09 March 2010

Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) 2010-11

The Government of India launched a scheme called the “Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC) in 2006-07, to assist children/wards of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indian (NRIs) in pursuing under graduate courses in several disciplines in India. Under this scheme, over 290 PIO/NRI students have benefited during the last four academic years. The following are the highlights of the SPDC 2010-11:

· 100 scholarships are being offered for undergraduate courses in several disciplines including Engineering / Architecture / Technology, Humanities / Liberal Arts, Commerce, Management (Bachelor of Business Administration / Bachelor of Business Management), Journalism, Hotel Management, Agriculture / Animal Husbandry, Science, Law etc.

· The programme is open only to PIOs/NRIs from the specified 40 countries having a larger concentration of Indian Diaspora.

· 50 % of the scholarship slots would be reserved of PIOs. However, in the event of the non-availability of suitable PIO candidates, the unfilled slots could be assigned to NRI candidates.

· NRI candidates would be eligible for the grant of the scholarship only if their total family income per month does not exceed an amount equivalent to US $ 2,250 (US dollars two thousand two hundred and fifty only)

· Children of NRIs should have pursued at least three years of education, inclusive of 11th & 12th or equivalent (not beyond), in a foreign country during the last six years, and should have passed the qualifying examination abroad.

· The student should send the original application form directly to Ed.CIL, and a copy of the application form must also be sent to the Education Wing, High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur.

· The last date for receipt of duly filled-in application forms in the prescribed format by Ed.CIL is 10th June 2010.

· PIO/NRI Students already studying in India on a self-financing basis or under any other arrangement will not be eligible under this scheme, which is open only for fresh admissions in the first semester/year of undergraduate courses.

· Candidates would be selected on the basis of merit i.e. on their performance in the qualifying examination (equivalent to Standard 12 in India, or STPM or 'A' Levels in Malaysia) which decides the eligibility to apply for the scholarship scheme. The candidates would also have to fulfil all the criteria prescribed for the purpose.

· The amount of scholarship admissible would be 75 % of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC) or US $ 3,600 (US dollars three thousand six hundred) per annum, whichever is less. IEC includes Tuition fee, Hostel fee & other institutional charges.

· Admission may be sought in one of the institutes/colleges/universities given in Appendix ‘C’ of the information booklet.

· However the procedure for admission in NITs will be notified separately on our website after the ongoing review of the DASA scheme by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) is completed.

Eligibility:
Malaysian Indians should apply under the PIO category. PIO Applicants need not fill-up the income declaration form.

Indian citizens living abroad should apply under the NRI category, provided they are eligible for NRI status.


Age: Applicants in the age group of 17 to 21 years as on 1st October 2010 are eligible to apply for SPDC 2010-11 i.e. applicants born on or after 1st October, 1989 and before 1st October,1993 are eligible to apply for the year 2010-11.

Academic Qualification: Candidates with 60% aggregate marks or equivalent grades in Higher Secondary (12th standard) or equivalent i.e. A Levels, STPM, etc. as recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), are eligible to apply. The candidate must have studied the prescribed essential subjects at the qualifying examination level to pursue a particular course of study.

Preparation of Merit List: A Merit List would be drawn up on the basis of marks obtained by all the eligible candidates in their qualifying exam (Standard 12 or STPM or 'A' Levels or equivalent) in the following manner:
· The Merit/Priority of candidates will be based on the aggregate marks obtained in all the subjects of qualifying exam.
· In the case of 2 or more candidates getting the same aggregate % of marks, the Merit/Priority will be decided by considering their marks in English.
· A student scoring higher marks on the above criteria would have higher priority as compared to one scoring less marks.
· In rare cases, where two or more applicants have a tie on the basis of above criteria, the Merit/Priority shall be decided on the basis of date of birth [As per Christian Era] of the student. The senior student would be preferred to the younger.
· In case of any further tie, EdCIL shall recommend the criteria as appropriate to the situation.
· In case, a candidate has passed from an Examining Body which award only Grades and does not disclose marks obtained by them, the candidate would be required to submit the Range of the Grades adopted by the concerned Board/Examining Body and the Merit/Priority in such cases, would be decided on the basis of average/mean of the Range of the Grade scored by the candidate in each subject.

The application forms are available for download from the High Commission of India's website (www.indianhighcommission.com.my). Alternatively a printed copy can be obtained from the Education Wing, High Commission of India, located at No. 2, Jalan Taman Duta, Off Jalan Duta, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, (Telefax: 03 2092 2339).

Further information on SPDC can also be accessed at (www.edcilindia.co.in).

19 February 2010

Nomination under Self Financing Scheme (SFS), IOR-ARC scholarship scheme, and Central Institute of Hindi scholarship for the year 2010-11 are open now

Nomination under Self-financing Foreign Student scheme (SFS) for admission to MBBS/BDS/BE/B.Pharmacy courses in government colleges in India, IOR-ARC scholarship scheme for post-graduate studies, and Central Institute of Hindi scholarship for the year 2010-11 are all open now. Still waiting for the SPDC scholarship programme.

