Higher studies in IITs The Indian Institutes of Technology at Chennai, Kanpur, Mumbai, Roorkee, and Guwahati have invited applications for admission to their two-year fulltime M.Tech. programmes in various branches and specialisations.

The Indian Institutes of Technology at Chennai, Kanpur, Mumbai, Roorkee, and Guwahati have invited applications for admission to their two-year fulltime M.Tech. programmes in various branches and specialisations.

IIT Madras provides excellent study facilities for M.Tech. courses offered by Departments of Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Chemical Engineering, Civil, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical, Mathematics (industrial mathematics and scientific computing), Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ocean Engineering and Physics.

The institute also offers M.Tech. degree course in clinical engineering. Candidates with BE or B.Tech. degree in the relevant branches or B.Arch. degree/ Master's degree holders in chemistry/ mathematics/ physics/ life sciences along with a valid GATE score are eligible to apply. Candidates can submit online application till April 4 through the web site http://gate.iitm.ac.in/

mtech_admissions.

Last date: April 7. Detailed information on M.Tech. degree course in clinical engineering can be obtained from the web site www.biotech.iitm.ac.in/

mcephd.

IIT Kanpur offers M.Tech. degree course in aerospace, biological sciences and bio-engineering, chemical, civil, computer science and engineering, electrical, industrial and management engineering, material science and engineering, mechanical, nuclear engineering and technology, environmental engineering and management, and laser technology. Candidates with BE or B.Tech,. degree/ M.Sc. degree with a valid GATE score or UGC CSIR score are eligible to apply. Last date: April 15. For more details visit www.iitk.ac.in/doaa/

admiisions.html.

For application form, information brochure and other details on M.Tech. admissions to various departments in IIT Bombay visit the institute's web site www.iitb.ac.in/admissions. Applications can be downloaded from March 24 to March 31.

The last date for online application is April 8.

For details on M.Tech. admissions to various departments in IIT Roorkee visit the institute's web site www.iitr.ernet.in from March 21 to April 21. Last date:April 21.

IIT Guwahati has invited applications for admission to fulltime dual M.Tech. plus Ph.D. programme of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering Application form and information brochure can be downloaded www.iitg.ernet.in/acad.

COMEDK-UGET 2011

The Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) has invited applications for its undergraduate entrance Test (UGET- 2011) to be held on May 8 at different centres in Karnataka for admission to MBBS, BDS, BE courses in the private unaided medical, dental and engineering colleges in Karnataka. The admission is open to all the students across the country. The test will covers questions from physics, chemistry, mathematics /biology. Physics and chemistry paper is common for all. The mathematics paper is compulsory for those applying for BE courses and biology paper has to be appeared by candidates who wish pursue MBBS/ BDS courses. There is no negative marking in the entrance test.


Eligibility: For MBBS and BDS courses, the applicants should have passed Plus Two examination with at least 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and biology. The candidate must secure not less than 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and biology in the entrance test.


For BE courses the minimum eligibility is a pass in Plus Two with 50 per cent aggregate marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics . There is no minimum marks fixed for entrance test.


COMEDK does not conduct any entrance test for B.Arch. admission. They will admit students in the B.Arch. course based on NATA score. Applicants should have passed Plus Two examination with mathematics as one of the subjects. Applicants should have secured 50 per cent marks in aggregate in the qualifying examination. Three-year engineering diploma holders with minimum 50 per cent marks in aggregate will also be considered.


Detailed eligibility criteria can be collected from the web site www.comedk.org.


How to apply


Apply online through the web site www.comedk.org after obtaining a demand draft for Rs.800 (for medicine or engineering) and Rs.1,000 (for both courses) drawn in favour of COMEDK, payable at Bangalore. A print-out of the online application duly signed along with the demand draft and attested copies of relevant certificates should be sent to the Executive Secretary – COMEDK, 132, Second Floor, 11th Main, 17th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore , Karnataka- 560055 so as to reach the addressee on or before April 19.


Online application for B.Arch. course should be submitted from May 21 after obtaining a demand draft for Rs.500 drawn in favour of COMEDK payable at Bangalore. Last date for receipt of filled in applications


for B.Arch. course is June 21. Answer keys will be published on May 8, and the test score will


be announced on May 25. The final rank-list will be published on June 7.


Medical PG entrance


The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, will conduct an entrance test for admission to its medical postgraduate (MD/ MS/ M.Ch./ MDS/ MHA) and postdoctoral (DM/ M.Ch.) Ph.D. courses.


