Campus Times | LucknowThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised the fee structure for Class 12 post-result services following widespread concerns raised by students, parents, and teachers over the newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation system. Alongside the fee reduction, the board has also launched dedicated helpline and tele-counselling services to support students dealing with result-related stress and anxiety.The move comes after several students claimed they received lower-than-expected marks in the 2026 board examinations. In response, CBSE clarified that the evaluation process was conducted in a fair, transparent, and standardised manner under officially approved marking guidelines.CBSE Reduces Re-Evaluation and Verification FeesCBSE has issued a revised notification for students applying for post-result facilities and has significantly reduced the earlier announced charges to make the process more accessible and affordable.As per the revised structure, students can obtain scanned copies of their evaluated answer sheets between May 19 and May 22, 2026, by paying Rs. 100 instead of the earlier Rs. 700 fee. Similarly, the fee for verification of issues observed in answer sheets, scheduled from May 26 to May 29, 2026, has been reduced from Rs. 500 to Rs. 100.The board has also slashed the re-evaluation fee from Rs. 100 per question to Rs. 25 per question. CBSE stated that the revised charges were introduced to ensure that no student is denied access to post-result facilities because of financial limitations.Addressing the issue during a press conference, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, said the revised fee structure was aimed at supporting students and ensuring fairness in the post-result process. The board also indicated that fees may be refunded in cases where marks increase after verification or re-evaluation.Concerns Over OSM Evaluation SystemThe OSM (On-Screen Marking) system was introduced this year to improve standardisation, accuracy, confidentiality,

Campus Times | LucknowCSPA XI emerged champions of the two-day Corporate Mitra Cricket League held on February 21–22 in Lucknow, defeating Awadh Finance Cricket Club (CA team) in a thrilling final. The winning side was led by CS Manish Mishra. The tournament was jointly organized by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), Lucknow Chapter, and the Corporate Sector Professionals Association (CSPA). Four professional teams participated: Costing Crusaders (ICMAI Lucknow), LCS Legends (ICSI Lucknow), Awadh Finance Cricket Club (CAs), and CSPA XI.The event was sponsored by India Pesticides Limited, represented by CFO S.P. Gupta. At the closing ceremony, CSPA Treasurer CS Narendra Ojha congratulated participants, emphasizing that such sporting events strengthen professional bonding, networking, and overall well-being among industry experts. The league was widely appreciated across Lucknow’s professional community as a successful blend of sportsmanship and corporate camaraderie.

Campus Times | LucknowIn a refreshing shift towards meaningful learning, schools across Lucknow have started encouraging students to read newspapers regularly—an initiative driven by government directives that is already showing promising results.Launched in both basic and secondary schools, the program has sparked enthusiasm among students, who are now actively engaging with news beyond textbooks. From local updates to global events, students are exploring a wider world of information every day.At Basic School Ganjariya Malli, children shared how reading newspapers helped them stay updated—even learning that Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant was in their city. Such real-world connections are making learning more exciting and relatable.Teachers are equally optimistic. Ruchi, a teacher at Basic School Lajpat Nagar, highlighted that this habit not only builds awareness but also helps reduce excessive mobile usage among students—encouraging healthier routines.Students from Basic School Madarwa echoed similar sentiments, saying newspapers have opened doors to national and international knowledge, improving their understanding of current affairs.Education officials have reinforced the importance of this initiative. Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Joint Director of Secondary Education, confirmed that newspaper reading is now being integrated into academic activities to build informed and responsible citizens.District Basic Education Officer Shyam Kishor added that the move aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes holistic learning and awareness.This simple yet powerful initiative is proving that sometimes, going back to basics—like reading a newspaper—can be the smartest step toward a brighter future.

