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Board of Secondary Education | Andhra Pradesh SSC Examination 2009 Time Table

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Andhra Pradesh SSC Examination 2009 Time Table

NALSAR University of Law admission test

NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, has invited applications for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT – 2009) to be held on May 17, 2009 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by 11 law schools in the country—National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore; NALSAR, Hyderabad; NLIU, Bhopal; WBNUJS, Kolkata; NLU, Jodhpur; HNLU, Raipur; GNLU, Gandhinagar; RM LNLU, Lucknow; RGNUL, Patiala; CNLU, Patna; and NUALS, Kochi.

Indian nationals seeking admission to these institutes must appear for CLAT- 2009.

Eligibility

Those who have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with at least 50 per cent marks are eligible to apply for undergraduate programmes. (45 per cent for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes and differently-abled candidates). Those who are appearing for the final qualifying examination in March or April 2009 are also eligible to apply.

Age limit: 20 years for general category and 22 years (for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes and differently-abled candidates) as on July 1, 2009.

For PG programmes (except for NLU, Jodhpur), candidates should have secured at least 55 per cent marks in aggregate for L.L.B. or BL. (50 per cent for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes and differently-abled candidates).
Application form and other details can be downloaded from the web site www.clat.ac.in.

Duly filled-in application form along with a demand draft for the required fee and other enclosures should be sent to the Convener, CLAT – 2009, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad – 500 027, AP, so as to reach the address on or before April 10, 2009.

For details, visit www.clat.ac.in.

ICWAI, IGNOU sign MoU

The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to offer exclusive B.Com. and M.Com. programmes.

Through the MoU, B.Com. is offered with specialisation in financial and cost accounting. Candidates can pursue M.Com. and ICWAI final course simultaneously.

MBA education fair in Kochi

An exclusive MBA (in India and Abroad) Education Fair will be held on January 24 and 25 at Hotel Abad Plaza, M.G. Road, Kochi. The fair is being organised by ISE Event Management (P) Ltd in association with The Hindu EducationPlus.

The exhibition will showcase a wide range of management courses, including MBA, P.G.D.B.A., P.G.D.B.M. and hotel management. Nearly 50 stalls will be set up by top Indian business schools; overseas universities and colleges from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Singapore, Dubai, and so on; official education division of the U.S., the United States India Education Foundation (USIEF) at American Consulate, Chennai; and different specialised MBA campuses in the country.

A series of management seminars will be organised alongside the exhibition—January 24: Are you fit to do an MBA? (Mr. Manohar Ramesh, Head Corporate Relations, NSB, Bangalore); MBA Opportunities (Dr. Vijay Dhote, Director, ISBM, Bangalore); and MBA - Manager in the Making (Mr. Anand Sharma – Regional Head, IMS, Kerala); January 25: Study in USA (USIEF - American Consulate, Chennai); MBA Education in USA (USIEF - American Consulate, Chennai); Make the Right Choice – MBA in India and Abroad (Mr. Anand Sharma, Regional Head, IMS-Kerala).

The exhibition will help MBA aspirants to choose the right course on the right campus. Students can meet representatives of different B-Schools and universities at the exhibition stalls. They can secure the prospectus and submit applications at the venue itself.

The exhibition targets final-year engineering and arts and science degree students as well as working executives who wish to do MBA.

The MBA (in India and Abroad) education fair will be open to students, parents and public, with free entry on both days from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The advantage of studying humanities

This, perhaps, may be the right time to look at the humanities stream in higher education with a fresh perspective. With several other streams conventionally perceived to guarantee jobs or enviable remuneration losing lustre, humanities could be an interesting option for students who are willing to explore a different path.

When a leading technical institution such as the Indian Institute of Technology Madras decided to offer a five-year, integrated Master’s programme through its Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (DHSS) in 2006, it seemed to validate the scope of humanities. DHSS also has research scholars pursuing their Ph.D.

According to the Head of the Department, V.R. Muraleedharan, the first two years of the programme serve as a foundation that exposes students to various subjects. The promising mix of subjects seeks to prepare students for their latter part of the course, where they could specialise in economics, development studies or English.

The DHSS, which is in the process of increasing its faculty strength, gives students a considerable amount of flexibility. In the course of these five years, students also get to pursue electives. “The M.A. students have a distinct advantage. The student group is heterogeneous and interaction among members is bound to be vibrant. Also, our faculty has a diverse background, both individually and collectively,” says Prof. Muraleedharan.

Sudhir Chella Rajan, professor of Political Theory and the Environment, points to the effective teacher-student ratio that is ensured in every batch. “The very inter-disciplinary approach of this course is its main strength. Students also take up small projects as part of field work,” he adds.

Why humanities?

Humanities as an academic discipline does not limit students’ choice to a few predictable options. Whether it is about pursuing development studies to later branch out into social work for NGOs or companies with an active CSR wing or study economics to hold positions such as financial analysts, or take up environmental studies, students with a background in humanities certainly have an edge.

“Take the media, for instance. There are so many opportunities in the media now and those specialising in specific streams in humanities will be sought after,” Prof. Muraleedharan adds.
With most institutions, including top-notch schools, facing the challenge of finding good faculty, a section of humanities students interested in taking up academics could be an asset to institutions looking for dynamic professionals as part of their faculty. “Even if we get 10 per cent of our students back into academics, it will be significant.”

Job prospects

The DHSS has a placement cell that networks with prospective recruiters. Students have also been speaking to companies and organisations for internships. With the first batch of students yet to pass out, the awareness about such a course offered by a coveted national institute is not too high. However, with more and more students of the Department venturing out during internships and summer projects, there is a buzz being created about these students, who are equipped to fit into several positions with ease.

Aadya Singh, now in her third year, feels the course offers an exotic combination of subjects. “For some of the courses, we sit in class with our engineering counterparts. The discussions we have bring about so many different ideas,” she says. Sharanya Haridas, another student, agrees that it is this flexibility that makes their course very interesting. “After your basic course, you get to study what interests you.”

Students admitted to their being a little anxious earlier about finding jobs, but now, with the course getting more and more exciting, they are an optimistic lot who know they could make a mark almost anywhere.
(Source: The Hindu)

Convergence Scheme courses

Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, has recognised Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam, as a Partner Institution for conducting regular fulltime MBA and MCA courses. The college has started MBA and MCA programmes under the Convergence Scheme of IGNOU.
The All-India Council for Technical Education, University Grants Commission and all the universities in the country have recognised the MBA and MCA courses conducted at Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam, under the Convergence Scheme of IGNOU, according to a communication from the college.

