Higher secondary certificate from India may not be accepted for admission to undergraduate programs in foreign universities. The details of SAT that enable students to seek admission were discussed in the previous chapter. There are indeed certain other qualifications at the 'plus two level' that are accepted globally for undergraduate admission. Important among them are the IBS and GCE. Let us examine GCSE briefly.
The General Certificate of Education (GCE) is a qualification that is recognised throughout the world. This provides you with the basic qualification for entrance to higher and professional studies in the United Kingdom and other countries. GCE examinations are conducted at the following levels:
1. O (Ordinary) level (GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education)
2. A (Advanced) level
3. AS (Advanced Supplementary) level
FEATURES OF THE TESTS
O (Ordinary) level examinations (GCSE-General. Certificate of Secondary Education)
This level is
• Available to candidates who are not based in the UK
• Generally taken after ten years of study, at age 16+
• Not compulsory for a candidate with secondary qualifications
• Sometimes requested by specific universities
• For private candidates, of any age, who meet the syllabus requirements
Normally, O levels in five subjects qualify you to go on to A levels. You can take any number of O levels, depending on the qualifications that your chosen institutions ask for. Most students in. UK schools take up to nine O levels.
A (Advanced) level examinations
After finishing the O levels, you study for two years and then take the A levels, which pave the way for entrance into undergraduate studies in universities and colleges. Normally, a minimum of three A level subjects are required for entry to undergraduate programs. However, individual entrance requirements of universities may vary. You can take any number of A levels.
AS (Advanced Supplementary) level examinations
These are generally shorter with half the content of a GCE A level at the same standard. Two AS level qualifications would be considered equivalent to one GCE A level qualification. This is accepted in lieu of one A level for university entrance purposes. For more information, you may contact any of the British Council Offices. Contact details are available on the website www.britishcouncil.org/india-where-we-are.htm
CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS
The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) provides international qualifications for 14-19 year olds. These include the following:
• Middle Secondary (14-16yrs)-Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
• Cambridge O Level Upper Secondary (16-18yrs)-International A and AS Level
The examinations are conducted twice a year. These qualifications have worldwide acceptance for the purpose of academic admission. CIE operates in 150 countries. For details see the website www.cie.org.uk.
Important Note: You should confirm the acceptability of these qualifications for the purpose of admission to the Board/University you have in mind for higher education. There are differences among different Boards/Universities in the matter of recognition of various certificates from CIE. The CIE examinations are being conducted by British Council Division, British Deputy High Commission, L&T Chambers, First Floor, 16 Camac Street, Kolkata 700017; Ph: 033 22825370;
EDEXCEL
It is a UK based large 'awarding body' offering academic and vocational qualifications that are used by schools, colleges, and employers at the international level. It is a private limited company incorporated in England. Some of their qualifications are GCE O level, GCSE, and IGCSE.
Main office in India: Edexcel International, 7th Floor, Knowledge Boulevard A-8(A), Sector-62, Noida 201309, UP; Ph: 0120 419 0100; e-mail: subcontinent@edexcel.corn. For details, see the website www.edexcel.com. The British Council, Kolkata is a centre for Edexcel IGCSE, GCSE, GCE O & A Level examinations that are conducted twice a year, in January and June. For details, go by the links: exam — educational in web: www.britishcouncil.org/India.
