For students aspiring to pursue Master in Computer Applications (MCA) and Master in Business Administration (MBA) courses, quality learning at affordable cost for a methodology which combines the conventional system with open and distance learning is now possible at Kanchi Mamunivar Centre for Post-Graduate Studies (KMCPGS), Government of Puducherry.
The two postgraduate programmes have been launched at KMCPGS under the Indira Gandhi National Open University's (IGNOU) Convergence of Open and Distance Learning and Conventional System scheme. Evening and weekend classes, regular monitoring, increased number of contact classes, assignments, assessment and many more features on par with the regular stream of learning is in the offing under the scheme.
“This is definitely not a distance education programme but rather a convergence scheme. It has all the features of the regular stream provided by an open university. These programmes have been approved by the All India Council for Technical Education,” said D. Aravazhi Irissappane, Faculty in Commerce at KMCPGS and coordinator of IGNOU Convergence Scheme.
And this is not all. Obtaining a dual postgraduate degree is also possible as the classes for MCA and MBA courses are conducted twice during the weekdays 4.30 p.m. onwards and during weekends. “A number of students already pursuing M.Com at KMCPGS have opted for MBA under the convergence scheme, while those who are doing M.Sc. Computer Science and M.Sc. Mathematics have enrolled for MCA. This enables them to come out with a dual postgraduate degree,” he said.
The aim of the programmes, according to Director of KMCPGS O.P. Shyma, is to cater to students from the underprivileged, rural and average income groups who aspire to pursue quality MBA/MCA programmes. “IGNOU has also provided financial assistance to set up a model classroom for the courses. The income generated through these courses are being used for the infrastructure development of the centre,” she added.
The model classroom has Internet facility, LCD, EDUSAT connectivity, DVD/CDs for each course and many more features providing an ambience for a good learning experience, Mr. Irissappane said.
Admission
Admissions for the two courses are open throughout the year. “Students can just walk in for admissions across the year. There are two sessions every year starting from January and June. For MBA, the eligibility is any degree with OPENMAT entrance examination conducted by IGNOU. Those who have cleared CAT/MAT are exempted from OPENMAT. For MCA, there is no entrance examination. Students who have completed BCA, B.Sc. Computer Science and B.Sc. Information Technology are eligible,” he said.
There will be a total of 21 papers for MBA spanning for five semesters. Each paper will cost Rs. 1,000. For MCA, the fee will be Rs. 8,000 per semester for six semesters.
The institute will also launch MBA Banking and Finance exclusively for banking and insurance professionals in June 2010, he said, adding, “Those interested in the course should possess certification from the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance.”
Joint Coordinator of the scheme C. Gunasekaran said the convergence scheme was aimed at providing better student support and quality learning. There are several distance education programmes in Puducherry, which are not recognised. Students should exercise utmost caution while enrolling in courses, he said. The centre also plans to introduce one additional course of IGNOU in every department soon.
For details on the IGNOU Convergence Scheme, contact Kanchi Mamunivar Centre for Post-Graduate Studies at Lawspet or call phone number 0413 – 2252164.
