The academy of Physics Teachers conducts talent search examinations every year to select young talents in the field of physics and budding scientists in accordance with rule 5.11 of its Constitution. Each year, a Board is constituted by the Executive Committee of the Academy for conducting the examination. The Examination Board first frames the guidelines for the smooth conduct of the examination and then announces the examination. Usually, the examination is conducted in two phases: written examination and an interview. Only ten to thirty toppers in the written test are called for the interview. The questions for the written test are prepared confidentially by an expert nominated by the Board. The interview is conducted by a panel of subject experts with long experience and deep knowledge in physics. From among the candidates called for the interview, three are selected and graded in the order of merit. They are given fabulous prizes and merit certificates and opportunities to use the facilities of major physics laboratories in Kerala during their course of study. The rest are given merit certificates as a mark of encouragement.

The Academy of Physics Teachers boldly initiated the works that eventually ended up in the re-structuring of the Post Graduate curriculum and syllabus of the Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam. This had become an immediate necessity as the students who would join the course were studying a re-structured under graduate curriculum. APT constituted a steering committee under the convener ship of Dr. G. Ambika, Reader, Maharaja’s College Ernakulam. About thirty experienced teachers participated voluntarily and readily in this exercise. Healthy discussions were held at various levels, a large number of good books were freely referred, a good number of experts were consulted, syllabi of different Universities were compared and finally a draft syllabus was prepared and was submitted to the Board of Studies of the University for favorable recommendation.

The following members of the Academy were seriously consulted in this process.

1. Dr. M.A. Ittyachen, Former President of APT and Director, SPAP, M.G. University.
2. Dr. Jacob Philip, Professor of Physics CUST.
3. Dr. V.M. Nandakumaran, Professor of Physics CUSAT.
4. Dr. V.P.N. Nampoori, Professor of Physics CUSAT.
5. Dr. Dr. K.P. Satheesh, Govt. College Kottayam.
6. Dr. N.V.Unnikrishnan, Reader in Physics, SPAP, M.G. University.
7. Dr. L. Godrey, Reader in Physics, SPAP, M.G. University.
8. Dr. C.P. Girijavallabhan, Professor of Physics, ISP, CUSAT.
9. Dr. G. Vinod, Lecturer, S.S. College Kalady.
10. Dr. George Varghese, S.B. College, Changanassery.
11. Dr.Shaji N. Lecturer, Maharaja’s College Ernakulam.

The draft syllabus was accepted by the Board of Studies (P. G.) in Physics of the Mahatma Gandhi University which was chaired by Dr. M. A. Ittyachen. The Board of Studies went through the draft of the syllabus, prepared copies of the modified draft and circulated them among the teachers in physics at different colleges for healthy discussions. The representatives of teachers were called to a three day workshop by the BOS to discuss the various aspects of the syllabus and curriculum before finalsing it.

The restructured syllabus and curriculum was recommended by the BOS to the University. It was finally approved by the University and implemented for study in 2001. The Academy of Physics Teachers proudly presents this unique achievement, not heard of in any other Indian Universities.

The following members of the BOS in Physics of M.G. University need special mention for their kind regards to this noted venture of the Academy.

1. Dr. M.A. Ittyachen, Former Director SPAP, Chairman.
2. Mr. P.T. Kurian, HOD of Physics, K.E. College Mannanam, Convener.
3. Mr. Cherian Thomas, St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor.