Diversify your options – The Hindu

I am from Ladakh and in the last year of my B.A. degree. I want to do an M.A. in History. Which of the Central Universities is best for this course? Karma

Dear Karma,

Some of the top Central Universities in India known for their History departments are Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU); New Delhi School of Social Sciences (Centre for Historical Studies), University of Delhi (DU); Delhi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi’ Hyderabad Central University (HCU), Hyderabad; Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh; Pondicherry University, Puducherry; Tezpur University, Assam; and North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Check the specialisation areas offered by the departments. Some universities focus more on ancient or medieval history, while others emphasise modern or contemporary history. Look for universities with renowned professors in the field of your interest and ones that provide strong research programmes for dissertation work during your M.A.

I am in Class 12 (Biology with Maths). I am taking the NEET exam but would like to know if there are any other options apart from Medicine. Divya

Dear Divya

A combination of Biology with Maths in Class 12 opens up a variety of career options beyond Medicine. Biotechnology blends biology and technology, Biomedical Engineering combines engineering principles with biological sciences, and Biostatistics or Bioinformatics involves statistical and computational techniques to biological data. Agricultural Science can be rewarding and diverse involving research in crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural technology. Pharmacy courses, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Science, Food Technology, Genetics, B.Sc. in Clinical Research, Veterinary Science, and Allied Health Sciences offer a variety of paramedical and technical careers related to healthcare but not as doctors. Pure Sciences offer fields like Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, or Biochemistry, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Biology.

I dropped out of my Master’s in English recently. I want to take the UPSC exams but am confused about whether to prepare for that and take another course or work while preparing. I’m not interested in academics now. What should I do? Bala

Dear Bala,

This is a common dilemma. Since you say that you are not interested in academics now, taking up another course right might not give you the desired results. Picking up a job again depends on your financial stability. Will you be able to manage your time and the level of your commitment required for the UPSC exam preparation? How long do you give yourself for this exam? If you are highly motivated and can financially support yourself, focus on the UPSC preparation for the next 1-2 years. If you need more security, then work while preparing but you will need a lot of dedication, commitment and discipline. The UPSC is a highly competitive exam and demands a lot of time. Joining coaching classes, and attending mock tests could help create a focused routine. Get a realistic assessment of your finances, and assess your core motivation: is it a new course, a new job or cracking the UPSC? How much time are you willing to dedicate to prep every day? Most importantly, what is your Plan B beyond the UPSC? Work out the cost-benefit analysis and you will arrive at a reasonable decision.

I am doing a Master’s in Statistics and also preparing for the UPSC. Are there any options apart from this? Do I have to do any additional courses to work in the private sector? Somya

Dear Somya,

Pursuing a Master’s in Statistics while preparing for the UPSC provides you with a solid foundation for various career options, both in the public and private sectors. You could consider Data Science/Analysis, Actuarial Sciences, Market Research Analysis, Operations Research Analysis, Biostatistician, and Quantitative Analysis. Some additional courses that can enhance your employability and skill set in the private sector are Certifications in Programming Skills, Business Analytics, Machine Learning/AI, and Soft Skills Training. While these will enhance your skills, real-world experience is equally important. Seek internships to gain relevant experience and build your professional network. Attend workshops, seminars, and industry conferences to connect with professionals in the field.

Published – January 11, 2025 06:00 pm IST