In the recently conducted entrance test by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Jammu Regional Centre, for the Bachelors of Education (BEd) course through the distance learning mode, more than 700 aspirants had applied for the test, but a little over 10 candidates were found eligible to sit in the examination as per the new eligibility criteria fixed by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Sources said the eligibility requirement for the BEd course was changed by the University Grants Commission and Indira Gandhi National Open University, too, had announced modification in the eligibility criteria of the BEd course before the start of new academic session 2016. As per the new criteria now, the candidates desirous of pursuing the BEd course should have done diploma in Elementary Teachers Training (ETT) or diploma in Elementary Education (DEEd) or National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)-recognised teacher education programme through face-to-face mode.
The sources said when the notification regarding commencement of the BEd course was issued by IGNOU it was clearly mentioned in its prospectus about the new criteria for pursuing the programme, but aspirants did not bother about it and continued filling the entrance test forms. It was only when their forms were rejected and they were disqualified from sitting in the examination, they started approaching the regional centre, but in vain.
The sources added that after registering a poor attendance of aspirants in the entrance test, the IGNOU regional centre apprised the main office in New Delhi of the situation, but no relaxation was offered.
“Though the admission in private colleges is direct, but their charges are so high that it is not possible for students from poor financial background to take admission,” said Saba, an aspirant.
“Now that the eligibility criteria for the distance learning mode have been changed we have no option but to pursue the ETT course and then sit in the entrance test for the next academic session of BEd programme of IGNOU,” said Raghav, another aspirant.
KK Bhat, Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Open University, could not be contacted for comments.
