I am currently in II PUC, and I am confused about my career. I want to pursue Architecture or Interior Design. I feel I am not up to the mark for the CET. I belong to a business family which is into timber and furniture. Please guide me.

Nikhil Patel

Every student goes through this situation. Each of us should pause for a moment and think what we plan to do in the future and strategise appropriately. If one were to look at one's own strengths, weaknesses, the opportunities that one has and the action that needs to be taken, one will surely be in good stead. Sit with your teachers, parents, discuss and then decide about the course of action.

Architecture as a programme is not available in all the engineering institutions across the country. Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) falls under the Council of Architecture (CoA) (www.coa.gov.in) unlike the other engineering programmes that are administered by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

If all engineering programmes are conducted over a period of four years, the graduate programme of Architecture is administered for five. On qualifying, one will come under the Architects Act of 1972. With the increase in opportunities thanks to infrastructure development and growth, the job chances for Architecture graduates has increased.

Interior Design can be pursued as a B.Sc. programme in a few universities. There are also Diploma and Certificate programmes that one can pursue from institutes that are specialising in the same. However, if you are armed with a B.Tech., it will augur well for your career.

For a B. Tech graduate, a value-add will be in the form of CAD/CAM programmes that will help augment one's career. The entrance test to any professional programme has become mandatory; prepare well, and be confident. It will help you to reach your goal.

I have completed M.Tech (Machine Design) in 2010. I want to pursue Ph.D. Please provide information about Ph.D. courses.

Annappa A.R.

Pursuing a doctorate from the university where you have passed M.Tech will add value as you will get an opportunity to work with the teachers who have taught you. You should identify an area of study that has good ramifications for the discipline as this will bring in the necessary laurels.

I want to learn Urdu and study medieval Indian poetry. Can you suggest any programme where I will get an opportunity to learn and make an impact? I do have basic knowledge of the language, but in order to scale up, I will require more inputs.

Gunasekaran

The Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) (www.manuu.ac.in) is a Central University that focuses on Urdu language and provides education through the medium of Urdu. It conducts courses in basic Urdu. There are also advanced programmes that will surely interest you.

Once you complete the basic programme in Urdu, you should attempt the PG Diploma in Applied Urdu, which will catapult you to better heights. You should contact the Head, Department of Urdu, MANUU, Gachibowli, Hyderabad-500032. Ph: 040-23008301, extension: 316.

Another institution where you can get inputs is the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) (www.urducouncil.nic.in), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). NCPUL is the nodal agency for promotion of Urdu and hence offers programmes and courses that will interest one and all.

The one-year Diploma course in Urdu Language is uniquely positioned to provide quality information and inputs that will help the learner to reach out to the end objectives. For more details of the various programmes contact: Director, NCPUL, FC – 33/9, Institutional Area, Jasola, New Delhi-110025. Ph: 011-49539000

What are the general requirements to become an officer in a nationalised bank? I am confused about the requirements that appear in the advertisements. I am looking for entry-level qualifications. Please help me to get the information.

Arun Kumar

Banks today recruit human capital at various levels viz., clerical and officers. The following are the qualifications:

Officers: The candidate should be between 21 and 30 years of age, as on July 1 of the year of examination, and hav a degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Government of India. The candidate must possess the required educational qualification as on the date of application.

Clerical staff: the candidates should not be below 18 years of age and not above 28 years.

Bachelor's degree of a recognised university in any discipline or its equivalent recognised as such by the Central Government.

Or pPassed with 50 per cent marks in aggregate in Higher Secondary Examination/(10+2) of 10+2+3 pattern/Eleventh Standard examination of 11+3 pattern/Intermediate/Pre-University or its equivalent.

Or

Passed with 50 per cent marks in aggregate in Diploma in Banking recognised by Central/State Government or Union Territory Administration.

Or

Passed with 60 per cent marks in aggregate in Matriculation/SSC (old pattern)/SSLC/ l0th standard of 10+2+3 pattern or equivalent.

For the general readers, the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) (www.iibf.org.in), offers the CAIIB which has a good impact on the banking career of the individual. The qualification of CAIIB helps with promotions and placements once you are in.

Can I enrol for the B.Ed. (Distance Programme) of the Indira Gandhi National Open University? I am presently working as a junior teacher in an aided school. I have the qualification of TCH (2008) as well. I have also completed a Master Degree in Arts (History) through correspondence.

Gayathri

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) (www.ignou.ac.in) is the right choice for a person like you. Its School of Education (SOE) offers the now popular Bachelor in Education (Distance Learning program) for in-service teachers with a minimum of two years of service all over India.

You can get in touch with Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Center, 293, 39th Cross, 8th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore-560 083. Ph: 26657376/26641904/26654747/26644848 and get all the details pertaining to the programme.

The programme is unique as it supports the cause of teacher educator to such an extent that the teacher is able to ‘unlearn' a lot of aspects on the front of teaching through the courses that are on offer over two years.

The courses include two teaching methodologies in English, Hindi, Science, Social Studies and Mathematics. Besides this you will have School Based Activities (SBA) and Workshop Based Activities (WBA) that will help you to become a better teacher. You will have write an entrance test and qualify for admission for the programme. Being a teacher in an aided school, it is better take permission from your employer by informing him so that the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)-approved programme is useful for your promotions and increments in the future.