Deadline

The Visa that is issued to you is annotated with the name of the school that has given you the I-20. Once you are in the US, you are governed by the INS rules. This means that you cannot change your college or university till one year of joining. It is best to make an appropriate choice right at the outset.

According to the rules, you can apply for a Visa only 90 days in advance of the date of enrolment mentioned in the I-20 form issued by the school that has given you admission.

You are allowed two attempts in a period of 2 years, with a gap of 3 working days between each attempt. However, some fresh documents have to be produced with each new attempt. Make sure you have them handy.

You can join the defence services either after finishing your 10+2 or after obtaining your degree. If you want to join straight after class XII, then you must seek admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) or the Naval Academy (Executive Branch). Recruitment to these academies is done through an annual examination, which is usually held in April. The notification for the exam is usually out by mid-October. The last date for filling in the application forms is mostly towards November-end of the previous year

The written exam consists of two papers, both of which are of objective type. Paper I is on Maths (300 marks) and Paper II is on General Ability (600 marks). The paper is further divided into two parts: Part A consists of questions on English, and Part B consists of questions on General Knowledge — Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Freedom Movement, Geography and Current Events.

For joining the Air Force and Navy wings of the armed forces you need Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level. You have to apply to the Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi-110011 by sending the completed application form.

There are also certain physical requirements that you have to meet, which are specified in the notification.

The minimum qualification for the 11/2-year diploma in Footwear Designing from the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), Noida, is Bachelor’s in Fine Arts/graduation in any discipline with inclination towards designing. FDDI has obtained ISO 9001 accreditation and has also received accreditation for its long term course from the Textile Institute, UK.

The Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI), 428, Kaushalpur, Agra 282005, offers 2-year Diploma in Footwear Design & Production. The minimum qualification is 10+2. Age: 17-25 years (relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST).

The other institutes in the north that offer courses in Footwear Design and Leather Garment Design & Technology are:

* AVI School of Fashion & Shoe Technology, S.C.O. 493-94, 2nd Floor, Sector 35-C, Chandigarh.

*National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) (M/o Textiles, GoI), Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016.

Yes, a postgraduate diploma-holder in computer programming can become a programmer as a degree in this field is not absolutely mandatory. You can do a course (level B) in computer programming from any institute, government or private, preferably one accredited to the DOEACC scheme. All said and done, an ace programmer is essentially honed on-the-job, so you needn’t really do a long-term course if you don’t wish to. But having said that, the fact does remain that the higher-end jobs, even in programming, often go to those with a BE/BTech/MCA. As a diploma-holder, you may find it somewhat tough to get a first job. But ultimately it is the work experience that will really count.

BGL and LLB courses differ in their scope and duration. While BGL is a 2-year course, LLB takes 3 years. Eligibility for both BGL and LLB is a Bachelor’s degree though you can also pursue LLB straight after Class XII by doing an integrated 5-year course offered by several universities. According to the Bar Council of India, you cannot practise in a court of law after BGL or BAL (Bachelor of Academic Laws), though you can join a solicitor’s firm or give legal advice. Besides, your degree will be an asset in various jobs which require knowledge of law such as in Company Secretaryship, personnel management, industrial relations, consultancy services, etc.

The only university that offers a BA in Nutrition & Health Education is Delhi University (only for local female students). However, Nutrition forms part of the Home Science course which is offered in almost all universities.

IGNOU offers a Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education after 10+2 and Nutrition for the Community (non-credit course) after 10+2.

I have done postgraduation (MHSc) in child development. Could you tell me what professional courses and job opportunities are available for me in this subject.?

Increasingly, schools specially in urban areas have begun to provide guidance and counselling to students in educational, personal and vocational matters. This has generated a need for professional counsellors who provide care, support and a congenial environment during the child’s development processes at school.

Training for the job of a counsellor is rigorous and specialised. However, once in the job, you have to keep yourself well-informed of the current developments in the fields of education and careers. On the other hand, tact, patience and persuasive skills are called for in tackling behavioural problems and learning blocks.

In case you are interested in counselling, you could opt for the following Guidance & Counselling courses (though most other courses require a postgraduation in Psychology):

* Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi 110021: 6-month Certificate course; Eligibility: 10+2; Age: 21 yrs

* Ravi Shanker University, Raipur, M.P. 492010: 1-yr diploma; Eligibility: Graduation

* Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002: 1-yr diploma; Eligibility: Graduation; Age: 22 yrs

* Mother Teresa Women’s University, 13, Race Course Road, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032: 2-yr MA course; Eligibility: BA

*Annamalai University, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalainagar, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu 608002: PG diploma through correspondence; Eligibility: BA/MA in Psychology or Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 3 yrs experience in Teaching/Administrative/ Clinical profession

*University of Chennai, Centenary Buildings Chepauk, Triplicane PO, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005: 1-yr diploma; Eligibility: Postgraduation.

