The Expert Computer Course (ECC), is a computer certification exam conducted by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT). The ECC exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills of candidates in computer applications.
Overview

The ECC exam is a pen-and-paper exam. The exam duration is 3 hours. The exam is conducted in multiple languages. The ECC exam is a valuable certification for candidates who want to work in the IT industry. This certification can help you to get a job, get a promotion, or increase your salary. The exam is divided into three levels: Foundation, Associate, and Professional. The Foundation level is the entry-level exam, while the Associate and Professional levels are for more experienced candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
the eligibility criteria for the ECC exam:
- Foundation level:
- 10th pass from a recognized board or institute.
- Age of at least 15 years at the time of applying for the exam.
- Associate level:
- 12th pass or equivalent from a recognized board or institute.
- Age of at least 17 years at the time of applying for the exam.
- Professional level:
- Graduate or equivalent from a recognized university or institute.
- Age of at least 20 years at the time of applying for the exam.
In addition to the above, the following are also eligible to apply for the ECC exam:
- Candidates who have passed a qualifying examination conducted by the NIELIT or any other recognized institute.
- Candidates who have passed a diploma course in computer applications from a recognized institute.
- Candidates who have at least 3 years of experience in the IT industry.
The NIELIT may also grant relaxation in the minimum age requirement for candidates belonging to certain categories, such as SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Exam Pattern
Exam | Stage | Number of Questions | Time Duration | Marking Scheme |
---|---|---|---|---|
Foundation | 8 | 120 | 3 hours | 4 marks for each correct answer, 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
Associate | 10 | 200 | 3 hours 30 minutes | 4 marks for each correct answer, 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
Professional | 12 | 300 | 4 hours 30 minutes | 4 marks for each correct answer, 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
Application Process
Here are the steps involved in the application process for the ECC exam:
- Go to the official website of the NIELIT
- Click on the “ECC Exam” link.
- Click on the “Apply Online” button.
- Create a new account or log in to your existing account.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application form.
The application form for the ECC exam can be downloaded from the official website of the NIELIT. The required documents for the application form are:
- A passport-size photograph
- A signature
- A scanned copy of your 10th/12th pass certificate or equivalent
- A scanned copy of your ID proof (such as PAN card, voter ID card, or passport)
The application fee for the ECC exam is as follows:
- Foundation level: INR 1,000
- Associate level: INR 1,500
- Professional level: INR 2,000
Fee can be paid online through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
Syllabus
The syllabus for the ECC exam:
Foundation Level
- Basic Computer Concepts
- Computer hardware and software
- Data representation
- Input and output devices
- Operating systems
- Networking
- Internet and web technologies
- Programming Languages
- Basics of programming
- Data types
- Operators
- Control structures
- Functions
- Arrays
- Strings
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Data structures
- Algorithms
- Searching and sorting
- Trees
- Graphs
- Database Management Systems
- Database concepts
- Relational databases
- SQL
- Data manipulation and retrieval
- Networking
- Network basics
- OSI model
- TCP/IP
- Internet protocols
- Network security
- Web Development
- HTML CSS JavaScript PHP Web frameworks
- Information Security
- Computer security
- Cryptography
- Malware
- Social engineering
- Ethical hacking
Associate Level
- Basic Computer Concepts
- Operating Systems
- Programming Languages
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Management Systems
- Networking
- Web Development
- Information Security
- Software Engineering
- Software development life cycle
- Software testing
- Software quality assurance
- System Analysis and Design
- Systems analysis
- Systems design
- User-interface design
Professional Level
- Basic Computer Concepts
- Operating Systems
- Programming Languages
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Management Systems
- Networking
- Web Development
- Information Security
- Software Engineering
- System Analysis and Design
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Data mining
- Machine learning
- Big data analytics
- Cloud Computing
- Cloud computing concepts
- Cloud computing platforms
- Cloud computing applications
Important Dates
Event | Date |
---|---|
Notification for Foundation Level | February 2023 |
Online application starts for Foundation Level | March 2023 |
Online application closes for Foundation Level | April 2023 |
Admit card release for Foundation Level | May 2023 |
Exam date for Foundation Level | June 2023 |
Result for Foundation Level | July 2023 |
Notification for Associate Level | September 2023 |
Online application starts for Associate Level | October 2023 |
Online application closes for Associate Level | November 2023 |
Admit card release for Associate Level | December 2023 |
Exam date for Associate Level | January 2024 |
Result for Associate Level | February 2024 |
Notification for Professional Level | February 2024 |
Online application starts for Professional Level | March 2024 |
Online application closes for Professional Level | April 2024 |
Admit card release for Professional Level | May 2024 |
Exam date for Professional Level | June 2024 |
Result for Professional Level | July 2024 |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Start studying early. The ECC exam is a challenging exam, so it is important to start studying early and make a study plan.
- Focus on the topics that are most important for the exam. The ECC exam covers a wide range of topics, so it is important to focus on the topics that are most important for the exam.
- Practice with previous year’s question papers. Practicing with previous year’s question papers is a great way to get familiar with the format of the exam and the types of questions that are asked.
- Join a study group or take online courses. Joining a study group or taking online courses can help you stay motivated and learn from others who are also preparing for the exam.
- Get enough sleep and eat healthy foods. It is important to get enough sleep and eat healthy foods in order to stay focused and energized during your studies.
FEES
Stage |
Category |
Fee |
---|---|---|
Foundation Level | General | INR 1,000 |
Foundation Level | SC/ST/PwD | INR 500 |
Associate Level | General | INR 1,500 |
Associate Level | SC/ST/PwD | INR 750 |
Professional Level | General | INR 2,000 |
Professional Level | SC/ST/PwD | INR 1,000 |
FAQ?
The eligibility criteria for the ECC exam are Foundation level: 10th pass, Associate level: 12th pass or equivalent, Professional level: Graduate or equivalent
There are many benefits to passing the ECC exam. Some of the benefits are Increased job opportunities, Higher salary, Better career prospects, Recognition from employers, Enhanced knowledge and skills in computer applications
The exam fees for the ECC exam 2023 are as for Foundation level: INR 1,000, for Associate level: INR 1,500, for Professional level: INR 2,000
The exam dates for the ECC exam 2023 are for Foundation level: June 2023, Associate level: January 2024, Professional level: June 2024
Conclusion
The ECC exam is a challenging exam, but it is also a great opportunity for those who want to improve their computer skills and get a certification in computer applications. The exam covers a wide range of topics, so it is important to start studying early and make a study plan. Practicing with previous year’s question papers is also a great way to get familiar with the format of the exam and the types of questions that are asked.