COMPETITIVE EXAM
Basic Ideas of
MAT, CA, ICWA & CS
Competitive examination is an examination where candidates are ranked
according to their grades. These competitive examinations taken by undergraduate
students are required for selective entrance into Graduate schools in science &
engineering and into business schools.
Chartered Accountancy (CA)
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is one of the most highly sought after courses
in India. It is the most prestigious qualification in accounting and finance degree.
Chartered Accountancy equips a student with thorough knowledge of auditing,
taxation and accounting. It is important for students to register with the institute of
Chartered Accountants of India to appear for the examination.
Levels of Chartered Accountancy:
Entry Level Test: Common Proficiency Test
First Stage of Theoretical Education: Professional Competence Course
Final Stage of Theoretical Education: Final Course
Eligibility
If you have passed 10+2 from any stream from a recognized school, you are
eligible to apply for the Common Proficiency Test (CPT). If you have got
registered for the Common Proficiency Test 60 days prior to the first day of the
month in which CPT examination is to be held can appear in the examination i.e.
on or before 1st April and 1st October for appearing in CPT examination to be held
in June and December respectively. Common Proficiency Test examinations are
held in June & December every year.
Duration
The course period is 1 year through correspondence where the topics
include basic knowledge of Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, and
Mercantile Law.
For intermediate and (Professional Competence Course - PCC) one need to
pass 10+2 and the Foundation Course. The course period is 18 months.
For the final stage, a student needs to pass the intermediate level and complete his
graduation. For ICAI membership, a student needs a pass in the Final Course
Examination along with requisite work experience which can be gained before,
during or after the final course.
Scope and Career Prospect
Chartered accountants are involved in a variety of roles. They are either
employed by a company or are practicing chartered accountants. They are involved
in preparing financial statements and management reports, liaising with internal

and external auditors, carrying out taxation and auditing work, advising on tax
and efficient tax planning, preparing the annual reports etc.
Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI)
With the globalization of the economy, the demand of quality cost and
management professionals is on the upswing. Institute of Cost and Works
Accountants of India (ICWAI) promotes, regulates, and develops the profession of
Cost Accountancy in India. A Cost Accountant is expected to collect, assimilate,
collate and analyze financial information from all areas of the organization. A
cost accounting degree equips you with the knowledge on how to manage finance
competently and ensure managerial decisions are well within the available
resources.
Eligibility
A student from any stream after having passed the 10+2 examination is eligible to
appear for the Foundation Course. There are two levels after the Foundation
Course: the Intermediate and the Final Examination.
Scope and Career Prospects:
Every organization needs a good cost accountant. You can also take up
consultancy work with various firms. With experience and training, cost
accountants can hold top management position like Financial Controller, Chief
Accountant, Cost Controller, Marketing Manager and Chief Internal Auditor.
Options are also open to CWAs to directly register in M.Phil and Ph.D.
courses in commerce as decided by the Association of Indian Universities. All
India Council for Technical Education or AICTE decided that Fellow members of
ICWAI will be treated at par with the persons holding Ph.D. degree for
appointment in the posts of Professor and Lecturer in Professional and
management Institutes.
Thorough knowledge of every aspect of accounting, auditing and taxation.
Knowledge of cost and financial management to ensure a fine balance between
expenditures and available resources.
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
MAT is the MBA entrance exam conducted by AIMA for over 500

B-schools across India. MAT is conducted four times a year in both paper pencil
mode as well as computer based mode in the months of February, May, September
and December.
Exam type: National
Exam category: PG Exam
Conducting institute: All India Management Association (AIMA)
Eligibility
The candidates should be graduates in any discipline from a recognized
university. Final year students can also apply for MAT.
MAT Selection process:
The candidates will be shortlisted by the MAT participating B-schools on
the basis of their scores depending upon the institute cut off marks. The students
will have to appear for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds.
MAT Exam Pattern
MAT is held in both paper pencil based form as well as computer based
form. The duration of the exam is 2 hours 30 minutes. There are 200 multiple
choice questions on 5 sections, namely Language Comprehension, Data Analysis
and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning and
Indian and Global Environment. Each correct answer bears four marks and for
each wrong answer, there is ¼ negative marking.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is constituted under an
Act of Parliament i.e. the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 .ICSI is the only
recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of
Company Secretaries in India. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India
awards the certificate of bestowing the designation of Company Secretary (CS) to
a candidate qualifying for the membership of the Institute. It was in 1960 that the
Company Law Board started a course in Company Secretary ship leading to the
award of Government Diploma in Company Secretaryship. As the number of
students taking up the Company Secretaryship course grew, the Government
promoted on 4th October, 1968, Institute of Company Secretaries of India under
Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 for taking over from the Government the
conduct of Company Secretaryship examination.
The Institute of company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has its headquarters at

