Category: 2019

PSTET

Audition for the noblest of all Professions

Teaching. Yes, this work is the most important these days. Especially in times when technology wires our emotions, climate change pervades our lives and information overload our brains. In such a scenario, a sift is required. This can be done only by a teacher. To build the skills that will take us into the 22nd century, we need teachers with the training and support to ignite curiosity and foster creative problem-solving.

For all those who wish to join this noble profession, here is a shout out for the upcoming PSTET ie Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test. It is conducted by the State Council of Educational Research & Training, Punjab for the post of teachers in state government, Mandal Parishad, Zila Parishad, Municipality, Private Aided & Un-aided Schools for the class I-VII. Applicants can apply for the PSTET exam by registering themselves through the Online Application Form, from the official website.

The PSTET Exam will be organized by the PSEB under the guidance of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Punjab. The Punjab Board has termed the December 2019 exam as “PSTET 2018” which will be conducted on 15 December 2019. The PSTET Registration/Application link is now active on the official website pstet.net. The Punjab STET online application process will go on till 25th November 2019. The PSTET Paper-I is for Class I-V teachers; while the PSTET Paper-II is for Class VI-VIII teachers.

Eligibility Criteria:  

Candidates should have following qualifications as prescribed by the NCTE:

Educational Qualification

For Paper I (Primary Teachers – Classes I To V)

  • Applying candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (or it is equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed OR appearing in the final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education 
  • Applicants need to obtain 50% minimum marks in Senior Secondary or its equivalent examination & finalized or appearing in final/ last year of 4-year Bachelor in Elementary Education.

For Paper II (Secondary Teachers – Classes VI To VIII)

  • Applicants must have passed in graduation or final year of a 2-year diploma in education elementary education.
  • Aspirants must have qualified graduation with minimum 55% marks or appearing in 1 year Bachelor Degree in B.Ed

Essential Qualification

Candidates should be passed/appearing in B.Ed/Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks for both sections.

How to apply

You can apply via Online /Offline mode by filling up the application forms on the Official Website of the Department i.e. www.tetpunjab.com.Participants will be shortlisted by marks scored in the Entrance Exam. and would also have to go for the Final Round Personal Interview.

Application Fee:

Category Only Paper I or II Both Paper I & II
General / BC / OBC Category Rs. 500 /- (Five hundred) Rs. 1000 /- (One Thousand)
SC / ST Category Rs. 300 /- (Three hundred) Rs. 600 /- (Six hundred)
Ex-Servicemen Self-only NIL NIL

Exam Pattern & Syllabus:

The Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test 2018 exam will be conducted on two phases for Paper-I & Paper-II. Below is the detailed exam pattern and structure of the PSTET 2018 Exam:

– 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in each paper

– Each question carries one mark

– There will be no negative marking.

– Candidates who wish to teach classes I to VIII will have to appear in both papers (Paper I and Paper II)

– Qualifying PSTET does not mean direct recruitment; it is one of the eligibility criteria for appointment as a teacher in Punjab schools. A person who scores 60% or more in the PSTET exam will be considered as PSTET pass. Punjab Govt., has decided to give the concession of 5% in PSTET to the persons belonging to SC/ST, OBC, differently-abled persons, etc., by their extant reservation policy;This weight to the PSTET scores in the recruitment process; however, qualifying the PSTET would not confer a right on any person for recruitment/employment as it is only one of the eligibility criteria for appointment.

Paper 1 Pattern

Subjects Total Marks Number of Questions
The language I 30 Marks 30 MCQs
Child Development and Pedagogy 30 Marks 30 MCQs
Language II 30 Marks 30 MCQs
Environmental Studies 30 Marks 30 MCQs
Mathematics 30 Marks 30 MCQs
In Total 150 Marks 150 MCQs

Paper 2 Pattern

Subjects of the Question Paper Total Marks Number of Questions
Language-I (mandatory) 30 Marks 30 MCQs
Child Development & Pedagogy (mandatory) 30 Marks 30 MCQs
Language-II (mandatory) 30 Marks 30 MCQs
Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies/Social Science teacher) 60 Marks 60 MCQs
Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teacher) 60 Marks 60 MCQs
In Total 150 Marks 150 MCQs
Events Important Dates
Online Application Start Date 3rd November 2019
Last Date of Online Application 25th November 2019
Last Date of the Application Fee 25th November 2019
Application Correction Starts 26th November 2019
Application Correction End 28th November 2019
Admit Card 9th December 2019
Exam Date 15th December 2019

The validity of PSTET Certificate

All qualified Applicants will have seven years of the validity period for the PSTET certificate from the date of result announcement for all category candidates (consisting both reserved & unreserved category).

Number of Attempts

There is no restriction on the number of attempts a person can take for acquiring a PSTET certificate. A person qualified in PSTET may also appear again for improving his/her score. The PSTET shall apply to the Schools owned and managed by the Punjab State Government/Local Bodies and aided school.PSTET may also apply to the unaided private schools who may exercise the option of considering the PSTET.

Sample Questions of PSTET- Paper I

  1. The best method to study the growth and development of the child is:

               (1) Psychoanalytic Method           (2) Comparative Method

               (3) Developmental Method          (4) Statistical Method

   2. Socialization is a process by which children & adults learn from:

               (1)Family                                           (2) School
               (3) Peers                                           (4) All of these

 3. Which one of the following is the true statement corresponding to Cephalocaudal Principle of Child’s Development:

          ( 1) Development is from head to foot (2) Development is from foot to head

          (3)   Development is from the middle to periphery (4) None of these

  1. Determinants of Individual differences in human beings relate to:

            (1)Differences in Environment

            (2)Differences in Heredity

            (3) Interaction between Heredity & Environment

            (4)Both Heredity & Environment interacting separately

Summing up:

Today, the primary role of the teacher is to guide students in orientating their moral compass, teachers may be more vital than ever, helping them navigate their way through an era of “fake news” and uncompromising ideologies.  All this suggests that while the role of the teacher has never been more important, and we need to make sure more people audition and join the noblest of all profession

Join the audition.

Psychology Courses in a Distance Mode

Can you guess which college major is one of the most popular among undergraduate students all over the world? Do you know which subject you can dovetail in almost any career you get into whether it is doctor, engineer or a lawyer. The answer is Psychology. The knowledge of this subject would not only land you with a job in the same field but also if you are already settled in your career and wish  to accelerate your performance by upscaling your understanding of how human minds think and work, the answer is Psychology.

Psychology has many practical applications outside of academic research, including uses in therapy, education, business and many other fields. Some psychologists work with legal professionals to understand and predict criminal behavior; others help businesses run more effectively by studying employee interactions with each other and their work environment.

In case you do not have the time for a regular course or wish to enhance your career with a knowledge of Psychology per se, distance education is the option for you. In fact, it is more affordable and time & place is as per your comfort. Today, Distance education psychology courses are commonly available through undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These courses allow students to explore concepts and theories in a wide variety of subjects, such as developmental, forensic and social psychology, and they also prepare students to be able to conduct research of their own. Aspiring psychology students can find a wide range of coursework available through online learning. Course topics running the gamut from cognitive and child psychology to biopsychology and theories of personality can help you explore your interest in the field.

Who should go for a distance learning degree in Psychology?

Earning a degree in psychology can be a great way to prepare for a range of different professions. The skills that you acquire during your study of psychology such as analyzing data, communicating complex information and understanding human behavior are all abilities that are highly prized by employers.

