E & C in MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech, microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course, Career in Analytics, How to prepare for GMAT, Selecting an happening career, US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester

E & C in  MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech, microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course, Career in Analytics, How to prepare for GMAT, Selecting an happening career, US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester


CAREER DILEMMA : MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech

I am a third year student of BTech engineering. I am confused about what course to choose — an MBA or Civil Services. What would be a better option?
   Shagorika Basu

The MBA route will lead to a career in the corporate sector, while IAS will lead to a career in the government impacting the lives of the public. The MBA route would help you to play a role in the success of private companies making a difference to the bottom line and reach of one company/organisation's business while the IAS will allow you to make a difference to the lives of a wider public. Life is good on both sides, but the decision of which is better would depend upon your perception and priorities in life. Selection for the IIMs as also in the IAS, would be very competitive.

BACKUP CHOICE : Selecting an happening career

After doing my BBA, I am now pursuing MBA from IP University. I have decided to take finance as my major subject but I am confused between taking marketing, information technology and international business as my minor subject. As a result, I am unable to decide the specific line in which I would like to make my career. If I opt for a career in research or logistics or stock broking, which subject would be more helpful? I will be grateful if you could help me in this matter.
   Debjyot Kaushik

In an indirect manner, all the three areas you have mentioned — marketing, IT or international business can be connected to finance. One way to select your choice of minor is to think of which area after finance you would choose (or are better suited for) as a 'backup' job/career. As you have already decided on finance as the area you will be majoring in, the choice of minor should then be based more on the subjects that you enjoy.

microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course

 
Could you please tell me the minimum eligibility criterion for the microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course? Please also suggest some institutes that provide the course and the future job prospects.
   Anmol Gehlot

You have not mentioned your current academic status, but you can do the MCSE/MCSD course along with your graduation although the general profile of those attempting the exam is people with three-four years of experience in the industry who are trying to improve their prospects. Moreover, you also have several choices. For instance, you could look at a certification in networking like MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) — globally recognised for LAN design, implementation, administration, trouble-shooting, creating web servers, etc. The Windows platform enjoys a customer-base running into millions.
   The full certification involves clearing seven papers. After you clear the first paper, you will get the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) card. Clearing four papers will equip you with knowledge of LAN networking to start working in the technical support area. The passing mark is 80-90% per-exam. Along with that you can continue to prepare for the remaining papers or acquiring a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) certification. While MCSE certification is fine for handling 500-1,000 client/seat establishments, broadband, internet and intranet environments are better served by Cisco-certified experts.
   So if you are looking for better value-addition, CCNA will give you expertise in ISP (Internet Software Protocol), ASP (Application Software Protocol), WAN (Wide Area Networking), etc. It will also teach you how to design, build, and maintain global computer networks from a single location. This involves clearing exams at four levels — 1) associate level 2) professional level 3) expert level 4) specialist level. Make sure you register for the course at a Microsoft Authorised Training Centre. The intake is typically restricted to 15-20 students per session. The passing mark is about 90%.

ANALYTICAL CAREER

Could you please tell me if a career in analytics is good for a BTech graduate? Would an MBA degree suit that profile well?
   Ritwik Ahuja

Knowledge Process Outsourcing or KPO has given a new dimension to the outsourcing industry in India. KPO differs from BPO in that they require specialised knowledge and skills and often require qualified professionals (lawyers, engineers, doctors, etc). KPO services also tend to be more qualitative and judgment based. In short, they are higher IQ jobs. Analytics is the process of analysing (raw)
data to unearth hidden patterns, understand trends, and draw meaningful conclusions to help in business modelling, decision-making, and forecasting. It uses computers, mathematics and statistics as its tools. Thus as an engineer you possess the requisite skills.

SEARCH FOR B-SCHOOL

Could you please tell me how to prepare for GMAT? From where can I get the US government ranking of American B-schools?
   Anonymous

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is designed to help business schools assess the qualifications and potential of applicants for advanced study in business and management. To begin, log on to www.mba.com and click on 'Take the GMAT' and scroll down to 'Tools to help you prepare' for GMAT test taking strategies. For a list of MBA schools, log on to www.educationusa. state.gov, click on 'Find a School' and go to MBA programmes in the left margin under 'Graduate.' The search options will generate a long list of B-schools. When you ask for the best management schools, you are basically considering rankings. The US government does not rank universities, hence there's no official source to begin with. However, some of the popular private rankings are those compiled by the US News & World Report or The Princeton Review or BusinessWeek.
   Make sure you understand the specific methodology and criteria on which the rankings are based (and be particularly wary of rankings that don't explain the criteria on which they are based). While this could be a good starting point, the 'best' B-school for you would be the one that best matches your profile and preferences. You need to prioritise your preferences and be realistic in terms of matching your background with the B-schools you plan to shortlist. Weigh the strength of the B-school in terms of quality, competitiveness, programme design, special features of the programmes offered. Then consider admissions requirements, cost effectiveness, internship opportunities, placement and lastly scholarship possibilities for foreign students.

US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester

I am a final year student of BTech electrical engineering. I am planning to apply to universities in the US for admission to the spring semester next year. But my friends are saying that it's very difficult to get scholarships for the spring semester. Is it true? Should I apply for fall 2013 instead?
   Danish Trehan

As an international student it is better to apply for the fall semester admission, mainly for three reasons. Firstly, financial aid is relatively easier to get in the fall semester than in the spring semester. Secondly, though not perhaps as important, February is one of the coldest months in many parts of the US. It is therefore not a particularly good time to have your first stint with snow — especially if you're not a native of the Himalayas. And finally, more students are admitted in the fall semester than in the spring semester, so naturally your chances of getting in are greater. Timing your moves correctly while applying to a US varsity is a most crucial factor. So when should you start the application process? At least 18 months in advance of your intended date of enrolment. For example, if you wish to enrol in the Fall session: August/September 2013, you should ideally start the process around April 2012. Also, do browse the net for college rankings and other useful info. There are plenty of websites including www.usnews.com  and www.fulbright-india.org .

TRENDY CHOICE : pursue a career on the basis of current trends?

Is it advisable to pursue a career on the basis of current trends? For instance, if information technology is a 'happening' career, then should one go for it?
   Mihika Saha

While planning your career it is important to keep employment trends and scope for advancement in mind. Selecting a 'happening' career, which offers more openings, is ok from the short-term perspective of getting a job. Flowing with the tide is perfect when the 'happening' career also matches your priorities, skills, aptitude, abilities and interests. But, don't take on jobs for which your personality and abilities are not suited because your chances of success would be low. There are no good jobs or bad jobs, nor is there a 'future' in any job. Remember, the future lies in the person who holds the job. So at the end of the day, its better to choose something you like, lest be forced to like what you get.

For More on Education & Careers Click Here to Visit my Blog Career Guidance India.

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Career ALERT - Anna University Syllabus BE,MCA,ME and Education Loan Details !!!

Anna University SyllabusAll Branches

• I& II Semester Syllabus
• III-IV Semester Syllabus
• V-VIII Semester,Electives Syllabus
• PG(ME,M.Tech,MCA) Syllabus

Name of the Course	Semester	Get Syllabus
B.E. AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E. AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH APPAREL TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E. AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH. CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E CIVIL ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E. COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E.ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
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B.E. ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH. FOOD TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E GEOINFORMATICS ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
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B.TECH. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH. LEATHER TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E.MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E. MINING ENGINEERING	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH. PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.E. PRINTING TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
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B.TECH. PETROLEUM REFINING AND PETRO-CHEMICALS	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
B.TECH. RUBBER AND PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY	III-IV	Downlod Syllabus
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ALL BANKS EDUCATION LOAN PROCEDURE(S) ARE GIVEN BELOW

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State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur	Get Education loan Procedure
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State Bank of India(SBI)	Get Education loan Procedure
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United Bank of India	Get Education loan Procedure
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TIPS - How To Crack Entrance Exams?

TIPS - How To Crack Entrance Exams?

An important goal of your test preparation is to help you to give the best possible account of yourself by effectively using your knowledge to answer the examination questions.

First, get rid of any negative attitudes towards the test. Your attitude is negative if you view the test as a device to "trip you up" rather than an opportunity to show how effectively you have earned.

Approach the test with self confidence :

Working through the book is a difficult job, and after you have done it you will be better prepared than the 90% of the people taking the book. Self confidence is one of the biggest strategic assets you can bring to the testing room.

