Time to review  distance education
Varsity authorities should keep interests of students in mind, writes Sunit Dhawan
The recent move of Kurukshetra University and Maharshi Dayanand University authorities of barring their faculty members from guiding the research scholars of other universities has triggered a fresh debate over the system of running distance-education courses.

Now, pay for wrong answers
Amit K. Sharma
Civil services aspirants have been preparing for the Union Public Service Commission preliminary examination, scheduled for May 20. This time, the commission has introduced negative marking, causing anxiety among aspirants, including those who have cleared it comfortably earlier.

ITIs to become  centres of excellence
Parmod Bharti
NAWANSHAHR: The Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Punjab, under the Centre-sponsored scheme, “Upgradation of ITIs into Centres of Excellence”, is going to set up centres of excellence (CoEs) for providing multi-skilled workforce for different industries in the State.

Campus Notes

ADMISSION DEADLINE

Time to review distance education

Varsity authorities should keep interests of students in mind, writes
Sunit Dhawan

The recent move of Kurukshetra University and Maharshi Dayanand University authorities of barring their faculty members from guiding the research scholars of other universities has triggered a fresh debate over the system of running distance-education courses.

The decision has especially affected a number of students pursuing M.Phil through distance education from Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. Both Kurukshetra University and Maharshi Dayanand University administrations have cited shortage of teaching staff as the main reason behind the move.

However, the time at which the decision has come cannot be termed appropriate by any logic. The students, after obtaining due permission of their respective research guides, were preparing for their exams. Many of them were attending their personal contact programme (PCP) when they were told that their guides would not be able to supervise their research.

While the admission of a number of students got cancelled for no fault of theirs, some got reprieve as they moved the court.

It was an avoidable situation and had the persons at the helm of affairs been more considerate, the students would not have suffered unnecessary botheration, mental harassment and financial losses.

Here, one thing that needs to be clearly understood by the university authorities is that they should always keep the larger interest of the students in mind.

All in all, apart from underlining the apparent lack of coordination between universities located in one state, the episode highlighted the need for a uniform policy over the crucial issue.

Many universities across the country had started distance education or correspondence courses for the persons who wanted to enhance their qualification but were not in a position to attend classes on a regular basis.

Such courses proved a boon for the servicepersons as well as others desirous of pursuing higher education. As a result, a large number of in-service professionals, entrepreneurs, jobless youth, schoolteachers and housewives made a beeline for admission to distance-education study programmes.

Buoyed up by the overwhelming response, the universities introduced many new distance-education courses according to the changing times and students’ requirements.

However, in this process, the actual motive of providing quality education to all took the backseat as the focus of universities slowly shifted to making more and more money. As of now, the Distance Education wings are generating the maximum revenue for their universities, in many cases more than even the professional and self-financing courses.

Therefore, the authorities of the universities running distance-education courses should ensure that these institutions of higher learning do not get reduced to degree-distributing institutes. For this, quality education should be provided through distance-learning programmes.

Then, in case of research-based study programmes being run through distance education, provision should be made for proper laboratory as well as library facilities for the students in coordination with other universities, educational and research institutes.

Since no university can survive or function in isolation, any university starting new correspondence courses should go ahead in cooperation with other universities running similar academic programmes or located in the same region.

It would rather be more appropriate if an inter-university body is set up by the UGC or the government to monitor the distance-education programmes run by different universities and to ensure smooth progress thereof.

Such body can even be entrusted with the job of formulating a well-defined policy in this regard and laying down norms governing various aspects of distance education.

And, no university should be allowed to function in an autocratic manner, be it starting of new correspondence courses or deciding on whether or not to permit its faculty members from guiding the “outside” research scholars. Because it is ultimately the students who have to suffer because of the decisions taken by the university authorities. And to safeguard the interests of the students—the future of the nation—it is high time that the State steps in.

