Unsure of whether to opt for science or commerce after Class X? Or do you want a career in the Civil Services but don't know where to start?

Young Buzz career guidance cousellor Chandra Bali chatted with readers on June 25 about this and other education and career related issues.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's part one of the transcript:

surinder asked, Please advise me on the preparation of Civil Services. What should be opted for in the initial stage (arts, commerce or science). There are a lot of IAS or IPS officers from the arts background?

CHANDRA BALI answers, For the civil services you need to be a graduate. An arts background gives you a grounding in languages and that is the reason most of the people opt for that stream. The most important thing is your general knowledge.

bijoy asked, I am an arts student, can I opt for BMS?

CHANDRA BALI answers, Yes, you can opt for a BMS degree. However, commerce students are given a preference.

DIPENHAT asked, What do I do after Bcom?

CHANDRA BALI answers, There are a lot of choices after BCom, some of them are MCom, MBA, CFA.

angel asked, I am currently doing BCom (honours) from Delhi University and want to pursue a career in human resource management. I want to know whether it has good scope or finance is better. Will this field grow in coming years? Which are the best institutions for it?

CHANDRA BALI answers, Both HR and finance have got very good scope in the years to come. You need to select your specialisation according to your interest and aptitude. Some of the best institutions are TISS, IIM, XLRI (Jamshepur), FMS.

aniruddha sinha asked, Which stream -- arts, science or commerce -- has better placement opportunities just after graduation?

CHANDRA BALI answers, All the three streams have equal opportunities. Take up a specialisation that interests you the most and work hard.

Prashanth asked, I have completed my graduation (BA) in Karnataka, and am confused about whether to choose MA or Bed. Please advise.

CHANDRA BALI answers, If you want to teach at the school level you can do your BEd or you can do an MA and give NET/ SET if you would like to teach at the college level.

Ranvir asked, Is BBA a good course? Do BBA students get any benefit in the CAT interview or during MBA studies?

CHANDRA BALI answers, BBA is a good course but no concessions are given to you during your MBA entrance exams. It will give you a good base in management though.

Sahil asked, I have done my 12th this year. I am very confused. If I aspire to do an MBA, what should I graduate in -- BBA or a simple BA?

CHANDRA BALI answers, If you are very sure that you want to do your management go for BBA.

Saurabh asked, I've got 94 per cent in Class 10. Do you think I should take up science, that my parents are forcing me to take, or arts because that's what I want to do?

CHANDRA BALI answers, You should go for arts if that is where your interests lie. Getting 94 per cent does not mean you have to take up science. There are plenty of options after graduating in arts as well.

Mayuri asked, If I get below 70 per cent in Class 10, should I join science?

CHANDRA BALI answers, Marks is not the only criterion to decide your choice of stream. If you are interested and you are determined then go for it. But there are plenty of careers open to you if you opt for the commerce or arts stream.

abhi asked, Is there good scope for architecture in future? I don't want to open my own company, just want to work with some good company having good salary. How much do architects generally earn? Which is a better choice architecture or engineering?

CHANDRA BALI answers, There is a lot of scope for architecture. You can do your BArch and then do your masters in landscape architecture which has a lot of scope. If you are very good with design architecture would be a good choice. When you just start off, your salary could be Rs 5,000-Rs 8,000 a month. With a little experience it could go up to Rs 15,000, after that, the sky is the limit.

Amit_mahar asked, I am not good in studies. But, I want to pursue an IT course. I scored 40 per cent in class X. What do I do?

CHANDRA BALI answers, There are a lot of certificate courses that you could do in computers. You can even take up commerce with Maths and then go for BScIT/ BCA after the 12th.

prandan asked, I want to make career in insurance. What should I do?

CHANDRA BALI answers, After Class 12, you can be an insurance agent after giving an exam or earn a Bachelors degree in banking and insurance.

Theertha asked, I have completed my first two semesters in BCom. Could you please tell me about the prospective job opportunities once I complete my BCom. I am in desperate need of a job once I finish my degree to support my parents. Could you please give me a small career road map for me? What are the tools/skills in addition to my academics I should learn?

CHANDRA BALI answers, You can do computer courses or a short-term course in travel and tourism or animation. You should also focus on your soft skills development. After BCom you can do a PGDBM (management) and start working.

shrikant asked, If I have to do my engineering, should I opt for a diploma or do my 11th/12th and appear for the CET? which is the better option?

CHANDRA BALI answers, Doing your 11th and 12th and then appearing for CET is a better option than a diploma. Even if you do not get into engineering after that, there are various other courses you can look at.

sagar asked, What is the scope of bio technology, especially for girls?

CHANDRA BALI answers, There is a lot of scope in biotechnology. It is a research-oriented field and it has applications in various fields such as the agro-processing industry, pharmaceuticals and food processing industries. There is equal opportunity for both boys and girls.

Rajiv asked, Is an arts background (BA) a disadvantage in getting selected to the Top-10 B-schools or afterwards in campus placement?

CHANDRA BALI answers, No. Your entrance exam marks are more important when getting into a business school. When it comes to placement, only your performance matters.

Part II: Tomorrow