Kochi: The Cochin Stock Exchange (CSE) is in the advanced stages of finalising a tie-up with the Mahatma Gandhi University for launching a 100-per cent job-oriented three-year bachelor degree course, BFIA (bachelor of financial investment analysis).

The course, the first of its kind in Kerala, is designed keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian financial market, say CSE sources.

Stating that degrees like B.Com, M.Com and even MBA have failed to deliver the desired results, the sources say the proposed BFIA will deliver the stated objectives both in terms of enhancement of knowledge and in providing more employment opportunities.

The CSE is already providing a National Stock Exchange certificate in financial marketing (NCFM) through its CSE Institute of Capital Market (CICM) and the proposed BFIA course is for those who plan to make a career out of financial consultancy, the sources add.

Thomas George, the coordinator of CSE Institute of Capital Market, says: "The CSE has plans for many ambitious educational programmes." He, however, refuses to give more details.

As per the CSE's plans, the course will be started at the CICM, which has the recognition of MG University. For this to happen, the CICM also needs to get the 'educational institution' status from the government.

The sources say a clear focus and attitude in teaching methodology is lacking in the present system, and hence the proposal for the new course. It is learnt that CSE officials will help the MG University in framing the syllabus, besides offering their services in the faculty.

"Currently, the graduates don't even know what they studied at the end of their college term. Today's highly competitive business environment requires people with specialised knowledge and business acumen, which is lacking in the current educational scenario," the CSE sources explain.

The CSE had felt the urgent need to salvage the situation and came up with the three-year bachelor degree. The course involves not only classroom sessions but also industrial and corporate training.

The BFIA programme is partly self-financed and consists of 30 compulsory papers spread over three years and 750 hours of industrial training in different designated fields. In addition to the normal topics in commerce like costing and advanced accounting, the three-year course will also lay emphasis on subjects like foreign exchange management, investment analysis and portfolio management, international finance, business ethics and corporate governance and business through Internet technology.