CAREER QUERIES HOTLINE

Admission deadline

FORTNIGHTLY QUIZ-150

CAREER QUERIES HOTLINE

Ramanpreet Kaur

A. AICTE approval only signifies the credibility and capability of the institution to offer technical programmes in Engineering and Technology, Computer Applications, Architecture & Town Planning, Pharmacy, Management, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Applied Arts & Crafts etc.

In simple language, it is equivalent to permission granted to a shopkeeper to start the business.

It is in no way a proof of the institution’s or programme’s demonstrated capability to comply with specified norms and regulations. For this, AICTE "accreditation", is the appropriate indicator. While the GoI has made accreditation of programs mandatory for all higher and technical educational institutions, presently only a handful of institutions have come forward.

For the complete list of approved institutions log on to www.aicte.com.

Q. I am a first-year student of Metallurgical Engineering. I would like to pursue a career which is essentially research-oriented. May I know its scope and the institutions that offer research jobs?

Sukhbir Gill

A. Metallurgists are employed in research laboratories, industries and plants involved in extracting and processing metals (like iron and steel, nickel, tin, copper, zinc, aluminium, brass, etc.), in metallurgical industries like foundries and rolling mills, in fabrication industries such as automobile, aircraft, engineering workshops in research laboratories, etc. Steel plants of Durgapur, Bhillai, Rourkela, Bokaro and TISCO at Jamshedpur employ metallurgists. You can also work as a quality control engineer in other industries.

For further information you could contact: Indian Institute of Metals, Jawahar Dhatu Bhawan, 39, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi 110062.

Q. While applying to an American university, when should I apply for foreign aid? What does the term "need-blind" mean?

Pradeep Kumar

A. Scholarships, grants and financial aid inevitably go to those who have done a thorough job their homework. So start collecting and evaluating information at least a year and a half in advance.

Many applicants also make the mistake of waiting until they are admitted to a programme before trying to apply for financial aid. This is a major mistake because the deadline for many financial aid applications is before the deadline for applying to many graduate programmes (e.g. one university’s financial aid applications may be due on January 1, whereas their graduate applications forms may not be due until February 15). If you miss these deadlines, loans may be the only resource available to you. Which is why I suggest that you make note of all financial aid deadlines and complete the appropriate forms before (or concurrent with) your applications.

Often parents and students don’t seek scholarships due to the mistaken impression that scholarships are merit-based and awarded only to the brightest students. Many scholarships are given on the basis of financial need, which means that average grades need not prevent a student from seeking it.

"Need blind" means admission based solely on your academic merit and nothing else - not even your ability to pay. If you are worthy of admission, the financial difference will be automatically made up by the college. MIT is one of the very few institutions, which still follows this policy.

Q. I am a housewife and had to discontinue studies due to the casual attitude of my parents. I could not complete matriculation. Could you please advice me how I can continue my studies through the open university system?

Anita Samyal

A. Nothing is lost yet. You can continue your education even at this stage. The Open School and the Open University system are especially designed for people like you who had to discontinue your studies for one reason or another. The National Open School, under the Department of Education, GoI would be a good bet. NOS conducts exams upto class 12 level in the months of April-May and October-November. The forms are available at the study centres at a nominal price.

In addition to their array of vocational courses NOS offers 1-year certificate courses in Computer Applications (CCA) and Library Science (CLS).

If you wish to continue your education further, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and several other open universities offer a whole range of courses at the undergraduate as well as at higher levels. These student-friendly courses can be undertaken at any age and even more conveniently, from home if you so wish.

For details log on to www.nos.org and www.ignou.org.

Q. I have just completed BSc (Nursing). Since I would like to broaden my field of study instead of going into practice, someone suggested I do MSc in Health Science. Is such a course offered in India? What does it cover and ‘am I eligible for it?

Chandni Behl

A. Health Studies is an evolving discipline that integrates knowledge from various branches of biomedical, natural and social sciences to provide a holistic study of health.

Various courses (mainly PG Diplomas) in Health Counselling, Health & Nutrition, Health Statistics, Health Education and Health Administration are available, the only institution that I am aware of which offers a specific MSc in Health Sc is the School of Health Sciences, University of Pune, Pune 411007.

