Career Hotline
Branch into biotech
Pervin Malhotra

Q Can you please list the names of the universities / colleges conducting in M. Sc Agri Biotechnology / MVSc (Biotechnology) courses and tell me about the eligibility and the selection procedure. 

— Sheraz

A Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, holds an All-India Combined Biotechnology Entrance Exam in May for admission to M. Sc Agriculture / MVSc (Biotechnology) Programmes offered at the following participating universities. Watch out for the notification in Employment News and other national dailies or log onto www.jnu.ac.in  for further details.

M. Sc (Agri) Biotech:

• Ch. Sarwan Kumar HP Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur: Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry (minimum OGPA of 2.70 / 4.00 or 6.00 / 10.00)

• Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur (Chatt). Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Agriculture / Veterinary / Dairy Technology / Horticulture / Forestry); 55 p.c.

• University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad: Bachelor’s degree (Agriculture, Horticulture / Forestry); CGPA (2.25/4.00 or 6.50/10.00)

• Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Prabhani (Mah)* Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry); 55 p.c marks

• Orissa Univ of Agriculture & Tech, Bhubaneswar (Ori) Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry); 55 p.c marks or 6.5 in 10 point scale OR 3.0 in 4 point scale.

• Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (TN) Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry / Agricultural Engineering) 70 p.c.

• G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (Utt). Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Agriculture / Veterinary Sciences / Horticulture / Forestry); 55 p.c Course: MSc (Agri) Biotechnology / MVSc (Animal) Biotech.

• Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur: Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry) 55p.c Course: MVSc (Animal) Biotechnology)

• Ch. Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar Eligibility: BVSc & AH recognised by Veterinary Council of India (50 p.c) Course: MVSc (Animal) Biotechnology

Incidentally, Punjab Agricultural University has set up a Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics & Biotechnology, which serves as niche education centre of excellence in agriculture.

Transcription training

Q I am interested in a career in medical transcription. Where can I get training in this field?

— Sunita Saigal

A Medical Transcription is a career option for people who have excellent command over English, particularly written (you have to hear and transcribe speech loaded with medical terminology in accents as varied as American, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, Indian and mid-Western), and preferably familiarity with biology.

In a nutshell, the work involves meticulously transcribing computerised audio data dictated by the doctor into formatted computerised text. MT calls for excellent listening skills, familiarity with medical terminology, high degree of concentration and accuracy.

The $250 million MT market in India is growing at the rate of 50 per cent annually.

A veritable industry has sprung up to cash in on the demand by offering courses for a handsome fee. Do some comparative shopping before you sign up for such training schools. Make sure they promise you placement at the end of the course. Preferably choose one that runs a MT operation of its own.

Besides the University of Madras, (www.unom.ac.in) which offers a 1-year Diploma in Medical Transcription, there are few recognised courses in MT currently. The Indian Medical Transcription Industry Association (IMTIA) is trying to set up coaching facilities with colleges in Bangalore and Coimbatore.

However, most MT companies offer in-house training to the candidates they select.

The income is directly proportionate to the effort you put in. MTs are paid on a production basis — by the line, word or page. Starting packages are modest – in the range of Rs 7,000 – 10,000 plus incentives. Starting as an MT, you can move on to becoming a Sr. MT, Executive MT, Quality Analyst, Proof Reader, Content Editor, Project Leader, etc. Those who handle teams of 500 people can command a hefty package — Rs 15 lakh pa.

MTs can also arrange for convenient and flexible work schedules, including working from home.

Moreover, there is no age limit as great value is placed on experience and knowledge.

Programming prospects

Q I am a Polytechnic Diploma holder in Comp Engg (74 pc). Now I am doing AMIE. I want to become a computer programmer. Is AMIE equivalent to B. Tech or MCA? What is the scope of AMIE?

— Sarav Sabi

A On successfully clearing the Section A (diploma stream) Exam, and the Section B Exam of the AMIE (Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers India), you will be awarded an AMIE certification, which is considered on par with a BE/B.Tech in engineering both for employment as well as admission to ME/M. Tech courses in any university (www.ieindia.org).

For becoming a Systems Analyst or Application Programmer, the typical requirement is MCA/ME/BTech/MTech or equivalent. A thorough knowledge of the latest a programming language is a must.

Similarly, DOEACC’s B-Level, or graduate level course, is equivalent to BE/BTech, MCA or M. Sc and attests to your proficiency to work as a network systems administrator, database administrator, software engineer or senior faculty member. The government (MHRD) recognises the exam for employment in the Central Government wherever MCA is the desired qualification. This makes B-level graduates eligible for government jobs in all departments of the Centre, States, UTs as well as in all PSUs. You can also take the GATE to pursue ME/M. Tech courses.

Eligibility: Level ‘A’/PGDCA/3-year Engg Dip/Bachelor’s degree.

Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com