Objective of the Scheme
The objective of the Scheme is to develop quality manpower in IT by utilizing the expertise available with the non-formal computer training institutes. Computer training institutes/organizations in the non-formal sector, subject to meeting well-defined norms and criteria, are granted accreditation for conducting specified Levels of courses ranging from:
The courses are to be conducted according to prescribed syllabus for each Level. Students from accredited institutes as well as working professionals are eligible to appear for the examinations at these Levels conducted by the DOEACC Society, if they fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria.
Accreditation
The prospectus for each Level of courses, namely, 'O'/ 'A' /'B'/ 'C', specifies the norms and criteria, governing accreditation for that Level. Institutes apply to the DOEACC Society in the prescribed format with a fee. A Screening Committee is constituted by the Society, consisting of a Convener and two members, specifically in each case to make an on the spot inspection of the institutes and make recommendations on grant of accreditation. The Convener and members are chosen from a database of experts. Based on the recommendations, accreditation is granted. As on 1st January 2004 about 839 institutes have been approved in the country to conduct 1133 courses ('O' Level 739, 'A' Level 303, 'B' Level 81 and 'C' Level 10) to conduct DOEACC accredited courses. Registration
Registration is mandatory for students to appear for the DOEACC examination. At a point of time, a student can be registered at only one Level. For getting registered with he DOEACC Society, a student has to apply in a prescribed format with a fee. As on 1st January 2004, the number of registrants with the Society is about 4,50,872. Examinations
Examinations are conducted twice a year in January and July for all the level of courses, namely `O'/`A'/`B'/`C' on All India basis in about 106 centres. The total number of papers, for all the Levels, to be set for the examination is 148. The number of paper/module candidates for the last examination (July 2003) was about 1,94,275. The examinations are managed by a Board of Examinations consisting of academia and professionals. As on 1st January 2004, a total of 42,080 candidates have been issued certificates so far out of the 69,055 candidates who have qualified all the theory papers at the respective levels.
Syllabus
Syllabus for different levels are designed and finalized by a Syllabus Committee for each Level, consisting of academicians and professionals in the computer field including representatives from the IT industry. Syllabi are updated at reasonable intervals to meet the requirements of industry. Teaching for Third Revised syllabus in respect of DOEACC 'O' and 'A' level courses has commenced from January 2003 and the first examination was conducted in July, 2003 and in respect of 'B' and 'C' Level courses has commenced from July 2003 and first examination held in
(a) Introduction of practical examinations for the first time (b) Introduction of credit scheme to facilitate other academic organizations/ universities in India and abroad for determining the academic professional equivalence and (c) Inclusion of Free domain Software in the curricula.
The basic entry level is a 10+2 or 10+ ITI qualifications. There is also a provision for horizontal entry at higher levels for students and professionals with university degree qualifications. Depending on the educational qualifications, a student can select one of the four levels of O/A/B/C. The detailed eligibility criteria for individual levels is as under:
