IIT-Madras starts online degree, diploma courses in programming

NEWDELHI:HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank Tuesday launched what his ministry called the “world’s first ever” online BSc degree in Programming and Data Science at the IIT, Madras. The launch of online programme comes at a time when government is focusing on virtual learning modes due to restrictions imposed on classroom teaching on account of Covid-19. The government has allowed country’s best 100 institutes to start online courses. Addressing the participants, Pokhriyal lauded IIT-Madras for the launch of the online BSc programme and said the batch of students which is completing their class 12 in 2020 is eligible to apply. He said every year, 7 to 7.5 lakh Indian students go abroad in search of better education and this talent as well as revenue go outside the country. Institutions such as IIT-Madras have the vision and mission to help the nation move forward on its path to self-reliance by taking up such quality education and unique courses, the minister said. This unique online course will be offered in three different stages — Foundational, Diploma and Degree Programme.

EXAMS FROM HOME THE FUTURE?

The National Testing Agency is exploring the option of a developing a mechanism through which exams in future can be held from home with no scope for unfair practices, its chief Vineet Joshi said on Tuesday. He said that NTA was set up in 2018 and in two years it had conducted tests for over one crore candidates, including NEET and JEE exams.