About NIELIT
NIELIT is an autonomous scientific society under the administrative control of Department
of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communications &
Information Technology, Government of India. The Society is registered under the Societies
Registration Act, 1860. NIELIT is the only professional examination body in India, which
accredits institutes/organizations for conducting particular courses, specializing in the nonformal sector of IT education & training. O/ A/ B/ C Level courses conducted by the
institutes in the non-formal sector have established a brand name in the field of IT in India
and abroad.
The head office of the Society is located at Electronics Niketan, 6, CGO Complex, New
Delhi-110003. A number of Regional Centers of NIELIT are situated across the country.
Demands for Courses in Computer Hardware
Hon’ble Prime Minister has given a vision of “Digital India” and “Make in India”. Both the
vision requires manpower to be IT enabled and knowledge-empowered with Computers.
NIELIT is pioneer in imparting quality education and subsequent evaluation of the masses.
Also, with increase in computerization and automation, there is a growing demand of
professionals with the knowledge of computer hardware. Also, with the increased
popularity of smart-phones, tablets, laptops, gadgets and smart devices, the computer
hardware professionals are in high demand.
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About Hardware Courses
The conception of a new scheme under NIELIT for hardware courses is a result of the
amalgamation of experience of running the existing NIELIT Scheme in computers and
pioneer industry professionals like Intel. NIELIT Scheme on Hardware Courses has been
worked out asCHM – O Level
Diploma in Computer Hardware Maintenance
CHM - A Level
Advanced Diploma in Computer Hardware Maintenance and Networking
The objective of the courses is to generate quality manpower for Hardware in the field of
Information Technology (IT) by utilizing the facilities and expertise available with training
institutes/ organizations in the non-formal sector.
Computer training institutes/ organizations in the non-formal sector, subject to meeting
well defined norms, are granted accreditation for specified levels of courses i.e. Diploma in
Computer Hardware Maintenance (CHM) – ‘O’ Level and Advanced Diploma in Computer
Hardware Maintenance & Networking (CHM) – ‘A’ Level.
The Courses are to be conducted according to the prescribed curriculum for each level,
which has been worked out, keeping in view the changing requirements of the industry.
Candidates from accredited institutes as well as working professionals are eligible to appear
for the examinations at these levels conducted by NIELIT Society.
CHM-O Level
Objective:
The Objective of the CHM-O Level course is to train 10+2, Diploma, graduate and other
degree Qualifiers to acquire basic knowledge in Computer hardware and peripherals for
installation, trouble shooting and maintenance including system software management and
its back up and to undertake disaster prevention, diagnosis and rectification of faults
besides personality development and communication skills.
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Course structure and Duration:
Subject code
Subject Name
H1
Electronics Components and PC Hardware
H2
PC Architecture
H3
Computer Peripherals and Networking
H4
System Software, Diagnostic & Debugging Tools
H5
Personality Development and Communication Skills
H6
PC Debugging – Repair & Maintenance
The course would be of six months duration, however, in continued govt. schemes the course can be
offered in one year, (first three subjects in first semester & last three subjects in second semester).
Eligibility Criteria:
10 + 2 pass or ITI, diploma, graduation, post-graduation or doctorate. However, the
candidate should make certain that he/ she has sufficient prior knowledge to undertake this
course. The Eligibility of the CHM-A Level course is CHM O level qualification.
Career Opportunities:
After completing the courses, the candidate would be able to have advanced and in-depth
knowledge of Computer Hardware to maintain and to install and trouble shoot advanced
Servers and System software, Information Security, Administration of open source software
besides development of entrepreneurship skills.
The career opportunities after CHM-O level, are proposed considering the sector of
prospective employers i.e., Service Industry (H/w & S/w) and Academia such as
Troubleshooters, Technicians (PC), Asst. System Administrations, Lab Demonstrator,
Network Managers, Network Administrators, Information and Cyber Security Personnel.
The career path of the professionals in an organization after completion of the
courses can typically be foreseen as under
Trainee Engineer
Network Engineer
Service Engineer
Technical Support Engineer
Network Administrator
Network Analyst
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Practicals
There shall be practical examinations for every CHM level course. The practical and their
designated hours are defined in each course. After completing the course, the training
institute would conduct the practical examination.
The duration of each practical examination shall be three hours including viva-voce and
maximum marks in each practical examination shall be 50. Candidates shall be awarded
marks to be uploaded by the examiner soon after the examination. Every candidate has to
pass in both Theory and Practical Examinations separately, where the passing marks are half
of the maximum marks.
CHM-A Level
Objective:
The Objective of the CHM-A level is to train the candidates, who have qualified O level, with
advancements in Computer hardware, networking and troubleshooting with advancements
in Computer hardware, networking and troubleshooting. Being a modular course, only those
who have qualified O level will be enrolled for A level.
