After my Plus Two (science) which I complete in 2011, I want to enrol in an engineering college. Which entrance exams should I write apart from AIEEE and IIT-JEE?
Ashok Raghavan, Chennai
Some of the engineering entrance exams you could write are: ENAT for admission into Manipal University (www.manipal.edu); BITSAT for BITS Pilani (www.bitsadmission.com); VITEEE for VIT University, Vellore (www.vit.ac. in); CET of Guru Gobind Singh Indra-prastha University, Delhi (www.ipu.ac. in); the entrance exam of Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune (www. bvunioversity.edu.in); and the engineer-ing entrance exams of SRM University (www.srmunivac.in), Amrita Schools of Engineering under Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (www.amrita.edu) and the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology, Thiruvanathapuram (www. iist.ac.in). Moreover most state gover-nments conduct their own CET (common entrance tests) for entry into engineering and medical colleges.
I want a list of deemed universities which have been derecognised. Please help.
Smita Kale, Nasik
The list was published in several newspapers and an internet search will help you locate it. You could also visit the UGC website www.ugc.ac.in to learn about derecognised institutions and obtain the list of kosher deemed universities.
What does it take to pursue a research career in the space sciences? I complete Plus Two in 2011.
Amit Patel, Ahmedabad
To qualify for research positions in the space sciences you need to acquire a postgraduate degree followed by a Ph D. First you’ll need to complete your B.Sc with physics as a major or acquire an honours degree in physics so that you can build a career in astrophysics or astronomy after M.Sc in physics. Alternatively, you can opt for an integrated M.Sc in physics at institutions such as IISER; NISER (Bhubaneswar); National Institute of Technology, Surat; a few IITs etc. Admission into these institutions is through competitive exams. Graduates of the four-year B.Tech (aerospace engineering/avionics/physical sciences) programme of the Indian Institute of Science and Technology (administered by the department of space, govern-ment of India) at Thiruvananthapuram (www.iist.ac.in) are directly absorbed into the Indian Space Research Organi-sation (www.isro.gov.in).
I’m in first year M.Sc (organic chemistry). Other than to read for a Ph D or sign up for research, what other options are available to me after graduation?
Sunil Rao, Bangalore
While after postgraduation you are eligible for admission into some M.Tech degree programmes, you need to write GATE as well. MBA biotech/pharma management/hospital administration or MBA (oil and gas management) or a regular MBA are some of the options to explore. As a postgraduate you can also apply for patent examiner posts in law firms (handling patents) and the pharma-ceutical industry.
I’m in third year BMM (advertising) and confused whether to do an MBA in advertising or a postgraduate degree in advertising. Please advise.
Nalini Fonseca, Mumbai
Both are equally respectable. Among the institutions offering excellent postgraduate programmes in advertising or mass communication are University of Mumbai, Department of Communication & Journalism (www.mcj mumbai.org); Xavier Institute of Communication (www.xaviercomm.org); Sophia Polytechnic (www.sophia campus.com); and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi (www.iimc.gov.in).
What are the job prospects for BMS (bachelor of management science) graduates? Is there an entrance test for admission into BMS degree programmes?
Shalini Kelkar, Pune
There aren’t any entrance tests for admission into this course. Several colleges across India offer the BMS degree programme. Some reputed colleges also offer campus placement but generally students have to look for jobs on their own initiative. For those with a strong academic record, good communication skills and self-confidence, landing an entry level job in marketing and sales won’t be difficult. But for better job prospects you must persist and acquire an MBA.
After completing Plus Two (science) in 2011 I want to pursue a career in robotics. Which colleges offer this programme?
Sridhar Swamy, New Delhi
A bachelor’s programme in robotics is rare. Undergraduate degrees in engineering (mechanical, electrical, software, computer systems or mechatronics) equip students with a good foundation to pursue a Masters in robotics. Manufacturing, agriculture and service industries are the three major sectors that employ robotics profes-sionals. The Indian biomedical engin-eering and auto industries also employ robotics engineers.
I’m good with maths and want to qualify as an actuary. I complete class X in 2011. Should I opt for a bachelor’s degree in commerce or science?
Sanjiv Chatterjee, Kolkata
You can opt for BA/B.Sc in statistics after completing class XII and pursue training with the Institute of Actuaries of India to become an actuary simultaneously. Alternatively, you could opt for B.Sc (actuarial science) after class XII. However, you have to score a minimum 85 percent in class XII in maths to qualify for training as an actuary. After class X, I suggest you study physics, chemistry, maths and English at the Plus Two level to give yourself a wider academic choice.
I’m keen on qualifying as a commercial pilot. What are the eligibility requirements?
Navin Arora, Chandigarh
The basic qualification required to begin training for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is class XII with physics and maths. Moreover you have to clear the medical examination test at DGCA (http://www.dgea.nic.in/medical/medical-ind.htm) designated centres. The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (www.igrua.gov.in) is the country’s premier flying school.