Andhra Pradesh   

MCA is not the only option

R. Ravikanth Reddy

Education Plus Courses offered by DOEACC aim at bringing the latest global computer education within the reach of everyone

KEEN ON COMPUTERS?: Try out options other than MCA or Mtech. — Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

The craze for computer education is directly related to the enormous employment opportunities the sector provides and the healthy picture the industry projects for the next decade. But the advantage is not just reserved for students coming out of engineering colleges or those with Masters degree in computer applications. Those who could not pursue these courses have no reason to feel dejected. They still can gain equivalent degrees and be a part of this promising sector.

The different courses offered by DOEACC, an autonomous body of the Department of Information Technology, aim to bring the latest global industry-relevant computer education within the reach of people in areas of information, electronics and communication technology.

DOEACC Society, which is managed by a governing council chaired by the Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology with eminent academics from IITs and universities and industry professionals as members, joined hands with All India Council for Technical Education and Department of Information Technology (formerly Department of Electronics) to develop quality manpower in IT using the expertise available with accredited computer training institutes.

Popular courses

The courses offered are a part of that association and are quite popular. There are four levels of courses, with O-level being equivalent to a foundation course, A-level equivalent to advanced diploma in computer applications, B-level equivalent to MCA degree and C-level equivalent to an M.Tech. The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) has recognised the O, A and B-level courses. The most advanced C-level course is yet to get the recognition of MHRD.

Besides the four courses, DOEACC offers bioinformatics courses at two levels, which can qualify the students to find opportunities in areas of bioinformatics in drugs, pharmaceuticals, bio-fertilizers, agriculture and energy sectors.

Hardware scheme

DOEACC has launched IT-enabled services agents training courses or call centre training courses as well as a scheme in computer hardware, jointly with the Manufacturer's Association for IT (MAIT), an apex body representing hardware industry in India. It offers two levels of courses of one-year duration -- diploma in computer hardware maintenance and advanced diploma in computer hardware maintenance and networking.

Apart from the accredited institutes, DOEACC Society has 10 centres of its own across the country. These centres offer long-term and short-term courses in areas of information, electronics and communication technology.

Eligibility

Students as well as working professionals can appear for the examinations conducted by the DOEACC Society. The qualification to register for the basic-level course is Plus-Two. A degree or polytechnic diploma is the qualification for A-level course.

Registration

Students must register before they attempt the examination conducted by DOEACC Society in January and July. A student can register for only one course at a time. The registration fee is Rs. 300. However, registration is different from application for examinations.

Examination forms can be obtained either from DOEACC headquarters in New Delhi or its counselling centres or other specified centres. Candidates can apply for the examination form till October 31 from the centres and it is also the last date to submit the filled-in applications. They would be accepted till November 10 with a late fee. Details can be had from www.doeacc.edu.in

Placements

DOEACC Society says the industry has recognised the courses and several students have been placed in organisations like VSNL, Concor, UPSC, CRIS, Government ministries, banking services, NHPC, IDBI, ONGC, Shipping Corporation of India, the Railways and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

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