Statistics reveal that only 4 per cent of students in India receives expert career counselling. Not surprisingly, according to a Nasscom report, just 15 per cent of graduates in the country are employable.

To address this problem, Anandabazar Patrika and Dheya (www.dheya.com) — an educational services company — have started Aavishkar, an online assessment programme for students. The programme provides around 700 career options and the methodology comprises mind exercises, simulations and questions to help one discover his or her true calling. Those interested have to fill in a form, published in Anandabazar Patrika and The Telegraph, and submit it along with a cheque for Rs 600 to any ABP classifieds office.

The programme will also include an hour-long career planning session, which will be held on Saturdays and Sundays. Candidates will have to register for this separately. For details, write to aavishkar@abp.in.

UK awards

The Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) is inviting applications for the Charles Wallace Scholarships 2010-11. The CWIT is an arts, heritage conservation and humanities scholarship fund. It supports talented Indians in the early or middle stage of their careers to spend focused time in the UK, helping them achieve artistic, professional or academic ambitions. The trust is inviting applications in these areas —

* Arts and heritage conservation (fully funded)

* Visiting fellowships of two to three months (fully funded)

* Grants towards the cost of short research or professional visits and the Scottish Universities’ International Summer School (these do not cover full costs)

* Grants towards the cost of the penultimate or final year of doctoral study at a UK university.

The deadline for applications is October 31. For details, log on to www.british council.org/india-scholar ships-cwit.htm.

Point to note

Career Point, Calcutta, is starting a special session for IIT-JEE 2010 aspirants. It is offering a scholarship of up to 90 per cent for students whose names figure on the merit list or extended merit list of IIT-JEE 2009. Classes will be held in the evening. The institute is also launching an AIEEE 2011 batch for students of Class XI. Those who have secured between 60 per cent and 80 per cent in Class X (with science and maths) are eligible.

Both the courses will commence on July 28. For more information, contact Career Point, 50, Chowringhee Road, third floor, Back Building, Calcutta-700071. You can also call (033) 32585120 / 32538358, or 09331904347 / 9830061176.

NEW DELHI
Eye for retail

Centum Learning Limited (CLL), New Delhi, has launched MBA in retail management in collaboration with Annamalai University. The programme would be offered at more than 100 centres across the country. It aims to help function effectively in an organised retail environment across formats.“The retail sector is estimated to create 13 million jobs by 2012 and at the moment there is a huge talent gap,” said Sanjeev Duggal, CEO and executive director of CLL.

There are two options — weekend classes for working people and regular classes for full-time students. Internship assistance is provided to eligible students. Some firms CLL students have interned with are Pantaloon Retail, Big Bazaar, India Bulls Retail, Shoppers’ Stop and Aditya Birla Retail.

Beyond borders

The Global School of Management Science, New Delhi, has joined hands with UK universities such as the Sheffield Hallam University, University of Wales and Teesside University and the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), London, for offering programmes in India. It has also tied up with Indian universities such as the University of Madras and University of Guwahati with an eye to better industry acceptance.

The curriculum is a blend of industry requirement and academics, and is aimed at creating “leaders beyond borders”. The benefits of the new collaborations include an advanced diploma from the IAM, programme leading to a degree from the University of Wales, option of completing final year of BBA from Teesside University, and two-year, full-time work permit in the UK. For more information, visit www.global school.co.in/index.php.

AHMEDABAD
New course

Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Ahmedabad, recently launched a new school called the School of Liberal Studies (SLS), which offers a four-year bachelor of liberal studies (BLS). The 2009-2013 session has 60 students.

In the first two years, the students will be exposed to 30 subjects, ranging from the arts and science to management and the performing arts. The last two years will focus on major and minor subjects of the students’ choice. The course aims to offer students multiple career opportunities. Currently, majors are offered in English Literature, business administration, governance and public administration, environmental studies and economics.

Candidates applying to the SLS must have scored at least 55 per cent in Plus Two in any discipline. The last date for application is August 5. For details, log on to www.pdpu.edu.

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