DIPLOMAS IN DEMAND

OPTING FOR A POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME CAN PROVE TO BE A WISE OPTION FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE TIME AND RESOURCES TO PURSUE A FULL-TIME MASTER’S COURSE. SATSHEEL REDKAR AND RUCHI CHOPDA ELABORATE ON THE ADVANTAGES OF A PGDP

he increasing number of students looking to equip themselves with additional qualifications other than a mere graduate degree has led to a steady rise in the demand for postgraduate diploma programmes (PGDPs). These courses are not only popular among graduates, who do not have the time to devote to a regular master’s programmes, but also among professionals who desire to keep themselves up-to-date with the current market trends. Disciplines which have been a hot favourite among diploma students include hotel management, finance, management, mass media, law and computer application among others. So what exactly are the benefits of pursuing a PGDP? UNLIMITED OPTIONS The sheer diversity of PG diplomas is immense. Consider this - you can opt for a PG diploma in fields as niche as library automation and networking, school leadership and management, folklore and culture studies and even acupuncture! Diploma programmes offered by institutes are extremely niche. This is beneficial for students who know exactly what they want. Thus, if you are looking to pursue a programme specifically in say creative writing you do not have to pursue a course that will train you in all aspects of media where creative writing will be just one module. Your focus will be the focus of the course. DEGREE VS DIPLOMA Unlike a conventional master’s programme, that lasts for a minimum of two years, the duration of a postgraduate diploma programme (PGDP) varies from one to four years. Furthermore, a PGDP offers you the flexibility a normal fulltime degree would not. It can either be pursued via the full-time, part-time or even the distance learning mode. Classes for most of these courses are either held late in the evening (on weekdays) or on weekends. This allows you to gain knowledge in your chosen field without severely disturbing your existing work or study schedule. Another added advantage of these courses which usually aim to prepare students to be job ready is their high placement records. Explains Mohit Gadodia, who recently completed his PG Diploma in Marketing from a well-known institute, “Colleges try to push for the placements of their PG diploma students over their regular master’s students when it comes to campus placements. This, for the simple reason that a PG diploma is offered by the college and not the university. Hence, its success depends on the placements the institute is able to offer.” PRACTICAL APPLICATION Another edge that diploma programmes offer students is the fact that they are usually more contemporary and market oriented than their corresponding master’s programmes which are essentially theoretical in nature. For instance, a PG Diploma in Hospital and Health Management or clinical cardiology involves hands-on training with practicing doctors as part of the course. Similarly, colleges providing professional diploma programmes too incorporate practical training as part of their syllabi wherever it is required. Shares Yashshri Soman, who recently completed her PG Diploma in Social Communications Media from Sophia Polytechnic, “We had to plan an advertising campaign right from scratch. We were required to conceptualise the campaign, make the logo, posters, etc, for the same and lastly present the campaign to a jury that consisted of people from the industry. This exercise helped us actually go through the entire process of making an ad campaign rather than merely learning it from the book.” Thus, a student not only acquires the modern-day acumen essential for getting a job but also gets the opportunity to put into practice the classroom lessons on the job. Concurs Neha Kapoor, a journalist by profession, who is simultaneously pursuing her PG diploma in creative writing from a popular institute in South Mumbai, “Having completed my degree in mass media a long time ago I was at a loss when it came to actually putting the theories I had learnt to practice. The course I am currently pursuing has a mix of professionals and fresh graduates and therefore presents me the opportunity to learn what is going on in the professional world beyond the confines of my office. I put to use all the lessons of my weekend diploma classes to solve the challenges at my workplace. It works amazingly!” LEARN WHILE YOU EARN As mentioned, a diploma programme can be simultaneously taken up while pursing your job. This is especially beneficial for those who cannot afford to give up their jobs for financial reasons. Though the fees of a PGDP are often higher than regular postgraduate degree programmes, the specialised knowledge one gains at one’s leisure more than makes up for it. As Rajas Rane, an ex-student of the PG diploma in business design programme at Welingkar Institute of Management says, “The course helped me to get a job in my field of study and have direct application of my knowledge.” WORD OF CAUTION However, as in every case where popularity often leads to unscrupulous players in the market, the demand for PGDPs has led to a number of dubious institutes offering courses in various fields. Thus, it is crucial for students to conduct a thorough check on the validity of the course and the affiliation/ registration of the institute. The accreditation can be checked from the official sites of the UGC or the NAAC or AICTE or such other assessment and governing bodies. Career counsellor Jayanti Ghose concludes with a crucial piece of advice, “A student must define the purpose of pursuing a PGDP in order for it to meet his/ her expectations. A fulltime professional PGDP helps a graduate in seeking related jobs. However, a parttime or distance education diploma related to the kind of job one is already doing may add weight to the graduate's CV, but may not directly lead to a job. If the diploma course being pursued is not in line with the individual's abilities and personality, then a prospective employer may not give it any importance.”

