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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
For library members
For Organisational members
For Online members
For Free trial members
  FOR LIBRARY MEMBERS
How can I login to British Council Online?
Logging in to British Council Online is easy. Enter the following details to access the member home page:
Login Id: <Your library membership ID>
(This is an 8 character unique number consisting of 3 letters followed by five numeric characters. This number is printed at the back of your library card)
Password: <password>
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Library membership automatically makes me a registered subscriber of BC online portal. Is it true vice-a-versa also?
All individual members have access to British Council Online as part of their library membership. However access to BC Online only does not automatically make you a library member. To become a library member, please contact your nearest British Council Library. For address details of the 11 British Council Library locations, please visit the link: http://library.britishcouncil.org.in/aild.asp
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What online content is available when I become a library member?
You will get access to the following resources:
  E-Resources: access to e-journals, books and online reference databases
  - Oxford English Dictionary-An unsurpassed guide to the meaning and pronunciation of over half a million words.
  - Infotrac-1000 journals, 4,000,000 articles and a custom newspaper database.
  - Oxford Reference-Core collection of 100 language and subject dictionaries; and a single searchable database.
  - Encyclopaedia Britannica-World's most authoritative source of information on virtually any topic.
  - Ashridge-A valuable tool for personal development and for latest on key aspects of management.
  - Ebrary-A collection of over 23,000 full text electronic books and other documents.
  Self access online learning modules
  - Knowing yourself
  - Knowing Your Strengths & Weaknesses
  - Managing Priorities
  - Projecting Yourself to Others
  - Developing Yourself
  - Knowing Your Team
  - Working with Others
  - Communicating Effectively
  - Understanding Management Roles
  - Developing as a Manager
  Library services
  - Books renewal
  - Online enquiries
  - Catalogue search (not real time)
  Learn English Professional
  - JAM - a series of 40 short Flash animated episodes that follows the fortunes of J@M, a web design company in London.
  - Vocabbuilder - a dynamic exercise generation tool that uses data from Collins Cobuild dictionary.
  - Grammar Movies - a suite of 35 Flash animations that demonstrate grammar in action.
  - Online Placement Test - a computer adaptive test of grammar, reading, vocabulary and listening.
  - Lessons - emailed worksheets that teach Business English and follow a structured syllabus.
  - IELTS & FCE practice material
  - Specialist Vocabulary
  Management Express
  - Collection of short articles on Management and Leadership skills
  - Content compiled from Bullet point and Edge (Content re-aggregators in the UK)
  - We post six articles per month. All six articles are available after login, two of these are offered as free previews on the home page.
  Communication Tools
  - Discussion forums
  - Poll
  - Survey
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I am already a library member, is there more content that I can subscribe to?
You can choose from the following packages, each of which is priced at Rs 400.
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Writing & reading skills package
  - Reading Skills - Learn to read effectively and practise a range of key reading strategies.
  - Writing Skills - The modules focus on the language, organisation and conventions needed for formal writing contexts.
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Listening and Communication skills package
  - Listening Skills - Improve your listening and note-taking skills, understand spoken language through the use of authentic listening texts and comprehension activities.
  - Communication Skills - Develop the skills needed for effective communication in both face-to-face and online situations.
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Grammar and Vocabulary Development package
  - Grammar - Increase your awareness of some of the more advanced and/or problematic aspects of English grammar and improve your own grammatical accuracy.
  - Vocabulary Development - Learn some of the key areas related to effective vocabulary learning. These include features that affect the formation and use of words in English and different techniques for extending vocabulary.
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English for Academic purposes (EAP)
Improve your English language and study skills such as listening, reading and critical thinking, writing, vocabulary and grammar within the following specific subject areas:
