Choice Based Credit System

Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)

The introduction of the CBCS in 2003-’04 ensures compatibility with the academic norms practised in similar institutions in India and abroad. The Government of Tamil Nadu proposed a common structure under CBCS to be implemented by Government, Government Aided and Self-Financed Colleges across Tamil Nadu from 2008-2009.

CBCS at the Undergraduate Level

The structure of undergraduate courses under the CBCS in the semester pattern provides a wide range of̋ courses for students to choose from based on their aptitude and career goals. The undergraduate curriculum includes the following categories of courses to accomplish a holistic approach to undergraduate education. The 3-year – 6-semester curriculum has the following components:

Part I – Tamil or other languages (Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Sanskrit, French, German) are offered in the first four semesters except for B.Com, where it is offered in the first two semesters only. Students are required to take the same language as they opted for XII Std.

Part II – English is offered in the first four semesters except for B.Com and BBA, which are offered only in the first two semesters.

Part III – Each department offers Core papers (including practical and project work) and Allied papers with several innovative and contemporary courses. Allied courses are designed to complement the major courses of study. The department decides the compulsory allied courses. Students choose the optional allied courses from a list of three allied subjects specified by departments.

Part IV – Non-major courses listed below are only offered under this category during the first two semesters.

(a.1) Basic Tamil (BT) – Those who have not studied Tamil up to XII standard and have taken a non-Tamil Language under Part I shall take Basic Tamil.

(a.2) Advanced Tamil (AT) – Those who have studied Tamil up to XII standard and have taken a non-Tamil language under Part I shall take Advanced Tamil.

(a.3) General Course (GC) – Students who do not come under (a.1) or (a.2) shall opt for General Course. This Course encompasses topics of introduction to each major discipline. Students may choose to study any one paper other than what their Department offers.

(b) Skill-Based Courses – Personality Development (PD), Inter-disciplinary Elective (IDE), General Elective (GE) and Computer Training Programmes are offered in the 3rd, 4th and 5th semesters. Each department offers an Inter-Disciplinary Elective and a General Elective to impart skill-based learning experience, thus providing an opportunity to gain knowledge in an application-oriented subject. (c) Environmental Studies – This course offered in the second year is intended to motivate students to develop a positive attitude towards the environmental concerns of society.

(d) Value Education – This value-oriented, interdisciplinary compulsory programme is part of the Foundation Course offered to all I-year Undergraduate students.

The Programme is divided into the following:

(i) Social Ethics – For all I UG students in Semester I.

(ii-a) Christian Studies – For all I UG Christian Students, also open to others in Semester II.

(or)

(ii-b) Social studies or Gender studies for all other I UG students in Semester II.

Part V – Extension Activities – It is mandatory for students to take part in any of the following extension activities – Service Learning – Physical Education/ Department Association Activities / NCC / NSS / Sport For All (SFA) / Scrub Society.

Students must register for the following courses, as applicable, a week before the re-opening of the semester. No changes will be entertained after the students register their choice of subject.

CBCS at the Postgraduate Level

The 2 Year – 4-semester curriculum includes the following components. Distribution of Credits – CBCS for PG (with effect from 2008-2009)