I’m a second year B.Sc student interested in a packaging design study programme abroad. What are the eligibility requirements?
Ashok Raghavan, Chennai
Numerous universities abroad offer postgrad packaging design study programmes. They include MA (packaging design) and MS (packaging technology, design and marketing, packaging science) offered by universities in the US, UK, France and Finland. Eligibility requirements are a bachelor’s degree and English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores). Some universities may also require GRE scores.
I’m a class XII (commerce) student. I want to study actuarial science or chartered accountancy alongside my B.Com degree. What do these courses entail?
Neena Kelkar, Pune
Actuarial science is the application of mathematical principles to assess risks of insurance and prescribe premia for life and health insurance, pensions etc. Other applications are in demography and census studies, forecasting, banking and finance.
On the other hand, chartered accountants provide financial information and advice after reviewing a company’s accounting system to maximise profitability for clients and employers. Chartered accountants can specialise in financial accounting, auditing, cost accountancy, tax management or business consultancy.
I’m a class XII (science) student keen on a career in biophysics. Please advise.
Ravi Iyer, Bangalore
Biophysics applies the principles of mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics to the study of living cells and organisms including structures, bio-electric phenomena, radiation effects, molecular behaviour, photosynthesis, and membranes.
Breakthroughs in DNA research have enabled scientists to study biological systems with unprecedented precision and investigate how the brain processes and stores information, the heart pumps blood, muscles contract, etc. Biophysicists work in universities, industry, medical centres, research institutes and government organisations.
M.Sc programmes in biophysics are offered by several universities including Panjab University, Chandigarh; All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Mumbai and Madras universities. Moreover, the department of biophysics at AIIMS is a centre of drug discovery and clinical proteomics.
Science graduates with a minimum 60 percent average are eligible to apply, after writing an entrance test. However, for excellent career prospects it would be advisable to do a Ph D followed by postdoctoral research.
I’m interested in a banking career. Can I start working in a bank after class XII and continue with my undergrad studies through correspondence as I have financial constraints?
Dipika Roy, Kolkata
After completing class XII, you can apply for a clerical position in the State Bank of India (SBI) and SBI associate banks via the SBI clerks’ recruitment exam. To qualify, you need to be between 18-28 years of age, score a minimum of 60 percent in the class XII exam and be familiar with computer usage. On clearing the exam, you will be called for a personal interview. Apply online at www.sbi.co.in.
Meanwhile you can become a distance learner while working. Open universities offer the flexibility to complete a bachelor’s degree programme in four-five years. After graduation, you could write the bank probationary officers exam.
I’m a second year B.Com student specialising in accounts and finance. After graduation, I want to pursue an MBA in finance from IIM, Ahmedabad. What’s the admission process?
Sunil Chawla, New Delhi
Admission into IIM-A is on the basis of performance in the Common Admission Test (CAT) followed by group discussion and personal interview. Final selection will depend on your academic record, work experience (if any) and extra-curricular activities.
It’s not necessary to specify your choice of specialisation before enrolment. It’s advisable to understand the demands of various specialisations in the first year, and then choose a major most suited to your personality and abilities.
A B.Com with accounts and finance will broaden your knowledge base but doesn’t provide a sufficient foundation for a professional career in accountancy or financial management. However, it may add weightage to your application for openings at the junior management level in finance, business and accountancy firms.
I’m a science graduate with specialisation in physics and electronics instrumentation. Now my goal is to become an IAS officer, but I’m confused as to whether to continue my studies in physics or study for the UPSC exam. Please advise.
Sharad Patel, Ahmedabad
If you are interested in physics, it would be worthwhile to continue to press on for a postgraduate degree in the subject. Although the optional physics paper in the UPSC preliminary exam requires bachelor’s level knowledge of physics, in the main exam you’ll need Masters level knowledge of physics. While pursuing your M.Sc degree, start preparing and working out a strategy for passing the UPSC Civil Services (IAS) exam. For further information log on to www.upsc.gov.in.