Educational process outsourcing is enabling over 100 Delhi students rake in handsome dividends from a few hours spent answering queries and clearing doubts. Manya Education Private Limited, an e-tutoring firm, recently began campus recruitment in IIT-Delhi, Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia. Academically strong students from the Sciences stream were shortlisted and subsequently trained for a month.

The e-tutoring model requires these studentteachers to log on to a chat-based software and answer queries from students in the US and Europe. For an average four-hour session, they earn between Rs 12,000 and Rs 17,000, depending on competency .

Varun Thakur, a Chemistry (Honours) student, is back from office in time for classes at Sri Venkateswara College, after four hours spent interacting with American students in grades IX to XII. "E-tutoring is exciting. I work from 3.30 am to 7.30 am and am back home before classes. The courses in the US are the same as ours. The only difference is the teaching methodology," says Thakur.

Beginning with Math, Physics and Chemistry, Manya Education plans to include social sciences lessons. "We conduct a content test to evaluate the knowledge of interested candidates. Then we pick students who are good communicators," says Sachin from the firm's Human Resources department.

Students-teachers can draw diagrams and figures using the software and transfer files if required. For IITian Rumit Mani, a final year MSc student in Chemistry, the process has been a lot of fun. "I love the subject that teach and the timing works for me as well. Also, I feel confident when I successfully clear doubts and queries," he says.

The teaching fraternity has welcomed the initiative. "E-tutoring is a great option for bright students with a good grasp over their subjects," said Rihan Khan Suri, placement office, Jamia Millia Islamia.

"Since the are flexible, students can quit teaching during exams and then resume it again."