  - Management and Business Administration
  - Computer Science and IT
You an also subscribe to the Premium package which is priced at Rs. 600.
Premium Package
  Set of English language material from the University of Southampton
  - Listening skills
  - Writing skills
  - Communication skills
  - Reading
  - Vocabulary Development
  - Grammar
  - English for Academic Purpose (Management and Business Administration)
  - English for Academic Purpose (Computer Science & IT)
  - Living and studying in the UK
  Self access online learning modules
  - Knowing yourself
  - Knowing Your Strengths & Weaknesses
  - Managing Priorities
  - Projecting Yourself to Others
  - Developing Yourself
  - Knowing Your Team
  - Working with Others
  - Communicating Effectively
  - Understanding Management Roles
  - Developing as a manager
  Learn English Professional
  - JAM - a series of 40 short Flash animated episodes that follows the fortunes of J@M, a web design company in London.
  - Vocabbuilder - a dynamic exercise generation tool that uses data from Collins Cobuild dictionary.
  - Grammar Movies - a suite of 35 Flash animations that demonstrate grammar in action.
  - Online Placement Test - a computer adaptive test of grammar, reading, vocabulary and listening.
  - Lessons - emailed worksheets that teach Business English and follow a structured syllabus.
  - IELTS & FCE practice material
  - Specialist Vocabulary
  Management Express
  - Collection of short articles on Management and Leadership skills
  - Content compiled from Bullet point and Edge (Content re-aggregators in the UK)
  - We post six articles per month. All six articles are available after login, two of these are offered as free previews on the home page.
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I have forgotten my password. Please help.
Enter you Login ID and then click on the 'Forgot password' link on the home page. Your password will be mailed to the email id that you have provided during the registration process.
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I have forgotten my Login ID/ password. Please help.
Please send an email to techsupport.online@in.britishcouncil.org with the subject "Forgot Login ID/ password". We will respond within 24 working hours.
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My annual membership with the British Council library has expired- will the membership of British Council Online also automatically close?
Yes. Membership of the British Council Online portal is complimentary with your membership of the British Council Library. You will be a member of the portal only while your library membership is valid.
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I am unable to access any of the databases. What can be the reason?
All the databases are hosted on the web sites of their respective owners and we have linked to them. Though the services have been designed to be available with the minimum interruptions, they could be unavailable for some reason in exceptional circumstances. If you find such errors please let us know here.
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Can I access these resources (databases) from my office?
The use of e-resources through the library membership is restricted to individuals and institutions are not offered this facility. Access is for private individuals for personal use and not by institutions or companies for other purposes.
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How can I search for a book in the library catalogue? Please help.
Searching a book in the library catalogue is easy. Just follow the steps below
  - Login to www.britishcouncilonline.org
  - Click on online customer service under My Library section on the left hand column of your personalized home page
  - Then click on 'online library catalogue' link
  - Select search by, title and location.
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How can I renew a book online?
Renewing a book online is easy. Please follow the steps below
  - Login to www.britishcouncilonline.org
  - Click on online customer service under My Library section on the left hand column of your personalized home page
  - Then click on 'want to renew a book' link
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For how long is my membership valid?
Your online membership is valid for the same time till your library membership is valid. Once your library membership expires the online membership expires automatically.
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  FOR ORGANISATIONAL MEMBERS
How can I login to British Council Online?
If you are the coordinator for your organisation, follow the steps below
Login Id: <Your library membership ID>
(This is an 8 character unique number consisting of 3 letters followed by five numeric characters. This number is printed at the back of your library card)
Password: <password>
 
