Career: Career Guidence

Showing posts with label Career Guidence. Show all posts

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Networking- Courses, Institutes and Job opportunities - Cisco Certified Network Associate

The best course for network professionals is CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) which gives you in depth knowledge in - Components of WAN, Functions of WAN components. OSI layers, TCP/IP-Addressing & Subnetting, Cisco Hierarchical Model.
Interfaces & components. Modes and basic commands, Navigation commands. IOS:Routing concepts, Standard Access List, Extended Access List, Switching, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), VLAN & VTP, WAN Protocols, Leased line, circuit & Pocket switching, PPP & HDLC, Authentication protocols PAP & CHAP, ISDN & Leased Line, Concepts of Frame Relay and Password Recovery. Several institutes in Hyderabad provide training for this course.
For more information visit www.sourceone-it.net
Also you can explore to do some basic courses for a start like Hardware & Networking - Assembling & troubleshooting PC components. This is a 6 days course with theory and practical. Ethical Hacking - One week course with theory and practical. These courses are offered by ZOOM TECHNOLOGIES, Hyderabad. They also offer training for CCNA.
For details visit www.zoomgroup.com
You can also join any of the courses offered by several universities like
Kalasalingam University, Tamil Nadu offers M.Tech in Network Engineering and Information Assurance and Security. The eligibility criterion for Network Engineering is BE/ B.Tech in EEE/ ECE/ EI/ IC/ IT/ CSE or Electronics. For Information Assurance and Security, it is BE/ B.Tech in EEE/ ECE/ EI/ IC/ IT/ CSE/ Electronics or MCA. The admission is based on performance at entrance examination conducted by the university.
For details, log on to www.kalasalingam.ac.in

R.V College of Engineering, Bangalore, affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University offers M.Tech in Computer Networking. The admission is based on performance at entrance examination.
For details, log on to www.rvce.ac.in

Devi Ahalya Vishwa Vidyalaya, School of Computer Science and Information Technology, Indore, offers M.Tech Computer Science with Network Management and Information Security as a specialisation. The eligibility criterion is GATE in CSE/ECE with four years BE/ B.Tech (CSE/ IT/ Computer related subjects)/ MCA/ M.Sc (CS/ IT) with minimum 55 per cent marks. For non-GATE candidates the admission is through written test and interview.
For details, log on to http://www.dauniv.ac.in

Career in Architecture : NATA-Gateway to Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree…

Introduction:
NATA: National Aptitude Test in Architecture is an entrance examination conducted for admission to first year of 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree course for all architectural institutions in the country, including NITs, IITs, Government Institutions, Government-aided Institutions, Universities, Deemed Universities and Private Universities, established by a Central or State Legislature and other private institutions

(NATA) measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability, that have been acquired over a long period of time, and that are related to specific field of study, i.e. Architecture.

Eligibility:

10+2 or equivalent from a recognized Board/University with Mathematics as a subject of examination with the least 50% aggregate marks.
10+3 Diploma(any stream) recognized by Central/State Governments with 50% aggregate marks

TEST STRUCTURE:
NATA is offered as a paper based + computer based test. It’s a Drawing test PAPER BASED TEST

No. of Questions: 3 Questions
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Marks: 100 marks

ONLINE EXAM
No. of Questions: 40 Questions
Duration: Each Question 60 seconds

FOR SYLLABUS Click here

TEST CENTERS:
NATA is offered over major part of admission season at designated Test Centers located at colleges / schools of architecture in India. Updated list of Test centers is available at the
www.nata.in

TEST DATES
NATA runs continuously from 1st January till 30th September, usually on working days. The dates on which NATA is available depends on the Test Centre. Candidates may request Test Centres for the preferred dates. If the candidate is available for NATA only on a particular date (or range of dates) that a particular Test Centre is not able to give, the candidate may register at any other Test Centre throughout India that is able to administer NATA on that date / time. TEST CENTRE LOCATION HAS NO BEARING ON CHOICE OF ADMISSION AND APPEARING AT A PARTICULAR CENTER FOR THE TEST DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE CANDIDATE COULD BE GIVEN ANY PRIORITY FOR ADMISSION TO THAT INSTITUTE. The logical last date for giving NATA for candidates seeking admission this year itself would be 5 days before the last date for submitting application for admission under a particular Admission Authority. This varies from authority to authority.

