Are you disappointed with your class XII marks? Despite your best effort, did you fare badly in the exam?
As a result, do you find you cannot apply for certain courses? What are the options available to you now? Should you go for a standard degree or look at a specialised diploma?
TIME experts Sourajit Anthony Ghosh and Rahul Reddy chatted with GA readers on June 13 about these and manty other issues.
For those of you who missed the chat, here's part one of the transcript:
ravii asked, I am interested in acting. What should I do after the 12th standard?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, Look at the National School of drama, but for that they would seek some involvement in theatrical groups. So try and participate in some professional performances.
RAHUL REDDY answers, There are various government-run film institutes. There is also Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods, and a few others in Mumbai. You might also look at joining dramatics clubs and stage groups to learn and practice your skills.
nit15 asked, Hello Sir, I'm in 12th now. I prepared for biology well in 11th for PMT but I haven't done much in physics and chemistry for entrance. Is there any chance I can crack PMT this year. I mean I have just 10 months left. Is it enough for preparing?
RAHUL REDDY answers, A lot can happen in 10 months. So give it your best shot.
college asked, Is BITS Pilani (Dubai) a good institute since they take students only based on their II PUC marks?
RAHUL REDDY answers, BITS has a very good reputation though they have been using Plus 2 marks for their selection since a long time.
SurbhiGoel asked, I am 10th passed with 73% in CBSE. I want to choose commerce. When can I appear for CA exams?
RAHUL REDDY answers, The CA foundation and Inter may be pursued along with graduation. However, there is a requirement for articleship that must be completed before giving the finals.
vdatar11 asked, Which side ie Engineering or Commerce (CA) do you think has brighter career opportunities after 12th?
RAHUL REDDY answers, Commerce cannot work by itself, you would need to do CA or MBA. Engineering has the advantage of having good job opportunities without a post graduation course.
college asked, Which college is good for computer science branch?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, The IITs, NITs are the best.
DENIS asked, I was passionate about joining the air force when I began my 11th grade but lately I got interested in civil aviation and then there's another part of my brain insisting on hotel management. I am very confused, plus since I didn't apply anywhere this year it seems I can't join any college. What options are there for me now?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, Both civil aviation and hotel management are booming sectors. For civil aviation, pilot training can be very expensive. Hotel management on the other hand is challenging but pays low salaries for the first 2-3 years. So, choose well. As far as this year goes, you can train for the selection tests of the best hotel management colleges and also pilot training courses.
ramandeep asked, I am student of non medical. I didn't score very well in the Plus 2. I want to do engineering. Can suggest me any good college in which there is placement?
RAHUL REDDY answers, Hi, engineering is seeing a big boom in placements across India with IT companies recruiting thousands of engineers. Before you choose a college, first, look for history ie, how old the college is etc. Second is the location. Most companies generally prefer city-based colleges for recruitment, though for very good colleges, location is not a constraint. After that check sites like pagalguy.com or freshersworld.com for more information. Finaly, actually speak to students of that college. They will normally be honest with you. Ask for specific information, list of companies, how many were recruited, was it on campus or off campus recruitment etc.
hisham asked, I am totally confused about what career I should pursue.
Sourajit Ghosh answers, Think of what your strengths are and what interests you. After that, look at careers which are financially feasible.
college asked, What is the GRE exam for?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, It is an exam to study abroad for Masters.
hinavij asked, How is the BBM course?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, It is a good course to take up, but you have to follow it with an MBA.
SachinSahu asked, sir, i have done my 12th with PCB and am now doing my BSc. Can you suggest some options after BSc and what the career prospects after completing my MSc in Bio. Is it better to go for MBA after BSc?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, MBA after BSc is good nowadays because a lot of pharmaceutical majors like Ranbaxy are recruiting science graduates with an MBA.
meme asked, Hi, SRCC is the best option for BCom, but have you any idea how is it for Economics Honours? Would you suggest a Physics Honours from St. Stephens or an Economics Honours from SRCC?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, All of the options are good. Choose what interests you the most because your course will stay with you for the rest of your life.
PREKSHA asked, What should I do next after passing the 12th? I got an aggregate of 75.6%, with 73 in Physics, 83 in Chemistry, 75 in Biology and 63 in Maths.
Sourajit Ghosh answers, You can look at graduating in Science and then pursue higher studies. Just a BSc is not enough, doing your masters is a must.
gaurav asked, WWhat are the career options for PCM with Comp Science students?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, IT (programming jobs) is the biggest sector of jobs, along with KPO research works.
Amit Jain asked, I want to do an MBA. Please suggest any good B-school where I can apply.
RAHUL REDDY answers, Visit www.time4education.com, a full list of top B-schools in India is available there.
satarupa asked, I have scored 71% in 12th class Arts steam. I am looking at doing a BA (Psychology) for Delhi University. Could you please let me know is this is a good decision?
Sourajit Ghosh answers, Delhi University is a well-recognised university, but the jobs in Arts are only for the very best since there are not a lot of jobs to be had. Therefore, make sure you perform exceedingly well, and also look at doing an MBA later on.
Geeta asked, How is a bachelors degree in physical therapy as a course? What are the career prospects after that?
RAHUL REDDY answers, Hi, physiotherapy has limited opportunities in India though it is growing. Overseas opportunities are good.
Part II -- Tomorrow
