Author: Neel Achary

TOEFL iBT and Study.com Launch Official TOEFL Test Prep Ahead of Enhanced Test Debut on January 21, 2026

ETS, the organization behind the TOEFL iBT® test, has partnered with Study.com, an award-winning online learning platform, to introduce the Official TOEFL Test Prep. This comprehensive, adaptive preparation program is designed specifically to align with the upcoming enhancements to the TOEFL iBT test, set to debut on January 21, 2026. The new prep program offers Indian students and global learners a tailored study experience that mirrors the updated test format, ensuring they are fully prepared for success on test day.

The Official TOEFL Test Prep includes a variety of TOEFL-style practice questions, interactive lessons, and personalized AI tutoring that adjusts to each student’s skill level. It also provides detailed feedback, progress tracking, and adaptive practice that helps students build the strategies they need to perform well in all sections. With enhancements including personalized reading and listening sections, the program aims to reflect the evolving demands of academic environments and offers students the tools needed to succeed in the highly competitive global education landscape.

“TOEFL has been the global benchmark in academic English proficiency for more than 60 years, trusted by 13,000 institutions worldwide,” said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS. “We’re proud to partner with Study.com to deliver an official preparation experience for the enhanced TOEFL iBT. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fairness, access and quality – giving every learner, everywhere, a clear path to success in today’s global education landscape.”

The enhanced TOEFL iBT will feature adaptive sections, including reading and listening, for a more personalized test experience. The updated score scale will be aligned with the globally recognized CEFR, providing a more intuitive and globally applicable measure of language proficiency. The test is designed to reflect the real-world academic tasks that students face in higher education, ensuring that the results are a better indicator of a student’s ability to succeed in an academic setting. Fast-tracked score reporting within 72 hours will further enhance the process for international students.

“This collaboration with TOEFL brings together decades of assessment expertise and Study.com’s strength in adaptive, AI-driven learning and exam prep,” said Adrián Ridner, CEO of Study.com. “As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, I am proud of how Study.com is transforming how students succeed in the 2026 TOEFL iBT exam; making it personalized and enabling users to practice all TOEFL sections with confidence and detailed feedback.”

“This partnership represents a powerful alignment between two leaders in education innovation,” said Chris Mancini, chief growth officer of Study.com, “Together, we’re expanding access to authentic, high-quality TOEFL preparation worldwide; a collaboration I’m proud to have helped bring to life for the millions of learners whose journeys begin with TOEFL.”

The Official TOEFL Test Prep introduces new task types such as sentence-building, email writing, and interview-style speaking, mirroring the format of the enhanced TOEFL iBT test. These updates ensure students receive an authentic preparation experience with instant feedback and detailed progress analytics across all four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. This enables learners to fine-tune their skills, boosting their confidence and readiness for test day. With over 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries accepting TOEFL iBT scores, this globally recognized test remains a vital component in academic admissions. Through this partnership between ETS and Study.com, students gain access to adaptive, research-backed prep that is fully aligned with the 2026 updates, equipping them with the resources they need for success. For more information about the enhanced TOEFL iBT and Official TOEFL Test Prep,

Panasonic Life Solutions India Marks 10 Years of Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program; Reinforcing Commitment to Education and Empowerment

New Delhi, Nov 20: Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), in the 10th year of its flagship scholarship initiative, Ratti Chhatr, in association with its NGO partner, Buddy4Study India Foundation, has awarded scholarships to 10 students across India.

This year, the program received more than 1,600 applications, out of which 10 students were selected after a comprehensive process involving screening, an online test, and interviews. Since its inception, the initiative has supported over 260 students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing higher education at IITs across the country.

Mr. Tadashi Chiba, MD & CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said, “Welcoming the new batch of Ratti Chhatr scholars, we at Panasonic remain committed to empowering young talent through education. We believe education enables individuals to build a better future and contribute meaningfully to society. We look forward to seeing these students grow and make a positive difference in their chosen fields.”

