Delhi University admissions: Your questions answered

New Delhi: The first cut-off list of the Delhi University for admissions to various under-graduate courses is out. And even though there is no 100 per cent cut-off this time like last year, the cut off percentages remain high, in some cases even crossing the cut-offs of last year. For Science, the cut-off is  99.25 per cent; in Commerce, it's 97 per cent. Your questions answered here.

U K Das: I would like to know about a career after doing Honours in Human Physiology. Please guide.

Parveen Shaikh (Career Expert - www.vidyartha.com): An Honours program with a post graduation degree in Human Physiology and related disciplines provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to obtain employment as medical scientists and clinical physiologists in hospitals and in marketing / scientific reporting for biomedical/pharmaceutical companies. Graduates interested in research careers may obtain employment in biomedical research laboratories or progress to further studies such as Honours, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees within Biomedical Research. After completion of the Bachelor of Science students may enroll in further study to become science teachers.

Pallavi: I'm interested in biotechnology. Could u please tell me what are the prospects after one has completed M.Sc.?

Parveen Shaikh (Career Expert - www.vidyartha.com): Several sectors throughout our country as well as abroad offer a wide variety of job opportunities for students with an M.Sc. in Biotechnology. Private sector provides a lot of employment opportunities for aspirants in this field. They enjoy good salary packages as well. They offer a broad variety of job profiles for aspirants in this field. Some of the areas fit for these graduates include the following.

• Agriculture Industries
• Agro Based Industries
• Environmental Specialist
• Food Processing Industries
• Media Houses as Science Writer
• Aquaculture Industries
• Chemical Industries
• Colleges and Universities
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Research Laboratories

Aspirants who hold an M.Sc in Biotechnology degree have a lot of career opportunities in the Public sector. They enjoy a wide variety of job profiles in this sector where they are offered good salary packages. To get into these promising firms they have to clear several exams conducted by PSC, SSC and also UPSC. They can also enjoy several other perks apart from the attractive salary packages. Some of the areas suitable for them in this sector include the following:

• Aquaculture Industries
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Research Laboratories
• Chemical Industries
• Most of the foreign countries have a great demand for experts in this field. Various undertakings abroad enable them to work in a broad variety of job profiles. They offer them attractive salary packages as well.

Yasmin: The cut-offs is going sky high making it very difficult for students to make the cut. Does a child who does not score a 90 % at the least, have no option in today's rate race?

Parveen Shaikh (Career Expert - www.vidyartha.com): As a career psychologist, I believe every single individual has the ability to choose and pursue the career of their choice. Yes I agree that for certain courses one does need the required marks.  At the end what matters in life, is how good, successful and happy you are pursuing a career. Yes a good institute does play an important role in shaping your career path, but at the end of the day, what matters is how well you do in your career, how you perform at your job.  So if you don't make it to the cut off, there is nothing to despair, you could;

• Choose a college / university having a lower cut off for the same course.
• Select a different route to the career of your choice (most of the careers can be pursued through various routes and courses.)
• Look at the option of studying abroad.
• Do a general major and then enter a specialization for your post-graduation.
• Do a general degree, work for a couple of years (work experience is highly valued these days) and then pursue a specific degree later.
• For all of the above what is the most important is to choose a career which matches your interest, aptitude and personality.  So more than focusing on getting less than 90% marks focus on finding what your calling is and go for it!  All the best!

Paulima: Do you agree that there is too much pressure on kids of today to choose a career path right after the 12th standard?

Parveen Shaikh (Career Expert - www.vidyartha.com): I do agree that there is a lot of pressure on students to choose a career path after class 12, But I also believe that if a student is clear about his career aspirations and has planned well in advance, this pressure can be dealt with in a very positive manner. A student may not get down to the specific career choice at the class 12th level, but one needs to map out broad interest areas and choose the best course so that there are no rude shocks later.  Parents play a very important role in providing this stress free environment to their wards. There are professional career experts / career psychologist who can help as student plan the career options taking into account their individuals profiles, needs and recommending the best career path. The most important aspect to keep in mind here is to have back up options ready in terms of institutes, courses and career paths. With cut throat competition it's always a relief to have a plan B if plan A doesn't work out.

Shruti: What do I do if I am eligible for a course in the first cut-off list, and admit myself, but I qualify for another course that I am more interested to pursue, in the second cut-off list?"

Parveen Shaikh (Career Expert - www.vidyartha.com): Go ahead! Choose what you want to pursue first or second list. It doesn't matter, but don't give up a course unless you have the other in hand. 

Farhan: My suggestion to ease the demand for education might be to allow foreign universities to establish branches in India. Do you agree?

Parveen Shaikh (Career Expert - www.vidyartha.com): Yes completely agree, provided the degrees and courses they offer have recognition and credibility in the job market

R K Sharma: Is DU the best option across the country? Should we relocate for a better educational future of my son?

Parveen Shaikh (Career Expert - www.vidyartha.com): Delhi University is definitely one of the best universities of our country, but there many other universities spread across states which are known for their academics and student development.  There also other private and government universities apart from DU in Delhi. Relocating is your personal choice. I would suggest first find out what your son would like to do then look at his study options in and around Delhi and if it's still not feasible you could try admissions in colleges in other states. A career counselor, would be able to recommend good courses and colleges for your son.