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Studying in India

Dear Sir,
I wish to pursue a career in in Technical Writing, preferably from a government-recognised institution. Does the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore or any other reputed institute offer a course in Technical Writing. Do  government departments recruit technical writers? If yes, kindly guide me.
Varun Dambal

Dear Varun,
Technical writing is a fairly steady and growing field. A technical writer is responsible for writing instructions for use of a software — the manuals, sometimes even translations, and at times to convert the requirements of the customer for the understanding of the programmer. While it helps to have a software background, it is not essential. Since this field is relatively new, no reputed government institution has started courses for it.  At present only private institutes are offering short-term, part-time programmes that are sufficient to get an entry-level job.  Not many government departments recruit technical writers at present.

Dear Sir,
My friend took the CET 2011 exams and her ranking was 5100 (Medical). She couldn’t get a seat in a college of her choice. Now she wants to take the exam once again in 2012. Has the format for the test changed? How can she best prepare for the new format for next year?
Anonymous

Dear  Anonymous,
Regardless of whether she may have to appear for state CET-12 or a national-level test (which has not yet been confirmed, and hence may not come through this year), her preparation remains the same.  She should brush up her P-C-B, and practise answering multiple-choice questions at a fast pace.  Improving her English will also be useful. She may also prepare for the All-India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) — of which old question papers are available, and which can get her a seat in the national quota of various central colleges. I do hope she has taken up a degree course so that she does not lose a year — students who sit at home and only study for entrance exams may face a disappointment.

Dear Sir,
My niece will complete Second PUC next year. Kindly let me know :
nEligibility criteria for a Medical Electronics/Medical Engineering course.
nFuture prospects of Medical Electronics/Medical Engineering globally.
nScope for a post graduation in the same field in India.
nInstitutions in Bangalore that offer Medical Electronics/Medical Engineering courses.
Guru

Dear Guru,
Both Medical Electronics and Biomedical engineering are available in Karnataka through CET, but at limited colleges, as job opportunity is less.  Since most medical equipment is imported from abroad, these engineers generally end up doing maintenance jobs.  However, there are good opportunities for higher studies and employment abroad if the student is very keen.  In Bangalore Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology offers Biomedical Engineering, while medical electronics is offered at BMS, Dayanada Sagar, Ambedkar, M S Ramiah, MVJ, Sri Krishna and SBM Engineering College (indicative list).

Dear Sir,
I am in the second year of  BE degree. I wish to become an IPS officer after completion. Please provide information on the IPS test, books to buy, and how to prepare for it.
Shriya

Dear Shriya,
Entry to all-India services such as IAS, IFS, IPS etc., is through a common entrance exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (www.upsc.gov.in) every year in two parts.  Eligibility is a graduation in any field from a recognised Indian university, and age limit being less than 30 years.  It is a highly competitive exam, with only those who are selected in the first exam being allowed to sit for the Main exam. The particular service (IPS or any other) is allotted to the candidate based on the final merit rank obtained.  You need to prepare systematically in areas of communication, language, presentation skills, physical fitness, general knowledge, current affairs, etc. Classroom coaching is available in most cities, and guide books are available with previous years’ question papers at most  book stores.

Dear Sir,
I am a third-year Mechanical Engineering student. I want to become a pilot. Please help.
Srihari

Dear Srihari,
As an engineer, you can apply to the Armed Forces, where you are trained at government expense.  Check  www.careerairforce.nic.in for more details.  The entrance exams are highly competitive and it is better that you start preparing right now.  On the other hand, if you wish to become a commercial pilot, you will have to enroll in a flying school (minimum requirement is 10+2 with science), and obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and then a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). The process can take anywhere between 1 to 2 years. Then you can seek jobs at any commercial airline.  However, this training is very expensive (generally upward of 25 lakhs). If you can get admission to a government flying school such as IGRUA in Rae Barelli (www.civilization.nic.in/igrua/ind text.htm), then you can try for a scholarship.