Course structure and Duration:
Subject
code
Subject Name
A1
Advance PC Hardware and
Networking Components
A2
No. of hours, No. of hours, Total No. of
Practical
theory
hours
Data
Communication
Computer Networks
and
A3
Network Management
Administration
and
A4
Linux Administration
A5
Entrepreneurship Development
A6
Project
A7
Elective
25
35
60
35
40
75
40
40
80
35
45
80
10
35
45
60
0
60
30
40
70
235
235
470
The candidate can choose any one elective out of the two offered electives.
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A7.1
IT Security
A7.2
Networking with Advanced components
The course would be of six months duration, however, in continued govt. schemes the course can be
offered in one year, (first three subjects in first semester & last four subjects in second semester).
Practical
There shall be practical examinations for every CHM level course. The practical and their
designated hours are defined in each course. After completing the course, the training
institute would conduct the practical examination.
The duration of each practical examination shall be of three hours including viva-voce and
maximum marks in each practical examination shall be 50. Candidates shall be awarded
marks to be uploaded by the examiner soon after the examination. Every candidate has to
pass in both Theory and Practical Examinations separately, where the passing marks are half
of the maximum marks.
Project
NIELIT Hardware curriculum has a project as an important component of ‘A’ level and higher
level courses. The project is identified and carried out by the candidate under the guidance
and support of Faculty/ Guide and management of the respective institute. It is felt that
such a project provides an opportunity to the candidate to apply his/ her knowledge and
skills to real life problems (including oral and written communication skills), and as such the
project shall be given utmost importance & priority both by the candidates as well as by the
institute faculty/management in respect of its identification, planning and implementation.
Who Could Be a Guide?
A guide for Hardware ‘A’ level should be a person with minimum two years experience in
the field of computer hardware/networking after completion of B.E./ B.Tech in Electronics/
Computer Science/ Equivalent and educate experience in area in which the candidate has
chosen the Project. The AHI concerned will render all help including nomination of guide.
Time of Submission of Hardware ‘CHM-A’ Level Project
Candidate can submit the project only after clearing at least three papers and appearing in
remaining papers in the next examination. Project should be so chosen that it would require
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approximately 100 man-hours & carries a total of 100 marks (80% for the project evaluation
& 20% for the viva-voce). However, the candidate is expected to complete the project by
devoting extra hours as well.
Examination Pattern
The candidates may take maximum of three consecutive attempts to clear the examination.
However, if a candidate can not clear all the subjects or a candidate wishes, he/ she may opt
out of the course (O level or A level) with a certificate bearing his cleared subjects only.
Career Opportunities:
After completing the courses, the candidate would be able to have advanced and in-depth
knowledge of Computer Hardware to maintain and to install and trouble shoot advanced
Servers and System software, Information Security, Administration of open source software
besides development of entrepreneurship skills.
The career opportunities after CHM-A level are proposed considering the sector of
prospective employers i.e. Service, Industry (H/w & S/w) and Academia such as Installation
/Service /Maintenance Engineer (PC), System Administrator, Lab Specialist, Network
Engineer/ Consultant, Network/ Information Security Manager etc.
Attendance
Every candidate shall have to attend minimum 75% classes in all theory & practical.
Identity Card
Each candidate will be issued an identity card bearing his/her photo, course details & allied
information. candidates are expected to carry identity card when they come to the Institute.
Library
The institute would provide a Library with all necessary NIELIT CHM-‘O’ and ‘A’ Level books,
journals and magazines.
Fees Structure
The AHI may frame a fee structure, based on their obligations and policies. Except the
caution money, no component of fee is refundable. However, in case of migration of a
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candidate is permitted, the balance of fee shall be transferred to the new Accredited
Hardware Institute (AHI).
CHM – ‘O’ Level:
For General Category
For Reserved Category Candidates
Candidates
Tuition Fees
To be decided by AHI
Rs. 2000 less than the General Category Candidates
Caution Money
Rs. 1,000.00
Rs. 1,000.00
Registration Fees
Rs. 500.00
Rs. 500.00
Examination fees
Rs. 3000.00
Rs. 3000.00
The service tax as applicable will have to be paid by the candidate in CHM O and CHM A level.
CHM – ‘A’ Level
For General Category Candidates:
For General Category Candidates
For Reserved Category Candidates
Tuition Fees
To be decided by AHI
Rs. 2000 less than the General Category Candidates
Caution Money
Rs. 1,000.00
Rs. 1,000.00
Project fees
Rs. 2,000.00
Rs. 2,000.00
Registration Fees
Rs. 500.00
Rs. 500.00
Examination fees
Rs. 3000.00
Rs. 3000.00
The service tax as applicable will have to be paid by the candidate in CHM O and CHM A level.
Registration
The registration is only through Accredited Hardware Institute (AHI). The candidate is
required to identify Accredited Hardware Institute for registration and complete the
registration formalities online. All correspondences shall be through (AHI).
Practical
The candidate shall complete the practical in schedule time and appear in practical
examination at designated location/ place as per schedule, informed to the candidate.
