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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
TOEFL: Test of English As A Foreign Language
GRE General Exam Overview
The General GRE Exam consists of 3 sections, the • Verbal • Quantitative • Analytical writing sections. Verbal Reasoning : This section contains 30 questions to be attempted in 30 minutes. The verbal section requires a good vocabulary level, and basic skills of grammatically correct English coupled with reasoning and analysis. The questions consist of four types : Antonyms, Analogies, Sentence Completion, and Reading Comprehension. The four types are intermingled, with no fixed number for each type. The skills measured include the test taker|s ability to • analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it • analyze relationships among component parts of sentences • recognize relationships between words and concepts Quantitative Reasoning : This section contains 28 questions on Mathematics that are to be completed in 45 minutes. This difficulty level of questions is comparable to Class X. Major topics include Number Systems, Percentages, Fractions & Decimals, Algebra (including Quadratic Equations), Geometry (including Basic Coordinate Geometry), Ratio & Proportion, Area & Volume of 2-D and 3-D figures, and Probability. The skills measured include the test taker|s ability to • understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis • reason quantitatively • solve problems in a quantitative setting Analytical Writing : The writing assessment section requires you to write two short essays. The first is the Issue task, in which you need to analyze the issue presented and explain your views on it. For the Issue task, you will be able to choose 1 of 2 essay topics selected by the computer from the pool of topics. The time allotted is 45 minutes. The second essay is Analysis of an Argument, in which a given argument has to be critically analyzed and evaluated. The Argument task does not offer a choice of topics; the computer will present you with a single topic selected from the topic pool. The time allotted is 30 minutes. The skills measured include the test taker|s ability to • articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively • examine claims and accompanying evidence • support ideas with relevant reasons and examples • sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion • control the elements of standard written English. Test Fees: US $160. Books: Kaplan GRE, Princeton Review, Barron's GRE. GRE Subject Tests Overview: The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area. • Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology • Biology • Chemistry • Computer Science • Literature in English • Mathematics • Physics • Psychology The Subject Tests are given at paper-based test centers worldwide three times a year in: • October • November • April Test Fees: US $170. Books: Kaplan GRE, Princeton Review, Barron's GRE |
Career opportunities in Gemology
 Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones. It is considered as a branch of mineralogy in Geosciences. Gemologists are taught to classify natural gemstones and check for damage to these stones. The splendor, durability and material value of gemstones have always surprised people and have remained a cause of interest for centuries.
A gemstone or gem (also called a precious or semi-precious stone) is a piece of attractive mineral, which—when cut and polished—is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However certain rocks, (such as lapis-lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals, but are still used for jewelry, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their lustre or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone.
Gemstones are basically categorized based on of their crystal structure, specific gravity, refractive index, and other optical properties, such as pleochroism. The physical property of "hardness" is defined by the non-linear Moh's scale of mineral hardness. Gemologists study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions, and included partially melted exogenous crystals to demonstrate evidence of heat treatment to enhance colour.
The spectroscopic analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand the atomic structure and identify its origin as it is a major factor in valuing a gemstone. For example, a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical activity variance as compared to a Thai ruby. When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished colour. Initially, the stone is identified by its colour, refractive index, optical character, specific gravity, and examination of internal characteristics under magnification
Career Opportunities:
Since time immemorial gems have remained "neighbor's envy and owner's pride". The ornaments have been exotic, unequalled and invaluable articles of personal glory. They are considered symbols of wealth, talismans, adornments of gods, kings and the rich. They have also been revered for their magical powers as well. There are very few substances which pack so much value in such little sizes. And, with changing fashion and taste, men and women today, are steadily moving away from conventional styles of adornment and ornamentation and gradually adopting modern patterns better suited to their busy life styles. According to estimates, 60 percent by value, 82 percent by volume and 95 percent of the cut and polished diamonds get processed in India. Also considering the fact that India is the largest consumer of gold in the world and has excellent infrastructure for diamond cutting, Gemology can prove to be a very lucrative and satisfying career.
To be eligible for admission into a Gemology course, you must have completed 10+2 (any stream) or graduation. The duration of the courses vary but they are of short terms. A good command over English is a must if you want to progress in this field because not only it gives an edge during communication with customers but also, best of the books on the subject are in English.