The courses were formally inaugurated by Dr. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, on January 17.In his inaugural address, Dr. Rajasekharan Pillai said that the courses under the Convergence Scheme would have the status of regular fulltime courses offered by other universities in India.

Venkatesh Natarajan, Regional General Manager (Advertising), The Hindu, presided over the function. Prof. M.P. Varghese, secretary, Mar Athanasius College Association, Kothamangalam, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Winny Varghese, principal of the college; K.S. Divakaran Nair, Director, IGNOU Centre, Kochi; Dr. John Pulparambil; and Ms. Nithina Alias of the college spoke.

Course in cultural studies

Manipal University, which has carved a niche for itself in providing quality education in technical courses, is now exploring new avenues in the humanities field.

It will be starting Post-Graduation and Doctoral Programmes in Cultural Studies from June 2009.

Students who have graduated in Arts, Science, Commerce and even Engineering streams can apply for post-graduation in cultural studies. There is no entrance test.

The students only need to have a minimum of 50 per cent of marks in their under-graduation courses. The two-year post-graduation programme will have four semesters.

Head of the Department of Cultural Studies at Manipal University Choodamani Nandagopal said that the students will have to choose a practical subject such as dance, music, painting, sculpture or Yakshagana in the first semester. They will get intense training in the practical subject for all the semesters. For more details on the course content, contact: Choodamani Nandagopal, Head of the Department of Cultural Studies, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104. Ph: 0820-2922951. Mobile: 98864 43018. Email: choodamani.n@manipal.edu

New admission regime for paramedical courses

The Kerala government has decided to exclude four paramedical courses from the purview of the common entrance examinations to professional courses. G. MAHADEVAN analyses the pros and cons of this move.

In what will hopefully be the first in a series of brush strokes that would redraw the contours of professional course admissions in Kerala, from this year candidates wishing to study B.Sc. nursing, B.Pharm., B.Sc.-MLT and the BPT courses would not have to write the entrance tests. They would be admitted on the basis of the marks scored in the qualifying examinations (Plus Two.) The allotments to these courses would not be done by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, but by the LBS Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

The government could not have given a better New Year gift to the managements of colleges that offer these courses. For long, these managements have sought to recast, in some manner, the admissions to paramedical courses. While the government’s move has some very obvious plus points, it does raise some questions about the entrance examinations itself and the manner in which allotments are made to professional courses in the State. The government’s decision has also evoked protests from a section of students of these paramedical courses who, under the banner of a joint action council, are agitating for the restoration of the entrance tests for these courses.

But first, the sunny side of the story. This move will, at one stroke, delink admissions to the four paramedical courses from all the existing uncertainties and vagaries associated with admissions to professional colleges in Kerala. Irrespective of any court battle or of any government-managements association discussions, the admissions to the four paramedical courses can be initiated as soon as the results of Plus Two (State syllabus), ISC and CBSE examinations are out. By extension, the classes for these can begin months earlier than they do now. There would no change in the division of seats. Fifty per cent of seats would still be ‘government seats’, 35 per cent of the remaining seats would be the management quota and the rest, the NRI quota.
Managements have long lamented that when the dust settles on the annual allotment process, they are left with many vacant seats in their colleges. Consequent to many rounds of allotment, there is lateral movement of students; often from these paramedical courses to courses such as B.D.S. and MBBS. So, not only are many seats left unfilled, but the classes for these courses cannot also be started till the entire allotment process is completed. Admissions for the MBBS course have to be kept open at least till September 30 each year. This year, the sanctioning of an additional medical college led to an even longer allotment process. All this generates uncertainty in the minds of students, who, in turn, seek admissions in other States, the managements argue. This year too a good number of seats in government and self-financing nursing colleges remained unfilled at the close of admissions. The plight of pharmacy colleges or those that offer MLT is no different.

The government seems to agree with this logic. Furthermore, goes the government’s thinking, there is really no legal mandate that necessitates an entrance examination for these courses. “The Nursing Council or the Pharmacy Council does not insist on an entrance examination,” Health Minister P.K. Sreemathy pointed out to The Hindu EducationPlus, “so why should we have one? Just because there was some problem in the award of marks in the university or because an entrance examination came into being many years ago, should we continue assuming that we can’t give marks properly for our Plus Two courses? In our neighbouring States there is either no entrance examination at all, or there is no entrance for such paramedical courses. I am told that about 10,000 of our students are studying nursing in Madhya Pradesh alone. Why should that happen? Moreover many bright students who score well for the Plus Two fail to make it good in the entrance examinations for no fault of theirs. It is because they can’t afford the coaching to crack the entrance. Now, only those who wish genuinely to study nursing, pharmacy or MLT will apply for these courses,” she explained.

The government would soon set up a high-level committee to flesh out the new admission process. Among other things, the committee will decide whether or not there should be separate applications for each of these four courses and the nuts and bolts of the allotment process. The Director of Medical Education, the Secretary of Higher Education, the Health Secretary and experts would be part of this committee.

Doubts remain

The principal advantage of the new scheme of admissions—as the Health Minister argued—is that applications for the four courses will primarily come from students who are interested in these courses. But is this not more of a fond wish than a practical possibility? Unless the government prevents students from doing so, there might well be hundreds who apply for these paramedical courses and write the common entrance examinations as well. After joining, say, the nursing course what if they get allotment for either B.D.S. or MBBS? Even then there would be a ‘lateral movement’ of students well after classes begin for these paramedical courses. Even then there would either be a second or third round of allotment or a free hand for the managements to fill up such seats. Anyhow the managements stand to gain from the ‘liquidated damages’ that the student has to pay if he or she wishes to leave the course after admission. For the nursing course that would amount to Rs.50,000.

According to Ms. Sreemathy one of the main tasks of the high level committee would be to evolve a formula to ‘normalise’ the scores of students coming from the State syllabus, ISC and the CBSE. However, such a formula has already been suggested by the R.V.G. Menon committee that was set up by the government to suggest reforms in the entrance examinations. Not incidentally the R.V.G. Menon committee only suggested reforms in the entrance examinations and did not suggest doing away with these examinations. The government has, broadly, welcomed these recommendations.