HOW TO APPROACH FOR ADMISSION:
NATA is just an Aptitude Test. On receiving the Score Card, the candidate will have to contact various admission authorities with NATA Score Card and other details (as prescribed by the respective Admission Authorities). Admission in India lies with the State (usually under Directorate of Technical Education for that state). Usually around summer, Admission Authorities will bring out admission notices in National & Regional newspapers. The candidate may contact schools of architecture directly for information as to when the admission process is scheduled to begin.

Who Accepts It?
All schools / colleges of Architecture, Government aided, University Departments, private unaided, including colleges affiliated to self-financed Deemed Universities and Private Universities, or any department of Architecture within a college, requires that its applicants take the NATA.

Test Fees: Rs.800

HOW TO APPLY:
The test fees are to be paid by Demand draft/ banker’s cheque drawn in favour of ‘Council of Architecture’, payable at New Delhi. Candidate has to carry filled registration form, support documents & D/D to the Test center for Registration & appointment.

The NATA 2010 Pre-Registration form is available for download at website:
www.nata.in
Or
Visit test Center and Fill up and submit the form,Pay the fees,Get the online registration form filled,andGet receipt cum appointment voucher with date and time from the Test Center.

Documents required for Registration

Std. X or equivalent exam marklist - attested copy
One recent passport size colour photograph, to be pasted on the registration form.
Any valid document of identification bearing photograph and signature of the candidate - attested copy
Test fees in the form of demand draft in favour of 'Council of Architecture' payable at New Delhi.
Valid email address.

FOR LIST OF PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES PLEASE GO THROUGH
www.nata.in/cms
For Sample Paper based test please go through
www.nata.in
For online exam demo
www.nata.in
FOR MORE DETAILS
National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture,
CDSA, Survey no: 58 & 49/4, Bavdhan Khurd, Paud Road,
(Before Ambrosia Resort; Off Chandni Chowk),
Pune - 411021
Phone: 020-6573-1088
E-mail: admin.nata@gmail.com
For more details Click here

Combined Defence Services (CDS)-The educational qualifications vary for each Academy (refer Table 1). A candidate who has opted for the Air Force Academy has to also appear for Pilot Aptitude Battery Test

Eligibility: The educational qualifications vary for each Academy (refer Table 1). A candidate who has opted for the Air Force Academy has to also appear for Pilot Aptitude Battery Test.

Eligibility:
Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status:

For IMA-Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 1987 and not later than 1st July, 1992 only are eligible.
For Naval Academy-Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 1989 (2nd July, 1987 in case of NCC/Naval Wing ‘C’ Certificate holders) and not later than 1st July, 1992 only are eligible.
For Air Force Academy-Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 1988 and not later than 1st July, 1992 only are eligible.
For Officers Training Academy-(SSC Course for Men): Male candidates (married or unmarried born not earlier than 2nd July, 1986 and not later than 1st July, 1992 only are eligible.
For Officers' Training Academy - (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd July, 1986 and not later than 1st July, 1992

Educational Qualifications:

For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy-Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
For Naval Academy : B.Sc. (with Physics & Mathematics) or Bachelor of Engineering.
For Air Force Academy : Degree of Recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering. Candidates who are studying in the final year Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply

Fee: Examination fee is Rs. 100 payable to the Commission through a single Central Recruitment Fee Stamp. Fee is exempted for all female candidates, SC and ST candidates only.

Name of the Course and Approximate No. of Vacancies

HOW TO APPLY: Candidates who wish to apply Offline must apply in the Common Application form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the desginated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix III of the Notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only). Each such Form can be used only once and only for one examination.

In case of any difficulty in obtaining Application Forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post Master or UPSC's "FORMS SUPPLY MONITORING CELL" over Telephone No. 011-23389366/FAX No. 011-23387310.

Candidates except certain categories mentioned in para 5(c) can also apply Online using the link http://www.upsconline.nic.in. Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the above mentioned website.

Candidates are advised to read carefully the "Instructions for filling up the Offline Application Form" given in Appendix-II (A) and Instructions for Online Applications given in Appendix II (B) of this notice.

