I Wish to do Earth Science

I am a second-year BSc (PCM) student from MJP Rohilkhand University. I like earth science. What should I do? - Sachin.

Earth science deals with all the subjects concerned with the origin, evolution, structure and the behaviour of our planet and its place in the universe, especially in the solar system. While few institutions offer courses in specialised branches of earth sciences, educational opportunities exist primarily in two broad fields - geology and geography. It is only at the Master's level that courses in special areas are taught.

Specialised areas in earth sciences include: oceanography, remote sensing, atmospheric sciences, space science, hydrology, geosciences, cartography, and geographic information system (GIS).

Geoscience is an important area due to the awareness about depleting natural resources. Its major applications are exploration and responsible development of natural resources (oil, gas, coal, minerals, construction aggregate, water, and soil), preservation of the natural environment, restoration after environmental damage, and mitigation of geo-hazards such as earthquakes and landslides, and exploratory research. With the discovery of oil reserves in Rajasthan, for instance, there is a growing demand for specialists in earth sciences to work with exploration, geological and geophysical companies, oil, gas and resource companies, engineering consulting firms, petroleum service companies, and gas and chemical plant operations.

I am a Class XII student. I have opted for Hindi, English, economics, history and physical education to prepare for the civil services. I want to take admission in the best national college/ university to pursue a BA in history or psychology. Will I have to take any admission test? If yes, then what's the syllabi for these? Should I start preparing for these exams now? Will my X and XII marks be counted? What's a ‘cut -off'? - Anu.

For a BA degree in history or psychology, you do not have to prepare for any entrance test. Universities have cut-off percentages for different programmes. If your percentage qualifies the cut-off for a chosen course, you are eligible for a seat in that department. In most cases, the Class X percentage is not considered. What matters only is your Class XII percentage. Cut-offs these days go above 90 per cent even for subjects like history and psychology. So, to get into a good college/ university, you should aim for above 90 per cent in your Class XII exam.