Get spiffy for DU Law

Q: I want to enrol in a law course at Delhi University (DU). When is the entrance exam conducted and how can I prepare for the exam? When should I start looking in the newspaper for the DU law faculty’s advertisement?
Kanishk Munshi

A: The notification for both the LLB and LLM courses offered by the faculty of law, Delhi University, typically appears in April and the entrance exam is typically held in the second week of June.

The entrance test comprises objective-type questions on analytical reasoning, general awareness and legal aptitude, besides general knowledge of law, current events of national and international importance with special reference to law, general sciences, Indian history, geography, Indian polity and economy.

For starters, pick up a copy of Universal’s Law Entrance Guide. It will give you enough practice. It would also help if you read the newspaper daily. Also glance through your science, history, geography, civics and economics schoolbooks.

Be prepared to answer questions such as: 1) Which of the following is not connected with Article 226 of the Indian Constitution? a) Mandamus, b) Locus Standi,
c) Habeas Corpus and d) Prohibition. Or,
2) Who is the law advisor to the central government? a) advocate general, b) attorney general, c) solicitor general and d) Chief Justice.
The cut-off mark hovers at around 345 in the first list and at around 343 in the second list. The usual reservations and quotas apply.

The application deadline is usually in the third week of May. For further information, contact the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, Chhatra Marg (North Campus), University of Delhi, New Delhi-110007. You can also contact the university at 011-27667725 or e-mail lawfaculty@ vsnl.net.in (website: www.du.ac.in).

Designing the assembly line

Q: I wanted to do BTech (computer science) but I had no option other than to opt for industrial production engineering (IPE). If I fail to change branches after the first year, will I get a job in IPE?
Avik Mahajan

A: Production engineering is an offshoot of mechanical engineering that involves designing and operating equipment, systems and processes involved in the production of goods to achieve optimal productivity. Specialisations in this field include applied thermodynamics, machine design, fluid mechanics, machine tool design and industrial engineering.

Employment opportunities exist in almost all industries. Industries that employ mechanical engineers also take in production engineers. Multinational companies are increasingly doing more product engineering work — from IT to automobile design — in India.

A part-time boost to make you a nutrition expert

Q: I have a BSc (home science) and I’m doing an MSc (biochemistry). Please advise me on part-time courses.
Neha Bajoria

A:It appears from your question that you apprehend that an MSc in biochemistry may not lead to a good job.

As regards pursuing a part-time course simultaneously, you should be aware that the universe of part-time courses is indeed very wide — ranging from languages to computers to fashion to engineering and IT!

The important thing, therefore, is to select a course that builds on your existing academic knowledge or some other personal strengths.

You can consider building on your background in home science since opportunities are available in hospitals, healthcare, hotels, fitness centres, industrial canteens, airlines
and the processed food industry.

Working in a health programme or non governmental organisation as an extension worker to educate young mothers or villagers in dietary value could be yet another option. Sports nutrition is yet another area you could look at.

All told, India’s rapidly developing food processing industry, spurred by the popularity of pre-packaged foods, export potential and the entry of international
giants, offers ample opportunities for qualified nutritionists, quality control managers and dietitians.

Your work, particularly in a clinical setting, will involve a lot of cajoling and convincing. Customary eating habits acquired over a lifetime are hard to change. Careful monitoring is also required in handling the critically ill and those with complex problems.

Besides working in a hospital or private clinic, you could work in a gym or health club or specialise as a sports nutritionist. Airlines and hotels also hire nutritionists. You could also consider setting up your own practice once you have gained a reputation.

However, it is not very clear from your query whether you are considering a part-time course so that you can switch to a completely different field. It is difficult to provide you information on specific courses unless you shortlist some fields.