I am planning to pursue higher studies in Canada. Which test will take me there? TOEFL or IELTS?

MBA or BTech? Which college? When? Get your answers here

Canadian university accepts both Toefl or IELTS score

I am a Class XI student pursuing MPC course. After intermediate, I want to apply for IAS exams. Should I start preparing for it from now or wait till I complete my intermediate?     --   Padma, 17

Adhunika Naithani

There is no specified time to start preparing for IAS test. You can start preparation for it right now as well. You can devote just one hour a day to it. Start your preparations for first paper or the CSAT (it is divided into two parts: Indian history, general awareness, geography, economic and social development, general science and environmental issues and comprehension interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision making and problem solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, data interpretation, English language comprehension skills)round which is then followed by the mains and the interview. I would recommend you start studying for CSAT from now.

Which test should I write to go to a university in Canada? TOEFL or IELTS?    ---   Rukmini, 22

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language conducted to test the proficiency of an individual in English language. For most of the foreign universities an appropriate score in TOEFL is compulsory as one of the requirements for admission. The score of the exam is valid for two years. IELTS means International English Language Testing System. This is mandatory for those who are migrating to New Zealand, Canada and Australia. In your case, you can give any of the two exams as both the tests are valid to study in a Canadian Universities.


I am a Class XII MPC student. I will soon be writing various engineering tests...can you name top entrance tests for admission to top universities/ colleges in the country. And what is the eligibility to appear for those tests?   ---  Akhilesh, 17

There are all India level exams and then there state level exams that are conducted by the states and yet another exams conducted by the private universities. Out of all, the most prestigious engineering tests of the country are:

-IIT-JEE i.e. Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination. It is carried out for the admissions most prestigious engineering institutes in the country-IITs. The eligibility criteria for the same are:

• Candidates must have passed 10+2, with minimum score of 60% (students belonging to SC/ST/PD should secure at least 55 %) from a recognised board. 
• Those appearing for the final examination in 12th can also apply. 
• Candidates can appear for IIT JEE entrance test for only two times and that must be in the consecutive years. 
• Candidate should be in age group of 17 to 25 years.

The next exam is the AIEEE or the All India Engineering Entrance Exam. It is carried out for providing admissions to the graduate level engineering and architecture/ planning courses in India. AIEEE score is a gateway to 30 NITs, 4 IIITs and other deemed universities across the country.

• Should have passed out of intermediate. 
• Students of the general category must have above 50 per cent score and applicants of the reserved communities must have above 40 per cent score in their finals. 
• Students who are going to appear for their finals are eligible to apply for the AIEEE exam too.  
• The age of the candidates should not be less than 17 years and not be exceeding 25 years. 

BITSAT is carried out for admission in bachelor’s courses in BITS Pilani, BITS Hyderabad and BITS Goa campus of the BITS University, one of the most prestigious universities in India. It is a computer based online test. The eligibility criteria to apply there is:

• Student must have cleared 10+2 from a recognised central or state board.  
• They must pass the 10+2 with MPC with 60% marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics each and 80% of marks in aggregate and sufficient aptitude in English needed for applying the test.
• The admission is on the basis of merit secured in BITSAT.

Exam stress? Fear of test? 24X7 helpline at your rescue

It is exam time, and also that dreading time when students can crack under pressure. Here is a toll free helpline to counsel students from across the country on handling stress and nervousness

       If statistics are to be believed, 7379 students-or 20 students a day- committed suicide across India in 2010 against 5,857 students killing themselves to death in 2006. These figures released by National Crime Records Bureau last year clearly indicate that the student suicide per cent has increased to 25.6 per cent in the last four years. While the nation revels in Indian students being serious about their studies, there are thousands of students being bogged down by exam stress, anxiety and fear of failure. To address such mental and psychological issues of students, a Delhi-based hospital’s mental health helpline is offering special counseling to students across the country who are finding themselves crack under pressure.

Call the helpline to help bust the stress

        The helpline can be reached at a toll free number 1860 266 2345. It is a collaborative effort of Vandrevala Foundation, Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA), St Stephen's Hospital and the Mar Thoma Church. It is a 24 X 7 helpline available throughout the year. Students of any board, any state and any class can avail the service. Ashok Chacko, Delhi Mental Health Helpline regional director, said, “Most of the parents expect their children to be in the '90 per cent' category in Board exams or want them to crack the IIT or pre-medical entrance tests, putting a massive strain on them. This helpline is both for parents and students to help them drop the exam pressure.”

The calling system

Any student with a mental health issue as common as fear of failure or as scathing as being unable to concentrate while writing the answers in the exam can call up the above given toll free number. The call is attended by a clinical psychologist who the student can confide his problem into. The counsellor will then suggest few techniques to help you overcome the problem. However, if the problem persists, the students can call back. If the issue is a severe one, the call will be escalated to trained psychiatrists.