Therefore, the argument that bright students are not able to make it to the paramedical courses because they cannot afford coaching to crack the entrance examinations begs the question, ‘is this not applicable to engineering, MBBS, B.D.S. and other allied medical courses as well?’ So why not do away with the entrance examination in total? So far, the government has given no indication that it plans to do away with these tests.

“If students are opting to study nursing in other States because of delays in admissions here, why can’t the government ensure that admissions are done on time?,” asked a former official of the office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations. “Is it not because we go on discussing with the managements about fee that all this uncertainty is created? If you feel that the entrance tests are flawed, then factor in the Plus Two marks as well. That is what the R.V.G. Menon committee recommended. The reasons why many years ago the High Court asked for an entrance test, are relevant even today,” he explained.

Only an analysis of this year’s admission data for the four paramedical courses can prove conclusively whether the government’s logic for delinking these courses from the Common Entrance Examinations was sound. Moreover, if this delinking is not part of a broader process of reform of the entrance tests, the decision runs the risk of being seen as a governmental cave-in to the interests of private managements.
(Source: The Hindu)

BIE invites applications from colleges

HYDERABAD: The Board of Intermediate Education has invited applications for addition of new courses or opening of additional sections for the academic year 2009-10.

The last date for the issue of applications for opening new vocational course in the existing vocational and conventional junior colleges and for additional vocational sections is February 17. The application forms are available on the website of the Board of Intermediate Education “ www.bieap.gov.in”. The application fee is Rs. 100 and has to be paid through demand draft drawn in favour of the Secretary, BIE, Andhra Pradesh.

The filled-in forms need to be submitted to the concerned Regional Inspection Officer, BIE on or before February 17. For renewal of affiliation, forms should be submitted before above date without fine and with a fine of Rs. 1,000 by February 28.

Counselling and contact programme

The counselling and contact programme for MBA, School of Distance Education, Andhra University will be conducted from January 20 to January 31 at the R.G. Kedia College.

TTD plans ‘Epic Study’ exam on February 22

TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) plans to conduct the ‘Epic Study’ exam for high school students across the State on February 22 through its Dharma Prachara Parishat (DPP).

A preliminary test ‘Dharma Parichaya’ will be conducted for VI and VII standard students, while test for the VIII, IX and X students has been named ‘Dharma Praveshika’. The exam is conducted for the 28th year in a row. 50,851 students enrolled for the 27th Epic Study test conducted in January 2008, while 42,802 of them had qualified.

The test highlights moral and spiritual values and designed to promote multicultural values of co-existence with an emphasise on the unity and fraternity among ethnic groups and even the importance of enlightenment and rationality to achieve liberation. “The test will be conducted across the State in schools where the strength crosses 50”, DPP secretary Ch. Vijayaraghavacharyulu told media persons here on Monday. The exam fee payable is Rs.5 per student, which remains waived for SC/ST and physically challenged students. The last date for applications is February 10. Contact no.: 0877 226 4492.

A new outlook on media

Seminar seeks to hone the skills of future media professionals

Outlook ’09, a seminar highlighting the emerging trends in media, was held in Bangalore recently. The seminar was organised by the students of MOP Vaishnav College for Women (Autonomous), Chennai, in collaboration with Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, with INTEL as the sponsor.

The objective was to broaden the vistas of education and to hone the skills of future media professionals. It provided students a platform to interact with media professionals. Maya Sharma, Senior Editor and Chief of News Bureau, NDTV; V.R. Raman, News Editor, Deccan Herald; Geoffrey Thomas, National Programming Director, Radio Indigo; and Prajwal Hegde, Senior Reporter, Times Of India, participated in the event and answered the queries of students. The seminar focused on pertinent issues including the influence of media on society and the future of media and saw participation from many students from the city colleges.

The students raised questions ranging from issues concerning the ‘business’ of journalism to the media’s role in representing the unrepresented. The students were also eager to know about the opportunities in media and whether the economic slowdown would affect this field too.

No personal agenda

Asked if tabloid journalism was a threat to ethical journalism, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Hegde felt that media is representative of the people and was just catering to “what the people wanted.” The other two panellists agreed and opined that media is in itself diverse and has its own target audience. When the topic veered towards the importance of maintaining restraint in coverage of sensitive issues, Ms. Sharma felt that the media sometimes jumps the reins. She said that all newspersons must remember not to have any personal agenda and uphold the ethics of journalism while still retaining sensitivity.

To the question whether media is doing a good job of representing the unrepresented, Mr. Raman felt that one cannot turn a blind eye to social inequities and that media should strive to remain inclusive of all sections of society.

The panellists unanimously agreed that the fine balance between socially responsible journalism and profit making has to be maintained at all times.

The speakers were glad to be a part of an event which saw to the emergence of a well-informed bunch of students while the seminar made students to rethink popular notions and instilled the belief in them that any job done passionately is a job well done. ‘Outlook’ is being conducted across eight cities to bring forth media matters relevant to the student community.

Online coaching for GRE

Writing an exam is more of a test of skills than knowledge. More so, in the age of online examinations, students need to not only gain knowledge in the core subjects but also how to crack it making use of some tips.

One needs to gain more expertise when it comes to a test like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), mandatory for entry into U.S. universities.

Studying for GRE is a hassle that every aspirant goes through. If one finds the right academy there is a dearth of personal attention. If both can be managed than squeezing some time from the tight schedule is a pain. So the number of students craving for getting the academy atmosphere sitting at home is growing.

GRE Edge.com, an online academy of GRE training perhaps would fill that gap. “This is India’s first online test preparation coaching with a unique Millisecond Technology to boost GRE scores. A student can prepare for GRE at the convenience of a PC,” says Anand Kannan, managing director.

Studying online makes sense when the test is also online, Mr. Kannan, an alumnus of IIT Madras holding a doctorate from the Purdue University, USA. “When the very basis of the highly demanding GRE test is time, it calls for an intelligent technology which will coach and boost GRE scores by the millisecond. Understanding that every millisecond decides the best schools, we analyse one’s individual aptitude and learning ability and help in improving preparation levels,” he says.