If you are a member follow the steps below
(This number is printed at the back of your library card)
Password: <password>
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What is Access 10 and Access 20?
Access 10 and Access 20 are the two options of the British Council Library's Organisational Membership. These two options have been specially designed to support a) professional and personal development of your employees and/ or b) to enhance the learning of staff and students of your institution. When you subscribe to Access 10 or Access 20 membership, you get access to following services respectively:
Access 10
 
  • Access to British Council Online with 10 Login IDs
  • 10 library cards
  • Books (Management, Personal Development, Engineering and Technology, Information Technology, English literature and more)
  • English Language Collection
  • British Council E-newsletter
  • Online Customer Services
  • Young Learners Collection
Access 20
 
  • Access to British Council Online with 20 Login IDs
  • 20 library cards
  • All benefits of Access 10 membership
      Additional benefits include:
 
  • A Customer Relations Manager to assist you with any query on your account
  • Special networking events
  • Free English language teaching workshops for your organisation's faculty
  • DVDs - a collection of British films and television
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What is the difference between a coordinator and a member in Organisational membership?
A coordinator is an authorized person within your organization who manages your access to British Council Online. For example, if your organization subscribes to Access 10 membership then there are 10 login ids that are controlled by the coordinator for providing simultaneous access to 10 members (within your organisation). A coordinator himself does not access any learning material but is authorized to change password and edit profile for other 10 members. A member, on the other hand, cannot change password or profile but can access learning resources. Whenever a member needs to login, he should contact the coordinator for a Login ID and password.
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My company has organisational membership of British Council library but I unable to access BC Online. Who should I contact? Do I need to become an individual member of the library?
If you are an organisational member, your first point of contact is the designated coordinator within your organization. If you are not able to access British Council Online, then you should report this matter to the coordinator who will arrange access for you. You are not required to become an individual member of the library in order to access British Council Online.
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What online services are available under organisational membership?
  Set of English language material from the University of Southampton
  - Listening skills
  - Writing skills
  - Communication skills
  - Reading
  - Vocabulary Development
  - Grammar
  - English for Academic Purpose (Management and Business Administration)
  - English for Academic Purpose (Computer Science & IT)
  - Living and studying in the UK
  Learn English Professional
  - JAM - a series of 40 short Flash animated episodes that follows the fortunes of J@M, a web design company in London.
  - Vocabbuilder - a dynamic exercise generation tool that uses data from Collins Cobuild dictionary.
  - Grammar Movies - a suite of 35 Flash animations that demonstrate grammar in action.
  - Online Placement Test - a computer adaptive test of grammar, reading, vocabulary and listening.
  - Lessons - emailed worksheets that teach Business English and follow a structured syllabus.
  - IELTS & FCE practice material
  - Specialist Vocabulary
  Self access online learning modules
  - Knowing yourself
  - Knowing Your Strengths & Weaknesses
  - Managing Priorities
  - Projecting Yourself to Others
  - Developing Yourself
  - Knowing Your Team
  - Working with Others
  - Communicating Effectively
  - Understanding Management Roles
  - Developing as a manager
  Management Express
  - Collection of short articles on Management and Leadership skills
  - Content compiled from Bullet point and Edge (Content re-aggregators in the UK)
  - We post six articles per month. All six articles are available after login, two of these are offered as free previews on the home page.
  Communication Tools
  - Discussion forums
  - Poll
  - Survey
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For how long is my membership valid?
Your online membership is valid for the same time till your library membership is valid. Once your library membership expires the online membership expires automatically.
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  FOR ONLINE MEMBERS
How can I become a member of British Council Online?
You can become a member by clicking on the 'Subscribe now' link on the home page of the portal. Before taking membership, you have the option of registering as a free trial member.
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What are the different modes of payment available by which I can pay for the services and packages available online?
You can pay online by using a credit card. When you select the Credit Card option, the system prompts you to enter your Credit Card number. After the payment details are approved, the system sends you a confirmation email informing you that the selected services have been activated for you.
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What are the contents available in the Premium Package?
Premium Package
  Set of English language material from the University of Southampton
  - Listening skills
  - Writing skills
  - Communication skills
  - Reading
  - Vocabulary Development
  - Grammar
  - English for Academic Purpose (Management and Business Administration)
  - English for Academic Purpose (Computer Science & IT)
  - Living and studying in the UK
  Self access online learning modules
  - Knowing yourself
  - Knowing Your Strengths & Weaknesses
  - Managing Priorities
  - Projecting Yourself to Others
  - Developing Yourself
  - Knowing Your Team
  - Working with Others
  - Communicating Effectively
  - Understanding Management Roles
  - Developing as a manager
  Learn English Professional
  - JAM - a series of 40 short Flash animated episodes that follows the fortunes of J@M, a web design company in London.
  - Vocabbuilder - a dynamic exercise generation tool that uses data from Collins Cobuild dictionary.
  - Grammar Movies - a suite of 35 Flash animations that demonstrate grammar in action.
  - Online Placement Test - a computer adaptive test of grammar, reading, vocabulary and listening.
  - Lessons - emailed worksheets that teach Business English and follow a structured syllabus.
  - IELTS & FCE practice material
  - Specialist Vocabulary
  Management Express
  - Collection of short articles on Management and Leadership skills
  - Content compiled from Bullet point and Edge (Content re-aggregators in the UK)
  - We post six articles per month. All six articles are available after login, two of these are offered as free previews on the home page.
  Communication Tools
  - Discussion forums
  - Poll
  - Survey
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What are the packages available for Rs 400?
Writing & reading skills package
  - Reading Skills - Learn to read effectively and practise a range of key reading strategies.
  - Writing Skills - The modules focus on the language, organisation and conventions needed for formal writing contexts.
Listening and Communication skills package
  - Listening Skills - Improve your listening and note-taking skills, understand spoken language through the use of authentic listening texts and comprehension activities.
  - Communication Skills - Develop the skills needed for effective communication in both face-to-face and online situations.
