NIFT Entrance Examination

National Institute for Fashion Technology (NIFT) is an esteemed institute offering design, technology and management courses at graduate and post graduate level. NIFT was set up in 1986 under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

NIFT has 13 centers at present in India and one international centre. They are located in Bengaluru, Kolkata, Bhopal, Mumbai , Chennai,  New Delhi, Gandhinagar, Patna, Hyderabad, RaeBareli, Kangra, Shillong, and Kannur.

Courses offered at NIFT:

Bachelor Programmes – Design (4 years)

1. B.Des. (Fashion Design)
2. B.Des. (Leather Design)
3. B.Des. (Accessory Design)
4. B.Des. (Textile Design)
5. B.Des. (Knitwear Design)
6. B.Des. (Fashion Communication)

Bachelor Programme – Technology (4 years)

1. B.FTech. (Apparel Production)

 Masters Programme

1. M.Des. (Master of Design)
2. M.F.M. (Master of Fashion Management)
3. M.FTech. (Master of Fashion Technology)

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility for Bachelor Programmes – Design

B.Des. (Fashion Design / Leather Design / Accessory Design / Textile Design / Knitwear Design / Fashion Communication)

• The +2 level examination in the 10+2 pattern of examination of any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi. OR
• General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level. OR
• Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in Foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system. OR
• A pass grade in the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects. OR
• 3 or 4-years diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education.

Eligibility for Bachelor Programme - Technology
B.FTech. (Apparel Production)

• The +2 level examination in the 10+2 pattern of examination of any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi with Physics, Chemistry  and Maths. OR
• General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at the advanced (A) level with Physics, Chemistry and Maths. OR
• Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system with Physics, Chemistry and Maths. OR                  
• A pass grade in the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects with Physics, Chemistry and Maths. OR
• 3 or 4-years diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education (Engineering background). 
• Candidate must be pass in Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics

Please note that the upper age limit for applying in bachelor programmes is  restricted to 23 years as on 1st November, 2008.

Eligibility for Master Programme - Design 

M.Des. (Master of Design)

• Graduation degree from a recognized University in any discipline*   OR
• Bachelor in Applied Arts (Fashion Design / Visual Communication / Graphic Design / Industrial Design / Interior Design / Multimedia Design / Product Design / Textiles & Accessories. OR
• B.A. (Fine Arts) or B.Sc. (Textiles & Clothing) OR                  
• B.Arch. OR
• Design Diploma / Degree  from NIFT / NID only        
• Candidates having relevant industry experience in areas of Fashion / Textile / Communication Design would be preferred.

*If a candidate possessing Graduation Degree in any discipline applies for the course, then he / she has to compulsory undergo 2 months (i.e. 8 weeks) training programme to develop the desired skills before taking on the course itself.    

Eligibility for Master Programme - Management
M.F.M. (Master of Fashion Management)

• A three years Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in any discipline recognized by the Association of Indian Universities or Diploma in Accessory / Fashion Design / FIT from NIFT only. 
• For foreign Bachelor’s Degree, not recognized by the Association of Indian Universities, proper certification by a National Body constituted in the country concerned for granting equivalence will have to be produced.

Eligibility for Master Programme - Technology
M.FTech. (Master of Fashion Technology)

• B.E. / B.Tech. (Textiles / Apparel / Mechanical / Industrial / Production / Electronics / Computer / Information Technology)

Entrance Exam:

All eligible candidates will have to appear for a written entrance examination at the Examination Centres opted by them. NIFT entrance test is designed to test the knowledge, skill and aptitude of the candidates for the programme opted.

UG Programmes Test Duration & Weightage

• B. Des applicants undergo the following entrance process:
• GAT - 2 Hrs (40% weightage)
• CAT - 3 Hrs (40% weightage)
• Situation Test (Second tier) - 20% weightage

• B.F Tech applicants undergo the following entrance process
• GAT - 2 hrs (60% weightage)
• MAT - 2 hrs (40% weightage)

PG Programmes Test Duration & Weightage

• M. Des applicants undergo the following entrance process
• GAT - 2 hrs (40% weightage)
• CAT -  3 hrs (40% weightage)
• GD/PI(Second tier) - 20% weightage

• M.F.M and M.F. Tech applicants undergo the following entrance process
• GAT - 2 hrs (40% weightage)
• MAT - 2 hrs (40% weightage)
• GD/PI (Second tier) - 20% weightage

General Ability Test (GAT): This test will comprise of Quantitative Ability, Communication

Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, General Knowledge and Current Affairs.

