Category: Article

UPSC EPFO_

Securing the workforce

Ever thought of getting into the Government sector and taking care of the social security of the workforce? If yes, you should get into the prestigious Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (abbreviated to EPFO). And you are not far from it. Recently, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Recruitment Notification for the post of Enforcement Officers / Accounts Officers. The number of vacancies is 421. Online Application has begun from 10th January 2020. 

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (abbreviated to EPFO) is an organization tasked to assist the Central Board of Trustees, a statutory body formed by the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. EPFO assists the Central Board in administering a compulsory contributory Provident Fund Scheme, a Pension Scheme and an Insurance Scheme for the workforce engaged in the organized sector in India. It is also the nodal agency for implementing Bilateral Social Security Agreements with other countries on a reciprocal basis. The schemes cover Indian workers as well as International workers for countries with which bilateral agreements have been signed. It is the largest social security organisation in the world in terms of the number of covered beneficiaries and largest in India in terms of the volume of financial transactions undertaken. The EPFO’s apex decision making body is the Central Board of Directors.

Recruitment Notification UPSC ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Post Name Enforcement Officer
Official Notification Start Date 10th January 2020
Online Application Last Date 31st January 2020
Exam Date 4th October 2020
Admit Card 15 days before the exam date
Category Defence Jobs

UPSC EPFO Officer Recruitment 2020: Eligibility Criteria

  1. The Age Limit For UPSC EPFO Officer Recruitment 2020 is 30 Years. However,age relaxation for SC/ST candidates is up to 5 years, and relaxation of up to 3 years for OBC candidates. Age limit is also relaxable for Employees of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation up to 5 years.
  2. Education Qualification: Candidates having Bachelor Degree in Any Stream in Any Recognized University in India will be eligible for this post.
  3. Desirable: (a) Bachelor’s degree in Law/ Integrated Five years Degree in Law/ Masters in Business Administration/ Post Graduate Diploma in Management/ Company Secretary/ Chartered Accountants/Cost and Management Accountant (b) Two years of experience in Administration/Accounts/Legal Matters in any government or Listed – Private Organisation

UPSC EPFO Selection Process

Phase 1- Written Test

Phase 2- Interview

The selection process under UPSC EPFO for Enforcement Officer requires qualification by a pen & paper based Recruitment Test (RT). Recruitment Test (RT) and Interview carry weightage in the ratio of 75:25 for the candidates shortlisted based on Recruitment Test (RT) and qualify in the interview. The test will be of two hours duration, all the questions carry equal marks. There will be objective type questions with multiple choices of answer. The medium of the test will be both Hindi and English. There is a negative marking of one-third of the marks assigned to each question. If no answer is marked for a question, there will be no penalty for that question.

UPSC Enforcement Officer Exam Syllabus

The Syllabus topics for UPSC Enforcement Officer exam include General English, Indian Freedom Struggle, current Events and Developmental Issues, Indian Polity & Economy, General Accounting Principles, Industrial Relations & Labour Laws, General Science & knowledge of Computer applications, General Mental Ability & Quantitative Aptitude, Social Security in India

How to Apply for UPSC Enforcement Officer 2020?

  • Click the link for Online Application Form.
  • As the new tab opens, Click the option, “Apply Now”.
  • On the next page, Check for the declaration at the bottom of the page, “Yes, I Agree”.
  • Fill the Personal Details.
  • Finally, Agree for declaration and Submit the Part I of UPSC EPFO Officer Online Application Form.
  • Go to Part II of the form and make Payment details (except for fee exempted candidates), selection of examination cente, uploading of Photograph, Signature, Photo Identity Card Document and Declaration.
  • Verify all the credentials and then click Submit. Examination Fee: Rs 25 for General / OBC. All others are exempted from the fee.

Exam Centre

The Centres and the date of holding the Recruitment Test as mentioned above are liable to be changed at the discretion of the Commission. Applicants should note that there will be a ceiling on the number of candidates allotted to each of the Centres, except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata and Jaipur. Allotment of Centres will be on the “first apply-first allot” basis, and once the capacity of a particular Centre is attained, the same will be frozen. Applicants, who cannot get a Centre of their choice due to ceiling, will be required to choose a Centre from the remaining ones. Applicants are, thus, advised that they may apply early so that they could get a Centre of their choice.

Document Verification

In the examination hall, the call letter along with the candidate’s currently valid photo identity, in original, such as PAN Card/Passport/Driving Licence/Voter’s Card with photograph/Photo identity proof issued on original letterhead by a Gazetted Officer/People’s Representative or Identity Card issued by a recognised college/ University (valid in current year)/Aadhar card with a photograph/ Employee ID, should be submitted to the invigilator for verification.

EPFO Enforcement Officer Salary

The EPFO Enforcement Officer Salary 2020 is governed by the latest norms of the 7th Pay Commission. The Salary of EPFO Enforcement Officer / Accounts Officer is Level – 8 pay matrix of 7th pay commission. This means, an accounts officer draws a salary in the range of Rs 43,600 to 55,200.The Commission may grant higher initial pay to candidates adjudged meritorious in the interview.

Job Profile

As an enforcement officer, you would be required to look after the general administrative work of enforcement, recovery, accounts, administration cash, legal pension and computer sections. You would also conduct regular inquiries of accounts and settlement of claims besides maintaining cash books, bank statement verification, MIS returns etc.

Other Duties include Enforcement, Recovery, accounts, legal, pension related functions, statutory and administrative functions like conducting inquiry, settlement of claims, general administration.

Sample Paper ( General Ability Test):

Part A

1.Which one of the following is the synonym of the word written in capital letters in the sentence “ The FUNDAMENTAL character of an individual defines his entire life”

  • Productive
  • Essential
  • Successful
  • Effective

2.Which one of the following is the synonym of the word written in capital letters in the sentence “ She has the habit of using HACKNEYED and redundant examples from her past even while dealing with future generations.

a)Indifferent
b)Imaginative
c)Cliched
d)Impressive

3.Which one of the following is the synonym of the word written in capital letters in the sentence “ She was RELUCTANT to sell her car”.

  • Anxious
  • Happy
  • Eager
  • Unwilling

4.Which one of the following is the synonym of the word written in capital letters in the sentence “ I cannot comply with the QUEER regulations of your land”

  • Strange
  • Nimble
  • Everyday
  • Customary
    Which one of the following is the synonym of the word written in capital letters in the sentence “ She is an IMMACULATE soul whose presence makes all the difference”.
  • Spotless
  • Excited
  • Extraordinary
  • Unparalleled

Vocational Courses after XII

Thinking of what to do after XII? Wish to fast forward and enter the job market at an accelerated pace? If yes, you may go in for a vocational course. 

