The prime objective behind setting up of community colleges is to ensure seats for local students, especially from the weaker sections, seeking joboriented courses ­­ Senior official Education department
Community colleges, a popular concept in Western countries, will be opened in the state from the coming academic year 2012-13, in order to meet the demand for skilled workers in local industries and generate employment opportunities for youth in districts where they reside.

The state government has proposed to set up two such community colleges in each district on a pilot basis as an alternative to the usual higher education system.

The colleges will offer joboriented courses to students after 10+2.

The state government will submit the proposal to the Centre during the conference of the state education ministers convened by the Union ministry of HRD in New Delhi on February 22.

The Centre is expected to permit one college in each district initially.

The colleges will offer a two-year course and several short-term courses, mostly with employment potential, especially in the industrial sector. After completing the courses, students will be
awarded ‘associate degrees’.

The colleges will enjoy full autonomy. They will be approved by the University Grants Commission and will be funded by the Centre. The colleges will conduct examinations and issue certificates on their own without depending on universities. They can draft their own academic calendar and conduct exams.

The Centre is planning to open 100 such colleges across the country in 201213 as a pilot project under the 12th Five Year Plan.