The entrance test for MD/ MS/ M.Ch. (6 years)/ MDS will be held on May 8 in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. The entrance exam for DM/ M.Ch./ MHA courses will be held on May 15 in Delhi, and the Ph.D. entrance test will be held on July 3 in Delhi.


The cost of application-cum-examination fee is Rs.1,000. For application form and prospectus by post, candidates should send a requisition letter along with a crossed bank draft for Rs.1,050 drawn in favour of the Accounts Officer (Exams), AIIMS-PG July 2011, payable at New Delhi to the Assistant Controller of Examination, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110608 so as to reach the addressee on or before April 11.


The cover should be superscribed with ‘Request for Application form for AIIMS- PG / Post Doctroal Courses, July 2011 session'. Online application can be submitted through www.aiimsexams.org, after reading instructions given in the prospectus, which is available on the same web site.


Online application facilities are provided up to April 15.


Last date for receipt of completed offline applications at the examination section of the AIIMS New Delhi is April 15. For more details visit www.aiimsexams.org.


Entrance test


The Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Meenakshi University), Chennai, has invited applications for a common entrance test to be held on May 28 at Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, New Delhi for admission to its MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. nursing and BPT courses for the academic year 2011-12.


The minimum eligibility for MBBS and BDS courses is a pass in higher secondary/ equivalent examination with at least 50 per cent aggregate marks in physics, chemistry and biology. For B.Sc. nursing, 45 per cent marks is enough in these subjects in the same examination. For BPT course, a pass in higher secondary examination with these subjects is sufficient. Download application form and other details from the web site www.maher.ac.in. Application fee for MBBS and BDS courses is Rs.1,000 and for B.Sc. nursing, BPT courses fee it is Rs.500. Last date for receipt of completed application is May 16.


JSS University


The JSS University has also invited applications for an entrance test (JSS- UGET- 2011) to be held on May 21 at Mysore, Bangalore, Chennai and Noida (UP) for admission to its MBBS courses offered at JSS Medical College, Mysore. Those who have passed Plus Two examination with at least 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and biology taken together are eligible to apply. The candidates in general category should also have secured not less than 50 per cent marks taken together in physics, chemistry and biology subjects in the entrance test in order to be considered for MBBS admission. Download application form and other details from the web site www.jssuni.edu.in. Last date for receipt of completed application is April 29.

Tackling Civil Services interview process

Now, if you have got through all the papers of the Civil Services Main examination well, you should be getting your interview call. The Interview for the civil services examination also known as the Personality Test is aimed at assessing the candidate's personality, whether he is suitable to be a competent administrator or not.


The candidate is tested not only for his/her intelligence but also for his/her overall personality development, his/her ability to take quick decisions and the ability to act under stress and handle crises.


Preparation for the Interview demands proper planning. Here are some points you would do well to keep in mind to succeed in the Interview:


1 Know yourself


2 Game of elimination


3. Ability to communicate is the key — verbal and non-verbal


4. Say what you want to say and not what you don't want to say: Choose the right words.


5. Direction of Interview: More often than not decided by you


6. Sell yourself: Why you, why not the others?


7. Know the organisation you want to join


8. Clarity of aim: Why IAS


9. Brief and to-the-point answers are better


10. It's okay to be nervous


11. If in doubt, seek clarification before answering a question


12. ‘Dare-to-bare' attitude for your Personality Test: Given the extremely short time (25-30 minutes) in which your personality is assessed, it is your responsibility to bring out your very best in front of the board. This should be done in a modest way and should not appear as if you are boasting.


The risk in baring yourself in front of the board is that you will also be exhibiting your weakness. So do it in a well-planned way.


13. Interview: Interview preparation does not require one to stuff oneself with facts, ability to analyse and to critically examine an issue is what actually counts. There may be facts you may not know and there is no harm in saying so to the Board, but you must be able to think laterally and analyse all dimensions of the topic under consideration. Speak honestly, truthfully and with modesty. Understand the questions before answering them and clarify the question if you do not understand it. Many a time your answer gets misinterpreted; do not hesitate in clarifying it. Framing your own questions and answering them (especially recording them on to a tape and listening to them) is a very useful technique. It is also extremely helpful in making a correct choice of words while answering a question.


14. The UPSC prospectus mentions that a board of competent and unbiased observers will assess the candidate's mental alertness; critical powers of assimilation; clear and logical exposition; balance of judgment and a sense of proposition; variety of depth of interest; ability for social cohesion (inter-personal relationship skills) and leadership; and humane attitude and due sensitivity towards people's suffering.