Now, pay for wrong answers
Amit K. Sharma

Civil services aspirants have been preparing for the Union Public Service Commission preliminary examination, scheduled for May 20. This time, the commission has introduced negative marking, causing anxiety among aspirants, including those who have cleared it comfortably earlier. They want to know the right methodology to handle negative marking. According to the notification of the commission, one-third of the marks for the question will be deducted as penalty for each wrong answer, but there will be no penalty if a question is left blank.

Cutoff marks are going to come down this year. Between 95 and 100 correct answers in the optional paper and between 75 and 80 in the general studies paper were earlier considered a safe score to qualify for the mains examination. This year, it is expected that getting between 80 and 85 questions correct in the optional paper and between 50 and 55 in the general studies paper will provide a decent chance to come out successful.

The introduction of negative marking will provide extra time to focus on questions for which one is relatively sure. Negative marking will be a boon for those who are hardworking and sincere and have good command over the subject. A systematic revision of facts and figures will be essential for good grip over factual questions.

To handle negative marking, candidates should attempt the questions in three lots. In the first lot, they should go for questions for which they are sure. In the second come questions needing extra thought, like questions on numerical ability requiring calculation in the general studies paper. In the third are questions in which they are not sure between two options. Give extra thought, but move ahead with the choice appearing more appropriate.

There will also be two types of questions. In the first set, one will be able to eliminate one choice out of four. Here one must think and eliminate at least one more choice. If one fails to do it, it will be better to leave the question.

In the second, there will be questions where the candidate feels like ‘Alice in Wonderland’. It is always safe not to waste any moment on such questions and leave them blank. There is no need to worry about negative marking. One needs to focus on specific areas and apply the right method to succeed.

ITIs to become centres of excellence
Parmod Bharti

NAWANSHAHR: The Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Punjab, under the Centre-sponsored scheme, “Upgradation of ITIs into Centres of Excellence”, is going to set up centres of excellence (CoEs) for providing multi-skilled workforce for different industries in the State.

Under the scheme, CoEs would be set up at ITIs in Ludhiana, Bassi Pathana  (production & manufacturing sector), Ropar (electrical sector), Hoshiarpur (automobile sector), Mohali (IT sector), Patiala (refrigeration & air conditioning sector), Jalandhar (apparels), Faridkot, Rajpura (fabrication-fitting & wielding), Gurdaspur (electronics sector), Nawanshahr (chemical). A sum of Rs 2 crore for each CoE would be spent on developing infrastructure under the proposed plan.

It is pertinent to mention that the scheme of converting ITIs into CoEs has been chalked out to bridge the gap of skill requirement of the industry and service sector as well as to impart training to the youth as per the changing scenario, so that they could be enabled to tap the new employment avenues in the present era of globalisation. Under the project, Institute Management Committees (IMCs) comprising members of the local industry and the state government have been constituted to ensure involvement in designing and implementing the scheme as per the requirement of the industry.

A former state president of the ITI Employees Union, Jaspal Singh Gidda, hailed the scheme but with a bit of skepticism. “There are as many as 93 ITIs in the state, and 945 posts out of 1,579 sanctioned posts are lying vacant. Besides, as many as 30 ITIs are functioning without regular principals. Due to acute staff shortage, the admission rate in the ITIs has also fallen considerably. Also, the huge infrastructure in the state is lying underutilised,” he said, adding that there was about 50 per cent decline in the number of trainees in the ITIs as no fresh recruitment of instructors in different faculties had been done over the past few years.

“Even in the new scheme of setting up of the CoEs, the staff is being shifted from the existing faculty to the ITIs. For example, ITI, Ropar, is being converted into CoE (electrical sector). The faculty in electrical training from Nawanshahr has been shifted to Ropar, further aggravating the problem of staff shortage,” said Jaspal Gidda while stressing the need for filling up the vacant posts in the ITIs and to recruit separate staff for the CoEs, so that the purpose of the scheme be realised in its true spirit.

