Date:10/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/10/stories/2007051019270300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Russia offers better choice for students

WITH ALL the noise about higher education in the United Kingdom, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France and Ireland, Russia is being ignored. Don't ignore Russia, says the Chennai-based A.J. Trust Educational Consultancy, an organisation linked up with Russian medical universities.

The trust said the Russian medical varsities had high educational standards and infrastructure while offering courses at affordable costs.

"It is a boon to middle class students who secure good marks but are either unable to secure a merit seat in Indian medical colleges or are unable to afford capitation fees." Here are some features of medical education in Russia: No entrance examinations, English is the medium of instruction, duration of study is six years leading to the degree of M.D. (Physician) and there are opportunities for postgraduate studies in Russia or outside. One of the medical institutions is the Stavropol State Medical Academy, with nearly 3,500 Russian and 250 foreign students from 18 countries.

The postgraduate facility of this Academy trains over 3,000 physicians a year.

Graduation Day

The C.M.R. Institute of Technology has arranged its Graduation Day on May 10. The event will be inaugurated by Vikram Rao, director, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Ltd., attached to the Aditya Birla Group. Over 500 students from the academic year 2006-07 will take part in the ceremonial procession.

The college has invited all graduated students of 2005-06 for the function. For more details, call 99986823530.

Admission

The Sitadevi Ratanchand Nahar Adarsh College has started admissions for hearing impaired students in its Pre-University course. This college had opened its classrooms for the disabled last year. These students attended their classes with the regular students and took part in literary and sports activities. They communicate in the class with the help of interpreters, a college release said. For admissions, call 26603573.

RASHEED KAPPAN