IDOL reaches out to dropouts

The Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL), University of Mumbai has opened the doors for old and past students who dropped out after failing in degree exams to re-appear and get their graduation certificates. According to officials, the initiative was taken after receiving numerous applications from former students that consists of mostly retired persons who wish to complete their education.

Speaking about the initiative, an official from IDOL said that ever since the institute was started in 1971 there have been numerous persons who studied for a year or two and then discontinued due to professional or domestic reasons. “Every year there are 15-20 persons who approach IDOL requesting readmission so that they can complete their graduation or post graduation studies. While some of them had undertaken courses that are now defunct, there are others who in the past two decades took admission to courses that are still available. The university is trying to provide such persons a platform to complete their education,” said the official.

The institute has started a window on its online site for filling in application forms for re-exams and those who dropped out after failing can apply through it. “As there have not been many changes in the curriculum in the past eight years, two options have been given. One is for those who appeared for the October 2007 exams till October 2015 and the second is for those who appeared for the March 2007 exams and prior to it. There is a slight difference in the amount of fees that has to be paid by aspirants with those opting for the second option having to pay a little more towards exam fees,” said the official.

Two years ago, an IDOL dropout who had migrated to Malaysia after giving the SYBCom exam in 1981 had sought readmission as he had retired from his job and returned to India. Former director of IDOL Dr D. Harichandan had gone out of his way to accommodate the senior citizen and ensured he managed to complete his graduation. However, with this initiative IDOL is providing former students a hassle-free and easy opportunity to complete their education.