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Education

Rishihood University Inaugurates The Ashok Goel Library.

Sonipat, Haryana, India – Rishihood University proudly announces the opening of its University Library, The Ashok Goel Library, on May 5, 2023, which coincides with Buddha Purnima. The library aims to serve not only the Rishihood University community but also the residents of Sonipat and Delhi NCR. This unique model marks the first time a public library is integrated within a private university.

The Ashok Goel Library is a testament to the university’s commitment to serving the community and promoting access to education for all. Ashok Goel, the library’s benefactor, is a world-renowned businessman who began his journey in Hissar, Haryana. The community library boasts an extensive collection of books, including academic resources, literature, history, and other genres. Additionally, the library provides a digital collection accessible to all members, featuring e-books, journals, and other online resources.

Equipped with comfortable seating, study tables, discussion and project rooms, computer stations, an outdoor zone, and a reading hall, the library creates an ideal environment for learning and research. Library staff are available to help users find resources, navigate databases, and access online materials. Alongside its impressive collection, the library plans to host various community engagement programs, such as author talks, writing workshops, book fairs and exhibitions, and other cultural and educational activities.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of our University Library to the community,” said Shri. Suresh Prabhu, Chancellor of Rishihood University. “We believe that access to education and knowledge should be a right for everyone, regardless of their background or status. We hope that The Ashok Goel Library will serve as a hub of community engagement, promoting lifelong learning and fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration.”

The Ashok Goel Library is open to all Delhi NCR residents, with membership available for those wishing to borrow materials and access the resources and facilities.

About Rishihood University: Rishihood University, India’s first social impact university, is located in Sonipat, Haryana, India. The University offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD programs across various fields, including business, education, liberal arts, and social entrepreneurship. Rishihood University’s mission is to promote a culture of lifelong learning, innovation, and social impact while contributing to the growth and development of Sonipat and the surrounding areas.

Contact:
Anju Jayraj
Director, Admissions and Marketing
Rishihood University
anju.j@rishihood.edu.in

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Education

Faran College announces BBA Aviation Course to Academic Programs, Opening Doors for Aspiring Aviation Professionals

Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], May 5: Faran College, a reputed educational institution, is proud to announce the launch of its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Aviation course, aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry. The course will be managed by two young and enthusiastic educationists, Shoaib Arafath [MS(France), B.E(Civil)] and Rabeez Arafath [MIM(UK), B.E(Civil)], who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry, its operations, management, and the complex global aviation regulatory environment.

The BBA Aviation course is managed by Shoaib Arafath and Rabeez Arafath, two experienced aviation professionals with over 30 years of collective experience. They have worked in various positions in the industry, including airline operations, airport management, and air traffic control. With their vast industry experience, they bring practical insights into the classroom and provide students with real-world knowledge and skills. The BBA Aviation course at Faran College is designed to prepare students for various roles in the aviation industry, such as airline operations, airport management, and air traffic control. The curriculum is a perfect blend of theoretical and practical learning, enabling students to gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience.

“We are delighted to have Shoaib Arafath and Rabeez Arafath manage our BBA Aviation course,” said Meer Ariffulla, Chairman of Faran College. “Their extensive experience and knowledge in the industry will be of great value to our students.”

“Faran College is committed to providing students with a quality education relevant to today’s global economy,” said Chairman Meer Ariffulla. “Our BBA Aviation course is one of the many courses we offer that provides students with practical skills and knowledge that prepares them for the job market.”

“Aviation is a dynamic and exciting industry that requires a specialized skill set,” said Managing Director, Shoaib. “Our BBA Aviation course provides students with the right mix of theoretical and practical knowledge to make them industry-ready and competent professionals.”. “We have partnerships with leading airlines and airports to ensure that students have access to industry experts and can learn from their experience.” “Our aim is to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the aviation industry,” said Shoaib Arafath, one of the managing directors of the BBA Aviation course. “We have developed a course curriculum that combines theoretical and practical learning, ensuring that students graduate with a well-rounded education that prepares them for various roles in the aviation industry.”

“We are thrilled to introduce our BBA Aviation course, which will provide students with a unique opportunity to gain specialized skills and knowledge in the aviation industry,” said Rabeez Arafath, of Faran College. “Our course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in various roles in the aviation industry.”

The BBA Aviation course at Faran College will cover a range of subjects such as aviation law, aviation safety and security, airline marketing, and airport planning and design. Students will also have access to internships and job shadowing programs, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.