You can also choose from several related PG Diploma courses in this field:

* Psychology & Education: Ranchi University

* Early Child Education: SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai

* Special Non-Formal Education for Children: Gujarat University.

If you wish to study still further, you can do research (MPhil followed by PhD) in your own field. Alternatively, you can teach in schools or work for NGOs operating in the area of child development and child care.

Dec 13 Army HQ, West Block-III, RK Puram, New Delhi 110066.

Technical Graduates Course (Jul-2001)

Short Service Commission (Tech) Course (Oct-2001)

Duration: TGC: 1 yr; SSC (Tech) at IMA, Dehradun; 44 weeks at OTA, Chennai.

Details, Appln Format: Employment News 18-24 Nov.

Dec 12 Central Leather Research Instt (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai 600020.

Certificate/Diploma Courses in:

1) Leather Processing

2) Leather Goods

3) Garments

4) Footwear

Location:

(1): CLRI Chennai

(2): CLRI/Indian Instt of Leather Products (IILP), Chennai & Calcutta

(3): CLRI/IILP, Chennai & Calcutta

(4): CLRI/IILP, Chennai.

Elig:

For Certificate: S.S.L.C. (55%).

For Diploma: 10+2 (55%).

Age Limit: 30 yrs on 5 Feb., 2001 (relaxable in deserving cases).

Selectn: Entrance Test, Interview (6/7 Jan). Trade test for those in leather industry. Women candidates preferred.

Appln F: Send Rs. 100/- by crossed DD favouring "Central Leather Research Instt." with self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 3/-) envelope (30 cm x 15 cm), to the Head, CHORD Division at the above address.

Dec 08 The Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Plot No. 1-A, Sector 36-A, Chandigarh.

Post Diploma Course in Computer Application (11/2 yrs)

At Govt. Polytechnic for Women, Amritsar/Jalandhar/ Ludhiana/Ropar & Govt. Polytechnics at Ferozepur & Bathinda.

Elig: Women with AICTE approved Dip in Engg or Non-Engg (60% agg).

Selctn: Merit in marks obtained in diploma & Interview (Dec 16).

Appln F: Rs. 200/- at counter from the concerned polytechnics or from the above address.

Jan 01 Central Instt. of Fisheries Nautical & Engg Training, (GoI), Kochi-682016, Kerala.

Mate of Fishing Vessel Course

Engine Driver of Fishing Vessel Course

Elig:

1. Pass in Class10/SSLC (50%) (SC/ST: 45%)

2. Desirable: 1-yr fishing experience.

3. Age: 17-20 yrs on 19 Mar 2001 (SC/ST: relaxable by 5 yrs)

4. Fitness: Should be physically fit for strenous work.

5. Vision: Must pass eye test conducted by Mercantile Marine Dept.

Selection: Written exam in Hindi/English at 13 centres including: Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi, Kochi.

Appln F: Send Rs. 50/- by IPO, favouring "Senior Administrative Officer, CIFNET" payable at Kochi-682016 Post Office, along with stamped (Rs. 3/-), self-addressed envelope before Dec 22 to the above add or by post from:

Director, CIFNET, Dewan’s Rd, Kochi-682016,

Dy. Director, CIFNET, Unit 59, SN Chetty St, Royapuram, Chennai-600013

Dy. Director, CIFNET, Beach Rd, Visakhapatnam-530001.

Also available at Instt. counters till Dec 29.

Jan 02 Symbiosis Instt of Foreign Trade (SIFT), 1068, Atur Centre, Gokhale Cross Rd, Pune 411016.

Website: www.siftpune.com

Masters in International Business (MIB) (2-yrs FT)

Elig: Bachelor’s Degree (50%)

Selection: Written Test: 21st Jan at 12 centres, GD & Interview.

Appln F: Send Rs. 900/- by DD favouring "Symbiosis Instt. of Foreign Trade" payable at SBI/Bank of Maharasthra, payable at Pune along with 3 self add (name in block letters) adhesive lables.

Jan 15 Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, Delhi 110007.

Tel: 7257905, E-mail: info@gbo.srcc.edu

PG in Global Business Operations (2-yrs F/T)

Elig: Bachelor’s Degree (50%)

Selection: Written Test: Feb 18, GD & Interview. (Reservations for SC/ST etc).

