I’m a B.Sc (computer science) graduate currently working for a well-known company. I would like to write the IIT Joint Admission Test (IIT-JAM). However, I don’t have the required score in my graduation exam to secure admission into the IITs. What if I clear the eligibility test but am not eligible for the programme? I would also like to pick a specific IIT. Please advise.
— Rakesh Iyer, Chennai
There’s a minimum score stipulation in your first degree exam to qualify for admission into postgrad courses such as M.Sc (biotech), M.Sc (physics), M.Sc (applied statistics and informatics), MCA etc. Therefore, even if you clear IIT-JAM you have to fulfil the admission criteria of your targeted institutions. For example, IIT Bombay/Madras/Kharagpur require pass percentages in 10+2+3. However, IIT Delhi and Roorkee mandate a first class degree while IIT Kanpur and Guwahati need a minimum 55 percent in the undergrad final exam. When the next JAM exam is notified, check whether you fulfill the minimum educational qualifications for admission into the programme of your choice.
I’ll be completing my BA (sociology) this year and would like to pursue a Masters in sociology. Which are the best universities offering this specialisation? How do I prepare for the entrance examination of JNU, Delhi?
— Neetu Singh, New Delhi
Several universities offer high-quality MA programmes in sociology. You need to study the curriculums they offer to make your own assessment. JNU (www.du.ac.in) is highly reputed. The entrance test for JNU’s MA (sociology) programme tends to focus on classical heritage (Weber, Marx, Durkheim, Pareto) concepts and theories of sociology. You should have passed BA (Hons) in sociology from a recognised university (with at least six papers in sociology) with more than 50 percent average. The admission test is conducted by JNU’s department of sociology.
I’m pursuing a BA in politics and plan to write the UPSC and MPSC exams. But I’m confused whether I should write these exams or CAT for admission into the IIMs. If I pursue MBA, which field should I choose?
— Neeraj Patil, Pune
Clearing the MPSC and UPSC exams will offer you a bright career in government. Since it is a tough exam, it calls for a lot of preparation and hard work. Logically, the nearest similar option for you would be to do an MBA in human resource management. But evaluate all your options thoroughly.
I have passed my class XII exams with PCMB. I’m very keen to make a career in dietetics and nutrition. Please advise me on reputed institutes offering this degree and further study programmes, growth prospects, areas of work and pay packages. Will it help if I sign up for a business management programme after acquiring a degree in nutrition?
— Neela D’Souza, Mumbai
You could sign up for a B.Sc in home science and specialise in food, nutrition and dietetics or allied subjects followed by an M.Sc programme in the same field to pursue a career in dietetics and nutrition. Alternatively you could enroll in a postgraduate diploma in dietetics and applied nutrition after acquiring a B.Sc in home science or B.Sc microbiology/biochemistry/life sciences degree. The best choices are SNDT Women’s University and University of Mumbai, both of which offer admission to women students only. However, agricultural universities offer a bachelor’s degree in home science to both male and women candidates.
Dietetics and nutrition can be a productive career but a consulting practice would take time to establish. Formal jobs in hospitals, fitness centres, catering and food processing businesses, in quality control or teaching are available, but there may not be a large annual intake.
Those with a Ph D are qualified to pursue research and development careers in food processing and preservation, agro processing and allied fields.
I’m a class XII science student keen on a career in sound engineering. Which institutions offer degree programmes in sound engineering?
— Ajay Bhattacharya, Kolkata
Although there are a plethora of institutes which offer diploma programmes, the most reputable which offer degree programmes in sound engineering/audio engineering are Pune’s Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. They require Plus Two with physics and maths qualifications or a first class degree in science with physics.
After completing my BA this year, I want to sign up for a postgrad programme in history. What are my career options?
— Manisha Gupta, New Delhi
After acquiring an MA in history, teaching and research careers in academia will open up for you. But you could also work in publishing, mass communication, archaeology, museums, travel and tourism, heritage management etc. Historians can also use their knowledge of history, research and writing skills to write scripts for films and documentaries, develop a history syllabus for an academic institute, produce educational CD Roms, write the history of corporate organisations, communities, families etc. Historians can also curate museum exhibitions, or become consultants for historical dramas or films. They are also qualified to write historical guides and tourism literature.