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIM&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1277112388609

My 2nd Article in Education Times - this time on CPT

SUBJECT SMART

WITH THE COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST (CPT) ONLY A FEW WEEKS AWAY, ASPIRING CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE BUSY WITH FRANTIC PREPARATIONS. SATSHEEL REDKAR, ALL-INDIA TOPPER, CPT-2007, SHARES SUBJECT-WISE TIPS ON HOW TO ACE THE EXAM

Entering the final few weeks, the last lap, and the foremost lunge towards the CPT? You have prepared for months, all through your Class 12 exams and devoted a lot of time, effort and patience. But what can you do to give your preparations the perfect finishing touch? What does it take to ensure that your name features in that elite list of merit rankers?
The Common Proficiency Test, or the CPT as it is more popularly known, is the entry level ie lowest/first level at which a student can start pursuing the Chartered Accountancy course. Till a few months ago, one could begin their Articleship training right after clearing CPT, however the rules have changed and now one also needs to clear the Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) after clearing CPT to begin the Articleship training. The revamped format should put less pressure on students, as now the fate of which firm they train with does not wholly rest upon the CPT scores.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to put in your best in CPT and to begin with, you need to first assess yourself and understand where you stand. Only once you realise how prepared you truly are, will you be able to move ahead in the right direction. The CPT is made up of four distinct subjects divided into two sessions.

SESSION – I
(Two Sections– Two hours – 100 Marks)

Section A: Fundamentals of Accounting (60 Marks)

Section B: Mercantile Laws (40 Marks)
SESSION – II
(Two Sections– Two hours – 100 Marks)

Section C: General Economics (50 Marks)

Section D: Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks)

The current guidelines of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, India (ICAI), the statutory body that conducts and regulates the CPT, say, A candidate shall ordinarily be declared to have passed the test if he obtains a minimum of 50 per cent marks, subject to the principle of negative marking, in a manner as may be specified by the council from time to time. In its current format, the negative mark-ing is 25 percent or one-fourth of a grade.

‘SUBJECT’IVE SMARTNESS

1. Fundamentals of Accounting
The ICAI certainly lays more emphasis on this subject as is evident from the marks weightage. Since this is the base of your CA career, you are expected to be strong with the fundamentals. The basic concepts should be studied thoroughly and one should pay more attention to theory, as previous years have seen more weightage being given to theory questions. Manish Modi, a practising CA who teaches accountancy at Pinnacle Education advises, “Students must concentrate on mastering the theoretical questions that can be asked from various aspects of the syllabus.”
Since long questions cannot be asked for one mark, CPT usually has a. One long problem and four-five small
questions based thereupon b. Small questions for one mark each Hence one definitely cannot leave the lengthy questions while studying as that means risking four or five marks at one go.
Apart from the theory questions, areas that could be focussed upon include calculating depreciation via various methods, computing discount/ interest on bills, consignment and joint venture problems, goodwill, and others.