Then the students are assisted by the Student Facilitator and Analyst (SFA), trained professionals. Through data analysis, SFAs evaluate the strengths and weaknesses and provide scientific feedback to each student.

Agrees, Tejaswi of G. Narayanamma College of Engineering, who found the online coaching very useful. “It gives the flexibility of logging on at our convenience. In institutes the batch timings are fixed. Moreover, here the tutoring was excellent,” she says. She scored 1330 in GRE with 590 in Verbal and 140 in Quant.

Mr. Kannan says it has all the features of a classroom so that students will not miss classroom atmosphere much. Complete course is available for Rs. 6,000 but there are different packages available tailored to the needs.

ICWAI signs pact with IGNOU for Commerce degrees

The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to offer exclusive B.Com. and M.Com. programmes.

Through the MoU, B.Com. is offered with specialisation in Financial and Cost Accounting.
The programme comprises four courses of Bachelor Degree Programme of IGNOU in Part A, four courses of Foundation Course of ICWAI in Part B and six courses of Intermediate Course of ICWAI in Part C.

Eligibility for admission is Plus-Two and registration in ICWAI Foundation Course. As per the MoU, the duration of the programme will be minimum three years and maximum six years with a provision for readmission after the completion of the maximum duration. Students who have already passed ICWAI Intermediate Course are also eligible for admission to the IGNOU course. These candidates are required to complete the programme in a minimum period of one year and a maximum of four years.

Likewise students taking up Part A after passing the Foundation Course of ICWAI can complete the programme within a minimum period of two years.

The 32 credits (four papers) in ICWAI Foundation Course and 48 credits in Intermediate Course (six papers) that candidates obtain are transferred to the B.Com programme. The students are required to obtain 24 credits by completing the four papers of Part A offered by IGNOU, to obtain their bachelor degree.

Likewise, the M.Com programme in Management Accounting and Financial Strategies is meant for candidates with graduation in any discipline from a recognised university along with a pass in ICWAI Intermediate course. Candidates can pursue M.Com programme and ICWAI Final course simultaneously and complete the programme in a minimum period of two years and a maximum of five years. Candidates who have already passed the ICWAI Final course can also obtain M.Com by clearing the four papers of IGNOU in Part A within one year. The four papers are part of the existing M.Com programme of IGNOU.

Evaluation of Part A in these exclusive B.Com. and M.Com. programmes is undertaken by IGNOU. The evaluation system for Part B and Part C in B.Com. and Part B in M.Com. is the same as for ICWAI Foundation / Intermediate / Final course. According to the chairman of the Tiruchi Chapter of ICWAI, M. Sheik Mohamed, these programmes are aimed at students who aim to complete ICWAI, but also feel the necessity for formal degrees.

PG course in cultural studies

The aim is to provide a holistic approach to life, says Manipal University

Manipal University, which has carved a niche for itself in providing quality education in technical courses, is now exploring new avenues in the humanities field.

It will be starting Post-Graduation and Doctoral Programmes in Cultural Studies from June 2009.

Students who have graduated in Arts, Science, Commerce and even Engineering streams can apply for post-graduation in cultural studies. There is no entrance test.

The students only need to have a minimum of 50 per cent of marks in their under-graduation courses. The two-year post-graduation programme will have four semesters.

In the first year, the students will have subjects such as theories of culture, dynamics of culture, cultural change, cross culture, global culture, Indian cultural heritage and world cultural heritage.

Intense training

Head of the Department of Cultural Studies at Manipal University Choodamani Nandagopal said that the students will have to choose a practical subject such as dance, music, painting, sculpture or Yakshagana in the first semester.

They will get intense training in the practical subject for all the semesters.

In the second year (third semester), they will have to choose from four specialisations — history of art and aesthetics and art criticism, heritage studies, cultural studies, and gender studies.
In the final or fourth semester, the students will have to produce a dissertation.

The intake is limited to 20. “If more applications are received, we may increase the intake to 30. Already there have been registrations for the doctoral programmes. My department is open for more Ph.D. registrations,” Prof. Nandagopal said.

Opportunities

Students completing post-graduation will have opportunities to work in national and international research projects. They can work as writers, teachers and HR personnel in companies. They can go for further studies to European and American universities.

Fellowships are offered by Indian universities under the University Grants Commission (UGC) and by foreign universities for higher studies.

“Our course offers a wholesome view of world culture. The specialisations offered are new streams in the field of humanitarian studies. The aim is to provide holistic approach to life,” says Prof. Nandagopal.

For more details on the course content, contact: Prof. Choodamani Nandagopal, Head of the Department of Cultural Studies, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104. Ph: 0820-2922951. Mobile: 98864 43018. Email: choodamani.n@manipal.edu

AIIMS MBBS entrance test

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has invited applications for the June 1 entrance examination for admission to the MBBS course starting on August 1.

Those who have passed Plus-Two or equivalent examinations with physics, chemistry, biology and English with at least 60 per cent marks (50 per cent for the physically challenged and those belonging to the SC and ST) in aggregate in these subjects may apply.

Students expecting their Class 12 results by July 7 are also eligible. The candidates should be 17 as on December 31, 2009.

Application forms can be obtained from selected State Bank of India branches between January 15 and February 21 on paying Rs.1,000 (Rs. 800 for the physically challenged and those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).

For getting forms by registered post, send a request to the Assistant Controller of Examinations, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110608, so as to reach the addressee on or before February 21. Enclose an account-payee bank draft for Rs.1,050 (Rs.850) in favour of MBBS Entrance Examination, 2009 payable at New Delhi. Super-scribe ‘Request for Application form for MBBS Entrance Examination, 2009’ on the cover.

The completed applications should reach the examination section of the institute by 5 p.m. on February 27. The admission notice is available on www.aiims.ac.in, www.aims.edcu

IIMs sharpen selection criteria

CAT results are out, and it’s time to prepare for the Group Discussion.

The results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) are out. Management seat aspirants across the country — nearly 2,46,546 who sat for this all-important examination on November 16 — found that the results this year were easy to access, and cut short their period of anxiety. Previously, candidates could only check their percentiles online, and had to wait for call letters from individual IIMs to be delivered by post. This time around, the IIMs seem to have pulled up their socks, beefed up the bandwidth and provided an integrated website; making the process simple, quick and easy, almost at the click of a mouse.

