I’m an English literature graduate with a flair for creative writing. I want to enroll for a Master’s programme in creative writing in the US or UK. Please suggest some reputable universities offering this study programme and elaborate on their eligibility criteria.
Shirin Wadia, Mumbai

You can apply for a Master’s degree in creative writing to several US or UK universities. For postgrad study, most US universities require foreign students to complete 16 years of education and submit GRE and TOEFL test scores. It’s advisable to pursue Part I of a Master’s programme in India to complete the 16th year requirement (some universities may ask for Part II as well). However, British universities accept students with 15 years of education and a good TOEFL score.

Shortlist your universities, complete their online application forms and then mail the supporting documents (such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, financial documents) to the chosen universities. Check with each university about admission requirements. Send your admission applications at least one year prior to the year of enrollment. The postgrad creative writing programmes of Purdue and New York universities are particularly well-reputed.

I’m in Plus Two (science) and confused about the difference between AIEEE and IIT-JEE. Is the syllabus common for both these all-India engineering entrance exams?
Sumeet Arora, New Delhi

You can analyse the similarities and differences between the AIEEE and IIT-JEE examinations by studying the curriculums on which they are based. The AIEEE curriculum is available on www.aieee.nic.in while IIT-JEE is on www.iitb.ac.in/jee. Attending a coaching school which offers tutoring for IIT-JEE should also prepare you for AIEEE.

I would like to pursue a career as a company secretary after completing my B.Com next year. Please advise on eligibility, fees and duration of the study programme.
Ajay Patel, Ahmedabad

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is the sole professional body empowered by the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 to develop and regulate the profession of company secretaries in India. The company secretary (CS) study programme is offered by ICSI through correspondence with provision for classroom lectures. Admission is open throughout the year. Examinations are held in June and December. Right now, you could enroll for the intermediate course (tuition fee: Rs.3,400). The postal tuition fee for the final course is Rs.2,500. For confirmation and details of registration contact Western India Regional Council, 13 Jolly Maker Chambers, No II, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

I’m currently reading for a BE degree programme in instrumentation engineering. After graduation next year I would like to do a Master’s in the same subject. Which institutes offer this programme and what are job prospects like for instrumentation engineers?
Sridhar Raghavan, Chennai

Master’s degree certification in instrumentation engineering is offered by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012; Shri Guru Gobind Singhji College of Engineering and Technology, PB No.72, Vishnupuri, Nanded 431 603; Anna University, Chennai 600 025; Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra 132 119; IIT-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110 016; Annamalai University, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Annamalainagar 608 002; College of Engineering (Andhra University), Waltair, Visakhapatnam 530 003.

Job opportunities for instrumentation engineers are good with several corporates directly hiring freshers from college campuses. If you are keen on a research and development career, an ME/M.Tech is necessary.

I’m a third year BA (sociology) student keen on acquiring a Masters in sociology. What are the eligibility requirements for admission into JNU?
Sujata Kulkarni, Pune

There are several universities in India which offer Masters programmes in sociology. JNU (www.ujnu.ac.in) and Delhi University (www.du.ac.in) enjoy excellent reput-ations for their sociology programmes. The entrance test at JNU focuses on concepts and theories of sociology, methods of sociological enquiry, and processes of social change and development with special reference to India.

For admission into the MA (sociology) degree programme of Delhi University (DU), candidates should be at least 20 years old on or before the first day of October in the year of admission. Moreover you should have completed BA (Hons) sociology from a recognised university with an average of 50 percent plus marks. DU’s admission test is conducted by the department of sociology and a consolidated merit list is prepared subsequently.

I’m a final year M.Sc (chemistry) student and have also completed a diploma course in forensic science. I’m interested in working for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Please advise.
Sujoy Chakravarty, Kolkata

As in all government services, entry into the CBI is through a competitive entrance exam. Log on to www.cbi.gov.in for details. You could also apply for a junior research fellowship in forensic sciences at the Directorate of Forensic Science, ministry of home affairs, for research in forensic chemical sciences (www.dfs.gov.in). 

I’m in my third year B.Com and would like to pursue an MBA after graduation. Should I opt for a specialisation in marketing or in human resources?
Shalini Singh, Mumbai

You have time during the first year of your MBA programme to explore your specialisation option. Right now is not the time to decide whether you should opt for marketing or HR. Both fields of specialisation enjoy excellent career prospects.

However before choosing your specialisation, you should focus on your aptitude for that particular field taking into consideration your abilities, interests and personality.