Faran College’s BBA Aviation course provides students with a competitive advantage in the job market. The aviation industry is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for professionals with specialized skills and knowledge. By studying at Faran College, students will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the aviation industry.

The BBA Aviation course is designed to equip students with skills in airline operations, airport management, safety and security, and the regulatory environment of the aviation industry. Students will learn about airport design, air traffic control, aviation safety, aviation law, aviation management, and aviation marketing.

The course will also provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and job shadowing programs, where they can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.

Faran College’s BBA Aviation course is an excellent opportunity for students who aspire to work in the aviation industry. The aviation industry is a rapidly growing sector, and there is a high demand for professionals with specialized skills and knowledge. By studying at Faran College, students will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the aviation industry.

The BBA Aviation course is a three-year undergraduate degree program, and eligibility criteria include a minimum of 50 per cent marks in 10+2 examinations. The admission process is open, and students can apply online through the college’s website.

Faran College is a leading nursing educational institution founded by Chairman Meer Ariffulla BE (Civil), an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist, that offers a range of courses, including nursing, pharmacy, Pre-university, business management, computer science, and aviation. Faran College is a 32-year-old and one of the top and early nursing college committed to providing students with the best education and training in the industry. The college offers modern facilities and resources, including well-equipped classrooms, a library, and a computer lab.

The college is committed to providing students with high-quality education and training that equips them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers. The college has a long history of providing quality education, and the BBA Aviation course is another step towards fulfilling its commitment to offering industry-specific courses.

Faran College provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources, including a modern library, computer labs, and Wi-Fi connectivity across the campus. The college also provides scholarships and financial aid to eligible students to make education more accessible and affordable.

For more information about the BBA Aviation course at Faran College, visit our website at www.farangroupofinstitutions.in

“We are confident that our BBA Aviation course will help students achieve their career aspirations and make a meaningful contribution to the aviation industry,” said Shoaib Arafath.

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Education

VisionIAS ABHYAAS Test: A Pathway to Success for UPSC Prelims 2023

The Civil Services Preliminary Examination, is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. This year, the Prelims exam is scheduled for 28th May 2023, and aspirants across the country are getting ready to take the first step towards realizing their dream of joining the Indian Civil Services and serving the nation.

Preparing for the UPSC Prelims can be an enormous task, especially in the last few weeks leading up to the exam. Some of the most significant challenges that students face are time management, revising the vast syllabus and memory retention while appearing in Mock Tests.

These challenges are compounded by the added pressure to perform well in this exam, lack of confidence in one’s abilities and preparedness, the uncertainties accompanying the final outcome and the fear of failure.

Practicing Mock Tests and continuous improvements thereof have proven to be highly effective in addressing the above challenges. Tests not only result in targeted revision, better retention and recall, time management across and within subjects but also build the confidence of students to perform well in the final examination.

Abhyaas Test 3 scheduled to be held on 7th May, 2023 provides an excellent avenue for students to not only assess their preparation level before the UPSC Prelims Examination but also provides them a way forward for the remaining three weeks before the UPSC Prelims.

The earlier two tests in the Series were held on 2nd and 23rd April respectively. Students were able to assess their preparedness in different domains such as General Studies, Current Affairs and CSAT. With the help of post-test analysis, students were able to identify the learning gaps and areas that needed focused attention.

At the same time, these tests also provided students with an opportunity to validate revision techniques, test taking approaches, and different strategies for boosting the performance. The All India Ranking of students released with test results is reflective of their attainment and acts as a motivating factor for further consolidation.

Abhyaas tests are designed to simulate the civil services prelims examination conducted by UPSC. By appearing in these tests, students develop a better understanding of the demand of the examination, their natural responses when under pressure. The combined effect of these experiences enhances physical and mental preparedness for the upcoming Prelims examination.

The Abhyaas Test 3 would be the final opportunity for students to assess their knowledge, skills, score maximization strategies, and enhance their psychological readiness. The outcomes and experiences from this test would determine the learning path for the remaining time before the prelims examination.

Consequently, the areas of strengths need to be further consolidated by adopting quick revision techniques with the help of short notes, practice questions and its explanations, and post-test analysis.

Core subjects like Modern Indian History, Economy, Polity, Environment, Geography and Current Affairs should find a central place in the learning plan to be followed now.

