Devi Kar Principal, Modern High School for Girls, Calcutta

Q: I am a student of Class XI (humanities). I am 17 years old and a resident of Tripura. It is not possible for me to get proper information here all the time, hence I am writing to you. I wish to pursue MBA after graduation.

Recently, one of my friends who had gone to Calcutta on his return told me that in order to study MBA, it is wise to opt for BBA at the graduation level. Is that true? Since I am studying humanities does that mean that I will not be able to get admission into BBA? I am so confused. Please advise.

Bubun

A: An MBA can be pursued by a graduate from any discipline, provided the entrance test procedure is completed successfully. You need to explore the different undergraduate courses of study on offer, including BBA, before you come to a decision. For the present, it would be advisable to concentrate on your studies and to enhance your general awareness. But you will definitely need to brush up your mathematics for an MBA entrance test.

Q: I will be sitting for my Class X Board exams (ICSE) in 2006. I want to study science and thereafter appear for the medical entrance exams. I want to know which board will suit me better ? ISC or the higher secondary board. Which board will provide me with better options?

Name Withheld

A: Opinion is divided regarding this. Some maintain that the West Bengal HS course prepares a student better for the State Joint Entrance Examinations and the ISC for the all-India ones. However, I believe that a student needs to prepare specifically for these entrance examinations irrespective of the Plus Two/HS course that is followed in his or her school.

Biprodas Bhattacharya Senior teacher, Rama Krishna Mission School, Narendrapur

Q: I had failed in Class XII last year and now I want to sit for my exam either as a private candidate or from the National Open School. Am I taking the right decision? Please tell me how this decision will affect my career if I want to go for higher studies in the field of biotechnology. Will I be able to get admission in a reputed college?

Somya Rao

A: One disappointment in life is not the end of the road. It is definitely a good idea to sit for your exams from the National Open School or as a private candidate. Your future career will depend not upon this one failure, but upon your success in the final exam. If you score good marks in chemistry, maths and biology, there is no reason why you should not get a seat in a good college to pursue biotechnology. Always widen your options. Even if you don?t get a seat in a good college in West Bengal, there are many private colleges of repute in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi that teach courses in biosciences. So concentrate hard on your studies, and plan well for your future.

Q: I am a student of Class XI, keen on pursuing fashion designing. But my parents are not allowing me to opt for it as most of these institutes offer a diploma. They want me to complete my graduation. I have tried to convince my parents that such diplomas have tremendous value in the market today. But they are adamant. Please advise.

Krishna Gogoi

A: The fact that fashion designing institutions offer a diploma is certainly not a hindrance to a career in the field. By asking you to get a graduate degree, your parents are probably trying to keep other career options open for you. But if you are intent on a career in fashion designing, you will be wasting three precious years doing a course that is irrelevant to your chosen field. It might be advisable for you to sit for an aptitude test to see if you really have a natural inclination towards art and design, and to sit for subsequent counselling. Parents are counselled along with students, so differences in opinion may be resolved with expert help.