HSC toppers prefer engineering degree with mgmt topping

Reflecting the trend of companies offering higher salaries to engineers with a degree in management, toppers of the class XII (science stream) Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board examinations prefer pursuing a degree in engineering followed by a management course.

A majority of the toppers of the higher secondary certificate (HSC) examinations, the results of which were declared on Friday, prefer to study engineering.

However, biotechnology is fast emerging as another preferred option by many students over the traditional medicine degree.

Nisarg Gandhi, who topped the state merit list, said, "I did not expect to become a topper although I worked hard for the exams. I attribute my success to my parents and family who helped and supported me. I want to become a gynaecologist."

Neeraj Shah,the second rank holder, wants to be an engineer and has already applied for admission to IIT.

"I want to be an engineer and would like to go for a management degree after that for value addition," he said.

Malhar Mehta, who secured the third rank, wants to be an engineer.

"I have already applied for admission to IIT and want to become a mechanical or an electronics engineer. After completion of my engineering, I will sit for the common admission test to get into an Indian Institute of Management," Mehta said.

Mohit Shah, a student of Udgam School for Children, secured the sixth place securing 91.54 per cent. He wants to be an engineer.

"I am planning to complete my engineering and would like to go for a management degree after that to have an edge over other engineers. Engineers are expected to manage things in this competitive world," Shah said.