Ms. Anju Malhotra, General Manager- Factory HR & CSR, added, “Through the Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program, we aim to support deserving students in continuing their academic journey with confidence. By easing their financial challenges, we hope to enable them to focus on learning and personal growth.” 

Over the years, the Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program has become a platform to identify and nurture promising young talent, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to education, empowerment, and nation-building through meaningful CSR initiatives.

Guwahati to host workshop on ‘A–Z of opening a successful school’ on November 23

Guwahati, Nov 20:  Guwahati is set to host a specialised workshop titled “AZ of Opening a Successful School” at Hotel Vivanta on November 23, offering aspiring school founders, trusts and education investors practical guidance on setting up new schools in Assam and the wider North East region.

The session will be led by Amol Arora, Managing Director of the SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD Group of Schools, who has worked with hundreds of school promoters across India. The workshop aims to clarify the operational, academic and administrative processes involved in establishing a school  an area where many first-time promoters often face regulatory and planning challenges.

With growing urbanisation and increasing demand for quality schooling in the region, the programme will discuss the steps involved in starting a school from the ground up. Topics include approvals and compliance requirements, infrastructure planning, admissions strategy, budgeting, branding and academic systems. Participants will also receive a structured 100-point School Launch Checklist intended to simplify the planning process.

Speaking about the workshop, Amol Arora, Managing Director of the SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD Group of Schools said, “Many first-time promoters struggle with navigating approvals, infrastructure norms, admissions and academic planning. This workshop is meant to offer a clear, step-by-step understanding so that they can make informed decisions during the school setup journey.”

He added, “The North East region has seen steady demand for quality schooling, especially in urban centres, where parents are increasingly looking for structured, future-ready education. Many promoters in the region have strong intent but often lack access to technical guidance on approvals, planning and academic systems. This workshop is an attempt to bridge that gap.”

The workshop is open to education entrepreneurs, investors, existing school owners planning expansion and organisations exploring opportunities in the schooling sector. It also aims to offer practical clarity for those navigating the early stages of school planning.

ASCI Hyderabad and Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA signed an MoU

Hyderabad, Nov 20 :The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the College Park Campus, Banjara Hills.

The partnership aims to strengthen professional education in management accounting and enhance global career readiness for students.

Under the MoU, ASCI and IMA will collaborate to:

•  Create awareness about IMA’s global certification programs, including Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate (FMAA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA).
• Develop joint programs and academic activities that provide ASCI students opportunities to pursue these globally recognized professional certifications.
• Organize seminars, conferences, research collaborations, and publications related to accounting, finance, and management accounting.
• Facilitate information sharing on emerging opportunities within the accounting and finance profession.
• Explore additional mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.

IMA will support ASCI through recognition as an IMA-affiliated institution and assist in the College’s application to the IMA Higher Education Endorsement Program. As part of the collaboration, IMA will also provide up to 10 distinguished scholarships annually, based on eligibility criteria and academic guidelines specified by IMA.

ASCI will offer platforms for student engagement and awareness sessions on the IMA certification programs. The Department of Commerce will lead the coordination and monitoring of these initiatives at the campus.

The MoU will remain in force for three years, with the option for renewal on mutually agreed terms. Provisions ensure continuity for students enrolled in ongoing programs even in the event of termination.

The MoU was signed by Dr. N. Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd.), Director General, ASCI, and Mr. Michael DePrisco, President and CEO, IMA.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Nirmalya Bagchi, Dean & Head, CPC, and Director, CMS & PGDM, ASCI, Sunil Deshmukh, CMA, Chair-Emeritus of the IMA Global Board of Directors and Mr. Arindam Ghosh, Country Head, IMA India Pvt. Ltd., along with other faculty members, officers of ASCI, and representatives from IMA.

This strategic agreement highlights ASCI’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and the advancement of specialized education in finance and management accounting.

Established in 1956, ASCI is a premier institution known for developing managerial excellence among corporate managers, administrators, entrepreneurs, and academicians.

IMA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is one of the world’s largest associations dedicated to advancing the management accounting profession, with a global network of about 140,000 members across 150 countries.