LAST DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS :
Offline: All offline applications must reach the "Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069" either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the 17th May 2010.
Candidates should note that applications will be received by hand, only one at a time, at the designated counter(s) and not in bulk, till 5 PM only.
However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote localities specified in para 6 of this Notice the last date for receipt of application by Post/Speed Post only (not by Hand or by Courier) is 24th May 2010.

Online: The online Applications can be filled upto 10th May 2010 till 11.59 PM after which the link will be disabled.
Results: The UPSC prepares a list of candidates who get the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination. Based on their preference, the candidates are called for intelligence and personality test (including psychological aptitude) by the respective SSB. Based on the performance at the SSB, final selection is made in order of merit, subject to medical fitness and suitability.

About the Exam Written Examination: For admission to Military, Naval and Air Force Academy the candidates are tested in English, General Knowledge (GK) and Elementary Mathematics, each paper of 2 hours duration and 100 marks each. For admission to Officer's Training Academy the candidates are evaluated in a similar manner as explained above except that they are exempted from giving a test on Elementary Mathematics.

The test papers in all subjects consist of objective type questions in Hindi and English. The standard is such as may be expected of a graduate but for Elementary Mathematics which is that of matriculation standard.

For English, the assessment is based on a candidate's understanding of the language and workmanlike use of words. For GK, one is expected to know the current events and knowledge on matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects. It includes questions on History of India and Geography of a nature which one can answer without special study. Elementary Mathematics includes questions from Arithmetic including number systems, profit & loss, ratio and proportion, number theory etc; Algebra; Trigonometry, Geometry; Mensuration and Statistics.

Intelligence and Personality Test includes both verbal and non-verbal assessment primarily to evaluate basic intelligence of a candidate. This comprises Group tests, group discussions, group planning as also giving individual short presentation/lectures on specified subjects/topics.

Results: The UPSC prepares a list of candidates who get the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination. Based on their preference, the candidates are called for intelligence and personality test (including psychological aptitude) by the respective SSB. Based on the performance at the SSB, final selection is made in order of merit, subject to medical fitness and suitability.

For complete details visit:www.upsc.gov.in

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Jobs/Positions Available in Banks banks are the starting point for a career in banking

Clerk-cum-Cashier/Office Assistant :
Clerical jobs in banks are the starting point for a career in banking, especially for candidates with minimum qualification of 12th or equivalent.
The job profile of clerk is to take care of general banking(interacting with customers,maintaining account/create reports or any work specified by banks)
Probationary Officers(PO) :
Candidate with a degree(any branch) are eligible to apply for PO position.
There are many people who joined as PO,have reached top position like MD,CEO of banks.
PO`s will be trained in all departments & will assist their managers in various activities.
Specialist Officers:
The specialist officers will work in specific departments like
- Engineering,
- Systems
- Marketing
- Logistics
- Public relations etc.
Candidates from that specific area of study will be recruited.For example,a candidate with B.E in computers might be recruited into the computer department of a bank.
So,professional graduates/candidates with degree(in specific subject) would be preferred.
Agricultural Officers :
Public sector banks lend loans to farmers for agri purposes.
Agricultural officers are recruited to assess,verify & provide better support for people in rural areas involved in farming activities.Although the openings are limited ,candidates with qualification in Agriculture/ Veterinary Science/Horticulture & other subjects related to agriculture are preferred.
Managers/Asst.Managers:
This managerial position is mostly filled up through promotions held within the bank.But in some cases,candidates with minimum 3 or 5 yrs of experience are also recruited by banks.
The positions discussed above were for public sector banks only.

Selection procedure
For clerical exam:
Generally the selection procedure of clerical exam includes written test and personal interview in almost all the public sector banks.
For PO and other exams:
Depending on the no of applicants and the no of vacancies the selection procedure may vary from bank to bank .It is a two-stage process for most of the banks. The first stage is the written test, normally conducted in two parts – an objective-type followed by a descriptive test.
Candidates shortlisted in the written test are required to appear in group discussions and personal interview. Some banks do not have group discussion and use only Personal Interview for the final selection. Typically, the number of shortlisted students after the written test stage is about 5-7 times that of the number of vacancies.

