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Most of the candidates join a P.G. course with an intention to start a career as a Professor.  It has become an attractive option due to high salary, and social respect. For recruitment as professors in Universities/colleges/institutions a minimum eligibility condition of NET(National Eligibility Test)/SET(State Eligibility Test) Exam Pass  has been made compulsory. However, candidates who have been awarded Ph.D. Degree (UGC Regulation 2009) shall be exempt from NET/SET. Generally NET Test will be conducted by the UGC twice in a year i.e. in the month of June & December every year. Since June 2010 examination, there will not be negative marks for paper I & II.

The NET qualified candidates are eligible to apply for the post of lecturer in all Indian universities/Institutes/colleges, but the SET qualified candidates shall be eligible for appointment to the post of lecturer only in the universities/colleges belonging to the state from where they have passed the SET examination.

The candidates who qualify the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Examination of UGC/CSIR/NET are also eligible for the post of lectureship. In addition they are also eligible to receive Fellowships (UGC/CSIR) under various schemes. The validity of the offer is two years.

Important Dates:

Date of NET exams:                                                             26-12-2010

Online Submission of Application, -Last date- :           25-10-2010

Filled Application Form should be submitted to the    11-11-2010

Selected Test Center   (Last date).

Eligibility Conditions:

1. Qualification – Master’s Degree with 55% Marks. Final Year appearing candidates can also apply. However, 5% exemption will be given to SC/ST/PH/VH Candidates.

2. Age limit : For Lectureship - there is no upper age limit; but for Junior Research Fellowship – not more than 28 years as on 01.12.2010. A relaxation up to 5 years is given to the candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PH/VH categories and to women applicants.

3. Choice of subject – . Candidates should appear in the subject of their post-graduation only.

SCHEME  OF TEST:

The Test will consist of three papers in two separate sessions.

Paper-I shall be of general nature, intended to assess the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate. Sixty (60) multiple choice questions of two marks each will be given, out of which the candidate would be required to answer any fifty (50). The duration is 75 minutes.

Paper-II shall consist of questions based on the subject selected by the candidate. Each of these papers will consist of a Test Booklet containing 50 compulsory objective type questions of two marks each.

The candidate will have to mark the responses for questions of Paper-I and Paper-II on the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheet provided along with the Test Booklet.

Paper-III will consist of only descriptive questions from the subject selected by the candidate. Subject wise syllabus can be downloaded from the website.

Note: A candidate who does not appear in paper-I, will not be permitted to appear in paper-II and paper-III.

How to Apply?

The submission of Application by the candidate for NET Examination Online through www.ugcnetonline.in OR  www.ugc.ac.in.is mandatory.

Steps for Submission of Application Form:

I.  Download the Bank Challan Proforma from the UGC website.

II. Deposit the requisite test fee General : Rs.450/-; Other Backward Classes:Rs.225/-; SC/ST/PH/VH: Rs.110/-in any branch of State Bank of India along with the bank charges (commission) of Rs.20/-. (Fee submitted through any other mode like Money Order, Demand Draft, IPO etc. will be rejected).

III. Before submission of the application Online possess:

(i)                 Scanned passport (pp) size photograph in JPEG format.

(ii)               Copy of Bank Challan (fee receipt).

(iii)             Name & code number of Test Centre where the candidate is going to appear.

(iv)             Choice of Subject & the code.

IV. Fill all the information  required and submit the same Online.

V. After successful submission, the candidate should take printout of online Application Form (two copies), Attendance Slip (one copy) and Admission Card (one copy) on separate A-4 size papers.

VI. After submission of the application, note down the Roll No. for future reference.

VII. The candidates must affix their recent identical passport size photographs, at the places indicated, on the printout of Online Application Form and sign across the photograph after it is affixed so that a part of the signature spreads over the Application Form beyond the photograph. Besides, it should be duly attested by the Head, University Depart./Principal of the College/Class-I Gazetted Officer.

VIII. Application with the above printouts the following documents to be submitted to the test centre keeping all these in an envelope:

1. High School/Matriculation Certificate depicting date of birth.

2.Master’s degree/Provisional Certificate.

3.Consolidated mark-sheet of Master’s degree course.

4.Caste certificate ( in case of SC/ST/OBC candidates)

5.Certificate of Physical disability (if applicable)

Note: All certificates have to be attested by a gazetted officer.

IX. The envelope containing the Application Form should be superscribed “UGC NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY TEST FOR JUNIORRESEARCH FELLOWSHIP AND ELIGIBILITY FOR LECTURESHIP, DECEMBER, 2010”.

X. Application with documents should reach the Registrar of the University (UGC Test Centre) before 01-11-2010.

XI. The old test question papers can be downloaded from the website.

Test Centres:

Following are the Test centres in Karnataka with code Nos.

1. Bangalore University, Bangalore – 560 056 (06).

2. Gulbarga University, Gulbarga – 585 106 (24)

3 Karnatak University, Dharwad – 580 003 (30).

4. Mangalore University, Mangalore – 574 199 (38).

5.University of Mysore, Crawford Hall, Mysore – 570005 (74)

Candidates will be issued the Admission Card by the respective Test Centres after allotment of test venue. Note:  change of centre will not be allowed under any circumstance

However, the candidate should have a love for education if s/he wants to pursue a career as a professor

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To reduce the dropouts of girl from education particularly in higher education, the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has started an encouraging scheme of by sanctioning scholarships. The new kinds of scholarships started from the year 2006-07. Accordingly, those families who have adopted the small family norms of single child particularly, a girl child the sanction of Scholarships to the candidate introduced to compensate educational costs particularly in higher education.  Government has already introduced fee waiver to the single child of the family for class VI to XII. In addition, the candidate is entitled monthly scholarship for completion of her degree course. Further, for non-professional courses, the Indira Gandhi Scholarship also given for P.G. Course, sanctioned by the University Grants Commission.

A. Under-graduate Courses:

This scholarship will be to those girls, who have studied up to X standard under the CBSE pattern of education and continued her college education of XI & XII standard under the same pattern. In the same way, the scholarship is also extended to Degree course, selected through the examinations conducted by CBSE i.e., AIEEE/AIPMT.

The procedure for claiming scholarship is very simple.  The eligible candidate can down load the applicable prescribed application form from CBSE website & fill all contents properly. The principal of the college must certify that, the candidate is regular to the class and having good conduct in the college. Further, enclose an affidavit of their parents, sworn before the First Class Judicial Magistrate/ SDM/Executive Magistrate on Rs. 10/- non-judicial stamp paper, stating that she is the only daughter to their family and they have no other children. The original affidavit enclosed when the first time the scholarship is claiming. There is no need to send it every year. Once the scholarship is sanctions under the scheme, the next and every year, it will continue as renewal application. The format of Affidavit and the application form (applicable to the course of study) can be down loaded from the CBSE website. At the time of applying for scholarship and for renewal, the previous years attested Xerox copy of marks statement (for XI standard, the X standard marks statement) to be enclosed. However, in case of XI & XI standard, the college should be under the CBSE pattern of education.