According to Complete Psychology by Graham Davey (2007), only about 15 to 20 percent of Psychology majors go on to become professional psychologists or counselors. So what do the estimated three-quarters of psychology majors end up doing with their degrees? Many put their knowledge of Psychology to work in various professions including marketing, business, advertising, criminal justice, education, sales, public affairs, health services, human resources, and numerous other areas.

Time can also be a dictating factor. Shift work and the deadlines of contracts can make on-campus courses impossible, even if the college is right next door. Families and the other commitments of life can be influential. Care of aging parents, illness or accident, and many other personal situations cause responsible adults to seek distance education programs.

Institutes providing distance education programs:

For those with significant commitments to work or family who wish to earn a degree in psychology, an online psychology degree program can make a lot of sense. Most online degrees are designed with working adults in mind, allowing far more flexibility than a traditional degree program and eliminating the need to move or travel to campus for class. Students pursuing their psychology degree online can complete their coursework and other assignments at the time that is most convenient for them and from any location with an internet connection. Most of the best online psychology schools allow students to complete any required internships or practicums in their hometown.

  • Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
  • Annamalai University
  • University of Mumbai
  • Andhra University
  • Madras University
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University
  • Osmania University
  • Tamil Nadu Open University
  • Karnataka State Open University
  • Nalanda Open University

Course Cursor:

Undergraduate courses

  • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Applied Psychology
  • Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology

Post graduate courses

  • Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Psychology
  • M.Sc. in Psychology
  • M. Sc. in Psychological Counseling (Self Financing Course)

Diploma courses

  • P.G. Diploma in Psychological Counseling (PGDPC)
  • PG and advanced diploma in psychology

Career Pathways:

Earning a degree in Psychology is an excellent way to gain a greater understanding of people. In addition to satisfying your own interest in human nature, having a solid understanding of what makes people do certain things can be a very marketable skill in a wide variety of job settings, including social services, advertising, marketing, education, health care, and politics.Psychology is certainly not a one-size-fits-all career choice. In fact, one of the greatest strengths of a psychology degree is the enormous variety of career paths that are available to graduates. You can tailor your education and degree to focus on specialty areas that appeal to their interests. Some of these potential professions include:

The Road Ahead:

According to a research, the employment of Psychologists is expected to grow at a rate of about 19 percent through the year 2024. This is considered much faster than average growth. This is good news for those interested in earning a degree in psychology online. The demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and social services agencies is expected to fuel the demand for trained professionals. Three job areas expected to be in high demand are in clinical psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.

Therefore, if you wish to pursue a career in Psychology or wish to dovetail your skills in understanding human behavior in your current career, tune in for a distance learning program in Psychology.

Relationships First

All human relationships experience stress and conflict and couple relationships are no exception to this rule. When couples experience relationship problems, many seek professional help through counseling and therapy services. Couples counselor  evaluates relationship problems and offers strategies for resolving them using psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”).

Couple’s therapy (or relationship therapy) is a subset of relationship counseling. It may differ from other forms of relationship counseling in various regards including its duration. Short term counseling may be between 1 and 3 sessions whereas long term couples therapy may be between 12 and 24 sessions. An exception is brief or solution focused couples therapy. In addition, counseling tends to be more ‘here and now’ and new coping strategies the outcome. Couples therapy is more about seemingly intractable problems with a relationship history, where emotions are the target and the agent of cha

Marriage counseling is a fast emerging field and taking into consideration the lack of certified, educated professionals available in the city, we thought of coming up with this course. Marriage is one of the most important event in one’s life and in India, counseling is looked upon as a domain that can be taken up by anybody without prior education and understanding of the topic.

Marriage counselors are licensed therapists who treat couples and families. Also known as marriage and family therapists, or MFTs, they may provide counseling to adults, teenagers, and children in group or individual settings. To become licensed, MFTs must have master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or related mental health fields; however, some marriage counselors also pursue doctorates. Schools offering Marriage & Family Therapy degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Getting in

The first step toward becoming a marriage counselor is to earn a bachelor’s degree with coursework in behavioral sciences. A marriage and family therapist career generally involves a good deal of education, much like other mental health and therapy careers. Individuals interested in pursuing marriage and family counseling careers will typically start by earning bachelor’s degrees in areas such as psychology, social work, or counseling. While earning this degree, students should focus taking courses on marriages and family situations.

Prerequisite classes in statistical analysis are also required for admission to many psychology and marriage counseling master’s degree programs. After earning a graduate degree, licensure is required. Marriage and family therapists help people work through various relationship issues and clinical problems, such as mood disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Though a master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for licensure, some MFTs also pursue a Doctor of Psychology. Most master’s degree programs take 2-3 years to complete; doctoral programs may take 3-5 years or longer. Master’s-level coursework often includes Interview and research techniques, Principles of parent-child counseling, Couples therapy and Chemical dependency and substance abuse.

Commonly, there are three options are available for those who wish  to enter the field as a marriage and family therapist:

  • Master’s degree: 2-3 years to complete
  • Doctoral program: 3-5 years to complete
  • Postgraduate clinical training programs: 3-4 years to complete

Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling and Family Therapy (PGDCFT)

Minimum Duration:  1 Year
Maximum Duration: 4 Years

Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree with specialization in subjects like Human Development and Family Studies, Child Development, Human Development and Childhood Studies, Child Development and Family Relationships, Home Science, Psychology, Social Work, Medicine or other allied disciplines.  “Allied disciplines” include Anthropology, Sociology, Education, Philosophy, MBBS or equivalent qualification in Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha or Homeopathy Medicines, Nursing etc. from a recognized University.

 Or

Bachelor’s degree with a higher degree in any of the above mentioned subjects or Bachelor’s Degree along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling from a recognized University.
Master of Science in Counseling and Family Therapy (MSCCFT)

Minimum Duration: 2 Years
Maximum Duration: 5 Years

Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree with specialization in subjects like Human Development and Family Studies, Child Development, Human Development and Childhood Studies, Child Development and Family Relationships, Home Science, Psychology, Social Work, Medicine or other allied disciplines.  “Allied disciplines” include Anthropology, Sociology, Education, Philosophy, MBBS or equivalent qualification in Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha or Homeopathy Medicines, Nursing etc. from a recognized University.

 Or

Bachelor’s degree with a higher degree in any of the above mentioned subjects or Bachelor’s  e along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling from a recognized University.

Medium: English

Institutes offering online degree program in US:

  • Walden University  offers online master’s (MS) in Marriage, couple and family counseling.
  • Regent University offers online master’s (M.A.) in Marriage, couple & Family counseling.
  • Capella University offers MS in marriage & Family counseling / therapy degree program
  • Amridge University offers an online program in Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy 
  • Touro University Worldwide (TUW) offers an online graduate degree in marriage and family therapy
  • Northcentral University offers a COAMFTE accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy 

Institutes offering online degree program in India:

  • Royale Institute, Pondicherry offering online certificate in Marriage and Family Counseling for 3 months duration   
  • Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai offers Certificate Programme in Couple and Family Therapy
  • Urban India Ministries Bangalore offers post Graduate one-year Post-Graduate Diploma course in Family & Marriage Counseling and 6-months certificate program in family and marriage counseling
  • Indira Gandhi National Open University Delhi offers Master of Science in Counselling and Family Therapy (MSCCFT)
  • Pune City-based Baya Karve Women’s Study Centre (BKWSC) has introduced a certificate course in marriage counseling.