Written exam pattern:
For clerical exam:

Test of Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
Clerrical aptitude/ Marketing and Computer Awareness
English Language

For PO and others:
It consists of Objective test & Descriptive test.
Objective test:
The objective-type part of the PO exam includes

Reasoning
Quantitative aptitude
General awareness
English language.

Apart from these, a few banks also include questions on

computer awareness,
banking awareness
marketing aptitude

Most of the banks expect candidates to do well in each test area and have a ’sectional cut-off’ score in each section/area to qualify. Except for the English section, the question paper is bilingual, i.e., in English and in Hindi.
The test pattern may change depending upon the bank, but in general, the test has about 200-225 questions having five options with maximum marks ranging from 200 to 250. Duration of the objective-type part normally varies between two hours to two hours and 15 minutes. It has negative marking for incorrect answers with such answers attracting one-fourth or 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question.

Reasoning examines analytical and problem-solving skills. It includes :

visual or non-verbal reasoning,
Venn diagrams
Cubes
Letter and number series
Analogies
Coding-decoding
Strong and weak statements
Syllogisms etc.

Quantitative aptitude measures:
The numerical ability and accuracy in mathematical calculations. The questions range from purely numeric calculations to problems from

Arithmetic
Algebra and geometry
graph and table reading
percentage analysis
Categorization and quantitative analysis.

The level of test is broadly up to that of X class.
English language:
It includes questions in the area of

grammar
vocabulary
synonyms
Antonyms
Fill-in-the blanks etc.

A significant number of banks including IOB and Union Bank do not use score in this section for compiling the merit list and it is used only as a qualifying score. However, quite a few banks do not mention anything and are likely to include marks scored in this section in compiling the merit list. Some banks like SBI and PNB do include marks of this section.

General awareness:
This section tests understanding of current environmental and social issues, people and events etc.
Descriptive test:
The descriptive test will be different for po’s and other specialist officer exams. For po’s it will be essays on current issues and for specialist officers it will on their respective domain subjects.

Objective:
The objective of this test is to test a candidate’s writing abilities. It is generally of qualifying nature i.e. the candidate must secure minimum prescribed marks (normally 40% for general and 35% for reserved category students) but it will not be considered while compiling the merit list.
The duration of descriptive part is normally one hour. It typically includes 4-5 questions in areas including essay on current topics, summary writing and reading comprehension.
The merit list is made on the basis of marks secured in objective test and group discussion and interview alone.

TIPS TO CLEAR WRITTEN TEST:
If you are preparing for PO/clerical or any other exam, the first thing you need to know the pattern of the exam. and know how to attempt a standard bank exam which has 225 questions in total with 135 minutes time i.e., 2 hrs and 15 minutes. It comes out to be 36 seconds per question.
It may seem daunting but it’s not the end of the world since we aren’t attempting every question. If you can attempt 175-185 questions (> 190 is excellent) with 90 percent accuracy, you’ve done a good job.
While you start answering, start with the General awareness/ Marketing aptitude section and there won’t be much to think or solve in it. Just see the question and mark the answer. Attempt as many questions as you can in this section (only if you’re sure of the answer) but you should be able to complete the section in 25 minutes (20 minutes would be excellent).
The next section to go for would be English and generally the first 9-10 questions in it will be that of comprehensive passage. So I would recommend leaving that part of the questions as the rest of the section is pretty Basic English which is very easy. Again you should be able to complete this section in 20-25 minutes.
Depending upon your interest, go for either Reasoning or Quant but remember to solve the easiest questions first (this will be the deciding factor). Any thing that requires serious calculation in Quant or serious thinking in Reasoning should be left behind at first and come back to it if time permits at the end.For example questions on circular arrangement in Reasoning and compound interest calculations in Quant could be avoided.
The DI part in Quant will be an important part in the test which is also very easiest part. Most of the questions in it could be solved without even using your pen. So work hard on DI. Coming to the time for these 2 sections, 50 questions in Quant (or all that you could solve) should be completed in 40 minutes which leaves out 45-55 minutes to solve 75 questions in Reasoning. Don’t neglect the non-verbal part in Reasoning as there would be atleast 15 questions from it. If you are accustomed with any procedure from the beginning, I would recommend following that so that you dont mess up completely. If this is your first attempt for PO/ clerical exam, then this method would work well.