The website worked like clockwork, and candidates were saved the otherwise tedious, anxiety-ridden process of browsing through different IIM websites and going through multiple servers crashing through the day.

With nearly 4,500 (according to official sources at IIM) getting call letters, one significant part of this two-part battle is behind us. CAT-2008 is only the first stage of the admission process to the much-coveted Postgraduate Programme in Management on offer at the seven Indian Institutes of Managements (IIM) located in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Indore, Kozhikode, Lucknow and Shillong.

The next step

For the few who made it, the path ahead is steep, long and arduous; with barely 2,000 seats on offer the competition will be tough. Ajay Arora of the Triumphant Institute of Management Education, Bangalore, said that the number of candidates called for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) has seen an increase. “This can be attributed to the fact that the next level of the quota for Other Backward Classes will kick in from this year. With this, the number of seats will naturally see an increase,” he said. For instance, the number of seats on offer at IIM-Bangalore has gone up from 250 in 2007 to 275 in 2008. Furthermore, IIM-Bangalore in November announced that it has decided to increase its intake for its Post-Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) by 75, thereby increasing its total capacity to about 345.

Mr. Arora had a piece of advice for candidates who received calls for the GD and PI stage, scheduled to begin in the second week of February. “They should start preparing for the GD and PI in earnest. Though the CAT results are being announced around 10 days late this year, the IIMs are not going to change the GD and PI dates. GD and PI will be held during early February and this leaves students with only three weeks’ time to prepare.”

Last year IIM-Ahmedabad did not conduct a GD, but instead asked students to write an essay on a topic. IIM-Lucknow conducts a 20-minute duration Written Ability Test apart from conducting a GD and PI. IIM-Bangalore usually gives case studies to be discussed in the GD round. A student is also expected to write a summary of the discussion. Any of these above criteria are subject to changes, and the IIMs may make changes in selection strategies at the last minute. Given that the IIMs are well-known for springing surprises, as did CAT 2008, experts say candidates must be well prepared. Experts also predict that IIMs will be very particular about language skills and communication, as has been the trend in past years.

In CAT 2008, the number of questions had increased from 75 to 90, tipping the balance in favour of the section on Verbal Ability. Although the CAT has always witnessed changes in pattern or content, for the first time in 10 years, the question paper was divided asymmetrically in terms of the weightage given to each of its three sections. Both Quantitative Analysis (QA) and Logic and Data Interpretation (LDI) were moderately difficult.

“This may have tipped the balance in favour of those who are good with English. But it must be noted that each IIM has come up with its own weightage system for screening students in this stage itself,” he points out.

Differing criteria

Experts who analysed the question paper and the results point out that cut-offs were not common for all IIMs. Neither was the modus operandi used to short-list students for the second stage. For instance, 100-percentiler Lakshmisha S.K. was surprised that he did not receive a call from IIM Kozhikode. Same is the case with Ameya Mhatre, who shares the perfect score, but did not get a call from IIM-Shillong. How can this happen? What more can an institute want from a candidate who has scored a perfect 100? “Maybe it has to do with the fact that my engineering marks aren’t top-notch. I do not know,” says Mhatre.

Jaideep Singh Chowdhary of T.I.M.E., Hyderabad, explains: “IIMs have started using different criteria to select candidates, and trends are changing. Some give more weightage to work experience; others look for past academic record.” For instance, previously if 200 out of 1,000 students got calls from five IIMs, now barely 50 are getting multiple calls. “The criteria have evolved. Those who are interested can ascertain details on these criteria by logging on to the individual website,” he says. “It is getting quite complicated but the process is transparent.”

This year, the number of colleges using CAT scores for their admission process has nearly doubled. Out of the 118 colleges which are listed on the website, seven are located in Bangalore and one in Mysore. Indian Business Academy, IFIM Business School, SDM-Mysore are among the institutes which use the CAT percentile as a benchmark.

And with more institutes using these scores unofficially, the stakes just got a lot higher!

Gateway to graduate studies abroad

We now turn our attention to Graduate Record Examinations or GRE, which is among the important tests or examinations for securing admissions to educational institutions abroad.

The bachelor’s degree certificates obtained from Indian universities may not be sufficient for securing admission to universities or other educational institutions abroad. Your knowledge and skills will have to be proved through scores in globally-accepted examinations like GRE, GMAT, LSAT, TOEFL, IELTS and so on.

GRE is an essential hurdle you should cross to prove your competence for graduate studies in foreign universities. A ‘graduate’ programme overseas would correspond to our postgraduate programme.

There are facilities for writing GRE at various centres in India. The test is conducted under the auspices of ETS (Educational Testing Service, Princeton). ( www.ets.org; e-mail: gre-info@ets.org)

There are two types of GRE tests — General Test and Subject Tests.

The General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills. The Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study. Usually, competence proved through acceptable scores in the General Test is sufficient for securing admission to most universities. Some others may, however, insist on scores in the Subject Test concerned as well.

General Test

The skills measured are not subject-specific. It evaluates skills from a general perspective. Prospective graduate applicants can take the General Test. The scores are used by admission or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other relevant criteria while selecting candidates for graduate study. The scores provide a common platform for comparing the attributes of the applicants. They aid in evaluating grades and making recommendations. It may be remembered that the admission panels often face the task of comparing the attainments of students from diverse backgrounds drawn from different continents.

The objectives of the three parts of the General Test and the nature of questions in the computerised version of the test are as follows:

• Verbal reasoning (30 minutes): 30 questions

The skills measured include the test taker’s ability to analyse and evaluate written material and synthesise information obtained from it; analyse relationships among component parts of sentences; and recognise relationships between words and concepts.

• Quantitative reasoning (40 minutes): 28 questions

The skills measured include the test taker’s ability to understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis; reason quantitatively; and solve problems in a quantitative setting.

• Analytical writing: two sections, each with one writing task.

Present your perspective on an issue: 45 minutes

Analyse an argument: 30 minutes

The skills measured include the test taker’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively; examine claims and accompanying evidence; support ideas with relevant reasons and examples; sustain a well-focussed, coherent discussion; and control the elements of standard written English.

The General Test is offered year-round at computer-based test centres in many countries. The usual test centres in India using the computerised system are Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. Paper-based test centres include Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Pilani, Ranchi and Thiruvananthapuram.
In paper-based version of the General Test, the number of questions would be different.