A delicate balance of traits


1. Self-confidence without any shade of arrogance or cockiness.


2. Warm personality without being excessive.


3. Smiling and pleasant without overdoing it.


4. Sincerity which reflects keenness and desire to learn.


5. Conviction and firm stand without being argumentative.


6. Willingness to admit mistakes without making a mess.


Avoid absolutely


1. Arrogance


2. Bad body language.


3. Casual attitude.


4. Any obnoxious loud distractions: Gaudy or jangling jewellery, outlandish watches, cell phones or any alarms set on your watch which may accidentally go off.


5. Picking up arguments with any board member.


6. Trying to score an ideological point.


7. Becoming cynical and critical of the government.


8. Criticising individuals, organisations or institutions condemning them when you are not fully aware of the facts


9. Excessive hand movement or body movement.


10.Fidgeting and leg-shaking.


11.Extreme viewpoints.


12.Making any sweeping statements


Must dos


1. Formal dressing — Men: Full sleeve shirt, formal trousers, black leather shoes, tie if you wish, empty pockets (no bulges or tinkling coins). Women: sari (avoid garish ones, preferably a light coloured one), minimal jewellery, light make-up if necessary, well-groomed hairstyle, clean, trimmed fingernails, no nail polish, minimal cologne or perfume, No rings other than wedding ring.


2. Positive attitude and faith in the system: No cynics wanted in IAS


3. Openness to ideas


4. Pleasant personality


5. Sit upright, do not slouch


6. Remain thoroughly professional throughout the interview: Keep your cool no matter what


7. Utmost regard for the Board and no bias against them, no matter what you have heard


8. Ability to analyse situations in all its entirety


9. Moderate views are essential


10. Even if you know the answer, pause to formulate your reply rather than blurting it out immediately. Remember you are not on a rapid fire round of a quiz show.


11. Be honest.


12. Non-verbal communication: Eye contact is probably the most important of all-non verbal communications.


If you look away while listening, it shows lack of interest and a short attention span. If you fail to maintain eye contact while speaking, it shows lack of confidence in what you are saying.


Do not just assume you have good eye contact. Ask others if you ever lack proper eye contact. If they respond that they did notice, ask if it was during speaking or listening. Some people maintain excellent eye contact while listening, but lose eye contact when speaking or vice-versa. Next, watch yourself on videotape. Sit down with a friend and practise until you are comfortable maintaining sincere, continuous eye contact.


Facial expressions: Many of us are totally unaware of the sullen, confused, expression plastered on our faces. Take a good, long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. Look at yourself as others would. Then modify your facial expressions. First eliminate negative overall characteristics that might exist, then add a simple feature that nearly every interviewee forgets to include — a smile! A true and genuine smile that shows that you are a happy person and delighted to be interviewed. You do not need to keep the smile plastered on for the full interview, but remember to keep coming back to it.


Posture: Posture shows your confidence level. Stand straight, walk straight, and sit straight. When standing, stand up straight. When you are seated, make sure you sit straight and do not slouch.


Gestures: Gestures should be kept to a minimum during the interview. Do not use artificial gesture. When you do use gestures, make sure they are natural and meaningful.


Common traps to avoid


1. The pause trap: Know to stop when your answer is over. Never try to fill the silence.


2. The stress trap


3. The ‘Heads I win and Tails You Loose' questions: “What is your biggest weakness?” Interviewers frequently ask candidates, “What are your weaknesses?” Conventional interview wisdom dictates that you highlight a weakness like “I'm a perfectionist,” and turn it into a positive. Interviewers are not impressed, because they have probably heard the same answer a hundred times. If you are asked this question, highlight a skill that you wish to improve upon and describe what you are doing to enhance your skill in this area. Interviewers don't care what your weaknesses are.


They want to see how you handle the question and what your answer indicates about you. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter.” Questions like “So much workload and no time for family isn't it an injustice to your family?” should be handled like, “I'm fully committed to performing my job well. My career is important to me, and I have a strong support system at home.”


What to do when ‘disaster' strikes


1. The chairman leaves in the middle of the interview.


2. You made a statement which to your horror you realize to be absolutely incorrect: Only plain simple honesty can only save you. Admit the error or mistake you have committed and leave it at that.