Regular practice of questions, revision of key concepts in different subjects and integration of Map work in Geography, fundamentals of Environment, and applications of concepts in Economy must be undertaken to improve the command over the content and reduce the likelihood of missing out on questions from these topics.

Other subjects such as Art and Culture, Science and Technology should be given due attention and solving questions on these subjects can deliver better results and outcomes.

In recent years, CSAT has become a make-or-break paper for many students. Various instances have been observed wherein despite scoring well above the cut off marks in the GS Paper-1, students were not able to qualify for the Mains stage as they failed to score the minimum qualifying marks in CSAT Paper.

A strategy designed to score the minimum qualifying marks in CSAT carries the risk of falling through if the nature of questions is not on expected lines which is a possibility as UPSC is known to challenge the students with surprising elements.

Abhyaas Test is an innovative assessment solution by VisionIAS which aims to equip students with necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively face these challenges and surprises posed by UPSC and ensure their success in the Prelims examination.

With a continued thrust on research and innovation, VisionIAS has established itself as a pioneer research and training organization for UPSC Civil Services Examinations. Over the years, it has helped thousands of aspirants in realizing their dream of joining civil services.

Its innovative assessment system, a comprehensive classroom ecosystem, dedicated student mentoring platform, and adherence to organizational ethos and value system, have played a significant role in achieving this outcome.

As the UPSC Prelims 2023 draws closer, it’s natural to feel overawed by the occasion. However, it’s crucial to remember that success is not just about the outcome but also the journey. Every day of your preparation, every mock test you take, and every mistake you make is an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, there’s no substitute for hard work and dedication, and with the right mindset, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. So, stay motivated, stay positive, and give it your best shot. We wish all the UPSC aspirants the very best for the upcoming exam!

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

Visit us at: www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

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Education

VisionIAS Abhyaas Test: Preparing Students for UPSC Prelims 2023

VisionIAS, a premier research and training organization, conducted the 2nd test of its annual nationwide test series, Abhyaas, on 23rd April. The Abhyaas Tests are designed to mimic the UPSC Prelims exam experience for students. They are administered in two shifts morning and afternoon (GS & CSAT paper) in more than 170 centers across the country in the offline mode.

The test witnessed the participation of more than 28000 aspirants who put their knowledge, abilities, and efforts to assess their preparedness for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination scheduled on 28th May 2023.

The period of one month before the UPSC Prelims examination is the most critical phase as this is the time when students give a final shape to their preparation by working out the chinks in their armor and fine-tuning their score maximization strategies.

In a simulated environment, students got the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of their problem-solving skills and exam-taking temperament. Through Abhyaas Tests, they were able to test various strategies for maximizing their score, such as increasing the number of attempted questions, smart question selection, utilizing elimination techniques, and intelligent option selection to arrive at the most probable answer.

Such techniques can significantly impact the final score and improve the likelihood of passing the Prelims examination.

Regularly solving mock tests is crucial for UPSC prelims success as it helps students comprehend exam patterns, identify their strengths and shortcomings, and gain confidence. They also assist in efficient time management and enable better revision and retention of syllabi.

Abhyaas Prelims is an innovative assessment solution that precisely simulates the UPSC exam environment, including the challenges that candidates commonly face during the exam.

In a short span of time, this Test Series has become the gold standard for UPSC prelims preparedness assessment and readiness with its rigorous testing and assessment framework at the student doorsteps.

In addition to assessing students’ knowledge, skills, and aptitude, the test series also evaluates their mental and psychological readiness for the prelims exam by helping them manage exam-induced stress and anxiety, leading to improved performance on the day of the actual exam.

Students came to Test Centres from distant and neighboring regions. They were accompanied by their friends and family who not only waited for the completion of the exam but also provided motivation and emotional support to the students.

Post-exam, students shared their exam experience and equated Abhyaas Test 2 close to UPSC standards with adequate focus given to important syllabus themes including current affairs.

One visible change that was observed was the increased confidence and comfort level of students taking the Abhyaas Test- 2. The fear of the unknown was removed from students’ minds as they had become familiar with and used to the exam conditions and its requirements during the previous test.

They also realized the significance of holistic preparation with adequate attention to all the papers and subjects for better performance in the exam, especially the CSAT Paper which often gets relegated to second place in front of the GS paper.