Scholarship Amount:

The amount of scholarship differs from course to course. For XI and XII standard, the scholarship amount is Rs. 500 P.M. For undergraduate courses, it is Rs. 550 Per Month. For Professional Courses selected through AIPMT/AIEEE, the scholarship amount is at Rs. 1000/- Per Month and it is payable for 4 Years.

There is no limit for number of scholarships to XI & XI standard candidates every year. However, the number is limited to 550 for under graduate course, 150 for Medical Course and 350 for Technical Course per year. The sanctioned scholarship amount directly credited to the Bank Account of the candidate as mentioned in the application form. The sanction letter posted to the candidate’s address given in the application form and such candidates name published in the CBSE website every year.

The Last date for submission of completed Application form for the Academic Year 2011-12, is 30th October 2011. The application form is different for different course. The candidate download the concerned application form i.e., For XI standard form F1, for XI standard form F2, for under graduate form F4, for medical course form F6 and for technical course form F8 from the website.

As the professional courses like Medical/Technical is for 4 years. Therefore, the candidate has to submit renewal application and enclose the previous years pass marks statement.

The completed application form duly signed by the candidate and certified by the principal of the concerned college, be sent to the Section Officer (Scholarship) CBSE, Shikshana Kendra, 2, Community Centre, Preet Vihar, New Delhi- 110 092. The envelope should super scribe “APPLICATION FOR MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FOR SGC (mention the Class/Course and form no.) 2011.   For more details, visit www.cbse.nic.in.

B. P. G. Courses:

University Grants Commission of India (UGC) has introduced scholarship to Single Girl Child for non-professional post-graduate courses. The scholarship be given to that candidate who had admitted to the first year Masters Degree course recognized by the UGC and the University/Institute/College will be under 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act. The candidate’s age should not exceed 30 years at the time of admission.

The amount of scholarship will be of Rs. 2,000 Per Month and payable for Two years period (10 months every year). For this, the candidate’s parents submit the Affidavit stating that she is the only girl to their family and no other children. The number of such scholarships limits to 1200 candidates per year. Such scholarship awarded under this category will not affect any other benefits that the student drawing from other sources. The scholarship is applicable to the regular students and not external candidates.

The scholarship named as Indira Gandhi Scholarship, because she was the country’s First Woman Prime Minister who was a single girl child herself. The applications for the scholarships generally invited in the month of August/September every year. For more details visit www.ugc.ac.in.

The newly formed Delhi Technological University, earmarked one seat over and above the sanctioned intake capacity in all its undergraduate engineering programmes i.e., B.Tech, for single girl child in a family from the academic year 2011-12. In the same way, many university/colleges are also giving incentives and reservation quota for higher education of single girl child. However, due to lack of non-availability of information, the candidates are not making use of it. Therefore, regularly see the press notes in the newspapers/medias & avail the benefits.

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Today’s graduates perform well i.e., academically and technically well, but when they enter the job market, they fail to get employment. The reason behind it is lack of employable qualities. To fill-up the lacuna, different breed of institutes come up in the name of finishing schools, which focus on making the candidates more employable – train candidates ready for job.

Finishing school is a supplementary training school, which are popular in western countries have now entered in India to provide specialized training for a specific job in a specific sector.

Currently India produces around 5 lakh technical graduates, nearly 2.3 million other graduates and over 2 lakh post-graduates every year through 347 Institutes of higher education and 16,886 colleges with a total enrollment of over 9.9 million. A big chunk of graduates approximately 30 per cent are only employable says Kavita Jain, Expert and Career Counselor and Coach of JCI, University USA. It is mainly due to lack of communication and presentation skills.

Many recruiters say, Indians have some of the world’s best-educated engineers, business majors and technology wizards, but they lack social polish and communication skills. They fail to express themselves. “Without expression, there is no impression”.

If an executive does not do well at an important international meeting, it is not just a reflection on the person, but it hurts the company and hurts India also. Thus, Counselors say that, today’s students are like diamonds; their base value multiplies a hundred fold, when they are polished with soft skills.

The problem of communication and presentation skills is not restricted to any particular geographical area, but also at national level. The skill crises found not only in freshers but also on working professionals (looking for better jobs) across cities, towns and rural India. The reason behind is that, most of the candidates coming up from middle class and are first generation in their families.

The curriculum, prepared by the finishing school is according to the need of candidate’s skills and based on the type of job he is to be placed.  The training on soft skills shape, tones up, refines, mellow and fine-tune a professional to be sophisticated and sharpen their specialization. It  cover topics like leadership skills, communication skills, business etiquette skills, customer service skills, time management skills, presentation skills, public speaking skills, selling skills, telephone etiquette skills etc. The teaching methodology adopted radically different from what the candidates experienced in school and college. Audio-video technology, mentoring sessions, role-playing, industry-oriented projects and internships are some of the elements of training. The duration of programme range between three days to one year, conducted on holidays, even weekends. The biggest advantage of these schools is that they cut down the ‘deployable time’ for a company. They make a person ready to face challenges of his profession or career.

Corporate’ sectors such as service, IT, ITES, BSFI, hospitality and retail look after soft skills which include effective communication (written and verbal), critical thinking,  professional networking abilities, corporate awareness, sales and customer service, the ability to think on your feet, and a polished appearance.

How to Select a Finishing School?

Institutes offer a promising mix of a ‘job-ready’ curriculum and an effective placement effort. But, before joining any finishing school, take stock of your unemployable quotient. In this regard, many schools conduct primary aptitude test of a candidate to assess the level of knowledge, talent and skill to plan for the required training areas.

Several finishing schools have mushroomed across the country with an advertisement of job guarantee. No sudden and quick decisions to be taken. It is better to compare the norms of one such school to that of the other. Following steps will help you in selecting the good finishing school. So choose wisely.

• Compare two or three schools curriculums and go through the information about the finishing schools.
• Look after the qualifications of the faculties and must know that it is good to have 5-10 years experienced teachers than to have the seniors who do not have field experience.

• Enquire about the corporates associated with, their relation with the management, as well as the typical job profiles they recruit for.
• Ask for specific details on placement procedures: Complete information about placements i.e., the companies visited for interviews, how many interviews have been conducted until now and many more are to be checked. scrutinize the academy’s record of accomplishment
• It is better to enquire whether there are multi language faculties if the student is not familiar with the English language.
• The total number of students in a class, each batch of training should not exceed 25 candidates.

