Both engineering and medicine streams had introduced a host of new courses — either as basic degrees or as certificate/ diploma courses. But, a student must be sure whether the choice of course was merely for a basic degree to get into the IT industry or for a career in the core subject chosen.

M. Anandakrishnan, chairman of Madras Institute of Development Studies, explained that the common entrance test was abolished because of public demand. With abolition, the pass percentage and the scores in subjects had gone up as students now had time to focus on their higher secondary examination.

The abolition gave rural and Tamil medium students access to professional courses and reduced the psychological stress, he said.

P.V. Navaneethakrishnan, former director of entrance examinations and admissions, Anna University, urged the students to develop their ability, courage, creativity and determination.

Students should concentrate on getting a degree instead of opting for diploma courses to enhance their opportunities for a good career. Students should visit, if possible, the campus for first-hand understanding of the facilities available for them. Other things included looking for value additions such as foreign courses, orientation programmes and even anti-ragging and anti-teasing squads.

Sudha Seshaiyan, Anatomy professor in Stanley Medical College, said parents must help their wards with counselling.

Students should choose a college closer home as all government medical colleges offered a similar standard of education. Giving the break-up of seats, she told the students to look at allied health sciences and B.Sc. degree courses in various healthcare-related subjects.

Jayaprakash Gandhi, educational consultant, Turning Point, Salem, urged the students to choose engineering colleges based on their placement records. “In third and fourth level colleges, better choose circuit branches. In top ranking colleges, you can choose any course,” he told them.

Anxious parents and students were worried about cut-off marks and ranking of colleges and students.

The eager students who attended the various sessions also visited the stalls put up at the venue — the University of Madras campus. The fair featured sessions covering aspects such as pre-counselling, Information Technology, Employability, Aviation, Hospitality and Maritime Education, Bio-Sciences, Fashion Technology, Animation, Journalism and New Media.

Anna University vice-chancellor D. Viswanathan, who inaugurated the fair, said with several MNCs setting up their operation in India, thousands of jobs were being created.

M.S. Sundararajan, chairman, Indian Bank, highlighted the educational loans offered by the bank. M. Ranganatham, Registrar in-charge, University of Madras, said entrepreneurship was yet another interesting career option students could consider.

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