Abhyaas Test-2 results would be declared on the VisionIAS website at 10:00 PM on 27th April 2023. This would provide the All-India Rankings of students reflecting their comparative standing among their peers which works as a motivating factor for further improvement in the upcoming tests.

Test discussions will be conducted separately for English and Hindi medium students, covering both the papers, i.e the General Studies and CSAT from 28th April to 1st May 2023. This can help students gain valuable insights into their preparation approach and validate its effectiveness.

VisionIAS offers a dedicated and high-quality mentoring program that provides personalized and effective solutions to students’ preparation-related queries and concerns. Students who participate in this dynamic mentoring ecosystem can receive guidance and support from experienced mentors to help them refine their preparation strategies.

Abhyaas Test 3 would be held on 7th May across all the Centres.  This is the last test in the Series which would give the final push to students before they appear for the UPSC Prelims examination on 28th May. This would also fill them with confidence and make them exam-ready.

VisionIAS has demonstrated its capacity to handle complex and challenging exercises such as Abhyaas Prelims with ease, showcasing its institutional capabilities. The organization’s values system is based on innovation, creative thinking, empathetic learning, inclusivity, integrity, and teamwork, which form the foundation of its operations.

The successful completion of Abhyaas Prelims Test-2 across India is a direct result of VisionIAS’s unwavering commitment to these core values and their integration into their initiatives and ecosystem.

VisionIAS has created an innovation-driven, technology-centric comprehensive learning environment, consisting of student-friendly classroom programs, an innovative assessment system, and a dynamic, multi-dimensional mentoring program, which has helped thousands of aspirants from all over India achieve their goal of joining the esteemed Indian Civil Services.

Visit us at: www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

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VisionIAS Organizes Education Conclave on New Education Policy: Inspiring Innovation and Competency based learning in School Education in India

On 15th April, InfinityVision, a venture of VisionIAS, successfully organized an education conclave on the topic New Education Policy: Inspiring Innovation and Competency based learning in School Education in India at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. The event brought together people from various walks of life including educationists, school principals, teachers, mentors, and parents to discuss the opportunities presented by the New Education Policy (NEP).

The conclave was graced by Shri (Brig.) L.C. Patnaik, Ex President SSB board, Ex Chairman Odisha Public Service Commission; Shri (Dr.) V.P. Yadav, Chairman, Board of School Education Haryana; and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, as dignitaries on the dias.

The event commenced with a lamp lightening ceremony and felicitation of all the distinguished dignitaries by Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, Director Ajayvision Education Pvt. Ltd.

Thereafter, the speakers at the event delved deep into the various aspects of the NEP, with Brig. L.C. Patnaik highlighting the role played by teachers and soldiers in shaping the destiny of the nation. He discussed how India, once known as a producer of knowledge has become a net consumer of it, requires immediate attention at various levels of policy making and execution.

While tracing the evolution of India’s education journey since independence, Brig. Patnaik focused on 4 E’s, namely, Expansion, Equity, Excellence, and Employment. He recognized that while India had already achieved the first two E’s with near universal enrollment in school education and greater equity across socio-economic backgrounds, the attainment of remaining two E’s, viz Excellence and Employment, will be accomplished through the successful implementation of the New Education Policy. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial pedagogy and value-based education in shaping the future of the education system.

Thereafter, Dr. V. P. Yadav explained the critical components of the NEP which included emphasis on multilingualism, need for innovation, skill development, vocational education, and competency based learning. He stressed upon the need to imbue Indian values in our education system and the need behind giving adequate weightage to our rich cultural heritage in school curriculum. He also highlighted the glorious history of Sanskrit language, its literature and importance of its propagation to the future generations.

Later on, Shri Yuvraj Malik emphasized on the importance of Competence-based learning in the present education system in India. According to him, innovation in teaching methodology and curriculum is the key solution to reduce high dropout rates in schools. Shri Malik further recommended bridging the academia-industry gap and introducing early vocational studies including internships to foster a culture of innovation and creative thinking among Indian youth. He exhorted all the educators present at the conclave to adopt innovative pedagogy to meaningfully engage the students to improve their learning outcomes and also shared real life examples from his own experiences. He laid specific emphasis on the need for inculcating book reading habits among children from an early age and the role played by parents and teachers in the development of such habits.

In the penultimate part of the conclave, participants engaged the panel members through a question-answer session to know the various nuances of the NEP and its implementation in schools across the country.