The success of getting job in a good company depends mainly on how you perform in the interview and not with the name of the finishing school.

Initiatives:

Having considered the importance of soft skills, the Central and the State Governments, Corporates, Non-government organizations taken initiatives for establishing finishing schools with specific objectives.

Nasscom launched its ‘finishing school’ courses in seven National Institutes of Technology and at IIT-Roorkee.

The Karnataka Government established 12 Biotechnology Finishing Schools in 8 districts of the state during Sept. 2011. The admission is limited to 15 candidates for each school. The selection of the candidate based on online examination, followed by a personal interview. Based on their scores and their preferences, the students placed in any one of the eight domains offered by the finishing schools.

Ecole Solitaire is India’s First Residential Finishing School and International Corporate Training Consultancy, offer specialized soft skills training to corporates, educational institutions and individuals.

Corporate giant Infosys built a Global Education Center at Mysore, to provide training on soft skills to the faculties of the colleges, in turn they provide training to their students “industry-ready” when they graduate. Tata Consultancy Services, the country’s largest information technology company, has an in-house training center, joined with the government to help economically disadvantaged students to improve their office and leadership skills.

Now there are many institutions emerged in all metropolitan and big cities offering specific and tailor made programmes on total personality development, Effective Public Speaking, Cross Culture Management, Executive Etiquette, Humor in Business, Human Value Systems etc., It is better to join such organization, sharpen your brain and get the job which you prefer.

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A Doctor of Philosophy degree, abbreviated as Ph.D., is the highest academic degree anyone can acquire from the University/Institute of national importance.. Society shows respect to a person who holds a Ph.D. by address them as “Doctor”. To earn a Ph.D., one must master a specific subject, develops an habit of new ways of thinking.
Ph.D. is the seed corn for the harvest of benefits; gives joy and sense of achievement. It provides economic security with open gates of opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.  No society, region or nation progresses without research. Good Research creates a source of income, more endowments; earn name & recognition to the institution.
The Ph.D. programme is a long-term process of 3 to 5 years. Therefore, candidate with long term objective only can join the programme. It can be done through full time or by part-time  under the guidance of research supervisor. Each university sets their own standards and establishes general guidelines for Ph.D. programme.

Today, due to attractive salary, many post-graduates prefer to enter the teaching profession. Now UGC made it compulsory passing of NET/SLET/SET examination or holding the Ph.D.for the entry-level teaching post of Assistant Professor. Hence, candidates are much interested to acquire Ph.D. It is also helpful to them in future, because, UGC made is Ph.D. mandatory for promotion to the post of Assistant Professor/Professor/Principal.

Opportunity:

          Today there is ample opportunities to the Ph.D. holders because, the government permitted to open new colleges and post-graduates to increase the gross enrollment rate. In addition, there are more vacancies in colleges and universities due to ban on appointment of teachers by the government . Further, many teachers are also retiring. Creating wide opportunity to the Ph.D. holders.

Many candidates though interested in research work but due to lack of information, they are unable to join  the Ph.D. Programme. Following basics will help them to acquire the Ph.D.

Eligibility:

The Minimum qualifications to register for the Ph.D. programme is master’s degree in respective subject with 55 per cent marks. However, 5 per cent relaxation is allowed to the SC/ST candidates. Now some universities allowing Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants and Company secretaries to register for the Ph.D. programme.

 Entrance Test:

As per the new regulation of UGC 2009, the selection of candidates for  M.Phil/Ph.D programme should be done through Entrance Test conducted at the level of individual university/institute.. However, the M.Phil. holders are exempted from entrance test. Each university/institute will advertise the programme through their website/advertisement in the news media

Interviews:

After passing the entrance test, the candidate has to attend the interview organized by the department/university. During the interview the candidate present his research interest and the area of his choice before the doctoral committee.

Number of seats:

The number of available seats for Ph.D./M.Phil programme will be decided on annual basis, as pre-determined and manageable eligible faculty supervisors in the subject. However, UGC restricted for the maximum number of candidates per research supervisor  is 08(Eight) for Ph.D. and 5 (Five) for M.Phil scholars.

Course Work:

As per new UGC regulation 2009, after admitting to the M.Phil/Ph.D., a students should undertake a coursework for a minimum period of one semester, treated as preparation and include course on research methodology.

Period of Study:

The minimum period required to complete the Ph.D. programme is f 3 years and it may extend another 2 years. If the candidate registers for part-time programme, it may take more time also.

Research Supervisor:

The research work to be done under the guidance of research supervisor called as research guide. The selection/allocation of supervisor to a candidate is not left to the supervisor or the candidate. But, will be decided by the doctoral committee based on the number of seats vacant on each supervisor and their specialization.

Evaluation:

After satisfactory completion of the course, produce a thesis on the advice of the supervisor,  submitted to the university/Institution. The thesis shall be evaluated by at least two experts, of which one shall be from outside the state. It is left to the university/institution of national importance, can have one examiner from outside the country. In addition, candidate shall publish one paper in referred journal before submission.

After receipt of satisfactory evaluation reports by the experts, the research scholar shall under go a viva voice examination openly.

Depository with UGC.

After announcement of award of Ph.D., the university/Deemed University/Institute shall submit a soft copy of the thesis of to the UGC within a period of 30 days, for hosting the same in INFLIBNET, accessible to all Institutions/Universalities. After satisfying all the above , a candidate will be awarded with degree of Ph.D.

Financial Assistance:

To help meritorious poor research scholars, the Government, UGC, private organizations, corporates, individuals etc., helping them through financial assistance for doing higher studies of  Ph.D. Following are a few examples of the organizations. For more details visit www.ugc.ac.in

1. UGC’s  JRF (Junior Research Fellowship):

University Grants Commission conducts the examination of NET -JRF (National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship) for the eligibility for Lectureships for award of Junior Research Fellow in India. The Examination will be held twice in a year in June and December. The top fellows of the NET examination are provided with JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) in form of stipend for research, which has now been increased to Rs 16000/ p.m for the first two years. In addition, annual contingent grant of Rs. 20,000/- per fellow will be given.

2. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship: 

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) Scheme has been introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Ministry of Tribal Affairs for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes who wish to pursue higher studies as regular full time Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Engineering & Technology. There are 2000 slots for Scheduled Caste and 667 slots for Scheduled Tribe candidates every year who desire to pursue research without JRF of UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET. The stipend will be of Rs. 16,000P.M. for initial two years and contingency of Rs. 10,000 per annum.

