Education blog by Pearson India

The learning acquired in schools serves multi-dimensional purposes. It shapes your interests, future education plans, career plans, and personality. This cannot be accomplished solely through the school curriculum, but rather through a combination of academic learning and the development of life skills such as critical thinking.

What is critical thinking?

If you have already come across this term before, then you must know that this is a complex subject to discuss. But let’s try and break it down in the most simplified form. Critical thinking is the process of actively conceptualizing, analyzing, and applying the information gathered through observation, experience, or reflection. It relies on rationality and reasoning. Critical thinking is the ability to find solutions on the basis of evaluation, logic, and evidence.

Have you ever caught yourself in a moment where you have mugged up an answer to a question or a definition of a scientific phenomenon without clearly understanding its meaning and application? It does not take long for this one moment to turn into a habit. This might help you remember the answers, but your quality of learning is deteriorating.

Instead, if you choose to understand the definition, figure out its application and purpose, and go through some examples, you will not only remember the answer, but you will be learning consciously and expanding your knowledge. This is how critical thinking works.

Why should students have critical thinking skills?

There is a difference between memorization and learning. That difference is critical thinking. Everything you learn in school might have a practical implication in your professional life. You must have critical thinking skills in order to not just follow ideas or facts but to find the meaning and connection behind them.

It helps you form relevant arguments, find errors in reasoning, and synthesise solutions to problems. It is important that you develop this skill early in school because, as you move on, life gets tougher when you make choices like choosing a major in education or starting your own venture in the future. Critical thinking skills will be at the core of your decision-making.

How to increase critical thinking skills as a student?

1. Ask questions

It is often seen that students hesitate to ask questions in the classroom. It could be the result of a fear of speaking in public or of embarrassment. But don't hold back from asking questions that could help you learn better. Asking questions enhances your critical thinking in learning.

You can often wait for your class to finish before personally approaching your teacher and clearing up your questions. One question may lead to another, and that will further help in clearing your concepts. If nothing else, then you can always turn to the Internet and ask questions without being judged. Whereas when it comes to classrooms, here are a couple of questions that you may ask:

• Can you elaborate further?
• Can you give an example?
• Is there any other way to learn this?
• Can I use a different point of view?
• Can you explain this in a simpler manner?

2. Participate in discussions

Critical thinking skills for students can be developed through social experiences. If you get opportunities to participate in discussions, both online and offline, you must go ahead with it. This will help you come across different perspectives, it will introduce you to new information, you will face disagreements and more. It can give you a lot to think about and analyze. Plus, it helps you develop better communication skills.

3. Practice active learning

If you want to remember what you studied through understanding and not just by reciting it innumerable times, then you must practise active learning. It is a method of learning that is based on an experiential approach. Active learning can be achieved through group learning, case studies, demonstrations, visual learning, etc.

4. Study with the help of examples

It is easy to remember information through examples and stories as they reflect the practical implications. They contribute to mindful learning. Real-life examples, anecdotes, analogies, and facts help develop critical thinking skills.

5. Go beyond academic learning

The academic curriculum helps you lay the foundation for further learning. It is impossible to gather every piece of knowledge in the world or even on a particular subject. But if something strikes your curiosity, then go beyond your academic textbooks and indulge in more research and learning with the help of the Internet.

Pearson’s K12 education is focused on providing learning that helps students build critical thinking skills. It involves interactive learning activities and games that make education light-hearted and effective for students from pre-primary till class 12th. Pearson also offers support to teachers through its Active Teach and Comprehensive Teacher Resource Books. This helps teachers keep up with modern times and opt for innovative teaching techniques.

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No matter how much you dread exams as a student, they have a purpose of benefiting you in ways that you might not understand in your early school years, but they will help you go a long way in your future education and professional world. Not every student despises exams. Some very gladly look forward to it. The competitive spirit of the exams and the accolades followed by performing well in them are cherished by most.

The importance of good scores on school exams is not just limited to graduating to the next grade. It helps you build confidence, it gives you an opportunity for self-reflection, and you can gauge your potential. Acing your school exams with flying numbers feels rewarding and opens doors to many opportunities post-school.

Here are some exam preparation tips that you can rely on to perform well on your school exams. Even though every school year is different, you can ace every exam by constantly using these key strategies.

1. Know the exam paper pattern

Every subject has a paper pattern that gives you an idea of the weightage certain topics have. The paper pattern helps you evaluate which questions may or may not be on the exam paper. This is only to give you an outline of the question paper and the marks each format accounts for.

2. Focus on both your strengths and weaknesses

Your strengths and weaknesses could be across various topics in one subject or across all subjects. Keep track of it under both scenarios. Knowing your strengths will give you confidence, and knowing your weaknesses will help you understand what you need to work on the most. This way, you will invest time in subject areas that need more attention.

