My son is a B Tech (2015 from APJA Univ. UPTECH) and MBA in Marketing (2021 from DTU). Since 2016 he has been engaged with TCS (3 years in IT & 2 year in Marketing after completion of MBA ). He is now looking for a better carrier growth in Marketing. Due to less career growth with present employer and after completion of his MBA, he looks forward for a better opportunity. In market he is not able to get better opportunity. He has been trying various organization but not able to get any result. Can you suggest how he can get a better option with regard to career and financially. I think this the right time to have a change for better career growth. Presently he is 30 years old.

Ans: Based on placement trends and program structures across NITs, 4-year B.Tech in AI & Data Science generally offers higher and more consistent placement rates compared to 5-year Integrated M.Tech CSE (Data Science). For instance, NIT Warangal’s 4-year AI & Data Science program reported a 79.64% placement rate in 2024, with recruiters like Amazon and Microsoft actively hiring for roles in machine learning and analytics. In contrast, NIT Patna’s 5-year Integrated M.Tech CSE (Data Science) recorded a 74.96% placement rate in 2024, with slower recruitment cycles due to its combined UG-PG structure. While both programs emphasize AI/ML and data analytics, the 4-year curriculum aligns better with industry hiring timelines and offers earlier market entry, whereas the 5-year program’s extended duration risks misalignment with evolving tech demands despite deeper theoretical grounding. Prioritize 4-year AI & Data Science for stronger placement outcomes unless seeking academic research pathways. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Srinivasa Sir, Based on the latest AP EAPCET 2024 cutoff data for the BCD category, a rank of 20,000 positions your daughter for non-CSE branches in mid-tier engineering colleges like VIT-AP, GMRIT, and ANITS, while CSE remains inaccessible in top institutes. For VIT-AP, her rank aligns with Mechanical Engineering (BCD cutoff: 30,501) or Civil Engineering (BCD cutoff: 62,614), though CSE closed at 6,834. At GMRIT, she qualifies for Civil Engineering (BCD cutoff: 52,938) or Mechanical Engineering (BCD cutoff: 39,547), with CSE requiring 15,373. ANITS offers Mechanical Engineering (BCD cutoff: 67,418) or Electrical Engineering (BCD cutoff: 73,661), but its CSE cutoff (8,165) is unattainable. Prioritize VIT-AP or GMRIT for institutional reputation and placement opportunities (~70–80% placement rates for core branches), opting for Mechanical/Civil Engineering if branch flexibility is acceptable, while confirming seat availability during counselling. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Prioritize BMSCE or MSRIT via KCET for cost-effectiveness and proven placements. Secure Manipal CSE via MET for global exposure if budget permits. Use COMEDK for NMIT CSE as a backup. Avoid JEE-based options due to rank limitations, and finalize choices during counselling based on seat availability. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Based on placement records, institutional rankings, and curriculum strength, JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU) is preferable for BTech CSE over GL Bajaj. JSS STU reports near-universal CSE placements (95–100%) with a median salary of ?9 LPA and a highest package of ?60 LPA (2024), supported by 400+ recruiters like Amazon, Cisco, and IBM. Its NAAC A++ accreditation and NIRF 201–300 engineering ranking (2024) reflect academic rigor. While GL Bajaj offers modern specializations (AI/ML) and 600+ recruiters (highest package: ?58 LPA), its median salary (?7.35 LPA) and broader institutional placement rates (~25%) lag behind JSS STU’s CSE-focused outcomes. Prioritize JSS STU for assured CSE placements and industry alignment. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Based on the latest VITEEE cutoff trends, a rank of 83,000 makes securing CSE in VIT Vellore, Chennai, or Bhopal highly unlikely, as their 2024 CSE closing ranks for Category 5 were 25,500 (Vellore), 34,000 (Chennai), and 37,000 (Bhopal). However, VIT-AP may offer CSE under Category 4/5, with 2024 closing ranks up to 115,000 for general candidates. Non-CSE branches like Mechanical/Civil Engineering in VIT-AP (cutoff: ~125,000) or VIT Bhopal (cutoff: ~55,000 for ECE) are feasible, though fees increase with category tiers. While CSE specializations (AI/ML, Data Science) at VIT-AP had 2024 cutoffs up to 118,000, your rank falls marginally within this range under higher fee categories. Prioritize CSE at VIT-AP if branch preference outweighs cost considerations; otherwise, explore ECE/Mechanical at VIT Bhopal or AP for assured admission. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Based on the latest IISER admission data, an IAT score of 85 under the SC category aligns with the 2024 closing ranks for IISER Berhampur (SC cutoff rank: 4,484) and IISER Tirupati (SC cutoff rank: ~738), making admission to these institutes feasible. While IISER Pune/Kolkata remain inaccessible (2024 SC closing ranks: ~266 and 364), IISER Bhopal (2024 SC cutoff: ~600) may offer seats in later counselling rounds if vacancies arise. Historically, scores between 75–95 correspond to ranks 1,500–2,000 for SC candidates, with 85 likely positioning you within this range. Ensure eligibility (55% in Class XII) and participate actively in counselling, prioritizing IISER Berhampur/Tirupati as realistic options while monitoring seat matrices for potential upgrades. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Based on the latest placement data and institutional comparisons, IIT Roorkee’s B.Arch offers near-universal placement rates (90–100%) with recruiters like Microsoft, J.P. Morgan, and L&T, supported by interdisciplinary training in sustainability, smart cities, and heritage conservation. While Mechanical Engineering at NIT Kurukshetra (86% placement), NIT Delhi (75–85%), and NIT Hamirpur (98.06%) provide stable core-sector outcomes, roles are often restricted to manufacturing/automotive sectors, necessitating self-driven upskilling for IT transitions. IIIT Una’s CSE reports declining placement rates (61% in 2024 vs. 87% in 2023) despite higher demand for software roles, raising reliability concerns. IIT Roorkee’s **#1 NIRF Architectureanking, DGCA-recognized labs, and global research collaborations provide unmatched academic rigor and sectoral diversity, though architectural careers demand specific passion. Prioritize IIT Roorkee B.Arch for institutional prestige and placement assurance if inclined toward design/urban planning; opt for NIT Mechanical only if core engineering aligns with long-term goals, acknowledging the need for supplementary coding skills. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Lakshya, you have not mentioned your percentile/rank in JEE (Main)? Based on placement trends and institutional trade-offs, BMSCE CSE is preferable over lower NIT branches (e.g., Mechanical/Civil) if immediate tech roles are prioritized. BMSCE CSE boasts 74–96.9% placement rates with Amazon, Microsoft, and Adobe recruiting heavily, offering median salaries of ?9–10 LPA and peaks up to ?40 LPA. While NITs like Trichy or Surathkal provide stronger institutional repute and GATE/research pathways, their lower branches (e.g., Civil at NIT Trichy: 76.2% placement, ?3.75 LPA median) face limited core opportunities and reliance on self-driven coding upskilling for IT roles. CSAB upgrades are uncertain, and even if secured, non-CSE NIT branches often yield lower recruiter diversity (e.g., L&T, Tata Motors) and steeper academic pivots to enter software. Choose BMSCE CSE for assured tech access, but if NIT brand value and long-term academic flexibility outweigh branch preferences, await CSAB outcomes while preparing for coding interviews to bridge non-CSE limitations. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Your percentile/rank in JEE (Main)?