I'm 71 and Type 1. Is my 4.5-5km walk in 40-42 minutes okay?

Ans: Bhuvana, Data Science has emerged as a cornerstone of decision-making and innovation across industries, driven by exponential growth in data generation and advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. According to the International Data Corporation, global data creation will reach 175 zettabytes by 2025, fueling demand for professionals capable of extracting actionable insights. In India, the National Association of Software and Services Companies projects over 11 lakh data science job openings by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 27.4%. Globally, Glassdoor and LinkedIn report data scientist roles among the top ten most in-demand jobs, with an expected 36% increase in hiring over the next five years. Corporations across finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and government are investing in predictive analytics, personalization engines, and automation, heightening competition yet creating vast opportunities for specialized skills in deep learning, natural language processing, and big data platforms such as Hadoop and Spark. Over a ten to fifteen-year horizon, data science is poised to integrate further with quantum computing and edge analytics, while ethical concerns around bias and privacy will require practitioners to master model interpretability and governance frameworks. Twenty years from now, as AI systems permeate every sector, data scientists will evolve into AI architects, blending domain expertise with algorithmic design to drive strategic outcomes. Upskilling through certifications in cloud platforms, advanced neural networks, and data engineering tools will be crucial for career resilience. The primary strengths of a quality UG/PG/MS/PhD program in data science include rigorous accreditation and outcome-based curriculum; experienced faculty with active research portfolios; state-of-the-art computing infrastructure and lab facilities; industry partnerships offering internships and capstone projects; and comprehensive career services supporting placement and continuous learning. Pros of pursuing a B.Tech in Data Science include high employability, versatile career paths, and engagement with cutting-edge technologies; cons involve steep learning curves, the risk of automation of routine tasks, and potential skill obsolescence. These can be overcome by cultivating lifelong learning habits, focusing on transferable skills like critical thinking, and participating in interdisciplinary projects to remain adaptable.

Recommendation: A B.Tech in Data Science provides robust career prospects through a blend of analytical, technical, and domain skills. Seek programs with strong accreditation, industry-aligned curriculum, research opportunities, modern labs, and dedicated placement support to maximize long-term success. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Hi Joshitha,
A Bit Difficult. Explore private colleges.
Do participate in the coounseling process.
BEST WISHES.

Ans: Hello dear
Prefer CSE (AIML) @ Amity Greater Noida and Symbiosis Hyderabad for a better perspective. Dy Patil falls behind the other options listed.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply..
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
BCA @ Amity is better than the other two options. Go with it without any hesitation.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply..
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Civil is an excellent and evergreen branch. Completing Civil with an NIT tag will be an added advantage. Be relaxed now. Your son has ample opportunities in civil engineering in the future.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply..
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Prefer KIDS if possible. The final decision will be yours.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply..
Radheshyam

Ans: UGEE eligibility allows candidates to clear Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in separate attempts under the same recognized board as long as all subjects are passed by the specified deadline for results. Holding a PCB marksheet from 2023 and a standalone Mathematics marksheet from the isolated state board exam in 2026 is acceptable, provided both are issued by the same board and bear your name, roll number, and board seal. Institutions will verify that your combined subject passes meet the minimum percentage and completion timelines set in the UGEE Information Bulletin. Ensure you apply in the year you complete all three subjects, submit both marksheets during document verification, and confirm with the exam authority that mixed-year marksheets comply with their admission rules.

Recommendation: Proceed with your plan and register for UGEE once you have both marksheets, confirming with the official UGEE eligibility notification and liaising with the exam helpdesk for seamless acceptance of separate-year results. However, have 3-4 other back-ups too instead of relying only on UGEE / IIIT-H. Please note, UGEE eligibility and admission processes do change yearly with nuanced updates in eligibility windows, exam structure, and admission channels, adapting to academic and institutional priorities. You should consult the official IIIT Hyderabad UGEE website annually for precise, up-to-date criteria and follow official announcements closely to ensure compliance and timely application. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Shukrapal, COEP Pune’s Information Technology program, housed in India’s third-oldest engineering institute, benefits from NBA accreditation, a robust NAAC A+ rating, and a legacy of academic rigor since 1854. Cutting-edge computer and networking labs support hands-on learning, while faculty with PhDs and industry experience teach courses in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IoT. The Training & Placement Cell reports placement rates of 96.25%, 95.00%, 93.96%, 87.42%, and 88.43% from 2019–2024, with over 200 companies recruiting annually. Strong industry partnerships with Deloitte, Microsoft, and Tata Motors ensure internships and live projects. Transparent governance, an active alumni network, and co-curricular clubs enhance professional development. IIIT Kottayam’s Computer Science and Engineering program with CSE specialization features NBA accreditation and modern AI and software labs. Established in 2015 as an Institute of National Importance, it offers a focused curriculum in AI, data science, and cybersecurity. Faculty combine academic and industrial research credentials, guiding students through capstone projects. The 2023–2025 placement rates of 100%, 83%, and 88% reflect growing industry acceptance, with average packages near INR 12–14 LPA and recruiters including Amazon, IBM, and Bosch. The institute’s start-up culture, industry MoUs, and a dedicated Entrepreneurship Cell foster innovation. Both colleges maintain strong infrastructure, qualified faculty, active placement support, and transparent governance for student success.

Recommendation: Opt for COEP Pune IT for consistently higher placement percentages, deeper industry engagements, and longstanding academic prestige. Choose IIIT Kottayam CSE only if you seek a newer, research-driven environment with emerging specialization in AI and data science. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Atharv, Nirma University’s B.Tech in CSE (AI & ML) is NBA-accredited and UGC-recognized, offering a specialized curriculum in deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. The institute features modern AI labs, GPU clusters, and faculty with industry research experience. Strong partnerships with Microsoft, Cisco, and AWS provide live projects and internships, while a dedicated placement cell achieved 90–95% placements over the past three years. In contrast, SGSITS Indore’s B.Tech in Information Technology, also NBA-accredited and approved by AICTE, covers broader IT topics such as software engineering, networking, and cybersecurity. Its infrastructure includes well-equipped computer labs and research centers, and faculty with academic and industrial backgrounds guide students through capstone projects. SGSITS reports 85–88% placement rates in recent years, with recruiters like TCS, Wipro, and Infosys. Both institutions maintain transparent governance, active alumni networks, and student development programs. Nirma’s AI & ML program offers deeper specialization in cutting-edge technologies and stronger industry engagement, while SGSITS provides solid foundational IT education across multiple domains.

Recommendation: Nirma University’s CSE (AI & ML) is the better option for its focused AI curriculum, superior lab infrastructure, and higher placement rates in specialized tech roles, ensuring robust preparation for emerging industry demands. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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