What Does a Marriage and Family Therapist Do?

Although most families have problems and many of them have frequent arguments, it can often be hard to pinpoint the underlying causes of these arguments. This, however, is often one of the first duties of a marriage and family therapist. In order to do so, a marriage and family therapist will first need to meet and talk with all members of a family involved in the therapy. Most of the time, the therapist will meet with the couple or family together. Depending on the nature of the problem and the family situation, they may meet just with a married couple or with the family as a whole. This can help them see how each family member reacts to the others. In some circumstances, however, a therapist may choose to meet with members of a family separately.

During therapy sessions, talking is usually the job of the family members rather than the therapist. A marriage and family therapist will often do more listening than talking during these meetings. The therapist will also watch the members of a family closely for non-verbal body language, or clues to where certain problems may lie. For instance, a marriage and family therapist that witnesses a teenager rolling her eyes might deduce that actions such as these might make her parents feel disrespected.

After discovering some possible underlying causes of major problems in a family, a marriage and family therapist can then help the family as a whole work through their issues. The therapist will often offer guidance and advice to frustrated family members, for instance, or he might teach them how to communicate more effectively.

If you’re looking to become a marriage and family therapist, keep in mind that you won’t be the magic cure that ends all arguments in a household. Arguing is part of being in a family; it just comes with the territory. Instead of teaching families how to stop arguing, as a marriage and family therapist, you’ll help them learn to communicate more effectively, work through their differences, and become a stronger family unit – even if that does involve an occasional argument.

Where would you work?

Marriage and family therapists might work in a number of different settings. This might include social service offices, or community and mental health facilities.Many marriage and family therapists, however, choose to open their own private practices. In doing so, married couples and families can seek out their services and meet in the therapists’ offices. A few marriage and family therapists might even make house calls, which involve visiting a household to observe the living situation.

The Road Ahead:

It is being predicted that  career employment for marriage and family therapists is expected to grow much faster than average as more people turn to professionals to help them cope with relationship and family issues and the stress of daily obstacles such as depression, substance abuse, behavioral problems and infidelity, among others.Employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 20 percent through 2026, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Therefore, if you are interested in helping couples and families strengthen their bonds and build healthier relationships with each other, a career in marriage and family therapy may be the right choice for you. So, step up and make the choice to build relationships…

Riding the Care Wave

The pharmacy industry is evolving at break-neck speed, thanks to the changing models in health and patient care. There are new positions coming up with upward trend in medication regimen review (long-term care), medication reconciliation (hospitals and home infusion), prior authorization and utilization management (managed care and governmental healthcare organizations). This requires post graduation in pharmacy which is a linear progression from a Bachelor of Pharmacy program.Most of the colleges accept the score of entrance test like Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) for which registrations have been started on November 1,2019. Candidates who wish to appear for GPAT 2020 can now register online and submit the application forms on or before December 10, 2019 (Extended). The admit card for the postgraduate entrance test will be released on December 24. National Testing Agency, the authority behind GPAT 2020, will conduct an online entrance test on January 28. Result of GPAT will be released on February 7. The scores of GPAT are accepted by 800 participating institutes and all the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) approved institutions/ universities. 

About GPAT

GRADUATE PHARMACY APTITUDE TEST (GPAT) is a national level entrance examination for entry into M. Pharm programmes. Till 2018, it was conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) every year as per the directions of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India.

GPAT 2020 Eligibility Criteria

A candidate becomes eligible to apply and appear for the entrance examination in order to seek admission to various courses of M. Pharm, only when they comply with the eligibility criteria of GPAT 2020. So one should know the GPAT 2020 eligibility criteria as provided below:
Nationality Indian
Age No Bar
Qualifying examination
  • 4 year course in Pharmacy after 10+2 from a recognized university
  • Final year students of B.Pharm are also eligible to apply, provided that their result should be declared before admission to 2020-2021 session commences.
Who is not Qualified Candidates with a degree in B.Tech (Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Technology) are not to be considered eligible.

GPAT Important Dates 

As NTA has already amended the GPAT important dates and is now going to conduct the exam on January 28, the dates have been provided below. 

Events Dates
Commencement of Applications for GPAT 2020 November 1, 2019
Last date to fill Application Form December 10, 2019 (Extended)
Availability of Admit Card December 24, 2019
GPAT 2020 online examination January 28, 2020
Declaration of GPAT Result 2020 February 3, 2020

Mode of Payment of Fee:

Applicants will have to make the payment of the GPAT 2020 application fee by choosing any of the following two modes-

  • Online mode with payment using credit card/debit card/net banking
  • Offline mode by paying Cash at any of the designated SBI bank branches

Exam Format:

The GPAT Examination is conducted through online mode. The candidates will take the test on a pre-assigned computer at the test center assigned to them. The time duration is 3 hours and the question paper would comprise 125 questions carrying 500 marks. You would be allotted 4 marks for a correct answer whereas 1 mark would be deducted for each incorrect answer.

GPAT Syllabus:

GPAT syllabus includes topics from the  subjects of Pharmacology, Microbiology,Pharmacognosy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and the like.

 

Government Pharmacy Colleges in India Accepting GPAT

  • Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. 
  • Government College of Pharmacy, Karad.
  • Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, New Delhi.
  • Jadavpur University, Kolkata. 
  • University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh. 
  • School of Pharmacy Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore.
  • Punjabi University, Patiala 

Career Options:

The specialized fields in which pharmacy graduates can forge a flourishing career are nutrition pharmacy, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, cardiovascular pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, oncology pharmacy, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacy practice, psychiatry pharmacy, and nuclear pharmacy.

There are many types of jobs and career paths available to pharmacists.

 

Retail Pharmacy

Retail pharmacists accurately measure and package prescription medicines for patients to pick up to use at home. Retail pharmacists often alert doctors and patients about possible drug interactions, and can usually suggest alternative medication choices. Pharmacists may educate patients about how to take the medication, which side effects to look for, and how to avoid adverse reactions or drug interactions.

 

Hospital Pharmacy

A hospital pharmacist prepares medications that will be administered to patients in the emergency room, the hospital ward, the intensive care unit, or who are having surgery. Sometimes, hospital pharmacists work with the patient care team to determine which dose or medication is appropriate, especially for complex situations.

 

Extended Care Facility

Pharmacists may dispense medication in an extended care facility, nursing home, or rehabilitation setting. Usually, patients in this setting have many long-term health problems and take many medications, so attention to potential drug interactions is crucial.

Nuclear Pharmacist

A nuclear pharmacist prepares radioactive materials that are used for diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures. Often, in the hospital setting, a specialized pharmacist has this role.

Infusion Center

A pharmacist who staffs an infusion center prepares medications such as chemotherapy and immunosuppressants. Some of these medications may cause serious side effects, requiring caution.

 

GPAT Model Paper:

Q1. Which of the following ions may be effectively chelated by EDTA?
I. Sodium  II. Lithium  III. Lead
Options:
A) I only  B) III only  C) I and II only  D) II and III only
Correct Answer: B) III only
Explanation: EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) effectively chelates heavy metals like lead (Pb²⁺), but not light alkali metals such as sodium (Na⁺) or lithium (Li⁺).

