As a principal of a commerce college for so many years, in the past I had noticed students taking it really easy during their degree college years. Not any more. Now, only those who are interested in pursuing professional studies like chartered accountancy, company secretaryship or cost accountancy are opting for a regular BCom. The time allotted to these classes makes it very convenient for such students to pursue their articleship along with the degree.
Most other students who are interested in specialised education prefer to opt for unaided courses like Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM), BCom with Accounting and Finance (BAF), BCom with Banking and Insurance (BBI) and Bachelor’s in Financial Management (BFM). These courses build a strong foundation and enable students to enter the profession at an early stage, giving them a chance to work their way up. Also, these are self-financed courses; even though they cost a little bit more than regular courses, they are popular since they have great placement records.
The most positive trend that I have noticed with regard to these self-financed courses is the demand for graduates. Most colleges are able to place their students on campus itself since companies are looking for fresh graduates. These students have a distinct advantage over MBA students. MBA graduates look into getting in directly at mid-management and senior-management level. However, companies do require personnel at the junior management level as well, and that is where graduates from these specialised courses fit in. An added advantage is that they can be moulded according to the requirements of the organisation, since they come without any preconceived notions. As a result of this student movement to specialised courses, many management quota seats in b-schools have no takers, whereas the demand for BMS and BFM is shooting up.
In fact, 60 colleges have applied for additional courses and seats, but the matter is still pending in the Supreme Court. Now the decision is with the cabinet. However, this increase would have helped ease admission problems to a large extent. The problem with the system is that institutes which have proved themselves time and again are not being allowed to increase capacity to meet demand, but colleges without any credibility and infrastructure are coming up everyday. Such colleges do not even have well-qualified teachers to deal with the syllabus. What then can be expected from the students once they graduate?
To improve the situation, the government or the university authorities should set up a committee to keep a check on the infrastructure and other items on the checklist. Besides this, permission to increase capacity should be given to selective colleges who have stood true to all tests and inquiries. Lastly, the authorities should realise that teachers are the strength of any economy and they have to be paid well. Of course, that is why the sixth pay commission is in place. But to increase the salaries to the sixth pay commission level, colleges should have enough resources coming in.
Volume 1 Issue 7