College going students are apprehensive about their reputation. And a poor score in any subject can press the panic button  -- N N Raju, Professor of              Psychiatry Andhra Medical College

        N N Raju, Professor of Psychiatry Andhra Medical College says, “Yes, the helpline will help marginally. Talking to a counselor about their educational issues or related stress can help student release immediate anxiety. A lot of students, out of fear, plan to skip writing the exams, in such situations, a counselor who can advise them wisely is of enormous help.” But why students barely out of teenage thrust themselves to death although with each passing day parents and society are offering more support to a student’s educational needs? “In college going students, peer pressure is a major factor that thrusts them towards committing suicide. They are apprehensive about their reputation. And a poor score in any subject can press the panic button. In students whose parents have high expectations from them, guilt of failing can force them to take an irresponsible decision like committing suicide.”

            While pressure to succeed, be it from parents or peers or the pupil himself will increase massively as exams near, hopefully the helpline and counseling allows them to breathe a sigh of relief. 

Australian scholarships open for Indian students

Australian scholarships open for Indian students

The International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) and the Scholarships for International Research Fees (SIRF) are available at the University of Western Australia (UWA) for postgraduate research degrees. The scholarships are available for study across all research disciplines at UWA. The UWA is Western Australia’s oldest and prestigious university. Established in 1911, it has over 21,000 students enrolled from over 80 countries. The UWA is part of Go8 (Group of Eight universities). Students of the university pursue a wide range of courses in Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts; Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering, Computing and Mathematics; Life and Physical Sciences; Law; Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences; and Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The UWA has widespread research engagements with India and has signed memoranda of understanding with premier Institutes such as IISc Bangalore and several IITs. The IPRS and SIRF awards are available for students undertaking Masters by research or PhD degrees only. Applications for India Scholarships are now open. Applications will close online on Friday 2 March 2012. These scholarships are for study in 2012.

The UWA India Scholarships cover 50% only of the full-fee cost of the course and the Overseas Student Health Cover charge. The UWA provides a living allowance of $AU27,228 per annum (in 2012) for successful India Scholarship applicants and an allowance for thesis production costs. Travel and relocation costs are the responsibility of the applicant. Students must provide documented proof of their ability to pay 50% of their tuition fees for up to two years for a Masters degree and up to four years for a PhD – this documentation should be provided at the time of application for an India Scholarship.

This scholarship will cover fifty-percent (50%) of all tuition fees for up to 4 years, as well as Overseas Student Health Cover, and provides a full living allowance scholarship. Further information can be availed at following seminar. The University of Western Australia is organising a seminar in association with Storm Overseas Education for Research aspirants titled;“Scholarship opportunities for research and new student visa regulations for postgraduate studies in Australia” on 25th Feb at Taj Krishna from 6 pm onwards. Participation in the seminar is free and interested aspirants are requested to carry their CV and testimonials for spot counselling. The seminar would be addressed by Winthrop Professor Hema Sharda (alumni IIT D, PhD micro-electronics UWA), director for South Asian Relation and Vice-chancellery at the UWA.

STORM education consulting group Conducting DUS KA DUM - Global Education Fair

Another educational fair soon

With the number of Indian students studying in foreign universities increasing by the day, more and more universities have started eyeing Andhra Pradesh. Already universities around the world are poised to establish outpost colleges in India, as the government pushes ahead with plans to open up the country’s education system. Many foreign universities have established links with Indian business schools and engineering colleges.

To take their links forward, the foreign universities are holding educational fairs in the city. The latest in the series is the fair titled “Dus ka dum” (the power of 10) scheduled for February 25. The fair is being organised by STORM education consulting group. This overseas education group is organising a unique Global Education Fair at Taj Krishna from 9:30 am to 06:00 pm.

According to Keerthi Kumar Jain of the STORMgroup, the fair would offer an ideal platform to select courses from UG to PG in 10 best institutes each from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore and the USA.

“During this fair, students would have access to information directly from the representatives of universities of participating countries and they can avail of spot offers, scholarships and guidance about legal formalities as well.

“Education, experience and exposure are most important in every student’s life. So, with this type of education

fairs we are enabling students to get exposure to foreign universities” he added.

Singapore can be model for education in India

Singapore Education.

The writer (left) with Prof. B V R Chowdary

“We bring the world to The National University of Singapore and take the students of NUS to the world”. This is the one-liner Prof. B. V. R. Chowdari, executive director, NUS-India research initiatives, used in his presentation on NUS in the office of the Deputy President (research & technology). He invited us to give an overview of the National University of Singapore. In fact, Singapore currently has three autonomous universities: the National University; Nanyang Technological University; and Singapore Management University. We could visit only NUS during our brief stay. NUS has been producing the future generation of leaders and hi-achievers equipped with multi-disciplinary knowledge, skills and qualities.