3. Use notes and flashcards

You can create separate written notes or highlight them in your books to refer to later. You can also use flashcards to improve your memory. This is one of the top exam preparation strategies as it effectively develops active recall.

4. Clear your doubts long before your exams

Do not let last-minute doubts fade your confidence. They are bound to occur. Hence, don’t be hesitant to take help from your teachers, friends, peers, or any fellow students. You can try to solve it on your own, but if you cannot, then make sure you figure it out sooner and get it solved before your exams.

5. Tutor other students

Tutoring your fellow classmates is like killing two birds with one stone. You get to help others as well as yourself. Teaching others is a good way to test your knowledge or do a quick revision.

6. Create a timetable

A timetable is of the utmost importance as it keeps you disciplined. You get to allocate your time to different activities in an organised manner. Make sure to create a timetable throughout your academic years and not just a couple of days before your exams.

7. Solve past year’s exam papers

Solving old question papers is a good way to practise what you have learnt. It gives you an insight into the kinds of questions that you can expect. You may come across some concepts that you missed out on or thought were not of importance. It’s a stepping stone in your exam preparation.

8. Make a list of important questions

You have to prepare every concept for your exams, but every subject has a set of important questions that you must put extra focus on. However, it is important to not neglect other topics and only depend on reliable sources for a list of important questions. It helps you narrow down your preparation and forms a hierarchy of topics based on their importance.

9. Make a list of formulas

Math and science are the two subjects in schools that have various formulas. It is easy to get overwhelmed by them. So, it would be helpful to note them down on a sheet of paper and refer to them while solving the questions. Gradually, you can memorise them and go through them for last-minute exam preparation.

10. Use online study materials if needed

Make the most of technology by looking for extra study materials. But you have to keep two things in mind. Firstly, give more importance to your textbooks and, secondly, only choose reliable online study materials. Don’t overburden yourself with different sources.

Pearson’s K12 offers a cohesive learning environment for school students. You can use their Active App to learn at any time, at your own pace. The Pearson Active App is suitable for every learning style. Its study materials are highly interactive, which makes learning fun. You also get access to their e-books and worksheets that will help you ace your school exams with flying numbers.

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UPSC Civil Services Exams are one of the most prestigious and difficult exams to pass in India. UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the nationwide Civil Services Examinations (CSE) for recruitment to the higher civil services of the Government of India. UPSC recruits for both civil and defense services.

When we hear of UPSC, the top service jobs we think of are IAS, IPS, and IFS. However, there are 24 different civil service posts that UPSC recruits candidates for through their Civil Services Examination. Based on all three types of civil service, here are the 24 job posts that you can explore.

1. All India Civil Services

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Forest Service (IFoS)

2. Group ‘A’ Civil Services

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
• Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
• Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
• Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
• Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)
• Indian Information Service (IIS)
• Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
• Indian Communication Finance Services (ICFS)
• Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
• Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS)
• Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)
• Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• ndian Trade Service (ITS)
• Railway Protection Force (RPF)

3. Group ‘B’ Civil Services

• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS)
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS)
• Pondicherry Civil Service
• Pondicherry Police Service

To get jobs in the above posts, you have to appear for UPSC exams. The examination is conducted in three phases: UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, and UPSC Interview. You have to qualify in each round to secure a job in the civil services.

UPSC Prelims has two papers, which are General Studies I and CSAT (General Studies Paper-II). The marks scored in Paper I will be considered for the prelims cutoff. Prelims have objective MCQs, whereas for UPSC Mains you have to write descriptive and subjective answers.

How to prepare for the UPSC Mains exam?

Before discussing tips to clear the UPSC main exam, let’s look at the subjects and the paper pattern.

Paper	Subject	Nature of paper
Paper A	Compulsory Indian language	Qualifying
Paper B	English	Qualifying
Paper I	Essay	Merit
Paper-II	General Studies I	Merit
Paper III	General Studies II	Merit
Paper IV	General Studies III	Merit
Paper V	General Studies IV	Merit
Paper VI	Optional I	Merit
Paper VII	Optional II	Merit

 

Below are the subjects that General Studies covers.

General Studies I	Indian Heritage and Culture, History n Geography, Society
General Studies II	Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations
General Studies III	Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
General Studies IV	Ethics, Aptitude, Integrity

For optional subjects, you have over 20 options to choose from that include some fields like agriculture, history, civil engineering, psychology, public administration, and zoology.

Each exam is 3 hours long and carries a weightage of 300 marks. To begin your preparation, the first thing you need is your UPSC Main books. It’s extremely important to choose your study materials wisely.

Pearson has UPSC books that cover contemporary topics, have accurate information, and focus on learning through storytelling. Below is the list of books that you must get your hands on.

