Computer & IT Courses by IGNOU

Over the past few years, information technology (IT) and other related fields have emerged as a key driving forces fueling the Indian economy. The total share of the business is contributed by IT-business processing outsourcing (BPO), software exports and IT services. As the industry keeps growing rapidly, the requirement of trained and skilled professionals has also increased.

To keep up with this demand, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers three programmes under the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS). All of these courses are offered through the distance learning mode.

Certificate in Information Technology (CIT)

The course is designed to introduce students to basic software, hardware, Internet and multimedia technologies. During the course of study, you might be taught subjects like fundamentals of computer systems, introduction to information technology, Web-based technologies and multimedia applications. The course might also include a computer lab course. The duration of the course is six months which will be offered through the distance learning mode. The students are required to finish the course within a period of two years from the date of commencement of the course. There is no age restriction to get enrolled for the programme. On completion of this course, you may find employment opportunities in industrial corporations, banks, software development firms or hardware support firms.

Eligibility Criteria

Students who have finished 10th standard or senior secondary certificate (SSC) exam or Microsoft’s Digital Literacy Curriculum (DLC) or equivalent are eligible to apply. Candidates who have not passed the 10th standard or equivalent course will have to pass IGNOU’s Bachelor’s Preparatory Programme, which is six months long, to qualify for admission to the course.

Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)

The programme aims to equip students with basic and advanced understanding for a career in the field of computers and IT. The duration of the course is three years. The candidates must finish the course within six years from the date of commencement. The entire course is divided into six semesters. The curriculum covers subjects like mathematics, database management, Web design and programming languages such as C, C++ and Java. You might also be required to take lab courses. There are various regional centers across the country where the candidates can attend contact classes. After the completion of the programme, potential careers can be broadly categorized under computer programmer, software developer, Web designer or system operator.

Eligibility

Students who have completed higher secondary school certificate examination (10+2) or equivalent are eligible to apply.

Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

The MCA focuses on providing theoretical background as well as comprehensive practical exposure. The objective of the course is to produce trained professionals who can meet the demands of the growing IT industry. The duration of the course is three years, which is spread across six semesters. The first two years could be more focused on providing a strong foundation and skills development using various technological mediums. In the third year, besides a project work, you might be required to specialize in a specific area. On successfully completing the course, you might work as a system analyst, IT consultant or as a faculty member in various institutes.

Eligibility

As a prospective candidate, you must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject of minimum three-year duration from a recognized university. Also, you must have studied mathematics as one of the subjects at the 10+2 level or graduation level. Students who do not satisfy this requirement must pursue and pass the BCS-012 (basic mathematics) course along with IGNOU’s MCA.

(Click to read more about BCA & MCA)

Doctor of Philosophy Computer Science (Ph.D CS)

The aim of the programme is to promote research and development in computer-related technologies among people across various sectors such as faculty members and engineers. A doctoral degree in CS may open employment opportunities in academic institutions or research institutes.

Eligibility

There are two categories of eligibility, according to which you will take credit courses. Under category A, applicants should have a Master of Technology (M.Tech.) or Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degree in CS/IT with 55 percent (50 percent for reserved category).

Students under category B should have a master’s degree in CS, IT, mathematics, physics, electrical, electronic, operation research or statistics with at least 60 percent marks or a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.)/Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in CS/IT with 70 percent marks.

There is a common entrance test to qualify for this programme. If you fulfill certain requirements you may be exempt from appearing for the test. Candidates are short-listed on the basis of their research proposals.

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Source

“Programmes,” IGNOU, http://www.ignou.ac.in/ignou/aboutignou/school/socis/programmes

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