       The Mission Statement of the Ministry of Education in Singapore says that the wealth of a nation lies in its people, their commitment to country and community, their willingness to strive, and their ability to think, achieve and excel. For a small country, with no natural resources except its people, education is a vital lifeline. It is seen as fundamental to nation-building. Hence the goals are also clear enough to transform Singapore from a trading port of migrants into a nation and ensure that Singaporeans had the requisite skills and knowledge to compete successfully.

       I could sense the rich learning environment and its transformative education when I took a walk along the corridors of Singapore’s oldest university, and experienced the atmosphere which nurtured some of the nation’s best and brightest brains for over 100 years.

       Though they became independent in 1965, they understood the need to transform the colonial legacy into something that could put them at the top in everything they chose to excel in. This is the area in which we singularly lag behind. They have been performing well and contributing to the economic development of Singapore. NUS is leading other educational institutions by catering to a diverse student population of over 32,000 from some 100 countries; it has 14 faculties, schools and seven overseas campuses, 22 research institutes and four research centers of excellence. Professor Chowdari told us that though they would receive

70% of the budget from the government, they would run it like a non-profit organization with the outlook of a company. I am really thrilled to listen to such words, for I see in India heavy intervention from the government in every matter related to universities, mostly resulting in negative impact.

      NUS has many global initiatives. Its student exchange program, double degree and joint degree programs help students study at 180 partner universities all over the world. They have inter-disciplinary research initiatives. Have we heard of medical humanities, quantitative reasoning and evolutionary psychology in Indian universities? Students there are given travel grants, and they stay for six months at partner universities and come back with a global outlook. In NUS 20% of intake is from other countries. It believes that students of Singapore will benefit from interaction with students elsewhere. They want to transform their students into confident global citizens. 

        To flourish like NUS, support from the government is necessary. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong once said: “So, we are aiming for a mountain range, not a pinnacle. We want many routes up, many ways to succeed… Then we will have Singapore the way we want it to be, with everybody with a place in

it… In every profession, there are people who are excellent, who are outstanding, who are world-class, and I think we must be like that in Singapore.”

Research and development spending in India is a little over 1% whereas Singapore earmarks 3% of its GDP to R&D. There is no guarantee that spending some amount on R&D would translate into improving research outcomes. For progress to be made not only the amount spent on R&D but also the quality of expenditure
needs to improve. Singapore has done miracles in the regard.


In comparison, India fails miserably. The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Science and Engineering Indicators, 2002, show that, in the US, about 4% of science and engineering graduates finish their doctorates; this is about 7% for Europe and in India this is not even 0.4%.

In the academic rank of world universities,
NSU has been moving upwards, and many studies show it at 27th place in the world. Unfortunately, in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University academic ranking of world universities, only three universities, the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), IIT Kharagpur and the University of Calcutta, figured in the world’s top 500 for 2004. However, in 2006, only two universities from India remained in the list.

Professor Chowdari was a first batch student of IIT Chennai. When we asked him how he would rate Indian students, he said they were, unlike Chinese students, all-rounders. Their capacity to think for out-of-box solutions was rated commendably. The tragedy is that institutes in India lose respect in spite of the fact that it has bright children that can make a difference; again, unfortunately for us and fortunately for somebody else,
they are making a difference in the rest of the world. We can understand the significance of this development when we know that around 1000 IIT and IIM graduates are now working in Singapore alone. Notwithstanding the fact that Singapore was beset by its own vulnerabilities –too small to be viable on its own; a Chinese majority State that sat uncomfortably in the middle of the Malay archipelago; pursuing a creed based on meritocracy, which was at odds with the race-based politics of its neighbor, it could survive,
succeed and surpass all expectations by investing in education. On one side, its people are trying to reclaim the land from the ocean and, on the other side, they could allocate 150 acres of its prime land to NUS. This shows their commitment to the cause of education.


As Howard Gardner, the legendary professor of cognitive psychology at the Harvard Graduate School of education says: “If you do not work steadily and improve, you have to work under someone who is steadily improving.” Singaporeans have understood this better than anybody else in the world. They know how to honour their achievers and how to retain them and how to regain them. Their vibrant economy has its roots in the network of education, industry and market. Now the question is when we3 Indians will realize who “we” is I wish someone heard this wakeup call.

Trick time and crack the test

With exams around the corner, students are having a stressful time preparing

to crack the tough tests. But even a rigorous preparation can prove to be a

failure if the student does not manage his time appropriately.

Make a planner for a better time management technique

Exams are around the corner and students are having sleepless nights. Tensions, pressure and over anxiety haunt them as they have to undergo a rigorous preparation to crack the tests. The solution to fight these exam monsters has a simple way out and is related to time. Yes Time Management. 

Akella Raghavendra, a senior educationalist gives us an overview of the basic principles of time management, a student needs to adopt while his/her preparations.

Planning : The first step to time management is planning. A planner can be divided in two.