Tips to clear group discussion :
Group Discussion(GD) is not a common process for all banks, but most private banks and some public sector banks, civil services exams & other competitive examinations have GD as an important parameter., so it is essential to know how, what to speak in Group discussions as it can help you in future jobs too.

GD is mainly conducted to study the candidate’s communication, team management, listening & analytical skills.
A team is formed with 4 - 8 candidates by the panelists & a general topic is given for a discussion.
Given below are some tips to follow & clear the GD session successfully.

Starting the discussion:
There is a strong feeling in GD that, the person who starts first has better chances for getting selected. It is true to some extent,since you will have more points to say & you have the option of directing the discussion to other area.So,even if you don't speak thereafter,a good introduction can help you fetch more marks. BUT ,if you don't know anything on the topic,stay away from introduction.

Communication:
You need not be a master in English to communicate. Use simple, easy to understand words without any grammar mistakes while forming sentences. Speak slowly & softly, since speaking fast can make you commit mistakes. Although topic knowledge is important, the way you speak also matters.

Preparation:
Nobody knows what topic would be given but be prepared with knowledge about current events. You can include whatever you know about the given subject with the news you have read/prepared. Read various magazines, articles in newspapers & GK books to have a good knowledge in all subjects.
Listen:
Most candidates fail to listen what others say & end up repeating the same point. This can be avoided by listening carefully to other members. It will give you more points to speak & you can also voice your opinion on their speech, showing you are attentive, active & will gel with the team.

Books for Group Discussion :
You can purchase books online about preparing for Group Discussions, which you can read & practice during free time.

How to behave inside the interview hall?

Remember to wish the interviewer/panel ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ once you enter the room. Once you are offered a seat, sit down calmly.
Sit straight with your back against the chair & arms on the armrest. Leaning on the table or pushing yourself forward are not good signs.
Wait until the interviewer goes through your profile. Don’t start talking before you are asked anything – it shows you are nervous.
Answer the questions in a clear & bold manner, once your turn comes.
While answering any question ,do not look at the ceiling or around the room. Look at the interviewer, it shows that you are interested in the conversation.
If you don't know the answer, say it to the panel. Do not try to fill the gap by giving unwanted or wrong answers. Incase of such situations, don’t scratch your head, bite your nails, close your eyes or put your fingers on your face.
Do not repeat the same answers again. It clearly shows that you are unprepared & have no proper understanding of the subject.
Remember to start answering after the question has been asked. Rushing to answer shows that you want to complete the interview process as soon as possible.

Sample interview questions:

What is meant by SEBI?
What is the concept of finance accounting?

Engineering Specialisations Career Option Aeronautical - Aerospace Engineering

Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is one of the most challenging fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth. This field deals with the development of new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the designing, construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance of both commercial and military aircraft, spacecrafts and their components as well as satellites and missiles.

The specialisations includes in areas like structural design, navigational guidance and control systems, instrumentation and communication or production methods or it can be in a particular product such as military aircrafts, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc. Engineers may work in areas like design, development, maintenance as well as in the managerial and teaching posts in institutes. They find a very good demand in airlines, aircraft manufacturing units, air turbine production plants or design development programmes for the aviation industry.

As an Engineer in Indian Air Force
As an Engineer, you can soar into a rewarding and challenging career in the Indian Air Force. You can even join the Technical Branch in your final or pre-final year of engineering through the University Entry Scheme

Flying Branch
You are trained either as a Fighter pilot, or a Helicopter pilot, or a Transport pilot and are a part of various peace and wartime missions.

As an engineer, you enter the Flying branch through the Air Force Academy.
The following are the three modes of entry for engineers to join the Flying branch:

Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
You can take the Combined Defence Services Examination (conducted by UPSC) to join the Flying branch of the Indian Air Force. Men can join the Air Force through this mode of entry and will be given a Permanent Commission.

Combined Defence Services Examination Pattern:
It consists of three sections. It is of objective type with each section carrying 100 marks each.

