Is a formal degree necessary for fine arts?

Pervin Malhotra
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Q.Could you please explain what Fine Art really means? Is it necessary to have a formal qualification to be called a fine art painter? —Isha Inamdar

A.Fine art refers to arts that are concerned with beauty or which appeal to taste. The term “Fine” originally designated a number of visual art forms including painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Art schools and design schools (D-schools) still use the term to indicate a traditional perspective on the visual arts, often implying an association with classic or academic art.

The word "fine" does not so much denote the quality of the artwork, but the purity of the discipline. This definition tends to exclude visual art forms that could be considered ‘Craft’ or applied art, such as textiles or Graphic Design. The more recent term ‘Visual Arts’ is a more inclusive and descriptive phrase for today's variety of current art practices, and for the multitude of mediums in which high art is now more widely recognized to reflect.

At the degree level, courses in fine art are taught at the Bachelors (BFA) and Master’s (MFA) level.

While you can pursue a degree-level programme if you wish to study the theory and fundamentals of art in a structured manner or wish to go into academia, no specific degree is mandated. Neither is it the sole indicator of your talent or success. Many MFAs are unable to make a living from their own art and pursue careers in fields other than pure art, while there are countless brilliant untutored artists.

And, as Indian art continues to acquire global recognition and value, this is a great time for gifted artists to foray into this field.

Scope for commercial pilots

Q.I am currently doing BSc. But I am very keen to become a commercial pilot. What are the prospects these days?  —Rishab Kohli

A.India is facing a severe shortage of pilots. This year itself we’re short of 250 pilots.Presently, we have a pool of 7,000 pilots (290 of whom are expats) flying a fleet of 600 aircraft in the General Aviation category (all flights other than military and scheduled operations).

And with 1,100 new aircraft being added over the next 7-8 years, 16,802 pilots will be required by March 2027 in addition to 2541 gen aviation pilots (1225 presently) to fly private jets, helicopters and charters. And mind you, this is a conservative estimate. The pilot shortage has actually become a global phenomenon.

Presently, India has 35 flying schools with a capacity to train 1000 pilots a year. While 350-400 train in India, as many (400) go abroad for training. DGCA issued 1,800 CPLs in 2016-17. About 800 are expected to be issued this year.

Similarly, by 2027, we will also require 26,325 cabin crew (from 11,000 currently). - Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation-India (CAPA)

However, the steep cost of fuel makes pilot training a very expensive affair. Although commercial pilots are very well-paid, you must be prepared for the exorbitant cost of training - depending on whether you train in India or abroad.

After obtaining a CPL, Pilots need to get type-rated (certified) for a particular type of Aircraft e.g. Boeing, Airbus etc, which is a very expensive affair.

Pilots also need to be 100 per cent medically fit at every stage of their flying career. Not only will you have to clear an exacting medical examination at the time of entry, but also every 6-12 months throughout your flying career.

Is MSc mandatory for DRDO jobs?

Q.I have done BSc (H) in mathematics. I am very keen to work with DRDO. Is it compulsory to have an MSc to be eligible to apply? —Karanbeer Juneja

A.Not really. Technicians and Senior Technical Assistants are directly recruited for the laboratories/establishments of DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization) by the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) on the basis of a 2-Tier computer-based test (Tier 1: Screening Test; Tier-II: Selection Test). 

As a matter of fact, the DRDO Entry Test 2018: CEPTAM-09/STA-B has just been announced for recruitment of 494 Senior Technical Assistants.

Anyone with a recognized 3-year Diploma /BSc degree in Automobile, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electrical  & Electronics, Electronics & Communications, Electronics & Telecommunications, Electronics & Instrumentation, Instrumentation, Computer Science, Agriculture, botany, chemistry, geology, mathematics, metallurgy, physics, zoology, psychology, Library Science and photography is eligible to apply.

For details, see: www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/ceptam/ceptamnoticeboard.html Application deadline: August 29, 2018.

 Make sure you apply early to avoid network congestion.