PE-II, IPCC, orientation and articleship

One of my friend registered CA course on the basis of his graduation and cleared PE-II Group-2, and then switched to IPCC and cleared unit-9 (subjects otherthan already cleared by him in PE-II Group-2). Now he will be undergoing IPCC Orientation Programm and than the Articleship.

My doubts are: Is it mandetory to complete IPCC Orientation Programm before starting the Articleship? and

He cleared PE-II Group-2 and than switched to IPCC and cleared rest of the subjects, weather he termed as PE-II passed or IPCC passed student and what will be his period of articleship.

Thanks in advance.