3. Moulana Azad National Fellowship:

The Maulana Azad National Fellowship introduced  during the year 2009 for the benefit of  minority students belonging to Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist and Parsi communities for pursuing studies leading to M.Phil/Ph.D degree (Full time) in Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences and not availing the benefit of JRF of UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET. The rate of fellowship for JRF and SRF will be at par with the UGC fellowship. The scholarship for the initial two years is Rs. 16,000 and contingency off Rs. 10,000 P.A.

Benefits of Ph.D. Programme to  in-service teachers.

Research improves the quality of education as well as competitiveness. A teacher with Ph.D. qualification can  teach the latest developments in the field of his specialization and he is  exposed to latest developments Hence, to upgrade the qualification by in-service teachers, various schemes are introduced by the UGC and Science Institute.

UGC introduced the Faculty Improvement Programme to acquire  M.Phil/Ph.D.degree .

Advance increments are also given to the teachers who have acquired the Ph.D degree while in service. Hence, today many teachers are eager to join the Ph.D. programme. In addition, they will not be promoted as professor/principal unless he possesses the Ph.D. degree.

The Quality of education does not grow where the research is absent. Research does not consume resources but generate surplus to the institution. So, encourage teachers to acquire Ph.D.It is advisable to the candidates who are aiming to get Ph.d. to start thinking at an early stage. Now many business houses, corporate units, government undertakings looking after Ph.D. candidates for their Jobs. So, there is ample opportunities for Ph.D. candidates.

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India is one of the largest higher educational system in the world, having more than 400 Universities, 18,000 Colleges and 11 million students enrollment. The present enrollment is just 8 per cent which is very low compared with world average of 23 per cent. The 11^th five year plan is targeting to raise the enrollment rate to 15 per cent at the end of the plan.

Today we are in the era of quality and excellence in education. Many of the higher educational institutions are voluntarily assessing their quality of education through an independent external agency NAAC and are proudly exhibiting their accreditation status.

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous institution of the University Grants Commission (UGC) entrusted with the responsibility of Assessment and Accreditation of Colleges and Universities in India. It has redesigned its on-going methodologies with the changing context of world wide higher education scenario.

The new methodology of assessment and accreditation of higher educational institutions came in to effect from 1^st April 2007. The newly adopted grading system is on the lines of internationally accepted system i.e. the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). The new methodology is applicable for Accreditation, Re-assessment and Re-accreditation of HEIs.

What is CGPA?

The CGPA refers to the weighted mean value of all the grade points earned by the institution for its quality parameters.

The instrument for assessment and accreditation has been designed with seven criteria as quality parameters into criterion-wise Key Aspects. There are 36 key aspects and each key aspect is further differentiated into assessment indicators to be used as guidelines / probes by assessors to capture the micro level quality pointers.

The key aspects under each criterion have their own weightages according to the relative importance of the said key aspect in the context of the type of institution. There are specified diferential weightages according to the type of institution (University, Autonomous College, Affiliated / Constituent Colleges)

How is CGPA Calculated?

For the key aspect under a criterion based on the assessment indicators, quality points are assigned to a specific letter grade i.e. 4 for A; 3 for B; 2 for C and 1 for D;. Eg: Curriculum Design and development, the weightage is 50 and the key aspect grade is B i.e. 3 points then the key aspect grade point average is 50 X 3 = 150 total grade points and so on.

The summarized total grade points of all the key aspects under each criterion will be calculated with appropriate weightages based on the above points.

The summary of all these weighted scores are divided by the total weightage i.e. 1000, the sum obtained will be the final institutional quality level on four point scale.

 Calculation of Cumulative Grade Point Average of ‘X’ College

The GPA of Affiliated / Constituent College is:

Creterion-I        :       GPA = X₁ = 2.9                      Creterion-II                : GPA = X₂ = 2.78

Creterion-III      :       GPA = X_{3 =} 2.75                     Creterion-IV             : GPA = X_{4 =} 3.0

Creterion-V       :       GPA = X_{5 =} 2.8                       Creterion-VI             : GPA = X_{6 =} 2.43

Creterion-VII    :      GPA = X_{7 =} 2.6

The average of  all Seven Creterions : 19..27 / 7 = 2.75

OR

CGPA = Total Grade Points of all Creterions/1000

= (50 x X ₁) + (450 x X₂) + (100 x X₃) + (100 x X₄) +(100 x X₅) + (150 x X₆) + (50 x X₇)

= 145 + 1255 + 275 + 300 + 280 + 365 + 130   = 2750/1000 = 2.75

Thus, the over all CGPA of the Affiliated / Constituent College is 2.75, the performance descriptor “ Good ” and the letter grade “B”

In the same way the CGPA of a University / Autonomous College can be evaluated.

Final Grading of the Institution:

The final CGPA of an Institution is declared on a 4-Point Scale, with grades and grade description.

What is New?

The new methodology made some modifications in nomenclature of the VI Criteria as Grievance & leadership, Criteria VII as Innovative Practices. Further, differential weightages for different type of institution were introduced. More weightage (45%) was given to affiliated college on teaching – learning evaluation and research, consultancy and extension by University (20%). The best practices on each criteria is included in all the first six criterions. Qualitative measurements are converted to grade points. The relative evaluation would be more exact, due to reductions in variations and standard deviations.

Conclusion:

NAAC has planned the complete the first cycle of assessment of all HEIs by the end of 11^th five year plan in a phased manner. It is a challenging task, requires a good number of peers as assessors not only having professional skills, but also take in to consideration the founding and development of the institution, as well as the geographical area i.e. whether the college is situated in a rural or urban area. There fore I suggest that the assessment but also a monitoring to be set up to ensure the running of the said institution according to the given criteria.

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Introduction:

The role of principal as an institution builder has become crucial and challenging today. In the competition for quality education today it has become a struggle for existence and the survival of the fittest is the order of the day. Traditionally, a principal was considered to be only an executive of the institution, but now in the changing scenario of dissemination of information, s/he is considered a multi-functionary Juggler.

The role of principal in leading an institution is divided into an Academician and an Administrator. Principal is the brain of any educational institution.  He is an architect, who plans and designs all the activities of the institution. The aim of these plans should be the inculcating of quality education in the institution. Therefore he should update his knowledge and be  prepared to face new challenges.  He should not only committed to his duties but also have an attitude of service. The success or failure of an educational institution mainly depends upon his efficiency.

Objective of the Paper:

The main objective of the   paper is to know the role and responsibility of the principal in converting the educational institution into a knowledge hub.