Nobody likes test but some people actually permit themselves to get upset or angry when they see what they think is an unfair test. This can only hurt your score. Keep calm and move right ahead. Anger, resentment, and fear all slow you down and impair your judgement. Besides, every test you take, is a valuable experience that improves your skills.

Keep calm, there is no point in panic . If you have done your work, there is no need for it; if you have not, a cool head is your requirement.

At the last, this post should remove some of the fear and mystery that surrounds examination. A certain amount of concern is normal and good, but excessive worry saps your strength and keenness.

"be prepared emotionally"

World forum to highlight entrepreneur's role in society

 World forum to highlight entrepreneur's role in society

THE EMLYON Business School in France, which prides itself on educating entrepreneurs for the world, is hosting the first-ever World Entrepreneurship Forum (WEF) with KPMG. Elaborating on the goal of the forum, Tugrul Atamer, dean of faculty, EMLYON Business School, said: “The forum is the first international think-tank dedicated to entrepreneurs and their role in society. We want to promote a vision of the entrepreneur as a creator of economic wealth and social justice.”
   The forum will be held in Evian, France, under the patronage of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, from November 13-15. American B-School Babson College has joined the two founding partners in organising the forum, which will bring together entrepreneurs, educators and policy-makers from across the world to share ideas.
   “We have formed a scientific committee, comprising international experts, to identify issues that would be discussed through workshops during the forum. The objective is to create influence and put pressure on decision-makers, besides disseminating ideas and values, which would encourage educators. We are optimistic that the event will become an annual gathering for global entrepreneurs, being an independent forum for research, meetings and debate,” said Atamer.
   In these uncertain economic times, the role of an entrepreneur will assume even greater significance. “Entrepreneurs work in three business environments across the world — co-ordinated market economy, free market economy and network-based economy. But, they all need to possess some core skills such as tolerance to uncertainty, optimism, clarity in vision, creativity, motivation; they should be able to identify opportunities even when things are bleak,” added Atamer.
   A Junior World Entrepreneurship Forum was held in Shanghai in July 2008, in which 60 students from across the world came together to express their vision on entrepreneurship of the future. Their report will provide inputs for debate at the WEF. The three key questions that would be addressed are: How can we better train entrepreneurs of the future? How can we create a more favourable environment? How can we better understand and assess the action of entrepreneurs?
   The recommendations from the forum will be included in a white paper, like a guide to reform and will also be disseminated through blogs, conferences, publications, and so on. During the forum, an ‘Entrepreneur for the World’ prize will also be awarded to recognise both the entrepreneurial attitude and social commitment of a distinguished personality from the global stage. The event’s founders, EMLYON Business School and KPMG, are keen to continue to promote entrepreneurs as key players in tomorrow’s world beyond the scope of the forum.
 

  www.em-lyon.com

Sunil Sharma

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Quality in Education..Addressing major concerns for schools

QUALITY IN EDUCATION

Addressing major concerns for schools

EXPERTS have a common consensus that quality and access are the major concerns for schools in the country that need immediate attention. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India, while releasing a report on ‘Excellence in Schools,’ recently in the Capital, said: “The entire focus of governmental efforts in education has been on questions of equity and access.”
   He added: “At the same time, there are other questions that relate to the content and quality of education — Who teaches in these schools? What is the teacherpupil ratio? What is taught? How is it taught? Are the teachers adequately trained and are we training them in sufficient numbers?”
   Talking about the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) addressing some of these issues in its recommendations for school education, he said: “Their focus is on greater resources, decentralisation and flexibility. The tenth Plan data shows that school education suffers from lack of access, low participation, and from equity and quality issues. Official assessments also suggest that budgetary outlays are not transforming fully into programme outcomes.”
   The more the heterogeneity in a classroom, not only is there increased equality but also increased quality of education, opined Krishna Kumar, director, NCERT. He said: “Every child has different potential and this potential cannot be ignored. And learning can only take place in an inclusive set-up in a classroom, wherein a teacher is actually challenged to go beyond his/her abilities to teach when he/she has to address to multiple intelligences.”
   The report, released by Education Quality Foundation of India (EQFI), covered 90 schools in six cities, of which 60% were government schools. It offered an insight into the strengths of the schools and opportunities for improvement. It also emphasised on the need for identifying best practices in schools and sharing new teaching-learning practices, which will help to strengthen quality in schools. Examples of good practices being followed include teamwork; a democratic way of school administration; providing holistic education; and encouraging innovation and experiments by teachers and students.
   EQFI has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. The organisation is now in the process of assessing 567 Navodayas in rural districts of the nation.