Grammar and Vocabulary Development package
  - Grammar - Increase your awareness of some of the more advanced and/or problematic aspects of English grammar and improve your own grammatical accuracy.
  - Vocabulary Development - Learn some of the key areas related to effective vocabulary learning. These include features that affect the formation and use of words in English and different techniques for extending vocabulary.
English for Academic purposes (EAP)
Improve your English language and study skills such as listening, reading and critical thinking, writing, vocabulary and grammar within the following specific subject areas:
  - Management and Business Administration
  - Computer Science and IT
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Are my credit card details secure on your portal?
When you shop at British Council Online, you will be one of the hundreds of customers who have safely shopped with us without credit card fraud. Our Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software is the industry standard and among the best software available today for secure online commerce. It encrypts your personal information, including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the Internet.
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How long does it take to access my subscription after I have paid?
When you pay through your credit card, you can access your subscription as soon as you have finished paying.
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Which credit card can I use to pay for the services?
You can use any credit card to pay online and become a member of www.britishcouncilonline.org
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Can I use a debit card to pay online?
No. Online payment can only be done using a credit card.
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I've forgotten my password. Please help.
Enter you Login ID and then click on the 'Forgot password' link on the home page. Your password will be mailed to the email id that you have provided during the registration process.
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I have forgotten my Login ID/ password. Please help.
Please send an email to techsupport.online@in.britishcouncil.org with the subject "Forgot Login ID/ password". We will respond within 24 working hours.
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For how long is my membership valid?
Your online membership is valid for one year from the date of registration.
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I am member of BC Online and I also want to become a member of the library. Are there any special schemes or discounts available for me?
Sorry there are no special schemes or discounts available at the moment.
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  FOR FREE TRIAL MEMBERS
Can I try this portal for free?
Yes you can become a free trial member of portal. You will get access to select material available on the portal.
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For how long is the free access valid?
The free trial membership is valid for one month from the date of registration.
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What modules are available in the free trial offer?
  Advanced listening skills
  - Develop your listening skills
  Formal writing skills
  - Improve your paragraphs with topic sentences
  Living and studying in the UK
  - Lectures listening and note-taking
  - Preparing for independent study
  - Student social life
  - Dealing with the change in culture
  - Finding a place to live
  - Finding work in the UK
  - Health, financial and legal matters
  - Identifying the study skills you need
  - Assignments and academic writing
  - Britain and the British way of doing things
  Self Development
  - Communicating Effectively
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General
What is online learning? How can I benefit from it?
Any increase in knowledge or development of skills by studying or experiencing the lessons on the Internet is termed as Online Learning. There are many benefits that Online Learning brings you, such as flexible hours of study, increased interaction with audience of your interest using the tools like chat and discussion groups.
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What are the minimum system requirements for accessing this portal?
  • Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/2000
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0+ or Netscape Navigator 4.7+
  • Pentium II or Faster, with 64 MB Ram (128 MB for Optimal Playback)
  • Screen resolution of 800 x 600 with 256 colours or more
  • 56 KBPS Baud modem or faster
  • Audio device, installed & configured
  • Macromedia Flash Player 5+
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What is the format of the online learning material?
The online learning modules are provided in a standard web-based HTML format. You cannot download the study material to your local machine. However, you can print off the lessons so that you take a look at them at your leisure.
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What is meant by calling name?
A calling name is the name by which you would like to be addressed on the British Council Online portal.
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How can I update my profile once I have become a member?
Updating your profile online is easy. Please follow the steps below
  - Login to www.britishcouncilonline.org
  - Click on calling name on the top left hand column of your personalized home page
  - Edit your profile
  - Click on submit to save changes
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What is the content available on Management Express (MEX)?
  Management Express
  - Collection of short articles on Management and Leadership skills
  - Content compiled from Bullet point and Edge (Content re-aggregators in the UK)
  - We post six articles per month. All six articles are available after login, two of these are offered as free previews on the home page.
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What is the content available on Learn English Professionals (LEP)?
  Learn English Professional
  - JAM - a series of 40 short Flash animated episodes that follows the fortunes of J@M, a web design company in London.
  - Vocabbuilder - a dynamic exercise generation tool that uses data from Collins Cobuild dictionary.
  - Grammar Movies - a suite of 35 Flash animations that demonstrate grammar in action.
  - Online Placement Test - a computer adaptive test of grammar, reading, vocabulary and listening.
  - Lessons - emailed worksheets that teach Business English and follow a structured syllabus.
  - IELTS & FCE practice material
  - Specialist Vocabulary
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Can I get a membership for one particular academic category suited to my interests?
No. We do not have such a feature on our portal. However we would like to know your academic and professional interests and provide you better services in the future. Please share your views with us here.
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Once I am a member, can I download the study materials?
Sorry. You cannot download any study material from our portal. The learning material is designed for an online user only and you have to be present on our portal to continue your learning experience. However, there is a print button at the end of every learning session and you can take a hard copy to suit your learning pace.
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What are the tests associated with the learning modules?
There are various kinds of tests associated with the learning modules:
  • A Mock Test is a test that carries questions pertaining to the entire module. It aims at assessing the student's performance with respect to the entire module