• A daily planneru
• A weekly planner

A daily planner may include a proper preparation of a daily time table. Schedule time according to the importance of subjects you study. Write down chapter wise notes and maintain stick notes. Prioritize your tasks. Also prepare a strict study schedule and stick to it, no matter what. When you prepare notes maintain a proper pocket sized note book. Write down key words and sub headings in the note book. This will help you save time as you can recollect the answers as soon as you give them a look. Also it will help in an easy revision. Use a stop watch. This will help you allocate appropriate time for each subject you study.

Akella Raghavendra
Senior Educationist 

"Break large tasks into small ones. Study for an hour, rest for 15 minutes and again go back to studying"

A weekly planner includes arranging of books accordingly. Keep your study table clean. At least once in a week make an effort to shift the unnecessary books from your table to some other shelf. This will avoid confusion before you start studying and give you an idea of which book is placed where.

Breaking tasks into small ones: You trick your mind with short study timings. Studying for 1 hour, resting for 15 minutes and again studying will have a better effect. Each task will be finished fast and thus it will help

you to study happily and also remember what you have studied.

Maintain silence: Silence is an integral part while studying. Internal silence and external silence are two important aspects which not only revitalise your mind but also polish your serenity and improve your memory. Don’t waste time arguing with other. In fact stop discussing about exams. Don’t get worried about what you are going to study for exams, where will your exam centre fall etc If possible give time for meditation.

Deadlines: While you study, impose deadlines for yourself. This will give you the fighting spirit as to complete the task on time.

Study techniques: Follow a three way study technique. Read the subject and get an idea over it. Then prepare sub heads and divide it into points. Then study each point and try to recollect them one by one. By following this technique you will save a lot of time from wasting. 

Parents Role: A parent can help the student with not only moral support but also sit with him/her while studying. The child will feel more secure if the parent plays the role of the teacher at home. Ruhi Agarwal, CA topper from Hyderabad says, “ I believe that prioritising your topics will be an amazing technique while preparing for exams. While attending exams, make a plan on how you are going to write 15 minutes prior to the exam. This will save time and avoid confusion while writing exams.” Shekhar Anand, CAT-2011 topper says, “Planning is important. It avoids unnecessary stress and tensions. Taking breaks will keep you cool. In exams check your watch every 15 minutes to stay on time. Allocate time for each

answer and write it accordingly. This will help you avoid last minute tensions.”

Who can write Indian Engineering Services test?

MBA or BTech? Which college? When? Get your answers here

IES is the technical counterpart of IAS

I work as a print journalist, although I do not have a degree in the subject. So my parents advised me to pursue a Mass Communication course. For this I may have to leave the job. Is it a good gamble to leave a job that I would get after earning a degree? Please advice. - Aman, 21

Print media has a whole lot of exciting careers that you can make. Getting a degree in mass communication
is any time a better option if you want to continue in the same field. While one’s work experience matters a lot, a degree will help you find a better job. You should definitely opt for a course in Journalism/Mass communication.

I understand it is difficult to leave a good paycheck. But if your parents are supporting you, you should plan

Adhunika Naithani

going back to college. Else, there is distance education option also.

You can apply at the following colleges:

1. National Institute of Design- For Film Making- Best School.
2. Satyajit Ray film and television institute.
3. Mudra Institute of communications- Ahemedabad.
4. Asian college of Journalism- Chennai.
5. AJ Kidwai Mass Comm Research centre, Jamia – New Delhi.
6. Indian Institute of Mass Communication IIMC -New Delhi.
7. Xavier Institute of Communication– Mumbai.
8. Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication – Pune.
9. Indian Institute of Journalism and New Delhi – Bangalore.

A lot of my friends have been talking about Indian Engineering Services, What is the eligibility? Is it equivalent to engineering? - Sahiti, 18

Indian Engineering Services (IES) belongs to the Technical Services department which comes under the technical and administrative functions of the Indian Government. Only engineers are eligible to give this exam that will offer you a government job to the student. 

While an IAS exam is meant for recruiting professionals for the administrative services or the administration sector, IES is meant for the Engineering services or technical sector. The candidates are recruited on the basis of merit scored in the exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Those candidates who clear the written exam are then called for the interview by the board.

The candidates who clear the IES entrance examination can find employment in the Indian Railway Engineering service (IERS), Military Engineering Service (MES), Central Engineering Service (CES) etc.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates with a degree in BE or BTech or equivalent are eligible to apply. Students who are in their final year of BE or B.Tech can also apply. 
• Candidates should be a citizen of India. Those who belong to Nepal, Bhutan or is a Tibetan refugee and have migrated to India prior to January 1st 1962 can also apply. But they should apply only if they have an intention of becoming a citizen of India.

Same criteria is applicable to those who have migrated from Sri Lanka, Uganda, East African countries of Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burma, Malawi, Pakistan, Zaire to India. The lower age limit is 21 years. The upper age limit is below 30 years. The candidate should be below 30 years on August 1st of the year of Examination.


