KARACHI, June 4: The Institute of Business Administration is launching an up-graded new programme from August 5, the director of the institute said at a news conference on Tuesday.

It was stated that about 130 to 140 candidates would be granted admissions and of these about 50 seats would be offered on a self- finance basis.

IBA director Danishmand said that these programmes in business studies, computer science and management information systems were being initiated in line with the recommendations of task groups of educationists in the USA and Pakistan.

These would require the students to take a variety of subjects to become broadly informed about the state of knowledge and life today.

It was stated that the programmes and methodologies had been designed to prepare the students to cope with the challenges and fast-changing conditions of business and industry.

Danishmand also pointed out that at present the bachelor level education in Pakistan spread over a period of 14 years whereas the duration in the United States was 16 years.

Under the new programme, the candidates will obtain BBA degrees after completion of 16 years of bachelor level education.

Meanwhile, those candidates who have appeared in the intermediate examinations and are awaiting results may also appear in the entrance test, but they will have to meet the required eligibility of the admission.

It was also pointed out that the IBA would offer merit scholarships for deserving but high achieving candidates.—APP