Vocational courses After Class 12th provide general knowledge as well as vocational skills. In India, CBSE offers more than 40 courses for students some of these are Office Secretaryship, Marketing and Salesmanship, Banking, Financial Market Management, Business Administration, Electrical Technology, Civil Engineering, Electronics Technology, IT Application, Healthcare Sciences, Health and Beauty Studies, Medical Diagnostics, Fashion Design & Clothing Construction, Textile Design, Beauty Services, Library and Information Sciences, Food and Beverage Services, Mass Media Studies and Media Production, Bakery, and Confectionery, Travel, and Tourism, etc.

Types of vocational course formats

  1. Bachelor of Vocation is a degree course which is 3 years’ duration and is semester-based, each being 6 months long. Eligibility is 12th pass or equivalent.
  2. Diploma in Vocation a diploma course which is 3 years’ duration and is semester based, each being 6 months long. Eligibility is students who have passed 10th.
  3. Skill Diploma programs are diploma courses for which the duration is between 1-3 years and eligibility criteria vary based on the courses chosen.
  4. Certificate courses where a certificate is awarded to all those who successfully managed to complete the certification training programs for which the duration is between 1-2 years or less and eligibility varies based on the courses chosen.

Let us discuss a few spreading across all the above formats

Bachelor Of Vocational Studies [B.voc] in Automobiles Servicing

The duration of this course is a 3 years program and the admission process of this course is the 12th certificate. Minimum educational qualification required is – completed 12th standard with PCM subjects from a recognized board.

The academic program will train you in aspects such as – automobile engineering, automobile systems, electronic systems, vehicle design, manufacturing process and maintenance. This course is offered by many colleges and universities. 

After completing this course, one will have access to multiple job opportunities and profiles. One can even become self-employed after completing this course. Some of the prime recruiters are Automobile Manufacturing Firms, Parts and Components Manufacturing Firms, Automobile Showrooms and Automobile Service Centers.

Institute scape:

  • DAV institute of Engineering and Technology, Jalandhar
  • Amritsar Group of Colleges, Amritsar
  • Govind National College, Ludhiana

Cosmetology and Wellness:

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Beauty treatment can be applied to any part of the human body, whether it be their face or even the toenail. Thus, there are various branches in which a cosmetologist can specialize such as aromatherapy, nail art and tattoos, mehndi, hair styling, hair removal, skincare, cosmetics and even herbal beauty care.

Being a cosmetologist can be a very fun and rewarding career.  A cosmetologist is required in many pharmaceutical companies, salons and particularly those dealing in Beauty and Wellness.

Clinical Cosmetology is all about advanced medical practices related to hair and skincare. Only qualified Doctors (possessing MBBS/higher qualifications) are eligible to pursue Clinical Cosmetology courses like carrying out complex hair transplant treatment. General Cosmetology is all about using skin and hair care practices which are usually followed at salons, beauty parlours, and spas.

Undergraduate Courses:

  1. Voc. Beauty and Wellness is an undergraduate 3 year course comprising 6 semesters. This particular course aims at providing integrated knowledge to maintain inner health and enhance external beauty through various professional therapies and makeover skills. After successful completion of the course the candidate can work as a Beauty Therapist, Beauty Product Advisor, Hair Stylist, HairDresser, Makeup Artist And Trainer, Yoga Instructor, Salon Owner and more.

Institute Scape:

  • HMV Jalandhar, B.Voc. in Cosmetology and Wellness 
  • Apeejay College of Fine Arts Jalandhar 
  • KMV Jalandhar
  • BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar, Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) in Beauty & Fitness

Diploma courses –

  • Candidates should have passed at least class 12th from a recognised school.
  • Those who have completed certificate courses after class 10th are also eligible to apply for diploma courses.

Institutes providing diploma courses:

Computer Hardware and Networking

Huge career opportunities and jobs are there in the field of computer hardware and networking. Software companies, hardware manufacturing companies, call centers, system design companies, telecom companies, hardware repair shops require networking and hardware professionals.

In India, hardware and networking courses after class 12th are available in various formats.

Certificate Courses:

  • CCNA
  • CCNA Security
  • CCNP
  • Certificate in Network Security
  • Ethical Hacking and Network Security

Certificate, Diploma and Undergraduate Degree:

  • Candidates who have passed their class 12 board exams, can take admission in these programmes.
  • Admission is done directly to certificate and diploma programmes, however, some institutes take a basic test to assess the technical skills of a candidate before offering a seat in the course.
  • Admission to the B.Sc. programme is either done on the basis of entrance exam conducted by the respective university or on the basis of class 12 merit.

Top institutes for hardware and networking courses.

  • Jetking.
  • Aptech education.
  • Roman technology.
  • NIELIT.
  • Indian Institute of hardware technology.
  • Infoland.
  • Jasoda Devi College of hardware and networking.
  • ICTE. Top certificate program in hardware and networking. 1) CISCO. 2) LINUX.

In hardware, the job responsibility is to take care of the hardware part of the computer.  You can be employed as System Engineer, Design engineer, or a Project engineer. Whereas in Networking,  the job responsibility is to take care of networking between the computer system, the data transfer in between various systems and other connectivity. You can be employed as a System administrator, IT administrator or a Network Administrator.

Artificial Intelligence:

Recently CBSE introduced Artificial Intelligence as a vocational subject from Grade IX onwards. This is due to the fact that AI is going to reshape our world. It is a wonderful and innovative tool/technique to look at things differently and it can solve some of the problems of our time.The AI-enabled machines can acquire information from the environment, assimilate it to form rules, and reach conclusions without any human intervention. As this is quite popular and demanding among a lot of students in terms of learning and making a good career in it, the future scope is quite high. 

Students pursue the courses to learn about the core problems of AI which include the programming of computer systems for traits like reasoning, knowledge, perception, problem-solving, planning, learning, ability to move and manipulate objects, etc.

Various institutes across the country offer graduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate level courses on Artificial Intelligence. Apart from that, some colleges also conduct short term programs or distance learning courses of Artificial Intelligence. Candidates who are interested in pursuing Artificial Intelligence via any stream have several options to choose from as per their requirements and convenience.

After XII, you can take up online courses in AI from Edx and Coursera. One should also use platforms like Github, Kaggle, and start programming.

