Higher education: choices galore

May 19, 2012 04:15 pm | Updated July 06, 2016 07:06 am IST - Chennai:

Chennai :15/05/2012: Students collecting the Application forms for admission UG and PG Courses at Loyola college, standing in the long queues from early hours on Tuesday. photo:R_Shivaji Rao

Chennai :15/05/2012: Students collecting the Application forms for admission UG and PG Courses at Loyola college, standing in the long queues from early hours on Tuesday. photo:R_Shivaji Rao

The air vibrates with all kinds of emotions. Students, teachers and parents alike are anxious as well as excited about the board examination results due to be released in a few days results as the D-day marks the denouement of a real life drama where the students in their quest to attain knowledge undergo various experiences.

Choosing a course that satisfies both students and parents is a daunting task. Though the availability of varied choices seems to contribute to the mayhem, the scope and range of selecting a course, which has reached its zenith, show a positive sign.

The choice is plenty causing confusion but certain courses have emerged favourite. Courses such as Marine, Biotech, Biomedical, Agriculture, Automobile, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Ceramic, etc, are gaining ground and these are offered by some of the premier government and private institutions in India.

More choices

“Previously there were only a few choices in both engineering and medical streams, but now with globalisation, advancement in science and technology along with the exponential growth of the Indian industries, new and innovative courses have emerged setting benchmarks in engineering education catering to a variety of career opportunities,” says K. Rohan, an aspiring engineer, waiting for his board exam results next week. Environmental and energy engineering has captured the imagination of Swaminathan and he has decided to pursue it. “I want to pursue this course because of the tremendous potential it has. Considering the exploitation of conventional fuels, the time has come for us to look at un-conventional and alternative energy resources. Energy sustainability is the need of the hour,” he says.

“I only want to study Veterinary Science as I love animals,” feels Santosh, not opting for the MBBS. There are others like Senthil, who has pitched for a conventional mechanical engineering courses because of the wide range offered by the course as there is always scope to specialise at a post graduate level.

“I thought of taking automobile engineering or marine engineering, but I decided to opt for mechanical because others seem super specialised,” he opines. This also applies to various students who want to study medicine as it is not possible for them to take up a super speciality course at the UG level. “I have applied for MBBS, but plan to take up a novel specialisation at the PG level,” says Akshaya.

Education abroad

There are many for whom foreign education has become a necessity. As Mr. Madan Mohan, who is all set to send his son abroad feels, “This is a life time opportunity for my son as he can broaden his horizon. An international degree also adds value to the resume.” South East Asian countries have become the latest educational hub for Indian students apart from destinations such as Western Europe and the U.S. Students are opting for Singapore, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Australia.

“I chose Singapore because of the scholarship programmes offered,” says Maya, who is gearing herself for a rigorous course there.

According to her, the best part of going abroad to study is the emphasis given to projects. She also believes that studying in a foreign land will inculcate responsibility along with freedom. The inter disciplinary programmes offered by the foreign institutions seem to be the best part along with applied research, internship programmes and field research.

With the higher education industry of India improving at a rapid pace and India's premier institutions having attained world standards, our nation is also attracting foreign students. Also with its friendly atmosphere, moderate climate, food choices and modestly priced quality education India is turning to be an ideal alternative destination in the competitive world of higher education.

(Nivedita is a III year student of Journalism, MOP Vaishnav College for Women)

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