The initiative of ICSI shall provide 24X7 study without any barriers of time, location, she said. The portal can be accessed at www.elearning.icsi.edu.

E-learning would be imparted to the students of the CS foundation programme. In the second phase, the training would be imparted to the students of executive and professional programmes, she added.

E-learning is a cost effective training format, where the students can undergo coaching from the comfort of their homes. All they need is an internet connection as per the specifications given in the portal. Under the system, the students would be imparted coaching through web-based training i e through e-books, discussion board, quizzes and e-mail support and online chat. In what is called a virtual class room in technical terms, students can even interact with the faculty in real time for guidance in academic queries at pre-fixed timings. A nominal annual of Rs 250 only would be charged from the Foundation Programme students for availing the services at the e-learning portal.

Malhotra said the institute has also implemented revised syllabus for foundation course effective from November 1, 2007 and the foundation course would henceforth be known as foundation programme. Under the revised syllabus, the students enrolled on or after 1 st November, 2007 to the foundation programme shall be examined in following subjects: English and business communication; economics and statistics; financial accounting and elements of business

laws and management.

Further details are being hosted on the website www.icsi.edu.

Malhotra said company secretaries are set to be the first class of professionals who will be allowed to advertise their services in India. ICSI will allow company secretaries to advertise in the print, electronic and cyber media from January 1, 2008.

The ICSI has come out with the draft ‘dos and don’ts’ for these professionals while advertising their services. “We hope to finalise the draft guidelines at a Council meeting later this month,” she said.