Sunil Sharma

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PG Diploma in Acupuncture Therapy Becomes Formal Course

PG Diploma in Acupuncture Therapy Becomes Formal Course 

ACUPUNCTURE therapy has emerged as an effective alternative system of medicine. But the absence of any regulatory mechanism has led to an increase of quacks in this field, which has earned a bad name for the therapy.
   

In order to formalise the practice of acupuncture therapy and attract certified doctors, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) in association with the Institute of Acupuncture and Natural Medicines (IANM) has launched a postgraduate diploma in acupuncture. Only certified medical doctors with an MBBS, ayurveda, unani medicine, yoga and naturopathy degrees would be eligible to pursue this oneyear programme.
   

Education in 11th 5 year plan

UGC to focus on quality and inclusion

 

THE CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION (UGC), ON BEING CONFERRED THE PADMA SHREE AND THE COMMISSION'S PLANS FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE 11 ^TH FIVE YEAR PLAN

 How does it feel to receive one of the highest civilian awards of India?

 It feels good to be acknowledged for the work you do. Apart from research and teaching, I did some work in the field of agricultural development, rural poverty, discrimination, women rights, and economics and lately on education. Moreover, the UGC chairmanship has given me a lot of visibility.

    The National Development Council (NDC) has approved the recommendations of the 11 ^th Five Year Plan. How is UGC gearing itself to implement them?

    My focus is on how to convert the 11th Plan's recommendations into action. We would now be focusing on quality, inclusion and other academic reforms in higher education. UGC would soon come up with an action plan and policies on each of these areas.

 What about the 30 universities, which the Indian government announced at the beginning of the 11th Plan?

 They are very much on. In fact, the budget for the 14 world-class universities have been allocated for the first year which is Rs 60 crore and the budget for the rest of the 16 universities is Rs 50 crore for the first year. So we would soon have these universities in place. 

   Moreover, we would be having 370 colleges in areas where accessibility to higher education is a problem and state governments would be making matching contributions.

 The education sector is already facing an acute faculty shortage. How will you meet the growing demand following expansion in higher education?

 Faculty is a key issue, which is one of the reasons why UGC has risen the superannuation age of faculty from 60 to 65 years. We have already announced 500 science fellowships and 1,200 fellowships for non-NET scholars. But what is new is that we have decided to extend fellowships to all MPhil and PhD students of all central universities.

 But the superannuation age in most state universities is still 60 years?

 We have written a letter to all state universities to raise the bar, and some of the academic councils have themselves passed the resolution on this and are working out the modalities with their respective state governments. 

Along with expansion we are also expecting a few policy decisions on regulation, private universities and fee structure.

 Will there be any reforms in these areas?

 We have set up two committees. One on policy framework and curriculum and the other on regulation of private deemed universities, which would also look into the fee structure.

 Will there be any hike in fees in the state-run universities?

 We should not make any general statements. We know little about the prevalent fee structure. Apart from the government-run universities, there are private-aided institutions, private unaided and private deemed institutions running in India. Most of these institutions have selffinancing courses and in fact the truth is that these courses cover 50% to 60% of the students. So fee structure is not a very serious debate at the moment.

 There has been a lot of talk about inclusion during the planning of the 11th Plan. Although we have a 3% reservation for the disabled, but not many campuses are disabled-friendly?

We have set up a committee in which Mushirul Hasan, vice-chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, is a member to look into these issues.

   For the physically challenged, we have a grant of Rs 11 lakh for each university besides the 3% reservation. Yet, it is true that not many campuses are disabled-friendly. Primarily all the 16 schemes that we have on inclusion are voluntary; therefore, it is up to the university. However, we are now going to make it a part of the development grant, which is compulsory for every university.

  

Sunil Sharma

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Yoga Education in India

School of thought

Yoga education in India represented so far merely by a few yogic postures and breathing exercises, is taking a step towards a more formalised structure. A 90-year-old yoga institute in Mumbai is working to create a formal course that, if adopted, can impart yoga education to students from class I to the undergraduatelevel. The institute recently presented its case, to include yoga in school curriculum, to the health and education ministry officials at a seminar in Delhi.