For the application forms for these programmes which are open now, visit the High Commission of India - Kuala Lumpur's website (www.indianhighcommission.com.my).

The applications for these programmes have to be sent only through the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur.

The last date for submission of application forms are as follows:
IOR-ARC scholarship scheme for post graduate studies: 17 March 2010.
Nomination under SFS scheme (MBBS/BDS/BE/B.Pharmacy): 31 March 2010.
Central Institute of Hindi scholarship: 30 April 2010.

14 January 2010

'The Great Indian Education Fair 2010' in KL

‘THE GREAT INDIAN EDUCATION FAIR 2010’
IN KUALA LUMPUR

Prominent Universities, Colleges and Boarding Schools from India will come to Kuala Lumpur to showcase the strengths of Indian education this year at the largest gathering of Indian Educational Institutions in one grand exhibition “The Great Indian Education Fair” which will be held on 23rd – 24th January 2010 at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.

This mega Education Fair on India education is being organised by AFAIRS Exhibitions & Media Pvt. Ltd (from India), with the support of the High Commission of India in Malaysia, Consortium of Indian Industries in Malaysia (CIIM) and Malaysia - India Business Council (MIBC)

THE GREAT INDIAN EDUCATION FAIR

23 - 24 January 2010
Saturday & Sunday
Timing: 11am to 7pm
Mid Valley Exhibition Centre - Hall 3
(Mid Valley Mega Mall)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

‘The Great Indian Education Fair’ aims to enable people to gather greater knowledge about the Indian education system and allow greater interaction between institution representatives, parents and students in Malaysia.

Besides from bringing the benefits to Malaysian students, this fair object is to create opportunities for local institutions and other educations organizations to form business partnerships with their counterparts in India with the common goal to bring the highest standards in education system.

Event Profile
The Great Indian Education Fair 2010 is a unique attempt to connect education institutions in India and aspiring students from Malaysia. The fair would provide a wide choice of quality education in India at an affordable cost for the students at Malaysia. This Fair is expected to provide a boost to the growing bilateral cooperation in the field of education. Some 5,000 visitors are expected to take advantage of this event to meet representatives of India’s finest leading educational institutes from school level to colleges and universities.

Fair Highlights
  • A unique education exhibition showcasing about 40 prominent schools, universities, colleges and educational institutions from India all under one roof offering primary, middle, secondary & higher education.
  • This Fair would feature salient aspects of Indian education system and would be a reliable platform for students to know about education in India.
  • Wide range of Career options on offer at undergraduate and post graduate levels along with array of new - age Career programs.
  • The Fair will offer quality education at affordable cost.
  • Spot Counselling by experts
  • Seminar on “Higher Education in India” will be conducted by India’s Leading Career columnist and Counsellor, Ms. Pervin Malhotra on 23 & 24 January 2010 between 2pm to 4pm.
  • A series of Seminars on ‘Scholarship & Visas’ will run concurrently by the ‘High Commission of India’.

Indian Boarding Schools, Universities, Colleges and Higher Education Section
The exhibition will be divided in two distinct sections—the Schools Section and the Universities, Colleges and Higher Education Section. The Schools Section will showcase premier residential schools from India offering primary, middle and secondary level education while the other section will cater to the academic concerns of adult students in the age group of 18 to 25 years. Conceived to meet a growing demand for education in India, the Fair will exhibit some of India's prominent Universities and Colleges. This segment, will offer students from science, commerce & humanities streams, a choice of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional & vocational courses which can be pursued in India.

Exhibitor’s Profile
  • Residential Schools offering Indian national curriculum of ICSE and CBSE along with the option of International Baccalaureate, IGCSE ‘A’ & ‘O’ level of international curriculum
  • Engineering Colleges, Medical Colleges & Dental Colleges
  • B - Schools & Management Colleges
  • Deemed Universities
  • Distance Learning Universities
  • Professional & Vocational institutions
How the Fair will Benefit Students
The event will embrace a significant change in the student's & parent's perception by creating awareness in terms of global education scenario. The student - parent community would be immensely benefited by the endless advantages:
  • An opportunity for the students to interact directly with the Authorities of the Premier Educational Institutes & Schools from across India.
  • The Education Fair will enable people to gather greater knowledge about the Indian education system
  • Offer students and parents, the rare platform and opportunity, to connect with multiple Indian residential schools, colleges and universities all under one roof, saving time and cost
  • Parents' looking for a quality school education for their child will get a chance to interact with the head of the finest schools from all across India.
  • Get to know about the Global education trends about the various happenings & latest developments in the educational scenario on the world map.
  • Get Authentic & transparent information on various courses & programs at different levels
  • Opportunity to learn, understand, compare and evaluate the right educational institution
  • Get spot counseling & guidance to choose the right career
About the Organisers
AFAIRS Exhibitions & Media Pvt. Ltd. is India's Leading Organiser of Education Exhibitions & Conventions with over 16 years of experience in organizing over 300 high value Exhibitions all across India, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and all set to cover the markets of other parts of Asia & Africa in 2010.

