Dear Sir,
I am from Bangalore but have been working abroad for the past 11 years. I have passed a three-year diploma in Computer Science in 1st Class. My job requires me to enhance my Marketing and Management skills, hence I am thinking of getting an MBA. I have two questions:

Am I directly eligible for an MBA or do I need to complete my BBA or BBM first?
Also please suggest a university which is offering an MBA through correspondence  (if applicable in my case) or BBA/BBM course.
Syed Abid

Dear Syed,
To do an MBA through any recognised Indian university, a graduate degree is essential. However, many institutions are offering diplomas in general as well as specialised areas of management for those with work experience who do not have a degree.  If you wish to study through correspondence, you may contact Indira Gandhi National Open University (www.ignou.org) or any of the private institutions. Do ensure that you choose the right field of management, since you already have work experience

Dear Sir,
I am a class 9 student. I am facing a lot of problems as I am not able to manage my time properly. I come back home from school at 4:30 pm, after which I have to attend my tuition classes. These take about three hours of time after which I am exhausted and go to bed. So, I am not able to study anything. My grades are also going down. Next year I have to face my board exam and if I am not able to manage my time I will have a very hard time. So please suggest a good time table for me, so that I don't have to do any last minute preparation.
A student

Dear Student,
I am very happy that you wish to study systematically and prepare well.  However, each student has his or her own concentration levels, biological clock, interests, and methodology of study.  If you are interested, you can call up Banjara Academy on 23535787 or 23535766 and seek an appointment for a free session on study techniques based on your individual characteristics. This will help you understand how you can get the best out of the study time, and to pick up on the subjects that you find boring or are weak in, and then plan out your schedules.

Dear Sir,
I am a first year student of BAMS. After my  course I want to appear for the IAS/ KAS examination. Want should I do for that?
Shwetha G, Kollegal

Dear Shwetha,
To get into the IAS, you have to be a graduate from any field, and appear for the competitive exam held every year by the Union Public Service Commission.  Similar rules apply for KAS and other State services, and the exam is held by the respective State’s Public Service Commission. Since you have joined Ayurvedic Medicine, do ensure that you would like to move into administration, and that you have the aptitude for it.  Do not think of civil services only for the glamour and power, and also keep in mind that these are competitive exams where only a few hundred out of lakhs of candidates get selected. If you are clear that you wish to get into Civil Services, start brushing up your general knowledge, be abreast of all current affairs, improve your presentation (written and oral) skills.  You can apply when you are in the final year of your degree i.e. when you are doing your Internship. 

Dear Sir,
I am studying in II PU. I have a great interest in the Automobile industry and want to pursue a career in it. Hence, I have decided to study Automobile Engineering. Is the auto industry a good field? Which are the different types of work areas in this field? Are the opportunities good? Currently, I am preparing for my exams as well as for CET, AIEEE and COMED-K. Will a rank under 5000 in CET  ensure a seat in a good college? I am not interested in the computer, IT or electronics field. I have a great desire to excel in my future.
Zain Ali, Bangalore

Dear Zain,
The automobile industry in India and the world is doing fairly good, and is likely to do so with some ups and downs in the coming years.  This industry requires people for design, manufacturing, quality control, product development, servicing, research and development, and commercial areas like marketing etc. If you have the flair for engineering, you may aim for this field, after asking yourself why you prefer automobile over other branches of engineering. Also keep in mind that this industry employs a large number of computer science, IT, electronics, instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineers.  A rank of 5,000 in CET may not get you into a good college, so you better aim to do better.

Dear Sir,
I am a Final Year BSc Natural Science student. My electives are Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology (BMBt). What jobs can I opt for after my graduation? Instead of MSc can I join an MBA course? Will it be very difficult for me? I am not interested in BPO. I am interested in Computer Studies. Can you please tell me which field to select for a better job?
Deepa P K

Dear Deepa,
B.Sc in natural sciences, including biotechnology, is a course that lays a strong theoretical foundation, but does not make a professional out of you. Hence you may not be able to get a good job only on the basis of your graduation, other than in BPO’s etc.  To make yourself a professional, evaluate whether you would like to go deeper into a study of science, or more into the commercial areas of management. Your answer should be based on your temperament, your aptitude and your interests. Once you know which direction you are going in for, you can choose the right post-graduation. Keep in mind that there are other options beyond MSc and MBA, for example: computer applications, paramedical sciences, product development, quality control, mass communication, clinical research, bio-informatics, education, administration, etc.