"There is a need to rescue yoga education from institutes that have restricted its scope to mere postures and breathing exercises. In reality, it is the science of a basic value system which if imparted to children in a proper way can lead to their holistic development," informed Hansa Jayadeva, director, The Yoga Institute.

Besides the basic set of asanas and pranayams, yoga teaches its students how to live life. "If children can be taught yoga as a part of their school curriculum, there will no longer be a need for psychologists, counsellors and self-help books," stated Jayadeva.

But seeing as how this value system is essentially considered a part of Hindu philosophy, will that not affect a school's so-called secular outlook? "The basic value system that we are proposing through the curriculum includes general precepts universally applicable to enhance a child's personality like self-analysis, peace, faith, tranquillity, co-operation and performing one's duties. The problem comes when these precepts are imparted with certain techniques that are core to Hindu philosophy, like humming the sound of 'om'. However, the curriculum that we are proposing does not include these techniques and leaves out Vedanta philosophy," explained Jayadeva.

On how a child will relate to these concepts, which are considered philosophical in nature, Jayadeva added: "Yoga talks about joyful learning and based on this, we have proposed an indirect method of teaching through nature, stories and games to train children in controlling their mind from a young age. Once a person is trained in controlling the mind he/she will know how to deal with stress and failures. We have also proposed direct teaching, through analysis, for higher classes."

Sunil Sharma

Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

Education in 11th 5 Year Plan

GREAT expectations

WITH THE ELEVENTH FIVE-YEAR PLAN PROPOSING A WHOPPING 19.4% OF ITS OUTLAY FOR EDUCATION, HIGHER LEARNING IN THE COUNTRY IS SET TO SCALE A STEEP GROWTH CURVE.

These are exciting times for higher education in the country. The Eleventh Five Year Plan document proposes an almost tenfold increase in outlay for higher and technical education. The planners have set ambitious targets - to attract 15% of students passing out of class XII (from the current 10%) into higher education by 2012, and 22% by 2017. According to them, the way to do this is to expand and upgrade on an unprecedented scale.
In the new Plan, there’s more of everything - 30 new central universities are to be set up, seven IITs and IIMs, 10 National Institutes of Technology, five research institutes to be called Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research, 20 IIITs, two schools of architecture and 330 colleges in educationally backward districts.
Infrastructure is also due for major upgrades. Among the big beneficiaries of these special grants will be 17 to-be-identified central universities that will receive Rs 3,298 crore. Besides, 39 engineering institutes will get Rs 6,749 crore, for improving their infrastructure.

THE PLAN

The money, this time, comes with a plan. The document envisions wide-ranging reforms in the way higher education is imparted and much of the fund allocation has been tied up to the beneficiary institute carrying out structural changes. Some of these proposals are even likely to trigger debate and attract controversy.
For instance,the document seeks to raise fees for higher education to up to 20% of operational costs, from the present five%. “Higher education is highly subsidised. The document seeks to reduce this subsidy to improve the quality of education,” explains Bhalchandra Mungekar, member, Planning Commission.
Another proposal is to break up large affiliating varsities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune into more manageable units. Osmania University (Hyderabad) has more than 900 affiliated colleges while Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore universities have around 500. Some of these institutes conduct over 1,000 examinations, annually.“These universities have ceased to be centres of higher education in exchange for becoming agencies that merely conduct examinations,” states Mungekar.
This time around, the Planning Commission has also suggested major reforms. Some of the reforms under consideration are as follows —

Structural changes

India had based its university system on that of the UK. But, following the same has now become troublesome in light of universities that have over 500 to 1,000 affiliated colleges. It has now been suggested that bigger universities be split into smaller manageable universities. This move would be implemented first in central universities, followed by state universities. India, at present, has over 400 universities.
Reforms in the appointment of vicechancellors have also been considered, with suggestions for a more transparent process. Appointments are now to be based purely on quality and merit with proven academic capability.

Governance

Following numerous discussions between the Planning Commission, MHRD and PMO on the changes in central universities, it has been suggested that reforms in governance and academics should focus on academic excellence, improved governance and avoiding delay in procedure.
The suggestions look to provide genuine academic and functional autonomy. Although the government remains the primary funding agency,it should not interfere in the day-to-day functioning.