Best Artificial Intelligence Colleges  offering undergraduate courses

Jobs and career options in the industry of artificial intelligence are estimated to witness an increase of 2.3 million positions by the end of the year 2030. Many companies that use Artificial Intelligence technologies have agreed to the fact that AI is contributing to the creation of new job opportunities and positions in the technology sector. The field of Artificial Intelligence is already being used for a vast variety of applications for the purpose of making smarter computers. Some of the Artificial Intelligence jobs that a candidate can apply for after completing a course in AI are Video Game Programmer, Machine Learning Researcher, Robotics Programmer, Data Mining Analyst, Big Data Engineer

Some topmost companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Uber, Lenovo, Samsung, IBM, Accenture, Intel, Adobe, etc. hire candidates who have specialisation in artificial intelligence on large scales. 

Finance and Banking: 

There are endless opportunities for a vocational course in banking and finance. There are jobs of all sorts in Public sector banks and even in the Private sector, where one can work as a provisional Officer, Bank Clerk, Relationship Manager or Communication officer, or as a Stockbroker, Analyst, Statistician, Credit Control Manager. If you wish to join an organized sector, then you can use the course to become a bank clerk.

B.Voc Banking and Financial Studies 

As the name suggests, this course is closely related to banking and its allied areas. This course is also known by names such as – B.Voc. Banking and Finance, B.Voc. Banking and Financial Services and B.Voc. Banking. Though the names are different from each other, they share the same course content. Students who have passed 12th class are eligible to pursue this course. The academic program is 3 years long.B.Voc. program offers three exit options –

  • Diploma certificate after completing 1 year
  • Advanced Diploma certificate after completing 2 years
  • Bachelor’s Degree after completing 3 years

The main aim of this program is to develop industry-specific skills in students. The industry that this course deals with is – banking and finance. This course is known to develop skilled banking and finance professionals each year.

Institute scape:

  • Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
  • BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar
  • DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jalandhar
  • Ramanujan College, Delhi
  • Engineering College, Ajmer.

Wearing the HAL Hat

If you crave for  a career that gives you a feeling for your motherland besides being lucrative, prepare for getting into the most prestigious Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company headquartered in Bangalore, India.The company was started in collaboration with the Government of Mysore with the aim of manufacturing aircraft in India. The Government of India took over its operations in 1942. In 1964, Hindustan Aircraft Limited and Aeronautics India Limited merged to form ‘Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’ with its principal business being design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft, helicopter, engines and related systems like avionics, instruments and accessories. It has developed various Research & Development centres across India in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Nasik, Lucknow and Koraput. Today HAL is fully under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production. HAL has contributed to the famous “Mars Mission” by helping develop parts for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C25). 

HAL hires Graduate Engineers the posts of Management Trainee /Design Trainee for its various Production, Overhaul & Service Divisions / Research & Design Centers / Offices at Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kasaragod, Nasik, Koraput (Orissa), Lucknow, Kanpur, Korea (Uttar Pradesh) and Barrackpore (West Bengal).These posts are generally available for multiple research, production, and design centers in India, 

 HAL Job Notifications:

  • Officer, Medical Officer – Various Posts
  • PRT, TGT, PGT, Attender – 08 Posts
  • Laparoscopy General Surgeon – 1 Post
  • Cardiology Technician – 02 Posts
  • Visiting Consultant – 2 Posts
  • Technical Tradesman, AME, Flying Instructor – 07 Posts
  • Apprentices – Various Posts
  • Fire Officer, Engineer – 18 Posts
  • Visiting Consultant – 02 Posts
  • Security Officer, HR Officer, Engineer – 18 Posts
  • Staff Nurse & Pharmacist – 04 Posts

HAL January 2020 Notifications:

  • Post → Medical Officer
  • Qualification → MBBS
  • Location → Bengaluru
  • Date Added → 29/01/2020
  • Last Date to Apply → 15/02/2020
  • Total Vacancies → 1

HAL – 02 Assistant (Clerical) Posts

  • Post Name → Assistant (Clerical)
  • Vacancies → 2
  • Qualification → M.Sc, M.Com, M.A
  • Last Date to Apply → 18/02/2020

HAL – 2 Senior Test Pilot/ Senior Fighter Pilot and Senior Flight Test Engineer Posts

  • Post → Senior Test Pilot / Senior Fighter Pilot and Senior Flight Test Engineer
  • Total Vacancies → 2
  • Qualification → Not Specified
  • Last Date to Apply → 05-Feb-2020

Eligibility Criteria.

Candidates who really want to apply for the HAL Recruitment 2020 notification must fulfill all the required Eligibility Criteria.

  • Age Relaxation as per board norms.
  • Educational Qualification from a recognized college or University according to the requirement of the post.
  • Physical fitness is also important according to the Post.

1) The candidates should be a graduate in Mechanical / Electronics/ Electrical/ Production/ Computer Science/ Metallurgy/ Aeronautic Branches of Engineering from any recognized Institution/ University.

2) General/ OBC candidates should have secured 65% marks and SC/ST candidates should have secured a minimum of 55% Marks in their degree courses. Engineering Graduates in the Aeronautical Branch should have secured a minimum aggregate of 60% marks (for General/OBC) and 50% aggregate marks for SC/ST candidates.

3) The candidates should not be more than 28 years of age (for General candidates). For SC/ST candidates relaxation up to 5 years is allowed and in case of OBC candidates relaxation up to 3 years is allowed.

Along with these basic eligibility criteria of HAL India, there are others too which are according to the posts. Following are the some of the posts with their eligibility criterion of HAL Recruitment Process-

(a) Management Trainee-

For this HAL Job, the candidate needs to have a full time bachelor degree in Engineering and Technology from a recognised university. The candidate should be in the discipline of Electrical or Computer Science or Aeronautical Engineering or Metallurgy or Mechanical Engineering. Candidates with special Degrees like AMIE Course from Institute of Engineering (India), AMAeSI courses from Aeronautical Society of India, New Delhi or Grad IIIE course of Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai or AMIIM course of Indian Institute of Metals, Kolkata are also eligible for this post.

(b) Trainees at Induction Level D6-

Under this post, different sections are there like audiologist, physiotherapist, Dietician etc. The eligibility and qualification required are PUC/Inter (in Physics, chemistry & Biology) with a bachelor degree with specialisation required for the respective posts for which the candidate is applying.