AFAIRS Exhibitions & Media Pvt. Ltd. welcomes the Malaysian parent - student community to visit ‘The Great Indian Education Fair’ at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (Mid Valley Mega Mall) for an on the spot assessment of what the Indian educational institutions have to offer.

Contacts

Mr. Sanjeev Bolia
Founder & Managing Director
AFAIRS Exhibitions & Media Pvt. Ltd.
33, Dr. Sundari Mohan Avenue
Kolkata – 700016, India
Tel: +91 33 22865770 / 5771
Fax: +91 33 22865788
Email: sanjeev@afairs.com
Web: www.afairs.com

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05 January 2010

Shankar's International Children's Competition 2010

The Shankar's International Children's Competition (SICC) 2010 is now open for submission of paintings / drawings / written work, from children all over the world.

Background of the competition: (taken from www.childrensbooktrust.com/sicc.htm)
K. Shankar Pillai (July 31, 1902—December 26, 1989) was a famous cartoonist. He brought out a political magazine called ‘Shankar’s Weekly’. Under the auspices of this magazine, a competition called the Shankar’s International Children’s Competition was organized in 1949. It invited paintings and writings from children in India. Children sent about 3,000 entries. The following year the competition was thrown open to children from all over the world.

Today, the competition has grown and about 1,60,000 entries are received from over 130 countries. The entries are judged by an international jury. The prizewinning entries are compiled in a volume called the ‘Shankar’s Children’s Art Number’.

The prizes are given away at a ceremony conducted entirely by children. The chief guest at this function is the President, Vice-President or the Prime Minister of India. Being very fond of children, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru gave away the prizes in all SICC functions held between 1949 and 1963.

Rules:
1. The competition is open to children from all over the world. They should have been born on or after 01 January 1994.
2. There is no entry fee.
3. Competitors are free to choose the theme/subject they are interested in, or like most, for their paintings / drawings / writings.
4. Each entry should be certified by the parent/guardian/teacher as the original, unaided work of the competitor done during 2009. Entries should be an individual effort and NOT a combined work.
5. Every entry should carry the following information in English and in Block Letters, at the back of the painting/drawing or at the end of the written work:
* First Name
* Last Name
(Please do not give expanded names)
* Boy or Girl
* Date of Birth
* Nationality
* Full postal address
* Subject / Title of the entry
6. No entry will be returned. The copyright of all entries will rest with SICC.
7. All packets should be pre-paid / adequately stamped and mailed directly to reach:
Shankar's International Children's Competition
Nehru House
No. 4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002 India
8. Entries sent by air cargo will not be accepted.
9. The last date for receipt of Indian entries is 31 December 2009, whereas for foreign entries it is 28 February 2010.

Rules for Paintings / Drawings:
10. The drawings can be in any medium. Computer printouts / lino-cuts / batiks will not be accepted.
11. The size of each entry should not be less than 30 x 40 cm.
12. A competitor may submit any number of entries. They should not be mounted / framed.

Rules for Written Works:
13. Only entries in ENGLISH will be considered. Translations from other languages do not qualify for the competition.
14. Entries may be in the form of poems, plays, short stories, essays, descriptive writing, and the like.
15. A competitor may submit any number of entries. They should be in a neat handwriting or typed.

Prizes:
16. The entries will be judged by the organizers with the help of a jury. The judges' decision will be final.
17. The following prizes are offered:
i) The President of India's Gold Medal for the best painting / drawing.
ii) The Shankar's Award for the best written work.
iii) 18 Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Gold Medals for the next best paintings / drawings / written work.
iv) About 400 Silver medals and 400 prizes.
18. Results will be announced in August 2010. Prize winners will be informed individually by post.
19. The best entries will be published in Shankar's Children's Art Number, Volume 61. Selected entries will also appear in the monthly magazine for children, Children's World.
20. All competitors are entitled to a copy of the Art Number, Volume 61, at a concessional price (given below). They can reserve their copies by mailing the attached coupon.
Concessional Rate:
USD20.00 / Euro10.00 / British Pound12.00 for foreign participants.
Rs.100.00 for participants from India.
Coupon:
Shankar's International Children's Competition
Nehru House
No. 4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002 India

I wish to reserve a copy of Shankar's Children's Art Number, Volume 61, at the concessional rate. I am remitting ..................... by bank draft / money order in favour of Shankar's International Children's Competition.

(In BLOCK LETTERS)
Name: ........................................................
Address: ....................................................
.....................................................................
.....................................................................
.....................................................................

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Note: The High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur, is in no way connected with this competition. This
posting in the blog is just to create awareness of this competition, so as to help develop the creative skills in your children, or children you know.