Appln F: Send Rs. 650/- (Rs. 350/- for SC/ST) by crossed DD favouring "Principal, Shri Ram College of Commerce" payable at SBI, Delhi, along with a self-addressed slip. From Section Officer (Admin) for Rs. 600/- in cash (SC/ST: Rs. 300/-) (10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri).

Dec 20 The Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), at Delhi, Jaipur, Hy’bad, Chennai, B’lore, Calcutta.

Dip in Apparel Manufacturing Technology (1 yr)

Dip in Fashion Sampling/Co-ordination (1 yr)

Production Supervision & Quality Control (6 months)

Pattern/Cutting Master Course (6-months)

Elig & Fee: (1 & 2): Class XII (Rs. 20,000/-)

For (3): Class XII (Rs. 10,000/-)

For (2): Class X (Rs. 10,000/-)

Selectn: Oral aptitude test/interview.

Appln F: At ATDC counter for Rs. 100/- in cash or DD favouring "Apparel Training & Design Centre" payable at respective ATDC from following centres:

D-8/2, Okhla Indl. Area, Phase-I, New Delhi 110020. (Ph: 6814251)

No. 5-10-191, Hill Fort Rd, Saifabad, Hyderabad 500004. (Ph: 33296344/3210372)

78, Temple St, 11th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore 560003. (Ph: 3310562)

18-23, 2nd Floor, Readymade Garment Complex, Thiru Vi Ka Indl Estate, Guindy, Chennai 600032. (Ph: 2312121)

P-77, Kalandi Housing Estate, Calcutta 700089. (Ph: 5224823)

SP-191, Malviya Indl. Area, Jaipur-302017 (Ph: 750706, 750064)

Mar Army Instt. of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, ASC Centre (South), PO Agram, Bangalore-560007.

Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM).

Elig:

Children of serving Army personnel/regular army pensioners and war widows receiving liberalised pension, children of TA (10 yrs service) personnel and other related Defence Forces.

10+2 with English as compulsory subject.

Age: below 22 yrs on 1 July 2001, (relaxation for war widows).

Written Test: 29 Apr 2001 at 24 centres including Bangalore, Port Blair, Guwahati, Jalandhar Cantt, Dehradun, Srinagar, Chennai, Calcutta, Tezpur, Gangtok, Delhi, Pathankot, Secunderabad, Wellington, Thiruvananthapuram, Shillong, Silchar, Ambala & Jammu.

Appln F: Send Rs. 250/- by DD favouring "Army Instt. of Hotel Management & Catering Technology" payable at SBI (Code No. 4742), to the Principal, at the above add. In cash at counter till Feb 28.

Dec 24 Indian Instt. of Materials Management (NHQ), 247, Raheja Arcade, Koramangala, Bangalore 560095

Websites: www/iimm.org / www.iimmbg.org

PG Diploma in Materials Management (PGDMM) (3 yr Corresp)

Graduate Diploma in Materials Management (GDMM) (2 yr F/T, 3 yr Corresp)

Elig: (1): Bachelor’s Degree/GDMM (55% agg) with 2-yrs supervisory ex.

(2): Bachelor’s Degree/Dip (3 yrs) in Engg

Selection: Aptitude Test: Dec 24 at IIMM branches

Appln F: Contact IIMM at above add or Branches: New Delhi: 326089/3242124, Chandigarh (Panchkula): 551646, Calcutta: 2476971, B’lore: 2266750/2264661, Chennai: 37421953/3742750, Cochin: 317687, KGF: 61003, Mysore: 519307, Trivandrum: 563893.

Jan 16 National Instt. of Construction Management & Research, 25/1, Balewadi, NIA PO, Pune 411045.

Website: www.nicmar.org

PG Diploma: (2 yr F/T)

1) Advanced Construction Mgt (PGD.ACM)

2) Construction Mgt & Financial Engg (PGD-CMFE)

3) Construction Mgt & Infrastructure Development (PGD-CMID)

Graduate Diploma: (1 yr F/T)

Construction Project Mgt

Construction Safety Mgt

Building Maintenance Mgt

Real Estate Development & Mgt

Certificate Courses (6 mths):

8 categories, (P/T & Distance)

Elig: PG Dip: BE/BArch/ Quantity Surveying (55%) OR MA/MBA/MSc with 2 yrs work ex in construction.

Grad Dip: Dip/BE/BArch/A/Grads with work ex in construction.

Appln F: Send Rs. 500/- by DD favouring "NICMAR, Pune" at above address or from:

Delhi: 6123225, Hy’bad: 3001678, B’lore: 3387572.