Why everyone needs Plan B

Dear Sir,

I am a student of Class 11 (CBSE). I am interested in Science, especially in Physics and Chemistry and I want to pursue a career in one of these subjects. Instead of BSc, I want to take up Engineering, and then pursue a master’s in pure science. Is this a good option? If yes, what stream should I take up in Engineering so that it helps me in the future? If your answer is no, what are my other options?

Pawan

Dear Pawan,

Engineering is as good an option as BSc to pursue pure science.  It would be better if you opt for one of the following fields of Engineering viz. Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, Biomedical or Biotechnology, depending on your area of interest and your long-term plans. It always helps to first set your long-term goals and then decide the path to reach there.

Dear Sir,

I am in my final semester of BBA at KLES, Hubli. Are there any one-year PGDM courses in Financial Management, Banking or Entrepreneurship Development available in Bangalore? What is the fee structure?

Smitha Patil

Dear Smitha,

Most one-year PG Diploma courses in Management are autonomous (i.e. they award their own diplomas), and only a few are affiliated to Bangalore University (e.g. PGDM offered at Mount Carmel College).  They are meant for people who wish to acquire a working knowledge of a particular field and then move on to a job. Eventually you may even upgrade your qualification after some work experience by doing an MBA or an Executive MBA. For PG Diploma courses you may consider Christ, Jain, Joseph’s, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, TASMAC or Manipal. The fee structure varies from college to college.

Dear Sir,

I am a student of Class 11 (Science) with Biology as an elective. I plan to study Psychology and major in it. Can you give me information about colleges in Bangalore that offer BSc, MSc or Honors in Psychology? Can you also tell me what exams I have to give to get into any of these colleges?

Shweta Maitra

Dear Shweta,

Despite studying Science at +2 level, you can switch to Social Sciences, including Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Social Work, etc.  In Bangalore, there are no Honors courses at the graduate level; you would have to enroll for a BA course with Psychology and two other subjects (available in dozens of colleges).  Admission is based on your marks in Class 12.  You can then pursue a master’s degree in Psychology/ Counselling Psychology/ Rehabilitation/ Social work, etc.  
 
Dear Sir,

I completed MSc in Microbiology in 2006. I am currently working as a microbiologist in a food lab and I want to do PhD. I cannot afford to do it full-time as I need to work due to financial constraints. Are there any PhD programmes available through correspondence in India?

Bharathi

Dear Bharathi,

You can enroll for PhD as an external candidate, which means that you will not get a stipend. You will have to pay the course fee. A few students are taken under this category every year by most universities. If you take up a thesis that is relevant to the work you are doing (and if you have the permission of your employers) you can do part of your research at your workplace and thus save time.  Do ensure that your work pressure is not too much and you will have time to study.

Dear Sir,

I am a Second PUC student (PCMB). I am interested in studying medicine. My other options are BPharma and BBA. What is the scope of BPharma? Which are the colleges that offer BPharma in Hassan? I secured 87 per cent marks in SSLC and 75 per cent in First PUC. I am very interested in medicine, especially cardiology. Please guide me.

Shakeeb

Dear Shakeeb,

If you do not get admission for an MBBS course, you could consider alternative streams of
medicine such as homeopathy, ayurveda or unani. You could even take up a paramedical course in speech pathology, physiotherapy, dialysis technology, radiography, etc. Since you are interested in cardiology, you can do a three-year BSc in Cardiac Technology. But you may have to relocate to a city where such courses are offered. BPharma is also a good option if you are keen on it, as pharmaceutical industry is growing at a steady pace.

Dear Sir,

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Home Science. I got 60th rank in the ICAR examination but I could not pursue MSc in Nutrition due to some family problems. Instead, I opted for a master’s programme in Information Technology in 2008. I am not interested in working in a BPO. Please advice.

Shilpa

Dear Shilpa,

Since your qualifications are rather varied, you need to take a decision based on your aptitude. You certainly need not work in a BPO, once you have decided on your career path. You can begin at an entry-level and work your way up.

The author is Chairman of Banjara Academy. ‘Studying in India’ is a tri-weekly column.

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