Exam reforms

The Plan document outlines that annual examinations have become irrelevant from the point of testing knowledge. It suggests that this system be replaced with a continuous assessment and evaluation system. It further suggests that the semester, internal assessment and continuous evaluation system be implemented immediately in all central universities from the forthcoming academic session in 2008.
The Plan also highlights a credit system, wherein a student studying ,say , economics will now be able to appear for a paper in other subjects as well.

Assessment and accreditation

The Plan also reiterates the need for agencies such as the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. In fact, it suggests that each state have its respective agency based on the NAAC. Private participation in assessment has also been encouraged, but only when a central certifying agency is in place to certify private agencies.

ROAD AHEAD

Education is set to receive a boost worth Rs 2.85 lakh crores, with the Planning Commission increasing the allocation for the sector by a massive 19.49 per cent in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
The education budget has been classified into elementary, adult and secondary, and higher education. For elementary education, Rs 1.25 lakh crore is being earmarked, which is a major hike from the Rs 30,000 crore allocated in the last Plan. Likewise, the share of the budget for adult and secondary education is being increased to Rs 6000 crore and Rs 53,000 crore, respectively. As per the Plan document, Rs 84,000 crore is being set aside for higher and technical education.
According to Mungekar, the increase in the budget for health and education is an attempt to achieve inclusive growth. “The most important issue is our agenda for reforms in the higher education system, where we have asked for major structural changes. These reforms are a must if we are to move forward.”
He adds, “This Plan is aimed at carrying forward the expansion of higher education.We are suffering as far as the quality of education is concerned, and the same needs to be addressed at the earliest. Further, many of these projects will function on a public-private-partnership mode.”

Sunil Sharma

Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

Future Students & Education

FUTURE SPEAK

THE THIRD EDITION OF THE COLLEGE EDITORIAL BOARD (CEB) LOOKS DOWN THE TIMELINE TO SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE INDIAN STUDENT

Become a student of change. It will remain the only constant' said author Anthony J D'Angelo. Students have been the pioneers of change all over the world. They themselves have also been changing — their quest increasing and their horizon broadening.

The student is becoming increasingly independent. He knows what to do. He lives in the present — well aware of what he is doing. Since he dictates his own terms to life, he does not hold anybody responsible for what becomes of him. Students pursuing unconventional courses like music, choreography and styling may have been a rarity in yesteryears, but today their numbers have increased drastically. They now listen to their hearts and 10 years hence, many more people would take up their hobbies as their profession.The face of an Indian student in the future would coincide with the forces of globalisation, modernisation and urbanisation of society. The transformation of the education system, to suit the employment demands of the future, would manifest itself in the changes brought about in the values, attitudes and lifestyle of the modern Indian student.

THE MODERN STUDENT

No longer does one's gender define one's line of work.The age-old belief 'girls for hospitality and boys for fieldwork' has been broken. Besides, the modern student has no place for unnecessary gender divisions and wants to be classified as a thorough professional. "We can communicate better in the classroom. The outlook towards peer-topeer relationship has finally changed," says Akansha Mishra, a student at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). There is also a strong desire for excellence as students keep upgrading themselves continuously.

With the penetration of communication and network technology, awareness about various courses and specialisations has spread immensely. Gone are the days when one's Guru and a copy of the Employment News served as the only source of information.

GURU VS E-LEARNING

Two schools of thought exist on this topic; one that can't let go their gurus and one that can get enough of e-learning. In ancient times the Indian system of learning was 'guru-centric' and the production and dissemination of knowledge was a centralised system. Knowledge was accessible and used by a privileged few. Until the 1990s, when the internet was not so popular, there were clear traces of this 'guru-shishya' tradition still persisting in our education system. Indeed it still persists, but to a lesser extent. Critics argue that the 'guru-shishya' tradition only helps students become accustomed to spoon-feeding and that the central concern of the relationship becomes how you 'please' each other, while learning takes a backseat.

On the other hand, with the increasing popularity of e-learning, virtual and open universities and distance education, you can learn anywhere, any time and all by yourself. Madhuparna Roy Chowdhury, an MBA graduate from the Indian Institute of Finance, Delhi, elaborates: "The e-modules and business classes operated from different university departments abroad have helped me immensely. I have taken two online courses in economics from the University of Illinois, which helped not only my knowledge base but also my resume." According to conservative estimates, the worldwide e- learning industry is estimated to be worth over 38 billion euros. But when asked whether teachers and trainers could become dispensable in the future, many remain apprehensive. Says Ngamjahao Kipgen, PhD student at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSS), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi: "Distance learning has definitely eased the process of learning. I have been participating in online seminars and discussion forums since the past year at IIT, which I could have never imagined doing from back home in Manipur. However, it still does not undermine the importance of a teacher.’’

