Delhi University has completed three regular rounds of undergraduate admissions, but 13,433 UG seats are still vacant. According to the university’s latest spot-round vacancy list, the unfilled seats are spread across 1,160 college-course combinations
“We have a history of renowned political leaders; we hail from the lands of intellect. This university has nurtured multiple leaders, including Gulzarilal Nanda, Madan Lal Khurana, Mahadevi Varma, and many Chief Justices,” 23-year-old Priyanshu Vidrohi said
In Bihar’s Gaya district lies Patwa Toli, a village popularly known as the “Village of IITians." What makes it remarkable is the presence of IIT-educated engineers in almost every household. Every year, more than a dozen students from the village qualify for the IIT-JEE examinations
Jammu-born entrepreneur Onkar Singh Batra has added another remarkable achievement to an already extraordinary journey. From creating a website at the age of seven to developing a satellite at 16, Batra has spent much of his childhood exploring technology, entrepreneurship, and space
I have passed Class 12 (PCMB) with a state rank of 10 and have taken NEET 2026 and KCET. I want to pursue B.Sc. Chemistry but people say I should not do so because I have such good marks. I am also considering BDS or a B.Sc. Paramedical course
Chart your path
Chart your path
My daughter is in Class 11 (Cambridge IGCSE). Her subjects are Math, Physics and Chemistry. She is brilliant in Math but doesn’t like Physics. She cannot sit for long hours and study. She says she wants to study Architecture. Is this a good option? Is there a creative yet rewarding degree course she can apply to? Name withheld
Have you considered getting a personality and career mapping done to understand her core personality and her interests and choices? Let her take the mock tests for UCEED and NID, which test visualisation, observation, and logical Maths. Get her to shadow an architect to give her a reality check of the work. Architecture in India and abroad requires a solid grasp of Structural Mechanics (essentially Physics). If she dislikes Physics, she may struggle with some modules in Architecture.
Since she loves Maths, she could explore Geomatics or Urban Planning, which are Maths-focused fields or a B.Des., which is more dynamic and innovation-driven. Other options are Interaction Design (UI/UX), which blends math, logic and technology to create user experiences for apps and smart devices; Product/Industrial Design, which combines geometry and 3D reasoning with hands-on prototype creation; Game Design and Development, which relies heavily on Maths concepts; or Data Visualisation or Information Design, which is ideal for someone who is good at Maths and likes aesthetics.
I am in the first year of Pharm D. and feel that it is not valued in India. What are the skills to get a good job with this degree? Can I get a job in the IT sector? Name withheld
The role of Pharm D is still evolving in India, and by the time you graduate, the integration of clinical pharmacy into Indian healthcare will probably be much deeper. You can get into the IT sector in companies that have Life Sciences divisions and need people who understand drugs and patient data. A Pharm D is actually a bridge degree between medicine, pharmacy, and data, making you highly eligible for the IT and Tech sectors.
In India, Pharm D is valued more in corporate healthcare and large hospital chains than in retail pharmacy. You can consider careers in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, clinical data management, health informatics, medical coding, and medical affairs. Companies such as TCS, Cognizant, and Accenture manage global drug safety data.
While you will be a primary healthcare provider abroad, you will need to pass licensing exams such as NAPLEX (the U.S.) or PEBC (Canada) to practise there.
Build expertise in technical tools like SAS or Python, regulatory guidelines such as ICH-GCP, software like Oracle Argus/MedDRA, and medical writing, to move into IT roles. Additional certifications in Pharmacovigilance, Health Data Analytics, Lean Six Sigma or Advanced Excel can strengthen your profile. Also, network actively on LinkedIn with Pharm D professionals to learn from their career paths and seek mentorship.
I have a B.A. Economics and Maths. I want to pursue an MBA, but am unable to crack the exam for admission. How can I build a career in management? Priya
Dear Priya,
Building a management career without a traditional MBA is possible with your background. Your profile suits analytical management. If CAT or GMAT feels difficult, consider courses like Master's in Management (MIM), MMS, Applied Economics, Business Analytics or PGDM programmes, which are often more accessible and still offer strong placements. Begin in analyst roles and move into leadership. Professional certifications like CFA for finance, PMP/CAPM for project management, and Six Sigma for operations can strengthen your prospects. You could also work in a junior role and then look at the ISBs/ IIMs for an Executive MBA programme.
I have finished B.Sc. Maths and work as a radio operator in the BSF. I want to resign and do a regular MBA. How can I get into the IIMs or top B-Schools? Abhishek
Dear Abhishek,
Transitioning from BSF to a B-school is a bold move. To crack the IIMs or other top B-schools, you need a good CAT percentile. Take a Mock CAT this weekend without any preparation to see where you stand in VARC and DILR. Focus on arithmetic and algebra, which make up nearly 70% of the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section. Leverage your ‘Diversity Points’ in the total Composite Score. Your academic diversity — being a non-engineer — gives you an edge and puts you in a less competitive pool. Your work experience in the BSF will also bring you high points.
FMS Delhi and IIFT have specific seats for special quotas, considerations or reservations. Check that out. At IIMs, you will largely compete in your social category (General/OBC/SC/ST).
Once you clear the CAT, you will need to clear the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). You may need to explain why a radio operator wants an MBA. Focus on the logistics, communication systems, and human resource management you handled in the BSF. Prepare Q&As on topics such as Business of Defence, Indigenisation of Technology, and Internal Security Economics.
Finally, do not resign but prepare while in service. Most IIMs allow you to join if you can provide a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) or discharge papers at the time of joining. Explore specialised options for Uniformed Personnel. IIM-Ahmedabad offers the Armed Forces Programme. The Army Institute of Management (AIM) in Kolkata and Greater Noida offers windows for serving personnel
If you have more than five years of experience, an Executive MBA may be better than a two-year regular MBA but you will need to take an entrance exam. Think about all this and make an informed decision.
Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.
The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge
Published - May 16, 2026 06:00 pm IST
The Hindu Education Plus / careers / higher education / university / universities and colleges / internships / entrance examination / College admission / admission/enrollment / study abroad / students
Source: TheHindu
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