CA, NDA or Robotics?

Dear Harsha,
If you wish to pursue a four-year BE degree in Aeronautical Engineering in Bangalore, there are two colleges at present, MV Jayaram at Whitefield, and SCTIT at Tippasandra.  Manipal University also offers this branch of engineering. Other institutes only offer coaching for Associate Membership of Aeronautical Engineering Institute of India. Both Indian Air Force and Navy do take engineers from various other branches through the Graduate Entry Scheme, or you can try to join the Armed Forces through NDA exam after your 2nd PUC, and then pursue engineering while in service.

Dear Sir,
I am a 2nd year PUC (Commerce) student. I’m interested in pursuing ICWA, but my parents are leaning towards Chartered Accountancy.  Which of the two is a better option?
Ajit Gudi

Dear Ajit,
Both have their advantages. Chartered Accountancy is more popular because every corporate organisation compulsorily has to have its accounts certified by a CA, and hence the demand for CAs is much higher.  
You can practise independently as an auditor, or seek a managerial job in Finance.  ICWA (Cost and Works Accountancy) is a more specialised field, suitable for those who have excellent concentration, are very good with numbers, and like the challenge of monitoring costs and processes.  Since a vast majority of students prefer to go for CA, it may be relatively easier to qualify as a CWA.  Eligibility conditions and the overall skills required are the same.

Dear Sir,
I’m currently in my first semester of Mechanical Engineering at BVBCET, Hubli. I’m interested in Robotics. Which are the leading institutes in India that allows for Robotics as a core subject? Also, what are the opportunities for higher studies in Mechanical Engineering in India?
Kedar Kallimath

Dear Kedar,
For higher studies in Mechanical or Robotics engineering, the best institutes in India continue to be the IITs and NITs.  They have their own PG entrance exams, whose details you can explore when you come to the 7th semester (as they keep changing sometimes).  For specialisation in Robotics you may consider going to the US, for which you will have to appear for the GRE and try for scholarships in any of the reputed universities depending on your academic record and GRE scores.

Dear Sir,
I wanted to join the National Defence Academy after school, but my low grades didn’t allow for that. Instead, I enrolled for a Diploma. Is there still a way I can join the NDA? Is it possible to do Aeronautical Engineering through CET in Karnataka? What are the core subjects and fee structure?
Achu

Dear Achu,
After your Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, you are eligible for lateral entry into 2nd year BE through the special CET, but only in Mechanical stream. It may be better if you do that, since you will then be eligible to get into Military service through the Graduate Entry Scheme for engineers. Due to age restrictions you will not be able to appear for NDA now. Also, as a graduate mechanical engineer, you can further specialise in Aeronautical Engineering at the post-graduate level.