Campus Notes

Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak

ADMISSION DEADLINE

Agriculture

Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122 (UP) (Deemed University)
www.ivri.nic.in
1) PhD in:

Animal (Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Genetics & Breeding / Nutrition) / Livestock Production & Mgmt / Livestock Production Technology / Poultry Science / Veterinary (Bacteriology / Extension Education / Immunology / Gynecology & Obstetrics / Parasitology / Pathology / Pharmacology / Physiology / Public Health / Surgery & Radiology / Medicine / Virology)

2) MVSc

Eligibility: Knowledge of English.

For 1: Masters in Veterinary Science (60% / OGPA 7.00/10.00);

For 2: Bachelors degree in Veterinary Science (60% / OGPA 6.50/10.00)

Age: For 1: 23 years (on 01 September '07).

For 2: 21 years (on 01 September '07)

Selection: Entrance Test: 08 July '07; Interview: 9-10 August '07.

Application Form: Send Rs. 375/- by DD favouring the "ICAR Unit IVRI, Izatnagar", payable at SBI, CARI Branch (Code No. 7072), Bareilly, UP to Asst Adm Officer (Academic) at above the address by 31 May 2007 / download from website.

Details: Website

Application Deadline: 07 June 2007

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 141004 (Punj)

1) UG Programmes (5 years)

(BVSc & AH)

2) Masters Programmes

(Animal Breeding & Genetics / Animal Nutrition / Livestock Production & Mgmt / Live Stock Products Technology / Veterinary Anatomy & Histology / Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Extension / Veterinary Biochemistry / Clinical Veterinary Medicine / Epidemiology & Preventive Veterinary Medicine / Veterinary Microbiology / Veterinary Parasitology / Veterinary Pathology / Veterinary. Pharmacology & Toxicology / Veterinary Physiology / Animal Reproduction / Obstetrics & Gynecology / Veterinary Public Health / Veterinary Surgery / Radiology)

Eligibility: For 1: 10+2 (PCB; 50%)

For 2: Bachelors degree with OGPA of 6 on 10 (60%).

Application Form: Send Rs 850/- by DD favouring "The Comptroller Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana," payable at any scheduled bank in Ludhiana at the above address.

Application Deadline: 30 May 2007

Armed Forces

Indian Air Force, Central Airmen Selection Board, PO Box No 11807, New Delhi 110010

www.indianairforce.nic.in

Airman in Group 'X' (Technical) Trades

Eligibility: Unmarried Indian males; Intermediate / 10+2 (Physics, Maths & English; 50%) / 3 years Diploma in Engg (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile / Computer Science / Instrumentation Technology / Information Technology).

DoB: 1 January '87 - 28 February '91

Selection: Written Test: August / September 2007; Physical Fitness Test; Interview; Medical Exam.

Application Form: Send by ordinary post in prescribed format with all required document to with a self addressed envelop (24 cm x 10 cm) to the above address. Superscribe: a) For Group 'X' (Technical) Trades, b) Aggregate Percentage of Marks .% in Class XII / Diploma c) SOAFP Category if applicable" on the envelope / download from website

Details: Employment News (05 - 11 May 2007) / website

Application Deadline: 30 May 2007

Indian Air Force, PO Bag No 001, Nirman Bhawan Post Office, New Delhi 110011

www careerairforce.nic.in

SSC Women Flying (Pilot) Course - January 2008

Eligibility: Unmarried; Indian women. Bachelors degree (Maths and Physics at 10+2) / BE

DoB: 02 January '85 - 01 January '89 (Relaxable to 02 January '83 for CPL holders)

Minimum Height: 162.5 cms, Leg length: 99 cm - 120 cm. No colour / night blindness/ spectacles.

Selection: PABT; Personality Tests; Medical Exam.

Application Form: Apply on A-4 size plain paper in the prescribed format with all required documents & 2 stamped (Rs 22/-) self-addressed envelopes (23 cm x 10 cm) by ordinary post to the above address. Superscribe "30 SSC (W) F (P) Course" on envelope / download from website.