Verbal (two sections of 30 minutes each): 38 questions each

Quantitative (two sections of 30 minutes each): 30 questions each

Analytical writing: same as for the computerised version

Analytical writing

Analytical writing involves ‘writing’ unlike the other two. This segment emphasises critical thinking skills more than fine points of spelling, grammar or syntax. By “thinking skills” we mean the ability to reason, assemble evidence to develop a position and communicate complex ideas. Errors in grammar or spelling are not taken very seriously unless they mess up clarity of expression.

A GRE essay is considered only a rough first draft, since the candidates do not have sufficient time to revise their essays. Essays in computer-based tests must be written using a word processor. But at paper-based centres, they have to be handwritten. Typed essays often appear shorter than handwritten essays. Handwritten essays may appear to be more heavily revised than typed essays. GRE readers are trained to evaluate the content of essays and to give the same score to a handwritten essay as they would to its typed version. A candidate’s final score for the analytical writing section is based solely on the scores assigned by human readers.
GRE essays are administered under standardised conditions. Essay scores can provide important information above and beyond any academic writing samples.

In essay writing, it is important to budget your time. Within the 45-minute time limit for the ‘issue’ task, you will need to allow sufficient time to choose one of the two topics, think about the issue you’ve chosen, plan a response and compose your essay. Within the 30-minute time limit for the ‘argument’ task, you will need to allow sufficient time to analyse the argument, plan a critique and compose your text. You should produce the best possible sample of your writing under the testing environment.

In the ‘issue’ task, you may totally agree or disagree with the claim or agree with some parts only. You can also question the assumptions in the statement. You have to develop your position with reasons, preferably supported by relevant examples.

In the ‘argument’ segment, you are not being asked to discuss whether the statements in the argument are true or not. Instead, you are being asked whether conclusions and inferences are validly drawn from the statements. You are not being asked to agree or disagree with the position stated; instead, you are being asked to comment on the thinking that underlies the position stated. Unless this objective is not appreciated, what you write may turn out to be irrelevant. Be on your guard against such a situation.

Earmark a few minutes at the end of each timed task to check and correct errors, if any. Although an occasional spelling or grammatical error will not affect your score, persistent errors would spoil the overall effectiveness of your writing and thereby lower your score.

Analytical writing measures different skills compared to those measured by multiple-choice questions. Some of those who learn English as a second language may have difficulties in this section unlike native speakers of the language. Since analytical writing is an important component of work in most graduate schools, the scores in analytical writing ensure the validity of the General Test.

The ‘POWERPREP Software’ that can be downloaded from the GRE web site www.ets.org/gre/greprep includes two computer-based GRE General Tests; sample analytical writing topics; scored sample essays and reader commentary; test-taking strategies; a math review; and test tutorials. ‘Barron’s GRE’ available in bookstalls is a popular tool used by several candidates.

Section that does not count towards score: In addition to what is listed above, there will be an unidentified section either in verbal or quantitative that does not count towards a score. However, you should complete all the sections, since you do not know which ones are counted for your score. In the computerised General Test, there may be an identified research section that is not scored.

Guidanceplus archives:
http: // www.hindu.com/thehindu/nic/0051
(Source: The Hindu)

Discussion on Actuarial science

Higher study options, courses on offer and job opportunities

Actuarial science deals mainly with calculation of insurance risks and premiums. It also deals with application of mathematical and economic analysis for decision-making in insurance investment; financial planning and management; and so on.

A few universities offer courses in actuarial science at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Study facilities

The following universities offer courses with actuarial science or insurance as a subject at the degree level.

• Goa University, Goa-403 206

B.Sc. with actuarial science as a subject

• University of Mumbai, Mumbai-400 032

B.Sc. with actuarial science as a subject

• Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119, Haryana

B.A. actuarial science

• University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007

B.A. with insurance as a subject and B.A. (vocational) with insurance economics and commerce as subjects

PG courses

Actuarial science courses at the postgraduate level are offered by only a few universities. Generally, meritorious graduates in mathematics or statistics or those who have studied actuarial science as main or optional subject at the degree level are eligible for admission. A strong base in mathematics or statistics is desirable.

• The Department of Statistics of the University of Madras offers M.Sc. actuarial science.
B.Sc. holders in statistics or mathematics are eligible for admission. Details can be had either from the web site www.unom.ac.in or from the Department of Statistics, University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai-600 005.

• Bishop Heber College (Autonomous), Tiruchi-620 017 ( www.bhc.ac.in), offers M.Sc. and postgraduate diploma courses in actuarial science.

• The Amity School of Insurance and Actuarial Science, New Delhi-110 017, offers M.Sc. actuarial science. ( www.amity.edu)

• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS University) conducts a one-year full-time postgraduate diploma course in actuarial science (PGDAS) ( www.nmims.edu).

List of more universities offering courses in actuarial science can be obtained from the University Hand Book published by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, which is available for reference at the University Employment Information and Guidance Bureaus functioning under all universities.

Fellow membership

The Actuarial Society of India, Fort, Mumbai-400 001, conducts an examination leading to the fellow membership, which has been recognised as a professional qualification by the insurance industry. Those who have passed Plus-Two in any subject combination with a good base in mathematics can appear for the first stage entrance test that comprise two papers — mathematics and English. Each paper is of three hours’ duration. This entrance examination is held in May and November every year.

Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Bhopal and Kolkata will be the examination centres.

After passing the entrance examination, one should apply for student membership and can take the examination leading to professional qualification as an Actuary. This examination covers subjects including probability and statistics; mathematics of finance; life contingencies; economics and accounts; applied statistics; mortality institutional investment; life assurance; and retirement benefits.

Only those who pass the first six subjects can become an associate member. Fellow membership will be awarded to those who pass all subjects. A fellow is recognised as an Actuary.
For details, visit www.actuariesindia.org or www.actuaries.org.uk or contact the Secretary (Education), Actuarial Society of India, 9, Jeevan Udyog, 3rd Floor 278, DN Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 001.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has made it mandatory for all insurance companies to appoint actuaries who should be a Fellow Member of the Actuarial Society of India.

Job prospects

Any qualified person with an aptitude in mathematics and statistics can become an actuary. Job avenues are in life and general insurance; operations research; statistics; investments and so on. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) provides job opportunities for qualified actuaries as assistant administrative officers. Actuaries can also works as consultants.

