Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
Madurai: Around 10,000 applications were received for just 500 seats in B.Ed. course offered by Madurai Kamaraj University through its Directorate of Distance Education.

The university will admit 500 in-service school teachers for the two-year B.Ed. programme for the academic year 2010-11. According to S. Vadivelu, Director of Distance Education, MKU, the huge response is because there is no entrance test for admission and the university will follow selection criteria based on the State Government reservation quota guidelines.

“The last date for receiving B.Ed. applications was over on February 15 and we are now processing the applications. A Selection Committee will be formed in MKU to admit candidates as per rules,” Dr. Vadivelu told The Hindu on Wednesday.

Candidates admitted to the B.Ed. programme will be attached to colleges of education which are approved by the National Council of Teacher Education.

The Directorate of Distance Education has taken all steps to ensure that the quality of teaching, training and practicals for the B.Ed. students will be maintained. “Since the State Government had done away with the entrance test for professional courses, our university too is following suit,” he said.

According to him, the eligibility for admission to B.Ed. programme in distance education is that the candidates should be working as teachers in Government recognised schools.

“This is a complete quality assured programme and the demand is very good. Admission process for the 2010-12 batch will commence during April or May,” Dr. Vadivelu said.

The Directorate of Distance Education is also launching a few new courses soon.