The Hindu : Karnataka News : Computer proficiency test gets good response

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Friday, Jan 04, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Computer proficiency test gets good response

Deepa Kurup

Anyone can take test for certificate

12 IT companies have offered to sponsor the test
There have been 2,000 responses to the programme

BANGALORE: The Computer Skills Proficiency Test (CSPT), introduced by the Department of Science and Technology, IT and BT, has found patrons in IT and software majors, which have agreed to sponsor the examination fees for about 15,000 applicants.

Twelve IT companies have come forward to cover the costs of this online examination. “The costs including logistics like test centres, applications and so on works out to Rs. 600, but we will collect only a nominal amount of Rs. 50 from applicants at this introductory stage,” said Vidyashankar M.N, Secretary to the Government, Department of IT, BT and Science and Technology.

The programme will not only benefit students who will get a certificate from the Government of Karnataka but also help industries get access to a district-wise assessment of computer literacy and skills. “It will attract investors to Karnataka by providing them with clear district-wise statistics and helping them locate talent pools. This will help them decide where they want to set up their units,” said Mr. Vidyashankar. The test will be held in collaboration with MeritTrac Services Pvt. Ltd. at six centres —Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Belgaum, Hubli and Gulbarga.

First test

The Department has tried to rope in industry majors and is holding talks with several major names in the business.

The first test is scheduled to be conducted by the end of January. “This test is designed to test basic skills which are employment-centric. It will create and document a talent pool in tier-II and tier-III cities in the State, which is what investors have their eye on,” said Madan Padaki, CEO, MeritTrac Services.

Although they have not publicised the programme, most of the responses are from outside Bangalore. This is a positive sign as that was largely the target audience, said Mr. Padaki.

Since its introduction in October 2007, there have been about 2,000 responses to this programme.

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