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
• A History of Medieval India
• A History of Ancient India
• Prachin Bharatiya Itihas

Apart from these books, you also need to adopt a certain lifestyle and discipline that can help you crack the exams as well as the interview.

It is important that you build a routine that helps you study well and shapes your personality too. Any civil job post that you will apply for requires utter sincerity. Hence, it is better to start preparing beforehand.

Stay up-to-date with current affairs and general knowledge. While you can learn from books for your exams, you will need much more to prove your eligibility during your interview. Reading newspapers, learning about history and laws can help you gain more clarity and knowledge.

For IAS Main books, you can study from NCERT textbooks of class 6th to 12th. They are ideal to learn or relearn basic concepts.

Always make notes that you can later refer to. Do not limit this just to study materials. Build a habit to research and read about new subjects that help you build your general knowledge or are related to your UPSC subjects.

UPSC exams have extremely diverse subjects and topics. If you are a curious learner, preparing for the exam will be easier than you think. However, it is crucial that you stay consistent from the day you commence your preparation and continue learning even after securing your dream job in civil services.

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UPSC Civil Services Exams are one of the most prestigious and difficult exams to pass in India. UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the nationwide Civil Services Examinations (CSE) for recruitment to the higher civil services of the Government of India. UPSC recruits for both civil and defense services.

When we hear of UPSC, the top service jobs we think of are IAS, IPS, and IFS. However, there are 24 different civil service posts that UPSC recruits candidates for through their Civil Services Examination. Based on all three types of civil service, here are the 24 job posts that you can explore.

1. All India Civil Services

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Forest Service (IFoS)

2. Group ‘A’ Civil Services

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
• Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
• Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
• Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
• Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)
• Indian Information Service (IIS)
• Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
• Indian Communication Finance Services (ICFS)
• Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
• Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS)
• Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)
• Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• ndian Trade Service (ITS)
• Railway Protection Force (RPF)

3. Group ‘B’ Civil Services

• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS)
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS)
• Pondicherry Civil Service
• Pondicherry Police Service

To get jobs in the above posts, you have to appear for UPSC exams. The examination is conducted in three phases: UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, and UPSC Interview. You have to qualify in each round to secure a job in the civil services.

UPSC Prelims has two papers, which are General Studies I and CSAT (General Studies Paper-II). The marks scored in Paper I will be considered for the prelims cutoff. Prelims have objective MCQs, whereas for UPSC Mains you have to write descriptive and subjective answers.

How to prepare for the UPSC Mains exam?

Before discussing tips to clear the UPSC main exam, let’s look at the subjects and the paper pattern.

Paper	Subject	Nature of paper
Paper A	Compulsory Indian language	Qualifying
Paper B	English	Qualifying
Paper I	Essay	Merit
Paper-II	General Studies I	Merit
Paper III	General Studies II	Merit
Paper IV	General Studies III	Merit
Paper V	General Studies IV	Merit
Paper VI	Optional I	Merit
Paper VII	Optional II	Merit

 

Below are the subjects that General Studies covers.

General Studies I	Indian Heritage and Culture, History n Geography, Society
General Studies II	Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations
General Studies III	Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
General Studies IV	Ethics, Aptitude, Integrity

For optional subjects, you have over 20 options to choose from that include some fields like agriculture, history, civil engineering, psychology, public administration, and zoology.

Each exam is 3 hours long and carries a weightage of 300 marks. To begin your preparation, the first thing you need is your UPSC Main books. It’s extremely important to choose your study materials wisely.

Pearson has UPSC books that cover contemporary topics, have accurate information, and focus on learning through storytelling. Below is the list of books that you must get your hands on.

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
• A History of Medieval India
• A History of Ancient India
• Prachin Bharatiya Itihas

Apart from these books, you also need to adopt a certain lifestyle and discipline that can help you crack the exams as well as the interview.

It is important that you build a routine that helps you study well and shapes your personality too. Any civil job post that you will apply for requires utter sincerity. Hence, it is better to start preparing beforehand.

Stay up-to-date with current affairs and general knowledge. While you can learn from books for your exams, you will need much more to prove your eligibility during your interview. Reading newspapers, learning about history and laws can help you gain more clarity and knowledge.

For IAS Main books, you can study from NCERT textbooks of class 6th to 12th. They are ideal to learn or relearn basic concepts.

Always make notes that you can later refer to. Do not limit this just to study materials. Build a habit to research and read about new subjects that help you build your general knowledge or are related to your UPSC subjects.

UPSC exams have extremely diverse subjects and topics. If you are a curious learner, preparing for the exam will be easier than you think. However, it is crucial that you stay consistent from the day you commence your preparation and continue learning even after securing your dream job in civil services.

