What colleges want from you

The potential and aspiration for learning along with a zeal to participate in the events organised by the institution is what colleges want, says SN Nataraj, principal of PU Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, in an interaction with DNA on current educational trends. Excerpts:

Q: With a change in syllabus this year, what are the measures
that have been taken to cope with the revised syllabus?
A: The official intimation is yet to be received from the pre-university board with regard to change in syllabus. Our pre-university has already identified the requirement and training has been started for the lecturers on a zonal-basis. In-house training is given to the lecturers, and currently, they are familiar with the revised syllabus.
 
Q: What is it that you look for in a student?
A: It’s important that a student has the potential and aspiration for learning along with a zeal to participate in the events organised by the institution. As a reputed college, we prefer students to pursue multiple talents along with academics.
 
Q: What are the popular combinations that students opt for? What is the cut-off percentage for each of the streams?
A: We offer Science, Commerce  and Arts disciplines in our college. Under the Science stream, we offer Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (PCMB), Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science (PCMC), and Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Electronics (PCME).

In the Commerce stream, the options are Accounts, Business Studies, Mathematics, Statistics (ABMS), Accounts, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics (ABEM), and Accounts, Business Studies, Economics, Statistics (ABES).

Students opting for Arts have the option of going in for History, Economics, Psychology, Sociology (HEPyS). This year, the cut-off percentage is yet to be decided, since it depends upon the current year state board results. Last year, it was Science – 89.5%, Commerce – 80%, Arts – 75%

Q: Will there be a hike in the fee his year?
A: Yes, there is a likely increase in the college fee, marginal though.
 
Q: How do you groom the weaker students?
A: We conduct additional classes, special tests and counselling sessions for weaker students to cope with the academics. Special assignments will be given and we make them to practise more.

Q: How do you help students
A: cope with the transition from school to college?
An orientation programme is conducted at the start of the academic year to sensitise them on college life. Faculty members counsel and apprise students of their liberties and responsibilities. Class teachers and mentors build a friendly atmosphere with the students to know their pulses. Senior students also share their experience through “pep talk” and help the juniors feel comfortable.
 
Q: Is there coaching provided for competitive exams?
A: Yes, we offer coaching for IIT-JEE, CET and CPT programmes. Students will get an opportunity to enjoy the academic spread of a college and the spirit of a training centre.