Role of Principal:

As a leader, a principal’s duty and responsibility is to provide the best educational ambience for the stakeholders.. The essential qualities and responsibilities of a principal are discussed below:

Qualities and Characters of a Principal:

Only a good teacher can be a good principal. So he should be respected for his superior teaching ability and integrity of character than his designation. Today a principal   plays an important role in the national development and social change. Therefore, he should be both committed teacher and good administrator.

Leadership Qualities:

The principal has the winning combination of leader and teacher in his role as a head of the institution. As a true leader he has to inspire the stakeholders. He has to motivate and create environment and build right spirit. He has to cultivate the habit of listening to everybody and share his ideas and views with others to get their inputs. He should be a role model to his subordinates, associates and others with whom he works. Positive thinking and building confidence among others are the essential qualities of the principal.  As a leader, he must lead his team with character, commitment, conviction, courtesy, confidence and courage. The Principal is the trend setter for academics first, .then as an administrator. He sets up a mechanism to get feed back from students, teachers and parents for overall improvement of the institution.

A. Role of Principal towards Teachers:

            Teachers are the masters of knowledge and messengers of culture. Students are the army, staff is the body and the Principal is the captain of the college. Therefore, he should work together for improving the quality of teaching and learning. Encourage teachers to undertake minor research projects and pursue advance study along with the routine work of teaching.  Establish new national and international linkages for faculty development. Quality can be achieved only when weaknesses and inadequacies identified. Thus, get feedback for further improvement. Redesign the curriculum with the co-operation of the staff to explore new areas of learning and introduce new combinations to attract students from in and abroad.

B: Towards students:

            Students are the end products of the educational institution. Therefore, the Principal should be a friend, philosopher and guide to the students. Education is a link between the past, present and the future, so that the coming generation receive the accumulated lessons of the heritage and carry it forward. As Aurobindu said “the past is our foundation, the present is our material, the future is our aim”. With regard to values, Sh.Satya Sai Baba said, “Education without values is not only useless but certainly dangerous”. Thus, the education should be for “character building”.   It is the duty of the principal to guide and inspire students to enrich discipline and inculcate values. Conduct programs on personality development, character building, national integration, social harmony, pluralism, secularism and above all the scientific outlook.

• Inspire students to undertake minor research work and pursue advance studies.
• Arrange for disadvantaged students to bridge for remedial course.
• Encourage to participate in co-curricular activities like debates, seminars, group discussions. Sports and games are essential part of education.
• Participate in N.C.C. N.S.S., nature Clubs, field trips, Tours and travel etc.,
• Provide teaching aids like computes and internet connectivity, Language lab, Audio visual aids, Multimedia labs for effective dissemination of knowledge.
• To make education as a life-force as well as empowering force, establish students Guidance Bureau, Counseling and Grievance Cell, Placement cell etc.
• For poor students, liberal concessions in form of stipends and scholarships should be arranged.

• Library is the treasure house of knowledge and wisdom. Hence, topmost priority will be given to library.

C. Towards office & Staff:

Principal as an administrator should not be simply guided by the office personnel or any body, but he should know all the rules and regulations, code of conduct, financial code etc.  to rectify the mistakes if any of his subordinates. He should be thorough with all administrative matters. Hold periodical meetings of the office personnel to update the office work. The instructions by the government/ university to be brought to the notice of the concerned persons and should see that they are carried out without any delay.

D. Towards Management, Government and Society:

            Management is the superior authority to look after the development of the institution and have the foresight. Hence, co-operation should be sought and keep informed, get suggestions for improvement.

Government has the funding agency. Thus, all rules and regulations are to be followed and run the institution accordingly.

Generate the resources by taking out the consultancy, training, job-oriented coursed during lean period, lending of infrastructure to other agencies and also tie up with corporate and other sectors for financial assistance.

Thus, develop work culture, promote goodwill cordially and harmonious relationships with all stakeholders.

Suggestions:

In most of the colleges, the principal will be appointed either by seniority or those in favour of the Board of directors. Seniority-cum-merit is not followed. Hence, the interested and capable principals are not occupying the position.

As a head of the institution he should not only deal with transmitting existing knowledge, but also with creating new knowledge and finding new applications for existing knowledge.

The principal should have well defined goals, which give him a sense of direction and a feeling of accomplishment. He should always be creative and find ways to turn weakness into strengths.

He should be dynamic in taking decisions, getting funds from UGC and other external agencies for the development of the institution.

All the decisions are to be taken not arbitrarily but democratically. All the problems are amicably settled on the negotiating table. He should create an environment of trust, peace, discipline and goodwill where every body is involved in building the institution.

The institution is the sapling of great educationalists and visionaries. It is to be nurtured and nourished by life blood of its funding fathers. It grows into a full grown tree with myriad branches under the protecting care of a principal. Its flowering, fragrance and fruitfulness ultimately benefit all mankind.

. The success or failure of an educational institution mainly depends upon the leader i.e., the Principal. Thomas Carlyle in his ‘Heroes and Hero-Worship,’ has clearly stated the doctrine that “the strength of humanity is in its strong men, the natural leaders, equipped to rule by power of intellect, of spirit, and of executive force.”

Conclusion:

He should maintain the ambience of mutual trust and confidence, accessible to all and should be a strength and inspiration to one and all. Hence, he should be a role model to the stakeholders in the process of developing the educational institution.

References:

1. UGC: Role and Responsibilities of teachers, New Delhi, UGC, 1981, p59.
2. UGC: Conference of Vice-chancellors, May 1981, New Dlhi, uGC, 1982, 109 p.
3. Prin. Dr. A.R.Bhardwaj, The principal as an Institution Builder,College News, sept. 2004.
4. Dr. Mrs. K.Mehermani, The principal as an institution Builder., college news,No.17, sept. 2004.

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If you are interested to be a Professional in Commerce join the Cost Accountancy Course, conducted by The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI)., The objective of the  Course is to gain expertise in the field of Cost and Management Accountancy. A qualified Cost Accountant either become a Practicing Cost Accountant/Auditor or can take employment in a Government.

The Cost Accountancy Course is open to all passing 10+2 and the course is correspondence with postal/oral coaching. The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India revised the syllabus during the year 2008 to meet the International Education Guidelines (IEG) of IFAC to get advantages in the process of mutual agreements among/different member countries of the world under GATT in WTO.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), GOI, May 2011 passed an order those select companies wherein Cost Accounting Record Rules of Companies Act 1956 whose aggregate value of net worth/turnover exceeds Rs. 5 Crore in a financial year get its cost accounting records duly audited by the Certified Cost Auditor.