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Everybody aspires to complete their academic journeys as soon as possible and step into the professional world, which has more scope for practical learning and gives financial growth. To achieve that, if you desire to start early, then you must know that it is a very smart decision and it can be a successful one if you start on the right foot.

NEET is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India for medical students. Most candidates want to start early so that they can keep up with the rising competition. While that is a good motivation, it is also good to be driven by the urge to learn more and better.

The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is the entrance test for MBBS and BDS programmes in Indian medical and dental colleges. This entrance exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is an Indian government agency approved by the Union Council of Ministers. It was established in November 2017 to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions. Before that, NEET was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The exam is conducted each year in May and has a total of 90,000 seats available in MBBS and BDS colleges across India.

Eligibility criteria for NEET

• The candidate must have passed 10+2 or any other equivalent qualification.
• The candidate must have Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology as their core subjects.
• Candidates who are taking their 12th grade or any other equivalent qualification are also eligible to apply for NEET.
• The candidate must score a minimum score of 50% (general category), 45% (SC/ST/OBC), and 40% (PWD).
• Candidates with the following nationalities are eligible to apply: Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals.

The maximum number of attempts in NEET is unlimited. But the goal should be to crack it with the minimum number of attempts possible. As a result, many candidates begin studying for the NEET exam as early as seventh grade. However, some candidates find it intimidating to start preparing for an exam as competitive as NEET from 7th grade itself. If you too feel hesitant, then here’s the NEET preparation strategy that will help you study better without being overwhelmed.

NEET Preparation Strategy for 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Candidates

1. Set a schedule

This might be one of the most overrated tips you have come across, but we cannot stress enough how important this is. One of the reasons why candidates find it hard to cope with NEET preparation in primary grade is a lack of discipline, organization, and planning. Creating a timetable can be the first step in strategizing your days. But be realistic with it and take enough breaks.

2. Get the best study materials

For the NEET foundation, you need to get your hands on some reliable study materials apart from your NCERT books. Pearson’s NEET foundation series can be your perfect investment, as the books are designed to help students learn quickly and accurately. Their foundation series includes books for grades 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in the subjects of physics, biology, and chemistry. Some of the best features of Pearson’s NEET foundation books include quick recaps at the end of each chapter, detailed diagrams, application-based learning, and test series.

3. Study smart

When there’s ample to cover, you need to start focusing on what’s important. Of course, you will study everything. But you can focus more on important topics throughout your curriculum. Besides that, it also helps to learn the syllabus, paper pattern, and weightage of chapters. You can try various studying patterns that help you learn better, like reciting formulas, derivations, equations, each day, making personal written notes, preparing a list of difficult topics in Excel sheets, etc.

4. Appear for mock tests

You should take mock tests not only to see where you stand but also to get into the habit of taking timed exams. Mock tests help you use your time efficiently. You come across your strengths and weaknesses. Mock tests are an ideal way to do your revisions and test your knowledge.

Starting NEET preparation early may seem arduous, but not if you are strategic about it. The effort should be to learn consistently and minimize errors throughout your middle school, secondary, and higher secondary academic sections.

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GATE (General Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a competitive entrance test for candidates who want to pursue a master's or post-graduate degree in engineering. The GATE exam is mandatory to secure admissions into IITs, IISc, and NITs. This entrance exam is not solely for admission to the PG engineering courses, but it also helps you get public sector undertaking (PSU) jobs.

Who should appear for the GATE exam?

Any individual who wants to pursue post-graduation courses or any specialization in the engineering or science fields has to appear for the GATE exam. It is perfect for individuals who want to get admissions into top engineering colleges and land entry-level jobs with reputed companies in their preferred sector.

If you fail to clear the GATE exam on your first attempt, you can appear for it again as there are no limits for attempts. However, you can still get admission to top engineering colleges for courses that do not require a GATE score.

Who is eligible to appear for GATE?

• Candidates of any age can apply for the GATE exam.
• Candidates from India as well as other countries can also apply.
• Any candidates who have passed or are appearing for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) or Postgraduate (M.Sc) degree in any relevant science subject are eligible to apply.
• Candidates from countries other than India should be in the 3rd year of their course or have completed their Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years in Engineering / Technology / Science / Arts / Commerce.
• There is no requirement for a minimum percentage in any of your degrees.

It is ideal to check for eligibility criteria on GATE’s website as they also accept candidates with some other specific qualifications and degrees like B.Arch, B. Pharm, M.B.B.S, etc.

How to prepare for the GATE examination?

Gate preparation can take up to 8 months. However, it can be more or less for some candidates. Either way, if you want to make the most of your time, then here are some GATE preparation tips that will come in handy for you throughout your journey.