New Delhi and four regional offices at New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Membership of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has been
recognized for appointment to various superior posts and services under the
Central Government.
Mode of Examination
The ICSI conducts the Company Secretarship examination to bring in high
level professionals specialized in corporate laws, management and
governance. The Company Secretaryship Course is conducted in three stages as
under:
Foundation Candidates who have passed Senior Secondary Examination
(10+2) are eligible for admission to Foundation.
· Executive: Graduates in any stream excluding Fine Arts or candidates who have
passed the Foundation Examination are eligible to join Executive.
· Professional: A registered student is admitted to the Professional on passing
the Executive Examination.
PERORMANCE TEST
A performance test is an assessment that requires an examinee to actually perform a
task or activity, rather than simply answering questions referring to specific parts. The
purpose is to ensure greater fidelity to what is being tested. An example is a
behind-the-wheel driving test to obtain a driver's license. Rather than only answering
simple multiple-choice items regarding the driving of an automobile, a student is
required to actually drive one while being evaluated.
USES OF PERORMANCE TEST
Performance tests are commonly used in workplace and
professional applications, such as professional certification and licensure. When used for
personnel selection, the tests might be referred to as a work sample. However
performance assessments may be a more valid indicator of students' knowledge and
abilities. There is a big difference between answering multiple choice questions on how
to make an oral presentation and actually making an oral presentation.
More important, performance assessment can provide

improving instruction, and increase students' understanding of what they need to know
and be able to do. In preparing their students to work on a performance task, teachers
describe what the task entails and the standards that will be used to evaluate performance.
This requires a careful description of the elements of good performance, and allows
students to judge their own work as they proceed.
PURPOSE OF PERFORMANCE TEST
The purpose of performance assessment is to evaluate the
actual process of doing science or mathematics. Performance assessments examine
students' actual application of knowledge to solve problems. In some cases, the solution
of the problem may imply the application of a specific procedure learned in class; in
others, a combination of procedures; still in others it may require a thoughtful
adaptation of students' knowledge. The assessment of student's knowledge focuses on
the performance and the result.
STEPS IN THE PROCESS OF PERFORMANCE TEST
 Carefully construct the learning goals for the instructional unit
• Decide if performance assessment supports student learning and assessment for
these goals
• Clearly define the knowledge and skills students need to apply or demonstrate in
solving a problem.
• Determine the criteria (standards) against which students will be judged and
define indicators of” levels” of competence.
• Inform students of your expectations that students have every opportunity to
clearly demonstrate to that course learning objectives have been mastered
• Design an authentic task that is somewhat undefined, complex, and has multiple entry
and exit points.
• Determine which distinct components of the task need to be analyzed.
• Directly observe students or develop a structured student-answer sheet that allows
you to evaluate various components of the task.
• Match student performance to criteria (standards) and determine which level most

closely matches student performance.
• Provide student feedback in terms of levels of competence, not numerical scores.
CONCLUSION
Performance test may be understood as the assessment of an individual
performance. It also helps to understand the performance of a student and
improving their instructions. Performance test examine student’s actual application
o knowledge to solve problems.
ONLINE LEARNING
Online Learning is defined as all forms of electronic supported learning and
teaching,which are procedural in character and aim to effect the construction of
knowledge with reference to individual experience, practice and knowledge of the
learner. Information and communication systems, whether networked or not, serve
as specific media to implement the learning process.
Online learning is essentially the computer and network enabled transfer of
skills andknowledge. E-learning refers to using electronic applications and
processes to learn. E learning applications and processes include Web-based
learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration.
Content is delivered via the Internet intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite
TV, and CD-ROM. It is used by the educational Institutions to enhance and
support the class room teaching and offering course to a larger population of
learners across the Globe. It can be self-paced or instructor led and includes media
in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.
Online learning is a product of modern technological advancements.it
provide a wide range of opportunities to the learner and give a new meaning to the
process of learning. It envisages the scope of learning.

ONLINE LEARNING
Online learning is a process of learning with the assistance of the internet
and allied online facilities. The term online learning is often used interchangeable
with e- learning. In other words, online learning is a way of studying for an
internationally recognised qualification without needing to attend classes on
campus. The most important benefit of online learning is that, it can span time and
distance
Online learning is a computer based educational tool or system that enables
you to learn anywhere and at any time. Today e-learning is mostly delivered
though the internet, although in the past it was delivered using a blend of
computer-based methods like CD-ROM.
Technology has advanced so much that the geographical gap is bridged with
the use of tools that make you feel as if you are inside the classroom. E-learning
offers the ability to share material in all kinds of formats such as videos,
slideshows, word documents and PDFs. Conducting webinars (live online classes)
and communicating with professors via chat and message forums is also an option
available to users.
Online learning provides the learners with the ability to fit learning around
their lifestyles, effectively allowing even the busiest person to further a career and
gain new qualifications.
Online learning today
With the introduction of the computer and internet in the late 20th century,
e-learning tools and delivery methods expanded. The first MAC in the 1980′s
enabled individuals to have computers in their homes, making it easier for them to
learn about particular subjects and develop certain skill sets. Then, in the following

decade, virtual learning environments began to truly thrive, with people gaining
access to a wealth of online information and e-learning opportunities.
By the early 90s several schools had been set up that delivered courses online only,
making the most of the internet and bringing education to people who wouldn't
previously have been able to attend a college due to geographical or time
constraints. Technological advancements also helped educational establishments
reduce the costs of distance learning, a saving that would also be passed on to the
students - helping bring education to a wider audience.
In the 2000′s, businesses began using e-learning to train their employees. New and
experienced workers alike now had the opportunity to improve upon their industry
knowledge base and expand their skill sets. At home individuals were granted
access to programs that offered them the ability to earn online degrees and enrich
their lives through expanded knowledge.
TOOLS OF ONLINE LEARNING
Email
 Every teacher should have an e-mail account
 Communicate with students
 Communicate with parents
 Students can submit assignment
 Can have attachments
 Create a paperless environment
 Simple but effective