(c) Engineers-

For Various Engineering posts, the requirement for graduate engineer is mentioned in the HAL Recruitment Notification. Many of the posts are filled on the basis of the GATE score of the candidate.

Along with these mentioned placement criteria of HAL, there are others which depends on Post requirement and as mentioned by the authorities of HAL. 

Selection Process:

The company conducts a recruitment process every year to select new candidates. The selection process of the company consists of 3 rounds. These rounds are as follows:

  • Written Exam
  • Technical Interview
  • HR Interview

Academic Criteria:

  • Above 60 percent marks in Class X and XII and 60 percent or more in Graduation.
  • No backlogs are allowed.
  • A gap of up to two years is allowed for valid reasons.

Pattern of Written Exam:

Testing Areas No. of questions
Aptitude 10
Technical 55
Total 65

The total time allotted to the written exam is 180 minutes.

  • General Awareness Section consists of questions from static and dynamic G.K
  • The Verbal Reasoning section consists of short reading comprehension passages. They are easy to solve and answers can be easily found in the passages. The questions based on RC’s are generally synonym type. This section also consists of basic grammar usage questions like fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, vocabulary, etc.

  • The technical section involves questions from core subjects of Mechanical, electronic, electrical and civil engineering. This section was tough and required thorough preparation. A person whose basics are clear could easily excel in this section.

  • The written exam conducted by HAL for selection is moderate to difficult. The exam has around 65 questions from Aptitude and Technical sections with a total time allotment of 180 minutes in total. Aptitude section (around 10 questions) consists of questions based on data interpretation, graphs, blood relations and statement reasoning. Topics from basic mathematics like time, speed & distance, algebra, arithmetic, probability, geometry, permutation & combination can also be asked. Questions on English based on grammar usage and fill in the blanks were also seen. Technical section (around 55 questions) consists of questions from engineering subjects of Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical and Civil Engineering. There is a negative marking of 0.33. However there is no negative marking in the numerical ability section.

Excerpts from Interview #1:

(Engineering student having 10th grade- 84.2% 12th grade-78.7% and graduation score-75.3%)

Technical Interview:

HR Interview:

  • Introduce Yourself.
  • Why do you have an inclination towards this industry?
  • Give a brief about your family background.
  • Why would you opt for a government and not a private job?
  • Technical Questions on Working of Capacitors, Filters, Micro-controller.
  • State any two of your weaknesses.

Excerpts from Interview #2:

(CSE student with 7.14 CGPA and having 86.2 % in 12th and 89.2 % in 10th standard.)

Technical interview:

  • What is encapsulation in C++? Give an example.
  • Explain various types of scheduling in operating system.
  • Questions on project undertaken during summer internship
  • What do you know about Ipv4 and Ipv6?
  • Explain the principle of quicksort. What is its complexity?

HR Interview:

  • Tell us about your extra-curricular activities.
  • What is your aim in life?
  • State any three weaknesses and strengths.
  • Are you willing to relocate or travel?
  • Rate us as interviewers on a scale of 1 to 10.

Winning Subject Combinations for BA

Humanities- forking pathways

Are you a Class XII student and have taken up Humanities? Well, your counterparts in Non Medical, Medical and Commerce no more consider you as someone who went the easy route. Or someone less intelligent. Humanities, once considered a victim of apartheid in education, has come out in the open and is today not only on a level playing field with STEM courses but also is getting a fair chance to win and turn the tables in its favor.

Research suggests that 60% of our  leaders have humanities, or social science degrees. It compares to just 15% who have STEM degrees. For many employers, a good humanities degree is testament to your hard work, enthusiasm, creativity and ability to process lots of information. And many of the skills you pick up will be transferable into the workplace. 

Now, the question arises, which subject combinations would work out for you. The options available are so diverse and the information overload makes the choice all the more confusing. If you are vying for admissions in any of the DU colleges, the BA programme is perhaps the most dependable course.. Unlike any other course, the BA programme gives you an opportunity to study various combinations of subjects.It is quite popular among those interested in civil services. It can also be a good option for those who cannot get through an honours course of their choice because of high cut-offs. In such a case, they can take up a BA programme to study that course as a part of the combination of subjects. Different colleges offer application papers in the third year, giving students a competitive edge.

Eligibility: Students from all streams can apply to this course. The cut-off for BA programme is usually as high as any honours programme from the arts stream, such as history and political science, and is even higher than philosophy and sanskrit.

The University of Delhi offers a number of courses for candidates who wish to seek admission to the colleges affiliated to the university. There are as many as 75 different DU 2018 Courses under the three-year Undergraduate Programme offered by the university. DU Courses 2018 will give the candidates an overview of the different subjects divided under the three streams namely Arts, Science and Commerce. Candidates who are interested in seeking admissions in the different colleges under the University of Delhi should go through the eligibility criteria for the course of their choice before applying. The application process for DU Admission 2018 will begin in the fourth week of May. 

Colleges will provide three subject combinations during the admission process.Some combinations ( like economics, statistics,and maths ;political science, philosophy ,economics) require a higher percentage. Every college has a different subject combination for BA ( programme ).One can visit college site for detailed information. As admission starts good combination slots are generally filled in 1st and 2nd cutoff. Further colleges release vacant seats of respective combination in subsequent cutoff released

Here are a few courses/combinations that will hold you in good stead:

BA Economics( Hons):

This course allows you  to understand any economy in the world and, more specifically, an economy like India. It gives a good grounding in economics and you are not restricted to a particular stream of higher studies later. A “good grounding in mathematics” helps along with “general analytical skills” and some degree of competence in English. The course content  includes Statistical methods, economic history, econometrics, Indian economic development, development theory etc. You may opt for further studies; and may also study MBA or join the media. The proportion of students heading abroad after graduating is increasing.

Numerous job opportunities are available for you after graduation in the field of economics. On the successful completion of BA Economics, aspirants can seek out jobs in the public and the private sectors. They can even attend UPSC entrance exams, IAF account exams and Combined Defense Services exam and so on. On top of this, with more experience aspirants will also be able to open their own corporate or consultancies. Those with more experience can apply for jobs with institutes of management or with multinational companies. Educational institutions and the finance sector also provide good job prospects for students of Economics. You can also take up teaching as a career. But for this it is advisable for you  to finish a Masters Course and clear NET  in order to get into colleges, universities and professional institutions as lectures. Students can also opt for non-profit establishments like NGOs and Economic consulting etc.

