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Abolish multiple entrance exams Regular
computer use helps children
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Abolish multiple entrance exams INDIA envisaged a humble beginning of the engineering education with the establishment of Thomson College of Civil Engineering at Roorkee in 1847. After Independence, a number of engineering institutions came up in both the public and the private sectors. Because of better job opportunities and prospects, a large number of students today aspire for engineering career. Therefore, the degree-level engineering programmes B.E./ B.Tech./B.Sc. Engineering, etc., are very much in demand among students. In general, the admission to engineering education at degree level is based on merit in the entrance examinations. Various premier institutions and universities strictly follow entrance examination-based admission procedure to maintain quality standards. Other institutions also follow the same practise, but in addition they do permit direct admission based on “merit in qualifying examination” and/or “first come, first served policy” with varying degree to fill up vacant seats. A large number of entrance examinations are conducted for admission to UG programmes in different engineering disciplines all over the country. Presently, there is a list of more than 20 entrance examinations, following varying curriculum, syllabus contents, marking scheme, eligibility criteria, age limitations, and other terms & conditions. The IIT-JEE, one of the toughest entrance examinations, with lakhs of students competing for just approximately 10,000 seats, is considered to be the most important one. It is conducted by IITs for admission to 15 IITs, IT BHU Varanasi and ISM University, Dhanbad. Next is the All-India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) conducted by CBSE, New Delhi, for admissions to the 20 NITs, IIITs, a few deemed universities and several other institutions. In addition to these two national-level entrance examinations, as many as 14 entrance examinations are conducted by different states or respective state universities. Engineering institutions in India, except for 15 IITs, IT BHU Varanasi and ISM University, Dhanbad, and the 20 NITs, usually admit 15 per cent of their students through the national-level examination AIEEE and the remaining 85 per cent through the entrance examination conducted by the respective state/technical university. In addition to IIT-JEE, AIEEE and the state-conducted admission tests, entrance examinations are also conducted independently by several universities/institutions such as AMU, Aligarh; Bharti Vidyapeeth, Pune; BITS, Pilani; DCE-NSIT, New Delhi; GBU, Greater Noida; VIT University, Vellore, etc. for admission to their respective campus. Thus, in all more than 20 entrance examinations are conducted for admission to UG programmes in engineering. Howsoever laborious, meritorious and intelligent students may be, the uncertainty for selection always remains because of very limited number of seats. Therefore, the students normally appear in four-five or even more entrance examinations, viz. the IIT-JEE, the AIEEE, the one conducted by respective state or technical university, and the national level entrance examinations conducted independently by other universities/ institutions, mentioned above. The notifications for different entrance examinations appear separately on different dates. Students have to remain cautious for the notifications and timely submission of application. This way they have to spend a lot of time and money. As there is some variation in the curriculum and syllabus contents, the sincere students have to prepare for the examinations considering the superset of the syllabus contents for all the examinations. The complete exercise right from submission of application to attending the counseling for getting admission to a discipline of their choice is highly harassing. Therefore, there has been an urgent need to remove the system of multiplicity of entrance examination. In the past few efforts have been made for common entrance examinations. The IITs have been following a common entrance examination. The IT BHU Varanasi and the ISM Uneversity Dhanbad also joined the same entrance examination for admission to the UG programme. In 2001, when the University of Roorkee was converted to IIT Roorkee, it also came under the same umbrella. However, the states and a few Institutions and Universities kept following their practice of conducting separate entrance examination. In an effort the MHRD proposed a plan for a single entrance examination for admission to the UG programmes in different engineering institutions since the academic year 2002. With this development, the All-India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) conducted by the CBSE New