Creative Ability Test (CAT): This test is administered to judge the intuitive skill, power of observation, innovation in development of a concept and design ability of the candidate. An important aspect of the test is the creative and innovative medium used and candidate’s usage of colour and illustration.

Managerial Ability Test (MAT): It is a test to judge the managerial effectiveness. This test will comprise of subsections on Case Study and Logical Ability.

Short listed candidates from the written entrance examination will be required to undergo Situation Test (for B Des) and Group Discussion (GD) / Personal Interview (PI) for PG Programmes.

Situation Test: It will be a hands-on test to evaluate the candidate’s skills for material handling and innovative ability on a given situation with a given set of materials.

Group Discussion: Case Study based GD will comprise of 15 to 20 minutes of discussion on a case study assigned on which a panel of experts will assess the candidates on various parameters.

Personal Interview: A candidate will be judged on various parameters during individual personal interview by a panel.

Admission Calendar (tentative):

• Availability of Admission forms: From  mid November to First week of January
• Last date of Submission of form: 2nd week of January
• Dispatch of admit cards: End of January
• Written Entrance Exam: 2nd week of February
• Declaration of Written Exam Result : Last week of march
• Situation Test / GD / Interviews : April - May
• Final Admission results: End May / 1st week June

Course Location:

Abbreviations:

FD-Bachelor Programmes (B.Des.), Fashion Design

LD-Leather Design

AD-Accessory Design

TD-Textile Design

KD-Knitwear Design

FC-Fashion Communication

AP-Bachelor Programmes (B.FTech) - Apparel Production

MD-Master Programmes - M.Des. ( Design)

MFM-Master of Fashion Management

M.FT-M.FTech. (Fashion Technology)

Source: NIFT Website - http://www.nift.ac.in/faqs.html

For List of Top Colleges for Fashion Designing, please refer to my blogpost below:
http://farzadminoodamania.blogspot.in/2012/11/top-colleges-for-fashion-designing.html

Best Wishes,

Farzad Minoo Damania

Career Counsellor & Corporate Trainer

Offbeat Career - Adventure Sports

When it comes to selecting a career, we only think of engineering, medicine, information technology, accounts, and teaching. But there are several other career options that we can pursue to build a successful career.  Adventure Sports is one such Offbeat Career choice which one can consider.

Adventure Sports gives you an opportunity to transform your hobby into an exciting, fun-filled and rewarding career option.  India has a sizable amount of young population, thus adventure tourism stands to gain momentum over the next few years.  Global and Indian Adventurists and Tourists are keen to explore the harsh terrain of the Himalayas, the cool beaches of Goa, the wonderful Indian Coastline and Ocean.

Personality Traits:

For a career in Adventure Sports, in addition to interest and aptitude, the candidate should possess the right attitude and a risk taking ability. Personality traits required to be build a career in Adventure Sports are:

• Physical and mental fitness, and sporting spirit
• High degree of risk taking ability
• Team spirit and Leadership Qualities
• Highly committed and responsible
• First Aid Awareness, Compass Reading, Map reading, Survival Training, and Camp Management
• Highly hospitable and sociable by nature
• Ability to deal with people of different cultures and traditions
• Willingness to spend good amount of time outdoors
• Courage and Fearlessness
• Strong knowledge of the technical details of the given sport

Eligibility:

• Basic Education is sufficient (such as 12^th pass or graduate)
• Strong physical fitness
• Proficiency in swimming is mandatory for water based sports
• Proficiency in English and at least one other foreign language is helpful

Careers Options in Adventure Sports:

• Adventure Sports Instructor
• Wildlife & Travel Photographer
• Adventure Sports Athlete
• Outbound Training Facilitator & Trainer
• Adventure Sports Photographer
• Adventure Tourism Facilitator
• Wildlife & Forest Tourism
• Naturalist & Conservation list
• Adventure Camp Counsellor
• Summer Camp Counsellor
• Gear Designer
• Extreme Sports Specialist
• Water and Aero Sports Specialist
• Trekking & Mountain Guide
• Adventure Tour Guide
• Liaison Officer
• Camping Cooks
• Camp Nurse
• Cleaning Staff

For Example – To establish a Career as an Adventure Sports Instructor, one can specialize in one or more of the following sports:

• Air Sports: Bungee Jumping, Base Jumping, Paragliding, Hand gliding, Ski Jumping, Sky Diving, Sky Surfing
• Land sports: Mountain Biking, Speed Biking, Trekking, Outdoor Climbing, Rock Climbing, Sand Boarding, Mountain Boarding, Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Extreme Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, Aggressive Skating, Adventure Racing, Land and Ice Yachting
• Water sports:  Barefoot Water Skiing, Jet Skiing, Cliff diving, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Powerboat Racing, Yacht Racing, Kayaking, Canoeing, White water Rafting, Speed Sailing, Wind Surfing

Job Avenues:

• Sports Centres
• Athletic Clubs
• Travel and Tourism Agencies
• Commercial Recreation Centres
• Start own adventure sports centre
• Holiday Resorts
• Excursion Agencies
• Leisure Camps

Job Role:

• Understanding, researching the geographical area and activities in that region
• Analysing the risks involved in the excursion
• Setting up goals, plans and disaster management for sporting activities
• Help in route planning, navigation and creating details for the activity
• Briefing the participants or trainees on skills and correct techniques needed for the particular sport
• Performing administrative activities at the training and camping sites
• Accompanying participants for the sporting activity

Courses:

Several institutes offer short term courses for both beginners and experiences sports people. 

• Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling
• Tenzing Norgay Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling
• Regional Mountaineering Centre, McLeodganj
• Mountaineering Sub-Centres, Bharmour and Jispa
• The National Institute of Water Sports in Panjim, Goa
• Winter Sports Skiing Centre, Kulu
• Adventure Sports Centre, Hatkoti
• Water Sports Centre, Bilaspur
• Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Batote
• Regional Water Sports Centre, Pong Dam
• Balloon Club of India, New Delhi
• High Altitude Trekking & Skiing Centre, Narkanda
• Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali
• Himalayan Adventure Institute, Mussorie
• India Outdoors, H20, National Education Foundation (NEF), Pune

Salary Remuneration:

• Starting salary of Rs. 10,000 to 12,000 per month
• With experience one can earn up to Rs. 40,000 per month.

For information Chocolatier as an offbeat career, refer to my blogpost http://farzadminoodamania.blogspot.in/2012/09/offbeat-career-chocolatier.html 

Farzad Minoo Damania

Career Counsellor & Corporate Trainer

Top 20 Personal Interview Tips

Top 20 Personal Interview Tips

A job interview can be a terrible, agonizing, nerve-racking and stressful experience. Or it can be satisfying, pleasurable, enlightening, triumphant and successful experience.

The experience (good or bad) largely depends on how you plan before and after the interview. Here are some crucial interview tips that will help you crack your next interview.