B.A Anthropology

BA (Hons.) in Anthropology is a course which is generally preferred by humanities background students however, in recent times it has been observed that science background students are also turning towards this course. The reason behind this can be cited from the fact that the domain of Physical anthropology involves knowledge of subjects like Biology that form an important part of the science curriculum.

Economics, Statistics and Mathematics:

This is one combination that scripts a glorious career for you and one of the most coveted ones. The combination of Economics with statistics sets the stage for research. Following the recent global economic crisis, economics is more important and relevant than ever. Decisions on money, banking, interest rates, taxation and government spending affect us all, with global consequences. Economics aims to understand the activities of the different agents in the economy – consumers, producers and the government – and how they all fit together.

The combination would give you essential mathematical, statistical and problem-solving skills. Mathematics and Statistics make up at least half of the course and it would give you the ability to explain complex data in simple terms to different audiences. 

Political Science, Philosophy, Economics

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics  is an elite program that combines broad and rigorous cross-disciplinary training in politics, philosophy and economics. Complex social problems require generalists, that is, researchers, policy makers and professionals who are able to examine an issue from several angles, who can combine different perspectives in a constructive way, and who are aware of the broader social and historical context of problems. PPE provides you with the necessary tools and knowledge to be a leader in the 21st century.

The program prepares its graduates for careers in public policy and public service, political and economic consulting, journalism, law, and international affairs. It offers an integrated, cross-disciplinary perspective, able to shape a way of thinking critically and flexibly that is adequate to the new demands of high-level professions in a global setting. We achieve this by first providing students with a foundation in the relevant disciplines, then by emphasizing the synergies and differences between their approaches.

Journalism, Psychology and Elective English:

This combination introduces various facets of the profession of journalism to the students with theoretical knowledge and on the job training. Psychology introduces you to various psychological processes with a view to developing a holistic outlook towards life and prepares them for a great career ahead. The programme offers papers from different disciplines of psychology along with laboratory and field experience, elementary statistics and research. The major objective of the course is to impart core knowledge in primary disciplines of psychology and its relevance in the current context.

This course is beneficial to provide a firm foundation for the students to either go directly into media or go in for higher studies. You  can have jobs in news and media companies. They can become teachers in government and private schools both on a private and regular basis. HR, health associated professions, hospitals etc. offer an exciting and amazing career path for students of psychology. Pertaining to journalism and English, some of the options include writing for national, regional and local newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations and online publications and companies involved in public relation, corporate communications, content writing and marketing. You  can pursue post-graduation and expand it with further studies.

FINE ARTS:

BA/BA [Hons] in Fine Arts

Fine Arts is another prominent specialization in BA and encompasses the study of the history of Arts. For BA subjects under this program in India, you will get to know about the history of Indian Art from its varied stages. Its variation as Bachelor of Fine Arts abroad also comprises the study of art history as well as various artistic pursuits primarily in terms of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Writing, amongst others. It is different from Applied Arts or Humanities because Fine Arts has its central focus on the creative side of the field of Arts and is chosen by those wanting to explore the lives of renowned artists and eras in the context of their culture and backgrounds. 

Rule of LAW

Law- an Optional subject in UPSC Mains

Over the past few years, Law Optional has garnered a lot of attention in UPSC Mains. Among the popular choices, Law optional has consistently drawn aspirants who have either a legal background or a gravitation towards  constitutional matters, governance, and analytical subjects.

Let’s explore the reasons why Law has become a smart choice for UPSC Mains

Scoring subject

Law is a rational, conceptual, and relatively scoring optional subject that requires clarity in legal interpretation and strong answer-writing skills. With the right preparation candidates with Law optional have consistently been scoring more than 270 marks. Your presentation, clarity, and referencing appropriate judgments are crucial to fetch you good marks.

Commonality with General Studies Papers

Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and International Relations overlap with GS Paper 2.

Helpful both in Essay and Interview: Law helps in presenting structured arguments in the essay and discussing governance-related issues in the interview.

Useful in your road ahead

Knowledge of Law would be helpful in your services but also while working in administrative services, especially IAS, IPS, or IRS.

Syllabus and Exam Pattern

UPSC Law optional consists of two papers

Paper I: The optional paper 1 in the Mains exam consists of questions with 250 marks. The topics that would be covered would be Constitutional and Administrative Law, International Law detailing Constitution and Constitutionalism, Fundamental Rights—Public interest litigation; Legal Aid; Legal services authority, relationship between Fundamental rights, Directive principles and Fundamental duties, Constitutional Position of the President and relation with the Council of Ministers, Centre, states and local bodies, emergency provisions etc.

In international law, you would cover topics like relationship between international law and municipal law; state recognition and state succession, law of the sea: inland waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone and high seas, fundamental principles of international humanitarian law—international conventions and contemporary developments, international terrorism, state sponsored terrorism, hijacking, international criminal court, new international economic order and monetary law: WTO, TRIPS, GATT, IMF, World Bank and protection and improvement of the human environment: international efforts.

Paper II: Law of Crimes, Law of Torts, Contract and Mercantile Law, Contemporary Legal Developments. It would comprise topics like General principles of Criminal liability,kinds of punishment and emerging trends as to abolition of capital punishment, preparations and criminal attempt,joint and constructive liability,abetment, criminal conspiracy;offences against the State, public tranquility,human body,offences against property and the like.

Law of Torts would entail topics like Liability based upon fault and strict liability; absolute liability, vicarious liability including State Liability, general  defences, joint tort

lessors,remedies,negligence,defamation,nuisance,conspiracy,false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and the like.

Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law would have topics like types of contracts, Contract of agency, sale of goods and hire purchase, formation and dissolution of partnership, negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996,Standard form contracts etc.

Another important topic would be Contemporary Legal Developments like Public Interest Litigation, Intellectual property rights, Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws, Competition Law, Alternate Dispute Resolution, environmental  law ,Right to Information Act and trial by media.

How can you score well

As already stated, Law is a scoring subject if your presentation of facts is concise and you are able to cross reference legal aspects. However, use them in an appropriate manner. Law has a wealth of available reading material. Some of the standard text books you should be reading are V.N. Shukla for Constitution, and Avtar Singh for Contract Law.

Summing up

If you are a law graduate or have a legal background, Law as an Optional Subject would be very helpful for you. If you have the gravitation towards putting in the initial effort to understand  legal concepts and case-based learning, this is going to hold you in good stead  not only for cracking UPSC Mains but also in your future roles.

