Soon, post-grad studies may be possible without graduation

Basant Kumar Mohanty

New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Even if you are not a graduate,
you may be eligible for pursuing Post-Graduation programmes if
the recommendations of a University Grants Commission (UGC)
committee are accepted.

In the path-breaking proposal and in line with the
Western education system, the committee headed by UGC member
Prof Xavier Alphonse has suggested that students without
completing their degree courses can get admission to PG
programmes through lateral entry under the Community College
Scheme.

"All that the student needs to do is that he or she will
have to undergo a bridge course. Once they clear the course,
they can participate in the PG courses at these Community
Colleges which may be started in the country," UGC Chairman
Prof Sukhadeo Thorat told PTI.

A committee last week said Community Colleges may be
launched in a similar fashion as they exist in the US,
Australia and Canada.

These institutes proposed to impart three-year degree
programmes in various subjects with a provision for awarding
Diploma at the end of each year.

"If the student discontinues in the first year of the
Degree course, he or she can be awarded one-year diploma.
Similarly, those who complete 2nd-year can get two-year
diploma certificate," Thorat said.

The advantage of participating in these degree programmes
will be in terms of the option to pursue PG courses through
the bridge course.

The bridge course will be a sort of package programme
that will enhance the level of competence of the candidates to
the level of a PG student.

There may be central scheme on Community College, Thorat
said.

"Now the recommendations of the committee will be
placed before the Commission after which it will be sent to
HRD Ministry for approval. If approved, a scheme may be
started for Community Colleges," he said.

Community Colleges are very popular in the Western
countries where these institutions primarily attract and
accept students from the local community, and are often
supported by the local tax revenue.

In the US and Canada, a community college, sometimes
called a county college, junior college, technical college, or
a city college, is an educational institute providing higher
education and lower-level tertiary education, granting
certificates and diplomas.

Community Colleges in Malaysia are a network of
educational institutes whereby vocational and technical
skills training could be provided at all levels for school
leavers before they entered the workforce.

In the UK, Community Colleges teach General Certificates
of Secondary Education courses. PTI BKM
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