AMU PRCAA FAQs
Ques. What is the Certificate of Proficiency in Persian at AMU, and who should pursue it?
Ans. The Certificate of Proficiency in Persian (PRCAA) is a 1-year part-time language programme offered by the Department of Persian at AMU, one of the most prestigious centres for Persian studies in South Asia. The course covers Persian script, grammar, reading, writing, and basic comprehension. It is ideal for students of history, literature, Islamic studies, and Urdu who wish to access Persian texts; for researchers working on Mughal-era manuscripts; for civil services aspirants with an interest in Persian as an optional language; and for anyone with a cultural or personal interest in the Persian language and its rich literary tradition.
Ques. Is any prior knowledge of Persian required to apply for this course?
Ans. No prior knowledge of Persian is required to apply for the Certificate of Proficiency in Persian at AMU. The course is designed as an introductory programme and begins from the basics of the Persian script and language. The AMU Departmental Test (PRCAA) is used for selection, and candidates must score at least 20% to be eligible. The test is generally accessible to candidates with no prior Persian background, as it assesses general aptitude and language learning potential rather than existing Persian proficiency.
Ques. What are the class timings and how is the course structured for part-time students?
Ans. The Certificate of Proficiency in Persian is a part-time programme, with classes typically held in the afternoon or evening hours at the Department of Persian on the AMU main campus in Aligarh. The course is structured over one academic year and covers Persian script, vocabulary, grammar, prose, and poetry. The exact timetable is communicated after admission. Since it is a part-time course, students are not entitled to hostel accommodation, and outstation candidates must make their own living arrangements in Aligarh.
Ques. What career or academic opportunities does this certificate open up?
Ans. The Certificate of Proficiency in Persian from AMU's Department of Persian opens several academic and professional avenues. It serves as a stepping stone to the Diploma of Proficiency in Persian and further advanced programmes in Persian language and literature. Academically, it is valuable for researchers in history, Islamic studies, Urdu literature, and South Asian studies, as a large body of classical texts in these fields is in Persian. Professionally, it can be useful for those working in archives, museums, diplomatic services, and cultural organisations with ties to Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Ques. Can a student enrolled in another full-time course at AMU or elsewhere simultaneously pursue this certificate?
Ans. Yes. Since the Certificate of Proficiency in Persian is a part-time programme with evening/afternoon classes, students enrolled in full-time courses at AMU or other institutions can simultaneously pursue it, provided the class timings do not overlap. AMU's rules permit students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously if the class timings of one do not clash with the other. However, candidates should confirm the specific timetable after admission and ensure there is no conflict with their primary course schedule.
Ques. How competitive is admission to this course, and what does the Departmental Test cover?
Ans. With only 20 seats available, admission to the Certificate of Proficiency in Persian at AMU can be competitive, especially given the university's reputation in Persian studies. The Departmental Test (PRCAA) is conducted at Aligarh and is the sole basis for selection. The test typically covers general language aptitude, basic comprehension, and may include questions related to Persian script recognition and general knowledge about Persian literature and culture. Candidates must score at least 20% to be eligible. The syllabus for the test is available on the AMU Controller of Examinations website at www.amucontrollerexams.com.


![Aligarh Muslim University - [AMU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1770727722amulogo2001.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)




Comments