Set to be the first programme in a series from the varsity for the outsourcing sector, a diploma programme in `finance and accounting outsourcing' will be launched by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in a tie-up with Accenture. 10 lakh students from cities and interiors are being targeted to derive benefits from the outsourcing sector.

‘The programme will be aimed at undergraduate and graduate students from tier I to tier IV cities and will be available to more than ten lakh students across India through IGNOU's extensive network,’ said a spokesperson of the University.

Students having a minimum eligibility of plus-two pass out and 50 per cent aggregate in English can apply. The course duration will be six months and applications will be available till February 15. Eligible candidates will have to pass a written admission test on English communication and quantitative ability, said the spokesperson, adding, the course is open to working professionals who want to upgrade their skills in the finance and accounting outsourcing domain.

The University spokesperson also stated that other BPO specific programme such as human resources, category management, customer contact, insurance, banking and others will be launched subsequently.

University vice chancellor, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai said, ‘we have leveraged the expertise of Accenture to develop the course content and train teachers.’ X