Can I work in ISRO?

Q.I’m in my final year of BTech. I am very keen to work with ISRO. Am I eligible with my present qualifications? — Geeta Prakash

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A.Every year, ISRO recruits scientists/engineers and offers them challenging opportunities to develop innovative technologies and establish advanced infrastructure to explore space and beyond.

You haven’t specified the branch of engineering you are pursuing, but the eligibility requirement is BE/ BTech or equivalent (1st Div. with min 65%) in Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science. Those in the final year of engineering are also eligible to apply. So do log onto: www.isro.gov.in to register your application on-line once the notification appears. Incidentally, women candidates/SC/ ST; Ex-servicemen [EX] & PWD are exempted from paying the Rs fee.

The ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) conducts a written test across 10 cities This year, the test was held in October, so watch out for the notification accordingly next year.

Based on performance in the Test, candidates are short-listed for Interview.

Upon selection, you’ll be appointed as a Scientist / Engineer 'SC' (gross emoluments: add up to approx. Rs 45,000/-p.m. plus HRA and Transport Allowance as applicable). Other facilities include: medical expenses for self and dependents, subsidised canteen, LTA, Group Insurance, advances for purchase of conveyance, construction of house, etc. as per Central Government rules.

Additional courses in pure maths

Q.I am studying BSc Statistics (Hon). I love the subject and would love to pursue this subject further and become a lecturer in mathematics/statistics ultimately. However, I would like to do some additional course or workshop that will enhance my skills in pure mathematics. — Umang Upreti

A.Among others, I suggest you look at the MTTS summer programme that’s specially designed to provide students with a global perspective on Mathematics. Conducted by the National Board of Higher Mathematics, the programme equips participants to work independently and acquire a high level of confidence to learn/understand mathematics.

The four-week MTTS programme that’s held in May-June every year is essentially based on two criteria:

• a consistent academic record and
• recommendation letter from your teacher (highlighting specifics).

Applications for MTTS 2016 will be accepted from January 1, 2016 so make sure you apply on time.

Check your name on the list of selected candidates on the MTTS Homepage by the second week of March. Absolutely no fee is charged from the students. In fact, your travel expenses will be reimbursed and you’ll be provided free boarding and lodging during the programme at host institution’s hostel (separate hostels for boys and girls).

While this isn’t meant to be a job-training programme, the knowledge and skills you’ll acquire in the course of the programme, if sustained and cultivated, will help you achieve better goals in your academic career.

And particularly for someone like you who wishes to go into teaching as a profession, it will enable you to impart knowledge of maths in a more interactive manner that will in turn, motivate your students for further study. Since you haven’t mentioned which year of BSc you’re pursuing, I’m listing the eligibility requirements for participating in each of the 3 levels of the programme.

Level O: 2nd year undergraduate students with Maths as a subject.

Level I: Final year undergraduate students with Maths as a subject.

Level II: 1st year postgraduate students with Maths as a subject OR Participants of the previous year’s Level I Programme.

Admission eligibility

Q.We are moving to Jalandhar from Doha. Can a student from a school affiliated to a Board outside India seek admission to a CBSE-affiliated School in India? — Yamini Handa

A.Yes. As per Rule 6.2 of the Examination Bye-Laws of the CBSE Board, a student migrating from a school in a foreign country, other than a school affiliated to the CBSE Board, is eligible for admission after obtaining an eligibility certificate from this Board. To obtain an eligibility certificate from the Board, the Principal of the School to which admission is being sought must submit full details of the case along with the relevant documents and his own remarks / recommendations to the CBSE Board. CBSE will issue the Eligibility Certificate only after it is satisfied that the course of study undertaken and exam passed is equivalent to the corresponding CBSE class. The foreign qualifications are listed on CBSE website www.cbse.nic.in

How can I improve in physics?

Q.I’m a Class XII (PCM) student. I'm finding physics tough in parts. Will solving the NCERT questions and CBSE sample papers suffice to score good marks in the subject? Are marks deducted for poor handwriting (mine is terrible). — Tripti

A.The question papers for the Board exam are based on the syllabus prescribed by NCERT. So, do make sure you study the NCERT book thoroughly. The sample question papers are available on the CBSE website. Do check them out as well as the previous years' question papers and marking schemes given on the Board’s website.

As for your second question, no marks are deducted for handwriting. However, be careful to write your answers clearly so that they can be read easily by the examiner. Neatness and legibility are important.

No speed rate is prescribed though. Allocate time and plan your answers while reading the question paper in the beginning.