Career Options:

Once a candidate passed the Final Course examination, there are several options available to him.

a. Employment

He could serve in an Industry  as Cost Accountant/Management Accountant and hold the top management positions viz. Cost Controller, Cost Auditor, CEO, CFO etc., to manage and flourish the business.

b. Government Service

Considering the Cost and management accountancy in the economic development of the nation, the central government has  constituted an all-India cadre known as Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICAS) as par with other class-I services such as IAS. IFS etc., to advise government in cost pricing and framing the appropriate fiscal and tax policies. Thus, he can join Central or State government and also be appointed in the court of law, Labor tribunal and any other statutory/ regulatory bodies etc.

c.  Practice as Cost Accountant:

As per the companies Act 1956, the maintenance of cost records under cost accounting record rules (Sec 209(i)(d) ) in specified industries and  Under Sec 233 – B, the accounts   are to be got audited by a qualified Cost Accountant.. A Certified Cost Accountant is required for certification of Import/Export document under Export Import (EXIM) policy; can do Excise Audit under Sec 14 A and Special Audit regarding CENVAT credit availed under Sec 14AA of the Central Excise Act. etc.,

d.   Education:

Cost Accountancy qualification has also recognized by the Academic Councils of many Universities in India for the purpose of admission to Ph.D. course in Commerce and allied discipline.  As per the decision of the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), Fellow members of ICWAI are treated at par with Ph. D candidates in so far as appointment in the post of Professor, Associate Professor, Reader, Assistant Professor and Lecturer in professional/ Management Institutes concerned..

Stages of Cost Accountancy Course:

There are three stages to pursue Cost Accountancy Course:

1. Foundation Course
2. Intermediate Course
3. Final Course

After passing of final course and completion of practical training, the cost accountant can use the descriptive title “AICWA” after his/her name to indicate that he/she is an Associate Member of the Institute. After fulfilling prescribed criteria, an AICWA can become a Fellow Member and can use the letter “FICWA” after his/her name to indicate that he/she is a Fellow Member of the Institute. Those who are known as “Cost Accountants” in India are named as “Management Accountants” all over the World.

1. Foundation Course:

Candidates who have passed senior secondary examination under 10+2 and completed 17 years of age are eligible for entrance level course of Foundation. Those who are waiting the result can get provisional admission. Students’ desires to enter the course get the application form and prospectus by paying Rs. 200 (Add Rs. 50 if obtained on post/courier). Duly filled application with relevant documents and remittance of fee, submitted to the Regional Councils of the ICWAI. Students belongs to the State of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Pondicherry and the Union Terrritory: the Lakshadweep submit application to the Southern India Regional Council of ICWAI, 4, Montieth Lane, Egmore,  Chennai – 600 008.

The admission to the course is open throughout the year. However, the last date for admission to Foundation/Intermediate/Final course for December 2011 examination is June 5, and for June 2012 examination it is   December 5, 2011 i.e., generally 6 months earlier. The registration is valid for 7 Years.

Subjects of Study:     The foundation course consists of 6 subjects arranged into 4 papers of 100 marks each. They are : Paper-1 Organization and Management Fundamentals; Paper –2 Accounting; Paper – 3 Economics and Business Fundamentals and Paper – 4 Business Mathematics and Statistics. A candidate declared to have passed if he obtains 40% marks in each paper and aggregate of 50% of the total marks.

Study Materials: Study materials provided to all the students registered for both Oral Coaching or to Postal Coaching.  All Regional offices of the chapters conduct postal coaching and the oral coaching by Authorized Canters of the Institute. Students opting for oral coaching should contact respective Regional Council office or Chapters.

Course Fee: The Postal Tuition Fee/Oral Coaching fee for Foundation Course (including study material) is Rs. 3,500; Students who are taking the postal coaching will get 4 sets of question papers.

2. Intermediate Course:

Those who have completed the foundation course or passed the degree examination are eligible to register for intermediate course. The course has divided into two groups of 9 subjects with 100 marks for each subject. They are:  Group – I:  Financial Accounting, Commercial and Industrial Laws and Auditing; Applied Direct Tax and Group – II: Cost and Management Accounting; Operation Management and Information System; Applied Indirect Taxes. The candidate allowed for intermediate examination unless and until he completes the computer-training programme. The   fee including study materials for Postal Coaching Rs. 7000 / Oral coaching fee Rs. 11,000. During this course, each candidate has to undergo 100 hours compulsory computer training and group discussion & Business communication.

3. Final Course:

A student, who has passed Intermediate Examination of the Institute, is eligible for admission to final course. The Final Course consists of two groups comprising of the following 8 subjects of 100 marks each. Group – III Capital Market Analysis and  Corporate Laws; Management Accounting–and Strategic management and Indirect and Direct Tax Management; Financial Management and International Finance and  Group – IV Management Accounting – Enterprise performance management; Advance Financial Accounting and Reporting; Cost Audit and Operational Audit and Business Valuation Management. A candidate shall declare to have passed in a group of examination. The coaching fee for the course including study material is Postal Rs. 9000 and for Oral Coaching is Rs. 14,000

. For the purpose of obtaining the Course Completion Certificate for appearing in the Final examination, students are required to undergo compulsory training in computers, undergo Modular Training, Audit/Industrial Training and submit a dissertation not less than 5000 words. Further, a candidate has to complete 3 years practical training and has to submit the dissertation.

Practical Training:

With effect from 1^st day of January 2008, every registered student under the Revised syllabus of 2008 shall be required to undergo practical training for a period of 3 years under Practicing Cost Accountants/ Firms of Cost Accountants / Organizations recognized by the Institute. The  objectives of the Practical Training is to develop among the students the necessary skills required to apply theoretical knowledge of cost and management accounting to practical situations in different professional fields A student working in any of the organizations specified in clause 2 in the functional areas given in clause 3 below shall be exempted from training.

Examination:

The examination for Foundation Course, Intermediate Course and Final Courses are held twice in a year i.e., in the month of June and December every year. The ICWAI has 71 examination centers located in various cities all over India (Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi has multiple centers) and two overseas centers at Dubai and Muscat. The examination fee for the foundation course is Rs, 800, for Intermediate, it is Rs. 1600, and for final, it is Rs. 1800.

Conclusion:

There is a sustained demand for qualified, trained and experienced cost accountants not only in India but also in abroad to standardization of Financial Accounts and Cost Accounts. Due to price competitions in the market, there is need for cost accountants who can reduce the cost by proper management, help the organization in increasing the profit. Today due to equivalent qualification in academic matters, any members of the Institute are engaged services and in teaching cost and management accountancy in Universities and Colleges and practicing cost consultancy service. Hence, there is wide scope to the cost accountants..