Delhi came into existence. But the plan could not be successful, as instead of relieving the burden of examinations on students, the introduction of the AIEEE further added to it. In January, 2010, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal once again mooted the possibility of a national-level entrance examination for admission to UG programmes in engineering to avoid multiplicity of examinations and reduce the stress level among students. There seems to be almost consensus among the states on the matter. Punjab and Haryana have already abolished the separate (state conducted) entrance examination for the session 2011, and have adopted AIEEE all-India rank for admission. Once implemented uniformly throughout the country, this can really be a remarkable educational reform and a milestone in the history of development of the education system in the country. The implementation of uniform curriculum for science and mathematics for the students of Classes XI and XII across the nation is already underway. The same curriculum can be adopted for the entrance examination for admission to UG programmes in engineering. It would provide an equal opportunity to all students to compete for seats in institutions throughout the country, and may also reduce the additional coaching burden on students and parents. This reform will undeniably be a step in the right direction. The proposed Single All-India Entrance Examination seems to have its own merits and demerits. Although it will reduce the harassment of the students caused by prevailing multiplicity of examinations, it may mount additional mental pressure of risk of getting inferior rank or not being selected at all. The apprehension is not baseless because of the proposed single entrance examination once in an academic year. If some deserving candidates don’t perform better because of any reason not under their control, they will loose, and can avail next chance only next year, making serious loss to their career. Thus, to have a balance between the mental pressure caused by multiplicity of entrance examinations and that due to the risk involved in proposed Single All-India Entrance Examination, a “Dual All-India Entrance Examinations” practise can be a better solution. This way, IIT-JEE and AIEEE can be considered for the purpose; and other entrance examinations conducted by states and universities and institutions can be abolished. The institutions must be directed to consider merit of either of these two examinations, or both of these examinations for 50 per cent seats to be filled from each. The writer is Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal |
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Regular computer use helps children
Cotten and a team of researchers surveyed 1,202 fourth- and
fifth-graders in the Birmingham City School System who participated in
the nation’s largest distribution of XO laptop computers during the
2008-09 academic year. The XO laptop is a child-friendly computer
system created by the One Laptop Per Child organisation, which
typically provides computers to disadvantaged youth in third-world
countries. The data showed that students who used a computer to do
homework before receiving the XO tended to make greater use of the
laptop and felt it helped them in their education. They were also more
comfortable integrating technology in their daily work, a skillset
that is important in the workforce, Cotton said. Conversely, students
who did not have access to computers prior to the XO distribution used
their laptops less. The study was published in the issue of
Information, Communication and Society. — ANI |
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Campus NoteS THE Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) of the Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) has introduced a slew of new courses from the session 2011-2012. According to authorities concerned, the new course include the Bachelor of Hotel Management, Bachelor of Tourism Management, BSc (Animation and Multi-Media), BSc (Interior Design), BA (Performing Arts), BA (Fine Arts), BA (Yoga), PG Diploma in Yoga, Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication, Master of Journalism and Mass Communication, PG Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, PG Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising Management, MBA (Executive), Master of Hotel Management, Master of Tourism Management, BBA (Financial Market) and MBA (Financial Market). Notably, the BBA (Financial Market) and MBA (Financial Market) courses have also been launched in collaboration with the National Stock Exchange. The details of course(s) are available on the university website www.mdurohtak.ac.in and DDE's website www.mdudde.net. Admission counselling The university has notified the walk-in admission counselling schedule for vacant