  • A Main Test tests your performance on a particular topic in a module


  • Similarly, a Pre Test tests your understanding on different sub-topics within each topic of a learning module.
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Can I retake the test I've already passed to improve my performance?
Yes. The tests are available online for the registered subscribers all the time. You can take the tests any number of times you wish and you don't have to pay each time you take the test.
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How long do I have to wait for the results?
The test results are available immediately. They give you a detailed description of your performance showing which answers were correct. You also get to know your performance in comparison to people taking the test across the country.
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Can I compare my answers with correct answers?
Yes. At the end of the test, you are provided with a set of correct answers.
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Will I get a certificate after completing the online course?
The online learning modules are not linked to a certificate at the moment.
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What technology is used on your portal for protecting my information?
British Council Online portal is authenticated by VeriSign, which ensures that all your data transmission and transactions with this portal are secured by SSL encryption.
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What is your privacy policy? Do you share my profile information with any other external vendor or any other British Council partner portals?
Our privacy policy is available at: http://foi.britishcouncil.org/PrivacyPolicy.asp. The British Council regards the lawful and correct treatment of personal information as important to successful operations, and to the maintenance of confidence between it and those with whom it deals. The British Council ensures that its staff and those acting on their behalf obtain, use and disclose personal information lawfully and correctly. To this end it fully endorses and adheres to the principles of data protection, as set out in the United Kingdom's Data Protection Act 1998.
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How can I use the shopping cart?
Using the shopping cart online is easy. Just follow the steps below
  - Login to www.britishcouncilonline.org
  - Click on the subscribe now button under the learning resources section of the home page
  - Click on subscribe now button of the next page
  - Click on subscribe more if you want to add more material to your shopping cart otherwise
  - Click on proceed to check out
  - Select the user type and click on the corresponding button
  - If you are a new subscriber then click on continue
  - Put in your address details and click on continue
  - Put in your credit card details and wait for the authentication
  - If you are a returning customer then click on sign in
  - Update you address details and click on continue
  - Put in your credit card details and wait for the authentication
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How can I find out about any aspect of the UK?
You can have all your queries answered at the helpdesks of the British Council Libraries in your city. Our staff will help you to find information on examinations, scholarships, and distance learning programmes and Commercial organisations in the UK.

Or, alternatively you can also visit the British Council site or contact us for more information.
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How can I find out more about the UK publications?
The British Council library promotes awareness of British books through exhibitions and through the development of contact between the Indian and the UK book trade. You can request about the UK publications from the CD-ROM databases, available in the libraries.

Book buyers from institutions will be provided with bibliographic information on request. (British Publishers Representatives)
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Who can I contact to know more about study opportunities in the UK?
Our education the UK desk has information on all aspects of studying and living in the UK. Counselling is provided to prospective students to ensure that the best possible match is made between students' requirements and the range of courses available in the United Kingdom. The centre stocks UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) application forms and standardised British Council division application forms that are accepted by nearly all the UK colleges and universities.

Visit the Education UK portal or contact us for more information.
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How can I remove my name from the Newsletter subscribers' list?
Unsubscribing from the newsletter is easy. Please click on the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of the newsletter. You will be required to submit your email ID following which your name will be removed from our mailing list and you will stop receiving e-Newsletters from the successive month.

You can subscribe to the newsletters anytime again in the future.
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How can I ensure I am kept informed of the different activities in the British Council?
All the registered members of the British Council Online portal receive our monthly newsletter with up to date information on the latest events at the British Council.
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By what date of each month can I expect to receive the e-newsletter from British Council Online?
All the users who have registered with British Council Online with a valid email address will receive an e-newsletter by the 7th of each month.
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Site search is not showing the desired results. What are the tips for me?
Try the following
Make sure all words are spelled correctly.
Try different keywords.
Try more general words
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About Us Contact Us FAQs Site Map
The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.
We are registered in England as a charity. Our Freedom of Information Publications Scheme.