After PUC, what next?

Dear Jeevan,

After PUC, you can move into a Physics-related career either by studying a basic stream of Engineering (eg: Mechanical), or by doing BSc with Physics as one of your subjects. Some universities (including IITs, BITS, NITs) offer an integrated five-year MSc in Physics.  By the time you come to the final year, you can choose between Astrophysics, Biophysics, Astronomy, Nuclear Physics. Each of these fields offers good opportunities, particularly to those who are research-oriented.
    
Dear Sir,
I’m a 2nd PUC student. I would like to take up Computer Science Engineering. Which colleges offer this course in Bangalore? I’m also interested in Robotics. Which course should I pursue?
Zeus

Dear Zeus,
Computer Science Engineering is offered by innumerable colleges in every city.  Through CET alone, there are over 6,000 seats for Computer Science and another 4,000 for Information Science.  More than half a dozen autonomous universities such as Christ, Jain, Amruta, Manipal also offer this course.  A degree in Computer Sciences or Mechanical Engineering would lay the foundation for you to take up post graduate studies in Robotics, either in India or abroad.

Dear Sir,
I am currently in the second year of a degree course. I am  interested in Astronomy. My first year aggregate is 70 per cent. Am I eligible to pursue Astronomy? Where can I study?   
Shrihari

Dear Shrihari,
Astronomy and Astrophysics are mostly taught only at the post-graduate level. Your percentage is good enough. If you have a love for the subject, an exploratory mind and are research-oriented, you can complete your degree in Physics or Engineering, and then apply at any of the All-India institutes for specialisation in Astronomy.  In Bangalore, there are good institutes like the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and the Indian Institute of Science.
 
Dear Sir,
I’m an engineer by profession. I have a degree in Computer Science and I have worked in Infosys for three years. I’m now working as a lecturer. I have a great interest in martial arts and have learnt various forms like karate, kalaripayattu, krav maga, muay thai  and taken part in competitions also. I want to pursue a Master’s in this field. I want to know if there is any good university in any part of the world which has a programme in martial arts. Please guide me.
Sourabh Shukla

Dear Sourabh,
In India there are no university courses in martial arts, but it is a fast-growing field, and if you are really good at it and enjoy teaching, you may slowly increase your skills and start teaching children. Eventually you can convert it into a career.  

Dear Sir,
I am a Class 12 (Commerce) student and have appeared for my Board exams this year. I want to pursue a creative course. Can you please suggest some courses other than BCom, BBM, BCA and BBA?
Chaitra

Dear Chaitra,
Many creative courses are being offered at both under-graduate and post-graduate level, at institutes such as NID, MICA, Symbiosis, Jain College, Shristi, Chitrakala Parishat and NICC. Also, Wellingkar and Wigan & Leigh offer specialised courses. Some of these are diplomas while others do offer a university degree. You are already late for admission to many of them, but you may still try at niccindia.org, wiganindia.org, wellingkar.org.  Alternatively, you will have to prepare and appear for entrance exams in 2011.

Dear Sir,
I have completed Class 10 and I am interested in Psychology. But I am confused as I don’t know whether to take up Arts or Science in 1st PUC. I would like to specialise in any of the following streams of Psychology: Forensic, Criminal, Clinical, Social. Please suggest the courses and job opportunities available.
Sruti

Dear Sruti,
For Psychology, you may take up Arts at the +2 level, complete a BA with Psychology as one of the subjects, and then pursue post-graduation in the field of your choice.  All the  branches of Psychology you have mentioned above have good potential, and as you study the basics for the next five years, you will be clear about which specialisation interests you most, making your choice relatively easy.

Dear Sir    
I have just given my 2nd PUC exam, and IIT, AIEEE and CET tests. I am  confused about which field of Engineering to choose. My strengths are creativity and logical reasoning, and I love Physics.
Abhijith

Dear Abhijith,
When unsure about field of Engineering, it is safer to take up a basic stream such as Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Industrial, etc.  This will open doors for you in various industries, and you can specialise later.  Since you have given all entrance exams, try to get into the best institution regardless of the branch they are offering.