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Frequently Asked Questions – TCS SASTRA MCA Program

(under Online (OL) mode) – January 2022 – Batch – 03
This FAQ document aims to address queries related to eligibility, admission and overall provisions related to TCS
- SASTRA University MCA Program for the TCS employees recruited through TCS iGnite Division.

1. What is SASTRA MCA OL programme for TCS iGnitians?

TCS – SASTRA collaborative MCA Program is a tie-up between TCS and SASTRA University, Thanjavur,
wherein the TCS Ignite associates can enhance their academic qualification by pursuing MCA program under
OL Mode. Through this MCA program, they can acquire new competencies or enhance existing competencies,
while continuing their professional work at TCS. This is a 2-year program with two years of grace period, which
means the associate who gets admission into this program should complete the course within 4 years of joining;
failing which their admission becomes void. This SASTRA MCA OL programme is recognized by AICTE and
approved by UGC.

2. How often the admission process for SASTRA MCA OL is going to happen annually?

Two times annually. January Session and July Session.

3. Is this course applicable for associates of TCS in any Location?

This course is applicable to all TCS associates who joined TCS through Ignite (hired by Ignite), travelling across
India for their Project Work. This OL programme is offered without any restrictions on territorial jurisdiction as
per the UGC DEB regulations.

4. What is the program duration?

The program duration is 2 years, consisting of 4 semesters.

5. What are the eligibility criteria?

Following are the eligibility criteria:

• Associate should have been hired as part of Ignite and should be either currently under Ignite training
or belong to Ignite Alumni who are working for TCS
• Associate should have undergraduate degree from a recognized university in 10+2+3 pattern or an
Examination of any other competent Agency accepted by SASTRA University

6. What is the selection process?

The eligible TCS associates can register for the program using the Admission Survey link and SASTRA
University will select the students based on the eligibility criteria.

7. What is the structure of the course?

The table below provides the courses and their respective credits, semester wise.

Semester I (27 Credits)

Course Code Course Name Credits Credit Awardee
CAP401R01 Data Structures & Algorithms 4 TCS
MAT427 Numerical & Statistical Analysis 4 SASTRA
CAP403R01 Computer Organization & Architecture 4 SASTRA
CAP408 Operating Systems 4 TCS
ENG213 Professional Communication (Semi Theory & Semi Practice) 4 SASTRA

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Semester I (27 Credits)

Course Code Course Name Credits Credit Awardee
CAP405 Data Structures & Algorithms Laboratory 2 TCS
CAP440 Numerical & Statistical Methods Laboratory 2 TCS
CAP412 Operating Systems Laboratory 2 TCS
TNP101 Soft Skills – 1 1 TCS

Semester II (27 Credits)

Course Code Course Name Credits Credit Awardee
CAP410 Database Management Systems 4 TCS
CAP524 Software Design & Testing 4 TCS
CAP441 Object Oriented Analysis & Design 4 SASTRA
MAT444 Mathematical Foundation for Computer Science 4 SASTRA
CAPXXX Elective I 4 SASTRA
CAP502R01 Advanced Java Programming (Semi Theory & Semi Practical) 2 TCS
CAP411 Database Management Systems Laboratory 2 TCS
CAP525 Software Design & Testing Laboratory 2 TCS
TNP102 Soft Skills – 2 1 TCS

Semester III (26 Credits)

Course Code Course Name Credits Credit Awardee
CAP527 Algorithm Design & Analysis 4 SASTRA
CAP442 Web Technology (Semi Theory & Semi Practical) 4 TCS
CAP512R01 Big Data Analytics 4 SASTRA
CAPXXX Elective II 4 TCS
CAPXXX Elective III 4 SASTRA
CAP528 Algorithm Design Laboratory 2 TCS
CAP510 Information System Development Laboratory 2 TCS
CAP523R01 Big Data Analytics Laboratory 2 TCS

Semester IV (28 Credits)

Course Code Course Name Credits Credit Awardee
CAP533 Theory & Practices of Artificial Intelligence (Semi Theory & Semi Practical) 4 TCS
CAP534 Network Principles & Protocols 3 TCS
CAPXXX Elective IV (Students will be allowed to complete this course through SWAYAM) 3 SASTRA
CAP535 Machine Learning Techniques & Applications 4 SASTRA
CAP601 Project Work & Viva Voce 14 TCS

