Everyday is a second chance

Dear Sir,
I have completed my second year of PUC. Astrophysics is my calling and I prefer to pursue physics and astrophysics right in ym bachelor’s level rather than the usual combination of physics, mathematics and chemistry. I wish to pursue MS in astrophysics and have found many universities abroad that cater to my needs. But I want to study right in the country. So, could you suggest me relevant colleges or universities in the country.
Bhavana

Dear Bhavana,
Since you are ambitious about getting into the field of physics, you can aim for a degree in physics in any of the reputed institutions like IITs, NITs, BITS Pilani, IISERs (www.iiserpune.ac.in), NISERs (www.iopb.res.in/niser, www.nestexam. in), IISc (www.iisc.ernet. in/ug), Institute of Physics, Bhubhaneshwar (www.iopb. res.in). After you have strengthened your foundation in physics, you will know whether your interest still lies in astrophysics or any other related area. Thankfully, there are many good institutions in India where you can fulfill your dreams.

Dear Sir,
My interest lies in biology and math. Since I am not very good at math, I want to take up a career in biology. But since I love botany more than zoology, I am not interested in the medicinal field. I love nature and wish to take up a career related to environmental science. I wish to do my bit for nature and want to know if there are any courses which I can pursue in this field. Are there any engineering courses related to environmental science? If I have to take up BSc, what subjects should I choose? Kindly give me all the details.
Pallavi K P

Dear Pallavi,
Environmental science is growing steadily as a very meaningful vocation. Since you already have the passion for nature, you need to first create a strong base in biology by either studying BE or a BSc in environmental science. You can decide based on whether you would like to study the pure science and use it for research, teaching, development, writing (take up BSc), or whether you would like to be in direct implementation like conservation projects, habitat, green buildings (take up BE/ B Tech) etc. Some of the institutions offering engineering degree include VIT Vellore (www.vit.ac.in), Adichunchanagiri Institute of Technology Chikmagalur, PESIT Bengaluru, Sri Jayachmarajendra College of Engineering and Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru and so on.

Dear Sir,
I want to make my career in a field other than medicine and engineering. I am interested in studies related to nature. But my parents want me to do MBBS. I am thinking of doing BSc in agriculture or BSc in forestry. After completing a degree, I would like to go with civil services. My deepest desire is to protect environment and work for the welfare of my nation. I wish to be independent as soon as possible. Can you please suggest some other courses which are related to my interest? Or could you explain me benefits and job opportunities one can get after completing the above mentioned courses?
Alisha

Dear Alisha,
Four year BSc degrees in agriculture and forestry are very good professional courses, with fairly high career prospects, particularly for a person like you who has a passion to work for environment and to serve the nation. They can also be a good foundation for getting into civil service, or other areas of public service, environment etc. The other option would be to take up BSc or BE in environmental science.

Dear Sir,
I am currently stepping in my final year of BCom. I wish to do my MCom(International Business) after BCom but, my father insists that I should complete job related short-term courses and start working as, he feels MCom does not hold any value and would be a waste of time and money. I feel confused and demotivated right now. I really wish to grown in my career. Please offer your help.
Jyothi
Dear Jyothi,
It is not true that MCom does not have any value, as the demand for that course is constantly increasing, and there are many job openings. However, if your parents insist that you should take up a job, then you can do MCom either in an evening college, or through open university. That way you will be able to work out a good compromise. If your job experience is in the relevant field, then you will be able to get better prospects even with a distance learning degree, and it is also recognised for any government or teaching assignments. A third option would be for you to take up a Masters in International Business (MIB), which is offered by many reputed institutions all over the country.

Dr Ali Khwaja is the founder and chairman of Banjara Academy. Send in your queries to Education, Deccan Herald, 75, MG Road, Bengaluru-560001 or e-mail us at dheducation@deccanherald.co.in.