seats in PG courses, LLB (3/5 years) and other courses being run by the university teaching departments and Indira Gandhi PG Regional Centre, Mirpur (Rewari). A university spokesperson said the counselling for the vacant seats would be held on August 5 at 10 am in respective departments. The admission schedule for the Department of Faculty of Life Sciences would be notified separately, informed the spokesperson. Theater festival held A three-day theatre festival was organised by the Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Department of the Haryana government and Maharshi Dayanand University at the Tagore Auditorium of the university recently. H. S. Chahal, Vice-Chancellor, Deen Bandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal, inaugurated the festival. MDU Vice-Chancellor, Dean, Students' Welfare of MDU and Additional Director (Cultural Wing) were also present on the occasion. The play "Had Kar Di Aapne", directed by noted theater personality Om Katare, was a laugh riot, focusing on the travails of a middle-class 52-year-old man who realises that he is going to be a father again. New ordinance for pre-PhD course The Academic Council (AC) of MDU has approved a new ordinance for the pre-PhD course. A decision in this regard was taken at its meeting held recently. The AC also approved common ordinances for all PG two-year courses and UG courses (semester system). |
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Engineering Indira Gandhi National
Open University (IGNOU), School of Engineering & Technology, Maidan
Garhi, New Delhi 110068 Degree & Diploma in
Engg (Civil / Electrical / Electronics & Comm / Mechanical /
Computer Sc) Eligibility:
For 1: 10+2 (PCM, 50%) Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 10 August 2011 (online) University of Pune, School
of Energy Studies, Pune 411007 (Mah) MTech in Energy course (2 years) Eligibility: MSc / BE / BTech (any subject) Application Form: Send Rs. 400/ - by DD favouring "Registrar, University of Pune, Pune 411007" payable at Pune at the above address. Details: Employment News (16 – 22 July 2011) / Website Application Deadline: 15 August 2011 University of Technology
of Madhya Pradesh, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Airport
Bypass Road, Gandhi Nagar, Bhopal 462036 (MP) Dual Degree Integrated PG
Programme (5 years) Eligibility: 10+2 with first division in PCM Selection: National Level Entrance Examination (NLEE) 2011: 21 August 2011 Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 16 August 2011 Central Board of Irrigation and Power, Malcha Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi 110021 (M/o Power, GoI) www.cbip.org PG Diploma in Thermal Power Plant Engineering (52 weeks) Eligibility:
BE in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics & Telecomm / Control and
Instrumentation / Power Engg (60%) Selection: Merit (% of marks). Application Form: Send application in prescribed format with required documents, 2 passport size photographs and Rs 500/- by crossed DD favouring "CBIP," payable at New Delhi at the above address / Download from website Details: Employment News (23 - 29 July 2011) / Website Application Deadline: 09 September 2011 Law The Indian Society of
International Law, VK Krishna Menon Bhawan, Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi
110001 1) PG Diploma in International
Law & Diplomacy / Human Rights, International Humanitarian &
Refugee Law / International Trade & Business Law / International
Property Right Law / Environmental Law / Affiliated to DU: International
Law / Law of International Institutions (1 year) Application Form & Details: Website. Application Deadline: 10 August 2011 Management Indian Institute of Management (IIM-L), Prabandh Nagar, Off Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226013 (UP) www.iiml.ac.in International Programme in Management for Executives (1 year, Residential) (At Noida Campus) Eligibility:
Bachelors degree; GMAT Score; 6 years full time post qualification
professional experience Application Deadline: 30 October 2011 Mass Communciation Satyajit Ray Film &
Television Institute, EM Bypass Road, PO Panchasayar, Kolkata 700094
(WB) (Under M/o Information & Broadcasting, GoI) PG Diploma Courses (3 years, FT): 1) Direction & Screenplay Writing 2) Cinematography 3) Editing 4) Audiography Eligibility: For 1, 2 & 3: Bachelors degree. For 4: Bachelors degree (with Physics at 10+2). Selection: Written Exam: 11 September 2011 (at 15 centres); Interactive Orientation Test; Viva-Voce (At SRFTI). Application Form: Send Rs 1500/- by crossed DD favoring "Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata" payable at Kolkata to above address / Download from website Details: Website Application Deadline: 24 August 2011 Medicine Indira Gandhi National
Open University (IGNOU), Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110068 1) PG Diploma in HIV
