Alternative Study Opportunities

1. 'O’ and 'A’ Level Studies
The ordinary '0' and advanced 'A' level studies pertain to Cambridge University (U.K.) courses of General Certificate of Education (GCE). The GCE is an internationally recognized secondary school level scholastic achievement, the examinations for which are conducted by the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) through its representatives in many countries across the globe. In Nepal, the British Council acts as its official representative and the center for examinations' The GCE being open to both regular school-going and private candidates is more flexible than the national school examination boards of most countries in its eligibility criteria, the candidate's choice of subjects, and also offers the liberty of taking one or more subjects at a time according to the test taker's requirement and convenience.

(i) The ‘O’ Level
The ordinary level courses aim to provide educational foundation for further studies or employment-oriented training programs. Therefore, the candidates themselves can choose the type and the number of subjects they wish to take according to their requirement. In Nepal, however, the trend is to take the 'O’ level GCE examinations in 6 subjects at a time, as the 6 'O’ levels passes would entitle the candidates to enter the Higher Secondary (10+2) school or the junior college without taking the S.L.C. examination. Although the UCLES does not prescribe any rigid eligibility requirements except mentioning 16 as the recommended age for 'O’ level, the schools and institutes offering '0' level studies in Nepal usually stipulate class IX level education as the minimum requirement for entry into their programs.

(ii) The 'A' Level
The advanced 'A' level courses aim to prepare candidates for further academic challenges at the university level. Most universities require two to four 'A' level passes, which varies from university to university and program to program. In Nepal, four 'A level passes will entitle a student to seek entry into the related bachelor's program. Although a student is not barred from taking all 4 'A’ levels in the first year, it is advisable to take 2 as (Advanced Subsidiary) level tests in the first year and thus complete the required 'A’ level studies in two years. 18 is the recommended age for 'A' level examination and the Nepali institutions usually stipulate a minimum class X pass as a prerequisite for entry into their study programs.

The 'O' and 'A’ level examinations are held twice a year in May/June and October/November and results are made available within 6 to 7 weeks of the examination.

There are a number of English medium schools and coaching institutes in Nepal, mostly located in urban areas, which offer well-tailored study programs to prepare students for the '0' and 'A levelexaminations. Apart from providing regular tutorials, some of them also supply plenty of reading materials and handouts to students at reasonable prices, lessening the burden of buying expensive textbooks. However, institutional coaching is not a mandatory requirement for taking GCE examination. A candidate, if competent enough, can prepare by himself/herself and sit for the examination by registering with the British Council.

2. The CBSE Program
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) of India administers secondary (class X) and senior school (class XII) examinations for students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas - schools for the children of Central Government of India employees on transferable jobs - and other CBSE affiliated schools. In Nepal, apart from the Kendriya Vidyalaya which caters to the children of the employees of Indian diplomatic mission and other Indian government agencies in Nepal, Modern Indian School and DAV Sushil Kedia School in Kathmandu and Delhi Public School at BPKIHS premises in Dharan, offer CBSE program to Nepali students. Unlike the '0' and 'A' levels, the CBSE examinations cannot be taken privately by individual candidates on their own.

The core curriculum at the secondary level consists of the Languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies as the majbr subjects for board assessment. Physical and Health education, Art education and work experience are studied and continuously assessed internally by the schools. At the XII level, the candidates have the flexibility of choosing five core subjects from a wide range of subject areas but in practice the choice is limited by what the schools offer. The additional subjects - General Studies, Physical Education and Work Experience or Generic Vocational Course in lieu - are assessed internally.

The board conducts annual examinations for both X and XII levels in the month of March and results are made available within two months of the examination. The CBSE certificates of both secondary and senior levels have been duly recognized and deemed equivalent to the Nepali counterparts - the S.L.C. and Higher Secondary Education Certificate (XII) or Proficiency Certificate Level respectively

3. The ACCA Professional Courses
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) based in London, U.K., offers a wide range of professional courses in Accountancy and Financial Management on the distant learning module to international students all over the world. The most popular ACCA courses available to Nepali students at various levels of their study program are:

(i) Chartered Certified Accountant (CA course) : ACCA
(ii) Diploma in Financial Management : DipFM
(iii) Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) course : CAT

For Nepali Students, the recognized relevant qualifications for entry into ACCA, Chartered Certified Accountancy program is 10+2. However they must have acquired 65% in two papers and 50% in three papers. BBS or BBA students are exempted from taking Part 1 examination comprising 3 papers (Preparing Financial Statements, Financial Information for Management and Managing People). MBA/MBS degree get an additional exemption from 2 papers in Part 2 examinations (Information Systems and Corporate and Business Law). The ACCA does not stipulate any time frame for completing most of its professional courses, allowing flexibility to candidates to work at their own pace and convenience. The Chartered Certified Accountancy course, however, permits a maximum time limit of 10 years to complete from the date of registration.

Registration and fees
The A C CA examinations also are held twice a year m June and December and the candidates are required to register for them well in advance by paying all applicable fees. The following table gives necessary details:

 

Nepali candidates can register for any of these courses either directly online at www.acca-business.org/ onlinereg or through the representative of ACCA in Nepal:

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Khal-13Kalimati
P.O. Box 3242. Kathmandu
Tel: 4270495. Fax: 4270346
Email: pratap@ppp.wlink.com.np

4. The Chartered Accountancy (CA) Courses
The CA is a professional course that imparts to its participants theoretical foundation and technical skills for financial and management functions, preparing them for prospective careers in accountancy and management. In Nepal, the ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal) is the sole authority that offers and administers the CA courses on the distant learning module. There are several ICAN accredited institutes and coaching centers that prepare candidates for the CA examinations.

The CA course is divided into (i) one year foundation course and (ii) 3 year CA professional course consisting of one year intermediate and 2 year CA final levels. A CA candidate is also required to undergo a 3 year articleship as a professional trainee under a practising Chartered Accountant registered with and approved for the purpose by the ICAN. No candidate is entitled to sit for the CA finals without successfully completing the 3 year articleship.

The CA examinations for all levels are held twice a year - the Winter Examination in December and the Summer Examination in June.

The following table gives an outline of the CA course structure:

Registration and Fees
Interested candidates can register for CA courses at any time of the year by the deadlines mentioned above. The registration form along with the prospectus can be obtained from the ICAN, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, on payment ofRs. 100.00 for the Foundation course and Rs. 150 for the CA professional course. The total fees for the foundation and CA Professional Courses (Intermediate and Final) are Rs. 4500.00 and Rs. 8520.00 respectively, payable at the time of registration for respective level. The fees include the cost of study materials, library membership and subscription of newsletters.
 

This article has been provided by Nepal Educational Directory.

For more information log on to www.nepalpages.com

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	Education in Nepal : An Overview
	You and Your Academic Career
	Academic Programs in Nepal
	Training Opportunites in Nepal
	Bridging the gap between SLC and 10+2
	Alternative Study Opportunites
	Further Studies Abroad
	Making the Right Choice
	SLC pachhiko nirnaya (Nepali Article)
	Information on HSEB
	Introduction to Plus 2 System
	Interviews with Students
	Tips for Parents
	Study guide and Strategies
	Ask our Experts
	What after SLC?

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