The point of contention lies in the fact that e-learning places most of the responsibility for learning squarely on the shoulders of the student. Madhuparna agrees, saying: "It eventually depends on the individual as to what he or she learns from a programme online. It also reflects on their level of maturity, because you have to work within self imposed deadlines and schedules."

While motivated learners may do well, how many of us actually manage to stay motivated all the time? Unmotivated students either never begin or don't complete their online training course.Whereas the guru serves not only as a caring therapist pointing out our hidden psychological blind spots but also as a constant reminder that the task at hand must be completed. Making students do something rather than merely telling them what to do is where a guru will always beat the computer.

It is, perhaps, as a reaction to this that many online educational initiatives are now looking to incorporate the best of both worlds. One such example is the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) that, in partnership with DirecWay Global Education (DWGE), has launched the Interactive Onsite Learning (IOL) programme. The programme is an advanced form of e-learning wherein students can actually interact with their teachers.The teachers’ live lessons are broadcasted over the internet using video-conferencing and students gather at special centres to attend the same and to interact with the teacher as well.

ADMISSION SYSTEM

The need for an alternative system of admission to universities in the future stems not from the fact that various psychological, social and emotional pressures confront students across the country but from the discernible lack of satisfaction the present system brings along. Nitya Talwar, class XII student, Mater Dei High School, opines: "At present, if one doesn't perform well in boards, their entire life, seemingly, goes down the drain. Is that fair?" Most universities have a centralised admission procedure, wherein the university itself or a central body conducts tests and applicants are ranked by exam grades. The applicants may, further, state their preferences for institutes or courses based on their rank and personal choice. Elaborating on the flaw in the modus operandi of course allotment under such a system,Vaibhhav Sinha, third-year student, IIT-Kharagpur, states: "We shouldn't be screened on the basis of exams that have little or no relevance to one's aptitude for a particular discipline. Besides, one shouldn't have to choose a particular discipline unless you have had the opportunity to explore and decide whether or not you wish to pursue it. A lack of this is why we see students with 'bookish' knowledge pursuing technical courses in the country."

Why is academic marks the sole criterion during admissions? One's marks can't really reflect the potential, abilities and skills that a student possesses. Besides, isn’t knowledge subjective and can be acquired? An alternate system of admissions that can be proposed is based on a combination of a series of assessments. A percentile could be taken from the board results and special weightage could be given to the subject that one is applying for.This could then be combined with the results of another test that would ascertain a student's logical-reasoning abilities and his approach towards the subject.

Another flaw in the admission system is that students need to appear for different tests for different colleges. As Gaurav Singla, student, Hindu College, Delhi University, points out: "Taking a different test for every college can drain you.The set up adopted by universities abroad is relatively less disorderly with standardised exams like the SAT, GMAT, GRE and IELTS being accepted by most universities."

PRIVATE PLAYERS

Another aspect is the entry of private players. Private spending on education has increased in India at a compound annual growth rate of 10.38% since 1994. Education is among the fastest growing service sectors of the economy, coming only a close second to the health sector growth rate and hence the increase in private initiatives.

Education provides the strongest link between income aspirations and the realisation of income goals. It can be controlled from within a household and without unreasonable dependance on the external environment and infrastructure.

The good thing about the entry of private players is that it provides quality infrastructure, albeit for a price, and transparency and accountability to the client also increases. Moreover, due to intense competition, the courses and degrees offered by different private colleges, institutes and universities are far more updated, better equipped and marketcentric.

However, critics aren't far behind. There is a strong wave of dissent against the privatisation of education because, it could mean that the government relinquishes its duty of providing basic amenities to the underprivileged. Rajneesh Choubisa, PhD student, IIT-Delhi, says: "Growth in private education is an essentially urban phenomenon. It doesn't show the rural reality on the ground, where basic education is still elusive as they simply can't afford it." Perhaps what is needed is more publicprivate partnership (PPP) in education.




Sunil Sharma
Moderator
Dil Se Desi Group