1. Get to know the GATE syllabus

Knowing the exam pattern and syllabus will help you form your perfect GATE preparation strategy. You can organize your schedule and strategically allot time to subjects that need more preparation. You should focus more on certain subjects because they hold more marks or because they are hard to cope with.

• The GATE examination is an online, computer-based test that is 3 hours long and has a total of 29 subjects.
• The paper is divided into two sections: general aptitude (10 questions) and the subjects you selected (55 questions).
• You have MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQs (Multiple Select Questions), and, numerical answer type questions.
• The questions are for either 1 mark or 2 marks. There is a negative marking in GATE. For each incorrect 1-mark answer, 1/3 mark will be deducted and for 2 marks question, 2/3 marks will be deducted.

2. Select right GATE preparation books

The right course material is what gives shape to your GATE preparation. The right study materials are important for each subject and for every stage of preparation. Pearson’s GATE preparation books have all the study materials that you will need throughout your preparation. They also have subject-wise solved question papers of previous years’. With Pearson’s books, you can learn and also practice using the solved papers.

3. Appear for mock tests

Once you have finished learning all the subjects, the best way to test your knowledge is to appear for mock tests. If you get your answers right, it will help boost your confidence, and if you don’t get them right, you can analyze your weaknesses and invest more time in learning those subjects or topics. As you get closer to your GATE exam, you can solve more and more mock tests each day. It helps you solve unique questions and revise everything that you have learned so far.

It takes a lot of dedication and discipline to prepare for competitive exams like GATE. While you are learning and studying enthusiastically, it is also important to stay focused, organized, and have a plan for your future. Since you can pursue your post-graduation in engineering from reputed colleges even without a GATE score, you should keep your options open. But do not let that steer you away from clearing your GATE exam if that’s the goal for you. Self-assessment and awareness are as crucial as learning to appear for this examination.

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With the age of digitization came many opportunities for businesses of all sectors, and followed by that were booming job scopes. As the global market witnessed an increase in business, the Indian market and government reciprocated by opening opportunities for many sectors through investments, global political connections, and law amendments. Along with that, the Indian education sector has also evolved to prepare students for careers in management and businesses by aligning the academic curriculum with the changing business paradigm.

There are many management courses that aspiring business students pursue in India. But along with that, students aspiring for global education and job opportunities also focus on pursuing Higher Nationals qualifications.

What is Higher Nationals and who can pursue it?

Higher Nationals are internationally-recognized education qualifications that are equivalent to the first and second years of degree colleges. They are similar to foundation degrees that give you global education and job opportunities. This qualification is recognized by universities and industrial sectors across the globe. It is further split into two qualifications, which are the Higher Nationals Certificate and the Higher Nationals Diploma.

The Higher Nationals Certificate (HNC) is a skill-based level 4 qualification that can be completed in 1 year if pursued full-time and 2 years if pursued part-time. Once you have an HNC qualification, you can choose to start working or pursue a further degree. HNC makes you eligible to enter the 2nd year of a degree course.

The Higher Nationals Diploma (HND) is a more academically rigorous level 5 qualification that can be completed in 2 years if pursued full-time and 4 years if pursued part-time. With an HND qualification, you are eligible to get a job or pursue a degree course in the 3rd year.

Higher Nationals is an ideal qualification for candidates who are focused on learning vocational skills in various sectors. Students who do not wish to pursue a degree right after school and want to indulge in practical learning about any industry of their choice can choose to pursue HNC and HND.

For candidates who are looking for a career in business roles, they can pursue Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Business. This qualification provides you with skills for success in a range of administrative and management roles in business that are designed to make you eligible for competitive industry standards. Some niche sectors that you can specialise in within BTEC Higher Nationals in Business qualifications are listed below:

• Accounting and Finance
• Business Management
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management

However, there are different universities and institutes that offer different specializing pathways under this qualification. Depending on your goals you can choose universities that offer qualifications in sectors of your interests.

Since the core of these qualifications lies in imparting vocational learning, you are eligible for job opportunities. Many companies specifically hire students with BTEC Higher Nationals qualifications.

With your work-based learning and skillsets of Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business, you are equipped for the following job opportunities.

• Consultant in Marketing and Promotion
• Sales Associate/Manager
• Project Manager
• Business Consultancy
• Financial Advisor
• Business Development Manager

These are a few of the many job roles that candidates with Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Business can aim for. However, there are many other factors involved in landing job opportunities, even for individuals with this qualification.

It is crucial to ensure that your skillsets align with the requirements of the company. The goal of this qualification is not limited to helping you gain global job opportunities at premium companies. You can also use your knowledge to develop your own business and expand it further.