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Career in Forensic Sciences

Riding the Forensic Wave

One of the career options that occupies a broad surface area is that of Forensic Sciences. From firearms to blood pattern analysis, from psychological testing to DNA sampling, the world of forensic science offers numerous career paths for those who are interested in pursuing a fascinating career.

Let us understand what Forensic Sciences is and the career options it entails.

Forensic Science is all about the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal problems and criminal investigations. It is actually a vast and diverse subject which comprises various fields of science such as chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, social science, geology, psychology, etc. Forensic Scientists use their forensic acumen in the collection, preservation, and examination of physical evidence during an investigation. Commonly, forensic science can pick up fingerprints from a crime scene and investigate who actually committed the crime from the information gathered. Other samples such as blood can be tested in the lab to detect a crime.

Forensic science experts thus have a crucial role to play in the modern-day judiciary. They analyze evidence using scientific procedures and principles to deduce facts that are legally valid in the Court of Law. They play a key role in ensuring that the original form of evidence is retained during gathering and transfer. This is because even slight tampering of evidence can alter the results of the forensic analyses significantly.

Some forensic scientists focus on biological and life sciences to help those in the legal world understand what happened in a particular situation. These scientists can often be found in laboratory or other investigative settings, where they closely examine a variety of evidence. Other forensic scientists focus on the behavioral sciences; specifically, they look at the psychology behind certain criminal behaviors. There are others who focus on cyber crimes, they are Cyber Forensic Experts.

Course Cursor:

B.Sc. in Forensic Science

The basic criterion of eligibility needed to be met for admission to the course is a Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent qualification from a recognized Board, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and/ or Math as main subjects and a minimum aggregate score of 55%. However, a few private universities in India conduct their own entrance tests for evaluating and admitting students to the course. 

Bachelor’s degree program is a 3- 4 years degree program with an average of 120 semester credit hours of work. The course curriculum includes subjects like Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Crime Victim Studies, Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures, Fingerprint Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, and Theories of Crime Causation. 

M.Sc. in Forensic Science or PG Diploma in Forensic Science

Master’s degree in forensic science prepares the individuals for advanced positions within the forensic science industry. It typically consists of core subjects like drug analysis, criminalistics, biological evidence, DNA analysis, trace evidence, Blood splatter patterns, and toxicology. 

A graduate in microbiology, biochemistry, zoology, chemistry, physics, applied science, botany or medicine can pursue a Master’s degree in Forensic Science. Even law students can pursue a career in forensic science by completing a suitable certificate or diploma course. Students have the option to choose between different specializations – forensic physics, forensic medicine, forensic biology, forensic pathology, forensic chemistry, and much more according to what interests them. It’s also possible to become a Forensic Scientist with an MBBS background. After an  MBBS, you can pursue an MD in Forensic Science.

Ph.D. in Forensic Science  

If you wish to get into teaching or research, a doctorate degree is mandatory. Core subjects include Forensic Instrumental Analysis, Advanced Forensics, Physical Evidence Concepts, Controlled Substance Analysis, Forensic Laboratory Management, and Research Design in Forensic Science, Pattern, and Law and Forensic Sciences. To join the doctoral courses aspirants have to complete his/her master’s degree and have to get at least a 3.0 GPA.  An aspirant can pursue his/her specialization course in the fields like Forensic Biology, Forensic Serology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Ballistics, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Botany in the Forensic science field.

 Institutescape: 

  • FS Indian Education Department, Pune
  • Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
  • Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai
  • Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science (LNJN NICFS), New Delhi
  • Institute of Forensic Sciences (Gujarat Forensic Sciences University), Gandhi Nagar
  • Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security (University of Madras), Chennai
  • Government Institute of Forensic Science, Aurangabad
  • St. Xavier’s College (University of Mumbai), Mumbai
  • Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi
  • Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology (Panjab University), Chandigarh
  • Amity University (Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences)

Career Pathways:

This is one field where there is a scope of employment in both the private as well as the government sectors. Successful graduates can find work in both government and private agencies, in hospitals and laboratories. Some corporate organizations hire graduates as Document Experts.

Other areas include:

  • anti-terrorist operations
  • mass disaster- management
  • cybercrime investigation
  • protection of human rights
  • environment
  • consumer
  • intellectual property rights.

Almost all government hospitals and police departments employ forensic experts. The most common government investigative agencies that hire forensic professionals in large numbers are that of CBI, RAW, IB, and the state police departments. Other than these, there are many more other job roles from various areas such as civil services, banks, police, pharmaceutical industry, paint industry, clinical research, biotechnology, and software. Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) across India hire forensic scientists.

After having completed the necessary qualifications, you can choose to work as a crime scene investigator. In case you are interested in working in a more specialized area, you may want to be a trace evidence analyst or a forensic pathologist. Most of the job-specific skills that are required for this are learned as and when one is working. As you already have an MD degree, you may choose to work as a teacher, reviewer or reformer of law as well. Criminal rehabilitation is another area where there are a lot of employment opportunities for qualified personnel. In case you are interested in the legal side of forensic medicine, you may choose to look for employment in that sector as well.

Riding the tech wave- Cyber Forensics

With the technology wave disrupting the way we interact with each other and do businesses, there is a growing need for professionals who can help organizations prevent cyber attacks. Besides, the cryptocurrency fever has brought about a new form of crypto mining activities that have triggered cybercrime. Cryptominers steal power usage for computer processing from enterprises and consumers to mine cryptocurrencies. This new form of cybercrime involving cryptocurrencies can slow down devices, overheat batteries and in rare cases, render devices inoperative. These kinds of cyber crimes bring about an upsurge in jobs in cyber forensics.

Cyber Forensics or Computer Forensics is the application of Computer Science for assisting in the legal and criminal justice system. In case you are a graduate in Computer Science, Information Technology or Computer Applications, you are most  eligible for Cyber Forensics courses. A Cyber Forensics professional needs to pursue a post-graduation in Cyber Forensics or a certification in Information or Cyber Security.

Cyber Forensics Courses in India

  • IFS Forensic Science Education, Pune
  • Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
  • Indian School of Ethical Hacking
  • IIIT Delhi (Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology)

Some typical examples of jobs in cyber forensics are Computer Forensics Investigator, Computer Forensics Technician, Digital Forensics Specialist, Computer Forensics Analyst, Computer Forensics Specialist etc.

Professionals trained in Cyber Forensics can also provide training and education to students in various private and public colleges. Additionally, they also have a shot at bagging a job at one of the many Central Forensic Science Laboratories located in PAN India.