 Efficient and cost effective
 Chat
 Synchronous communication tool
 Communicate with students
 Communicate with parents
 More students participate
 Collaborative learning
 Online forums
 Teacher can create discussion groups
 Teacher could post a question and request students to comment
 Students can post their comments
 Can encourage community participation
 Collaborative learning can be fostered
 Feedback from diverse culture
 Web
 Wide range of materials available
 Teacher will need to narrow down
 It is a resource Centre
 Sharing of resources
 Supported by images, audio, simulation and multimedia

 Management systems
 Management of content
 Tracking students
 Administrative features
 Integration with various tools such as chat, forum, e-mail, etc.
 Reporting
 Video conferences
 Can conduct a live lecture
 Communication with students
 Communication with parents
 Support by audio, chat and whiteboard
 Support sharing of applications
 Can be recorded and later be used for on demand lectures
ELEMENTS OF ONLINE LEARNING
 Text: The alphabet, words, sentences, paragraphs. Text processing refers to
the ability to manipulate words, lines, and pages.
 Pictures/images: A picture or image is data represented in a
two-dimensional scene
 Animations: An animation is a simulation of movement created by
displaying a series of pictures, or frames.A cartoon on television is one
example of animation.

 Audio: Audio is sound within the acoustic range available to humans. On a
computer an audio file is a record of captured sound that can be played back.
 Video: Video refers to displaying still images, in such a high speed that our
mind interpreters the sequence of images as a movement.
BENEFITS OF ONLINE LEARNING
 No Boundaries, No Restrictions-Online learning facilitates learning
without having to organize when and where everyone who is interested in a
course can be present.
 It is economical in nature, because it reduces material cost, travel and
accommodation
 It is convenient in nature as it is provided on demand
 It is more flexible
 It is available at anywhere, at any time
 It attracts learners through different learning opportunities and activities
DRAWBACKS OF ONLINE LEARNING
 Though online learning offers ease, flexibility and the ability to remotely
access a classroom in the student’s own time, learners may feel a sense of
isolation. That means it is a solo act.
 Online learning requires the use of a computer and other such devices; this
means that eyestrain, bad posture and other physical problems may affect the
learner.When running an online course it’s a good practice to send out
guidelines about correct sitting posture, desk height, and recommendations
for regular breaks

BLENDED LEARNING
Blended learning is a combination of offline (face-to-face, traditional
learning) and online learning in a way that the one compliments the other. It
provides individuals with the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds.
For example, a student might attend classes in a real-world classroom
setting, and then supplement the lesson plan by completing online
multimedia coursework. As such, the student would only have to physically
attend class once a week and would be free to go at their own pace.Blended
learning is often also referred to as “hybrid” learning, and can take on a
variety of forms in online education environment.
ONLINE LEARNING SYSTEMS
Learning management system
Learning management system is software that deploys, manages,
tracks and reports on interaction between learner & content and between
learner & instructor. In particular, LMS performs student registration, tracks
learner progress, records test scores, and indicates course completions and
finally it allows trainers to assess the performance of their learners.

Main features of an LMS:
 Registration - enroll and administer learners online for web-based,
instructor-led, and all other learning activities.
 Scheduling - schedule courses and define curricula to address
individual and organizational learning needs. Also off-line resources
can be included (classrooms, books, coaches etc.).
 Delivery - deliver online courses and assessments or schedule
instructor-led courses.
 Tracking - track the progress of the learners and create reports.
 Communication - communicate by chat, discussion forum, mail,
screensharing and e-seminars.
 Testing - test and assess competency, learning styles and student
committee
General requirements for LMS system

 Support of different possibilities of learning.
 Integration of solution in the context of IS firm.
 Wide administration range.
 Compatibility with standards.
 The support of the applications of the other suppliers.
 Possibility of using new technologies so called mobile
communication.
 An access thanks web client.
LMS consists of three basic type application
 applications for learning (documents, examples)
 testing applications (test, checking of tests)
 support applications (notepad, discussion forum, chat)
 IMS (Instructional Management System)
The IMS (Instructional Management System) Global Learning
Consortium is developing and promoting open specifications (no
standards) for facilitating online distributed learning activities such as
locating and using educational content, tracking learner progress, reporting
learner performance, and exchanging student records between administrative
systems.
IMS has two key goals:
 Defining the technical standards for interoperability of applications
and services in distributed learning

 Supporting the incorporation of IMS specifications into products and
services worldwide. IMS promotes widespread adoption of
specifications that will allow distributed learning environments and
content from multiple authors to work together.