 

Q2. The term “impalpable” refers to a substance that is:
A) Bad tasting  B) Not perceptible to the touch
C) Greasy  D) None
Correct Answer: B) Not perceptible to the touch
Explanation: “Impalpable” describes something so fine or small that it cannot be felt by touch.

 

Q3. Techniques used in the development of “biotechnological drugs” include:
I. Gene splicing  II. Preparation of monoclonal antibodies  III. Lyophilization
Options:
A) I only  B) III only  C) I and II only  D) II and III only
Correct Answer: C) I and II only
Explanation: Gene splicing and monoclonal antibody production are core biotech processes. Lyophilization is a preservation method, not a development technique.

 

Q4. Uses for surfactants in pharmaceutical products include:
I. Percutaneous absorption enhancers  II. Cleansing agents  III. Therapeutic activity
Options:
A) I only  B) III only  C) I and II only  D) I, II, and III
Correct Answer: D) I, II, and III
Explanation: Surfactants are multifunctional—used for drug delivery, cleansing, and sometimes therapeutic purposes.

 

Q5. High-pressure and airless systems for spraying have a pressure range of:
A) 250–1000 psig  B) 400–2000 psig  C) 400–3000 psig  D) 250–3000 psig
Correct Answer: D) 250–3000 psig
Explanation: Airless spray systems typically operate within this wide pressure range.

 

Q6. Poorly manufactured tablets may have small pinholes on the surface. This phenomenon is known as:
A) Picking  B) Mottling  C) Leaching  D) Cracking
Correct Answer: A) Picking
Explanation: “Picking” refers to tiny holes or pits on tablets caused by material sticking to punches.

 

Q7. Creaming is a ______ process:
A) Irreversible  B) Reversible  C) Difficult  D) Both A & C
Correct Answer: B) Reversible
Explanation: Creaming is a temporary separation in emulsions and can be reversed by shaking.

 

Q8. Hydrolysis of ethyl acetate in acidic and basic mediums follows the order of reaction:
A) I & II Order  B) Pseudo-first & II Order  C) II & I Order  D) Zero and First
Correct Answer: B) Pseudo-first & II Order
Explanation: Acidic hydrolysis behaves as pseudo-first-order; basic as second-order.

 

Q9. The rate of hydrolysis can be controlled by:
A) Adding buffers  B) Complexation  C) Removal of water  D) Decreasing the solubility
Correct Answer: A) Adding buffers
Explanation: Buffers stabilize pH, thus influencing the hydrolysis rate of sensitive compounds.

 

Q10. Porosity of a porous powder is defined as:
A) Bulk volume / Void volume
B) Void volume / Bulk volume
C) Void volume / True volume
D) True volume / Bulk volume
Correct Answer: B) Void volume / Bulk volume
Explanation: Porosity is the ratio of void space to the bulk volume of the powder.

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)_

The RRB Route

If there is one sector that would always be on the upward surge, it is Railways. Your entry and journey into this coveted sector would always be an escalating one. The recent focus on developing railway stations on a priority basis has brought the entire sector into a different league altogether. 

Getting into railways is multi pronged.

Eligibility

You can get into  Indian railway services in two cadres – technical and non-technical. They are then further divided into groups- A, B, C and D.

  • Group A and group B are the official cadre posts. The medical staff, engineering staff, and the officials come under these. The exams for group A are conducted by the Union Service Public Commission, UPSC. There is a Special Class Railway Apprenticeship Examination (SCRA) that is conducted separately if you are interested in getting into railway services right after Higher Secondary.
  •  Group C is the subordinate staff positions like supervisors, clerks, and skilled labor. Group D consists of unskilled labor. The exams for group C and group D are conducted by the Railway Recruitment Control Board. The eligibility criteria set for these exams by the RRB may vary, but some common factors remain:
  1. Nationality: A candidate should be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal and Bhutan. A Tibetan refugee who settled in India before 1962 is also eligible.
  2. Age Limit: The minimum age of application is  18 years while the maximum is  33 years.
  3. Educational Qualification: Candidates should have passed Grade XII  and must possess a legitimate college degree. For select posts, you need to be of Science stream.

The main exams conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board, RRB are:

1)  RRB (Assistant Loco Pilot) ALP

The basic educational requirement and age limit for the RRB ALP exam is:

  • You  should have passed matriculation and completed the Act Apprenticeship Industrial Training Institute approved by NCVT or SCVT in the respective trade.
  • If you  have a diploma in Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical / Automobile Engineering recognized by the AICTE, you  are also eligible.
  • The lower age limit of the RRB ALP exam is 18 years and the upper age limit  is 28 years.

The exam consists of 3 stages: RRB ALP First Stage CBT, RRB ALP Second Stage CBT, RRB ALP CBAT, ( 4 for technician). In the first two CBTs questions will be asked in MCQ format. The major topics covered in the exam would be Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, Basic Science and Engineering and General awareness & current affairs. Third stage is RRB ALP & Technician CBAT, where you  will be given five test batteries, you have to score at least 42 in each test battery.

2)RRB Junior Engineer JE

The RRB JE Exam is conducted to recruit science and engineering background candidates to fill in the various technical posts in the Indian Railways. The educational qualification depends upon the branch chosen:

  • Junior Engineer- Diploma/Degree in Engineering or relevant stream
  • Junior Engineer IT- PGDCA/B.Sc. (Computer Science)/ BCA/ B.Tech (IT)/ B.Tech (Computer Science)/ DOEACC B level course of 3 years duration or equivalent from recognized university/institute
  • DMS- Diploma/ Degree in Engineering from any discipline
  • CMA- B.Sc. in Physics/ Chemistry with minimum 55% marks

The selection for Junior Engineers is done by the RRB on the basis of three stages. CBT 1, CBT 2 and Medical Fitness. In CBT 1,the questions from the Mathematics section are framed around concepts like Number systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, etc. Whereas in the General Intelligence and Reasoning sections topics like Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, etc are covered. Indian Geography, Economics, History, Polity, etc are asked in the General Awareness section. The second CBT, of two hour duration, consists of a total of five topics i.e. General Awareness, Physics & Chemistry, Computer application basics, basics of Environmental & Pollution, and Technical Abilities. But this test will focus mainly on Technical Abilities consisting of 100 questions out of 150. 

3) RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC):

The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern consists of the following stages:

1st Stage: RRB NTPC Preliminary Exam (1st Stage CBT)
2nd Stage: RRB NTPC Main Exam (2nd Stage CBT)
3rd Stage: Skill Test

  • Computer-Based Aptitude Test for Station Master and Traffic Assistant;
  • Typing Skill Test for Junior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist and Senior Time Keeper

4th Stage: Document Verification
5th Stage: Medical Examination 

Qualifying for both CBT 1 and 2  is necessary to move on to the next stages of the RRB NTPC Exam. CBT 1 and 2 are MCQ based exams, each of 90 minutes duration,  testing General Awareness, Mathematics,General Intelligence and Reasoning with the former carrying 100 marks whereas the latter carrying 120 marks.

For the General Intelligence and Reasoning section, the questions would be generally based on Coding and Decoding, Analytical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Decision Making, Puzzle, etc. For scoring well in General Awareness, you need to focus on both static and dynamic G.K based on Current Affairs, important dates, events, awards, geography, politics, etc. Preparing for it is a long drawn haul, you need to be very regular in reading the newspaper and forming a perspective on certain news items. The Mathematics section  comprises questions on Number system, Fractions, Percentage, Time and Work, Simple and Compound Interest, etc. of XII and Graduation level.