English- This section consists of questions based on synonms, antynoms, reading comprehension, spotting errors, ordering of sentences, ordering of words in sentences

Elementary maths- This section consists of questions based on Algebra, Arithemetic, Geometry etc

General Knowledge- This section tests the candidates knowledge in current affairs and General awareness

National Cadet Corps
As a senior division 'C' Certificate holder of the National Cadet Corps, you can apply to the Flying branch of the Indian Air Force. Men can join the Air Force through this mode of entry and will be given a Permanent Commission. Men & Women (Short Service Commission) with Term of Engagement of 14 Years with no extension

Both men and women are eligible to apply for short service commission in the flying branch.” Short Service Commission in Flying branch is for 14 years with no extension.

Eligibility:
First Class ( min 60 % aggregate marks ) BE(Four years).
Final Year students can also apply, provided they don’t have any backlog and min 60 % aggregate marks in the previous year/ semester.

Advertisement Schedule :March and September Every Year
Technical Branch
As an officer in the Technical Branch, you would be in charge of some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world.

You can apply for the Technical Branch via any of the two schemes listed below:

Direct Entry Scheme
After you have completed your engineering, you can join the Technical Branch through the Direct Entry Scheme. Both men and women can use this mode of entry to apply to the Indian Air Force.

Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
Permanent / Short Service Commission
As an Aeronautical Engineer in the Electronics stream, you will be responsible for the communication and signals required on the Air Force station. You will also be in charge of the execution of preventive maintenance and servicing of aircraft. With further in-service training, you could also move to the repair and overhaul divisions of the Indian Air Force.

Eligibility criteria: BE / B.Tech in Electronics / Telecommunication / Electrical / Electrical Communication / Electronics & Communication / Instrumentation / Computer Science & Engineering or a combination of these subjects. Or B Tech in Radio Physics and Electronics / Optics and Opto Electronics

Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
Permanent / Short Service Commission
After you join the Indian Air Force as an Aeronautical Engineer in the Mechanical stream, you could be placed at a position that requires you to be involved with preventive maintenance and servicing of aircraft or of common user and specialist application vehicles. You could also be involved in the safety and maintenance of firearms and ammunition at an Air Force Base.

Eligibility: BE / B.Tech in Aeronautical / Mechanical / Production / Industrial Production
Entrance Test: If your have applied to the Technical Branch you will be required to appear the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).

EKT: Engineering Knowledge Test is a common test aimed at testing basic Engineering knowledge of the candidates.EKT is an objective type test and has two parts.

Part A: General Engineering: 40 Questions
Part B: Specialist paper for each Engineering discipline.Questions will be based on their respective Core branch subjects.

Duration: 1 Hour
Ground Duty Branches
Managing human and material resources, the Ground Duty Branch is the mechanism that steers the Indian Air Force. There are numerous opportunities for both men and women to build a challenging career.

You can join as an officer in any of the following Ground Duty Branches:

Administration Branch
Logistics Branch
Education

Administration Branch
Permanent/Short Service Commission
As an officer in the Administration Department, you will be responsible for the efficient management of both human and material resources. Some of the officers of the Administration Branch are selected to carry out the following duties also:

Air Traffic Controller As Air Traffic Controller, your core responsibilities will involve maintaining an orderly flow of traffic and airspace management.
Fighter Controller As Fighter Controller, you will be posted to an Air Defence radar unit and will be responsible for close contact and supervision between the air and radar for effective airspace management.

Logistics
Permanent/Short Service Commission
As an officer in the logistics department, you will undertake material management of all Air Force resources. From clothing to aircraft equipment, you will ensure efficient supervision of inventories, and availability of necessary items to all operators and users. Eligibility: First class (Min 60%) Graduate or Second Class (Min 50%) Post Graduate in Arts / Science / Commerce / Management / Engineering or LLB .

Entrance Test: For non tech ground duty branches, you would require to appear for a Common Entrance Test (CET)

CET: Common entrance test is a tool to access the Proficiency of the candidate in English and General Awareness,for selection in ground duties Branches.CET is of objective type and has two parts.

Part A:English(Grammar and Usuage) And General Awareness: 30 questions:20 minutes Part B: Descriptive test in English

Reading Comprehension: 5 questions
Letter Writing
Paragraph writing

Duration: 30 minutes
Advertisement Schedule: March and September Every Year

Selection Process:
The selection process for all the above Branches is similar. It consists of 4 stages.
Step 1 – Scrutiny of Applications: After initial scruning of applications based on the requirements the shortlisted candidates will be called for the respective Written test based on the brach they select.