Details: Website

Application Deadline: 11 June 2007

Indian Navy, PO Bag 04, RK Puram, PO (Main), New Delhi 110066

www.nausena-bharti.nic.in

Permanent Commissioned Officers in Education Branch - February '08 Course

Eligibility: Unmarried Indian males; BE / BTech (Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical / IT / Computer Science), 60% / MSc (Physics / Maths), 50%

DoB: 02 February '83 - 01 February '87. Height: 157 cms, Eyesight: 6/60, 6/60 corrected to 6/6, 6/12 with glasses. No colour / night blindness.

Selection: SSB Interview; Medical Exam.

Application Form: Send in prescribed format to the above address. Superscribe "Education Branch- Feb '08 Course, Education Qualification: (as applicable), Aggregate %:____" on envelope / download from website.

Details: Website

Application Deadline: 27 May 2007

Art & Design

The Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Apparel House, Institutional Area, Sector 44, Gurgaon (Har) (M/o Textiles, GoI)

www.aepcindia.com

1) Diploma in Apparel Manufacturing Technology (1 year)

2) Diploma in Knit Garment Manufacturing Technology (1 year)

3) Diploma in Fashion Sampling / Co-ordination (1 year)

4) Diploma in Textile Design (1 year)

5) Production Supervision & Quality Control Course (6 months)

6) Textile Appreciation Course (6 months)

7) Pattern / Cutting Master Course (6 months)

8) Machine Mechanic Course (4 months)

9) Garment Construction Course (4 months)

10) Sewing Machine Operator Course (3 months)

11) Measurement & Quality Control Course (3 months)

12) Apparel Merchandising (3 months)

13) Apparel CAD Course (1`BD months)

(Courses offered at 14 ATDC centers in India. Special morning classes for working people)

Eligibility:

For 1 - 6: 10+2.

For 7 - 11: Class 10.

For 10: Class 8.

For 12: Bachelor's degree/ Diploma in AMT.

For 13: 10+2 / Diploma in AMT / IIHT / PSQC / PCMC

Selection: Oral aptitude test / Interview.

Application Form: Send Rs 140/ - by DD favouring "Apparel Training & Design Centre," payable at A-223, Okhla Industrial. Area, Phase-I, New Delhi 110020 / download from website.'

Details: Employment News (05 - 11 May 2007) / Website

Application Deadline: 08 June 2007

Pearl Academy of Fashion, A 21/13, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi 110028

www.pearlacademy.com

PG Diploma in Fashion Marketing (2 years, Full Time)

Eligibility: Bachelors degree

Selection: General Proficiency Test: 03 June 2007. AIMA-MAT scorers exempted.

Application Form: Apply on-line.

Application Deadline: 25 May 2007

Engineering

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli 791109 (AP)

www.nerist.ac.in

PG Programs:

1) MTech

2) MSc in Forestry

3) MBA

Eligibility: For 1 & 2: Bachelors degree (60% / CGPA of 3.25 out of 5.00 point scale)

For 3: Bachelors degree (50%)

Selection: Written Test; Interview; GD

Application Form: Send Rs 550/- by DD favouring "Director NERIST" payable at SBI, Nirjuli (Code No. 9535) at the above address by 28 May 2007 / download from website.

Details: Employment News (05 - 11 May 2007) / website.

