My Science School

I am a Std X student. I like software engineering and want to find a career in this field. Which courses should I take after Std X?

In order to become a software engineer, you should first complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Then go for Bachelor's in Engineering (B.E./ B.Tech.) and specialize in Computer Science. Admission various engineering colleges is through NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and other all-India level tests. After 10+2 you can also go for Bachelor's in Computer Applications (BCA).

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I am a student of Std IX and I am interested in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. What is the scope of these subjects? How can I get a degree in this course and the institutions where these courses are available?

A Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary science including not only biology but also subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Microbiology. To pursue a career in this field, take Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in 10+2. After that, go for B.Sc./B.Tech. (Biotechnology). The duration of a B.Sc. programme is three years whereas it is four years for B.E. and B.Tech. courses.

Admission is generally through an entrance test. You can also do post-graduation in Biotechnology after B.Sc.

There are many colleges offering these courses. Many IITs and NITS offer B.Tech. in Biotechnology, for which you need to appear in JEE and AIEEE. This field is rapidly growing and offer wonderful opportunities, as many biotech companies are investing heavily into research of new drugs and biological products.

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I have just given Std X board exams. I have taken science in Std XI. I want to do B.Tech. in computer science. What are the entrance exams for admission in B.Tech. (Computer Science)? Can I prepare for IIT-JEE after Std XII board exams, taking a year's leap?

You can certainly appear in IIT-JEE after a gap of one year. But often students get distracted assuming that that they have lots of time. So take care and be focussed!

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I am good in history and geography and I love these subjects. I want to choose my career based on these two subjects. Please suggest some career options.

Like most academic subjects History and Geography may not be directly vocational but provide a solid background for general education, international studies, and a variety of professional careers including law, planning, and environmental consulting. During the course study, you'll develop skills in research, analysis, and oral and written communication.

Graduates in Geography find work in cartography, oceanography and land survey. Those with a master's degree get involved in urban and regional planning and development, housing development, town planning, transport planning, environmental planning and monitoring. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology are the latest fields which utilize the skills of a geographer and a computer professional.

A good history degree is a guarantee that the holder can analyse subjects in depth and develop coherent arguments about them in written and verbal form. Knowledge of history is also an asset in journalism. Historians not only confine themselves to teaching and research jobs but may go for specialized jobs such as archaeologist, epigraphist, archivist or curator.

History is a very popular choice for various competitive examinations at state and central level, like the civil services.

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I've just completed my Std XI examinations and have started preparing for CLAT since I want to do corporate law. What is the procedure for getting an admission or a scholarship, if possible, to any esteemed foreign institute?

Undergraduate programmes at Indian law schools are regarded as among the best in the world. Some of the good institutes are: The National Law School of India University, Bangalore, The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research University of Law (N.A.L.S.A.R.), Hyderabad and The West Bengal National University of Juridical Science (N.U.J.S), Kolkata.

The Common Law Admission Test or CLAT is an all-India entrance examination for admission to the undergraduate and post-graduate degree programmes in any one of fourteen participating National Law Universities. Subject areas covered in the test are: English including Comprehension, General Knowledge/Current Affairs, Elementary Mathematics (Numerical Ability), Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning.

Most Indian lawyers prefer to travel abroad only for their LLM and other graduate studies. Popular destinations are the U.S. and U.K. though Singapore and Australia are rapidly gaining ground. Some of the well-known universities are Yale and Harvard University in U.S.A. and University of Cambridge in U.K.

Law School Admission Test or LSAT is required for admission in law colleges in the U.S. and Canada.

What you must remember is that law is not as internationally transferrable as other disciplines. Each country has its own laws, legal system and requirements in order to practise law. Still, experts in international and human rights law apply across borders and to many nations.

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I recently finished giving my Std X board exams. I am good at writing and I am creative too. I aspire to become a journalist and want to take up Arts. But now I have begun to have doubts whether I should go for it or not. If I do, can you suggest some good junior colleges in Pune for Arts?

