Annexure 2: An Explanatory Note to the Chart

1.  Computer Literacy: As has been stated in the text, many States are vigorously trying to introduce computer literacy programmes in schools.

2.  Polytechnic Diploma: After Class 10, a major option is to study Diploma in Computer Engineering offered by many polytechnics. Two other options are (1) Vocational training (not shown in the diagram, (2)DOEACC Scheme O’ level (not shown in the diagram).

3.  Post-Polytechnic Diploma: After obtaining polytechnic diploma, students can pursue further studies in post-polytechnic diploma courses in computer engineering and computer applications. However, these courses are available only in a small number of polytechnics. Polytechnic diploma holders have two other options also (not shown in the diagram): (1) lateral entry to the second year class of BE/B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) course available in some universities; (2) take up the DOEACC course at the appropriate level (see Annexure 7 for levels of entry. See also Annexure 9 for pathway to DOEACC courses).

4.  Higher Secondary (10+2): Computer Science and Engineering is offered as a vocational subject by many schools at the 10+2 level.

5.  DOEACC Scheme: It has been discussed in details in the text. For the course levels and contents of each, see Annexure 7 and 8. Annexure 9 gives a schematic diagram of the DOEACC Scheme.

6.  Alternative Routes: As has been discussed in Chapter 21 (Engineering and Technology – Alternative Routes), two professional institutions, viz., the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers, and the Institutions of Engineers (India), offer Associateship programmes, among others, in Computer Engineering. The awards are recognised as equivalent to BE/B.Tech degree in the subject.

7.  First Degree (Three -Years) courses: At the first degree level three options are available: (1) taking up either Computer Applications or Computer Maintenance as a vocational subject under the UGC scheme of vocationalisation (UGC-VC) (See Chapter 51 – Vocational Education and Training); (2) taking up Computer Science as a subject (often as a major one for which the award nomenclature is B.Sc (Computer Science); (3) Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA).

8.  First Degree (Four Years): There are two categories of first degree programme of four-year duration (1) BE/B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, and Information Technology offered by engineering colleges and institutions. Besides, BE/B.Tech courses in the subject, several Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IITs) also offer four-year courses. The diplomas awarded are equivalent to BE/B.Tech degrees (See Annexure 6); and (2) newly introduced four-year programmes in several areas of computer science and technology known, the second one offered by a small number of universities is yet to be formalized. The AICTE has reportedly insisted that the courses of four-year duration are on par with any engineering degree course, their introduction needs its prior approval. The University of Delhi, which was first to introduce two four-year courses, viz., Bachelor of Information Science (BIS) and Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) by upgrading its B.Sc (Computer Science) and the BCA course, has now decided to revert back to three-year programmes.

9.  Integrated (Postgraduate) Courses (Five years): A small number of universities have introduced integrate MCA and M.Sc in Computer Science programmes of five-year duration open to candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination. IIIT (Gwalior) also offers an integrated course.

10.  Postgraduate Courses: Students who have obtained BE/B.Tech degree in Computer Science and Engineering, and Information Technology (Serial No. 8) can do ME/M.Tech in the subject. The course is of 1 ½ -year duration. They can then pursue pre-doctoral and doctoral programmes. A number of scholarships are also available for doctoral studies (See Chapter 12 – Scholarships, Fellowships and Educational Loans).

11.  Students possessing Bachelor’s degree who have passed the 10+2 examination with Mathematics have the option to take PG Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) course of one-year duration. They can also get into Master of Computer Application (MCA) course of three-year duration (Serial No.12).

12.  There are three types of Postgraduate courses: (i) PG Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) (One Year): (ii) M.Sc Courses in Computer Science (Two Years): and (iii) Master of Computer Applications (MCA) (Three Years). There is also ME/M.Tech courses in computer of 1 ½ – year duration (Serial No. 10) which, however, is open only to BE/B.Tech degree holders in Computer Science and Engineering, and Information Technology. After post graduation, students can pursue pre-doctoral and doctoral programmes. Besides the university courses, several Indian Institutes Information Technology (IITs) offer PG Diplomas. (See Annexure 6).