I lately learnt about a course called Hospital management. What is the course about? -Aradhana, 19

Today the requirement for high quality medical care has increased. So the need of hospital management comes up. This can be regarded as one of the latest concepts in the area of management which offers one of the most lucrative careers in the health sector.

The job comprises of ensuring the effective utilization of physical and financial resources of the hospital and creating an organisational atmosphere that is beneficial for the growth of the hospital.

Skills that you need to have to become a hospital manager are- having keen sense of judgment of right and wrong, should be abreast with the new techniques used, have a friendly nature and be able to handle pressure and deadlines easily, have leadership qualities with good communication skills.


The colleges that offer these courses are:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. 
• Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. 
• Symbiosis Center of Healthcare. 
• Tata Institute of Social Science.
• The Apollo Hospitals.

After this course you can expect employments in hospital industry, pharmaceuticals, and nursing homes and
so on. You can also get a job in intercontinental and domestic healthcare institutes, large commercial and public zonal hospitals and in health insurance companies.The remuneration will differ on the basis of you qualification as well as the type of the firm that you work in.



Please suggest a diploma course that will fetch me a high paying job, that doen’t need high intelligence. - Madhur, 24

There are a number of diploma courses that you can do. Remember that a diploma course should always
be done according to your course of study. The course that suits you and your profession should be opted. Simply doing a diploma course does not guarantee a high salary. A salary that a person draws depends on the subject knowledge and skills you possess. It also depends on the company that you are working in.


Animation Related Courses

• Web Designing 
• Content Writing or Copywriters 
• Online Business Analysts .
• Career in Flash & Photoshop 
• Internet Marketing or Online marketing 
• Mass Communication

BRAIN TEASERS

Are you the country’s next biz wiz?

It’s time to put on your thinking cap, brush up your knowledge and stay alert. The eighth edition of Tata  crucible Campus Quiz 2012 (business quiz) is back and will see Hyderabad students battling against each other on February 28 at Taj Deccan. The quiz will be conducted by quizmaster Giri Balasubramanium fondly known as ‘Pickbrain’.

Held in 24 cities across campuses in India, the inter collegiate business quiz is open for all accredited business schools, engineering colleges and other collegiate students, who can participate in teams of two each from the same institution. The winning team from each regional final will participate in the national finals to be held in Mumbai on April 8, 2012. To add to the excitement and scale of the event, there will be a mega International Final in Mumbai wherein the winners and runners-up from the just concluded Indian edition as well as from the Singapore and UK editions of the quiz, held earlier this financial year, will compete with each other for the title of International Champions.

Qualifying procedure 

The participating campus teams will go through a preliminary written elimination round at a common venue. The top four teams from the written prelims will qualify for the regional stage rounds. To provide maximum opportunity for the participating teams to qualify for the regional finals, a wild card round will be held. In all, six top teams will make it to the regional finals.

Prize Money

The winners of the regional finals will win cash prizes of Rs 75,000 while the runnersup will receive Rs. 35,000. Winners of the national finals will be rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 4,00,000 and a trophy. For registration and more details, log onto www.tatacrucible.com.

Want your child to have command over Eng. language?

Want your child to have command over Eng. language?

As part of providing global exposure to students, international schools train students to have a complete  command over English language. And they do this in a fun and interesting manner .

It is often said words are a powerful medium that can win hearts, stop rebels and help make peace between warriors. So it makes it vital for one to have not just command but good command over the language. And in today’s global world, English is what connect minds. This is one point where International schools do not have

any competition as the focus on perfecting the student’s language is very high. The question here is how do they

do help students impeccable in the English language.

Talk and walk English

In international schools, speaking English on the campus is a must rule. At home you may talk a different language, but in school nothing but English works. Again, the argument here could be most English medium schools in India follow this policy, so how does that set apart an international school? Here English is not forced into the student’s mouth, but presented in an interesting way to make them love the language. For instance, students of these schools are shown children’s movies in English languages.They are told stories in English language. All these fun activities make a student’s like the language instead of running away from it. As they are encouraged to watch English movies, students also learn to understand accent of various countries and continents. This in turn helps later in life while applying for jobs or settling in a western country. In the  current scenario, even a basic job requires the job seeker to be proficient in English.

Communication Workshops

Communication is an age old process and in the current world it goes much beyond just being able to put forth your ideas to another person. Today it is about articulating your talk and presenting them in a pleasant manner. In fact, even the painful of statements are told in a manner none can take offense at. International schools hold such workshops where students are given hands-on trainingon communicating with people in English. These workshops are use innovative and interesting methods to make the sessions fun for students. Most often, it may have practices like talking to an automated machine. Or the students are made to practice the diction which forms a major part in a conversation between two people.

