Computer courses

Knowledge of computers is the need of the hour. Its application and usage is fast spreading across almost every speed of life. Computer has opened an unlimited source of employment opportunities in the modern times. This has created an unprecedented demand for computer courses. Initially, computer courses were confined only to the cities. Now they are available also in the rural areas. Other than the private institutions, there are Government - run computer institutes. The innumerable courses available have made it slightly confusing for people to decide on a course. The Central Ministy of Electronics, under the project of DOEACC started offering courses in 1991

Following are the courses available under the DOEACC project :

1. ' O ' LEVEL

This is the minimum level course among the four courses on offer. The basic qualification is higher secondary or diploma from I.T.I. The duration of the course is one year and the examination are conducted twice a year.

2. ' A ' LEVEL

This is the secondary level computer course. Its duration is one year. The training is given in two semesters. Basic qualification is 'O'  level or an engineering diploma from a polytechnic institution. After the completion of  'A' level course there is an examination which has ten papers. The course must be successfully completed with in five years after registration

3. ' B ' LEVEL

B' level course is considered equal to an engineering degree. The minimum qualification for the 'B' level course is completion of either 'A' level course. or P.G.D.C.A. or Polytechnic Engineering Diploma. Normally there are six semesters to be completed for a 'B' level course, but those who have completed the 'A' level need only four semesters to complete the course.

4.' C '  LEVEL

Duration of this course is one and half years. It is equivalent to M- Tech in computer science. Basic qualification required is either ' B ' level course, B.Tech or B.E.M.C.A. The examination can be attended after the completion of  ' C ' level course from an authorised institution.

Apart from the above mentioned courses various Universities, Government agencies like the Department of Human Resource Developemnt, Lal Bahadur Shastri Technical Department also conduct computer courses which are successul. Other government sponsored computer courses are conducted by Nirmithi Kendra, C-dit, Department of SC/ST development etc.  Among the private institutions, to name a few, are Aptech, NIIT, Datapro, IEC, LCC, and ACCEL

When you join a computer course

In india computer centres are mushrooming in every nook and corner. Many however fail to impart quality education and the charges are exploitatively high. Some centres, still offer outdated packages, thanks to the learners ignorance. This should change. The learners should have a basic knowledge of the course in mind and the latest packages available regarding the course.

Following are some of the suggestions that can help you to be cautious while opting for a certain computer course :

• Selecting a course based on eligibility, requirement and interest. For example, if you are a commerce graduate you can select accounting packages where as, if you are an engineering student you can opt for Autocad.

• Discuss with others. There may be friends or other known persons who have already joined a computer course and would be in a position to give a general idea on the ongoing trends in computer courses.

• Personally visit the computer centre that you have selected. This will help you to understand the centre and its features.

• Last but not the least, check the laboratory facilities available at the computer centre. The lab maintenance can be taken as an index of a centre's standard. Make sure that the centre is conducting a course which has government approval and only then proceed.