Before you change boards, see if it is a good fit
q My son is in Class X. I wanted to know whether IB students are allowed to take NEET and similar entrance exams after Class XII without any hassle. And if allowed, do they find it difficult or just as comfortable as CBSE students?
A student of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) can take the NEET exam in India, as long as they fulfil certain conditions.
The IB programme has several advantages as it offers a globally recognised, rigorous curriculum promoting critical thinking and fostering holistic development. It also cultivates a deep understanding of different cultures and perspectives. However, here are some things to keep in mind if you select an international board and also plan to take national-level exams in India. To be eligible for the NEET exam, the student must take physics, chemistry and biology in classes XI and XII (or take physics, chemistry, maths in IB and take biology as an additional subject from any other board as per the new National Medical Commission guidelines). Students taking IB are typically not allowed to take three science subjects. However, they may request special permission from the board to take these subjects so that they can take the NEET exam.
While taking these subjects fulfil the mandatory requirements for NEET, preparing for the exam requires additional effort. The NEET exam is based entirely on the CBSE syllabus, so a student studying under an international board will have to devote extra time to prepare accordingly. Also, while Indian board exams end in late February or mid-March, IB exams are held in May/June, which is around the same time that the NEET exam takes place. So, IB students would have to prepare for the boards and entrance exams simultaneously. If your son plans to take the NEET exam or other similar national-level exams, it is crucial to consider these factors before deciding which board to choose.
Careers for maths grads
q What are the careers that my daughter can look at if she takes BSc in mathematics? Also, could you tell me which are the best colleges in India for undergraduate studies in mathematics?
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, one can pursue several career paths. These include becoming an actuary, a data analyst, a statistician, an operations researcher or going into teaching and research. Actuaries use mathematical and statistical models to evaluate financial risks while data analysts apply mathematical skills to interpret and analyse data for business decisions. Statisticians design surveys and extract valuable insights. There are also opportunities for teaching and research roles in universities, research institutions and educational organisations.
In India, several colleges offer undergraduate programmes (bachelor’s of science) in mathematics. Some of the better ones are St. Stephen’s College and Hindu College in Delhi, Chennai Mathematical Institute and Loyola College in Chennai, Christ University in Bangalore and St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. These institutes provide a solid academic foundation and expose students to diverse mathematical concepts.
Nina Mukherji is a career counsellor and certified psychometric assessor. She conducts workshops in various areas for students. Mail your queries to telegraphyou@gmail.com with “Ask Nina” in the subject line. Don’t forget to add the name of your school or college and a contact number