Gemology course mainly consists of gem's identification and colouring, metal concepts drawing techniques, metallurgical processes, elements of fashion, design methodology, computer aided designing, ornament designing, ornament making and traditional and modern processes with specialization in jewellery designing. Gemologists identify, sort and grade gemstones in order to advise jewellers/ jewellery designs regarding various properties of gems and the suitability of particular gemstones in different metals and settings. Thus, the functions of a Gemologist include identification, measurement of weights, establishment of size and all other such aspects of various precious stones. You can specialize as a gem grinder, gem polisher, gem assorter, engraver, jewellery setter, researcher and scientist. You can also be involved in teaching and training people with relevant qualification and adequate experience.
For becoming a successful Gemologist you should have a sense of design and appreciation of quality. Excellent powers of observation, attention to detail, precision, ability to concentrate, initiative, an objective approach and a tremendous sense of responsibility are some of the other qualities, which will make your progress in this area, fast and smooth. Good hand-eye coordination, patience and concentration are required in great measures because the work is precise and delicate in nature. Students are taught on the various aspects of the stones that include:
It is a fact that Indian gem cutters and craftsmen are respected and held in high regard all over the world. Also, Government's liberalization policy has opened up a whole new world of opportunities in India and abroad. Within India, Jaipur (Rajasthan) is among the world's largest gem cutting centers. Other emerging centers include Delhi, Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad. Most of the jewellery export houses and other centers located in these cities offer good positions to those with training in the latest trends and developments in this field. With the entry of branded gems and jewellery as well as the increased interest in newer designs and westernized styles, job opportunities have increased manifolds. If you can satisfy market needs and continue to create new things, you can carve a niche for yourself as a self- employed entrepreneur.
Job Opportunities:
Growing demand for precious stone jewelry has created the need for more gemologists. Anybody who has a passion for jewelry and stones and has an eye for detail can become a successful gemologist. In recent times the entry of branded jewelry has infused new impetus in the profession. And when it comes to gems and jewelry exports, India accounts for 70% (approx.) exports worldwide. There is also a demand for traditional gold jewelry in the international market. The Indian Gem & Jewelry industry is poised to enter the new millennium with great confidence. Indian gem cutters and craftsmen are held in high regard the world over. The opening up of the market will help India to acquire a sizeable share of the world market.
Job openings have shown an increase with entry of branded jewelry and increased interest in newer and westernized styles. Self-employed jewelry designers can carve a niche for themselves provided they could satisfy market needs and continue to be creative at the same time. Within manufacturing, increasing automation will take some time to adversely affect employment of low-skilled occupations, such as assembler and polisher when replacement benefits and costs outweigh the productivity of manpower. Automation will have a lesser impact on more creative, highly skilled positions, such as mould and model maker.
The demand for jewelry is largely affected by the amount of disposable income people have. Therefore, the increasing number of affluent individuals, workingwomen, double-income households and fashion conscious men are expected to keep jewelry sales strong. Related occupations could be of gem-cutters, hand engravers, and watchmakers and repairers
It is a fact that Indian gem cutters and craftsmen are respected and held in high regard all over the world. Also, Government's liberalization policy has opened up a whole new world of opportunities in India and abroad. Within India, Jaipur (Rajasthan) is among the world's largest gem-cutting centers. Other emerging centers located in these cities offer good positions to those with training in the latest trends and developments in this field. With the entry of branded gems and jewellery as well as the increased interest in newer designs and westernized styles, job opportunities have increased manifolds. If you can satisfy market needs and continue to create new things, you can carve a miche for yourself as a self-employed entrepreneur.
Though automation has set in this field also, keeping pace with the changing times, it will take time before it adversely affects the employment of lower level skilled workers. But automation will hardly have much impact on the creative and highly skilled positions. Employment is not at all a problem for skilled workers. The salaries vary depending on the type of the job you are doing. Creative jobs generally fetch you a starting salary of Rs.15,000 per month. People involved in this business can also be retailers, wholesalers of gems and jewellery shop, where income levels vary from one extreme to another.