The medical standards are:

For Commercial Apprentice, Enquiry – cum – Reservation Clerk, Junior Accounts Assistant; cum – Typist, Senior Clerk – cum Typist, Sr. Time Keeper: Physically fit in all respects Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/9 without glasses. Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses. Besides, you should pass  a test for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, and Field Vision & Night Vision.

Traffic Apprentice, Goods Guard, Assistant Station Master (ASM), Traffic Assistant Physically fit in all respects. The distance Vision should be 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses. And near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6, with or without glasses while reading.

RRB NTPC 2020( Notification)

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have announced RRB NTPC 2020 notification under Centralised Employment notice no. CEN 01/2019 Graduate/ Undergraduates) for the posts of Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), i.e., Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice and Station Master in various Zonal Railways and Production Units of Indian Railways for total 35208 Vacancies.

4)RRB Group D: 

RRB Group D exam is conducted by RRB to recruit eligible candidates for various posts like Helper/Assistant Pointsman, Track Maintainer Grade-IV, in Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix in various departments of Indian Railways.

Exam Pattern and stages of selection:

The RRC Group D online exam consists of 100 questions from General Science (25 Marks); General Awareness and Current Affairs (20 Marks); General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning (30 Marks) and Mathematics (25 Marks). The duration of the test will be 90 minutes with negative marking for incorrect answers with ⅓ marks deducted for each incorrect answer.

Based on the merit of the candidates in the CBT, candidates are called for RRC Group D Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) three times the community wise total vacancy of the Posts notified against RRBs/RRCs. Candidates qualified in RRC PET are called for Document Verification as per their merit and options.

The Game of Numbers

The Number Game 

Are you a number cruncher? Do you love solving mathematical problems? Are you data driven? If yes, you are on the threshold of a growth trajectory of a diverse range of careers such as actuaries, computer engineering, mathematicians, economics, professors and much more. You would be the most sought after resource.

Getting in

To make a career in Mathematics after 12th, you need to pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). To explore the career options after graduation, you must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Similarly, to pursue a higher degree or career after post-graduation, you must possess a master’s degree in the same discipline.

As far as skill set is concerned, you would have the ability to deploy the right mathematical formulae and laws to solve the particular problem besides possessing good communication skills so as to explain the process of problem solving to your  peers or generally explaining your work. If you wish to get into Applied Mathematics, you must possess knowledge of different areas such as finance, geology, computer science, engineering, economics, Industrial management.

Course Cursor:

Courses after 12th:

  • Bachelor of Mathematics (Hons.) ( B.Maths ) 
  • Bachelor of Science (B. Sc Maths )
  • Bachelor of Science (B. Sc Honors Maths )
  • Bachelor of Science (B. Sc-Actuarial Science)

Institute Scape

  • Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore offering B. Math (Hons.)
  • TATA Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai offering B.Sc (Hons.) in Mathematics
  • Amity University, Noida offering B.Sc (Hons.) in Mathematics
  • Christ University, Bangalore offering B. Sc (CMS) Computer Sc, Maths, Statistics and B. Sc (EMS) Economics, Mathematics, Statistics
  • Panjab University, Chandigarh offering B.Sc (Hons.) in Mathematics
  • Chennai Mathematical Institute, Chennai, offering B.Sc Mathematics
  • University of Delhi, Delhi, offering B.Sc Mathematics
  • Amity School of Insurance and Actuarial Science, Noida offering B. Sc-Actuarial Science.

Courses after graduation:

  • Master of Mathematics (Hons) (M.Math)
  • Master of Science (M. Sc) in Mathematics
  • Master of Science (M. Sc Actuarial Science)

Institute Scape:

  • Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore offering M. Math (Hons.)
  • Christ University, Bangalore offering Master of Science (M. Sc), Mathematics and M. Sc ,Actuarial Science
  • Panjab University, Chandigarh, offering M. Sc, Mathematics
  • AIMS Institutes, Bangalore offering M. Sc , Mathematics
  • Amity University, Noida offering (M. Sc),Actuarial Science
  • Indira Gandhi National Open University, (IGNOU), Delhi, offering M. Sc Actuarial Science
  • University of Madras, Tamil Nadu offering (M. Sc) in Actuarial Science

Post-graduation:

  • M. Phil
  • Ph. D

Institute Scape

  • Christ University, Bangalore offering M. Phil, Mathematics
  • Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar offering M. Phil,  Mathematics
  • National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Mangalore, offering Ph.D, Mathematical and Computational Sciences 
  • Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal offering Ph.D in Mathematics
  • Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala, offering Ph.D in Mathematics

Diploma / Certificate Courses

  • Certificate course in Vedic Mathematics
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics

Institute Scape

  • R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, offering Certificate course in Vedic Mathematics 
  • Mahaveer Institute of Computer Education, Pune, offering Certificate course in Vedic Mathematics
  • Osmania University, Hyderabad, offering Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education
  • Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackeray Women’s University, Mumbai, offering Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education

Career Scape

Mathematician jobs are quite flexible; one may work as part of a team or opt to work independently. If you have mathematics major you may find jobs in any of the following fields: 

Actuarial Scientist:

Actuarial science uses mathematics and statistics to assess risk. It applies in finance and insurance fields. The job of an actuary involves analyzing data to predict and calculate long-term risks regarding financial decisions and planning. While working as Actuarial Science you will help to choose the investments based on the risk involved in it. i.e. investments with more return and less risk. Actuary formulates various insurance policies and calculates the premium to be charged.

Statistician:

Statisticians apply mathematical principles to the collection, analysis and presentation of numerical data. You will analyze survey results, prepare and present statements of analysis on graphs, scales or other measuring devices. You will forecast future possibilities through this analysis.

Operations Research Analyst:  

Operations research analysts formulate and apply mathematical modeling methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with policy formulation and other managerial functions. You will help managers to make better decisions and solve problems. If you’re planning to take this profession be sure you have a thorough knowledge of strong quantitative and computer skills: an advanced knowledge in mathematics.

Mathematician:

A mathematician is a person whose primary area of study or research is mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with particular problems related to logic, space, transformations, numbers and more general ideas which encompass these concepts. While working as a mathematician you will do research, come up with problems and solutions, etc.

Chartered Accountant:

With the rapid growth in the economy, careers in finance and accounts have gained tremendous popularity and the most esteemed career option in this field is that of Chartered Accountant. A Chartered accountant is somebody who specializes in accounting, auditing and taxation.

Software Engineer: 

A highly fulfilling career, software engineers design and develop software. After choosing Software Engineering as a career option, you will apply the theories and principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to create, test, analyze and evaluate the software applications and systems that make computers work. Software engineers are also experts in theory of computing systems, the structure of software, and the nature and limitations of hardware to ensure that the underlying systems will work properly.

Banking: 

You could work in any one of the following areas in Banking – accountant, customer service, front desk, cash handling, account opening, current account, savings account, mortgage loan underwriter, loan processing officer, back end operations, product marketing and sales executive, recovery officer, retail asset manager, property appraiser and customer service executive. As banks provide loans for setting up business and for various development work and thereby generate thousands of jobs and career opportunities in the banking finance sector.

Teachers: 

If you have an affinity for numbers, you can pursue a career in teaching. A maths teacher is always on demand as this is considered one of the main subjects throughout schooling. It is a highly paid job in India as many maths teachers provide coaching or tuition to students. Mathematicians who work in academia usually have a mix of teaching and research responsibilities.