Choosing the right career path can be intimidating. Hence, before deciding on your professional or educational path, you have to lay out a plan that suits your interests. While Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Business develops your practical skills, it is your dedication and decision-making that will shape your professional excellence. BTEC opens doors to diverse career opportunities for learners and provides them with real-life skills to meet industry demands. Click here to know more about Pearson BTECs globally recognised qualifications and courses.

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The history of engineering education in India goes back to the colonial times when the first school of engineering started from a tent which is today established as IIT Roorkee. It is interesting enough to know how much scope liberalisation has given to both engineering and education as separate as well as one entity. But the history of how India got its first engineering college is even more intriguing.

A Brief History of Engineering in India

During the 1800s, India was witnessing many development projects under British rule. However, there was not enough manpower. After the Agra famine of 1837-1838, the East India Company decided to build an irrigation system in the Meerut to Allahabad zone. That led to the beginning of training locals in the field of civil engineering. In 1845, during the construction of the Ganges canal, Lieutenant Baird Smith of the Bengal Engineers was in charge of training candidates at Saharanpur in civil engineering, and in 1846, the first engineering college began in a tent in Saharanpur, which was later shifted to Roorkee.

The journey that began there was later escalated in the post-independence and post-war development eras. In 1951, Jawaharlal Nehru launched the Indian Institution of Technology. IITs were launched with the motto of cultivating trained professionals in the fields of science and engineering to drive the social and economic development of the newly independent India. Today, India has a total of 23 IITs and they are all declared as Institutes of National Importance.

What engineering branches can you pursue?

It is hard to wrap the unceasing branches of engineering in a short listicle. But to cover some, below are a few.

1. Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
2. Civil engineering
3. Instrumentation and Control
4. Automation and Robotics
5. Petroleum Engineering
6. Transportation Engineering
7. Computer Science and Engineering
8. Biotechnology Engineering

There are many other branches and sub-branches of engineering that haven’t made it in this list. In recent years, the branch of engineering that has gained momentum is railway engineering.

What is railway engineering?

Railway engineering is a sub-branch of civil engineering. This engineering discipline is concerned with the design, construction, and operation of railway systems. Construction, maintenance, logistics, and operations are a few of the technical and non-technical railway engineering job opportunities that one can pursue. Railways offer huge employment opportunities, and since the private-public partnership projects have increased, the job scope is expected to grow bigger.

How to pursue railway engineering education?

You can start as early as after 10th grade to study railway engineering. Depending on the railway engineering job opportunities that you are seeking or the courses you want to pursue, you can select institutions across the country and the world.

Certification courses

Certification courses can be both online or offline and do not require you to appear for any entrance exams. They are short-term courses offered by various institutes across India and the globe. They cover various railway engineering job profiles and domains, which makes them viable for working professionals too.

Some of the certification courses that you can consider are:

1. Professional Certificate in Railway Engineering
2. Railway/Metro Traction Designing
3. Certificate Course In Metro Rail Technology

You can pursue certification courses after completion of 10th or 12th grade from an accredited institute. However, some certification courses might require a graduate degree or equivalent qualification.

Diploma Programs

Diploma or post diploma courses are beneficial as they can be covered over a short span of time and you can join the professional sector right after your completion.

Some of the top diploma course in railway engineering are:

1. Bachelor Degree Qualification Experience
2. Diploma in Transport Economics and Management
3. POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA In Rail & Metro Technology (PG-DRM)

Your eligibility for admission depends on the merit list and your performance in the entrance exams of the respective institutions.

Bachelor's Courses

Railway engineering bachelor courses can focus on specialisation over various domains like transportation, infrastructure, supply chain management, etc. The span of these courses is between 3-4 years.

Some of the bachelor’s courses in railway engineering are:

1. BBA Transportation Management
2. B.Tech. in Rail Infrastructure Engineering
3. B.Tech. in Rail Systems & Communication Engineering

The eligibility criteria is a minimum of 50% marks in 12th grade from a recognized board. For some courses, there is a requirement of commerce/mathematics as a subject in 12th grade.

The eligibility criteria also depends on your performance on the following entrance exams:

1. JEE Main
2. JEE Advanced
3. BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test)
4. VITEEE (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam)

Master’s Course

The Master's course in railway engineering can help you secure high post job opportunities. They can be academically extensive but are usually covered over a span of 1-2 years.

Some of the master's courses in railway engineering are:

1. MBA in Transportation Management
2. MSc in Railway Systems Engineering & Integration

Admissions are based on your performance on the entrance test. For the above two courses, the entrance test is NRTI PG, which is followed by an interview. The collective score determines your admission status.

How to get a job on the Indian Railways?

It is considered to be a prestigious opportunity to secure a job with the Indian Railways. The job prospects that you are looking at involve train engineer or locomotive engineer, system engineer, personnel service, protection force, traffic service, etc.

