My granddaughter is in Class 11 and to wants to do Aeronautical Engineering. Which are the good institutes for this and how should she prepare? Kumar

Dear Kumar,

Aeronautical Engineering requires a strong foundation in Physics and Maths. Top institutes include IITs in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kanpur; IIST, Thiruvananthapuram; PEC Chandigarh; MIT, Manipal; and Amrita University, Coimbatore. For studies abroad, leading destinations include MIT and Stanford University in the U.S., Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and TUM in Germany.

Most leading colleges require JEE Advanced so specialised coaching can be helpful. Alongside, she can explore the practical side of aviation through Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane. Building and flying model aircraft offers hands-on experience while learning Python or MATLAB is useful because modern aeronautics relies heavily on computer simulations.

I am doing my Bachelor’s English Language and Literature and am interested in literary and film criticism. How can I pursue this as a career? Anagha

Dear Anagha,

Build a strong digital portfolio by publishing regularly on platforms like Substack or Medium. Aim for one substantial essay a month that moves beyond reviews into criticism, connecting books or films to broader social, historical, or artistic ideas. Most universities have literary journals or film clubs. Taking on an editorial role will help you understand how writing is shaped and refined.

Literary and film criticism require different skill sets. For literary criticism, move beyond plot summaries and learn concepts such as Formalism (how a text is constructed) and Intertextuality (how texts relate to one another). Read contemporary critics to see how scholarly insight can be combined with accessible writing. For film criticism, learn the language of cinema. Develop an understanding of mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound design and major critical frameworks.

If your goal is to write for academic journals or teach, a Master’s degree or Ph.D. is often necessary. Consider programmes in Film and Screen Studies or Comparative Literature. Explore institutions such as JNU, EFLU and FTII. Fellowships and exchange programmes also support research in arts criticism.

For a stable income initially, consider complementary careers in publishing, editorial work, script consultancy, film festival programming or cultural organisations. Networking is essential. Once you have a solid body of work, apply to organisations such as the Film Critics Guild (India) or FIPRESCI. Platforms like Letterboxd and Goodreads can also help connect with fellow critics and professionals.

I am in Class 11 and want to be a commercial pilot. What steps I should take? Manoj

Dear Manoj,

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requires students to have studied Physics and Maths in Class 12. Most flying academies and cadet programmes expect at least 50-55% in English, Physics and Maths. Before investing in training, ensure you are medically fit to fly. Obtain certification from a DGCA-authorised medical examiner. This includes blood tests, an ECG and eye examinations. Your vision must be 6/6, and colour blindness is a disqualifier.

There are two main routes to a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). The first is through a conventional flying school, where training takes about 1.5 to 3 years and costs roughly ₹45-65 lakh. Students must complete 200 flying hours before applying to airlines. The second route is through an Airline Cadet Programme, where candidates are selected by an airline before training. These programmes are structured, usually last 18 to 24 months, and cost approximately ₹80 lakh to ₹1.1 crores. Leading training institutes in India include IGRUA (Fursatganj), CAE Gondia (NFTI), The Bombay Flying Club, and Dunes Aviation Academy.

Focus on scoring well in Physics and Maths. If possible, visit a flying school and complete your Class 2 Medical to confirm eligibility. In Class 12, apply for your Computer Number on the DGCA Pariksha portal. After board exams, clear the DGCA ground subjects to save time and money during flight training.

I have an ECE degree and have worked in IT. Lately I have become interested in Psychology. Is there any way I can become a clinical psychologist? Hridhaya

Dear Hridhaya,

In India, becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist is regulated by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and requires specific clinical training and licensing. Doing an M.A. in Clinical Psychology does not legally qualify. To work in hospitals or run a clinic, you need RCI registration.

Most Clinical Psychology programmes require a psychology background. You will need to complete a Master’s degree in Psychology first. Some universities, however, admit students from non-psychology disciplines through entrance examinations. Your background in ECE and IT can actually be a strength in emerging areas such as Computational Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Neuroengineering and Data Science in Mental Health.

You could also consider becoming a Counselling Psychologist. With an M.A./M.Sc. and relevant training, counsellors typically work with everyday life challenges and emotional well-being rather than severe clinical disorders.