News Analysis India

Tag: science and technology

  • Science and health courses are in high demand for study abroad: PTE

    Online MI

    What makes Pearson PTE a one stop destination for students planning to go abroad?

    PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that allows students and job seekers to assess their English language skills in a quick, fair, and flexible manner. The test results are typically available within two days. Furthermore, education institutions in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, Germany, and other countries accept PTE scores. It is also approved for all types of visas in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.It also helps to prepare for the test which makes it a one stop destination for study abroad aspirants.

    How is Pearson catering to the increasing number of study abroad aspirants in tier-2 and 3 cities?

    States like Punjab, Gujarat and Kerala have maximum number of outbound students while demand for fair and flexible tests amongst study abroad aspirants is rising all across the country. Pearson has been expanding by opening new centres in cities like Bathinda and the company has started working with multiple consultants across the country with its partner portal network having more than 700 agents who engage with aspirants from Tier 2 and 3 towns as well.

    How has Pearson PTE evolved with the ongoing transformation in the education sector?

    Pearson has recently reduced the duration of PTE test by one hour making it just a 2-hour test, whilst the accuracy of the test remains the same. The shorter version is still accepted by the same universities and professional bodies, including more than 3000 academic institutions world-wide, and by the governments of the UK, Australia and New Zealand for visa and immigration purposes. We have also launched PTE Academic Online. The same test as PTE Academic will now be offered as a new online proctored option for people who prefer to take the test remotely. Pearson is continuously working towards wider acceptance of this online version of PTE.  

    What will be the key study abroad trends in 2022?

    With the ease in border restrictions schools announcing vaccine mandates, international students are once again on the move. The pandemic has impacted learners’ preferences for major destinationsand now decisions are based on vaccine policies, travel restrictions, and options for in-person or blended education. The demand for applied / general science and health programs is on the rise which is gaining high demand amongst students as they look to secure a stable career.

    Website: https://in.pearson.com/pte

    Disclaimer: This content is part of a marketing initiative. No TNIE Group journalist is involved in the creation of this content.

  • New science policy proposes lateral entry of scientists in related ministries

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: A new draft policy on science and technology has proposed up to 25 percent lateral recruitment of scientists in related ministries.

    The purpose is to attract domain experts who are needed in science-related ministries to handle issues related to emerging technologies and advancements, according to officials.

    According to the draft Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020, these could be scientists with domain expertise in different fields either from autonomous institutions or the private field.

    “Lateral recruitment (minimum 25 percent) of professionals and subject matter experts will be mandated in all scientific ministries for a finite duration with comparable roles, responsibilities and empowerment to a regular official,” the draft policy states.

    Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said experts are needed in ministries as science progresses and new technologies emerge.

    “In scientific ministries and departments when scientists are recruited, over a period of time, they are not able to practise science. Many a time, there are expert groups from outside the ministry or department that are formed for a specific field depending on the need,” Sharma said.

    The purpose behind the proposed lateral recruitment is to attract domain experts. “So, they can spend more time in the ministries/ departments and deal with subjects of their expertise,” Sharma said.

    In science-related ministries and departments, the position for the top post is mostly advertised. However, if the draft policy is accepted, this can lead to the lateral entry of experts at the mid-level.

    Currently, domain experts can apply for posts in autonomous institutions of the scientific ministries.

    The DST, along with the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, started the process of formulating the STIP 2020 last year. The policy was to be out by the year-end but has been slightly delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    The draft STIP has been uploaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on its website. The DST has also invited suggestions, inputs and comments for making changes by January 25.

    Addressing reporters, Akhilesh Gupta, Head of the STIP Secretariat, said over 300 rounds of consultation took place while drafting the policy. More than one lakh emails were received during the drafting of the policy, he said.

    “There was a wide range of consultation that has taken place. The youngest person was a 10-year-old and the oldest was an 85-year-old.  We also took great care to have at least one-third women scientists in every consultation we organised,” Gupta added.

    For the first time, the states as well the diaspora were consulted in making the science policy, he noted.

    The entire process of drafting a policy was completed in a year, Gupta said.