This is an interdisciplinary, community-based course that includes theoretical, laboratory and field based training. It integrates inputs from nutrition, environmental health, epidemiology and biometry, human genetics and biotechnology, health development, economics and planning.

Graduates in any branch of Science including Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Nursing, Home Science, Nutrition or Social Sciences are eligible.

Admission to this 2-year course is through a Common Entrance Test in July. 30% of the seats are reserved for women.

Q. After working as a manager I am planning to shift to consulting. Could you please suggest a course in corporate law which does not require an LLB degree?

Rachna Kotyal

A. Here’s one that’s just right for you. The prestigious National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore offers a Master of Business Laws (Corresp). Duration: 2 yrs. Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree. For details, log on to www.nls.ac.in.

Q. I will be completing MBBS this year. Could you please tell me where I could pursue Haematology as a specialisation?

Gurpreet Dhami

A. As you must be aware, Haematology is the study of blood diseases like anaemia, leukemia, thalassemia, bone marrow depression, haemophilia and even AIDs. It is a superspeciality in the field of medicine comparable to neurology or cardiology.

There are a number of research centers like the Gujarat Cancer Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Kidwai Hospital, Bangalore, etc that offer a DM Onco-Haematology degree. The 3-4 year course gives you an option to train in pure haematology or in combination with oncology

Haematology also encompasses transfusion medicine, e.g. blood banking. Both teaching and research in this field also offers good scope.

Some leading institutions offering courses in this field:

* All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029 (www.aiims.edu)

* Christian Medical College, Vellore 832004 (TN)

* PGIMER (Chandigarh Univ), Sector 16,Chandigarh 160001.

* Institute of Immunohaematology, New Multi StoryBldg, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai 40012 offers an Advanced Course in Haematology and Immunohaematology.

Q. I would be grateful if you could tell me the procedure for recruitment of officers in the paramilitary forces.

Vijayan Chaturvedi

A. Officers in the paramilitary forces i.e. BSF, ITBP, CISF, CRPF etc. are recruited by the Special Selection Board (SSB) of the Central Police Organisation (CPO) through a written examination followed by physical efficiency test and an interview.

Graduates between the age of 19-25 are eligible for taking the written exam that covers general awareness, reasoning, numerical ability, essay writing, written comprehension etc.

The physical test includes various events like 800 metre race, long jump, high jump etc. to assess your strength and stamina. Short-listed candidates have to undergo a medical examination. On selection you will be appointed as an Assistant Commandant or Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Admission deadline

Armed Forces

Mar 12 Indian Army, HQ Recruiting Zone

Surveyor Automated Cartographer as Havildar

Elig: Male candidates with BA/BSc (Maths). Class 12 (Maths & Sc). Age: 20-25 yrs (on 15 Oct ‘02).

Selectn: Written Exam (16 June).

Appln F: Send in prescribed format to the respective HQ Recruiting Zone.

Details: Employment News (26 Jan-1 Feb).

Entrance Exam

Mar 4 Central Board of Secondary Education

Website: www.cbse.nic.in

All-India Engg/ Pharmacy/ Architecture Entrance Exam (AIEEE)

For admission to select colleges in 12 states

Elig: For Engg: 10+2 (PCM, 50%). For BArch: 10+2 (with Maths, 50%). For Pharmacy: 10+2 (PCB/PCM, 50%). Age: Dob: 10 Oct ‘77 (on or after).

Exam: 19 May.

Appln F: Designated Canara Bank Branches (incld SCO-117-118-119, Sec 17-C, Ch ‘grh): Rs 350/-(Cash).

Details: See Website.

Maths & Stats

Mar 29 Indian Statistical Institute, 7, SJS Sansanwal Marg, New Delhi 110016

Website: www.isical.ac.in/~deanweb

1) B Stat (Hons, 3-yr)

2) B Maths (Hons, 3-yr)

3) M Stat (2-yr)

4) MS (QE, 2-yr)

5) MTech (CS, 2-yr)

6) MTech (QROR, 2-yr)

7) JRF (Stat/Math/Comp & Comm Sc/Eco/Linguistics/Demography/Sociol/ Psychol/Phys & Appl Math /Geol/ Biochem / Lib & Info Sc)

8) Associateship (Doc & Info Sc, 2-yr)

Elig: Employment News (26 Jan-1 Feb).