Story telling sessions

A lot of international schools also have story telling classes where they are taught the skill to narrate a story in exciting and interesting style. Since time immemorial story telling has been part of our society. But it had disappeared from Indian society a few decades back. However, this concept is being revived once again. And as a surprise, schools are actively participating to bring back the lost concept. Here at an international school, the creative art of telling a story is taught beautifully to students, which they imbibe in their  communication with people.

A rich vocabulary

In international schools, there is a high focus on making students learn different words and allow them to have a rich vocabulary. Teachers conduct various spelling tests, vocabulary tests where a student’s knowledge of knowing synonyms of different words are tested. There are also grammar tests to make sure the student acquires right grammar sense. Sentence construction is also given priority as that forms the basis for writing an email or essay or article or application letters. It’s important that the students gets his sentences

right else even an exciting concept get skilled if it is not presented in a right style.

Also, a host of teachers in international schools belong to western countries with English as their mother language. Hence, it is natural that they can impart the understanding of the language properly to students who are in the constructive years of their life and career.

When schools go truly international

When schools go truly international

With many foreigners settling in the city for job and business prospects, admissions in international schools are catching up. Now, native parents have also started looking at these schools for their child’s global exposure.

While Hyderabad is known for being one of the best places for the study of technology and producing maximum number of IITians, of late the city is also giving room to several international schools. The international schools of Hyderabad can be classified in three different categories, namely International, Local International and Bilingual schools. Well, as the name suggests, these ‘International’ schools follow an International methodology right from the admission procedure of the child to molding him into a global citizen.

Target students: While 60 per cent of the class strength in these schools consists of kids of foreign staff settled in Hyderabad for businesses and jobs, in recent times Hyderabadi parents have also turned to these schools for providing a global exposure to their children.

Education tools:  The International schools have well equipped digital class rooms where teaching is done with the help of projectors, video, audio lectures and presentations. Here emphasis if given on practical learning with the help demonstrations rather than theoretical knowledge. Their libraries are digital and access to it is not a thing only for high school students. Tiny tots of primary school are taught to inculcate the habit of reading books and newspapers. While a regular school has a science laboratory in its campus only for class X or class 12^th student, in International schools, the practice starts at a primary level. Since latest technology like LCDs and computers are available in full strength, the child’s ability to use technology improves.

A few international schools have tie-ups with highly prestigious educational academies overseas which test the students in various factors.

Infrastructure:  The campus and class rooms of an International School are spacious. The class rooms are decorated with colourful article to give the child a homely atmosphere. From class rooms and school buses being air-conditioned to doctors and nurses available on the school campus, the child has every facility at school that he would find at home and beyond that. For parents who complain about their child not eating healthy, international schools may solve the problem as these institutes offer food, including breakfast, lunch and post noon snack. The diet chart is formulated keeping in view the health of the students.

Also, most of the schools use ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, a management tool. With the help of this tool, most of the administration work is handled by technology that results in better and flawless monitoring.

Co-curricular activities:  Most parents send their children to special classes for them to learn music, dance, painting, swimming, yoga, sculpture, and sports like cricket, basket ball, etc. However, these schools combine all these co-curricular activities as part of academic syllabus. There are several clubs foreach activity and students can join one or more clubs depending on their interests. They should also be prepared to write a test even in the supposedly called “extra subjects”.  Soft skills like communication ability and writing are enhanced among students by conducting poetry recitation, elocution sessions and extempore right from the primary level. These schools aim to producing leaders.

Summer time:  During summer vacations, International schools organise camps which take students on field trips to local places and also outstation. 

Fee structure: Every good thing comes with a price, and same is the case with International schools with world-class facilities. The fee is exorbitant, ranging from a minimum of 1.5 lakh to 4 lakh.    

Work to fix Education

Taking up a job while studying in school or college is helpful to better understand the theoretical knowledge, but academic syllabus is too rigorous to leave any room for such jobs, say parents and educationalists.

Last week, the US saw formulation of an unusual programme, Enstittue, founded with the ideology of promoting ‘skip studies to work’. A two-year programme, it invited applications from students with minimum qualification of a high school degree to work under entrepreneurs and get hands-on experience of a

work and get prepared for real jobs after graduation. Should Indian students also follow the idea, considering the infrastructure in Indian colleges do not at all times meet the requirements for practical knowledge? In the latest report by Programme for International Student Assesment (PISA), a worldwide evaluation programme which tests the knowledge of 15-year old students of nearly 74 countries, Indian students stood second from the last. This result clearly indicates Indian students are lagging behind. Can handson experience while studying be a method to better explain the student the theoretical lessons taught in the classrooms?.