List of Electives
Elective I Elective II (Semi Theory and Semi Practical)

1. CAP504 - Compiler Design 1. CAP513 - XML Applications

2. CAP526 - Information Security 2. CAP414R01 - Mobile Computing
3. CAP508 - Computer Simulation & Modeling 3. CAP509R01 - Cloud Computing
4. MAT433 - Optimization Techniques 4. CAP431 - Graphics & Multimedia
5. MAT443 - Combinatorics & Graph Theory 5. CAP529 - Assembly Language Programming
Elective III Elective IV

1. CAP432 - Digital Image Processing 1. CAP423 - Enterprise Resource Planning

2. CAP530 - Natural Language Processing 2. CAP425 - Customer Relationship Management
3. CAP531 - Digital Signal Processing 3. CAP426 - Supply Chain Management
4. CAP438 - Internet of Things 4. CAP518 - E-Commerce
5. CAP532 - Soft Computing Techniques 5. CAP536 - Design Thinking

8. What is the maximum duration to complete the course?

Though the duration of the program is 2 years, the courses must be completed successfully within four years
from the date of first registration.

9. What if I am unable to complete the program within four years?

You will not be awarded the MCA degree by SASTRA University and your admission becomes void. Being the
collaborative programme, no document / certificate will be provided for the partial completion.

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10. How is the course / study material made available for the candidates?

SASTRA University will provide access to Self-Learning Material, lecture notes and presentation slides for all
the courses that are handled by SASTRA. Classes will be conducted Online.

11. How and when are classes conducted?

Online classes will be conducted during weekends. Class schedule will be notified well in advance by SASTRA
University to the admitted associates.

12. What is the assessment mode?

Courses for which SASTRA University is the credit awardee:

SASTRA University conducts the exams as per the University norms and does the evaluation for all the courses
for which SASTRA University is the credit awardee.

Courses for which TCS is the credit awardee:

Since it is a collaborative programme, the course content of Ignite Training is aligned with the Curriculum of
SASTRA – TCS MCA OL and associates might have completed the courses that are handled by TCS during
the training. The real time application of their gained knowledge during their project execution / work
performance will be assessed by TCS for which TCS is the Credit Awardee.

Associate needs to respond to the Evaluation survey only once at the beginning of the course to allow TCS
SPOC to collect the associate’s IPF from the performance management system during the entire course
duration. The survey link for the same will be circulated once the admission process is completed.

Once the acceptance is provided by the associate, TCS SPOC will collect the IPF from the performance
management system periodically (as per the evaluation request received from SASTRA University), completes
the evaluation of the courses based on the IPF and provides evaluation results to SASTRA University every
semester.

Results Declaration:

SASTRA University will share the results of both TCS, and SASTRA University evaluated courses to the
respective registrants.

13. What is the fee structure?

Fee Structure for the 2-year (4-semesters) SASTRA MCA OL Program is given below:

Semester Installment No. Semester Fee Any other Fee Total Fee
Semester I 1 Rs. 22,500 Rs. 1,000 (Registration) Rs. 23,500
Semester II 2 Rs. 22,500 Rs. 0 Rs. 22,500
Semester III 3 Rs. 22,500 Rs. 0 Rs. 22,500
Semester IV 4 Rs. 15,000 Rs. 2,100 (Convocation) Rs. 17,100

Examination fee: Rs 750 per course (only for SASTRA handled courses)
Readmission fee: Rs 1,500 (in case of any break of study)

Note: Students should remit the examination fee one month before the start of the examination.

14. What is the minimum passing mark in each subject?

40% in each course and overall CGPA of 4 is required to successfully complete the MCA program.

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15. What if I do not clear one or more subjects in the written examination? Do I have to pay any fees for the
arrears in the following semester? Can I choose to write the end of semester exams for current semester
subjects without appearing for the arrears I incurred in the previous semester?