However, there is need for second level Cost and Management Accountants to assist the professionals. Hence, there is need of Certificate/Diploma course in Cost and Management Accentuating to help the Cost Accounting professions like Certificate in Accounting Technician Course started by the ICAI.  Though the Cost and Management Accountancy course is correspondence, but it is advisable to the students to register for the course and do it along with degree so as to acquaint with the Accountancy in the college and the teachers will help for any doubts in course of study. . For more details visit: www. icwai.org.

 Everybody has in mind that partnership means unlimited liability and believed that every partner is liable for all activities of the firm equally. But the concept has changed with the passing of Limited Liability Partnership Act 2008. Under this Act only the Designated Partners (DPs) are liable for all the acts done by the firm and are responsible with compliance of the Act. The partners are liable for their agreed contribution of the firm’s profit and losses.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) form of business organization can be formed either by Individuals/Body corporates or can be converted from an existing partnership firm, private company or an unlisted public company.

The LLP is similar to that of standard partnership, where the rights and responsibilities of partners are laid down in deed of partnership. It is also a body corporate formed and incorporated as legal entity separate from that of its partners. Thus, LLPs are viewed as an alternate corporate business organization.

The minimum number of partners in an LLP is two (02) and there is no maximum limit. Further, every LLP shall have at least two designated partners who are individuals and at least one of them shall be a resident in India. The Body Corporates an also nominate individuals as Designated partners. All designated partners give his consent in writing in a form and manner as prescribed by the Act. Further the DPs also obtain a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) from the Central Government. The DPs are responsible for all acts that are required to be done by the LLP Firm in respect of compliance of the provisions of this Act including filing of document, return, statement and the like.  The DPs also liable to penalties imposed to LLP for any contravention in those provisions.

These kinds of LLPs are very popular in countries like United Kingdom. United States of America, Various Gulf Countries, Australia and Singapore and are established a decade ago.  In India, the LLP Act came into effect from 1^st April 2009 and up to 13-05-2010, 1342 LLPs are registered with the Registrar of companies (appointed under the Companies Act, 1956).

The LLP will be a separate legal entity, liable to the full extent of its assets, with the liability of the partners being limited to their agreed contribution.  No partner would be liable on account of the independent or un-authorized actions of other partners or their misconduct.  LLP also limits the personal liability of a partner for the errors, omissions, incompetence, or negligence of the LLP’s employees or other agents.

Following is the Broad distinction between Corporate Body, Partnership Firm and Limited Liability Partnerships:

The LLP forms of organizations are useful to:

• Enterprises in new knowledge and technology based fields where the corporate form is not suited.
• For professionals such as Chartered Accountants (CAs), Cost and Works Accountants (CWAs), Company Secretaries (CSs) and Advocates, etc.
• Venture capital funds where risk capital combines with knowledge and expertise
• Professionals and enterprises engaged in any Scientific, Technical or Artistic Discipline, for any activity relating to research, production design and provision of services.
• Small Sector Enterprises (including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
• Producer Companies in Handloom, Handicrafts sector etc.,

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Here is what you have to do? You have to pass Company Secretary Examination conducted by The Institute of Company Secretary of India (ICSI). But before you appear for the examination you have to complete the 3 stages.

Stages of Company Secretaryship Course:

A candidate who wants to pursue the Company Secretaryship Course under new scheme of examination has to complete all the following three stages

1. Foundation Programme
2. Executive Programme
3.  Professional Programme

After qualifying Professional Examination and on successful completion of training, a candidate can be an Associate Member of the ICSI and can use the letters ACS after his/her name i.e. Associate Company Secretary. After fulfilling the prescribed criteria, a company secretary with ACS can become a fellow member of the ICSI and can use FCS after his/her name to indicate he/she is a fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretary. After obtaining a ‘Certificate of Practice’ from the Institute, a member of the Institute can go  for Independent Practice.

Training:

Training is compulsory for all the candidates. However, the structure has been changed w.e.f. 1^st Nov. 2009 and it is as under: The candidate has to complete the 7 days Induction Programme (IP)  completed within 6 months of registration to the executive programme. after passing executive programme, one has to attend  Executive Development Programme (EDP) of  8 days duration. After all the above , one has to attend the  Practical Training  for a period of  15 months in a company approved by the institute. During this period he has to complete 25 hours Professional Development Programme(PDP).

1. Foundations Programme:  

It is the entry-level examination for the Company Secretaryship Course. The minimum qualification required to join the programme is pass in 10+2 examination or its equivalent in any stream i.e., for Arts, Science and Commerce . Provisional admission is allowed to a candidates who has appeared or enrolled for appearing in Senior Secondary (10+2 or equivalent) examination,

a. Registration:

The Registration is open through out the year. However, the cutoff date for admission for foundation programme is 31st March for appearing December Examination  and 30th September for June Examination next year. The duration of the course is 8 Months. The registered candidate can complete the course within 3 years of registration. The candidates who have enrolled for CS Course on 1st Nov. 2007 or after,  has to study the subjects under new syllabus. The first foundation programme examination under the new scheme was held in December 2008. ICSI has 67 examination centers located in various cities spread all over India and one overseas centre at Dubai

b. Coaching:

The course is correspondence, but the Institute imparts Oral Coaching through its regional councils/ chapters / collaborative oral tuition centers. The Institute supplies the study materials to the candidates after the admission.

d. Subjects:

The foundation course consists of 4 papers viz. English & Business Communication; Economics and Statistics; Financial Accounting and Elements of Business Law and Management. Each paper will have 3 hours duration and carries 100 marks.

Qalifying Marks:

The qualifying marks is a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate of all its papers together.

e. Exemption:

Candidates who have completed their Degree or Masters degree in Commerce or pass in Final examination of Cost and Works Accountants are exempted from Foundation Programme.  Candidates who have passed the papers under old syllabus are exempted to appear from the new course.

c.Fee:

The fee structure for foundation programme is: Admission Rs. 1200, Postal tuition fee Rs. 2400 and the examination fee is Rs. 875.

2. Executive Programme:

Candidates who have registered on 1st February 2008 or after for executive programme are required to study and pass examinations under the new syllabus. The eligibility for the executive programme is passing in foundation programme or possesses a degree in commerce/equivalent examinations.

The course consists of two modules with three papers each.  Module–I: General and Commercial Laws; Company Accounts and Management Accounting and Tax laws. Module-II; company Law; Economic and Labour Laws and Securities Laws and Compliances. The qualifying marks are 40% in each papers and 50% average on all papers together. The tuition fee for the course is Rs. 7000 for commerce stream and Rs. 7,500 for non-commerce stream.