Computer Systems Analysts: 

Professionals in this field use IT tools to help enterprises of all sizes achieve their goals. Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems – for example, business, accounting, and financial systems or scientific and engineering systems to prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analysis to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible.

Summing up:

Therefore, if you wish to carve a  career in the game of numbers, make logical thinking, concise argument and focussed problem solving your goal.

When pen spoke to paper…

Dear all

Pen and paper seem to have  a strange relationship. They tease, flirt, seduce and talk to each other in a language that only they seem to understand… When a pen wants paper, time comes to a standstill and everything else just freezes… in time and space.

Last night was the time when the pen just chose to glide on paper because it knew… only paper would understand.

It took me back in time… When I was a kid I was( and still am) very fond of punctuation marks. I knew full stop or period(.) and comma(,).

Simply put,  my teacher taught me that a full stop completes the sentence and a comma connects it. 

Simple. Isn’t it?

Little did I now then, I was so little

TILL, one day, just a few weeks  ago, I saw the period( full stop) and the comma come together.

Like this ;

I knew it now. It is a semicolon.

I know what it means. It feels like a suspension as if when the Divine power wants to put the world to a grinding halt, when it ceases to exist, He suddenly stops and puts a comma, indicating life would move on, it has to. The world today is hung, suspended from its very roots, asking itself.

Is there an UP to this upside down?

Yes, there is. As we stay suspended, it is a time of revelation, a time to see the world from the upside down position.

So, I revelled; in consciousness and became conscious of everything. The flimsy kitchen, the rickety relations, the temporariness of life itself and more so the noise inside of me.

And suddenly, there was a voice inside of me. My mother, I suppose. It said and echoed- 

Roti, kapda and makaan

They became voluminous and seemed to fill the entire world. Where did these words go? Do we still hear them? No. Not as much. As we grew up, we graduated from these to the world of pizzas, breads and cuisines that tingled our palette. Clothes became an obsession, houses became hotels where we tethered our bodies but forgot our souls. As life unfolded, these things ballooned to such an extent that it became claustrophobic, noisy and cluttered.

We became slaves of our own doing.

We forgot the Now. We all wanted to stop but then told ourselves,” I will do it, when I have the time”. And time never came. It kept slipping, melting like a snowflake. Time is scarce, we knew that, yet felt that there would always be tomorrow…And suddenly fear gripped us – there might be no tomorrow.

It was lopsided. 

The Divine Power had to strike a balance. It made us shut up. And stop. And stay home. Stay home, everyone said

The word home struck a chord again…

Roti, kapda aur makaan.

Ahh, it suddenly became clear, there was an UP to this upside down. I suddenly realized that we need to be aware of NOW.. We have to get out of our own way.

All of it made sense, complete sense.

There was no noise
No chaos, just quiet and peace.

I asked the Divine spirit, Why did you have to send a miniscule virus and create havoc to teach us all that?

I always felt HE was my English Language teacher. He smiled and said,” Whenever life tosses a curve ball or a question mark(?), always put yourself in a semicolon(;) mode and pause and ponder.

The question mark would uncurl. Imagine it uncurling, slowly, gradually.

it would straighten up and Lo and behold- it would become an exclamation mark (!).

Ahh!, I got it.

That’s when the pen ended its date with paper. For TODAY.
Gauri

Journalism and Mass Communication

Mass Communications – Forking Pathways

Mass Communication as a career option forks into many pathways. It covers all aspects of human life which can be the day-to-day happenings of the world of politics to social issues which are sure to get us thinking. The main reasons why students are actively heading to join this field is that they can easily bring forward their creativity and get paid adequately to do the same.

A career in Mass communication can be pursued after either a Masters degree in Mass Communication or a PG Diploma in Mass Communication. Should you be going in for a degree or a diploma? What is the difference? Does this converge at a certain point?

Let us understand.

M.A Mass Communication:

MA in Mass Communication is of two years duration. Whether it’s print or audio-visual journalism or corporate communication or radio production, a student learns everything in it. The basic eligibility for admission to MA Mass Communication program is a Bachelor or equivalent degree in any stream. A post-graduate degree in Mass Communication opens up career avenues in many media-related fields. A MA Mass Communication degree holder can find a job in areas such as editing, publishing, scriptwriting, direction, filmmaking. 

Institute Scape:

There are many institutes in India which offer an MA program in Mass Communication. Some of them are:

  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi
  • Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai
  • Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune.
  • Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Kurukshetra
  • Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi
  • Institute of Media Management and Technology, Dehradun
  • MICA, Ahmedabad

PG Diploma courses in Mass Communication:

Post Graduate Diploma or PG Diploma in Mass Communication is of recent origin and is fast overtaking ‘Masters in Mass Communication’. The education under it is not imparted at undergraduate level nor it’s a two years master course. This course is also offered by various government universities and institutes. It’s a diploma which one can pursue after finishing his/her bachelor’s education. He has to devote just one year after his graduation to gain access to different mediums (Print, radio, television, and internet).Graduate from any stream can pursue this course but at the end of the course, he would be conferred with a diploma and not a degree. The contents of this course are similar to the contents of Bachelors and Masters programs but are completed in a span of nine months. This course is also offered by various government universities and institutes.

Institute scape:

  • Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), Delhi
  • Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), Delhi
  • Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, offers a one-year postgraduate diploma with specialization in four streams – Television, Print, New Media and Radio.
  •  Pioneer Media School, Delhi 
  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication, IIMC, New Delhi offers postgraduate diploma courses in  Journalism (English/Hindi/Radio & Television/Oriya) as well as Advertising & Public Relations. 
  • Distance education universities like Indira Gandhi National Open University ( IGNOU) is also offering a one-year diploma course in Mass Communication after graduation.

Getting in:

You should possess a bachelor’s degree after 10+2+3 in any stream. Most of the universities and institutes take only those students who have attained a minimum of 50 percent in bachelors’ degree. A student getting less than 50 percent is not allowed to take up the entrance test. Some universities demand at least 60 percent. However, the institutes keep on changing their eligibility criteria from time to time. 

Admission is usually based on a written test. The entrance exam for diploma in mass Communication tests a candidate’s general knowledge and aptitude. Each institute conducts its own test. For instance, the test for admission to IIMC would be on May 25-26, 2019. On the basis of an aspirant’s score/rank in IIMC Entrance exam, he/she can secure admission at any IIMC campus. Some institutes also hold interviews for selection of candidates for mass communication courses. 

Lateral Entry:

For direct admission to the second year of the program, a student must have a PG Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Advertising or Public Relations from a recognized Indian University. However, a lateral entry in M.A course is not eligible to apply for UGC NET Examination. 

There are certain institutes like the following which also admit students laterally in the second year of the program. 

  •  R. K. Films and Media Academy, New Delhi
  • Jaipur National University
  • NCSM, New Delhi
  • Directorate of Distance Education, Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology, Haryana
  • Dibrugarh University,Assam

Earning a master’s degree in communication can help prepare you for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, higher education, or a wide range of other fields. Students who are already employed can use the skills they acquire to advance in their current careers, with some leadership positions even requiring a master’s in communication. If you are interested in changing careers, you can pursue their master’s in a communication specialization that aligns with their particular professional goals. A master’s in communication can also prepare you for doctoral studies and a career in higher education, where you will spend time conducting research and educating students.

