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Workplace Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2024

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Asked by Anonymous - Feb 12, 2024Hindi
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My son, currently in class 11, faces a tough decision: choosing between Medicine and Engineering as his future career path. He displays strong aptitude in both Science and Math, excelling in both CET and NEET coaching, but hasn't opted for JEE. We're seeking guidance to help him make an informed and fulfilling choice. We've encouraged him to research both fields beyond academics, exploring the work lifestyle, daily tasks, and potential specializations. Yet, a clear direction remains elusive. If you have any valuable insights or practical strategies to help him navigate this crucial decision, we'd be incredibly grateful. Any advice on exploring various aspects of each career, identifying relevant personality traits, or understanding current industry trends would be immensely helpful. Thank you for your time and support in guiding our son towards a fulfilling future!

Ans: It's wonderful that you're proactively supporting your son in making this important decision. Choosing between medicine and engineering can be challenging, especially when someone excels in both areas. Here are some insights and strategies to help him navigate this process:

Exploring and Evaluating:

- Personality and Values: Both medicine and engineering require different personality traits and values. Medicine demands strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and dedication to patient care. Engineering emphasizes problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity in design. Encourage your son to reflect on his values and preferred work environment – does he thrive on helping others directly or building tangible solutions?
- Shadowing & Volunteering: Arrange for him to shadow professionals in both fields (doctors, engineers) to observe their daily tasks, challenges, and rewards firsthand. Volunteering in clinical settings like hospitals or engineering projects can offer practical experience and insights.
- Specializations: Discuss the diverse specializations within each field. Medicine offers countless paths (cardiology, oncology, surgery), while engineering branches into various disciplines (civil, electrical, software). Exploring specific areas within each can ignite passion or reveal specific interests.
- Industry Trends: Research current trends and future projections in both sectors. Is there a specific engineering field experiencing rapid growth? Are there areas in medicine facing rising demand for specific expertise? Discussing these trends can help him make an informed choice aligned with future job prospects.

Additional Strategies:

- Career Aptitude Tests: Consider professional career aptitude tests to gain insights into his inherent strengths and inclinations. While not definitive, they can offer valuable data points for reflection.
- Talk to Mentors: Connect him with professionals in both fields whom he admires. Mentors can share their personal experiences, insights, and challenges, offering valuable guidance.
- University Visits & Events: Attending university open houses, webinars, and events specific to each field can expose him to diverse perspectives and learning environments.

Remember:

- There's no "right" answer. Encourage him to prioritize personal fit, values, and long-term aspirations over external pressures.
- Both fields offer fulfilling careers. Don't frame it as a competition but as exploring two exciting possibilities.
- The journey, not just the destination, matters. Enjoy the process of discovery and learning about himself and his passions.

Ultimately, the decision lies with your son. By providing him with opportunities for exploration, self-reflection, and informed discussion, you'll equip him to make a confident and fulfilling choice for his future.

I hope these insights and strategies prove helpful. Also remember that professional guidance from career counselors or educational institutions can be invaluable in his decision-making process.
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Career Counsellor - Answered on May 21, 2025

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Sir, I have got 87% marks in mains. Please tell me a college where I can get a branch.
Ans: Aditi, Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main/Advanced Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Also, please have some other back-up options instead of relying only on JEE/JoSAA/NITs/IIITs/GFTIs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions and a bright future!

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