3.Professional Programme:

Those who have passed the Executive programme can enroll for the professional programme. The new syllabus of executive programme was first held in June 2009. It comprises four modules with two papers each.The fee for the postal coaching is Rs. 7,500.

A qualified Company Secretary either work in a big organisation as An employee (Company Secreatray) or become a n independent Practicing Company Secretary. In India, a  company having a paid-up share capital of Rs. 2 Crore or more required to appoint a whole time Company Secretary (under Companies Act 1956).  Tthe companies which have listed on recognized stock exchanges are required to file, the Annual Returns  signed by a Practicing Company Secretary. Hence, he has wide scope not only in India but also in other countries.

To attract the best talented/meritorious students, the ICSI giving financial assistance to the Economically Weaker section students with good academic record of minimum 60% marks in the examination.  Further to meet the social obligations, the ICSI helping  physically handicapped students, concession of 25% on all its fees.

The institute established 24 x 7 e-learning portal and MOUs are made with the APTECH computers for computer training.

Presently in India 22,000 Company Secretaries (CS), are either working as employee in an industrial organization or practicing independently. In 2020, India will need at least 50,000 additional Company Secretaries  as the Industry and Commerce is growing due to globalization.

In order to meet the above requirement, the Commerce colleges should conduct an awareness programmes about the professional courses not only CS but also on  C.A. I.C.W.A. etc.

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Commerce, next to science opens up variety of options after 10+2 stage in professional courses  viz, CS. ICWI. CFA. C.A. etc. Among all, the most respected, admired and highly paying profession is Chartered Accountancy (C.A).    The course is open to all streams i.e., Arts, Science & Commerce.  It is a correspondence course, no need of attending regular classes.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established for the regulation of the profession of Chartered Accountants in India. It is a premier accounting body recognised globally and now is the second largest accounting body in the whole world. It conducts the Chartered Accountancy Examination twice in a year i.e., June & December every year. The course involves a blend of theoretical education, practical training and examination.

There is no institutions provide training.  However, some recognized institutions provide oral coaching to the desires students. The ICAI through its branches supply study materials to the registered candidates.  The duration the course is 3 ½ Years.

Career Scope:

Chartered Accountancy is the basic requirement for Auditing of any financial matters. Hence, a Chartered Accountant independently can start his profession of Auditor. Work as Consultant for Finance, Banking, Investment. etc., Appointed as Auditor, Financial Advisor, and Chief Accountant of a Company or get a Government Job. One can be appointed as Trustee or Executor on Accounting and Financial matters.

Requirements for becoming a Chartered Accountant:

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India periodically reviews the scheme of Education and Training other changes at national and global level. Business also demands newer skills from the accounting professionals. Accordingly, the new scheme was launched by ICAI.

Different levels of Chartered Accountancy Course:

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India made the following 3 levels to become a Chartered Accountant.

1.  Common Proficiency Test

2. Integrated Professional  Competency Course

3. C.A. Final Course

Level-I: Common Proficiency Test (CPT):

CPT is the entrance level examination for admission to C.A. Course. CPT has replaced Professional Education (Course-I) effective from September 13, 2006. Those who desire to become a chartered accountant, register himself to the CPT after passing 10^th standard.  After completing 60 days of registration and appearing 10+2 examination qualified to appear for CPT examination. The registration for CPT is open throughout the year, but the cut of dates for appearing June / December examination is on or before 1^st April / 1^st October as the case may be.

CPT course consists of two parts and four subjects’ viz. Fundamentals of Accounting, Market law, General Economics & Quantitative Aptitude for 200 marks. Examination will be in objective type and negative marks for wrong answers. The qualifying marks will be 50%.   The Registration and Tuition fee for the CPT    is Rs. 6000 and the examination fee is Rs. 600. The Interested students can obtain prospectus and application form from the ICAI by remitting Rs.100 (Rs. 40 extra for postage).    Students belong to Karnataka State register for the course at South India Regional Centre of ICAI, Chennai and students belongs to Bangalore City can register with Bangalore Branch of SIRC of ICAI, Bangalore. The registration is valid for a period of 3 years. After the registration, study materials will be sent to the students by post. A few accredited institutes conduct Oral Coaching Classes in the big cities. In Karnataka there are only 12 such institutes. Those  who are very serious about the course can join and appear CPT, as the percentage of passing is 25% to 30%..

Level – II :  Integrated Professional Competency Course (IPCC):

The Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) was launched on December 10, 2008.by replacing the Professional Competence Course (PCC). Those who have passed CPT and 10+2 examination enroll for IPCC. It has six subjects and seven papers made into two groups. Group-I viz. Accounting,  Business law, Ethics and Communication, Cost Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation (Income tax & Service Tax) and  group-II  Advanced Accounting, Auditing & Insurance, Information Technology and Strategic Management. A student can appear GroupWise or both the groups together.

After completing 9 (Nine) month registration and  by paying IPCC registration fee of Rs. 9000 appear for examination.  Simultaneously complete Orientation Course of one-week duration of 35 hours covering the topics of Personality Development, Communication Skills, Office Procedure, Business Environment, Commercial Knowledge etc before commencement of Articleship. In addition, the candidate has to undergo 100 hours of Information Technology Training (ITT) before commencement of Article training.

 Articleship Training:

After passing group I or both the groups of IPCC, register as Articled Assistant for a period of 3 years with practicing Chartered Accountant.. Articleship is a practical training shaping a well-rounded professional to acquire on-the-job work experience of developing necessary skills in applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations; A student can also undergo audit training of eight months which will be treated as equivalent to six months of articleship training.

Level – III:  C. A. Final Course:

The last leg of the Chartered Accountancy is Final Course, designed to impart expert knowledge in financial reporting, auditing and professional ethics, taxation, corporate laws, system control, strategic finance and advanced management accountancy. The Final (New) Course was launched in February 2007 and first examination under new scheme was held in November 2008.

Those who passed IPCC appear for final examination by paying Rs. 10,000 as registration fee during the last 6 months of Articled Training Period. The final examination will be for two groups. After passing final examination and completing 15 days General Management & Communication Skills Course enroll as a member of ICAI and designated as “Chartered Accountant”.  If he desires to practice as a Chartered Accountant, he has to obtain a Certificate of Practice from the ICAI. A C.A. who is an Associate Member and is in continuous practice for a minimum period of 5 years is entitled for “Fellow Membership”.

Conclusion:

Indian Economy is one of the fastest growing economies among the third world countries. There is need for talented professionals who can contribute towards the growth of the economy. Therefore, there is need of good number of CA’s. But the course need hard working people.

However, graduation is not necessary for the C.A. course and no exemption of papers. However, it is advisable to continue the degree while pursuing the C.A.. For more details visit www.icai.org