Going the humanities way: On the IIT campus in Chennai.

Class 12 students can now sit for the IIT Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Test (HSEE) to gain admission to a five-year integrated Master’s programme in humanities. Excellence in the field of study, a well-rounded personality, self-confidence and human values are focal areas in this institution. Alumni of the IITs walk the corridors of top industrial houses and research institutions around the world.

The innovative programme leads to the award of an MA degree in economics, developmental studies or English. The entrance examination will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi for a total intake of 30 seats. The three-hour examination will be based on English and comprehension skill, analytical and quantitative ability, Indian economy, Indian history, World history, environment and ecology. It will be an objective-type paper consisting of 180 questions, with negative marking for incorrect answers.

For students specialising in economics, opportunities abound in the corporate sector; banking organisations, such as the Reserve Bank of India and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development; government jobs in organisations such as the Central Statistical Organisation, the Department of Company Affairs and the Ministry of Planning; and world organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme. Students specialising in English with a flair for writing and an exposure to subjects such as economics and sociology can look forward to joining the world of news media. Further, the demand for professionals in English language training and soft skills are on the increase. Corporate communication and public relations are other sought-after career options. Organisations are constantly looking for language professionals with creative writing skills.

Students who specialise in developmental studies with an in-depth knowledge of multidisciplinary subjects, such as sociology, psychology, economics and environmental studies, and a deep-rooted sensitivity towards social problems can look for opportunities in international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, and international non-governmental organisations involved in rehabilitation and development.

With the industrial houses becoming increasingly aware of their corporate social responsibility, leading companies are looking for people with specialised education in developmental studies to take up such responsibilities. In addition to corporate opportunities, the government offers postings involving research in areas such as population studies, environment and health care.

Applications for the examination can be obtained by ordinary post from January 28. The cost of application form and examination fee is Rs. 300 for women, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and physically challenged candidates, while it is Rs. 600 for others.

Interested students who have passed the Plus Two course or will be completing it in March can obtain the application brochure by sending a demand draft for the appropriate amount favouring Chairman, HSEE, IIT, Madras, payable at Chennai, along with two self-addressed slips. The postal request for application material will be entertained only till February 25. The last date for receipt of completed application forms at the IIT, Madras, is March 3.

The request letter for application forms should be sent to the Chairman, HSEE 2008, JEE Office, IIT Madras, Chennai 600 036 (ph: 044 2257 8220).

With hundreds of students taking the entrance test for a mere 30 seats, the competition is intense. Proper preparation will help improve the candidate’s prospects of securing a seat.

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