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I have just completed my Std XII examinations (HSC board) with PCM as the main subjects. I also appeared for the National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA) and secured 108/200. Is this score good enough to get into JJ College of Architecture? What are the other requirements and NATA cut-off marks for securing admission? What other institutions are good for studying architecture? What is the scope of architecture in India? Is B. Tech. a better option than B.Arch.?

Sir J. J. School of Architecture, Mumbai, is considered one of the foremost institutions of architecture in India. Therefore you need good score in NATA to get into this institute. Marks in 10+2 exam is also given due weightage for admission.

Other notable institutes are School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT); Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh; National Institutes of Technology all over India; School of Architecture, Centre of Environment Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad.

Opportunities in this field are highly dependent on the level of local construction. Big cities are developing very fast, and construction of commercial as well residential buildings are going on. Even renovation of old buildings is on the rise. This trend is especially good for architects, as it provides many job opportunities.

B.Tech. is totally based on technology, on the other hand, B.Arch. focuses on designing part of architecture along with technology. To become a good architect you must be a good designer.

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I am in Std XII right now and I am preparing for my board exams in March. I have opted for non-medical stream and I am interested in doing animation and web designing. Does this line have any value today?

To become an animator, it is necessary to have a formal training in Fine Arts/Applied Art/ Commercial Art/Graphic Design/Animation Design/Visual Communication Design. Many institutes and polytechnics all over the country offer these courses. While polytechnics offer such courses to 10th pass students, other institutes may require students to clear 10+2 first.

A strong portfolio (a collection of the artist's best work) is the best way to enter the profession. Knowledge of computer packages like PageMaker, CorelDraw, PhotoShop, is a requirement for all animators today.

This is a field that changes constantly as it evolves. Digital editing, digitized effects and the latest computer advances make new, ever more amazing things possible. The growth rates and opportunities in this sector are tremendous, but competition is keen as many are attracted to this work for the associated glamour and excitement.

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I am in Std XII (Humanities). I am very confused about my career choice. I am interested in psychology as well as sociology and I am not able to decide which subject to take up after 12. I am into psychological stuff but at the same time I want to do social work and make a difference in society. Please guide me in choosing the best career.

To work in the field of social work, it is not compulsory to have a degree in social work. Undergraduates in psychology and sociology can also apply. But, a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) is generally necessary for positions in health and mental health settings, public sectors and administrative positions. MSW is of two-year duration and requires some field-work.

Entry into an MSW programme does not necessarily require a Bachelor's in Social Work, but courses in Psychology, Biology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, and History may also be considered. Usually a written test is conducted for admission to these courses.

If you are interested in psychology and social work both, you can go for graduation in Psychology and later specialize in the field of Social Psychology and Counselling Psychology.

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