Summing up: 

The rising level of demand for forensic science professionals has been correlated with the meteoric rise of technological solution prominence across nearly all industries. Forensic information will be far more accessible and actionable with the assistance of cutting edge technological developments, making those who specialize in collecting said information more valuable to their employing organizations by default.

This makes the Forensic Scientists, whichever branch they choose to specialize in, at a career escalator.

Article_Oceanography

Wonders with Water

Today, the world is at  a cusp –  of growing needs and limited resources to produce food , water and shelter. This calls for tapping other resources hitherto untapped- like the oceans. Advances in technology, combined with demand, will improve our ability to derive food, drinking water, energy sources, waste disposal and transportation from the ocean. It will be up to this and future generations to build upon our existing knowledge of the ocean and Oceanography is the field to help meet the needs of the world and its inhabitants. Also, if you have a fascination for the ocean, and you are interested in science, Oceanography will be your perfect match. It is of great significance to developing countries like India. A career in this area provides opportunity to those with intrinsic curiosity and a desire to venture into the vast realm of the unknown, which exists within our oceans. 

What is Oceanography?

“Oceanography, also known as oceanology is the field of earth science that includes the study of ocean currents, waves, geology of the sea floor, physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries. It is the study of all things that are related to the ocean.” In simple words, Oceanography is the “study of oceans”. Oceanographers are the scientists who study the ocean. They are involved in mineral exploitation, shipping, fisheries, coastal construction, weather prediction and climate change. There are many branches of oceanography, like:

  • Marine biologists are oceanographers who study marine ecosystems and their inhabitants. This can involve working with research animals or taking trips into the ocean to perform rent experiments, collect data, or track the animals.
  • Physical oceanographers are more concerned with studying the movements of the oceans, in the waves and currents and tides that move the water itself.
  • Chemical oceanographers monitor the chemical composition of the ocean water to better understand how they shape the planet. They may study pollution or help find naturally-occurring resources on the seafloor.
  • Geological oceanographers focus on studying the ocean’s floor. They may study undersea volcanic activity and its relation to the movement of tectonic plates or the deep oceanic trenches that plunge thousands of feet. 

Skills Required

There are very specific and important skills required for an oceanographer. You should be excellent in scientific and mathematical skills. Also, you should have the knowledge of different oceans of different areas, good practical and problem solving skills are also important. Research skills are essential within you, that you can research the whole properties of a particular ocean. Observation and communication skills are must and the complete knowledge of computer applications like digital mapping, remote sensing and computer modeling. You should also have a good knowledge in the subject of marine environment.  

 Job Responsibilities:

The job of an oceanographer is very interesting and there are various job responsibilities required which are as follows:

  • To investigate, organize, plan about oceanic activities
  • To collect data for future records.
  • Test theory and further develop it.
  • Prepare papers and reports on the basis of findings.
  • Make policies on coastal and marine resources and environments.

Getting in

In India, most of the institutes/universities offer postgraduate courses in Oceanography or Marine Biology but very few institutes offer graduate courses.  The minimum educational qualification for graduation is 10+2 in science stream (Physics, chemistry, mathematics), for post graduation level a bachelor’s degree in science i.e. B.Sc. Oceanography / Zoology / Botany / Chemistry / Fishery Science / Earth Science / Physics / Agriculture / Microbiology / Applied Sciences or in any other equivalent disciplines. 
M.Phil and PhD are also offered by few universities. For pursuing PhD you will have to qualify either NET or GATE. 

Course Cursor

Graduation Courses:

  • B.Sc. in Oceanography
  • B.Sc. in Marine Science

Post graduation Courses:

  • Master of science in Oceanography
  • Master of Science in Marine Biology
  • M.Tech in Ocean Engineering
  • M.Tech in Ocean Technology

Doctoral Courses:

  • M.Phil in Marine Biology
  • M.Phil in Chemical Oceanography
  • PhD in Oceanography

Institute Scape

  • Mumbai Institute of Technology, Mumbai, offering B.Sc in Oceanography
  • Goa University, Panaji, Goa, offering B.Sc. Mariner Science, M.Sc. Oceanography, M.Sc. Marine Biology and Ph.D in Oceanography
  • Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu, offering M.Sc. Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies
  • Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, offering M.Sc. Oceanography-Physical and Chemical
  • Indian Institute of Madras, Tamil Nadu, offering M.Tech in Ocean Engineering
  • Berhampur University, Orissa, offering M.Sc. Marine Science, M.Sc. Oceanography and Ph.D Marine Science. 

Career Scape

Career opportunities are extensive for the professionals working in this field. Jobs for oceanographers are available in both the public and private sector. Depending upon the ability and knowledge, professionals of this field can join as scientist, engineer and technician. Some of the career opportunities are:. 

Marine Biologists

Marine Biologists may examine the cycling of nutrients through the marine food chain, from algae to tuna. They may investigate the physiological adaptations of marine organisms. They may determine how sharks behave, how fishes communicate, and how marine ecosystems are changing due to human influence.

Chemical Oceanography 

It deals with the composition and quality of water. Chemical oceanographers are interested in the distribution of chemical compounds and the many chemical interactions that occur in the ocean and the seafloor. The aim is to research and develop such technology that will be able to recover valuable elements from the sea. This area is also involved in developing methods of solving pollution problems in estuaries near-the-shore waters due to increasing population and industrial waste. Their work is of special relevance today in view of the growing level of pollution. 

Marine Geologists 

Marine Geologists explore the ocean floor — its mountains, canyons, and valleys. Study of seafloor sediment cores can reveal the history of oceanic circulation and climates over the past 150 million years. The study of the rocky crust beneath the sediments sheds light on the origin of volcanoes, as well as the processes of seafloor spreading and continental drift.

Geophysicists 

Geophysicists ask such questions as why the earth’s magnetic field has reversed itself at least three times in the last million years. These scientists are beginning to understand what causes earthquakes and can now measure them with great accuracy. They also search places where heat escapes from the crust of the earth for clues to fundamental processes deep in the planet’s interior.

Marine Chemists 

As marine chemists, you would study how the oceans were formed eons ago, and what determines their composition today. You would also  identify ocean resources that may be beneficial, such as natural products with medicinal properties, and investigate means to protect the oceans from the effects of pollution.

Physical Oceanographers 

You would study the circulation of seawater and the exchange of energy and matter across the surface of the ocean and examine the transport of sand on and off beaches and the processes of coastal erosion. Physical oceanographers also measure deep currents such as those flowing from Antarctic waters into the Pacific Ocean.