Campus Times | LucknowTension spilled onto the streets in Lucknow after a controversial viral video triggered outrage among differently-abled students, leading to a dramatic road blockade and clashes with police.The protest erupted near the police outpost on Mohan Road, where a group of students from Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University staged a demonstration on Monday evening. The agitation quickly escalated into a traffic standstill stretching nearly four kilometres, disrupting normal movement in the area.What sparked the protest?At the heart of the controversy is a viral video allegedly showing some students pretending to be disabled to create social media content. Protesters claimed that the individuals involved were not actually differently-abled, calling the act “insensitive” and “deeply disrespectful” to the community.Angry students accused the accused of mocking real struggles by mimicking visual and physical disabilities in staged clips recorded on campus ramps and shared online.Streets turn into protest groundAs anger mounted, demonstrators blocked the service road near the police post, raising slogans and demanding strict action. The situation grew tense, with heated arguments breaking out between students and police officials trying to clear the road.Demand for strict actionStudent representatives submitted a formal complaint, urging authorities to register an FIR and take stringent legal action against those responsible. They argued that such acts not only hurt sentiments but may also violate provisions related to the rights of persons with disabilities.Administration respondsPolice officials confirmed that a complaint has been registered and an investigation is underway. University authorities have also assured that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if the blame are proven.The incident has reignited a larger debate on social media ethics and sensitivity, especially when content creation crosses into mockery of vulnerable communities. What started as a viral video has now turned into a serious law-and-order issue—highlighting how quickly digital actions can

Campus Times | LucknowA two-day job fair held at the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Aliganj witnessed a strong turnout, with over 1,300 candidates competing for 500 vacancies. However, only 270 candidates were selected after the completion of the recruitment process.According to officials, the selection process included document verification, a written examination, and interviews. On the first day, 676 candidates qualified in the written test and were shortlisted for the interview round. The final selection, however, remained limited, leaving more than 230 posts vacant.Officials attributed the shortfall to a mismatch between industry requirements and candidate skill levels. Despite the availability of vacancies, several candidates were unable to meet the expected standards during the selection stages.The selected candidates will receive a monthly salary of around ₹32,000, along with additional benefits such as meals and transport facilities.Authorities indicated that further recruitment drives may be conducted to fill the remaining positions. They also emphasised the need for candidates to enhance practical skills and workplace readiness to improve employability.The development highlights a persistent gap between training and industry expectations, even as employment opportunities continue to be created through such placement initiatives.

Campus Times | LucknowThe decision was taken by the NTA in response to requests from students across the country. Many candidates were unable to complete their applications on time due to technical glitches and other unforeseen issues. The extension has come as a major relief, especially for students whose payments failed or remained pending till January 31 for various reasons.Important information should be noted New Last Date to Apply: February 4, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)Last Date for Fee Payment: February 7, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)Correction Window (Edit Application Details): February 9 to February 11, 2026Tentative Examination Dates: Between May 11 and May 31, 2026Mode of Examination and Test Centres as per the official notificationThe CUET UG 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, meaning candidates will have to take the exam on a computer. The test will be held across various cities in India as well as in 15 international cities abroad.How to Apply for CUET UG 2026Visit the Official Website: Go to the official CUET website at cuet.nta.nic.in.Click on Registration Link: On the homepage, click on ‘Registration for CUET (UG) 2026Complete Registration: Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and address to register yourself.Log In and Fill Details: Use the registration ID to log in and fill in your academic details and select the preferred universities.Pay the Application Fee: Pay the examination fee using a credit card, debit card, or net banking.Download Confirmation Page: After submission, make sure to download and save the confirmation page for future reference.A Golden Opportunity for AdmissionThrough CUET UG, students can secure admission to top central universities in the country such as Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), along with several state, private, and deemed universities.

Campus Times | LucknowAn awareness rally and street play highlighting the key features of the National Education Policy 2020 were organised at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow. The initiative was led by the university’s NEP-2020 Committee to inform students and the public about the transformative changes introduced in the education system.Rally and Street Play Promote NEP 2020 AwarenessDuring the rally, students moved across the university campus and nearby areas, spreading awareness about the objectives and benefits of the new education policy. Through slogans, placards and interaction with people, they highlighted the importance of modern education reforms. A street play performed by students presented themes such as skill-based learning, multidisciplinary education and holistic development in a simple and impactful way.Emphasis on Skills and Holistic EducationThe programme was attended by NEP-2020 Committee Chairperson Prof. Sangeeta Saxena along with Dr. Subhash Mishra, Dr. Vineet Kumar and Dr. Manjari Raj Oraon. Faculty members noted that the new education policy not only strengthens academic learning but also promotes practical knowledge and employment-oriented skills. Students and teachers together encouraged people to remain aware of education reforms and adopt the provisions of NEP 2020.