Selectn: Written Test, Interview.

Appln F: Send request for appln with Rs 300/- by DD favouring "Indian Statistical Institute" payable at Kolkata to the Head, Delhi/Bangalore Centre by 8 Mar. Can download from website.

Medicine

Apr 8 Jawaharlal Institute of PG Medical Education & Research, Pondicherry 605006

MBBS 2002-03

Elig: Class 12, PCB (Bot & Zool) & Eng

Selectn: Entrance Exam (9 June) at 6 centres.

Appln F: Send Rs 200/- by DD favouring of "Accounts Officer, JIPMER" payable at Bank of Baroda, Pondicherry with stamped (Rs 37/-), self-add envelope (30 cm x 22 cm) to the Asst Registrar (Academic) by 4 Mar.

Details: Employment News (26 Jan-1 Feb).

Research

Apr 15 Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur PO, Bangalore 560064

Website: www.jncasr.in

* PhD Programmes

1) Chem & Phys of Materials, 2) Evolutionary & Organismal Biol,

3) Molecular Biol & Genetics, 4) Fluid Dynamics/Atmospheric Sc,

5) Theoretical Sc/Theoretical Condensed Matter Phys/Stat Mechanics/Materials

* Integrated PhD Programme (5-yr)

6) Chem & Material Sc

* MSc By Research (2-yr)

7) Evolutionary/Molecular Biol & Genetics/Materials Sc & Fluid Dynamics

Elig: For 1: Master’s degree in (Phys/Chem/Electron/Materials Sc) with Maths/Phys at BSc level. For 2: Master’s degree in (Biol Sc/Agri Sc / Maths/ Stats /Phys / Chem/Engg). For 3): Master’s degree in (Chem/ Biol Sc/MBBS). For 4: Master’s degree in Engg/Phys/Maths/ Meteorol). For 5: Master’s degree in (Phys/Chem/BE/BTech) with working knowledge of Fortran programming. Also, candidates should have cleared the GATE/CSIR-JRF/UGC/NET exam. For 6: BSc (PCM, 1st Class). For 7): Bachelor’s degree (Engg/Med).

Selectn: For 1 - 5: Interview. For 6: Entrance Exam and interview.

Appln F: Write to the Co-ordinator at the above add before Mar 15.

FORTNIGHTLY QUIZ-150

1. Who was recently made the first Marshal of the Indian Air Force?

2. Which state has been chosen the ‘theme state’ for this year’s Surajkund Fair in Faridabad?

3. Which two countries recently played in the first-ever cricket Test match in Sharjah?

4. Which country has overtaken the UAE to become the richest Arab state?

5. Name the Punjabi novelist who was recently selected for the Saraswati Samman,2001.

6.Who has been named the captain of the Indian hockey team for the World Cup to be held in Kuala Lumpur?

7. Which country’s highway has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most bridges —151— on a stretch of 179 km?

8. Expand MMS.

9. What is the capital of Albania?

10. With which field is Jayant Narlikar associated?

11. Where will be the 32nd National Games held?

12. Name the renowned danseuse who recently refused to accept Padma Bhushan award.

13. Which country recently issued the first stamp commemorating the September 11 terrorist attacks in the USA and the ensuing anti-terror campaign?

14. Name this year’s winner of the women’s Australian Open tennis title.

15. Who recently won the men’s tennis title at the Australian Open in Melbourne?

Name......................Class.......School address..............................

Winners of quiz 149. The first prize by draw of lots goes to Prabhat Bhalla, IX-A, DAV Public Senior Secondary School, Jagadhari Road, Ambala Cantt-133001.

Second: Kartika Bhardwaj, X, Holy Child Convent Auxiliam School, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi.

Third: Nayank Kumar Mahajan, X-C, St Luke’s Sen Sec School, Solan-173212.

Answers to quiz 149: Winston Churchill; Muttiah Muralitharan; Sialkot;13805; INS Vikrant; USA; Boudhanath temple; Infosys Technologies; Khmer Rouge ; Zhu Rongji; Robert Mugabe; Freetown; Research and Analysis Wing; Cuttack; Intel Corp.

Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address.

— Tarun Sharma