Finally remember


1. IAS exam is not the end of life if you could not succeed, but it would be a great beginning if you can.


2. After your best shot have faith in God. But do start preparing for the next round.


3. Be patient and maintain your pace. This examination is all about tenacity and perseverance. Work hard and do not lose heart. Your efforts are bound to succeed.

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is a common qualifying test for admission to research programmes in physics at more than 20 premier research institutions in India.

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is a common qualifying test for admission to research programmes in physics at more than 20 premier research institutions in India.


The JEST is conducted to shortlist candidates. A fine score in the test does not automatically entitle one to get a research fellowship.


Based on JEST result, each participating institute will call a limited number of candidates for its own selection procedure depending on its requirements. All selected candidates will receive research fellowships from the respective institutes. The participating institutes along with the subject areas of research available in each of them are listed below.


Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital


Areas of research: astronomy and astrophysics, and atmospheric physics.


Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai


Areas of research: physical and mathematical sciences, engineering


Harishchandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad


Areas of research: theoretical physics, astrophysics


Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam


Areas of research: materials science, condensed matter (experimental and theoretical), radiation damage and accelerator-based research, sensors and applications, science and technology of nanomaterials, computational materials science, reactor physics, radiation physics and atmospheric science.


Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore


Areas of research: astronomy and astrophysics, astronomical instrumentation, optics, and atomic physics.


Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore


Areas of research: condensed matter physics (experiments and theory), astronomy and astrophysics (theoretical), atomic and optical physics (experimental), biocrystallography and bio-informatics, and high energy physics (theoretical).


Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali


Areas of research: quantum theory, quantum information processing, NMR-methodology, optics, statistical mechanics, quantum thermodynamics, non-linear dynamics, string theory, ultrafast physics, and low temperature mesoscopic physics.


Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune


Areas of research: field theory, theoretical particle physics, condensed matter physics, non-linear dynamics, complex systems and networks, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, quantum information processing, radio astrophysics, atomic physics and quantum optics, energy studies, solar and plasma physics, nanosciences, scanning probe techniques, and semiconductor physics and devices.


Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram


Areas of research: experimental condensed matter: magnetic and superconducting materials, nanoscience and energy materials, photonics, soft condensed matter, semiconductor physics and devices, surface sciences and nano-scale plasmonics, terahertz and ultrafast spectroscopy; theory cosmology, classical and quantum gravity, gravitational wave physics, quantum information theory, quantum field theory, and statistical physics.


The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai


Areas of research: theoretical physics, and theoretical computer science.


Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar


Areas of research: condensed matter, nuclear and high energy physics and accelerator-based research.


Institute for Plasma Research, Gandhinagar


Areas of research: physics (experimental and theoretical)


Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune


Areas of research: physics, astronomy and astrophysics.


Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore


Areas of research: experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics, statistical mechanics, and materials science.


National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, TIFR, Pune


Areas of research: astronomy and astrophysics


National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar


Areas of research: theoretical high energy physics and lattice QCD, experimental high energy physics, condensed matter physics (theory and experiment), optics and metamaterials.


Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore


Areas of research: lasers and their applications, laser plasma interaction, cold atom physics, condensed matter physics (superconductivity and magnetism, crystals and thin films), nanomaterials and applications, non-linear and ultrafast optical studies, beam physics, and free electron laser.


Raman Research Institute, Bangalore


Areas of research: astronomy and astrophysics, light and matter physics, soft condensed matter physics (liquid crystals, physics in biology), and theoretical physics.


Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata


Areas of research: condensed matter physics (theory and experiments), nuclear physics (theory and experiments), high energy physics (theory and experiments), astroparticle physics, quantum gravity, string theory, mathematical physics, and materials science (surface science and plasma physics).


Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata


Areas of research: astrophysics and cosmology, chemical and biological physics, condensed matter physics and material science, high energy physics and quantum field theory, mathematical physics, nanosciences, quantum optics and quantum information, statistical physics, and complex systems.


UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Indore


Areas of research: surfaces, interfaces, thin films and nanomaterials, physics at low temperatures and high magnetic fields, X-ray, optical and electron spectroscopic studies using synchrotron and laboratory sources; electrical, magnetic and thermal properties of condensed matter; condensed matter studies using magnetic neutron diffraction, nuclear technique based condensed matter physics-positron annihilation spectroscopy, mossbauer spectroscopy, experimental nuclear physics, gamma ray spectroscopy of nuclear high spin states, and nuclear reactions.


Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata


Areas of research: accelerator physics, condensed matter physics and materials science, nuclear physics (experiments and theory), relativistic heavy ion collisions (experiments, theory, QCD and QGP), and physics of neutrinos (experiments).


