It's never too late

Dear Sir,
I am currently doing MTech in computer network engineering. I would like to do my PhD in one of the national institutions like IIT, IISc, NIT,etc. Can you shed some light on the procedures and qualifications involved in this?
Shijo M Ulahannan

Dear Shijo,
Since you are already completing MTech, before taking the decision to study higher, ensure that you are oriented towards research and higher academics, since your PhD will take you into that world. If you have a doubt, it may be better if you take a break from studies after your MTech and take up a job for a year or so, after which you will be clear what work you would like to be doing on a long term basis. Websites of each of the institutions you mentioned give the details of entry process for PhD. Check out their websites: www.iitgn.ac.in/admission.htm, www.rgsoipl.iitkgp.ernet.in, hsee.iitm.ac.in, www.nitk.ac.in, www.iisc.ernet.in

Dear Sir,
I have completed my class 10 with 80 per cent score (ICSE) and have opted for a PCMB stream for 11th and 12th classes. I wish to pursue genetic engineering. So, should I go for a BE in genetics or a BSc in genetics? Can u also tell me what are the entrance exams I must write? Kindly suggest some good colleges too.
Divya

Dear Divya,
Genetics is a fast growing field which is mostly in research phase currently, but will develop many applications in the years to come and there will be good career prospects. BSc teaches you the basic science pertaining to the subject, and lays the foundation for higher studies which can take you in research, teaching, quality control or documentation; while a BE takes you into the application of the science in the practical realm, and empowers you to get into industry, product development, marketing or management. For BSc you can seek admission in any reputed college after you finish 12th. A few institutions like Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (www.chettinadhealthcity.com) offer BSc in specialised areas such as medical genetics. Some colleges take you on the basis of your board exam marks, while others have their own entrance exam. For a BE you need to give the respective entrance exams like JEE, CET, COMED-K as for any other branch of engineering. Genetic engineering is offered by a few selected colleges such as SRM University, Chennai (wwwsrmuniv.ac.in) and many more offer post-graduate courses in various specialisations related to genetics.
 
Dear Sir,
I have completed my BE in aeronautical last year. I wish to do an MTech this year, but I didn’t clear my GATE exam and hence, trying through Karnataka PGCET exam. But I am confused about the course. I aspire to pursue MTech in the same field but going by the feedback I received, I wish to pursue mechanical for MTech as it holds more scope than aeronauticals. What would you suggest? What courses would be apt for this and kindly suggest me some colleges too.
Chaitra J

Dear Chaitra,
Mechanical engineering is a basic branch that leads to various fields of technology, including aeronautics. However, a post-graduation in aeronautical engineering will make you a specialist, and you will have to seek your future only in that field. Since you have already studied aeronautical engineering for four years, you can decide whether you are committed to the field or not. Also, you have not mentioned what you have done in the past year. If you have acquired some work experience, it will be very helpful in evaluating whether you would like to be in the same industry for your entire career. Try to assess your strengths and weaknesses, your areas of interest, and decide whether you would like to be in hardcore technology, since alternatives like HRD, quality control, marketing, finance etc. are also open to you.
MTech in aero field is offered by reputed institutions like IITs, NITs, BITS Pilani, Hindustan University, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Tiruvananthapuram (www.iist.ac.in) etc.