An actuary’s skills can also be used in the fields such as pension; investment; project management; banking; healthcare; financial management; and corporate planning.

Insurance

Other insurance-related options can also be considered. One can become a professional in the insurance field after obtaining qualifications such as MBA (insurance); PG Diploma in Insurance Management; Master of Finance and Control (MFC); M.Com. (insurance management) and so on. Besides actuaries, insurance companies provide jobs for insurance surveyors; risk managers; claim adjusters; insurance consultants and so on.

MBA (insurance) is a two-year fulltime professional course, which provides specialised management skills in marketing; finance; information technology; and human resource management, besides the core subjects of insurance and risk management.

The main objective is to develop competence in management of insurance and risk with specific specialisation in organisation of insurance companies; underwriting; and risk management. Another objective of the programme is to prepare professional students to start as entry-level managers in the changing business environment and to provide them with exposure to technical, commercial and practical skills to be applied in the work environment. For obtaining admission to MBA (insurance) programme, one should be a graduate in any discipline, preferably in commerce; economics; actuarial science; mathematics and so on, with at least 50 per cent marks. Selection will be based on an entrance test, group discussion and interview.

The National Law University, Jodhpur ( www.nlujodhpur.ac.in), offers an MBA programme in insurance. Graduates in any subject, including law, with at least 55 per cent marks are eligible for admission. Selection is through a national-level entrance test and interview.

Some institutes and universities in the private sector offer the course.

• Amity School of Insurance and Actuarial Science, E-25, Defence Colony, New Delhi, ( www.amity.edu) and ICFAI University, Hyderabad, ( www.icfai.org) offer MBA (insurance) programme.

Meritorious graduates in any discipline are eligible for admission.

• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS University), Mumbai-400056, offers an MBA course in actuarial science.

• The Institute of Insurance and Risk Management, Hyderabad- 500 033, offers PG diploma courses in general insurance, life insurance and risk management. ( www.iirmworld.org.in)
Graduates in any discipline are eligible for admission.

• The Department of Financial Studies, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, offers Master of Finance and Control (MFC) programme.

Graduates in any discipline with at least 50 per cent marks are eligible for admission. Selection is through entrance test and interview. ( www.mfc.edu)

BPO diploma from IGNOU

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched a six-month Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Diploma in Finance and Accountancy Outsourcing (FAO) in association with Accenture, a management consulting, technology services outsourcing company.
This programme is aimed to cater the undergraduate and graduate students from tier 1 to tier 4 cities across the country and will be available to million-odd students, said Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai.

“We have leveraged the expertise of Accenture to develop the course content and train the teachers and will deliver the content across in 43 programme centres in first phase,” he said.
The programme will focus on building FAO skills of the students with 10+2 or bachelor’s degree and above qualifications. Students need to have minimum 50 per cent marks with English as a compulsory subject in their respective programmes.
And they will have to pass a written test in English and Quantitative Ability to be conducted from between February 7 and 15 across 18 centres.

Application forms can be obtained from IGNOU study centres or downloaded from ‘ www.ignou.ac.in’ and last date for applying is February 15.

For more details, contact Prof. C.G. Naidu on 09910609528 or Rajesh Dube at ‘ rajesh.dube@accenture.com’. The successful candidates will be eligible to apply for jobs with Accenture and BPO companies.

Agricultural entrance test

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has invited applications for the April 19 All India Entrance Examination for Agricultural Undergraduate Programmes and National Talent Scholarships.
Admission to 15 per cent of the seats in State agricultural universities and all seats in the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur; the National Dairy Research Institute and the Allahabad Agriculture Institute Deemed University will be based on the rank in this test.
For getting application forms by post, send a request to the Controller of Examinations (Education Division), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, KAB-11, Pusa, New Delhi – 110 012.
Attach a demand draft for Rs.450 (Rs.250) drawn in favour of DDG (Education), ICAR, New Delhi, and a self-addressed envelope (without stamps) of the size of 30x25 cm. Applicants should write their names on the back of the draft.
The last date for the receipt of completed applications at this address is March 10.
Details can be had from the information bulletin accompanying the application form.

What the IIMs look for

Both the hundred percentilers from Bangalore, Ameya Mhatre and Lakshmisha S.K., confessed that they could not figure out why they did not get calls from all the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to the Post-Graduate Programme in Management. Several others, with 99 and 98 percentiles did not make it to the second round of some institutes.
As many as 3,557 candidates received a call from IIM-Ahmedabad this year. Not less than 25 per cent in each section and 33 per cent in aggregate. The cut-off for those with reservation is lowered to 17 and 25 respectively. The website gives a comprehensive tabulation of what it calls the composite score — based on CAT score, pre-bachelor’s academic performance, all of which varies for each category. However, the institute makes no mention of any weightage to those with work experience. The lowest CAT score which got a call was reportedly around 98 percentile, as was the case with IIM-Kozhikode.
The IIM-Bangalore website has listed a mathematical formulae based on which the scores for the first stage are prepared. The break-up for weightages for the second round has also been declared. This institute looks for academic record, work experience and certifications. The cut-off at IIM-Lucknow was 90 percentile, while Shillong pegged it at 72.

Theatre is catching up in Hyderabad

After films, fashion industry and music, a new trend is fast catching up students -- theatre and drama.
Though Hyderabad is not known for theatre and drama culture, the core reason that is luring students towards this new arena, is the zeal to do ‘something different’. And many students observe that theatre provides them with a platform to express their views and share thoughts.
Hyderabadi youth has realised the importance to speak out and give something to the society. “Through theatre we promote our culture, traditions and other aspects. It is more about creating awareness on different issues and developments,” says Shaaz Mehmood, a law student, who leads Shoelace Dramatics, an organisation set up by a group of students.
Youngsters feel that rock band performances, fashion shows and movies fail to catch attention of all age groups. “Theatre plays can be fun-oriented, comical satires, serious shows and there is vast scope for experimentation,” observes Ambika Bhalerao, a final year mass communications student.
On adjusting to the academic schedule and examination preparations with theatre play rehearsal and discussions, Ambika says rehearsals are conducted after college hours and during holidays. Excepting for few theatre organisations like Father Ali Baig Foundation, Dramanon and Jeunesse, there are not many groups in twin cities that help students in developing their skills. But this is where workshops conducted by professionals come in handy and students make best use of such opportunities, explains Nidhi Dugar, a student and General Secretary of Shoelace Dramatics.
“The craze is definitely increasing among students. There was tremendous response to the auditions we conducted in September last and 10 students were short-listed from over 150 students,” says Nidhi. Students are not confining to participate in theatre plays but they are also organising shows to raise money for charity and support voluntary organisations. They say it’s indeed a new beginning.