Campus Times | LucknowIn today’s rapidly evolving era of modern education, where technology-based teaching methods are advancing at a fast pace, Lucknow Public School (C.P. Singh Foundation) has set an excellent example of balancing tradition with modernity.The school group has introduced an innovative educational initiative by making Sanskrit a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 8 in all its 10 branches located in Lucknow, Unnao, and Raebareli.This initiative is not limited to language learning alone, but also aims to connect students with Indian culture, values, and philosophy of life while contributing to their holistic personality development.Sanskrit: Beyond a language, a foundation of valuesSchool Director Dr. Rashmi Pathak said that Sanskrit is not merely a subject, but the foundation of India’s knowledge tradition and cultural heritage. With this vision, the subject has been made compulsory for all students instead of being kept optional.In the primary classes, children are introduced to simple Sanskrit words related to flowers, animals, birds, and everyday life. This process is not limited to writing alone; students are also encouraged to speak and understand the language, allowing Sanskrit to naturally become a part of their behaviour and communication.Practical learning enhancing confidenceAs students move to higher classes, they are taught sentence formation, grammar, and Sanskrit literature. Students read stories in Sanskrit, practice recitation, and also analyse their meanings.To keep the language lively and engaging, activities such as shloka recitation, Sanskrit prayers, dialogue practice, and self-introduction sessions are regularly organised in the school. These activities are significantly improving students’ communication skills and self-confidence.Strengthening language skills through activitiesTo make Sanskrit interesting and practical, the school conducts various co-curricular activities. Group discussions, shloka competitions, and storytelling sessions help students not only learn the language but also experience and live it.Special practice sessions are also organised to strengthen writing skills, enabling students to

Campus Times | LucknowThe University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a major expansion of the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET), introducing Statistics and Forestry as new subjects starting from the June 2026 session. This step is expected to broaden opportunities for candidates from diverse academic backgrounds and align the examination with emerging research and teaching needs.Statistics and Forestry Added to UGC NETIn a significant update, Statistics has been officially included as a NET subject, creating a dedicated pathway for students specializing in data analysis, mathematics, and quantitative research. The detailed syllabus is already available on the official website, allowing candidates to begin their preparation early.Similarly, Forestry has been introduced to support students involved in environmental science, forest management, ecology, and sustainability studies. With increasing global attention on climate change and conservation, this addition reflects a growing emphasis on environmentally relevant disciplines in higher education.Why This MattersThe inclusion of these subjects marks a shift in academic priorities. Students from interdisciplinary fields, especially data science and environmental studies, now have improved opportunities to qualify for:• Assistant Professor positions• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)• Careers in academia and advanced researchUGC NET June 2026: Important DatesThe National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the application process. Key dates are as follows:• Application Start Date: April 29, 2026• Last Date to Apply: May 20, 2026• Exam Dates: June 22 to June 30, 2026• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)• Exam City Information: By June 10, 2026• Admit Card Release: Around June 15, 2026Application Fee• General Category: ₹1,150• OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹600• SC / ST / PwD: ₹325Candidates can apply through the official website: ugcnet.nta.nic.inFinal TakewayWith the addition of Statistics and Forestry, the UGC NET now offers 85 subjects, making it more inclusive and future-oriented. This expansion not only reflects academic diversification but also opens new pathways for students aiming to build careers in data-driven research and sustainable development.Aspirants planning

