New Delhi: The day brings several significant developments across education, technology, and national security — from a sharp increase in the exam fee for Common Admission Test (CAT 2025) to the government’s mandate for pre-installing a cyber-security app on all smartphones. Here’s everything you need to know.
🏫 CAT 2025 Fee Hike — 31% Higher, Students React
This year’s CAT application fee has been raised substantially. General and OBC candidates will now need to pay ₹ 2,600, while SC / ST / PwBD candidates will need to pay ₹ 1,300 — marking an increase of 31% compared to 2021.
The fee hike was raised as a question in Parliament by an MP, prompting the Ministry of Education to defend the increase. According to official sources, the hike is reportedly to offset rising administrative and logistical costs associated with conducting a nationwide exam.
Students and aspirants have expressed concern, saying the higher fee could add burden — especially for those applying to multiple programmes or with limited financial resources. Many have taken to social media to voice their displeasure, calling the increase “untimely” given broader economic pressures.
🔐 Sanchar Saathi App to Become Mandatory on All New Smartphones
In a landmark move for telecom-sector regulation and cyber-security, the government has ordered all smartphone manufacturers — including global giants — to pre-install its state-owned cyber-safety application — Sanchar Saathi — on all new devices sold in India. The app must come preloaded, and users will not be allowed to delete or disable it.
The directive concerns both new handsets and those already in the supply chain: the latter must receive the app via software updates within a 90-day window.
The government maintains that the step is essential to combat the misuse of fake or cloned device IMEI numbers — a key tool in cyber-fraud and telecom-related crimes. Sanchar Saathi allows users to verify their device’s IMEI, report lost or stolen phones, and block suspicious connections quickly.
However, critics — including digital-rights activists and some smartphone makers — have raised serious concerns over privacy and user consent. They argue mandatory pre-installation could mark a slippery slope toward deeper surveillance and intrusion.
⚠️ Broader Impact & What to Watch
🎓 On Students & Aspiring Professionals
- The CAT fee hike may put additional financial pressure on MBA and management-entrance aspirants. Many students might need to rethink their application choices or limit the number of applications they submit.
- There may be an increased demand for fee waivers / concessions, especially from economically weaker students or reserved-category applicants.
📱 On Smartphone Users & Telecom Industry
- The mandatory Sanchar Saathi installation could significantly change the smartphone-user experience — what was once a voluntary security app will now be unavoidable.
- Manufacturers — especially those with strict policies around preloaded apps — could face challenges balancing compliance and user pushback.
- Privacy debates are likely to intensify: questions over data control, user autonomy, and state surveillance may shape public discourse across digital rights platforms.
📝 Final Word
December 02, 2025 marks a day of major policy updates that could shape the lives of students, professionals and everyday smartphone users. Whether these changes will lead to better security and streamlined education systems — or increased financial and privacy burdens — remains to be seen. For now, the nation watches closely.