2. Mercantile Laws
Assuming the CPT to be the first time that many students study law, the syllabus covers basic and structural laws. Beginning with the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Sections 1 to 75); the Sales of Goods Act, 1930 and the Partnership Act, 1932 are included herein. Keshav Thakkar, who secured the fourth rank in CPT-2008, explains, “There are three acts of which, The Contract Act is undoubtedly the most important and complex. Case studies/ illustrations for the provisions are a nice way of understanding the relevant laws. It is best to clear out all of one’s doubts and leave no ambiguity before the paper.”
Dhawal Vora, who had missed the All-India merit of the CPT (August 2007) by merely two marks adds, “Be clear with similar sounding concepts in order to avoid confusion during the exam. The ICAI is known to test you on such concepts.”

3. General Economics
General Economics is made up of two parts – Micro and Macro.
In Macro-economics, expect around four-five questions on statistics. Also, there have always been a few general knowledge questions in relation to economics. So, it would do a student well to start reading the newspapers. While seeming trivial, these marks prove useful in turning average/ good marks into a merit rank-deserving result. Vora, now a final year CA student, from his own experience shares, “It is essential to have a good grip on economics so that you can complete the 50 questions quickly. This will leave you with ample time for Quantitative Aptitude. Prepare yourself to wrap up economics in not more than 20 minutes.” He says he finished economics in only eight minutes but was still just barely able to finish Quantitative Aptitude.
Another important piece of advice from Mahesh Deshpande, General Economics teacher at Gurukul Academy, is, “Although you will not be asked to draw graphs, it is important to practise them to get the required conceptual clarity.”

4.Quantitative
Aptitude
On Quantitative Aptitude, Sudhir Kamath, who teaches Mathematics at Eskays Learner Academy, says, “One should focus on the basics first which have to be strong. Study the entire module which should generally guarantee you a score of 40+ in Quantitative Aptitude. During the exam, it would be better to attempt the economics paper first and to try and finish it within 40-45 minutes. The balance should be kept for Quantitative Aptitude.” He also says that as a strategy, ‘do not waste time on any one single question.’
While the module covers many things, it is just enough to perhaps score average marks. To do better than most, you will also have to put in more effort than is expected of most. Try reading from other sources on certain topics. This applies especially for statistics and particularly the last chapters.
Hrishikesh Samant, Rank 3, CPT (August 2007 ), has a few suggestions for students studying Quantitative Aptitude, “Write down all mathematics and statistics formulae in a book and do repetitive reading. Also get comfortable with using the calculator. It proves a boon in an exam alongwith learning the shortcuts. If you have the time, then practise from other books. Do not forget to time yourself in such a manner that while solving, one problem does not take more than a minute and a half or two at the maximum. This will help you conserve time for the tough questions.”
When one sees the CPT as a whole, one comes across four subjects at a time. Here is where management tactics come into play. So how does one balance time amongst the four subjects?
Again, Samant offers some very important tips.

a. In economics, undertake rapid reading (as many number of times as possible) so that you can make out the correct statistics out of the four options that are given in the MCQs.

b. For accounts, focus on Schedule VI disclosures and scan through Basic Accounting Standards (Chapters 1, 2, 6, 9, and 10) apart from Basic Accounting Conventions and Assumptions.

c. When looking at Quantitative Aptitude, preferably revise only formulae and try solving papers.

d. Review all the important provisions and check if you can recollect its content and a related case/ example when revising law.
In addition to the above Thakkar advises to solve the model question papers provided by ICAI to gain sufficient practice. He says, “Law and statistics are the subjects to focus on in case you want to cross 160. Statistics carry a very high weightage in the 50 marks paper.”

Some general suggestions to keep in mind:

1. Since it is a multiple choice questions-based exam, one need not mug up everything. A general idea on most things will help in answering correctly as after seeing the options it becomes relatively conveni ent to recall the right answer.

2. If the ICAI persists with the 25 percent negative score, the probability is that of every four questions that you answer, one might be correct. Thus, the equation becomes +1 - 0.25*3 = +0.25. On the other hand, if you don’t answer any of the four questions, you straight away lose those four marks. But then, do your own math and this certainly does not mean that you fake anything!
3. If you have started studying only now, start with the basics of accounts and economics and become thorough with it. Study micro-economics first and then head over to macro. In Quantitative Aptitude, practice the statistics part well in addition to probability and permuta tions and combinations. Studying the initial parts of The Partnership and The Contract Act would do you well too.
4. As Thakkar says, “The study material is the primary basis on which the papers are set. Studying from other books should be in addition to and not instead of it”.
5. And finally, get off the internet and concentrate hard on your studies. This one month of hard work will ensure better returns later in your life. Good luck, follow the given tips, and do well!