If you have not cleared one or more subjects in the written examination, it will be considered as an arrear
(backlog) and you need to pay the arrear fee for each arrear course in the subsequent semester. Failing which
the candidates will be treated as a DISCONTINUED STUDENT.

16. What happens if I miss the examinations?

If you miss the examinations, you can take them in the next semester as backlog courses as per SASTRA
University examinations schedule.

17. What happens if I miss a semester?

If you miss a semester, then you can re-start the degree with the missed semester along with the next batch
with approval from SASTRA University. This will be treated as a Readmission and the student has to pay the
readmission fee.

18. Will I get any financial assistance from TCS for the program?

No. All the costs pertaining to the program is to be borne by the associate only.

19. What if I fail to give the agreement to TCS SPOC to collect my IPF from TCS performance management
system?

For all the courses for which TCS is the credit awardee, the evaluation results will be mentioned as “Absent”
and the same will be shared with SASTRA University. However, during the subsequent semester registrants
can claim the corresponding score by producing their approval to collect their IPF from TCS performance
management system.

20. What if my IPF is not available in the performance management system at the time of course evaluation
of courses for which TCS is the credit awardee?

For all the courses for which TCS is the credit awardee, the evaluation results will be mentioned as “Absent”.

During the evaluation of subsequent semester, if the IPF is available, then the backlog courses for which TCS
is the credit awardee will be evaluated along with the courses of the current semester.

Given below are the possible scenarios where IPF is not reflected yet in Performance Management System,
resulting in you being marked as Absent for all the TCS handled papers:

Scenario 1: Your anniversary performance evaluation cycle is not yet initiated / completed

Explanation: Anniversary rating (confirmation rating) will be provided only after successfully completing
the entire anniversary performance evaluation cycle. During the process, you might see
your IPF, but it will flow into the performance management system, only after the cycle is
closed at all levels and marked as completed for the anniversary cycle.

Scenario 2: You are currently unallocated and hence have not received any rating

Explanation: Since you are currently unallocated, your first appraisal might not have been completed.

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Scenario 3: You have just completed your appraisal cycle and have received an IPF just now, after the
cut-off date

Explanation: Since the performance evaluation cycle is completed after the cut-off date, you need to
wait till the evaluation of TCS handled papers of the next semester, during which earlier
semester papers too will be evaluated.

Scenario 4: You are expecting your appraisal cycle to be completed in a short time after the cut-off date

Explanation: Since the performance evaluation cycle is expected to be completed after the cut-off date,
you need to wait till the evaluation of TCS handled papers of the next semester, during
which earlier semester papers too will be evaluated.

Note: Evaluation of these papers will happen during the next semester cycle and hence, it will not have any
impact on your degree, since SASTRA University gives only Consolidated Grade Sheet after the
successful completion of the degree.

21. Is it an off-campus program? If so, will it be considered a part-time degree?

It is a full-time degree programme offered under OL mode; recognized by AICTE and approved by UGC.

22. What if I am unable to continue the program?

Candidate is required to successfully complete the programme within 4 years from the FIRST REGISTRATION.
Failing which, the admission to this programme becomes void.

23. Is the TCS employment confirmation dependent on completing the MCA program?

No. There is no connection between the two and pursuing the MCA program is totally optional.

24. Will I be able to cope with both the TCS job and the SASTRA University MCA program?

This programme is being conceived and designed with self-paced learning pedagogy. You should decide for
yourself on whether you will be able to cope up with both TCS job as well as SASTRA-TCS MCA program.

25. Is it similar to other MCA programs?

Yes.

26. If I need some clarification / concession pertinent to my MCA examination, scores or fee payment, will
TCS help me in interacting with SASTRA University?

No. Every associate doing this program is required to understand the manner in which the whole course is
managed. All the transactions between the associate and SASTRA University are between these two parties
ONLY. TCS’ role is restricted to facilitating the course registration and providing evaluation details to SASTRA
University for the courses having TCS as credit awardee.

27. I am currently working in TCS Bangalore. By the time of the end-semester examinations are scheduled,
I may be in a different location. Where do I appear for the examination?

If you happen to travel to other TCS locations within India on Project assignment during the programme period,
SASTRA will facilitate and conduct examinations in the respective TCS Project Location. Please note that all
the examinations of any given semester should be taken from one location only, meaning during the semester
examinations, you cannot change the location / examination center.

