After completing my engineering degree, I want to sign up for a Master of computer science programme abroad. Please recommend a safe and affordable country for Indian students.
Shekhar Rao, Bangalore
The US offers the widest range of higher ed institutions where you are most likely to find a college to suit your budget. Universities in the states of Florida, Texas and North Carolina are known to be cost effective in terms of tuition fees and living expenses. If you graduate with good grades and fare well in GRE (Graduate Record Examination), there’s high probability of your securing a scholarship. MS programmes in the US are of two years duration, with approximate annual tuition fees and living expenses ranging from Rs.12-20 lakh per year.
I’m a Plus Two (science) student interested in a career in the Indian Navy. What is the admission process of the Naval College of Engineering, Lonavala?
Siddharth Bhatia, Mumbai
The Naval College of Engineering (NCE) prepares officers for careers in the marine/electrical/electronics/aeronautical engineering and naval architecture cadres of the Indian Navy. Unmarried Indian male citizens between 16.5-19 years of age are eligible to apply for admission into NCE. Candidates should have averaged 75 percent in physics, chemistry and mathematics in Plus Two (class XII) and at least 50 percent in English in class X or XII. Minimum height should be 157 cm with correlated weight while uncorrected vision without glasses should be 6/12, 6/12, corrected vision with glasses should be 6/6, 6/6.
Keep track of advertisements published in leading newspapers twice a year. Applicants shortlisted on the basis of their results in the Plus Two exam are called for interview with the Services Selection Board. On successful completion of training, candidates are inducted into the Indian Navy as permanent commissioned technical officers. The entire cost of training, including books and reading material is borne by the Navy.
How good is the CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualification? Can I pursue a CIMA programme together with a bachelor of management studies degree? Or should I enroll in CIMA after completing an MBA in finance?
Seema Iyengar, Bangalore
CIMA is a prestigious body, recognised globally. You cannot pursue its courses together with a bachelor’s degree as you need to be a graduate to be eligible for CIMA. After completing an MBA in finance, you will become eligible for exemption in a few subjects when writing CIMA exams.
I’m a third year engineering student planning to write CAT. Does an MBA qualification with an engineering degree have an advantage over an MBA with a non-technical degree?
Ravi Natarajan, Chennai
The right time to start preparing for CAT — Common Admission Test — of the IIMs is in the fourth year of your engineering programme. To get a head start you should make time to prepare for CAT on a regular basis over a period of one year. An engineer with an MBA qualification definitely has advantages over non-engineers because of her technical knowledge in mechanics, chemical systems, electronics, etc.
After completing my diploma in nursing, I’ve been working as a nurse for almost a year. Now I’m keen on working in the US. Please advise.
Nilima Joseph, Mumbai
You should consider continuing your studies by enrolling in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programme. To qualify as a registered nurse in the US, you need to clear the NCLEX-RN exam, a national licencing exam conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, USA. This exam tests the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practise as a nurse, and is accepted by every American state as an indicator of nursing competence.
I will complete my B.Tech degree in 2016. Would it be advisable to sign up for an MBA degree immediately after graduation or should I first acquire work experience for a few years?
Sharad Mehta, Ahmedabad
If you want to complete your education in a continuum, a B.Tech followed by an MBA is advisable. However, if you want to explore your potential and evaluate which career is right for you, it’s better to work for a minimum two years after graduation. Two years work experience is mandatory for admission into B-schools abroad. But even in India, it will help you to get more out of an MBA programme.
I want to sign up for a postgraduate degree in biotechnology at an American university. Should I enroll in a B.Sc or B.Tech in biotechnology — which is preferable?
Cyril Fernandes, Panjim
Since admission into all Masters programmes in the US requires 16 years of formal education, you should sign up for a four-year B.Tech which will qualify you for admission into an MS in biotechnology at an American university. If you sign up for a three-year B.Sc degree programme, you’ll have to follow it up with an M.Sc degree to qualify for a postgrad programme in the US. Moreover, the B.Tech course offers a broader perspective and better foundation for a biotechnology postgrad programme.