Tele Tales - My CEB Lead EducationTimes Article

TELE TALES

DID SOMEONE SAY ‘SMALL SCREEN’? THE ERSTWHILE POORER COUSIN OF MOVIEDOM HAS GOTTEN LARGER THAN LIFE, AND IS IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN. SATSHEEL REDKAR AND MILI SEMLANI PRESENT DETAILS ON THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO TV WANNABES

Lights, camera, action! These words might conjure images of Bollywood glamour and song and dance routines, but as with everything else in the entertainment business, times are achanging, and the focus of a large part of India’s acting talent, has switched to the booming television industry. Saonjivkumar Pahwa, Co-Producer of Baabarr, explains, “Many people are intent on being seen on, or working for the big screen, and are willing to work for less money. As a result, character/ junior artists are paid less in movies than they would be paid for working in television shows.” This is one of the factors that has made the television industry very popular with professionals. According to a FICCI-KPMG survey, the television industry is projected to grow
at a rate of 14.5 per cent over the next four to five years, attaining the Rs 473 billion mark. No longer the big screen’s poorer cousin, the television industry in India (the third largest television market in the world), has witnessed the launch of a slew of new channels in recent years. Whether it’s daily soaps, comedies or reality shows, musical programmes or quiz shows, there are a host of opportunities for aspirants in the television business today.
SURFING CHANNELS
While film may be a competitive, difficult medium to start with, the sheer number of television shows and channels ensure many aspiring actors get a break, and perhaps, later move on the big screen. Besides acting, opportunities in the television industry include direction, cinematography, editing, script and screenplay writing.
PRODUCERS: The television industry offers aspirants with an interest in production, an open platform to step up and prove themselves. After completing a TV production course, students can start their careers as independent producers or executive producers. There is also the option of working with a producer as his assistant. A television producer’s responsibilities begin with making certain everyone makes it to the set on time, to ensuring all production activities proceed smoothly until the end of the post-production stage, when the show is ready to be screened. Pahwa agrees, “A producer has to do everything, right from conceptualising the show, to acquiring finance, and project and time slots from the channel, to making arrangements for food and lights. But he has to start with enlisting the services of a director and writer.” There are innumerable TV channels in India that offer jobs to students trained in the field. You can join a TV channel that is of interest to you, or opt to work for a specific programme.
Actors: If you intend to act on TV, you might need to brace yourself for hectic schedules, with shooting continuing even until the last minute for daily soaps. Tanvi Hegde, who plays the protagonist in Son Pari, offers, “Talent and passion coupled with formal education and a sound knowledge of technical know how paves the way to success in this industry.” Even so, acting is a tough profession, so be prepared to struggle initially, when you queue up for one audition after another.
As Gautami Kapoor, popular television actress reveals, “It is a myth that television is a lucrative field. The struggle period is too long, while success can be short lived. Your initial remuneration can be as meagre as Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 per day. The field is extremely competitive and uncertain, and people in the industry follow the mantra, ‘out of sight is out of mind’.” She also stresses that long, incessant working hours leave little or no time for a personal or social life. The working conditions can be strenuous, and with no fixed job hours, television can be a very challenging work atmosphere. Junior artists get an even worse deal. They might need to report to the set at 7
am, when all they have is a five-minute role at 7 pm. Chitralee Chogle, a college student in Mumbai, is an aspiring artist who has acted in a few television serials, and also worked as an assistant director for one. She suggests, “Actors with talent will definitely make a mark, but you need to remember to work hard and be flexible about matters, keeping yourself ready to take up new challenges at all times.” Directors: A director brings ideas to life. Whether it’s decisions related to set designs, costumes, auditions, or other creative aspects of television shows, a director must be adept at all these tasks. However, to be a director, one must possess the requisite skills and be passionate about creating something. Janardhan Bhende, who began as an apprentice cameraman, and has steadily risen to the profile of a reality show producer for a dance show, explains, “Though there are a few aspirants who are genuinely talented, and these often find success, there are many others who do not possess that talent and come to reality shows, attracted by their scope for stardom.”
