Father Manipadam Provincial youth delegate, Don Bosco Youth Services, Calcutta

Q: I am a student of Class XI humanities and I am petrified of history and political science. Please advise.

Name withheld

A: More and more students are developing a dislike for subjects like history and other subjects of the humanities stream these days. It is not because these subjects are not interesting but probably the way they are taught is not interesting enough. As a result the taste for them has not developed.

Moreover, the students themselves have not developed a proper method of studying these subjects. Eliminate from your mind the idea that these subjects are not interesting but imagine that these are the subjects in which you can excel at. Then, you should try and formulate a method of studying these subjects. For example, tackle these subjects when your mind is fresh.

When you study these subjects don?t just read the chapter and hope to remember, but study it with a pen and paper, jotting down the important points in the form of a note. Try and recall what you have studied before closing the book, then revise it after some time, etc. Developing a good method is the key to tackling the humanities stream.

Sushil Khanna Professor of economics and strategic mana- gement, IIM Calcutta

Q: What is the difference between a PG diploma in information technology (PGDIT) and an MBA? Can a PGDIT-passed candidate opt for a job which has asked for candidates holding an MBA in systems?

Name Withheld

A: PGDIT is entirely an IT course with little or no exposure to business. A PGDIT graduate will not be able to substitute for MBA with or without systems specialisation. I hope you will now be able to take the necessary decision.