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28. Currently I am unallocated. Am I eligible for this course?

Yes, you are eligible, provided you have fulfilled the eligible criteria.

29. I am interested to register for this MCA program, but I am not from the Ignite Alumni. Can I apply for
this program?

No. The program is applicable for associates who joined TCS under Ignite program only.

30. If I resign from TCS during the program, can I still continue the MCA program?

No. Once you resign from TCS, you will automatically be disqualified from the program.

31. How do I receive the Provisional Degree and Consolidated Grade Sheet?

Provisional Degree and Consolidated Grade Sheet will be provided only to those associates who complete the
program successfully. Separate semester-wise grade sheets will not be provided.

Upon completing the program successfully, associate should collect the Consolidated Grade Sheet and
Provisional Degree from the University campus, in person only. Being important documents, they will not
be sent by post or any other means.

It is the responsibility of the associate to coordinate with the University and collect the documents.

32. How do I receive my final degree?

Associate needs to coordinate with SASTRA University and collect the final degree directly from SASTRA
University, in person only. Being an important document, it will not be sent by post or any other means.

33. If I complete the program successfully, will I have any advantage in the annual appraisal?

There is no special consideration during the appraisal process for completing the program successfully.
However, the knowledge gained through the program may result in better performance in official work, resulting
in better recognition.

34. Can I continue the course if I get released from current project and get transferred to another TCS
location?

Yes. Since it is the programme offered under OL mode, there is no restriction on Territorial Jurisdiction as long
as you are in India.

35. I am from Ignite Alumni and I already possess an MCA degree. Am I eligible to apply for this program?

Since you already possess an MCA degree, you are not eligible to apply for this programme.

36. Can I withdraw from the program mid-way?

Yes, but you will not be awarded the MCA degree. This being a collaborative programme no certificates will be
issued for the partial completion.

37. Is this degree considered by other companies?

The validity of the program and its recognition outside TCS depends on the individual company policies and
procedures.

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38. Is this degree acceptable for further higher education and PhD admission in other Indian Institutes, in
the light of any AICTE / UGC guidelines?

SASTRA MCA OL is AICTE and UGC DEB approved programme. The requirements for admission to specific
programs in other institutions are decided by the respective institutions.

39. Will I be paid salary while pursuing this program?

Yes.

40. Whom do I contact for getting my personal details like Name, Sex, Date of Birth, etc. corrected in the
course documents?

It is expected that all the associates give their data correct during the registration.

However, after the completion of the final semester and before releasing the Provisional Degree and
Consolidated Grade Sheet, SASTRA University provides option to get the personal details corrected. During
this time, associate should communicate with SASTRA University directly and get the data corrected.

41. If there is any issue with the evaluation of courses for which SASTRA University is the credit awardee,
whom should I contact?

Associate should contact SASTRA University for the clarifications by sending e-mail to dde@sastra.edu;
office@dde.sastra.ac.in

42. If there is any issue with the evaluation of courses for which TCS is the credit awardee other than those
covered in Question numbers 19 and 20, whom should I contact?

Associate should contact TCS SASTRA MCA SPOC for the clarifications by sending an e-mail to
aip.highereducation@tcs.com

43. I am part of the Ignite Alumni list and I am keen to register for this course. What should I do?

You should contact the Ignite SPOC / aip.highereducation@tcs.com and let them know about your interest.

44. Will I get re-fitment, compensation revision and promotion upon completion of the course?

Associate should contact their respective Unit HR / Ignite HR for the applicability and the relevant process.

45. For what purposes do I reach the TCS AIP Higher Education team?

All the transactions between the MCA aspirant and SASTRA University are between the two parties ONLY. The
role of AIP Higher Education team is restricted to facilitating the course registration and sharing the evaluation
of TCS-handled courses to SASTRA University.

46. When the classes for the batch starts?

The classes for the January 2022 batch are expected to start tentatively by the last week of January 2022.
However, SASTRA University will finalize the exact date of the commencement of the classes once the
admissions are over and will communicate the same to all the associates who are admitted into the batch.

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