ISEET

     For an engineering aspirant, the number of entrance tests like IIT JEE, AIEE and scores of state level entrance exams, take a definite toll on their mental health.

     Thankfully, the HRD Ministry has proposed a single, national level entrance exam called Indian Science Engineering Eligibility Test (ISEET) to replace the IIT and AIEEE from 2013 onwards.

     Just as NEET is the national exam for medical aspirants, ISEET is for entrance to the engineering colleges. This new SAT style exam comes into effect from 2013. It is expected to be held either in March or April.

    It will have 2 parts — Main and Advance of three hours each. The Main will be objective to test comprehension, critical thinking and logical reasoning. Advance will test problem solving ability in physics, chemistry and math.   Around 40% weightage will be given to the 12^th board results. The score of ISEET will be used as a measure for entrance to all IITs, NITs, IISc and Technical Universities offering science or engineering courses in the country. Around 15 lakh students will appear for this exam.

      Though it is argued by some that there will be difficulties faced by students who are in the state board, it is high time the government came up with a logical solution to the education system that bogs down students in India. India has the brains and a huge student community but the education system need a major facelift in order to tap this growing, talented student sector.

BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

What is BMAT

The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a 2 hour pen and paper test consisting of 3 separate sections. The BMAT does not require a great amount of extra study as it relies on skills and knowledge that candidates should already have.

The test has 3 sections:

Section 1: Aptitude and Skills

Section 2: Scientific Knowledge and Application

Section 3: Writing Task

The BMAT has a dedicated website (www.bmat.org.uk). This provides further information about the test, administration, guidance for centres and candidates alike, as well as specimen test materials for practice purposes.

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine

NTU and Imperial College London announce admissions requirements for the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, a partnership between NTU and Imperial College London. Their goal is to  train a generation of doctors who will put patients at the centre of their exemplary medical care. Graduates of the five-year undergraduate medical degree programme beginning in 2013 will have a strong understanding of the scientific basis of medicine, along with interdisciplinary subjects including business management and technology.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Imperial College London today announced the admissions requirements for the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. The new school will enrol its first 50 students in August 2013.

The admission will be stringent based  requirements which include the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) as well as a series of Multiple Mini Interviews. Prospective students will also need the highest grades in their pre-university qualifications, which may include ‘A’ Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the NUS High School Diploma, the Polytechnic Diploma or other equivalent international qualifications.

According to Professor Stephen Smith, the founding dean of the  Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine ,they are looking for students who are not only academically brilliant  but also students who are caring and compassionate, and are committed to pursue medicine as a long-term career in the context of Singapore’s ageing population. Other than exceptionally good pre university results and a good BMAT score, there will be a series of mini interviews  which are designed to assess whether students have the skills required to successfully complete the joint Imperial-NTU MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) programme.

Students wishing to apply for a place at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in 2013 will need to sit for the BMAT on Wednesday 7 November 2012.

All applications to the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine must be submitted online between December and April via the NTU application portal at: 
http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/UndergraduateAdmissions/Pages/ApplytoNTU.aspx. 

Application Process
 Applications must include the following information:

• Academic results
• Personal statement
• Co-curricular accomplishments
• Official testimonial from school
• 2 Reference letters
• Any other supporting documents

Polytechnic education in Singapore

Polytechnics are institutes of  higher learning . They provide a more industry-oriented education as an alternative to junior colleges for post-secondary studies. Polytechnic offer students a holistic learning experience which emphasize balanced and broad-based education. It offers a wide range of courses in various fields, including engineering, business studies, accountancy, tourism and hospitality management, mass communications, digital media and biotechnology. There are also specialised courses such as marine engineering, nautical studies, nursing, and optometry..To ensure that its course and students are in tune with current market developments, Polytechnics maintain close industry links and devote expertise and resources to assist the development of local enterprises. The changes brought about by technological advancements and global competition have made  it imperative that organisations remain nimble and adaptable to stay ahead of competition.The trend in the tertiary education sector has been to move away from specialised curriculum towards more holistic education, where learning is not just economics-driven, but also for the continuous nurturing of the student in toto. In response to this need, Polytechnics have  introduced students to broad-based learning, where they are stretched to be more versatile and competitive so that when they graduate , they are  ready to face the future confidently.. Most of the Poly students get to go overseas for their internships , while others venture abroad for study trips , having a chance to experience a whole new culture. 