Atmospheric Scientists and Climate Researchers 

This is the best option for those with a  doctorate degree. You would investigate how the relationship among the ocean, atmosphere, and land affects the world’s climate systems. You would forecast climate trends through the use of increasingly sophisticated computer models. You would  also study the buildup of pollutants and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and how they affect clouds, precipitation, and the potential for climate change.

Biological Oceanographers

You would be concerned with the complex interactions of groups of marine organisms with one another and their environment and understand how factors such as warm and cold currents affect the availability of food fishes.

Policy experts 

This is an integrated field where you would combine your knowledge of oceanography and social sciences such as law, economics, political science or business to develop guidelines and policies for the wise use of the ocean and coastal resources. Marine policy studies require a background in at least one of the social sciences.

Marine Physicists 

This is a field that develops the means to interact with the oceans. You would design and build many specialized research tools, including remotely operated vehicles, sophisticated seafloor instruments, and innovative remote-sensing systems such as acoustic-imaging devices for exploring the oceans. They also develop mechanisms for controlling sand on beaches.

Summing up: 

If you wish to make a  difference in the world and choose a career that provides you unique experiences, step into the field of Oceanography and do wonders with water.

The Future is Female

On this women’s day, women get both a position and a promotion. Courtesy, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning ruling the roost. Recently, the research firm Gartner predicted that artificial intelligence may actually create more jobs than it’s expected to eliminate. By 2020, artificial intelligence (AI) will generate 2.3 million jobs, exceeding the 1.8 million that it will wipe out. In the following five years to 2025, net new jobs created in relation to AI will reach 2 million. The new spiral wave of jobs would require an augmenting, upskilling and repositioning of the current skills and mindsets needed to survive and thrive. Well, they may generate a plethora of jobs that gravitate towards women. Women can reposition and future proof their careers by getting into AI and ML because these new technologies are going to stay for quite some time.

Skill required to stay a float:

In order to remain relevant in the new world of work, we’ll need to lean into the skills that make us most human. Creativity, problem solving, interpersonal. As automation stealthily slides in, fields that interact with machines such as construction work, factory work, and machine operation are becoming the tortoise in the game, while occupations that place a premium on interpersonal skills, like those in the healthcare field, are seeing explosive growth.

In conversation with Venkatesh Sankaran, CEO and founder, Saguna Consulting Services LLC, a management consulting  and technology services firm in Irvine, Southern California that does a lot of work in AI and ML in Healthcare and has offices in India.

With the market trending towards AI, what is the shift that you envisage for the career opportunities for both men and women?

VS: In this era of Artificial Intelligence, being intelligent is a given and is not just enough. AI has the capacity to be smarter than us. In order to stay afloat, we need to be more smart than just being ‘smart’. More than the quantity of data our mind can comprehend, we need to focus on the quality of our thinking. In other words, we need to be  Emotionally Intelligent. The numbers that would work in our favor would be our EQ rather than our IQ. All these skills are essentially feminine in nature. Automation could bring about a moment of reckoning for EI skills, which have a long history of being undervalued by the labor market. And that might just mean a moment of reckoning for “pink collar,” or women’s work. 

With AI,careers would gravitate towards women. Would there be an impact on the gender discrimination that seems to exist in some sectors?

VS:  AI and ML also takes away the discrimination aspect. The so-called physical endurance that man had and gave him a slight air of superiority would also go away as drones and robots  take over jobs in difficult terrains. It is no more about a man giving an opportunity. It is going to be  a female world leading to enhanced performances since discrimination would crumble. In some sectors like technology, strategic healthcare, Govt and military, the percentage of women has been slim. With AI and ML creeping in, the women would increase especially in Healthcare which needs skills like caring and mothering.

Studies say it all:

Decades of research show unequivocally that men and women are equal in general intelligence (IQ), but that isn’t the case when it comes to emotional intelligence (EQ). There are subtle, and not so subtle, differences in men’s and women’s expression and understanding of emotions that must be explored and understood.

The research, conducted by the Korn Ferry Hay Group, used data from 55,000 professionals in 90 countries and found that in 11 of 12 “emotional intelligence competencies” women out performed men. The only category in which women didn’t receive the better scores was “emotional self-control,” where no gender differences were found.

Recently, researchers at Google came to a similar conclusion in a quest to discover what makes the perfect team. They found that groups tend to innovate faster than an individual working alone. But the most important factor in whether a team would be successful was “psychological safety,” a term that describes a team climate of trust and respect where people feel comfortable being themselves. A team like this might excel at traits like ‘‘conversational turn-taking’’ and ‘‘social sensitivity.”The research suggests that the increasing demand for interpersonal skills is something that favors women. If we think that AI will increase the need for social skills—then this may be beneficial for women, because they really have a sustainable comparative advantage there.

No generalizations:

Having said all of that, let us also not fall into the trap of generalizations and stereotypes. This does not suggest that every woman has a higher EQ than man. A scientific study on gender and emotional intelligence is not a justification to peddle gender stereotypes.  Even though research overwhelmingly points to women having greater EI, science hasn’t determined that these qualities are innate. It is just that women tend to pick up these traits due to their conditioning in the society that expects them to be humble and caring.

Mayank Chhabra, CEO White Space Technologies, an IT startup in  New Delhi says, “A startup founder needs a high EI in order to  use a missed business goal to motivate his team. The ability to listen, collaborate, empathize, and self-regulate are all part of an emotionally intelligent person’s nature. I always feel the need for a woman’s mind while talking to my team”.

Summing up:

Devrath Saha, a student of B.Tech Computer Science Engineering, Alliance University, Bangalore sums it up this way, ”Creativity is a fundamental feature of human intelligence, and a challenge for AI. AI techniques can be used to create new ideas in three ways: by producing novel combinations of familiar ideas; by exploring the potential of conceptual spaces; and by making transformations that enable the generation of previously impossible ideas. All these require skills of being creative which gravitate towards women. 

Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this- technology will enhance us. So instead of artificial intelligence, we will augment our intelligence”. 

So far so good. The ‘female’ skills are very important to AI, whether it’s nurturing, mothering, caring, problem-solving, diplomacy, or critical thinking skills. It all looks so exciting. But I would also like to create a foundation for this feminine utopia. We need more women graduating out of our Computer Science colleges, more women in the corner offices and still more women at C level positions. It is not fair to dream of a female version of the world without actually encouraging women to be a part of building it.

Only then can we safely say, the future is female…

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.