Before applying for the common test for admission to all these institutes, it is desirable that you decide your areas of possible research. Then, you may go to the web sites of the institutes that offer research facilities in your areas of interest.


The eligibility criteria may be checked and confirmed beforehand, so that you make intelligent decisions on your further procedure.


A general picture of eligibility is given below for general guidance. But specific details may be ascertained before registration.


Eligibility for Ph.D.


Physics: M.Sc. degree in physics or M.Sc. / ME/ M.Tech. in related disciplines.


Candidates with M.Sc. degree in mathematics/ applied physics/ applied mathematics/ optics and photonics/ instrumentation/ electronics will also be considered at IIA.


Graduates with a BE or B.Tech. will also be considered at IISc., IMSc., IUCAA, JNCASR, NCRA-TIFR RRI, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, and SNBNCBS.


Talented final year B.Sc. and first year M.Sc. (in physics / electronics / astronomy / applied mathematics) students may also apply to be pre-selected for research scholarship at IUCAA. At IPR, candidates should have a Master's degree in physics, engineering physics or applied physics.


Theoretical computer science: M.Sc./ ME/ M.Tech. / MCA degree in computer science and related disciplines and should be interested in the mathematical aspects of computer science. Visit web site of IMSc. for further details.


Integrated course


At HRI, IISER-Pune, SNBNCBS, and NCRA-TIFR candidates with a Bachelor's degree will also be considered for the integrated M.Sc., Ph.D. programme in physics.


At IMSc, graduates with Bachelor's degree in science/ mathematics/ /statistics /computer science/information technology/ engineering will also be considered for admission in physics and in theoretical computer science, as part of an integrated Ph.D. programme.


All candidates successful in the course work of this programme shall be awarded an M.Sc. degree.


At SNBNCBS, graduates with B.Sc. (physics) / BE / B.Tech. degree will be considered for the integrated post B.Sc.-Ph.D. programme in subject areas mentioned above.At IIA, graduates with B.Sc. degree (physics / mathematics) / BE / B.Tech. in electrical / instrumentation / engineering physics / electronics and communications / computer science and engineering / optics and photonics will be considered.Graduates with M.Sc. degree (physics/ applied physics) / post-B.Sc. (Hons) in optics and optoelectronics / radio physics and electronics / BE / B.Tech. degree in subjects mentioned above will be considered. Visit IIA web site for details.


Notification will be issued each year inviting applications for appearing in JEST. The test is usually held in more than thirty centres distributes throughout the country.


There will be facility for online application as well as for filing hard copy after getting the forms by post from the institute in charge of conducting the test in the concerned year.


Normally applications would be invited in December, and the test held in February each year. There could be changes in schedules. You have to be in the look-out for notifications.

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) at Thiruvananthapuram (CET- Campus, Sreekariyam), Pune, Bhopal, Mohali and Kolkata have invited applications for admission to the five-year BS-MS dual degree programmes for the academic session 2011-12.

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) at Thiruvananthapuram (CET- Campus, Sreekariyam), Pune, Bhopal, Mohali and Kolkata have invited applications for admission to the five-year BS-MS dual degree programmes for the academic session 2011-12.


BS- MS courses are offered in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics on an interdisciplinary basis. The institutes are designed to have residential campuses with state of the art research and teaching laboratories, modern hostels and recreational facilities. It is the most suitable programmes for the meritorious Plus Two students in science subjects having aptitude in research.


In the five year BS- MS course, the first two years will have core courses in basic sciences. The third and fourth year will be dedicated to specialisation in the chosen science subjects. The fifth year will focus on the research project. The students are trained to join


research and development institutions, academia and science-based industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, materials and polymer industries.


Students who have obtained at least 60 per cent marks in Class XII / Plus Two examination in science subjects and have secure rank in IIT-JEE 2011 or those who have qualified in Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) or students who have passed 2th standard in 2010/2011 in science stream with high marks or grade are eligible to apply.


Detailed eligibility criteria can be had from the web site www.iiser-admissions.in. Applications are to be submitted online at www.iiser-admissions.in as per guidelines given on the web site. The application fee is Rs.500. Students who have qualified in the KVPY can submit online application from March 21 to June 23. Those who qualify in IIT-JEE 2011 may submit online application from June 9 to June 23. State/ Central Board Plus Two student can apply from June 15 to July 8 and they may undergo aptitude test on July 16.