[SunilNagpal]

Hey Sunil,
I have cleared GATE 2015 with an AIR 52 in Biotechnology. Can you please tell me if it is a good option taking up chemical engineering for my post graduation. Keeping in mind that there are few job prospects after Biotechnology, will it be a sensible decision changing my stream? ?
Also can you please tell me if I am eligible for it.
Thanks a lot

Hello Priankay,

Congrats for the brilliant feat! Yes you can opt for chemical engineering, but I would suggest against it (because of your Biotech background). Major reason is that you might find it difficult to cope with the hard core mathematical aspects of the chemical engineering course. Only way out would be to pursue an MS® in Chemical Engineering and opting for a project that has inclination towards Biochemical (which is possible in IITD/IITM).

If you are concerned about your job, then I would suggest you to opt for IIT Bombay or NITIE Mumbai (MBA, through GATE). Both have good job prospects. IIT Delhi also has good job prospects but competition is tough (owing to limited number of core companies coming fot DBEB, IITD).

Best option for you is NUS. Go for direct PhD, get a stipend of nearly 1lakh rupees per month, get a good job after PhD, come back to India, become a Scientist/Manager.

My words of advice at this stage for you (considering a great performance in GATE) would be that, no matter which IIT (amongst IITD, IITB, IITK) you get selected into; if you remain active in your life at IITs (co-curriculars, placement cells, posters, magazines; and ofcourse CGPA above 9), you will easily fetch a good job. So, for now, you may focus on getting into your core field and grabbing a seat in best IIT or in NUS. Once you do it, focus on your life at the IIT/NUS.

As Robert Frost said:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

Donot worry. All will be well!

You have performed extremely well till now. You will do it ahead as well!

All the best!

Sunil