SCRA exam schedule
Pervin Malhotra
Q. I am a student of BSc first year. I would like to know when the next SCRA exam will be held. Has the notification already appeared? — vishal kataria
A. For all those waiting to appear in the Special Class Railway Apprentice Examination (SCRA) 2016 – 2017 Exam to make their career as an engineer in the Indian Railways, no notification for online application form, or exam date has been released. Neither is it listed in the UPSC Calendar of Exams for 2016. From what I gather, the UPSC decided (on September 28, 2015) to scrap the SCRA Exam — one of the oldest competitive exams in India for selecting students from all over the country for admission to the undergraduate programme in Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), Jabalpur.
Since the UPSC anyway conducts the Indian Engineering Services Exam every year, it they apparently felt that it made more sense to select candidates for the various posts in the railways on the basis of this exam instead of through a separate SCRA exam, albeit at the undergrad level.
Nonetheless, the IRIMEE Jabalpur, will continue to function as a centralised college for training mechanical engineers and other officers of the Indian Railways.
Besides the Engineering Service Exam, the UPSC also conducts various other exams e.g. the Indian Railway Services in Electrical Engineering, Indian Railways Services in Engineers, Indian Railways Services in Signal Engineering and Indian Railways Services in Stores among others, for various posts across the country.
Is it time for a switch?
Q.After completing my BTech, I have been working in tech support in an IT company. For some reason I’m not happy and feel like changing my job and moving to advertising. But I’m not sure whether it’s a good idea to do so at this point. Please guide. — guncha bhat
A.There area number of reasons because of which people switch jobs — better opportunities, better pay, better work environment, boredom or lack of challenge… the list is endless. So what is it that is prompting you to make this switch? Whatever be the reason/s, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the industry and what it takes, before you decide to take the final decision to switch over.
For some reason, the grass always looks greener on the other side! But remember, not everything is a bed of roses. Along with the plusses, even your new career option would come with certain disadvantages.
And gone are the times where companies (advertising included) offered job security. That’s a thing of the past.
So do weigh all the consequences of your decision carefully. You might even want to get some advice from a professional career counsellor or someone from the field you are looking at moving into. Changing careers is risky but once you’ve made the decision, give it your best shot.
Law after engineering
Q. I am a production engineer from a reputed engineering college. But after working in the industry for a while, I’ve realised that my real interest actually lies in practicing law. More so, if it has something to do with science and technology. How should I proceed? — ishika badola
A.While a wide array of diploma as well as certificate programmes are offered in Intellectual Property (IP) Law, as well as cyber law and cyber forensics, albeit by reputed institutes such NLSIU, Bangalore, NALSAR, Hyderabad, NLU, Jodhpur, Indian Law institute, Delhi etc, I would suggest you consider IIT-Kharagpur’s Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law which offers the first of its kind, LLB (Hons) in Intellectual Property Law.
The eligibility criterion for the three-year programme which is also recognised by the Bar Council of India, is a 1st class BE / BTech / MBBS / MSc / MPharm / MBA (with Science / Engineering background); min 60%.
Selection to this programme is based on an Admission Test: April 16 & 17, 2016.
The Application Deadline is March 21, 2016. Details: www.rgsoipl.iitkgp.ernet.in
Since this is a full-fledged LLB degree programme, it will qualify you to practice in the court right away.
Of course, a regular LLB degree from a recognised law school will hold you in good stead. However, if you’ll have to subsequently work in a law firm that specializes in Cyber/IP law to learn the ropes.
There’s a growing demand for trained (legal and technical) intellectual property law, Patent and well as cyber law experts in industry, research and development organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations, so you’re on a good wicket.
Can I get extra attempts for CS exam?
Q. I am a physically handicapped student (hearing impaired) from Amritsar. I am very keen to take the Civil Services Exam, but I have a few doubts. Is it possible to choose an optional subject that I have not studied at the bachelor’s level? I have done my graduation in history via distance learning. Will that be a problem? And lastly, please tell me if I can get extra attempts for taking the CS? — madhvi upreti
A.As far as choosing your optional subject is concerned, you’re absolutely free to choose any from the long list of subjects that are offered. But having said that, it makes sense to opt for one that you can handle easily — instead of something that you’ve heard is more “scoring”.
As long as you’ve graduated from a recognised university and possess the academic qualifications prescribed for the exam, you should have no problem in being eligible for taking the exam.
And, to answer your last question, I’m afraid no extra attempts are permitted beyond the fourth, except for physically handicapped candidates who belong to the SC, ST and OBC categories who are eligible for relaxation in the number of attempts.
And now that your doubts are allayed, just focus on your preparation — systematically and in dead earnest and give it your best shot. Remember, fortune always favours the brave..!
Email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com
