Engineering and medical have been the conventional choices of students, thanks to the many opportunities and immense job prospects that these streams hold. Aakash Chaudhry says it is vital that aspirants introspect, listen to their inner voice and analyse both the streams carefully in order to take the right decision

Acing Class X is one of the initial quantum leaps that a student takes in his career, but it is after cracking the exam that the real predicament begins. With a variety of subjects available, it becomes extremely difficult to zero in on a particular discipline. Engineering and medical being the most popular streams, aspirants usually face the dilemma of which of these realms to go into. This is a crucial decision that can make or break a student’s professional course.

Clearing the Class X exam brings students at a crossroads where they have to weigh the pros and cons of both the streams and finally take the right decision about which road to choose. For the crème de la crème or the toppers, it is not such a strenuous task as they are already clear in their minds regarding the field they wish to go for. The real dilemma lies for the average students who are unsure as to which stream they can shine in.

Engineering and medical have been the conventional choices of students for a long time, thanks to the scores of opportunities that they offer aspirants. Also, the immense job prospects that these streams hold make them the most lucrative career options. Usually students and their parents have their own pre-defined mind sets regarding the two streams. This is why some are biased towards engineering and others towards medicine.

A quick glance at the numbers will reveal that the percentage of students opting for engineering is higher as compared to those choosing the medical stream. This is evident from the fact that there are more engineering colleges in the country and abroad than medical colleges.

The dilemma

If we compare the two professions, a four-year B Tech course can help students in grabbing a decent-paying job after they graduate. In case of medicine, students have to toil for eight to nine years that include 4.5 years of MBBS, one year of internship and three years of specialisation in any specific field. It is only after this entire process that medical students start earning well.

However, it is the aspect of ‘nobleness’ that makes the medical profession a continued favourite. The high of curing patients and saving their lives tempts students to build a prosperous career in this field. The inner satisfaction that one gets from being the saviour of people’s lives is something that money can never give.

Also, the chances of creating a far more illustrious career is easier in the medical profession. Firstly, this is true because of the nature of the job and the larger good one does as a medical practitioner. Secondly, the number of engineering pass-outs every year is higher than the number of jobs being generated. Doctors, on the other hand, can get jobs easily as pass-outs of good colleges are limited in number.

Decision-making

Students should gauge their skills judiciously and then take the final call. For instance, engineering demands thorough understanding of the fundamentals, observation and reasoning skills and a high intelligence quotient. For Engineering, students need to be meticulous in using the art of Science in a practical and effective manner and produce something worthwhile and innovative out of it. For being an engineer, candidates should choose Physics, Chemistry and Maths after Class X and appear for state or national level entrance exams which might get them an entry into the top engineering colleges of the country.

On the contrary, for entering the stream of medicine, it’s of prime importance that students have an in-depth know-how of all subjects related to medicine and are competent enough in this craft as far as the practical aspect is concerned. Physics, Chemistry and Biology should be chosen after Class X. Post Class XII, they should appear for entrance exams that act as a gateway into prestigious medical colleges.

Influencing factors

It’s no unknown fact that the number of seats in the medical stream is very limited. There is a major supply and demand imbalance and this is also why many students take the engineering route. Also, parental and peer pressure are other reasons that influence the decision of students. This is, however, not very wise. A judicious comparison of both the disciplines by taking into account certain parameters is the right way for students to choose the path that is best for them. They mustn’t succumb to pressure and should try to identify their strengths and interests. Aspirants need to compare the two streams on the basis of their individual financial expectations, social challenges and ease of establishment.

Apart from this, students who love their social life and can’t compromise on it can opt for engineering. An engineer’s work is usually limited only to office hours. On the contrary, doctors have to sacrifice their social life sometimes when there are serious cases that they have to attend to. 

Students should think on all these parameters before calling the shots. Making up one’s mind on the basis of public opinion and what others have to say will do no good. At such a crucial stage, it’s vital that aspirants introspect, listen to what their inner voice has to say and analyse both the streams carefully in order to take the right decision. It’s just one thought, one decision and one step that can change the entire professional course of a student’s life. That’s why it is advised that aspirants use their own intellect while taking this life-changing and transformative decision.

(The writer is director of Aakash Educational Services Pvt. ltd.)