How to crack CLAT

For preparing to take a test like CLAT, it is very important to study judiciously rather than just mugging up from study material

Law as a course to study has undergone a sea-change over the years with establishment of National Law Schools and the corporatisation of the placements in top law schools in the country.
Last year National Law Schools decided to conduct Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for admissions into various under-graduate and graduate study programmes in leading National Law universities of India.

For preparing to take a test like CLAT, it is very important to study judiciously rather than just mugging up from study material readily available in the market. Not only will CLAT pursuers have to be adequately prepared but also for their board exams.
Now is a time where CLAT aspirants should maintain a fine and a judicious balance in preparing for CLAT and their boards.
If you are a CLAT aspirant, you will need to know what portions of the syllabus you should be sticking on to now and how much time you ought to allot for it, where the time allotment itself would vary from student to student depending on their understanding skills.

Time management

Aspirants should proportionately allot the available time and resources to cover the topics like General Knowledge, English, Mathematical & Logical Reasoning and Legal Aptitude.

Go through the newspaper everyday. Most aspirants sometimes start skipping the newspaper sometime in February thinking that they can manage the skipped portion after the board; however it is better to study fewer portion on a daily basis. For example, there is continuous change in posts and ranks in many government departments, new amendments in the laws, etc. Instead of piling it all up its better to study this on a regular basis. This is the time where your focus on GK must be restricted to areas, which you can grasp and recall easily. Don’t sit hard intending to finish your module by February, rather just brush through it a certain times when you are stained from studying for your Board Examinations. Again do the part that you can grasp easily.
Focus on the vocabulary section, in tandem with reading the newspaper by picking out words that you don’t know. As far as grammar and comprehension go, try doing it on the weekends, but if you are not too confident about English, give an hour or two more per week on this section.

Mathematics & Logical reasoning – these two areas are the most strenuous of all, as they require relatively more analytical understanding. What is suggested is in this phase is that you concentrate more on GK and English. Try doing 5-10 questions from a particular topic on every alternative day. Do problems in the sections that are pretty simple and enjoyable like speed, work, ratio and permutation or calendar sums. Remember the range of marks that one set of students (like top 100 or 100-200 students) score in the difficult sections is usually the same (like 16-20 or 18-24 out of 26 for 13 * 2 questions); at times these simple sections can turn whole paper around.

Legal Aptitude

The idea in this section is not to understand the LAW but to know how to apply it to the given facts. As it turns out it’s more of logical reasoning with a tinge of legal principles and Jargons.
However, with an expected surge in the questions in this are, make sure you go through the ‘Legal Knowledge” portion on your weekends. Try this until the end of February, after that it’s better to restrict yourself only to the newspaper (GK on alternative days, brush through it when you are watching TV or during your tea break) and English and very occasionally other sections. Don’t push yourself too hard. ‘Work smart not hard’ is the key.

Legal knowledge has always been an integral part of the curriculum, and requires you to go through the recent updates happening in the legal field such as the recent judgments etc. Answer: Read. Next Question; How to read? Our advice is to always read things extensively and in detail. Whenever you are reading an article, read it carefully and completely and not just go through a summary or skim through a bunch of prepared points.

For example, if you happen to read about Rajiv Gandhi.

Browsing through a few points will tell you that ‘He was the youngest Prime Minister’ and ‘A militant outfit called LTTE killed him’. But what you can and will miss out and what the National Law Schools will test you upon is ‘where was he killed’, or ‘what policies did he adopt in India? ‘what were the landmark moves taken by him?, ‘What was his tenure?’ You could be asked about the importance of these events and if you don’t know it in details and are prepared superficial things could miss out if you miss even a small ink. For example if they ask you where was Rajiv Gandhi assassinated? What was his impact in Shah Bano?

Eligibility

Under-Graduate: Academics: 10+2 Examination or equivalent with not less than 50% marks for General and 45% marks for SC/ST OBC and persons with disability.(Students taking qualifying examination in March/April 2009 are also eligible to apply)

Age limit: Not more than 20 years in case of General and 22 years in case of SC / ST / 0BC Post-graduate (EXCEPT FOR NLU, JODHPUR) Academics: 55% marks in aggregate in LL.B. / B.L. 50% marks in case of SC / ST/ OBC and persons with disability. Application form can obtained from the designated branches of National bank and State Bank of India or any of the National Law School against the payment of Rs.2500/- (Rs.2000/- in case of SC/ST). The last date for receipt of application forms is April 10, 2008. The test would be held on May 11, 2008.

Candidates can get further information by sending mails to info@lawentrance.com or visit www.lawentrance.com

Army recruitment rally today

HYDERABAD: An Army recruitment rally will be organised from January 19 to 25 at A.C. Subba Reddy Stadium, Nellore district, to enrol eligible candidates from eight districts for the posts of soldier (technical, nursing assistant, general duty, clerk/storekeeper and tradesman).
The districts are Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Chittoor, Anantapur, Guntur, Prakasam, Krishna and Kadada. Interested candidates can get more information from the Army Recruitment Office, Secunderabad

Interactive session on CA Course

Centre for Professional Education (CPE), an exclusive coaching centre for CA course, will conduct a one-to-one interactive session on Monday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at its office in HB Colony, to bring some facts to the notice of Chartered Accountant course students, according to its administrator Prasad.

English training programme

A four-week English training programme is being organised for those appearing for DSC 2008 by YMCA of Greater Hyderabad from Wednesday. The programme will cover entire syllabus for school assistant, secondary grade teachers, physical education teachers and language pandits, a press release said. Contact 9391116801/9298701232.

APSRTC interviews

Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation will organise interviews for the post of ‘Contract Drivers’ in Guntur from January 27 to 31, Regional Manager S.A. Ansari said in a release. Call letters had been sent to all the candidates who had applied for the post. The candidates had been asked to come with all original certificates for verification.