Dear readers,
Many times you may have questions related to career guidance that you are not certain whom to ask. We now have a space here for your benefit. If you have a question relating to a course, an entrance exam or the prospects and requirements of any field, do write in to our counsellor at fpjcounsellor@gmail.com
Want to switch
I have given my HSC in science, but I don’t want to pursue anything in science further. Is there a possibility that I can switch to BCom?
– Samina Dutta
Dear Samina,
Yes, it is possible since the University of Mumbai allows switching streams after HSC from science to commerce and arts and from commerce to arts. The reverse, however is not possible. Since you are in HSC science, you can switch to commerce. This, however, also largely depends on the college you are looking at for admission and they should allow the switch. You should follow up with the management of the college on that.
My further advice to you is that before you finally make the switch, do a thorough assessment of your interests and aptitudes and why you wish to change your stream. Also list down all the options available after a commerce change and your interest in those fields and future career projections in the same, and make an informed decision.
Programming without engineering?
My son wants to be a software programmer, but I don’t think we have the capacity to go through the entrance exams that are required to get in to the engineering programmes. Is there any other degree he can pursue except engineering to become a software professional? I know there are private courses, but I am interested in a recognised course for him. If there is such a course, can you give us details on the admission process, criteria etc? – Dhruv Kunte
Dear Dhruv,
Your son can pursue the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc- IT) course. It is mainly concerned with design development and implementation of software system. He can opt for the BSc IT after completing HSC with maths from any stream. In all colleges the admission is based on the merit list system based on the marks scored at the HSC level.
Some colleges in Mumbai offering the BSc-IT course are:
● KC College, Churchgate
● PD Hinduja College, Charni Road
● SIES College, Sion
● CHM College, Ulhasnagar
● Mulund College of Commerce,Mulund
● KJ Somaiya College of Science and
Commerce
● Ruparel College,Matunga
● Thakur College, Kandivili
● RD National College, Bandra
● Sophia College, Pedder Road
● Wilson College, Chowpatty
● Ramnarain Ruia College,Matunga
● Bhavan’s College, Chowpatty
● St Xavier’s College, CST
The courses at some private institutes are also quite good to become a professional. Finally, it matters that your son learns the aspects of programming spending quality time with faculty who know their work. This can be possible at a good private institute too.
Interest in technology
I am in SYBSc (IT). I want to pursue MCA after my graduation. What is the right time to prepare for the entrance exam? Is it necessary to join coaching classes for the same? Also suggest some books to prepare for the exam. – Sahil Shaikh
Dear Sahil,
The MCA entrance examinations are held usually from February onwards. So if you wish to apply for these the same year that you are to complete your graduation, then you could start preparing from now. However, if you wish to focus completely on the final year BSc IT examination, then preparing for MCA entrance tests would be a distraction and could detract from your graduation performance. In that case, start the preparation after your B Sc final exams are over. Before you decide how to proceed, it would be advisable to survey the outline of the MCA entrance examinations from online brochures such as those of Maharashtra CET for MCA (www.dte.org.in), NIMCET (www.nitt.edu), etc. By reviewing the demands of the examination, you can arrive at a fair estimate of the extent and nature of help you would require. A coaching institute can provide you the right guidelines, study material and strategies for preparation as also conduct mock tests for practice and improvement. It also helps you to be focused and disciplined. However, that does not mean that it is necessary for everyone to join coaching classes. In fact, MCA entrance test guidebooks available in bookstores can give you a basic idea of the format of the examination, what to prepare and provide sample material. Basic revision of the Maths portion and the computer awareness questions of the entrance test could easily be from textbooks. Hard work for success has to take place at home whether you use guidebooks, textbooks or coaching or all of these.