To secure a job with Indian Railways, you can be a graduate or a postgraduate in any engineering field, depending on the job profiles. Along with that, you also need to pass the entrance exams for the respective job posts.

Railways hold a lot of importance for the wholesome development of a country. They also provide many employment opportunities. With the evolution in the global education system, it is possible to pursue a systematic and strategic academic qualification to secure a job in the railway sector. BTEC opens doors to diverse career opportunities for learners and provides them with real-life skills to meet industry demands. Click here to know more about Pearson BTECs globally recognised qualifications and courses.

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In India, to be an IIT graduate or an IIT student is momentous. It is a stepping stone for many engineering aspirants. These institutes are built to offer a competitive learning environment and a bright future to their students. Every year, over a million students in India take IIT entrance exams. Even though there are limited seats, the enthusiasm is the same every single year.

Let’s learn a bit more about one of the most competitive exams in India

IIT is the Indian Institute of Technology that was founded in 1951. The first IIT college to be inaugurated was IIT Kharagpur. Even though the inauguration of the first IIT was in 1956, the term ‘Indian Institute of Technology’ was adopted back in 1951.  As of 2021, there are 23 IITs across the nation. These institutes are declared as Institutes of National Importance by the government.

These IITs have undergraduate students as well as postgraduate students. The majority of students pursue Ph.D. and Master’s programs, as explained in an interview by V Ramgopal Rao, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi director.

What is the process for IIT preparation?

IIT JEE is the national-level competitive exam that selects candidates for these reputed IITs. The JEE preparation is divided into two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Any student who is appearing for class 12th or has cleared class 12th is eligible to appear for JEE Main.

JEE Main, the first of the two stages, determines your qualification for the appearance of JEE Advanced. The results of the second stage of the exam determine your future in the IITs. You can also get admissions in B.Tech/BE courses in reputed institutes across India on your JEE Main rank.

It is important to keep an eye on the eligibility criteria every year before you appear for the exams as they tend to change after a certain period of time.

When is it ideal to start preparing for IIT entrance exams?

As it is rightfully said, "The early bird catches the worm". And in IIT, the earlier the better. Up until a few years ago, the students would start preparing for the IIT entrance exams during their classes in the 11th and 12th. Then, with the rise in competition and academic patterns, it was considered to be in the best interest of students to start preparing for IIT from class 8th.

Presently, with the progression in the education system, you can start preparing for IIT as early as 6th grade. The goal is to not just prepare you for the IIT exams. You can also appear for other competitive exams like GMAT, Olympiads, National Talent Search Examination, etc.

Physics, chemistry, and mathematics are the primary subjects covered in the IIT exams. These subjects are vast and it is best to start learning them at the early stages of your academics.

A good JEE score can also land you the opportunity to apply to other prestigious non-IIT colleges if you do not secure admission into the IITs. The focus of these entrance exams is to select the best. But apart from IITs, you have many other options to explore. Either way, it is best to start preparing as early as class 6th.

What are the best IIT foundation books?

Apart from bringing in daily habitual changes to prepare yourself for the country's toughest competitive exams, there are some of the best IIT foundation books for each class, from 6th to 10th, that you must consider getting your hands on.

Aside from NCERT, the other books to consider are the Pearson IIT Foundation series books that provide authentic and tested content for IIT preparation.

• Pearson IIT Foundation Series Class 6 Pearson IIT Foundation Series Mathematics and Science includes strong content for beginners that is focused on teaching application-based learning. They have very detailed solutions to questions that encourage you and keep you engaged by making learning easier.
• Pearson IIT Foundation Series Class 7 Since PCM is the main subject area in IIT preparation, the Pearson IIT Foundation Series includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics books that help you to get started on the right foot.
• Pearson IIT Foundation Series Class 8 It is believed class 8 signifies an important transition in a student’s academic life. You become more knowledgeable and aware of their education. To keep up with school academics and simultaneously prepare for IIT, the Pearson IIT Foundation Series for class 8 includes Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry books.
• Pearson IIT Foundation Series Class 9 and 10 The last 2 years of school education are crucial. And since, as an IIT aspirant, you have been preparing for the best since class 6, it becomes easier for you to deal with the competitive academic life ahead. Pearson’s IIT Foundation Series for classes 9 and 10 includes PCM books, which are ideal for keeping up with the challenging IIT preparation coming ahead.

Along with coursebooks, Pearson also offers IIT Foundation practice books for classes 7 to 10. These practice books are designed to keep students at par with their school and JEE curriculum. They contain 4 categories of tests which include Chapter Test, Unit Test, Section Test, and Full-length Test.

These practice books include cognitive level questions that are application-based and help to enhance problem-solving skills. The Pearson IIT Foundation Practice books include challenging tests, sample questions, notes, and quick revision point at the end of the chapters.

