text: SAMETI Courses
  National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) has launched one-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (PGDAEM)programme for the public extension functionaries in distance learning mode in 2007. The programme is sponsored by Dept. of Agriculture and Cooperative, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. SAMETI is looking after PGDAEM at state level under the guidance of MANAGE.
  To acquaint the extension functionaries on the latest development in the field of agricultural extension.
  To equip the extension functionaries with latest tools and techniques for participatory decision making.
  Extension functionaries graduated in agriculture and allied areas and currently employed in the state/central/UT Governments.
  Graduates in agriculture and allied areas working in agri-business companies, NGOs, cooperatives and farmers' organizations
  Agri-entrepreneurs and input dealers graduated in agriculture and allied areas.
  The candidates from government departments for admission into the diploma programme have to forward application through Project Director(ATMA) of the concerned district to the Director, SAMETI, Hyderabad for onward transmission to MANAGE(www.manage.gov.in). Candidates from the private sector may apply directly to Director(Agricultural Extension and Communication), MANAGE, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad.
  Admission to the Diploma Programme is made once in a year in the month of September / October every year.
  The duration of the programme is of one-year, spread over two Semesters with a credit load of 32 hours. In each semester contact classes will be held at SAMETI.
  The programme is conducted in distance learning mode with the support of printed material, contact classes, e-learning resources and assignments. The candidates are required to complete one assignment for each course in a semester.
  The candidates will be evaluated based on the performance in the written examination and assignments. The written examination is of 70 marks and assignment is of 30 marks for each course. A minimum of 50 marks is required to qualify in each course. The candidates who score 70% marks and above will be awarded first division and those who score 80% marks and above will be awarded distinction. The candidates who failed to qualify will be allowed to re-appear for the examination in the next semester.
  A provision is made in the revised cafeteria of State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) to meet the expenses for the P G D A E M. This programme has been included in the State Level innovative activity with a cost norm of Rs. 15,000 per candidate and an annual ceiling of Rs. 3.75 Lakhs per ATMA district. The funds can be utilized from Extension Reforms Scheme after getting approval from ATMA Governing Board.
  Candidates from private sector/NGOs
  Candidates working in agribusiness companies, NGOs, cooperatives, agri-entrepreneurs, input dealers and other private sector employees etc., have to make a payment of Rs. 25,000/- towards course fee in one installment. The amount should be paid in the form of Demand Draft drawn in favour of MANAGE, payable at Hyderabad.
  Conditions for award of diploma
  Candidates have to attend the contact classes, submit the assignments, project work, Term end examinations and complete all the academic formalities prescribed as communicated to the candidates from time to time.
  Undertaking by the candidate from the government sector
  The candidates from the government department who registers for the PGDAEM has to give an undertaking stating that he/she will complete the course within a period of two years failing which the entire course expenditure i.e., Rs. 15,000/- will be recovered from his/her salary. The undertaking has to be forwarded by the sponsoring agency to MANAGE along with the application form. The registration is valid for only two years for all the candidates, including candidates from private sector.
  Note:Requests of Government employees for withdrawal from the course shall not be considered after one month of registration. Any such requests should be routed through ATMA only.