Integrated courses and regular courses are the words we get to hear a lot from the students, teachers, colleges, and universities. Both courses require you to study, but each of them has a different study plan, syllabus, and duration.
Integrated Courses
- An integrated course is where two courses (from the Under Graduation level and the Post Graduation level) are combined to form a single course. This helps save a year of studies or consolidates the courses and still earns a degree.
- For example, if you opt for an integrated MBA after 12th standard, you will complete the course in 5 years. Students are free to choose between management or engineering courses as optional courses during the program.
- Not every college offers integrated courses. So students are advised to do some research about the streams available, the courses they can opt for and then join a university or a business school.
- An advantage of choosing an integrated course is that students do not have to attempt various entrance examinations in an attempt to get admission into one college if not another.
- An integrated course is the best option for students who have a clear idea of which course they want to pursue and what stream they need to opt in to fulfill their career dreams.
Regular Courses
- A regular course is where students follow the said guidelines for completing their 12th standard or under graduation, etc. and joining another course either as a continuation of their stream or as diversification into another stream/ subject.
- The number of years for each course is fixed and students will have to attempt entrance examinations, attend interviews, and get into the college or university of their choice.
- For students who like to take one step at a time and take a plunge into a course at the last minute, the regular courses will allow them to space things out accordingly.
- For example, an integrated Ph.D. would mean the student has to complete their post graduation and Ph.D. in a single period. By choosing the regular courses, students can take a year off, get some work experience or even start a business and opt for a Ph.D. when it suits them.
- When faced with unexpected circumstances, regular courses can give the much-required breathing space to the students.
- Moreover, students can continue with their studies while joining an internship or a part-time/ full-time job.
Integrated courses and regular courses have advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which one to choose depends entirely on the students and their aspirations. There has been a rise in the number of students opting for integrated courses as the complex process of re-enrollment in a new college can be avoided.
Look at the eligibility criteria for each option, talk to students who are already pursuing these courses to get a better idea. Find out all that needs to be known before taking the big decision that will impact your life.
