Apply -your minds

Looking at the present educational scenario some institutes are extremely competitive and are falling under the category of premier institutes. These institutes meet the need of fewer percentages of aspirants. Some institute have an open admission policy to admit students with their self defined policies or even on first come first serve basis. Remaining institutes are following certain norms somewhere in between.

It has been found that the parents are very keen to provide quality education to their ward in-spite of the cost incurred in acquiring the degree. However parents need to have a close look at certain important factors in the present changing educational scenario. Few important norms which needs to be verified include affiliation to the statutory body such as university,permission from the national/state-level apex bodies,national level accreditation,reputation of the institute in terms of faculty and lab facilities,placement efforts and industrial acceptance.

But above all this,aptitude is another important factor that parents need to consider while selecting a educational course for their ward. Many times parents prefer the popular discipline which has a higher demand in the industries,whereas their wards have different aptitude and wish to pursue education in the area of his interest. This confrontation leads to stress,depression,failure and the ward’s performance does not reflect his or her potential. It is difficult to succeed without aptitude,hence the parent should discuss with their wards in detail about the course,requirement of the course,probable challenges & hurdles and capabilities of the ward,if required parent should seek advice from professional counselors.

also while applying abroad there are certain precautions that one needs to exercise. Some online operations for students offer fake diploma/degree in Europe,USA and upcoming in India may attract them. A survey published by John Bear in 2003 specified that some fake schools in Europe have made education a business worth of Rs.25-crores annually by awarding 15000 fake degrees in a year.

The Chhattisgarh Private Sector Universities Act,2002 permitted the establishment of more than hundred private universities for higher education. A large numbers of student were admitted to these universities by open admission policy. These private universities failed to conform to minimum infrastructure and quality norms conforming UGC/AICTE standards. Considering the role of the University Grants Commission in recognizing universities,the Chhattisgarh University Establishment Act had negated the UGC’s role and hence Supreme Court declared these universities to be struck down as “null and void” in the year 2005. Think how many students and their families might have suffered due to improper selection of Institute and/or University to pursue higher education. With the recent decision of Supreme Court about ICFAI Distance learning institutions which were grown indiscriminately,now puts a question mark on the future of thousands of students.

In the present competitive global environment parents need to be judicious whilst choosing the stream for their ward,even as institutes need to follow certain requisite norms to derive full advantage from the ongoing boom and the globalization of the knowledge sector.

Prakash W Wani

(The writer is dean,Engineering Faculty,University of Pune)