Trending jobs 

  • Copy Editor

The primary responsibility of a copy editor is to prepare content for publications in magazines, books, and newspapers. Copy editors rewrite and revise the copy of writers so that readers can easily understand it. Many editors start their careers as writers before transitioning into editing. While reviewing copy, editors look for grammatical errors, and punctuation. To effectively carry out their job duties, copy editors depend on creativity, critical thinking, communication, and writing skills.

  • Lobbyist

Working as a lobbyist is another career option available to individuals with a degree in mass communications. Lobbyists work for a variety of entities, such as small and large organizations, nonprofits and individual clients. The primary goal of a lobbyist is to convince politicians to vote in the best interest of the organization the lobbyist represents. To achieve this goal, lobbyists must communicate well and master the art of persuasion. A critical component of their job is to maintain good relationships with politicians, making effective communication vitally important.

  • Advertising Sales Agent

Advertising sales agents try to sell ad space to prospective clients. These agents spend much time out of the office meeting with clients. During client meetings, sales agents explain to clients how advertising products and services will help increase the client’s sales. Time spent in the office usually consists of making phone calls to secure business, creating promotional plans and sales literature and processing paperwork related to new and existing customers. 

  • News Broadcaster

News broadcasters, frequently called reporters, report news events on television, radio and through similar media outlets. These reporters typically cover a particular story. They often travel to the location where the event occurred and conduct interviews to investigate the story and report on it. 

Summing up:

Therefore, Journalism and Mass Communication offers a plethora of career options. Whether you follow the direct or the lateral route, you will carve  a unique niche for yourself with a singular selling point – creativity. 

Career Offshoots of GST

Taxation Careers go Bullish

It is the best of times and it is the worst of times. The budget 2018 comes as a mixed bag. It is the first union Budget after the implementation of GST in July 2017. After its implementation, most provisions of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) were tweaked and tax rates of numerous products were reduced in subsequent GST council meets which resulted in a sharp decline in government’s tax collection figures.GST replaced more than a dozen indirect taxes; these indirect taxes together formed a bulk of the government’s earnings. Service tax alone accounted for more than 14% of the government’s revenue in the last Budget in 2017. .Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who is also the GST Council Chief has stated that this year’s budget will provide further opportunity for him to address issues related to GST and also to further tweak the GST rates. Almost every sector desires a rate cut in the GST rates but probably only a few of these expectations will be met on the budget day given the precarious fiscal situation that the FM has to deal with. This may sound precarious, but looking at it from a careers perspective, it opens a tangent to job opportunities in the accountancy and taxation consultancy field.

Let us take a look:

Tax Consultant:

The new budget creates a spurt of opportunities for taxation consultants. Tax advisors have an important role to play in advising clients on the tax implications arising out of business transactions and ensuring that clients are well versed with tax laws, Various other sectors like e-commerce, retailing, manufacturing, services, logistics, supply chain, banking and financial sector will see a substantial rise in the job opportunities in the upcoming season. Many large corporates have set up special GST cells internally to deal with the new tax regime. 

What does a tax consultant do?

Tax consultant, also known as a tax advisor, is an expert in tax law, planning and compliance. He serves businesses and individuals alike by staying current on new tax law and positioning taxpayers for short and long term tax optimization. A tax consultant typically expands on the role of tax preparer. While tax consultants prepare tax returns, they also often work closely with clients throughout the year to ensure client tax liability is minimized. Tax consultants are strong written and verbal communicators able to explain tax law and strategies in a way that is accessible and easy for clients to understand. Tax consultants work for public accounting firms, law offices, financial consulting firms and many even have their own independent tax preparation and consultation businesses. In all settings, tax consultants can be expected to perform duties that include:

  • Conducting research on tax laws
  • Strategizing with clients to minimize tax liability
  • Communicating with clients to explain tax issues
  • Preparing tax returns
  • Estate planning
  • Keeping clients compliant with their tax obligations

Producing written content is a significant part of the job, as tax consultants must communicate their research findings including changes in tax laws that create opportunities for new tax strategies. Because a tax consultant may have many clients affected by the same issue, the ability to draft a well-written and concise letter is often the most effective means of disseminating information to a number of different clients.

 Examinations:

To be a tax consultant, you need to be a commerce graduate. You will need to get into a professional course like CA, ICWAI or MBA followed by a Tax Consultancy course. One can opt for various courses in Taxation that are very attractive and have a great knowledge and training in taxation. Some of the courses that can be done are the certification course in taxation, degree course in taxation, doctorate level course. 

Institute scape

  • Cosmic Business school, New Delhi
  • St. Peter’s College, Kochi
  • I.G.SS, Bangalore
  • Nagpur College of Taxation, Nagpur
  • St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
  • Symbiosis Law School
  • India Law Society Law College
  • Balaji Law College, Pune
  • Arihant Education Foundations, Arihant College of Commerce, Pune

Institutes and Certificate Courses:

To cope up with the ongoing changes in GST and bring greater awareness about the new tax proposals and policy, the Indirect Taxes Committee of the ICAI has introduced the Certificate Course on GST. The objective of this Course is to enhance the knowledge as well as to provide benefit to the members in the global service market. It aims to facilitate the members in industry as well as in practice by:providing specialized and updated knowledge in the area of GST in a systematic manner and enhancing analytical and problem solving skills for decision making. All the members of the ICAI ie:”chartered accountant” who is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India constituted under this Act 1949) are eligible for this course which is of 10 days duration available in two options – weekends and weekdays from Mon to Fri.

Cleartax :

It offers a comprehensive learning program for CAs, CS, Law practitioners, legal consultants or on GST prepared by various indirect tax experts. You can grasp basic to the most advanced concepts of GST supported by e-learning videos, quiz and webinars to respond to the queries.

 TaxGuru :

Various batches for Online Certification Courses are being organised by the GST professionals and Taxguru to make people understand this new taxation system in the best way.

ChalkStreet :

A solution for tax professionals,legal consultants, accountants,students or even a casual taxable person.This comes loaded with a number of useful videos,pdf files, webinars and tests as well.

GST Centre :

You shall get a whole range of GST courses and Diplomas in GST like a beginners course, an intermediate course, an expertise course or a business management course.

ICT Academy :

ICT Academy is an initiative of Government of India and has been selected by NACEN, Government of India for undertaking training on GST. 

Newer Avenues:

In this journey towards a newer tax regime, fresh avenues have started blooming which has brought about a 20% average growth rate of niche tax firms.

Boutique Tax firms:

The complexity of GST is being taken up seriously by companies who want to avert all sorts of associated risks. The timing is certainly apt for carving out a niche for all the boutique tax firms in India and the increasing need for tax consultants. Most of the organizations have started discussing taxation in boardrooms trying to mitigate any risk arising out of it. This increased focus because of the associated complexity has increased the involvement of senior tax experts. In SMEs and promoter driven organizations, preference for boutique and smaller firms have been there for many years as they are skeptical of sharing all confidential information which includes their personal taxation data with the larger firms. 

Additionally, senior level personalized attention by  hand holding the promoters by Take for example, consultancy firm Ernst & Young India. In its Indirect Tax practice, the firm has seen over 60 per cent increase in hiring. Almost all our Indirect Tax hiring in FY2017 was GST related. 

Therefore, for all those who are in accountancy, taxation, and financial management, there are some exciting times ahead.

