details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center address, reporting time, and exam day guidelines. Aspirants are advised to verify all details on the admit card and contact the NTA helpline immediately if discrepancies are found. The admit card will also be emailed to candidates’ registered IDs.
Exam Timings, Shifts, and Mode
NEET UG 2025 will be conducted on May 4, 2025, in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST, with a duration of 3 hours. Candidates must report to their exam centers by 1:30 PM, as late entries will not be permitted. The exam will be held in pen-and-paper (offline) mode, featuring 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Unlike previous years, the 2025 exam reverts to the pre-Covid format, eliminating optional questions. The test will be conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Assamese.
Direct link to download the NEET UG city intimation slip 2025
Approximate Participation
NEET UG remains India’s largest undergraduate medical entrance exam, with an estimated 23 lakh candidates expected to participate in 2025. This number is slightly lower than the 24 lakh registrations in 2024, though the NTA has not released official figures. The exam facilitates admission to over 1 lakh MBBS seats, 27,618 BDS seats, 52,720 AYUSH seats, and other medical courses across 612 medical and 315 dental colleges in India, including 1,899 AIIMS and 249 JIPMER seats.
Key Instructions for Candidates
Candidates must carry a printed admit card, a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN card), and a passport-sized photograph matching the one uploaded during registration. The city intimation slip is not a substitute for the admit card and cannot be used for exam entry. Aspirants are advised to visit their exam center a day prior to familiarize themselves with the location and avoid last-minute hassles. Prohibited items include electronic devices, and candidates must adhere to the NTA’s dress code and exam day guidelines.
Next Steps
Following the exam, the NTA will release provisional answer keys in the fourth week of May 2025, with results expected by June 14, 2025. Counseling for All India Quota and state quota seats will commence in July 2025, managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state authorities, respectively. Candidates are urged to stay updated via neet.nta.nic.in and prepare diligently for the exam, which remains a gateway to prestigious medical institutions across India.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
Tennessee legislature adjourns after passing DEI restrictions – The Times of India
Tennessee’s Republican-controlled legislature closed its session Tuesday by pushing through a decisive set of bills targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a crescendo of conservative policymaking, lawmakers dismantled long-standing frameworks meant to bolster representation in government and higher education, replacing them with a strict meritocratic model. Central to the legislative finale was a bill that directly targets the infrastructure of DEI. The measure orders the dissolution of state and local offices tasked with promoting diversity, mandates the elimination of identity-based criteria for board appointments, and instructs the removal of demographic benchmarks in employment policies across public institutions.
From representation to “qualification”
Lawmakers also gave final approval to a companion bill barring public agencies, including higher education institutions, from making hiring decisions based on an individual’s race, ethnicity, sex, or age. Instead, agencies must rely solely on “merit,” “qualifications,” veteran status, or lawful eligibility. The law repositions Tennessee firmly within a growing conservative ideology that views demographic consideration as antithetical to fairness.
A policy echo of Trump-era ideology
The Tennessee legislation is not occurring in a vacuum. It mirrors initiatives launched under President Donald Trump, whose administration sought to link the distribution of federal funds to the exclusion of DEI policies. That precedent laid the groundwork for state-level action—Tennessee now becomes a key player in actualizing that agenda.
Boards to lose identity-based representation
Beyond hiring practices, the new laws strike directly at identity-based governance structures. Requirements that certain public boards maintain racial, gender, or age representation have been deleted. Critics argue this strips underrepresented communities of vital political visibility; proponents counter that appointments should be blind to personal characteristics and based on perceived competence alone.
Opposition raises alarm bells
Civil rights advocates and education leaders have condemned the bills, warning they will reverse decades of effort to correct systemic inequalities. Others fear the chilling effect these moves could have on recruitment, retention, and morale within public service sectors.
Higher education in the crosshairs
Public universities—long champions of diversity offices and equity initiatives—are now under pressure to restructure or eliminate these arms. The University of Tennessee system and others will be forced to reexamine staff positions, student programs, and scholarship criteria that once relied on DEI frameworks.
A new conservative doctrine emerges
Tennessee’s Republican-controlled legislature closed its session Tuesday by pushing through a decisive set of bills targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a crescendo of conservative policymaking, lawmakers dismantled long-standing frameworks meant to bolster representation in government and higher education, replacing them with a strict meritocratic model.
DEI programs dismantled statewide
Central to the legislative finale was a bill that directly targets the infrastructure of DEI. The measure orders the dissolution of state and local offices tasked with promoting diversity, mandates the elimination of identity-based criteria for board appointments, and instructs the removal of demographic benchmarks in employment policies across public institutions.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
AIIMS INI SS July 2025 registration underway, window closes on May 6: Check direct link to apply and important details here – The Times of India
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has opened the online application window for the Institute of National Importance Super-Speciality Test (INI SS) July 2025 session. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official website, iniss.aiimsexams.ac.in, on or before May 6, 2025.
The entrance examination will be conducted on May 24 for admission into Doctorate of Medicine (DM)/Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch.) courses at leading medical institutions including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST).
AIIMS INI SS 2025: Eligibility criteria and age limits
To apply for the AIIMS INI SS July 2025, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
- Must possess MD/MS or DNB in a relevant specialty.
- Must complete the qualifying degree by July 31, 2025.
Upper age limit as on July 1, 2025:
Institute | Age Limit |
AIIMS (All Branches) | 35 years |
PGIMER, Chandigarh | 45 years |
NIMHANS, Bengaluru | 37 years |
SCTIMST, Trivandrum | 40 years |
JIPMER, Puducherry | No limit |
Age relaxations:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Ex-Servicemen/ECOs: 5 years
AIIMS INI SS 2025: How to apply
Candidates can follow the steps given here to complete the application process:
Step 1. Visit the official portal, iniss.aiimsexams.ac.in
Step 2. Click on ‘New Registration’ for fresh applicants.
Step 3. Fill in the registration form and personal details carefully as guided by the portal.
Step 4. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Alternatively, candidates can click here to submit their applications for AIIMS INI SS 2025.
AIIMS INI SS 2025: Important dates
Candidates must adhere to the official schedule to avoid missing any deadlines. Key dates for the AIIMS INI SS July 2025 session are:
Event | Date |
Online Registration Begins | April 22, 2025 (Tuesday) |
Last Date to Apply | May 6, 2025 (Tuesday) |
Application Status Update | May 13, 2025 |
Last Date to Submit Required Documents | May 16, 2025 |
Admit Card Release | May 20, 2025 |
CBT Exam Date | May 24, 2025 (Saturday) |
Course Commencement | July 1, 2025 |
Last Date for Admission | August 31, 2025 |
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