School dropout? Get a degree Mumbai Universitylaunches preparatory programme to groom 18-yr-olds for BA/BCom

School dropout? Get a degree

Mumbai Universitylaunches preparatory programme to groom 18-yr-olds for BA/BCom

Have you failed Standard V and still want to study BA or BCom? Mumbai University has a way out for you. From the next year on, the varsity plans to offer students a BA/BCom (distance education mode) via its ‘bachelor preparatory programme’, for which the only requirement is completing 18 years. The six-month preparatory programme will prepare them to enroll in the first year BA or BCom. At the end of the programme, students will have to clear a simple exam to get admission in first year BA and BCom courses. “We’re hoping that the course will cater to all those needy students who couldn’t complete their formal education due to social/economical compulsion. It’ll be open to those appearing in SSC but can’t study further,” said D Harichandan, director of Institute of Distance and Open Learning at Mumbai University. Mumbai University is probably the last among the universities to jump into the bandwagon of preparatory courses. It offers distance education degrees to those who completed 102 education. Over two dozen universities, including Anna Malai, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University have been offering such preparatory programmes for years. Since University of Mumbai did not offer such a course, thousands of Mumbaikars were forced to take admission in other varsities. Sources said vice-chancellor RajanWelukar, who was the VC of YCMOU, wants to bring the Mumbai University on a par with other universities. The proposal will need the nod of advisory committee and academic council. “Approvals may take time, but we are trying our best to start the programme from next year January,” said Dr Harichandan. The move has come at the right time for Rajesh Kanaujia (25), an electrician who wants to study further after having dropped out after Standard X. “If Mumbai University offers a good programme, I would definitely go for it.” YCMOU PRO, Shraddha Meshram said 10,750 students from Mumbai, Thane and Raigad study at the varsity’s preparatory programmes. Almost 75% of them manage to clear the exams for degree courses.