Summer Internships Abroad

In today’s challenging and ever evolving economy, experience counts more than qualifications.  Summer internships are often great opportunities to gain relevant experience in the professional field you intend to pursue. Differentiate yourself from your peers by learning real-world skills, gaining foreign language proficiency, and immersing yourself in cultural opportunities which will help make your resume second to none and on top of it, if it is international, you carve a niche for yourself. 

In an international internship, you may work with a company, government or non-government entity, a research group or institute or some other organization allowing hands-on experience in a student’s major area of educational concentration or career interest.

Getting an internship abroad requires considerable research and self-awareness. You need to ask the right questions and know how to assess your opportunities.

Clarify your objective:

What is your primary objective for going abroad to intern? Is it because you wish to travel, have a good time or to hone your global skills? Are you going to show off to your peers on social media or you wish to add a feather to your resume? Answering these types of questions will help define the type of experience you are looking for and it is integral to setting yourself up for the best outcomes.

If you plan to intern abroad, zero in on a place that provides you an experience closest to what you are looking for in the career you are pursuing or wish to pursue. The internship has to complement the skills you already have.

Do a SWOT:

Before choosing an internship, do an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses; also opportunities and threats. Then try matching them with the country you wish to go and the culture that organization upholds.Choosing a country, deciding a career field, and finding a company to host you is no small feat. Do you want a large company or small, in fashion or marketing, accounting or finance, work on individual projects or as part of a team? The more specific you can be with your expectations the more likely you are to find a good match. Besides, you need to be sure your skills, interest and experience match the position, the business, and even the supervisor where you would intern.

Other considerations should go into your search and ultimate decision like: Health & Safety, Accommodations, Insurance, Communications , Peer Group and the like.

Options:

Some of them are:

The Wall Street Journal, London, England

This is a 10 weeks, paid  internship that would start in the month of July with The Wall Street Journal, based in London. This Dow Jones International opportunity is ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students who are excited to report on finance and business news and can demonstrate the ability to produce video, edit print and digital works, and work under tight deadlines. Successful candidates will work across a range of functions in our digital-first newsroom, gathering impeccable experience along the way. You should expect to write, conceive and publish stories; help arrange special sections and events; and work in print and online. Digital journalism skills are welcome. An interest in financial journalism is very helpful. An inquisitive mind and an eye for a story is a must. The application process is through submitting your CV and covering letter along with either a YouTube video telling  Why we should choose you to be the 2019 Financial News business intern * or a 4 slide PowerPoint telling: *What does WSJ , Financial News, mean to you?. It would be a dream internship for budding journalists. 

PwC: Women in Business Program in Edinburgh, Scotland

Open to all, regardless of gender, this programme is to inspire and support students seeking an experience in professional services, and is part of our continued commitment to improve our female representation by showcasing some of our female leaders. The programme focuses on developing confidence and skills and provides an insight into the opportunities available at PwC. With success, you will earn placement (depending on your application). Though an extensive process, this Women in Business program is a shadowing internship that first requires a 3-day long paid placement. During this placement, you will shadow a female leader within the organization and have the opportunity to impress them with your professionalism .

Goldman Sachs

Students and recent grads who are hoping to gain experience in the financial services industry can do so in a competitive international environment, with colleagues who are at the top of their game. Just make sure you have a polished resume and are really to compete with the best for a very limited number of positions. This is one of those fully paid internships abroad that will set you apart in your upcoming career search, marking you as a notable candidate for future employers. It will also equip you with incredible skills and give you the hook-up when building your network of professional contacts. The internships are available worldwide and the information is available at Goldman Sachs Internships Abroad.

IAESTE: Technical Internships Worldwide

If tech is your forte, don’t let your skill go to waste with an internship that doesn’t challenge your skill set. Take the leap with the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) and consider applying for one of their paid internships in over 80 countries. IASTE interns receive salary payments to cover their cost of living abroad (at the very least) and program assistance with visas and work authorization. So whether you are a computer scientist, mechanical engineer, architect, or complete math whiz, if you are enrolled full-time in a technical field and a sophomore, rising junior, or above submit your.

Deloitte:

A powerhouse of business both in the United States and throughout the world, Deloitte’s all expense paid internships abroad program abroad brings students all around the world in a number of different fields. Given that Deloitte is considered one of the “Big Four” professional services firms, it’s also an experience that will look amazing on your resume. From business technology to corporate finance to consulting, there are endless options.

H&M: Business Internship in Stockholm, Sweden

For students who are majoring in business but also have a passion for fashion, a summer internship with H&M at their headquarters in Sweden might be just the thing for you.The program runs during June – July each summer and they also offer additional weeks in store in order to prolong the internship.The application for Summer Internship Program for next year is usually open from 2nd of October to 2nd of December every year.

KONE: 

KONE is an international leader in the escalator and elevator industry, has been voted one of the world’s most innovative companies by Forbes, and they offer all expenses paid internships abroad! While this is definitely a great industry for an engineering major, KONE also has internships in IT, business, law, and other disciplines. Plus, they WANT you to intern in another country, so their International Trainee Program (ITP) includes round-trip travel expenses in addition to your salary. Oh, and they’ll arrange your accommodations and make sure you have an in-country point person to support you.

AIPC Pandora

This International Experiential Educational program allows students or recent graduates to take part in the operations of foreign organizations or companies. It is, therefore, a promising opportunity for young people who are interested in obtaining practical experience at a professional level in an international scenario, with the possibility of acquiring academic credits as well. Internship programs are located in Europe, Asia or South America. It includes academic and professional fields such as education, health, communication, business administration, marketing, tourism, journalism, etc. 

Asia Oppo: Hospitality Internships in China

Love to travel the world and always had a desire to join the tourism industry? Hospitality Administration majors will love AsiaOppo’s Hospitality Internship Program in China.

There are other opportunities in business, design, and education, but hospitality and tourism majors seem to get the best deal. Since this is a placement program, there is a fee, but you will also earn a monthly salary plus covered food and lodging. In addition to compensation and paid expenses, you’ll also receive program support, airport pickup, and a certificate upon completion — you’re essentially set for the summer!

Cultural Vistas: Professional Development Fellowship in Argentina, Germany, or Hong Kong

If you seek a totally unique experience for the summer, consider Cultural Vistas’ eight-week internship in one of three countries: Argentina, Germany, or Hong Kong. While there isn’t an additional salary, the highly acclaimed program selects up to 15 fellows, total, and is completely funded by Cultural Vistas. Not only will you focus on civic engagement and youth involvement, but you’ll also be able to gain culturally immersive experiences that help you grow personally and professionally. Expect support from Cultural Vistas pertaining to virtual learning, pre-program orientations, visas, and emergency medical insurance.

TEFL: Teaching Internship in Thailand

Future educators seeking a paid internship overseas have an option for TEFL program in Thailand. Not only will you receive training as an English teacher, but you will also gain a 4-5 month paid teaching internship, and a culturally immersive community experience.

Be prepared to complete a digital training, two-week in-person training, and placement in a rural or provincial school. If you want to go beyond the internship, though, you’ll have the option to extend it into a full TEFL certification. Including two start dates per year in May and October, plus a chance to extend your contract and increase your salary the longer you stay, this is a lifetime opportunity.

Summing up:

Therefore, if you wish to couple your wanderlust with some real time, immersive internships, these are some of the options you can handpick.