Campus Times | Lucknow The Reserve Bank of India has announced the RBI Grade B Recruitment 2026, offering a major career opportunity for candidates preparing for banking, economics, and government sector jobs. The recruitment drive aims to fill 60 Officer Grade ‘B’ posts across multiple departments. Selected candidates will receive an attractive monthly salary ranging from ₹78,000 to ₹1.5 lakh along with additional allowances and benefits.Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official RBI website till May 20, 2026.Vacancy detailsRBI has released vacancies for the following posts:• Officer Grade B (General) – 40 Posts• Officer Grade B (DEPR) – 10 Posts• Officer Grade B (DSIM) – 10 PostsTotal Vacancies: 60 PostsImportant dates• Last Date to Apply: May 20, 2026• Phase I & II Examination: June 13 and 14, 2026• Interview Dates: July 25 and 26, 2026Eligibility criteriaCandidates applying for RBI Grade B posts must have completed graduation from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks.The age limit for applicants is between 21 and 30 years. However, candidates belonging to reserved categories will be eligible for age relaxation as per government norms.Selection processThe recruitment process will be conducted in multiple stages:Written examinationCandidates will first appear for the online written examination.Interview roundShortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview.Document verificationAll educational and identity documents will be verified before final selection.Merit listThe final merit list will be prepared based on overall performance in the selection process.Salary and benefitsSelected candidates for the RBI Grade B Officer posts will receive a lucrative salary package ranging between ₹78,000 and ₹1.5 lakh per month. In addition to the basic pay, employees will also get several benefits including allowances, job security, and career growth opportunities.How to apply Candidates can apply online by following these steps:1. Visit the official RBI website2. Complete the registration process3. Fill out the online application form4. Upload required documents5. Submit

Campus Times| LucknowIn a decisive move before the 2026–27 academic session, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) has sounded an alarm against the sale of unauthorised textbooks in affiliated schools — particularly those being falsely marketed under the name of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).The warning comes after reports surfaced that certain publishers allegedly misled parents and students by selling books branded as “NCERT” without official approval. According to inputs shared by ANI, the board has taken serious note of these practices and made it clear that strict monitoring will be enforced across schools.No More Forced Book PurchasesIn a notification issued on January 8, the board categorically stated that no school can compel students to purchase expensive guidebooks, reference materials, or books from specific private publishers. Officials stressed that such practices not only violate regulations but also place an unnecessary financial burden on families.The board further rejected claims that schools are free to prescribe any textbook of their choice. Authorities termed such assertions “misleading” and reaffirmed that only board-approved textbooks are permitted in government-aided and self-financed institutions affiliated with the UP Board.Legal Action Against ViolatorsUP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh issued a stern warning, stating that strict legal action will be taken against publishers, distributors, or school authorities found violating the board’s directives. He also pointed out that the High Court has upheld the board’s exclusive authority to prescribe textbooks and curriculum for high school and intermediate classes.Crackdown on MisinformationApart from textbook irregularities, the board has also sought action against those spreading misinformation regarding examinations and academic policies. Officials said rumours during the admission and exam season create unnecessary panic and confusion among students.Why This MattersWith lakhs of students enrolled under the UP Board, the directive is seen as a major step to ensure transparency, affordability,

Campus Times | Lucknow In a quick squad adjustment ahead of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured Nathan Ellis. Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament after aggravating a hamstring injury during Australia’s domestic One-Day Cup final on March 11. Johnson joins the franchise for ₹1.5 crore.Johnson’s Comeback Opportunity At 30, Johnson brings valuable international exposure, having featured in ODIs and T20Is for Australia. However, his return will be under scrutiny as he hasn’t played top-level cricket since last year’s IPL due to a back injury, which also kept him out of the Big Bash League and the 2026 T20 World Cup.Johnson’s IPL stint has been relatively quiet so far. He previously represented Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders, but managed only a handful of wickets across two seasons. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction, CSK have now handed him a fresh opportunity.Ellis’ Absence Leaves a Void Ellis, who was retained for ₹2 crore, had limited chances with CSK, playing just one match last season. His injury, however, creates a crucial gap in the pace attack, forcing the team to look for an immediate replacement.CSK’s Pace Attack Looks Balanced With Johnson’s addition, CSK’s overseas fast-bowling unit now includes Matt Henry, Jamie Overton, and Zak Foulkes. The Indian pace lineup features Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Choudhary among others, giving the team a well-rounded mix of experience and youth.As CSK gear up for another title push, Johnson has a golden chance to prove himself. His ability to deliver under pressure could play a key role in strengthening CSK’s bowling attack this season.