Article courtesy: Advik  Patnaik

Voice artist

Ever watched a Hollywood movie in your native language? Wondered how Tom Cruise speaks fluent hindi?Thanks to a special group of talented artists, we can watch any international film in our language.With the rise in TV serials and audience interest in programmes of their regional language, there has been a great demand for Voice over artists. A voice over artist lends his voice to complement the visuals on screen. Voice acting is the art of giving voice to animated characters, video games,  radio  TV commercials, audio dramas, puppet shows etc. Films and TV programmes produced in a particular language quickly get released all over the country with voice over’s in the regional  language capturing the target audience. This has ensured the TRPs keep zooming up. Many Hollywood films are also dubbed in the local language to cater to a wider viewership.

The most important qualities required to be a successful dubbing artist is command over the language and versitality  to understand the lines and the feelings  of the script and match your lip sync, tone and pauses to synchronise with the tone and gestures of the artist in the original track. It is important to have a clear diction, ability to modulate the voice according to the character, clarity of voice  and perfect dialogue delivery.

There are a number of colleges offering diploma courses for  voice over artists after +12, but the main qualification would be a students’ command over the language and perfect diction with a strong voice.Short term courses are conducted by many media houses and institutions.

As for a career in this field,openings are plenty. A  voice artist can work  in serial / film dubbings,  animation,  documentaries, video and radio programs, jingles, phone software, commercials, audio dramas, amusement rides, dubbed foreign  language films etc.The salary is good once you become a popular artist.It also depends on the length and popularity of the program.

Linguist

Linguistics is the study of language which identifies the common element connecting the languages and draws its relevance from archaeology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, sociology, English, computer science and many other subjects. In this course, you will learn about formation and use of languages as well as develop skills in analyzing, critical reading, formation of words and  phonetics. A Linguist is an expert in origin, evolution, development of various languages. They research to find out the latest developments in different languages and provide vital inputs for further development.

An analytical mind with a flair for writing and an interest in the origin of languages , speech, sound is essential.

For acquiring a Bachelor degree in Linguistics, one needs to pass the Higher Secondary or 10 + 2 examination with humanities as one of the main disciplines. B.A in Literature also helps. For acquiring a post graduation degree in the subject, a graduation in Linguistics is a must. A linguist can work as a speech trainer in a call centre, in hospitals as a speech therapist, as a journalist, in advertising agencies, writing software programs for teaching, for deciphering rare dialects, work in online dictionaries etc.

One can do BA(Hons), M.A, Post M.A., Diploma in Linguistics or Advanced Diploma in Applied Linguistics

 

Student Pass For studying in Singapore

           All foreigners, other than Immigration Exemption Order holders, are required to apply for a Student’s Pass if he/she wishes to pursue full-time studies in an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore.

1. The application has to be submitted atleast one month  and not more than 2 months prior to the course.
2. It has to be submitted through SOLAR( Student Pass Online Application and Registration) system
3. The IHL must first register the student through SOLAR.
4. The student must then log into SOLAR and submit eForm16.
5.   Before logging in to SOLAR the following documents are required:

--A registration acknowledgement notice with the login information provided by the IHL;

--Valid Travel document/passport details

--NRIC/FIN of parents if the student’s parents are Singaporeans or foreigners who are working or residing in Singapore;

--Singapore’s address and contact details (if not available, please provide the school’s registered address)

--Applicant’s email address.

--One recent passport-sized colour photograph (to be pasted on the top-right corner of eForm 16) and should be in colour, must be taken against a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish.


Finally take the printed copy of eForm16 to the Student Pass Unit of the ICA.

--The processing time is around 5 working days if  the students has a visa and 10 days if a visa is required.

NOTE: Since July and August are peak periods,it is advisable for the student to submit his application earlier than this time.

Processing fee:$30 which is non-refundable

Issuance fee: $60

Multiple entry visa fee: $30

Students are required to furnish the following documents for completion of formalities:

• The student’s valid passport. A copy of the passport particulars page must be submitted;
• The Disembarkation/Embarkation card of the student, granted on entry into Singapore. If the student is currently residing in Singapore on other long term passes, he/she is required to bring along that pass;
• One recent colour passport-sized photograph (taken on white background);
• The printout of eForm 16 submitted through SOLAR (duly signed by the applicant);
• A copy of the in-principle approval letter; and
• A medical report in the prescribed format (available on ICA’s website).

Dependant Pass Holders Applying to Study in IHL:

--DP holders must apply for student pass through SOLAR

--If the duration of the course is shorter than the duration of the DP,the the student can write to the ICA about his intention(letter of intention) of studying in the IHL.

--Submit copy of eForm16,travel documents and letter of intention at the student pass unit of the ICA. 

WHAT IS SOLAR?  

With effect from 2 January 2003, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority has introduced the on-line

submission of Student's Pass applications via the SOLAR system to foreigners who are applying for Student's Passes to pursue courses offered by the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) in Singapore. These IHLs include the Local polytechnics and universities, as well as, foreign universities with offshore campuses in Singapore.