Though it has been widely believed that doing a particular hardware/ software course or certification like MCSE, CCNA alone would be enough to pursue a successful career in IT, the ground reality is different. Most of the companies engaged in IT business require basic qualifications like BE in Engineering (not only Computer and Electronics Engineering but actually any Engineering degree will do), M.E, M. Tech, MCA, MBA with System specialisation, and M. Sc. in Computer Science/Electronics/Physics/Mathematics/Statistics. For entry-level jobs, these degrees are enough. Chances of getting a job might be enhanced if along with one of these degrees, you also have qualifications like MCSE, MCSD, CCNA, or training in any other good software course. For jobs other than at entry level, one needs to have work experience in IT technologies. Very few companies recruited people other than those with the above qualifications in the past and with the current downturn in the economy, there will be fewer companies recruiting people other than engineers, MCAs, Science post graduates and MBAs.

Given this situation, the best option for you would be 1) Go for a BE course in Engineering or 2) Go for the DOEACC (Department of Electronics Accreditation for Computer Courses scheme) A level certification followed by the B level certification. The B level certification is equivalent to MCA course as per Government of India guidelines.

You can complete BE as a direct entrant to second year of BE courses in Maharashtra and in other States. Otherwise, you can also do BE courses under the external education system from Institute of Engineers or Institute of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. External education system comprises of self-study at home, practical experience and then passing examinations conducted by institutes like those mentioned here. Passing of these examinations gives you an Associate Membership certificate, which is equivalent to BE. You can opt for Engineering branch of your choice. In your case, it could be Electrical Engineering or Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. For example, passing of section A and section B examination in Electrical Engineering conducted by Institute of Engineers will get you an AMIE (Associate Member of the Institute of Engineers) certificate which is equivalent to BE in Electrical Engineering.

The second option is doing a DOEACC A level course and subsequent clearing of the A level examination. This should be followed by doing a B level course and then clearing the B level examination. DOEACC conducts O, A, B, and C level examination twice in a year. DOEACC also accredits courses of various Institutes across the countries as fulfilling the curriculum specifications and standard required for O, A, B, and C level of examinations. You can complete these courses and then sit in the A and B level examination conducted by DOEACC. You can do DOEACC A level course from KARROX TECHNOLOGIES LTD., EDUCATION CENTRE, RONUK ESTATE, L.B.S. MARG, GHATKOPAR (W), MUMBAI 400086, E-Mail :[email protected] and B level courses from SHRI BHAGUBHAI MAFATLAL POLYTECHNIC, NATKKAR RAM GANESH GADKARI MARG, VILE PARLE (WEST), MUMBAI 400056, E-mail:- [email protected]

This years admission to B. E 2nd year is over. You have to wait for another year. Or, you can get in touch with Institute of Engineers, 15, Haji Ali, Clerk Road, Mahalaxmi, Opposite Wellington Club, Mumbai 400 034 or with Institute of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Lokmanya Videsh Sanchar Bhawan, Ground Floor, Kashinath Dhuru Road, Prabhadevi, Dadar (W) Mumbai 400028, Ph: 4361717 for doing the BE by external education mode.