Medicine (1 year) Eligibility: For
1: MBBS Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 31 August 2011 Recruitment Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation Ltd, Post Box No 10737, Sector 7, Rohini, Delhi 110085 Recruitment of Graduate Trainees Eligibility:
Indian. Engg / Science subjects / MBA / Law / PG degree (60%) / CA /
ICWA / MBBS Application Procedure & Details: Employment News (23 – 29 July 2011) / Website Application Deadline: 12 August 2011 Scholarships University Grant
Commission (UGC), Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002 (M/o
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all streams of research: Rs 16,000/- pm for two years and Rs
18,000/- for remaining period. Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 30 August 2011 University Grants
Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar, New Delhi 110002 Rajiv Gandhi National
Fellowship Scheme (RGNFS) for SC /ST Candidates 2011-12 Eligibility: SC/ ST Postgraduates in relevant subject (PhD / MPhil registered candidates preferred). Selection: Merit Fellowship: For
JRF/ SRF in Science, Humanities, Social Sc, Engg & Tech: Rs
16,000/- pm for two years and Rs 18,000/- for remaining period. Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 30 August 2011 LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation www.licindia.in LIC Golden Jubilee
Scholarship Scheme (20, equal
for boys and girls) Eligibility:
Class 12 (60%); family income Rs. 60,000/- pa and below Application Deadline: 08 August 2011 National Handicapped
Finance and Development Corporation, Red Cross Bhawan, Sector 12,
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Persons with Disability (2011-12) Scholarship: For
Graduation: Application Deadline: 31 August 2011 The Charles Wallace India
Trust, Centres and Programmes Office, School of Oriental & African
Studies, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London
WC1H 0XG, UK CWIT Visiting Fellowship:
SOAS Charles Wallace India Fellowship 2011/12 Eligibility:
Indian citizens with good working knowledge of English (both written
and spoken) working in the fields of Indian Studies of Arts, Humanities
or Social Sciences which are supported at SOAS. Should have completed
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careers. Fellowship: Monthly accommodation and living grant, at present £1,250 for up to 3 months and international economy return air fare to London. Application Form & Details: Website. Application Deadline: 31 August 2011 Sciences Social School of Archival Studies, National Archives of India, Janpath, New Delhi 110001 Certificate Course in Records Management (01 – 30 September 2011) Eligibility:
Bachelors degree. Application Form: Send in prescribed format with required documents, Rs 100/ - by DD favouring "Administrative Officer, National Archives of India, Janpath, New Delhi 110001" to the Director General of Archives, at above address. Details: Employment News (23 - 29 July 2011) Application Deadline: 12 August 2011 University Panjab University,
University School of Open Learning, Chandigarh 160014 (Punj) UG Courses: BA / BCom Application Form: Send Rs 350/- by DD favouring "The Registrar, PU," payable at Chandigarh at the above address / Download from website. Details: Website Application Deadline:
For Semester System: 31 August 2011 Kurukshetra University,
Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra 136119 (Har) Traditional Courses Application Form: Send Rs. 450/- by DD favouring "Registrar, Kurukshetra University," payable at Kurukshetra with two self-addressed slips to the above address / Download from website. Details: Website Application Deadline: For
all: 16 September 2011 Pervin Malhotra, Director, Career Guidance India (CARING) (www.careerguidanceindia.com)
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INDIA envisaged a humble beginning of the engineering education with the establishment of Thomson College of Civil Engineering at Roorkee in 1847. After Independence, a number of engineering institutions came up in both the public and the private sectors. Because of better job opportunities and prospects, a large number of students today aspire for engineering career.
WASHINGTON:
A University of Alabama at Birmingham study has revealed that a child
who uses a computer regularly has a better chance of excelling in the
workforce as an adult than a child who doesn’t. Shelia Cotten, PhD,
Associate Professor of Sociology at the UAB College of Arts and
Sciences, says exposure to computers may give young people the
technological attitudes and skills they need to do well in this
technology-driven society. “If you do not have the computer skills
to find information you need, for homework or otherwise, then you will
be greatly disadvantaged in our information-based society,” Cotten
stated.