I WANT TO BECOME NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST?

I'm a Std 12 (Humanities) student interested in Neuropsychology. What courses will I have to do to become a neuropsychologist and how much time will it take?

Neuropsychologists evaluate and treat people with various types of nervous system disorders. They may spend much of their day assessing patients for mental deficits or treating the psychological bases of mental health issues.

To enter into this field, go for a degree in Psychology, after which you should go for a Masters, followed by a doctoral degree in Neuropsychology. So you need at least 9-11 years of further study after 10+2.

Some of the institutes are: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Indian Institute of Psychology & Research, Bangalore, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

Please note that Neuropsychologists are not medical doctors and can't prescribe medications or operate on patients. Although they investigate the brain and nervous system, they do so with statistical or psychological methods. Neuropsychiatrists are qualified and licensed medical doctors who also have psychological training.

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WHAT SHOULD I DO?

I have PCM in Std 12 and I was thinking of joining the army through NDA or do B.Tech. which can help me in my interest in computer science. After that I want to start my own company. From which engineering college should I do my B.Tech, and should I study abroad or in India? I was also thinking of pursuing MBA if I choose B.Tech. Please guide me.

NDA, B.Tech., MBA, studying abroad, starting your venture... your interests seem to be quite wide. But it looks like you're just fascinated by these words, and did not put any effort to know how to enter into these.

First, try to think what you want to do after say 7-8 years, then decide the path and the courses.

After NDA (National Defence Academy), you'll be required to serve the country on short/ permanent commission. If you want to start your own company, you should go for some professional course.

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What are the career options in BBM?

I am in Std XII and want to do BBM IB in college. What are the career options and what is it all about? Is it theory-based?

BBM IB is a specialized 3-year full-time graduation programme. The topics covered are International Business, Cost Accounting, Business Reporting and Analysis, Business Laws, International Economics, etc. Most of these topics are theoretical. The course is designed to mould students to foresee the intensely competitive global environment and transform them into pathmakers in the global market. But BBM in itself is not sufficient for good opportunities; you must go for some specialized course or MBA.

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I want to get into ISRO

I am a student of Std XII and want to get into ISRO. What entrance should I clear and what are the job options available if I take up Avionics as a subject or do B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace Engineering is concerned with the design, construction and science of aircraft and spacecraft. But Avionics deals only with the electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft; it is a part of Aerospace Engineering.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum (IIST) is Asia's first space institute. It offers a 4-year B.Tech. degree in Avionics as well as in Aerospace Engineering. The innovative feature of this institute is that students have an opportunity to learn in depth in specific areas needed for ISRO programmes. Admission is through JEE (Joint Entrance Examination.

After completing the course, you may work in areas like design, development and maintenance. You can find jobs with government-owned enterprises such as ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.), and NAL (National Aeronautics Labs). There is no dearth of opportunities for those who wish to work abroad.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the premier space agency of India and the sixth largest space agency in the world. The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national needs. For a job in ISRO (http://www.isro.org) you need to appear for the entrance exam followed by an interview, after completing B.Tech. in Aerospace, Electronics, Mechanical or Computer Science.

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I like software engineering and want to find a career in this field

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 have a keen interest in Maths and scored well in the boards

I have just passed Std XII (PCM) with 87%. I am confused about B.Sc. (Maths) and Economics Honours. I have a keen interest in Maths and scored well in the boards. I am also getting Maths as a subsidiary subject with Eco Hons. Can I get admission in Delhi School of Economics or London School of Economics by taking Economics Hons? What do I have to do to enter the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata? Out of the two degrees, which is a better option and why?

Delhi School of Economics offers B.A. (Economics) as well as master's courses in Economics. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata offers B.Sc. (Maths) and B.Sc. (Statistics). Admission is through an entrance test, usually held in May. All these courses are good as both these institutes are highly acclaimed.

If you're good in Mathematics, you can also go for a course in Actuarial Science. For that you need to clear, through self-study, a series of examinations conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India, Mumbai. Actuaries are responsible for measuring risk for unforeseen future events and assessing the cost of that risk in a variety of situations. They are highly paid and are much in demand.