Projects
For projects of ‘CHM-A’ level and above, the candidate shall identify the guide(s)/
supervisor(s) and place for project work and shall submit the acceptance of the identified
resource person to act as guide/supervisor for the proposed project work in prescribed
proforma being given on the website.
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Rules and Regulations for Candidates
1. Every candidate seeking admission to the NIELIT Hardware Course shall register with the
NIELIT, through the AHI, using online portal.
2. NIELIT does not bind itself to accept the registration of the prospective candidate and
has right to reject the same without assigning any reason.
3. The fee shall be paid to NIELIT through the Accredited Hardware Institute (AHI) at the
time of admission through the specified mechanism of online payment only. The
registration fee paid is neither refundable nor transferable.
4. On registration, each candidate shall be issued with a Registration Number; henceforth
this Registration Number shall be used in all correspondences.
5. The registration shall remain valid till the course is completed by the candidate or for a
period of two years, whichever is early. For each CHM course, the candidate should
register separately.
6. Only Registered candidates can appear for the examination.
7. On registration, a candidate shall be issued a Registration-cum-Identity Card by the AHI.
8. Registration is open twice a year. The schedule is available on website. Admission details
and cut-off dates are expected to remain same every year. Still NIELIT reserves the rights
to change, alter or drop a course or its schedule.
9. Registration Card must be surrendered at the time of collection of certificate/diploma.
10. A candidate shall always carry his/her Registration-cum-Identity card while attending the
Accredited Hardware Institute (AHI) and the Examination Centre during examinations.
11. In case of loss of Registration-cum-Identity Card, a duplicate card can be obtained on
payment of Rs. 50/- to the AHI.
Examinations
12. NIELIT examinations shall be held twice a year scheduled in the months of February and
August. The examinations shall commence from 2nd/ 3rd week of the month. There
shall be two papers in a day.
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13. A combined examination fees of Rs. 3000/- for each of the course is prescribed. If a
candidates fails in main exam then he/she will have to pay an examination fees of Rs.
500/- per subject. The examination fee would be paid to NIELIT through prescribed
channel only.
14. A candidate shall be entitled to appear in examination after fulfilling following
conditions:
A. Registered on or before due date as specified in the Para 6 above.
B. Completed the said course by attending more than 75% classes.
C. Completed tutorials and internal assignments.
D. If he has a valid registration (each registration is valid for a period of two years).
15. There would be an objective assessment for every theoretical component in each
subject of 100 Marks. The practical exam would also be of 100 marks. To qualify for a
pass in a subject, a candidate must have obtained at least 50% in each theory and
practical examination. The ratio of theory to practical would be 80:20 in subjects where
both exams are to be conducted. The marks will be translated into grades, while
communicating results to the candidates.
16. Minimum qualifying marks in each subject shall be 50%. The grades are defined as:
Percentage
Grade
Failed (<50)
F
50% - 70%
C
70% - 85%
B
85% and above
A
17. A candidate can appear at the max in three attempts to clear examinations or till
registration is valid, whichever is earlier.
Certification and Marks Sheet
18. On successful completion of the level and passing the examination of all the papers
specified for that level, a certificate shall be awarded by NIELIT.
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19. In case of revision in fee structure by NIELIT, the candidate shall be bound to pay the
balance of the fee as per the revised fee structure to the Accredited Hardware Institute
(AHI) and/ or NIELIT.
Course Material
20. Course material shall be provided to the candidates by the AHI, on payment basis. The
course material once issued to the candidate shall not be exchanged for any reason
whatsoever even if a revised edition has been brought out by NIELIT.
Curriculum
21. All NIELIT Hardware Courses shall be conducted in accordance with the curriculum as
prescribed in the document on “Curriculum”.
22. The NIELIT reserves rights to modify, add, delete, update or alter the curriculum of any
course at any time so as to incorporate the state-of-the-art technology.
Migration and rules
23. Migration to another Accredited Hardware Institute (AHI) shall be permitted only under
exceptional circumstances like transfer of parents from one station to another,
termination of accreditation of the said course or closing of the existing Accredited
Hardware Institute (AHI) etc.
24. No migration shall be permitted from one Accredited Hardware Institute (AHI) to
another Accredited Hardware Institute (AHI) in the same city without a valid reason.
25. NIELIT have mentioned the rules in accordance to its jurisdiction. However, NIELIT may
change, update or drop any rule as per the decision of its competent bodies. The
Director of the Nodal Centre would be the appellant authority. In case of any dispute or
perturbing issue, the person concerned may report to the Nodal Centre by mail, fax or
post within a period of 30 days. Further, in all such cases the final decision of the
appellant authority shall be binding on the candidate, the AHI and the Regional Centre.
26. For smooth conduction of the courses, detailed rules regarding leave, attendance, use of
library facilities, computer laboratories etc. shall be framed by the respective Accredited
Hardware Institute (AHI), and shall be implemented only after due approval of NIELIT.
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