I'm a CAT aspirant and am about to complete my second year of engineering. I want to get into one of the top IIMs but what's troubling me is my academic record (74 per cent in 10th, 56 in PUC and 78 in engineering so far). I know that IIMs look into our academic records along with CAT percentile before calling for the interview. Do I stand a chance of getting into one of the top three IIMs? If so, what should be my CAT percentile?

Hariprasad

You will be eligible to take a shot at the CAT examination. In the two years that you have to complete the engineering programme, you should make the most of it and ensure good, if not better, scores. In the competitive world of today academic scores will be important. However, with smart study, you can make the grade. Planning and strategising is crucial. Practising for the CAT is important. The more you practice, the better. You will also be able to know your weaknesses and focus on them for the long run. Aim high, you will surely make the grade.

What is the scope for BAMS and Chemical Engineering? Can I make the grade and make a career?

Sunil Kumar

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a degree (duration: five years and six months, including 12 months internship) conferred on those who have studied the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Prospective learners should have passed the Intermediate/PUC/Senior School Certificate Examination/Indian School Certificate Examination in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

The minimum score should be 50 per cent or more. The scope following graduation in BAMS is tremendous, considering that there are many individuals who follow the alternative system of medicine. Besides practice, you can also take up teaching and research with appropriate qualifications.

Traditionally, a graduate (or postgraduate) in Chemical Engineering has been considered a specialist in the domain of petrochemical, oil and gas and pharmaceutical industries, but in today's society, chemical engineers can be found in such diverse fields as food technology, water, mining and environmental protection.

This has been the phenomena worldwide. In the world of action research, chemical engineering has played a vital role and you can be part of the change that is very much required in the world today and for the future.

Hence, make an effort to understand the nuances of BAMS and Chemical Engineering, gauge your strengths and the opportunities in the aforesaid programmes, take a decision and never look back. Success will surely be yours.

I have completed M.Sc and B.Ed and am working in the government sector. I want to pursue Ph.D. in Mathematics as a part-time student. Please guide me.

Shiva E.

Considering that you have completed M.Sc, it is best suggested that you go back to the university where you have completed the postgraduation and make efforts to pursue the Ph.D. Your Professors will guide you in what is to be done. These days, universities offer regular, part-time and external programmes for working professionals. Consult the statutes and ordinances that are released year on year by the university and get to the programme. Some universities have an entrance test for admission to Ph.D. programmes. Since you are working in the government sector, keep your department informed about you pursuing the programme.

I have studied PG in Psychology (Regular) and even completed an M.Phil programme (Distance). Now I am practising with a Psychiatrist. I am interested in Geriatric Psychology and request your suggestion on pursuing a course/programme from an institute of repute. I do not mind moving to any part of the country but I want the programme to focus only on Geriatrics.

Naseem

Geriatric Care (Gerontology) is a highly specialised area of academics. One of the recognised places to pursue a programme in Geriatrics would be the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) (www.nisd.gov.in), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. NISD operates the National Initiative of Care for Elderly (NICE), a project which aims to develop a cadre of skilled manpower at various levels.

The one-year (full-time) Post-Graduate Diploma Course in Integrated Geriatric Care (PGDIGC) is the flagship programme of NISD and covers Gerontology, Clinical Geriatrics and Management, Counselling and Psychology, Public Policy and Planning and Research Methodology.

Those with a Bachelor's degree (minimum of 45 per cent) and not less than 21 years and not more than 45 years of age eligible for the course. Selection is made through a Common Aptitude Test (CAT) to be held in New Delhi, which will be followed by a Group Discussion and Interview.

Prospectus and application form can be obtained from the Deputy Director, Old Age Care Division, NISD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, West Block-1, Wing 3, First Floor, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110 066 (Ph: 011-26106883). The forms can be downloaded from the website of the institute and the fee can be sent along with the application form.

I want to know if any programmes are conducted on a regular basis in the area of Stock Exchange and Capital Markets. I have cleared MBA with specialisation in Finance and Portfolio Management. I have completed M.Com as well.

Pramod C.

The Indian Institute of Capital Markets (IICM) (www.utiicm.com) organises the one-year full-time Post-Graduate Securities Markets Programme (PGPSMP). The programme is open for those who have Master's or Bachelor's degree from any recognised university. Those with Bachelor's degree should have at least two years' experience.

The programme specialises in the area of securities market and helps the learner to acquire the relevant skills. Spread over four terms, the subjects dealt with include Derivatives, Investment Management, Risk Management and Hedge Funds, Treasury Management, Mergers and Acquisition, Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Venture Capital and Private Equity.

The first, second and fourth terms (total of 42 weeks) take the learner through the theoretical aspects of the securities markets. The third term, which is for a duration of 10 weeks, has internship which helps the learner to get to the practicalities of the area of study.

Admission to the PGPSMP is through an all-India written test (quantitative aptitude, analytical and reasoning skills and language proficiency) and personal interview. Bangalore is one among the 14 examination centres. Those selected have to attend personal interviews scheduled in Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi.

For further details and to obtain prospectus and application form (form can be downloaded from IICM website as well), you should contact SMP Admissions (Komal Mayekar), IICM, Plot No. 82, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400 705. Ph: 022-27883016. E-mail: smp@utiicm.com