Application Deadline: 01 June 2007

Mody Institute of Technology & Science, Lakshmangarh, Sikar 332311 (Raj) (Deemed University)

www.mitsuniversity.ac.in

1) BTech in Electronics & Communication Engg / Computer Science & Engg / IT / Electrical & Electronics Engg

2) MTech in VLSI Design / Computer Science (2 years)

3) MCA (3 years)

4) MBA (2 years)

5) PhD

6) BA / BCA / BA, LLB

7) BSc (Hons) / BCom (Hons) / BBA

8) MJMC / MA / MSc (Biotechnology / Microbiology) / PGDBF / PGDIB

Eligibility: For girls only

For 1: 10+2 (PCM / Computer and English, 60%)

For 2: For VLSI Design: BE / BTech / MSc in relevant subject (60%)

For Computer Science: BE / BTech / MSc / MCA (60%)

For 3: Bachelors degree (50%, with Maths at 10+2)

For 4: Bachelors degree (50%)

For 5: PG (60%)

For 6: 10+2 (50%)

For 7: 10+2 (60%)

For 8: Bachelors degree (50%)

Application Form: Download from website.

Application Deadline: 25 June 2007

Management

Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, Govindpuri, Gwalior 474011 (MP) (M/o Tourism & Culture, GoI)

www.iittm.org

PG Diploma in (Tourism & Travel / International Business / Tourism & Leisure) (2 years)

Eligibility: Bachelors degree (50%)

Selection: Aptitude Test; GD; Interview.

Application Form: Download from website.

Details: Website

Application Deadline: 02 June 2007

Bangalore Management Academy, 17, Ashirwad Towers, Marathahalli, Bangalore 560037 (Kar)

www.bmaindia.com

MBA

Masters of Professional Finance & Banking

Rai PGPRM leading to MBA (Marketing)

MBA Foundation Course (4 months)

Eligibility: Bachelors degree (50%)

Selection: Aptitude Test (CAT / XAT / MAT score holders exempted); GD; Interview.

Application Form: Download from website

Application Deadline: 15 May 2007

Badruka Institute of Foreign Trade, Station Road, Kachiguda, Hyderabad 27 (AP)

www.bift.ac.in

Masters Programme in International Business

Certificate Course at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Eligibility: Bachelors degree (50%)

Selection: CAT / IIFT / GMAT / XAT / SNAP / ATMA / MAT / BIFT Admission Test; GD; Interview

Application Form: Send Rs 900/- by DD drawn on a Nationalised Bank, favouring "Badruka Institute of Foreign Trade" payable at Hyderabad to the above address / download from website.

Details: Website

Application Deadline: 31 May 2007

Medicine

National Institute of Virology, 20 A, Dr Ambedkar Road, Post Box No 11, Pune 411001 (Mah)

www.unipunepgadmissions.com

MSc Virology (2 years)

Selection: Entrance Test: 07 June 2007

Application Form: Download from website.

Details: Website

Application Deadline: 15 May 2007

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104 (Kar) (Deemed University)

http://admissions.manipal.edu / www.mirm.manipal.edu

MSc Regenerative Medicine

Eligibility: BSc with one subject of Biological Science / MBBS / BPharma / BVSc (60%)

Selection: Merit in qualifying exam.

Application Form: Apply online.

Application Deadline: 10 June 2007

Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai 400012 (Mah)

http://tmh.gov.in / http://tmc.gov.in

Certified Training in Oncology (Surgical / Radiation / Medical / Paediatric / Preventive / Gastrointestinal Endoscopy / Oncopathology & Cytology / Diagnostic Radiology & Imaging / Interventional Radiology / Pain & Anesthesiology / Critical Care / Palliative & Terminal Care / Bio-Imaging & Nuclear Medicine)

Application Form and Details: Website.

All India Institute of Speech & Hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysore 570006 (Kar)

www.aiishmysore.com

1) BSc (Speech & Hearing) (4 years)

2) BSEd (Hearing Impairment) (1 year)

3) Post Doctoral Fellowship (2 years)

4) MSc (Audiology) (2 years)

5) MSc (Speech Language Pathology) (2 years)

6) PhD (Audiology) (3 years)

7) PhD (Speech Language Pathology) (3 years)

8) MSEd (Hearing Impairment) (1 year)

Eligibility: For 1: 10+2 / equivalent (50% with PCM / PCB)

Age Limit: 21 years

For 2: BEd (50%)

Age Limit: 30 years

For 3: PhD

For 4 & 5: BSc (Speech & Hearing) / equivalent (55%)

For 6: MSc (Audiology) (55%)

For 7: MSc (Speech Language Pathology) (55%)

For 8: BSEd (Hearing Impairment) (50%)

Selection: Entrance Exam: For BSc (Speech & Hearing): 02 June 2007

For MSc (Audiology) & MSc (Special Language Pathology): 11 July 2007

Application Form: Apply online.

