Dear Sir,

I am 29 and completed MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) with 67 per cent marks in 2001. I am working with the French Bank in Mumbai. Can I do LLB through distance education from an open university, so that I can practice Law later?

Rakesh Sharma

Dear Rakesh

Ll.B is no longer available in distance education mode. The only course available is BA (Law), which does not entitle you to practice as an advocate. Similarly, institutions like the National Law School University of India offer interesting PG diplomas in various fields of law. However, to become an advocate you have to do a regular LLB.

Dear Sir,

I have completed my B.Sc from Osmania University. I want to do B.Ed from Bangalore through correspondence. What do I do?

Hina Ashfaq

Dear Hina,

B.Ed is available through correspondence from selective universities like IGNOU, but only for experienced teachers employed in recognised schools. Bangalore University does not offer B.Ed other than by regular attendance.

Dear Sir,

Which is better? Computer science engineering or electronics and communication engineering? Suggest a branch based on job opportunity and salary range.

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous

There is no such thing as optimum branch. Each has its own scope and potential. If you have a love for computers and software, and are sure that you wish to make a career in the IT field, then you may opt for CS Engineering. On the other hand if you are not sure what field you would like to work in (based on your interest and involvement, not being misled by what salaries are being offered), then a stream like Electronics gives you the opportunity to branch out into various other fields later. Similarly, if you are likely to go towards management, it will be better to take up a general stream of engineering like Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Manufacturing, etc. The salary range for graduate engineers is so wide that no one can predict what you will be earning. It depends entirely on your capacity to give results.

Dear Sir,

I passed my CBSE 10+2. I want to become an aeronautical engineer. Which is India's best aeronautical institute? Give me some information about colleges, their admission procedure and their fee structure.

Anish Mahajan

Dear Anish,

Please be careful of a number of institutions that are currently offering Aeronautical engineering claiming affiliation to certain universities which do not have UGC approval. Similarly there are institutes offering to get you an AME +(Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) diploma, which is not equivalent to BE. If you really wish to make a mark in a highly challenging field like aeronautics, you should go either to IITs, NITs or reputed recognised universities offering the course. Karnataka does not have any college offering a recognised BE in Aeronautics at present.

Dear Sir,

I am pursuing my B.Com and want to become a commercial pilot. Am I eligible? Where can I train?

Kuldip Singh

Dear Kuldip,

Eligibility for getting a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is 10+2 with Maths and Physics. One can either become a pilot by clearing the NDA exam and opting for the flying branch of the Indian Air Force, wherein all training expenses are borne by the Military, or by enrolling in a flying training school and completing the necessary exams and flying hours. Also note that to get employment in commercial airlines, you need to add multi-engine and jet aircraft training. These private trainings can be quite expensive, upward of Rs. 10 lakhs. Some of the websites that give you information on civil aviation are: www.balpa.org/intranet/How-to-bec/How-to-become-a-pilot.pdf, www.webindia123.com/career/options/compilot/intro.htm,

www.competitionmaster.com/pages/career.html

Dear Sir,

I am an Electrical engineer, working in the field of illumination technology. I am interested in pursuing interior designing through a correspondence course. Can you please suggest a good college/university offering correspondence course in interior designing.

Suma K

Dear Suma

It is recommended that a practical field like interior design be taken up only through the contact mode, since there is so much to learn by doing. If you do not have the time to go through a full-time course, many private institutes in major cities (Interiors-Exteriors being one of them) offer part-time one year courses, after which you should do an internship or practical field work with an established firm.

Dear Sir,

I am a dentist. I would like to do a course in psychology. Which college in Bangalore is good? Is it possible to do a correspondence course? What about the fees?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

You should decide which field of psychology you would like to pursue. Bangalore University, Surana College, Christ College and some others offer a two year M.Sc in Psychology, and Bangalore University, Montfort College etc. offer a two year M.Sc in Psychological Counselling. Richmond Fellowship offers a two year M.Sc in Psychological Rehabilitation, and Banjara Academy offers a one year part-time Diploma in Counselling Skills. Correspondence courses in psychology are offered by Kuvempu University, Madras University and Annamalai University (the last one offers a two year degree and one year diploma).

A counsellor, training and life skills coach, Dr Khwaja trains students in career and emotional issues. He is the chairman of Banjara Academy and Honorary Director of Helping

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