1. Exhibit positive Body language: Maintain a cheerful demeanor throughout the interview. Keep perfect eye contact with all panel members. Be sure to address all members of the panel. Project enthusiasm in whatever you say. Sit straight and keep body still. Use controlled hand movements. Be conscious of your posture and gestures during the interview as 80% of communication is non-verbal.
2. Dress smartly to make a good first impression: Dress smartly for the interview. Also maintaining good personal hygiene is very important.
3. Be on time for the interview: Arrive on time for the interview. Being late can send a negative impact on the interview process.
4. Get a good night’s sleep before the interview: It’s a big day, so you need to get a good night’s sleep before the interview, so that you are fresh and alert.
5. Use proper flow of language: Avoid using slang language. It is not appreciated during interviews. Also avoid frequent use of words such as ‘I mean’, ‘Well’, ‘Fine’, Basically’ and ‘You know’. When asked a question in English answer in English only. Do not use Hindi or other languages in your conversation such as ‘matlab’, ‘ki’, ‘maine’.
6. Learn about the company and current affairs: You need to have good knowledge about the details of the company where you are applying for the job, and also about latest and current news and events.
7. Be natural: Avoid using accent and mannerisms that is contradictory with your personality. You should display gentility.
8. Keep updates with basic fundamentals of your subject: Sometimes the interviewers prefer to ask simple basic question about the subject, so prepare and keep yourself updates with the fundamentals of your subject.
9. Be honest: When you do not know an answer to a question, be honest and say “I do not know”. Never exaggerate.
10. Stay confident and not over-confident: Never boast of your achievements. Too much over-confidence can be misconstrued by interviewers for arrogance.
11. Retain clarity of Speech: Be clear and unambiguous when you speak. Be loud and concise. The interviewer should not strain his ears during the interview.
12. Maintain brevity of Speech: Brevity and conciseness are the traits of a good communicator. Keep it short and simple.
13. Show manners and etiquette: Be human, polite and follow proper etiquette. Follow restrain and do not argue with the interviewer on any topic.
14. Ask appropriate questions: Feel free to ask questions if necessary. Interviewers will appreciate your enthusiasm when asked proper and relevant questions. Few questions such as “What will be my exact role in the company?”,“What will be my key performance parameters?” and “What are company’s future plans?”
15. Be an active listener: Listen carefully when an interviewer asks a question. Never interrupt him/her midway. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification. Also when asked a question, wait for few seconds and then answer. Do not dive into the answer immediately.
16. Prepare for common questions: You need to prepare for few questions that are generally asked during interviews, such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses”, “Why should I hire you?”, “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?”, “What are your hobbies?” , “What if I don’t give you this job?”and one of the most common question “Describe yourself as a person”
17. Sell yourself: Try to leave the interviewer with at least one thing about you that might be unique from other candidates. Remain positive during the interview. Never speak negative about your previous or current employer or give any confidential data.
18. Don’t waste time: Remember that the first impression you create is very critical. So do not waste time in discussing things that are already in your resume or application. Emphasise on topics that illustrate your character or strengths.
19. Start and end your interview by making a positive impact: Finish the interview, the way you started it – i.e. with confidence, enthusiasm and energy. Shake hands when you thank the interview for the opportunity. When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and confident.
20. Follow up with a Thank-you note: Make sure you let the interviewer know how satisfied you were to have the chance to interview with him/her. Immediately after the interview, send the interviewer a thank-you note via email. It acts as a display of appreciation and also lets the interviewer know how interested you are working for the company.

Best Wishes,

Farzad Minoo Damania

Counsellor and Corporate Trainer

UPSC: Exam Dates for 2012-2013

Here are the Exam dates for various exams that will be conducted by UPSC in 2012-2013.

Exam Date	Last Date of Application	Examination
Oct. 5, 2012	Mar. 5, 2012	Civil Services (Main) Exam, 2012
Nov. 11, 2012	Aug. 27, 2012	Central Police Forces Exam 2012
Dec. 1, 2012	Sep. 24, 2012	Geologists Exam 2012
Dec. 1, 2012	Oct. 1, 2012	IES/ ISS Exam, 2012
Dec. 15, 2012	Sep. 17, 2012	Section Officers/ Stenographers (Grade ‘B’/Grade-I) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination
Jan. 20, 2013	Nov. 12, 2012	Special Class Railway Apprentices (SCRA) Examination, 2013
Feb. 17, 2013	Dec. 10, 2012	Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) (I), 2013
Apr. 14, 2013	Jan. 21, 2013	NDA & NA Exam (I), 2013
May. 26, 2013	Apr. 4, 2013	Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam, 2013
Jun. 28, 2013	Apr. 15, 2013	Engineering Services Exam 2013
Jun. 30, 2013	Apr. 22, 2013	Combined Medical Services Exam, 2013
Aug. 11, 2013	Jun. 3, 2013	NDA & NA Exam (II), 2013
Sep. 8, 2013	Jun. 24, 2013	Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) (II), 2013

Best Wishes,

Farzad Minoo Damania

Career Counsellor, Corporate Trainer