IIT exams are one of the toughest exams in this country and require wholesome dedication along with accurate knowledge. Study materials are just as important as your attitude toward learning in order to pass the IIT entrance exams. It’s a long journey, but with the right resources, it can be a successful one.

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Every year, lakhs of students either start preparing for their post-graduation studies or are about to appear for their entrance exams for further academics. One huge part of these belongs to the students who prepare for CAT exams.

CAT is the Common Admission Test that is designed to select qualified students for management programs or IIMs. This is a computer-based entrance exam that happens every year.

The eligibility criteria to appear for CAT exams are as follows:

• The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% for the general category and 45% for the SC/ST category.
• Candidates with any other professional degrees who have secured a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% for the SC/ST category can also apply.
• The university that you pursue your degree from should be recognized by MHRD or UGC.
• Candidates who are appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s can also apply.

If you are someone who is appearing for CAT this year or is planning to start preparing, there is the CAT preparation strategy that can come in handy for you. To appear for academic entrance tests can be very stressful. And when you have a lot of material to cover, it can be overwhelming. But these CAT preparation tips will help you till the end.

Begin Early

You must have heard this tip a lot. It’s not just limited to CAT preparation, but to anything in life. But speaking of CAT, how early should you start? Usually, candidates start preparing for CAT during their undergraduate years. You can start even after your degree, during your gap year, or while you are working. You do not have to invest half of your day studying for CAT. Especially for undergraduates, it is important to utilize the college years to figure out all your career options and if an MBA is something that you really want to pursue.

For some candidates, 6 months of focused and consistent studying has helped them crack the exam. But it is recommended that you begin preparing 12 to 18 months before you appear for the exam. This is an ideal time frame for anyone who is ready to invest a couple of hours studying every day. The CAT is an exam that cannot be passed with hurried preparation. You need to stay true to your goals and compromise with your leisurely lifestyle. However, it is different from person to person.

Focus On The Right Skills

There are many skills that you need to pass the CAT. But one skill that you don’t need or need to drop if you possess is learning without understanding. The skills you need are:

• Basic knowledge of mathematics.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good reading comprehension skills.
• Quick mind calculations.
  

The other soft skills that you need are staying time-bound, developing a habit of taking notes, reading, enhancing vocabulary, and setting a routine. These qualities should not be limited just to CAT preparation but should be carried throughout your life.

Practice as much as you possibly can

As you get closer to your CAT exams, you should start practicing for them by taking mock tests. These tests give you a glimpse of what your actual entrance exam would be like. You should take your mock test with utter seriousness because that performance will prepare you for the CAT exam.

You should set your timer and practice within the time limit as it prepares your brain to function faster and be more efficient. Moving forward, you should also solve previous CAT exams and again, with complete sincerity. Don't be concerned about the questions you can't answer; instead, focus on the ones you can and build your confidence. With time, you are bound to get better.

Follow a structural study pattern

Every student has their own way of studying. Some like to study at night, some in the early morning. Some like taking notes, highlighting the main points, pasting them on the wall. You can do whatever works for you. But if you need some more suggestions, here you go!

• Prepare an excel sheet of the questions or topics that are difficult for you.
• Keep your formals in place and practice them every day.
• Every time you finish a paper or mock test, analyze your performance.
• To enhance your verbal skills, don’t choose mindless reading. Instead, look for reading comprehension materials online and solve them.

Lastly, Study Materials

It is critical for anyone with ongoing CAT preparation for 2021, as well as future candidates, not to become overwhelmed or caught up in too many study materials or sources. It is necessary that you stick to the ones that work best for you and take guidance from trusted sources.

Pearson has the most reliable and tested CAT preparation books for all the subjects. They cover all the fundamentals of each subject and are highly practice-oriented.

• Quantitative Aptitude The book contains all contents to enhance your numerical skills, accuracy, and speed. It also teaches basic and elementary mathematics. You can get better by solving their model papers, mock tests, and campus recruitment examination tests.
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation As this subject is about problem-solving skills and is highly conceptual, the book not only covers all the relevant topics but has ample practice tests ranging from foundation to advanced level for you to practice.
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension The focus of this subject is to test your English fluency, vocabulary, and grammar. The book covers all the aspects of enhancing the language and working on the errors. There are previous CAT papers, mock tests, and other MBA papers that you can solve to assess their ability.They also have another book, Master Number System, which is ideal for all MBA entrance exams like CAT and GMAT. The book is designed to help you understand the number systems and their applications. It also helps you develop your critical thinking skills.All this preparation will bring you good results if it is accompanied by sincerity and a positive attitude. CAT is a tough examination, but there’s nothing you can’t achieve with a little hard work.

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