I am interested in designing and producing electronic gadgets such as smartphones, computers, quadcopters etc. Which course should I take up?
I would advise you to take the science stream till std XII and then pursue your Engineering degree in electronics. You may also explore areas such as instrumentation or telecommunication at the engineering level. You must appear for JEE in order to qualify for a seat in IIT or NIT and such institutions of excellence for engineering degree. You may subsequently consider a masters level course in product design or industrial design in institutions such as NID Ahmedabad, MIT- Pune to name a few options.
I'm a second year student of BSc in physics. I'm interested in research. Which university would be a better option - IIT, IISc or central universities like JNU, UoH, etc for MSc & PhD in Physics?
Since you are interested in Physics, you may also apply to BARC, TIFR, HBCSE, ISRO, IISER, IIST and such institutions of excellence also. The above mentioned institutions have excellent facilities for research in Physics and allied areas and also provide scholarships and free ships for deserving students based on merit. In most of the above cases, you can also be assured of employment after successful completion of your PhD. As the competition is tough due to the limited number of seats, you may apply to other central universities also to ensure you can continue your studies without a break.
Professor RSS Mani is an eminent career counsellor and currently VP, Institutional Development at ITM Group of Institutions. Write to him at queries.edex@ newindianexpress.com