Towards the end, Shri Ajay Kumar Singh delivered the vote of thanks and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, esteemed guests, and all the participants for giving their precious time and making the event a success. He expressed his confidence in the ability of young minds in solving real life challenges through innovation and creativity. Shri Ajay Kumar Singh mentioned books as the true friend of students and emphasized on developing book reading habits among students from a young age.

All the participants, including the panelists heartfeltly commended the efforts of Infinity Vision and VisionIAS to ignite a passion for learning, logical thinking, and enhanced problem-solving abilities among students through the state-of-the-art research, training and innovation system through its various initiatives and programs.

The Education Conclave on New Education Policy: Inspiring Innovation and Competency based learning in School Education in India was a successful event that brought together domain experts and multiple stakeholders to discuss the implementation of New Education Policy and future of school education in India.

Visit us at: https://www.infinityvision.in

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MIT University – Meghalaya announces the second International Educational Concord

A Memorandum of understanding was signed between MIT University of Meghalaya – Shillong and Leeds Arts University (United Kingdom) on the 1st of April 2023. The MIT University, which is succeeding in its academic standards, has taken another step towards mounting its collaborative international projects to benefit the local students.

Dr. Malhar Pangrikar (Vice Chancellor), of MIT University-Meghalaya, and Professor Randall Whittaker, from Leeds Arts University signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with an intend for development of collaborative research projects, organization’s joint academic activities, such as: courses, conferences, seminars, symposia or lectures, exchange of publications and other materials of common interest. According to the MOU, exchanges will also be made in research, teaching personnel, placement and exchange of students, in joint venture with MIT University-Meghalaya.

The prestigious Leeds University (UK) is in the leading edge, specialized in the higher education of arts. The Artist, Mr. Patrick Heron, in his writing, the Guardian, described Leeds College of Art as “…the most influential art school in Europe since the Bauhaus. Dr. Malhar Pangrikar affirmed that, the memorandum of Understanding will be effective from the date of the MOU signed and to continue for a length of three years. The main objective to initiate such alliance is to attain a global platform, towards building sustainable practices, an exchange of the local students and faculties for a worldwide experience and comprehension.

The MIT University – Shillong offers exciting New – Age programs with exponential growth, application – oriented learning from industry experts, complete placement and academic support from parent organization MIT Group Institutions- Pune. The professional program includes the undergraduate and post graduate level to cite a few, Bachelor’s of Design-Product design, Graphic Design, and Experience Design, BBA Marketing, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, BBA, – LLB, B.Scs., – Nursing with specializations, BA B.Ed., MBA for working professionals etc. The programs at MIT are designed with an effort to build ‘sustainability’, and these associations help to bring the North East people on a global platform.

Presently the University is coming up with a new and permanent campus at Makasiang village – Mylliem block, East Khasi Hills with an endeavor to offer world-class amenities and infrastructure along with finest academicians to curate a well – rounded learning in the North Eastern Region.

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Basictell’s Top Colleges in India For Admission 2023 Revealed

Basictell’s expert-designed list of India’s top colleges to get admission for MBA, Engineering, Medical, Law, and Architecture.

Education and Career platform Basictell have today unveiled its best colleges to get admission this year with the release of Basictell’s Top Colleges in India 2023.

Basictell’s annual publication of top-picked colleges celebrates its expert analysis of where to get admission this year. Top Colleges in India 2023 is Basictell’s annual list featuring the 10 best colleges in each field.

Basictell’s Top Colleges in India 2023 offers a comprehensive set of factors aimed at helping candidates to get admission to the right college as per their needs – while following along with ranking frameworks like NIRF and some seriously knowledgeable career experts from the education industry.

The MBA field features the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore as one of the best Government MBA colleges, XLRI Xavier College of Management, Jamshedpur as the top private MBA college, and the Indian Institute of Management, IIM Ahmedabad as the top MBA colleges in India as per NIRF ranking.

Students from the science stream planning to get entry into a Govt. Engineering colleges like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and others can check details about the entrance exams, courses, fees, and other details. Also, there are some top Private engineering colleges like Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) to pursue a B.Tech degree in India.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi and Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore are the top medical colleges on the list offering MBBS, BDS, and related Medical and Paramedical programs for students.

Candidates who want to become a legal professional with a LL. B, LL.M. law degree have the option to get admission into the top public law colleges like; National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bengaluru or private law colleges like; Symbiosis Law School, as well as National Law School of India University, the top law college in India as per NIRF ranking.

