Dated October 19, 2005
(Questions answered on career concerns)
Please give me details about the required eligibility, time of notification and other related information about the Combined Defence Services Examination.
Amjath
Lucknow
The UPSC conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) twice every year for the recruitment of officers in Army, Air Force and Navy. Candidates qualifying in the written test are interviewed by the Service Selection Board and if selected, depending upon their preference and position in the merit list, are sent to one of the following institutes for orientation training: -
(a) Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehra Dun
(b) Naval Academy, Goa
(c) Air Force Academy, Begumpet, Hyderabad
(d) Officers Training Academy, Chennai
Those joining the first three institutes get permanent commissions. However, cadets passing out of OTA get a short service commission. Applicants are required to mention their preferences while filling up the application forms.
Applicants for IMA, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy must be unmarried males in the age group 18-23 years, 20-23 years and 21-23 years, as on 1st July of the year of examination, respectively. Married applicants in the age group of 18-24 years are also eligible for OTA. A bachelor's degree in any discipline is the minimum qualification for appearing in CDSE. However, applicants for Naval Academy must have physics and mathematics at the graduation level or a bachelor's degree in engineering. In addition there are some prescribed physical standards for taking the CDS examination, details of which are available in the advertisement published in the Employment News.
The examination includes a written test, and those who qualify in the written test are called for interview by the Services Selection Board. The written test comprises three papers- English, general knowledge and elementary mathematics. Howeve,r those seeking admission in OTA, are exempted from taking the paper on elementary mathematics. Various concessions, like reservation in posts, are available for NCC cadets appearing in the exam.
The exam is notified by UPSC in leading newspapers and Employment News in the month of May/June and November/ December and the examination is held twice in May and October. A candidate seeking admission to the examination must apply to the Secretary, UPSC, New Delhi on the prescribed application form. The application forms are available on payment of Rs 20 from designated post offices throughout the country. The examination is held in over 40 centres.
What are the career prospects for financial management?
Anitha
Kerala
Work in financial management consists of managing all financial functions, including general ledger, cost control and accounting, revenue, cash management, financial analysis and reporting. Monthly reporting to management, including analysis and comparison to budget; cost accounting and plant budgeting; resource planning software system (e.g., ERP, SAP, BAN, Oracle); assistance with negotiations for goods and services and several other opportunities.
Successful financial professionals can expect careers in investment banking with major investment banking firms and also in corporate strategic planning, risk management, primary and derivative securities valuation, financial information systems management, portfolio management and securities trading. These positions are relatively highly paid ones. Other employers are public sector undertakings, financial corporations, business firms, export agencies, commercial undertakings, insurance, private companies, management consultancies, etc.
What are the personal characteristics essential for success in one's chosen career?
Siddarth Ganguly
Via e mail
There are several qualities which are essential for a person to be successful in his or her career. You need to have a combination of a strong interest, backed by solid,
well-rounded, state-of-the-art education, especially in a career that is technically oriented. This basic ingredient, backed by love of learning, problem-solving skills, well-rounded interests, determination to succeed and excel, strong communication skills, and the ability to work hard, are the most important qualities that will help youto succeed in a chosen career.To succeed, you also need to have a natural curiosity about how systems work--this will help you want to upgrade your skills and further enhance your career.You must be a fast learner just to keep up or you will end up being overwhelmed.
`Where do you see yourself five years hence?' How can I answer this question in an interview?
Robin Katyal
Delhi
You can say something like: `although it is hard to predict the future, I sincerely believe that I will become a very good _____. I believe that my abilities will allow me to excel to the point that I can seek other opportunities as a_______ (the next step) and possibly even higher.
I would want to develop a good rapport with my employer. My ultimate goal continues to be _____ and will always be__________to be the best at whatever level I am working at within the ________ corporate structure.'
What are the career prospects for production engineering?
Seema Misra
Hyderabad
Production engineering aims at higher productivity by adopting integrated design, and efficient planning and operative systems. The work involves the design and installation of integrated systems for men and materials, equipment and processes for increasing the productivity of goods, and detailing the optimum quality, which is economically viable. Engineers are concerned with planning, measuring and controlling all activities within the organisation, besides designing the production process for a product.
Production engineers are employed in manufacturing industries, including industrial machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, electronic and electrical equipment, fabricated metal products, instruments and related products, and food and kindred products industries. Jobs are available in areas where manufacturing is concentrated.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
Amjath
Lucknow
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