Details: Website

Application Deadline: For 1: 25 May 2007

For 2: 08 June 2007

Others: 29 June 2007

Physically Handicapped

School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Delhi, Action for Ability Development & Inclusion, 2, Balbir Saxena Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016 (RCI Recognised)

www.du.ac.in

1) PG Diploma in Special Education (Multiple Disabilities-Physical & Neurological)

2) PG Diploma in Developmental Therapy (Multiple Disabilities-Physical & Neurological)

Eligibility: For 1: Bachelors degree (50%)

For 2: BSc (50%) with additional qualification in the field of Rehabilitation.

Application Form: Available at above address for Rs 300/-.

Application Deadline: 15 June 2007

Scholarships

Australian Government, D/o of Education, Science and Training, AusAid, Australia

www.australianscholarships.gov.au / www.endeavour.dest.gov.au

1) Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) :

(For long term Post graduate study in Australia at Masters or Doctoral level)

Field of study: Mgmt / Economics / Business / Political Science / Philosophy / History / Law / Public Policy. For 2008 Priority fields are: International Trade / Disease Pandemics / Security / Clean Energy.

2) Endeavour Scholarships: For high achieving Indian students, researchers and professionals to undertake short or long term study, research or a professional development programme in a broad range of disciplines at Australian institutions.

Eligibility: For 1: Outstanding undergraduate or post graduate academic achievement, excellent English skills and demonstrate ability as potential leaders, capable of influencing social and economic policy reform. IELTS / TOEFL scores.

Scholarship: For 1: Full tuition fees. A$2000 airfare plus return airfare on completing scholarship. Contribution towards attendance at a pre-departure function / briefing at the Australian Diplomatic Mission and to assist with costs associated with medical and character checks for Australian Visa purposes.

A "reunion" airfare at the completion of each year of study, except the final year for students whose immediate families don't accompany them to Australia. Eligible research students will be given fieldwork return airfare

Establishment allowance of A $5,000 + stipend of A$19,365 pa Tutorial assistance of up to A$1,000 pa and overseas student health cover for the duration of the award; Provision of an AusAID Student Visa.

Application Form & Details: Website.

Application Deadline: 27 July 2007

Teaching & Education

NCERT, Regional Institute of Education, Shyamla Hills, Bhopal 462013 (MP)

www.riebhopal.ac.in

1) BSc, BEd (4 years, Integrated)

2) BEd (2 years)

3) MEd (Elementary Education) (1 year)

4) PG Diploma in Guidance & Counseling (1 year)

Eligibility: For 1: 10+2 (PCM / PCB, 45%)

For 2: BA / BSc (45%)

For 3: PG degree (Science / Humanities / Social Science & Bed, 50%)

For 4: MA / MSc (Psychology / Educational Psychology / Education / Social Work / Child Development / Human Development, 50%) / MA with Psychology in BA / PG with MEd / MCom with BEd.

Application Form: Send Rs 50/- by DD favouring "Principal, Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal, IPO" payable at SBI, RCE Branch, Shyamala Hills, Bhopal with a stamped (Rs 25/-), self-addressed envelope (23 cm x 10 cm) to the Principal at above address by 08 June 2007. Superscribe "Admission for 2007-2008" on the left hand top corner / download from website.

Details: Employment News (05 - 11 May 2007) / website

Application Deadline: 15 June 2007

Pervin Malhotra, Director, Career Guidance India (CARING) (www.careerguidanceindia.com)