Working during school/college is a foreign concept and will take at least half-a-decade to be accepted and implemented in our country. The idea will work if it is included in the academic syllabus of schools and  colleges

-Surabhi,

Educationalist

“My first job was in class XII, during a month’s vacation. Opting for a professional job brought in me a sense of discipline, which later helped me study better during my graduation. I behaved more responsible and subjects related to management were easy to understand as I had been part of a strict management system in the job,” says Ravalika Naidu, IT employee. “Yes, the idea of being part of workforce during junior college is good. However, in India parents do not encourage such activities as they fear that children may turn out to be rebellious once they start earning some money,” says Surabhi of Catalog Educational Services. “In India, working anytime before a student completes his/her studies is seen in bad light. It’s a foreign concept and will take at least half-adecade to be accepted and implemented in our country. The idea will work if it is included in the academic syllabus of schools and colleges. While we do have internships as a gateway to allow the student to understand the nuances of the professional work, it is seen only in top institutes of the country.

And these internships are conducted only towards the time when the student is graduating from college. If ‘take up a job’ idea is implemented early, say, during junior college or high school time, it will help student to become a global leader,” she adds. 

“As a parent of a 13-year old, I am not against the idea of my child taking up a job of a few hours during the weekend. However, the rigorous course syllabus doesn’t allow this. 

After spending weekdays away from home from 8 am to 5:30 pm and half-a-day on Saturdays, there is very little else that he can do. And Sundays are spent writing homeworks,” complains Seema Kedia who refuses to divulge the name of the school.

MBA or BTech? Which college? When? Get your answers here

I want to be an IAS officer what is the eligibility?

I am in class XI. I want to be an IAS. I have heard I will have to write CSAT to get apply for IAS post. What is the eligibility?- Rishika, 16

The Civil Services Aptitude Test is a prestigious and high rated exam. The IAS or the Indian Administrated Services is the considered as the best government sector job to be into in India.

Apart from the Indian Administrative Services, admission to other sectors like the Indian Police Service, Indian

Foreign Services etc are also done on the basis on the merit occupied by the candidates in the Civil Services Aptitude Test.

One must fulfil the following eligibility criteria to give the exam: 

• Should be at least attained the age of 21 and it should not exceed 30 years. 
• The applicant should be of Indian origin by birth or otherwise or a subject of either Bhutan, Nepal or should be of a Tibetan refuge.
• Should possess a graduate degree from a recognized institution. 

I had, for some reasons, discontinued my studies after class XI, for 3 years. is there a possibility for me resume it? - Niharika, 22

Yes, you can. Apply through open school to resume your studies as it will help you save a lot of time of yours. After that you can either start your studies in regular or through correspondence. There are many courses in which age is a criterion like engineering or medical but there are many courses where age is not a criterion like courses in commerce and humanities. Also try and score good marks in you class XII paper so that you get a good college for furthers studies.

I am not good in Mathematics. However, my English is very strong. Are there job options for those only good at the language? - Arun, 18

People good in language can find jobs in industries like:

Education - Teachers/professors. You can do you graduation and then study BEd.

Media - Journalism, publishing house, TV, radio, event management. Study Bachelors Media Studies or BMMC Bachelors of Mass Media and Mass Communication.

MNC - There are options for Human Resource or Public Relations for which you can do a BBA and then MBA in HR.

Bulletin Board

What: M S University of Baroda is conducting Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test for admissions to MPharm Courses. The test also offers fellowship and scholarship. Applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree in  pharmacy.
Where: Vadodra, Gujarat.
When: Submissions will close on February 20.
Exam is on May 6.
Contact: www.gpat.in


What: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is inviting applications for AIEEA-UG for admission to Bachelor’s degrees in Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Forestry, Home Science, Sericulture, Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering, Dairy Technology, Food Science, Agricultural Marketing & Cooperation, etc. The applicant must be of 17 or above.
Where: New Delhi.
When: The last date for submission of forms is February 15.
Contact: www.icar.org.in


What: Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti is conducting written Test for recruitment of Post Graduate Teachers in English, Hindi, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, History, Geography, and Commerce for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Where: New Delhi
When: The test is on February 19.
Contact: www.navodaya.nic.in

Drop-outs can head to open school

Drop-outs can head to open school

Discontinued your studies? Failed in an exam and couldn’t study further? Well, open school is here to help you out

If statistics are to be considered, every year 11 lakh students pass out from class X but only 7.5-8 lakh  students make it intermediate for various reasons. However, with the availability of open school system, those students who discontinued their studies can breathe easy. AP State Open School (APOSS) was established in the year 1991 to provide a gateway to students those who discontinue their studies. The courses are available in Hindi, Telugu, English, Urdu, Oriya, Marathi and Arabic mediums.

Salient features:

• The courses offered at APOSS are equivalent to formal courses for seeking job opportunities and higher studies.
• Students can take up their choice of subjects out of 27 available subjects.
• Classes are conducted only during the weekends and holidays. And the student has to attend minimum of 20 classes out of 30 classes. 
• The best feature of this course is that the subjects the student had passed in before discontinuing studies will be transferred in open school course. He/she can study only the subjects he failed in. 
• The eligibility criteria is that he/she should be minimum of 14 years for SSC course and 15 years for  intermediate course.

