I am a class XI humanities student interested in qualifying as a commercial pilot. Please advise.
— Aman Joshi, Bareilly
The minimum eligibility criterion to qualify for training as a commercial pilot in India is a 50 percent average in class XII with physics and mathematics. For humanities students, the usually preferred option is writing the class XII science exam of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) followed by training at a flying school, and acquiring the mandatory 250 hours of flying practice to become eligible for a commercial pilot’s licence.
I love cooking but don’t want to qualify as a master chef. What are my options? — Niharika Gupta, Bhopal
Chef apart, there are several other career options available to qualified culinary professionals — food critic, nutritionist, flavour chemist, food stylist and food technologist. Food critics assess and write reviews of restaurants; nutritionists prescribe healthy food menus; flavour chemists create natural and artificial food flavours, and food stylists present food in appealing style. Food technologists research and develop new food and beverage products and/or improve the quality of existing products.
I am a final year BA (Hons) history student unsure of my career path after graduation. Please suggest some relevant options. — Shubham Gandhi, Rajkot
History is a diverse discipline. After graduation, it would be advisable to sign up for a Masters in archaeology, art restoration, art history, museology and archiving. Alternatively, you could opt for a career in the civil services, public policy, international relations, law or journalism.
What’s the difference between a chartered accountant and company secretary? — Dhanvi Singh, Noida
A chartered accountant is an accounts and finance professional who minimises risks, losses and maintains the business accounts of companies and organisations. She usually works across various domains such as audit, taxation, investment, finance etc, to improve the profitability of her employer. A company secretary on the other hand, is an expert in company law and corporate governance. This job involves efficient administration of a company, and in particular to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, while ensuring that resolutions of the board of directors are implemented.
I am a class XI science student wanting to join the Indian Navy after Plus Two. What career options are available in the navy and how can I apply for them? — Abinay Yadav, New Delhi
Technical and non-technical jobs are available in the executive, engineering, education, electrical and medical services of the Indian Navy. Among the various entrance exams you should shortlist are: NDA conducted by UPSC (after class XII); Indian Navy Entrance Test (class XII); Combined Defence Services Exam (after graduation); Indian Naval Direct Entry Artificer Apprentice Exam (technical diploma holders); Indian Naval Technical Exam; Special Naval Architects Entry Scheme and Judge Advocate General Special Entry Exam (after graduation).
I am a second year B.Sc student keen on making a career in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Please advise. — Arav Sengupta, Siliguri
The Intelligence Bureau falls under the supervision of the Union ministry of home affairs. It conducts its ACIO tier I and tier II exams (website https://mha.gov.in) for recruitment of assistant central intelligence officers (ACIO). The eligibility criterion is a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Grade A Intelligence officers are also recruited from other government services such as the IPS, IAS, IFS and defence services.
I am a class XI student interested in a career in the fine arts. What are the best study programmes available in India? — Nandani Nayak, Bhubaneswar
Study options include a three-year bachelor’s in fine or visual arts or 12-months diploma in visual/fine arts. Among the top universities offering fine arts study programmes are: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, College of Art; Delhi University; Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Arts, Mumbai; Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and Visva Bharati Kala Bhavan, Shantiniketan (West Bengal).
I am a class XII humanities student with a flair for dance/choreography. What are my study options? — Nivedita Singh, Ludhiana
After completing Plus Two, you could enroll in four-year bachelor of performing arts or three-year bachelor of dance degree programmes or a diploma in dance. Among the institutes/universities offering these study programme are: Assam and Bangalore universities; The ITA School of Performing Arts, Mumbai; Institute of Creative Excellence, Mumbai; Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, Bangalore; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Sangeet Natak Academy, Delhi and Shiamak Davar Dance Academy, Mumbai.
(Responses in collaboration with Mindler Education Pvt. Ltd, a Gurgaon-based online career counseling company)
