Dated 03rd January, 2001

I am a 32-year-old graduate and would like to know whether I am eligible to take MBA/ CAT at this age. If yes, could you let me know the number of times a candidate can take the examination?

Abhinoy Mazumder,

Calcutta

You can still appear for the Common Aptitude Test (CAT). You need a minimum of two years work experience to apply for the same. There is no limitation to the number of times you can take the exam. You can also consider taking up a correspondence or a part time course in MBA from a reputed university. The following are some of the universities that offer correspondence/part time courses in MBA - IGNOU, Annamalai University, B. R. Ambedkar University, Bharatidasan University, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh Unieversity, Guru Ghasidas University, Indraprastha University, Hemwatinandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, University of Madras, Nagarjuna University, and Kakatiya University. Bharathiar University, Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Kerala, Madhurai KamarajUniversity, University of Baroda and Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati offers a parttime course in MBA, the duration of which is three years.

I am B.Sc graduate with basic knowledge in computers. I have recently appeared for the M.Sc. biotechnology entrance exam and want to know about the scope of the course other than research. I am unable to decide whether to go for specialisation courses in IT or to pursue higher studies in a subject related to life science. Kindly suggest which is the best option to pursue.

K Sreenivasan,

Chennai

Graduates and postgraduates in biotechnologies are employed in leading pharmaceutical companies, in chemical industries, as well as in agricultural and allied industries. You will have to attain competency in courses like C, C++, Java, Oracle, and SAP etc if you desire to switch over to the field of IT. You can also seek an international certification in Oracle to become a database administrator.

I have completed my graduation (BA maths) from Nagarjuna University. I want to become a journalist. Kindly furnish details about this profession. What is the duration of the course and which universities in Andhra Pradesh offer the same? What are the qualifications required to apply?

V. Bhavani,

Vijayawada

Most universities offer a course in journalism both at graduate and postgraduate level all over India. In Andhra Pradesh, the University of Hyderabad, (Central University, Hyderabad) offers a two-year masters degree in mass communication. There is a common entrance examination for the course. The other universities are: Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Dist Guntur; Osmania University, Hyderabad, and Andhra Universitiy, Visakhapatnam which offer a bachelors as wellas a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication and Journalism.

I am a B.Sc (Botany) graduate and am appearing for postgraduate entrance exam in Biotechnology for institutes like JNU, IIT, Mumbai etc. Please suggest an institute that offers a course in this field. What are the job prospects available for those specialising in biotechnology?

Santosh K. Mandal,

Bihar

Employment opportunities for graduates/post graduates in biotechnology are tremendous in chemical companies, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture and allied industries. Jobs are available in the areas of planning, production and management of bio- processing industries, organic chemical industries and in pollution control activities of major industries and research laboratories. The Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi; Pondicherry University; M.S. University, Baroda; Calicut University, Kerala; University of Pune; Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore; Goa University; Guru Nanak University; Central University, Hyderabad; Punjab university, Chandigarh, Punjab university Patiala, G.B. Pant University of Agricultural and Technology, Pantnagar and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, offer M.Sc. in (Agri) Biotechnology/M.V.Sc. Animal Biotechnology and M.Tech. Biotechnology for B.Tech. graduates.The Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi holds a combined entrance examination every year in the month of May for admission into M.Sc biotechnology programme for the above-mentioned universities.

I am an intermediate (PCM) student and I am very much interested in computer education. I am keen on pursuing a career in computers. I am also interested in getting a job in IT companies like Satyam or IBM through an MCA degree. Would you kindly advise me about the procedures I would need to go through to acquire the above mentioned.

Sagar Kumar Behera,

Orissa

Most MNC/software companies prefer to employ professionals with a degree in engineering, MCA etc. Apart from relevant technical skills, good communication skills are equally essential. Taking up BE/B.Tech in computers from a premiere institute like IIT will enhance your prospects. Another alternative is to pursue a graduate course like BCA/B.Sc in computers from a well-recognised university. You can then opt for MCA or any other related PG course in which you're interested. Taking up a course in IT depends on your subject of interest and its applicability. Moreover a good academic record with a couple of projects in hand during the study period would be helpful for you in securing a good job.

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