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The Indian government has reserved 15 percent of seats in premier technical institutions for foreign nationals and persons of Indian origin and nonresident Indians.

A press release from the Indian Consulate said the government had announced a scheme called Direct Admissions of Students Abroad under which 18 National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and other federally funded institutions would reserve seats.

“These institutions are comparable to the best in the world and are known for providing quality education in engineering and technology,” the release said.

These institutions offer B. Tech in electronics and communication, electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, information technology and civil engineering among other disciplines. Some of them also offer courses in ceramic engineering, metallurgical engineering, textile/food/leather technology and agricultural engineering. The admissions are being offered on the first-come-first-served basis. Detailed admission guidelines are available on www.edcil.co.in

Change Looms Award for youth

Two organizations in India have announced the Change Looms Award aimed at recognizing youth seeking to promote change in society.

Pravah and Ashoka: Innovators for the Public said in a press release that those between the ages 17 and 25 who have a well-rounded understanding of the problems society faces, believe that they can make a difference, and have identified an avenue that they can pursue to make a change in society. They can be young people working in teams or youth working on their own with communities, it said.

The Change Looms Award will be given to 7-10 youth initiatives. It consists of a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 (about $450) and the opportunity to be mentored by a leading social entrepreneur. Follow-up grants of up to Rs. 40,000 (about $900) will be available for up to five of the award recipients. The award is supported by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust.

(Compiled from a press release by M. Chooki)