Cameramen: Cameramen or cinematographers are responsible for capturing scenes on camera. They need a certain degree of imagination in order to visualise frames and shooting angles. Sebastian Anthony, assistant cinematographer for movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and Aks, and now, an independent Director of Photography, offers, “As a part of the system, and not the system in itself, a cameraman should only advise or lend support to his director. Initially, one would need to assist a professional cameraman on the sets to learn the tricks of the trade.”
K U Mohanan, Director of Photography for films such as Don and Aaja Nachle, believes that without professional training, a cinematographer will not be able to handle equipment. He says, “Earlier, most aspirants pursued training at FTII, but many more institutes have come up as of late. With respect to skills, handling the equipment and camera are foremost. Also, playing with the light and postproduction work, such as digital analysis, Photoshop, etc, play a very important role in making you a better cameraman.” Editors: Editors decide what stays in the final cut, and what gets canned. An editor needs to rely on his own resources - good judgement, creativity and observation skills. Omkar Patki, an editor, who has worked with leading production houses, shares, “Editing is easy, rewarding and creatively satisfying, provided your concepts and skills are in sync with the script.”
Both editing and camera work are very technical fields, and it is best that anyone aspiring to pursue a career in these areas comes armed with a degree in the subject. Most film and TV institutes have cinematography and editing courses available.
The television industry has more opportunities to offer, including scriptwriter, storyboarding artist, pre-production/ line manager (dealing with budgets, scheduling, location, etc), artist co-ordinator, studio director, studio floor manager, soundman, production assistant, lighting man, console operator, online/ offline editor, visual effects artist (for opening sequences, VFX in shows, etc), music director, props manager and many more.
PICK YOUR PLATFORM
Aspirants can opt to work with production houses, TV stations, product design and R&D companies, the Internet, broadcast companies, companies that set up TV studios and stations, and need the technical expertise, or animation studios working for TV shows.
MOOLAH MATTERS
The television industry certainly does not send you home empty handed. The pay/ wages are earned daily, and not monthly. To begin with, if you are an actor/ actress playing a small character role, your pay starts from Rs 1000 and goes up to Rs 3000 per day. As you progress in your career, and your character is shaped into a long-term character, you start earning Rs 3000 to Rs 5000 a day. Cameo roles for better-known actors can fetch about the same amount. However, once the audience starts to recognise you, and begins appreciating your role, your daily income may go up to between Rs 5000 and Rs 1,50,000. That’s not the end of it. Once you establish
yourself and can command your time, you can adjust two to three assignments in a single day, which means you can earn in the range of Rs 4,50,000 in one day.
For directors, the pay structure is entirely different. A director may earn a salary, some minimum guarantee, or may even engage in profit sharing. Sometimes, a well-known director can be paid simply for lending his name.
Although television is one of the most lucrative industries, the instant fame and accolades that follow are remarkable as well. For most people, television brings lasting reognition and a place in the hearts and minds of millions of viewers. INSTITUTE INDICATOR
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (www.ftiindia.com) Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute of India (srfti.gov.in) Asian Academy of Film and Television (www.aaft.com) Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia (www.ajkmcrc.org) Xavier’s Institute of Communications (www.xaviercomm.org) Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (www.simc.edu)

Uday Ravi Koduru
A total cricket freak, I love hanging out with friends and family, and enjoy watching Bollywood movies. I have learnt that going after what you believe in is the key to success.

Aditi Gala
Sometimes crazy, sometimes wise. At times, juvenile, and at times, unbelievably kind. I am a dreamer and a doer. A true Mumbaikar, who lives life by the Hakuna Matata policy. Books, literature and movies are a passion.