The newspapers and the television have been full of reports about the consequences of the government's plans to increase reservation quotas in the IITs and IIMs. Students have organised protests and one protest is happening today at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Are you brimming with questions about the increase in reservations in IITs/ IIMs?

Or, you maybe you are agonising over whether you really should do that MBA?

That's why we got JAM editor and Get Ahead columnist Rashmi Bansal to chat with Get Ahead readers on April 27 and discuss the issues dominating their mind.

Rashmi is a graduate from IIM-Ahmedabad and founder-editor of the popular youth magazine JAM. She writes on youth, trends, B-schools and entrepreneurship. An avid blogger, you can check out what she writes at Youthcurry.

For those who missed the chat, here is the transcript:

Part II: Confused about your career?

Rashmi Bansal says, hi everyone... I'm logged in and looking forward to interacting with you.

krishna asked, My daughter is in inter II year from Andhra Predesh with BPc. She is not interested in medicine or becoming an MBBS. What are other opportunities are there with BPC options. Can she switch to other subjects like BCA or other computer backgrounds. She is much interested in hotel management or MBA. Can she join with her Inter with BPC TO Other interested subject. Please reply as she is much curious about her careerer. Thank you in advance.

Rashmi Bansal answers, Your daughter does not seem interested in science or computers -- don't push her into it. She can go for hotel management after Class XII or an MBA after graduation. Before that she can opt for a BA or B Com -- choosing subjects according to her interest. At her age she may not be 100 per cent sure what she wants to do in life, let her explore a bit and discover her aptitude and interest. Help her in doing that!

TG asked, Hey Rashmi....I don't have any question but your article about quotas and but your article Truth abt Sex was really cool...Keep it up!!!

Rashmi Bansal answers, Thanks. I value all the feedback that comes in from Rediff readers.

UmeshN asked, HEllo Rashmi, Thanks to your articles, I learnt to tread the 'unbeaten' path.....I am joining the National Campaign for Political Reforms full time...I met you sometime back..

Rashmi Bansal answers, Nice to hear from you Umesh. You're doing some amazing work!

Anwesha asked, Hi...this is Anwesha here...I love ur columns...whats ur personal opinion about the reservations for scs and sts in institutions?

Rashmi Bansal answers, My personal view is that we must reform education at the primary level to ensure that every Indian child is able to emerge from the school system with skills and aptitude for the job market. All students must learn English because it is a vital skill in the New Economy. SC/ ST reservations have served a purpose and can continue for some more time, provided that people who have availed of SC/ ST reservation once are taken out of the loop. You can't benefit over several generations -- that creates resentment because some people get the easy way out.

Nitin asked, I am in a job where the responsibilities r huge but resources r limited what should I do ?

Rashmi Bansal answers, Remain positive! First look at a few 'most important' things which you must achieve. Don't try to change everything or be Superman. Take small steps, set achievable goals. Also, when there are less resources, you have to be creative. Sometimes, you'll come up with solutions you never would have otherwise. Good luck!

phani asked, Hello Rashmi, most of the things done by people from IITs and IIMs are successful is it because of the greatness of institutes or of the students?

Rashmi Bansal answers, Well, the selection process certainly plays a big role. But going to an IIT or IIM also gives you a great deal of exposure to new ways of thinking. For example, the 'case study method' at IIM forces you to think for yourself, it's completely different from the 'sit in class and take notes method' we have in degree college. So it's a combination of a good seed, getting adequate water and sunshine, growing into a healthy plant!

naveen asked, Hey Rashmi .... I am one of those IITians who read your blog. Do you think the reservation bill will pass ? What is the situation ?

Rashmi Bansal answers, Hi Naveen. I have no idea whether the bill will get passed or not. A lot depends on students like you. You need to make your voice heard. Like the medical students in Delhi [Images]!

ran asked, Hi rashmi,Why cant't IIMs go ahead and disassociate themselves from govt Control? ,Now that they have acheived financial independance,at least IIM A,B and C

Rashmi Bansal answers, I don't think it's that simple to 'disassociate' from the government :) Unfortunately...

Hitesh Jain asked, Hi Rashmi...how r u? i m a die-hard fan of ur columns

Rashmi Bansal answers, Thanks, Hitesh. It's always nice to be appreciated!

