Higher education scope for school dropouts

Updated on: Friday, December 18, 2009

With several opinions prevailing among students and public about obtaining degree through Open University, an exclusive interview with Kalyani Anbu Selvan, Vice-chancellor, TNOU.

Brief us about the university?

Tamil Nadu Open University was established in the year 2003-2004 with about 9,534 students joining in the first year. But, now the total strength of the students studying in the University has crossed over 2 lakhs. Totally, it offers about 108 courses as Certificate, Diploma, Under Graduation, Post Graduation and Vocational studies. It has nearly 652 study centers in the state of Tamil Nadu and 43 centres in other states. New building is constructed at the cost of 11.54 crores, which was provided by the Tamil Nadu Government.

What are the educational opportunities available for those students who have not systematically completed their schooling?

Several Universities provide various different UG courses through distance education mode for those who have successfully completed plus two. But, the Tamil Nadu Open University provides an opportunity for those who had dropped out of school due to various situations and reasons.

It is not that only those students who have completed plus two can pursue UG studies. Open Universities are exempted, and are authorized to provide studies to students who had dropped out. As a result, qualification is not required to join in the bridge course offered by the Tamil Nadu Open University. It is enough if the applicant would have completed 18 years of age. After successfully completing the 6 months preparatory course provided students can join in UG studies offered by the Open Universities.

Is it possible for a student, who has passed the bridge / preparatory course to join other colleges and universities?

Those students who have passed the bridge course are only eligible to join in the UG course offered by any open universities in India.

Give your views about the preferences provided to the degrees obtained through regular studies, than distance education degrees, during employment?

As for as government jobs are concerned, this is not so. Degrees obtained through distance education are considered equivalent to the degrees through regular colleges studies. Many are able to get jobs with these degrees. Further, distance education mode provides an opportunity to pursue degree studies for those going for work. Several lakh students are benefited through these courses. Distance education is a good endeavor to acquire knowledge and to obtain promotions.

Due to the high court orders, what is the condition of those who have completed their degree through distance education mode that considers age as the only criteria for studying?

According to the high court orders students are not eligible to join directly to PG courses in any Indian universities with only age as the basic criteria. This has been misunderstood by some students. They consider that the courses offered through distance education do not have any value. But, the UG degree and subsequently followed by a PG degree has value, after the successful completion of the bridge/ preparatory course conducted by the University. They are also eligible to register at the government employment exchange and also get jobs in private and government sectors with these studies.

Earlier, those who had completed 21 years of age were directly allowed to study PG course, without studying UG course. Not only the Tamil Nadu Open University followed this, but other universities also followed this scheme. The High court has ordered to stop offering direct PG courses. However, the university has filed a case in the court so that the persons who have finished degree through this method are not affected and the ruling is still pending.

What is the state of woman education in the country? How do you feel as woman being at this position?

In the recent days, women are doing well in several industries. Many women are only studying in Tamil Nadu Open University. Although, women successfully come to top position, they are not given the due respect. It is not that easy to even implement some good projects. The perspective with which a woman is looked upon should change.

Higher education scope for school dropouts

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