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I am planning to do three papers in English Literature and three papers in Psychology for my third year

I am currently doing S.Y.B.A. and I am planning to do three papers in English Literature and three papers in Psychology for my third year. But I do not know what I want to do after that. Please suggest some good career choices for me as I am an introvert and would like to work in Goa and not anywhere else.

 While the traditional careers for English majors are teaching, editing, and writing, it is not unusual to find these students in a wide variety of occupations. Translation is yet another area, especially if you're familiar with other languages besides English. Creative writing and even technical writing is yet another option. Please remember that a career in technical writing does not require a scientific or engineering background, but it does require an excellent command of the English language and the ability to write logically, clearly and accurately.

Psychology graduates have knowledge of the assessment of personality, intelligence and attitudes, interviewing techniques, questionnaire design and analysis, child development, and methods of teaching and learning. This knowledge can be applied to an enormous number of occupations and professions like market research, social work, personnel management and career guidance. They may also be involved in investigations such as crime detection and lie detection.

So there are various options open for you. I'm sure you can find something of your interest in Goa.

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I am interested in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

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 want to pursue a career in History/Archaeology by going abroad

I want to pursue a career in History/Archaeology by going abroad. I am in Std XII and am planning to write the SAT in December (as the subject World History is only available in December and June). I want to know how to apply for a good scholarship as I come from a middle class family. Can I get a job in the U.S. after studying there? What is the scope for this field?

History graduates work in a wide variety of areas, e.g., business, law, politics, social service, and education. Knowledge of history is also an asset in journalism. Newspapers and journals often give assignments to historians for the preparation of background material to enlighten the public on the historical importance of an event. History is a very popular choice for various competitive examinations at state and central level, like civil services. If you continue to study history and go for an advanced degree, you will be qualified for jobs in teaching, research or as an archivist.

Studying in the U.S. can be quite expensive without financial aid or scholarships. But many colleges do offer some sort of aid to help students from overseas pay for college. You can visit these sites for resources on financial aid, college scholarship and other information related to studying in US.

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I want to do B.Tech in computer science

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 preparing for NATA now

I am a science student and have just given my H.S.C. board exams. I have joined drawing classes and I am preparing for NATA now. Since I was young I have liked drawing, sketching and I am good at it. I like photography too. All my friends are preparing for C.E.T.; I am the only one preparing for NATA. Am I doing the right thing? I hate physics, chemistry, maths, but I like arts. Should I join C.E.T. classes and prepare for it too? Or should I focus on NATA only? Is there any short course in photography which I can do side by side? Please give me important instructions for NATA also.

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) (www.nata.in) is an aptitude test required for admissions to first year B.Arch. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportions, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking.

NATA scores are used by admissions authorities of different various schools and colleges of architecture. As per Council of Architecture (COA), New Delhi (www.coa.gov.in), a student should have achieved a minimum of 40% for admission to first year of B.Arch. anywhere.

Since you don't like Physics and Chemistry, you should not be even thinking about CET which is for engineering courses. Still, remember that for NATA, eligibility is 10+2 with Mathematics as one of the subjects.

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I am good in history and geography

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 have a great interest in drawing and painting and wish to pursue a career in the same

I have appeared for my Std XII exams recently (Science, Maths and Fine Arts). I have a great interest in drawing and painting and wish to pursue a career in the same. Please suggest some good fine art colleges in India as well as abroad.

You may go for Bachelor's in Fine Arts (BFA). The programme starts with a one-year foundation course which is common for all enrolled. During this period, students are given fundamental training in drawing, design, colour and clay modelling. Depending on their aptitudes and interests, students choose their specialization for the remaining three years. BFA offers various areas of specialization such as painting, sculpture, graphic arts, applied arts, photography, etc.

Some of the good institutes in India are: Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad, Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai, Faculty of Visual Arts, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata; MS

University, Baroda National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad Admission is generally through aptitude tests.

For studying abroad, first decide which country you want to go to. Then visit the country's consulate's site to know about the specific requirements for admission.

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I want to do corporate law

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 aspire to become a journalist and want to take up Arts

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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