Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)

In the twenty-sixth year of autonomy (2003 - 2004), a significant achievement in the curriculum was the introduction of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) at the Postgraduate level in the Day Stream and at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels in the Self-Financed Stream. The CBCS was extended to the Undergraduate level of the Day Stream from the academic year 2004 - 2005. This venture has strengthened the academic potential of the students as it provides flexibility in the choice of courses beyond the framework of the discipline of study. The introduction of the CBCS 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 the academic year 2008 - 2009.

CBCS at the Undergraduate Level

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

Part I – Tamil or any other language (German, French, Hindi, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu or Malayalam) is offered in the first four semesters except for B.Com. where it is offered in the first two semesters only.

Part II – English is offered in the first four semesters except for B.Com. where it is offered in the first two semesters only.

Part III – Major papers (including practical and project work) and Allied papers are offered by each of the academic departments with a number of innovative and popular courses. Allied courses are aimed at facilitating desired complementarity with the major courses of study. The compulsory allied courses are decided by the department. The optional allied courses are chosen by students from a list of three allied subjects specified by departments.

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

(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. General Course encompasses topics of introduction to each major discipline. Students may choose to study anyone other than those offered by their Department.

(b) Skill-Based Courses – Personality Development (PD), Inter-disciplinary (ID), General Elective (GE) and Computer training programmes are offered in 3rd, 4th and 5th semesters. An Inter-disciplinary elective and a General elective are offered by each department 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 is a value-oriented, interdisciplinary compulsory programme, which is a part of the Foundation Course offered to all I year Undergraduate students.

The Programme is divided into :

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

(ii-a) Christian Studies - For all I UG Christian Students which is 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 Eduction / Department Association

Activities / NCC / NSS / Sports 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.

NCC

Those who join must continue for two years.

Incentives for Cadets:

1. Bonus marks for higher studies and Government jobs.
2. Preference in the selection for State / Central Uniformed Services.
3. Direct commission as officers in the Indian Defence Service.

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)