In the field of architecture, Basictell has listed top architecture colleges such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, SRM IST, Lovely Professional University (LPU), best institutes to pursue a B.Arch or M.Arch degree or PhD at UG, PG, and doctorate levels.

Basictell’s Top Colleges in India 2023 lists are designed according to various ranking factors like NIRF and other authorities. The lists are then whittled down by its panel of education and career experts to just the top 10 colleges. Each is chosen for its courses, NIRF ranking, placement, experiences, and its latest offerings to education programs, accessibility, and campus life.

According to Basictell’s founder Sukanta Das, the release of Basictell’s annual “top list” of colleges and offerings comes at an important time to be getting admission. “2023 is shaping up to be the year to explore courses that can open new career opportunities. To build a solid base from the beginning, candidates are looking for the best colleges, courses, and experiences.”

“The list covers colleges from all over India and their offerings,” Das continues. “Each of the providing mentioned in Basictell’s top Colleges in 2023 helps candidates to choose the right college as per their need.”

Basictell’s Top Colleges in 2023 helps candidates to find popular colleges like IIM and IIT, popular private MBA colleges in India, best government Engineering colleges in India, and top medical colleges as per NIRF ranking.

About Basictell

A trusted education and career platform, Basictell is part of the Fast India Media portfolio. Providing education and career guidance for schools, colleges, and job aspirants since 2011, Basictell reaches hundreds of millions of visitors each year, helping them achieve success. Basictell can be found on Basictell.com, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram through guides, e-books, videos, mock tests, and more. Over the past 10 years, Basictell has provided hundreds of guides covering school board exams, entrance exams, competitive exams as well as job interviews for students from India and all over the world. Visit Basictell at basictell.com and check the list of top colleges at basictell.com/colleges.

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Tata Institute of Social Sciences joins La Trobe-led Smart Cities Research and Innovation Powerhouse

A New Partnership between La Trobe University and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), will see TISS join two prestigious Indian Universities to advance research into smart city-related projects, as part of the Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network (ASCRIN).

Founded by La Trobe University in 2019, ASCRIN brings together a network of Researchers, Global Industry Partners, Government Collaborators and start-ups to conduct research to solve real world problems – aiming to improve sustainability, livability and efficiency of cities and towns in the region.

TISS is joining two other prestigious Indian-based academic partners in ASCRIN – the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur), and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani).

ASCRIN conducts Impactful Research and Collaborates with Industry Partners on issues of global significance – including infrastructure and technology; economic development; mobility and transport; health and well-being; education; urban planning; governance and engagement; security and safety; culture and heritage; and energy, water and waste.

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar AO, is in Delhi this week to host a major Roundtable of Industry and Government stakeholders, and Partner Universities to discuss ASCRIN.

Professor Dewar said he was delighted that TISS would be partnering with La Trobe and other high-profile organisations in India to help solve global issues.

“Being one of India’s top institutions to study non-engineering, technology disciplines makes TISS a strong partner of choice for the ASCRIN – perfectly complementing the focus and expertise of our two other academic partners in India,” Professor Dewar said.

“Like La Trobe, TISS has a deep commitment to creating research impact, as well as social justice and inclusion, and we look forward to working together to make a difference to communities across the world.”

Mr Kunal Kumar, Joint Secretary and Mission Director (Smart Cities Mission) at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India has been a supporter of ASCRIN since its launch in 2019.

“The Government of India’s Smart City Mission is one of the largest initiatives of its kind, aiming to transform 100 diverse cities across the country – however, we cannot do this alone.

“Initiatives such as ASCRIN can bring novel solutions with the potential to impact community and industry problems in the context of rapid urbanisation,” Mr Kumar said.

Professor Shalini Bharat, Director and Vice-Chancellor at TISS, said TISS is committed to fostering partnerships aimed at meeting educational goals of a diverse set of students and supporting social research and extension work with potential to benefit people across the globe.

“This agreement with La Trobe will create new international education opportunities, as well as bridge both our organisations’ connection to global research and strengthen industry collaborations,” Professor Bharat said.

Last month, Professor Dewar met with Australian Education Minister, The Hon. Jason Clare MP, in New Delhi to cement strategically important partnerships with universities and research centres in India.

La Trobe has a long and proud history of close ties with many of India’s leading research, educational and cultural institutions – including Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Lady Shri Ram College, and Jindal Global Law School.

About Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is one of India’s top social science institutions to study non-engineering, technology disciplines that include post graduate degrees in Public Health, Labour, Development, Urban and Public Policy, Cities and Governance, Social Work, Climate Change, Media Studies, and Rural Development among others. Many of their graduates are first generation learners from less wealthy communities and have been active participants in revitalising local communities post disasters.

With TISS’ unique study offerings combined with their students’ lived experience of environmental and social issues in the region, this partnership will further contribute to La Trobe’s ASCRIN goals. La Trobe’s humanities and social sciences academics will now have connections to their counterpart researchers at TISS, with opportunities for collaboration with local government and industries in India and Sri Lanka.

Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network

ASCRIN, an initiative led by La Trobe, works with research focused groups, government, global industry partners and start-ups to develop solutions and evaluate implementation strategies, to improve the sustainability, livability and efficiency of Asian regions. This also includes a dedicated IIT Kanpur-La Trobe University Research Academy (ASCRIN’s node in India).

The Network currently has over 230 individual members, around 95 of which are involved in the joint research projects and supervision of PhD students across the institutions. There are 70 plus Joint PhD scholarships under ASCRIN and several externally funded research collaborations between the institutions, exploring issues like the socio-economic costs of road crashes in India, and how to make data driven quality management accessible to small dairy cooperatives in India.

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Thousands of Aspirants Appeared in All India VISION IAS – ABHYAAS Test for UPSC Prelims 2023

On 2nd April 2023, more than 26000 students across the country converged in over 170 cities ranging from Leh to Kanyakumari and Jamnagar to Kohima to participate in the annual VisionIAS’s Abhyaas Prelims Test Series. The students put their knowledge, abilities, and efforts to evaluate their preparedness for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination scheduled on 28th May 2023.

VisionIAS has demonstrated its institutional capabilities in delivering complex and challenging exercises such as Abhyaas Prelims with ease. Values like innovation, creative thinking, empathetic learning, inclusivity, integrity, and teamwork, build the base of the organizational values system.

The smooth and efficient completion of Abhyaas Prelims Test-1 at the pan-India level is a natural outcome of VisionIAS’s continued adherence to these core organizational values, and their integration and reflection in its initiatives and ecosystem.

Within a short span of time, VisionIAS’s Abhyaas Prelims Test Series has established itself as a benchmark of excellence in prelims preparedness assessment and exam readiness by providing them with a comprehensive and rigorous testing platform at their doorsteps.

Solving mock tests for UPSC prelims is essential for a candidate’s success in the exam. It familiarizes them with exam patterns, assessment of strengths and shortcomings, and building confidence. This Test series not only helps candidates in the revision and retention of the syllabus but also assists in effective time management.

Abhyaas Prelims is an innovative solution by VisionIAS to simulate the UPSC Prelims exam-like environment and associated challenges that are experienced by students.

Abhyaas not only evaluates the student’s knowledge and aptitude but also tests their mental and psychological readiness for the UPSC Prelims exam. The experience of appearing in a simulated exam can help students manage exam-related stress and anxiety, enabling them to perform better on the actual exam day.

The All-India Rankings provide students with their comparative standing among their peers which works as a motivating factor for further improvement in the upcoming tests. Through post-test analysis and live test discussions, students gain valuable insights into their preparation approach and validate its effectiveness. The dedicated and high-end mentoring ecosystem provides customized and workable solutions to students’ doubts and queries related to preparation.

The environment across Test Centres in the entire country closely resembled that of the UPSC Prelims examination with students coming to Test Centres from distant places and neighboring areas. Parents also accompanied students and waited for the completion of the exam. The parents providing motivation and emotional support to the students before and after the exam was a heartwarming sight to witness.

Post-test, students shared their experience of the Abhyaas Test-1. Those with prior experience of writing the UPSC CSE Prelims testified to the similarities between the actual USPC exam and Abhyaas in terms of the environment in the exam hall, administrative arrangements and procedures at the test centers, and the nature of questions in the paper..

While fresh aspirants reflected that the Abhyaas experience had filled them with confidence to take up the UPSC Prelims exam as the fear of the unknown was removed from their mind. Also, they realized the significance of holistic preparation with adequate attention on all the Papers and subjects.

Abhyaas CSAT paper acted as a timely wake-up call for those students who had lost complete touch with the CSAT preparation as they struggled hard to perform well in it within allocated time. Students appearing in Abhyaas Prelims Test-1, were particularly fascinated about having tested their preparation strategies, problem solving skills, and time management.

The result of the Abhyaas Prelims Test 1 is scheduled to be declared on 6th April 2023, at 10:00 PM on the Vision IAS website. Following this, a series of test discussions for both Papers I & II will be scheduled from 7th April to 10th April 2023 for English and Hindi medium students separately.

The upcoming tests under Abhyaas Test Series are scheduled for 23rd April and 7th May respectively. This schedule is strategically determined to enable students to assess their level of preparation at regular intervals with ample time to improve on their shortcomings and build on their strengths.  This enables students to not only assess their knowledge and skills but also their mental and psychological resilience, thus improving their exam readiness.

A comprehensive technology-driven learning ecosystem at VisionIAS has assisted thousands of aspirants across India to achieve their dream of joining prestigious Indian Civil services. This ecosystem includes student-friendly classroom programs, an innovative assessment system, and a dynamic and multi-dimensional mentoring program.

VisionIAS firmly believes in the innate potential of each student to achieve great accomplishments. The Abhyaas Test Series is the reflection of the same belief which aims to unleash the potential of students so that the nation rises to the highest level of endeavor and achievement.

Visit us at:

www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

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Abhyaas mock tests
Education

Smart Revision Techniques for Success in UPSC Prelims: Tips and Strategies

With two months to go, the most crucial time of preparation has begun for the students appearing in Prelims-2023. Students, who can make the most out of this time period, are most likely to succeed in the Prelims exam.

Revision is the most time and energy-consuming task performed by student’s right before the examination. The traditional revision techniques of re-reading, underlining, or highlighting the important content is often time-consuming and become a routine task that neither develops critical thinking nor aid in long-term retention of the content.

However, the most challenging questions in front of students lie in finding the answer to the question, i.e, How to revise smartly?

Smart revision is a focused and organized approach to revise the subjects based on their relative significance in the examination and students’ own comfort level. Subjects that have higher weightage or may pose a challenge during last-moment revision should be provided greater time and attention.

To perform well in the Prelims exam, channelizing the right efforts in the right direction is a crucial aspect of preparation. Therefore, prioritization of important subjects and topics therein is pivotal in ensuring success in the exam.

Multiple revisions in a short span of time result in the consolidation of learning’s and a better understanding of concepts and their apt application. Creating synoptic notes and their daily, weekly, and monthly revisions can help in achieving the said objectives. It also makes the revision exercise more engaging and results in better learning outcomes.

Practicing Mocks and PYQs are great tools of revision that help students better understand the demand of the examination, facilitate easy recall and application of information, and identification of shortcomings and strengths.

Mock Tests and post-test analysis also help in validating the exam strategies like achieving higher precision while making informed guesses and applying elimination methods. In addition, it facilitates the revision of identified questions and associated concepts.

The large volume of information is required to be consumed and processed before the Prelims examination. Techniques like Storytelling and mnemonics wherein we associate information with personalities and places facilitating better retention and recalling ability.

Another approach to efficiently consume, process, and retain large volumes of data and information is creating mind palaces. This technique involves visualizing a place with various features in which you could physically store a set of memories and information.

A quiz-based revision technique combines revision with short Q&A sessions. This results in quick thinking, improved reaction time, better application of knowledge, and instills confidence. Explaining difficult concepts to peers will not only improve group learning but also enhance individual learning outcomes.

In this regard, Abhyaas Prelims, a pan India exam with its presence in more than 170+ cities provides an apt opportunity to the students to validate the efficacy of the smart revision approaches and techniques in an UPSC simulated environment.

Abhyaas offers students a chance to evaluate their objective skills, problem-solving aptitude, mental agility, and decision-making abilities and gauge the level of their preparation. Students can identify their strengths and shortcomings, learn from their mistakes and discover smarter ways to approach questions during the exam.

Post-test analysis and test discussions provide students with the opportunity to learn alternative ways to approach the questions. Additionally, it facilitates learning through interaction with senior facilities and avail high-end and unlimited mentoring services.

The period of preparation is believed to be the most opportune moment for planting the seeds of success.

So, it becomes essential for the aspirants to shift their focus from feeling anxious about the outcome of the exam to maintaining a sense of calmness and composure that can be ensured by adhering to smart ways of revision.

“You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think”

Visit us at:

www.visionias.in/abhyaas

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

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