Since you are creative and good in writing, you will probably do well in the field of journalism. Aim for courses in journalism, mass media, advertising, etc. But those will be at graduation stage. Take Arts in 10+2. It is offered at all junior colleges in Pune. The better your marks in Std X, better your chances are to get admission in a good college. To judge your capabilities, start writing and send in articles for publication in your school magazine or youth magazines.

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I'm a Std X student and confused what I should choose in Std XI. I want to be a gastro-surgeon. What are the required courses for that and institutions?

Gastrointestinal Surgery (GI surgery) is a branch of medicine that covers all surgeries pertaining to the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon), pancreas and liver. To become a surgeon in this field, first you should go for MBBS, followed by 3 years Master of Surgery (M.S.). Then go for M.Ch. (GI Surgery). Duration of this course is three years.

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I am in Std XI. I want to do my B.Sc. in Nursing after Std XII in India. What are the courses offered in nursing abroad and what exam do I have to give to go abroad?

Graduation in nursing imparts in-depth knowledge of various theoretical and practical aspects of nursing. Students learn about the day-to-day skills and practices involved in quality patient care. In Maharashtra, admission to B.Sc. (Nursing) is through NEET.

If you want to complete your degree overseas, you need to start preparation at least one year in advance. The internet is one of the easiest ways to access information on prospective courses and universities around the world. Find out admission requirements of your prospective university, visa requirements for studying in your country of choice, through websites or by contacting the relevant embassy. Different countries ask for different exams, depending on the course. For example, SAT is required for undergraduate programmes in USA.

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I'm in Std X and would like to pursue a career in cardiology. Please suggest some suitable institutions and courses involved in this field.

A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the heart and associated cardiovascular system. Cardiology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine. Therefore, if you plan to practise cardiology, first you should go for MBBS.

Becoming a cardiologist requires a lot of patience and a detailed study of various subjects pertaining to cardiology. You need to start with science subjects (PCB) in 10+2. Then appear for an entrance examination for admission to MBBS. This is a 5½ years course. After completing MBBS, you should go for 2-3 years of MD/MS followed by DM in Cardiology. Thus becoming a cardiologist is not an easy task, but looking at the high salary ranges and enormous career opportunities, this is an excellent career option.

At present you should think about getting admission to a good medical college for MBBS. CBSE conducts NEET, i.e., National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for admissions to MBBS, BDS and nursing courses offered by 355 medical colleges. There are other institutes like AIIMS, which conduct their own all-India level test. Start preparing now.

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I am in Std X and I want to be a cardiologist. What are the advantages of choosing this as a career and what subjects should I take for this particular field of medicine? Please give me some information about this field suggesting some good colleges in India and abroad.

A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the heart and associated cardiovascular system. Cardiology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine. Therefore, if you plan to practise cardiology, first you should go for MBBS.

Becoming a cardiologist requires a lot of patience and a detailed study of various subjects pertaining to cardiology. You need to start with science subjects (PCB) in 10+2. Then appear for an entrance examination for admission to MBBS. This is a 5½ years course. After completing MBBS, you should go for 2-3 years of MD/MS followed by DM in Cardiology. Thus becoming a cardiologist is not an easy task, but looking at the high salary ranges and enormous career opportunities, this is an excellent career option.

At present you should think about getting admission to a good medical college for MBBS. CBSE conducts NEET, i.e., National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for admissions to MBBS, BDS and nursing courses offered by 355 medical colleges. There are other institutes like AIIMS, which conduct their own all-India level test. Start preparing now.

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I'm in Std XI and have opted for PCM. I will be preparing for the engineering exams and for the civil services. I am an enthusiastic student of chemistry; what are the probable career options in this field?

The study of chemistry leads to a variety of careers and professions. Chemistry graduates can get beginners' jobs in quality control, analysis and testing or in technical sales and services. Food processing and pharmaceutical industries employ chemistry graduates as technical assistants.

Master's degree holders in chemistry generally find employment in one of three areas; industry, government and education. In industry, they may undertake research and development, quality control, sales and technical service, technical or general management. They increasingly work in marketing, providing technical information on chemical products and services. In addition, government departments like water, soil conservation, forensic science, customs and industrial safety departments employ them in scientific analysis, research, policy development and administration. To do research or to teach in colleges and universities, a Ph.D. is generally needed.

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