APOSS offers two courses SSC Course:
Nearly 92,860 students took admission into APOSS in the year 2010-11 and nearly 1,06,823 students are expected to join in the academic year 2011-2012. For admission to study high school course of SSC syllabus, no minimum qualification is required. SSC course is being offered in nearly 1,300 schools across the state.

Tech fest kicks off at RVR Institute

Tech fest kicks off at RVR Institute

Atechnical fest, titled Techno Era 2012 RVR, was inaugurated at the Institute of Engineering & Technology of Sri Indu group of institutions on Saturday. Over 2,000 students from more than 100 colleges across Hyderabad and also from various other districts participated in the fest.

Dr M Anji Reddy, director, Directorate of University Foreign Relations, JNTUH, was the chief guest, and V Surender Reddy, ACP Ibrahimpatnam, was the guest of honour. 

Addressing students after inaugurating the fest, Anji Reddy appreciated the modern infrastructure, wellequipped

labs, state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. He also said that in the coming years the campus could be developed as a deemed university, considering its existing facilities. Surender, in his address, complimented the

students for their discipline. He mentioned that if every student could maintain good discipline and creatively apply knowledge, they could do wonders and achieve any position in the world.

The secretary and correspondent of the college, Anup Chakravarthy, said that nothing was impossible in this world. “Everything is possible if we put our sincere efforts and skills. The chairman Indu of RVR group of institutions said that every student should put in his best efforts in terms of academics and also show work on their personality and communication skills. All this, she said, would help in fetching a good placement in good MNCs. She admired the students of this group as very disciplined and said that they could go to any heights if they applied all the training they were receiving at the institute.

None can hack our website

EAMCET has developed a fool-proof exam system which other states want to replicate, says convener

Not long ago, a hightech racket was busted in Kadapa district where some cyber fugitives led by one Gurivi Reddy used bluetooth mode to answer questions while the EAMCET examination was going on. The convenor of EAMCET, Ramana Rao, who came to know about it beforehand, spent some anxious moments on whether to cancel the exam at the eleventh hour. Thanks to the cooperation of the intelligence agencies, the illegal mode of answering questions was averted, but the incident led to some serious soul-searching among the top brass of EAMCET.

Ramana Rao, along with a team of IT experts of JNTU, embarked on creating a foolproof model for EAMCET exam. Two years of careful and thorough research, unveiled a 100 per cent online procedure the first of its kind in India. It has been put to test on a trial basis from this year itself. In a conversation with The Hans India, Ramana Rao narrated the features, which, in his opinion will mark a revolutionary change in exam patterns. Explaining the advantages, Ramana Rao said “This will substantially reduce time, money, and inconvenience to thousands of Eamcet aspirants. With just a mouse click one can give exams from home or from any internetconnected computer. There are no printing costs to be incurred on applications forms, no logistics, no staff for checking, etc. once the new system is implemented. The problems of loss of  applications or applications not reaching the students will also be eliminated.” The certificates like nativity, SSC are not required before the exam as they can be submitted at the time of admission, he added. On avoiding malpractices, Ramana Rao said, “the candidates’ details from their SSC certificates are stored in our server. Candidates have to enter the hall ticket numbers of SSC and intermediate exam. When we click that number, all his details will be displayed. In case of any doubt, we can cross-check. As the photo also appears on the screen, we can confirm the details. No one can apply twice. No one can apply with some other’s photo or number. No one else can write the exam in the name of others. There is absolutely no scope for morphing.”

Mentioning that the manual data backup is at EAMCET office, he said, “Once a candidate applies, he can take the acknowledgment directly within minutes from his system. He can save the application copy in his system and take out a print. Our approval appears within seconds. The confirmation will be automatically done and the same will be emailed to the candidates. An SMS will also be sent.”

If a candidate, by mistake, gives a wrong hall ticket number and wants to correct it, he/she will have to send

us an email or call up the helpline centres at our office or visit personally and to correct the issue. It’s only after a check is done are the corrections carried and stored. This is done to avoid mischief. To help rural students, some colleges were identified as helpline centres.” The aspirants can download the hall tickets till the last minute of the commencement of exam.

“At the exam centre, we ask the students to affix one colour photo at the given space. He also has to sign before the invigilator and his thumb impression will also be taken. This system is in place on police advice. Taking thumb impression means indirectly warning ineligible or fake candidates,” he said

“Even now, we are working on some other firewalls. We are sure that our system cannot be hacked and remodeled. We have noticed that a number of fake candidates appear for the exam and someone else gets the seat. With the latest system, such possibilities are a thing of past,” a confidant Ramana Rao said.

• 100 per cent online applications
• EAMCET convener explains advantages 
• Online corrections not allowed
• More seats likely to be filled this year

According to Ramana Rao, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala want to follow the model.