Kishlay asked, Hi Rashmi,i think i have been reading your articles for last couple of years!To be truthful i have been thinking you should be the education minister of INDIA rather than this So called Education minister Arjun Singh [Images]...I am serious here I feel time has come when really specialise people look after the fields in Indian Ministries,why don't you really try to get into politics,i don't think it should be difficult for you..atleast you have your head over your shoulders!

Rashmi Bansal answers, Yes, more people from diverse backgrounds should join politics, but I don't think politics is my cup of tea :)

aamonra asked, Hi rashmi!!!!Don't you think politicians above 60 should be forcibly retired from politics??? look what Arjun singh has done

Rashmi Bansal answers, It's a free country -- we can't discriminate against senior citizens :) Also we have elected these 60 + politicians! But yes, I think we should have more young people in political parties. They should be fielded as candidates as well as given ministerial responsibilities. Young people are more idealistic and have new ideas to tackle old problems.

anurag asked, Hi Rashmi! How do you think International School of Business compares with IIMs?

Rashmi Bansal answers, ISB is an excellent institute. It's not a question of comparing ISB and IIMs. Both are excellent in their own way. The choice of institute depends on your profile. If you have 0 to 5 years experience, an IIM is a better choice.

princeparas asked, hi rashmi mam. Paras from ahmedabad here. Hoe r u ?

Rashmi Bansal answers, hi Paras.. nice to see u here

karuna s asked, HELLO >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HI What is your opinion on part-time mba courses? mba courses by correspondence or could you suggest online mba courses by foreign universities- how would you rank them?

Rashmi Bansal answers, A part-time course is preferable to an online course or correspondence. But a part-time MBA (in India at least) is rarely taken as seriously as a full time course. Part-time is suitable if you are a professional in a good job but want an additional qualification. But if you are a fresher or with 0-3 years experience, I think a part-time rarely adds value. Choice of which part-time MBA to take depends on your location, work constraints and how much time you want to commit. You haven't provided those details. Generally, a part-time from an institute whose full-time MBA is well-known is a better bet.

Sandesh Kumar asked, I don't think with so many questions on ... you would be able to answer mine ... but still i will be waiting for your reply... What according to you is the best way to OPPOSE the governments Quota decision ... Should that be lots of people burning themselves like during Mandal, or is there any better way to get out of this ..?

Rashmi Bansal answers, No, I don't think burning is the answer. But yes, you could organise some kind of morcha like the medical students in Delhi did. If you can get OBC students to also add their voice to the anti-reservation protest, that will carry weight.

Balaji Shenoy asked, Hi Rashmi, First things First, I think U r a STUD!!! personally i think your best blog was about the one on depression, was shocked to know someone whose blogs i check on a daily basis could have suffered from depression.... I think it takes a lot of courage to come out and write such things..... And you have insipred me to write too!! and I have a blog of my own... I dont know if you knows this or not, But your blog does influence the opinion of the so many people hwo read it...to repeat again, RASHMI, U R A STUD!!!

Rashmi Bansal answers, Thanks Balaji. I never knew a blog I started just because writing is a personal passion, would be read by so many people. I did share my experience with depression because I know many of you may go through something like this one day... and you should know it is nothing to be ashamed of...can happen to anyone! If it helps even one person, it would have been worth it.

Part II: Confused about your career?

Rashmi's columns:

• IIT/IIM -- The caste factor
• Yeh aaj kal ki IIM salaries...
• B-school salaries: A reality check
• Can you afford an education loan?
• The truth about IT cats and dogs II
• The truth about sex
• The truth about Indian schools
• Career lessons from Bunty Aur Babli
• The job-hoppers' guide: what's in it for you?
• The truth about earning in dollars
• The $152,000 salary is just a jackpot
• The long, hard road to an MBBS
• Doctor or Engineer?
• Got the part-time MBA blues?
• Where there's an MBA class, there's hope!
• Is the 'IIM' brand invincible?
• The MBA Caste System
• The truth about MBA Cats and Dogs
• The truth about IT Cats and Dogs
• If you ain't a cat, don't worry!
• Kya aap copywriter banna chahte hain?

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