Step 2 – Testing Officer Like Qualities
If you have successfully cleared Step 1, you will receive a call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards located at Dehradun, Varanasi and Mysore. At the Air Force Selection Boards, you undergo a number of psychological tests, an interview and group activities, which are collectively called the Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) Tests.

These tests are designed to gauge your potential and suitability as an officer in the Armed Forces.

The Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
The Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor tests.
The Interview involves a personal conversation with our Interviewing Officer.

These tests will be explained to you in detail before they are conducted at the Selection Board.

The following is the schedule for OLQ Tests:

Schedule	Flying Branch	Technical Branch	Ground Duty Branch
Day 1	Pilot Aptitude Battery Test* (Phase I)**	Intelligence Tests/ Psychological Tests (Phase I)**	Intelligence Tests/ Psychological Tests (Phase I)**
Day 2	Phase I & Psychological Tests	Group tests	Group tests
Day 3	Group tests	Group tests	Group tests
Day 4	Group tests	Interview	Interview
Day 5	Interview	Conference	Conference
Day 6	Conference

* Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) is a unique test. It is aimed at assessing a candidate’s aptitude to be trained as a pilot. PABT is being used as an independent selection device to induct potential officers into Flying Branch of Indian Air Force. PABT comprises three tests viz Instrument Battery Test (INSB), Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA) and Control Velocity Test (CVT). Instrument Battery Test (INSB) is a paper pencil test and other two are machine tests. The Instruments Battery Test (INSB) comprises two parts. This test assesses assimilation of the briefing and the ability of an individual to read and interpret the dials of an instrument panel of an aircraft. The candidates who score the minimum laid down criteria are subjected to the machine test. The machine test includes Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA) and Control Velocity Test (CVT). These tests measure the psychomotor co-ordination skill of the individual. These tests are conducted on a single day and administered only once in life time.

** Phase I of testing gets over on 1st day for all type of entries except NDA/CDSE/NCC/Direct entry for which it gets over on second day. Only those candidates who qualify in Phase I shall be retained at AFSB for further testing of Phase II. NDA/CDSE candidates who do not qualify the PABT will still be tested for their second/third choice.

At the conference held on the last day, all the assessors i.e. the Psychologist, Ground Testing Officer and the Interviewing Officer, discuss your personality and decide on recommending you or not. Those recommended by the AFSBs will require to fill up certain documents at the Boards and subsequently move to the next step.

Step 3 – Conducting of Medical Examinations
Step 4 – Preparing All India Merit List
An All India Merit List is compiled on the basis of your performance at the AFSB and subject to being medically fit. Based on the vacancies available, Air HQ would issue joining instructions to join Air Force Academy for the training.

Job Prospects & Career Options
Aeronautical Engineers work with one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. The main thrust in this area is on design and development of aircrafts to space and satellite research. Jobs are available with the national, international, public and private Airline Services as well as aircraft-manufacturing units.

Job opportunities for an Aeronautical Engineer in India, lies with various airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Helicopter Corporation of India and flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service and aircraft manufacturers like the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) with its factories at Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, Kanpur etc. Defense Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab (NAL), Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil Aviation Department etc. The Defence services and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also happen to be two major employers.

Initially, candidates begin work as graduate engineer trainees or junior Engineers. Keeping in view their performance, academic background and aptitude, they are placed for training in the aircraft maintenance/overhaul or support section. On completion of training they are placed as assistant aircraft engineers or assistant technical officers. They have to clear departmental examinations for further promotions. They may advance to administrative or executive positions or become consultants. Aeronautical engineers are assisted by aircraft mechanics in maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical system and other ancillary fittings.

Remuneration
Engineers in government organisations, are paid official scales while those in the private sector are paid according to the scales decided by the management of the company.

The approximate starting salaries in the government /public sectors such as HAL, NAL are Rs. 8,000 to Rs.10,000 (excluding other allowances). In the private sector, the scales are decided by the management of the company and are approximately Rs.8,000 to Rs.15,000 per month plus perks. Engineering graduates with management degrees get a starting salary of Rs.10,000 to Rs.40,000 per month plus perks. Entrepreneurs can earn above Rs.20,000/- per month. Airline professionals get fringe benefits of free travel for self and family also, apart from numerous other perks