Owing to the availability of cheap labour, it is estimated that nine out of every ten diamonds are cut in India. Further, employment opportunities should be excellent as jewellery sales are increasing. Due to the discovery and pilferage of imitations of diamonds and synthetic gems, the field is still evolving. The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute with gemological laboratories in Antwerp (Belgium), New York (US) and Bangkok (Thailand), has set up shop in Mumbai in recognition of India's immense potential in this field. Many other gemological institutes have been eyeing India in the recent past. |
Thursday, January 7, 2010
AICTE sets in motion in giving approval to technical institutes
 |  | AICTE sets in motion in giving approval to technical institutes |
In a bid to end corruption in giving approval to institutes, the AICTE has decided to shift to online registration process and relax land requirements for new institutes.
The AICTE will also issue unique identification number (ID) to faculty members of the AICTE-approved institutions, a mechanism that will help check the trend of certain faculties working in multiple institutions. The bio-metric impression of each faculty member will be taken to track his movement. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) will also put in place a mechanism to help students lodge their grievances against the institutes. AICTE will revamp its process for approval of institutions by shifting to online mode from this month. It will not allow running of any course other than MBA and MCA in distant mode, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said. Sibal launched the new website of the AICTE, which has been often in news for wrong reasons. The web portal will act as a single window system for processing of the applications of the institutions for approval. "We are putting in place a new system under which the inspection raj regime in AICTE will be over. We are moving to a regime of self disclosure in which the institutions will disclose their facilities, faculty and courses. Each student can directly interact with us through the portal if he has any problem about the institute," Sibal told reporters. |
Civil Services Examination, 2010
IMPORTANT
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:
The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility condition for admission to examination. Their admission at all the stages of the examination will be purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions
The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility condition for admission to examination. Their admission at all the stages of the examination will be purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions
Mere issue of admission certificate to the candidate will not imply that his candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission.
Commission take up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after the candidate has qualified for interview/Personali ty Test.
2. APPLICATION FORM :
Candidates must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examination, which can be purchased from the Designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix III of the notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only). Each such form can be used only once and only for one examination.
In case of any difficulty in obtaining Application Forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post Master or UPSC's "FORMS SUPPLY MONITORING CELL" over Telephone No. 011-23389366/ FAX No. 011-23387310.
Candidates are advised to read carefully the "Instructions for filling up the Application Form" given in Appendix-II of this notice.
3. LAST DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS :
All applications must reach the "Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069" either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the 1st February, 2010.
The candidates should not that applications will be received by hand only one at a time at the desginated counter(s) and not in bulk, till 5 PM only.
However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote areas specified in para 6 of this Notice the last date for receipt of application by Post/Speed Post only (not by Hand or by Courier) is 8th February, 2010.
4. Penalty for wrong answer (In objective type paper).
Candidates should note that their will be penalty (Negative Marking) answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Question Papers.
5. FACILITATION COUNTER FOR GUIDANCE OF CANDIDATES :
In case of any guidance/informatio n/clarification regarding their applications, candidature etc. candidates can contact UPSC's Facilitation Counter near gate 'C' of its campus in person or over Telephone No. 011-23385271/ 011-23381125/ 011-23098543 on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs.
6. MOBILE PHONES BANNED :
(a) Mobile phones, pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises where the examination is being conducted. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
(b) Candidates are advised in their own interest not be bring any of the banned items including mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as arrangement for safekeeping cannot be assured.
" Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply".
exam reminder
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Saturday, January 2, 2010
Invites Applications from 'Engineering Graduates' and 'Science post graduates' OCES-2010 and DGFS-2010
Department of Atomic Energy
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Training Schools
Invites Applications from 'Engineering Graduates' and 'Science post graduates'
- Who like challenges in frontline science and technology,
- Who like to be part of expanding programme of nuclear reactors, accelerators and fuel cycle technologies,
- Who enjoy pursuing innovative research in Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Engineering or Biosciences
to apply to its OCES-2010 and DGFS-2010 training programmes
On successful completion of training, they will join as Scientific Officers in one of the DAE units with attractive career progression opportunities up to the highest echelons.
DAE strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
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