Now, become a food chemist, gerontologist or dog walker and more

The road not taken is, by degrees, becoming the norm for students when it comes to the subject of further studies. They are ready to break out of the Science, Commerce or Arts mould and get a bachelor’s in rural studies, puppetry, public health, military training, spa management, ethical hacking and policy-making — some of which students didn’t even knew existed. But these are courses are offered by various colleges, universities, institutes and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) in India.

Then, there are students tossing this swirling idea about in their heads (more accurately, in their mouths) — a course in tea tasting, which involves learning and understanding the use of tea leaves and making different types of tea.

Very attached to your grandparents? Fascinated with aged relatives? Have never forgotten this friend’s grandmother with the charming smile you met at a birthday party and wanted to ask her what was the secret of her grace? You can understand them better by studying Gerontology, which involves studying the social and psychological changes that people undergo as they grow old.

Pets seem to have made inroads into suburban lives despite the scarcity of space in our crowded metropolis. How can you care for yours or make a livelihood caring for others’ pets? Take a course in pet grooming, which is also gaining traction as both the young and old are empathetic towards animals.

This course allows people to interact with pets, take care of them and teaches one simple acts like walking them, bathing them and caring for them in sickness.

For those that take their food seriously, enough to routinely evince curiosity about what they eat, considering the kitchen a laboratory and cooking as a chemistry experiment, a career as food flavorist or food chemist is certainly on the menu. Learn what flavours to impart to food to make it lip-smacking. One can learn about the various components of food items, their medical and physical impact and other uses.

Students claim they want to try something different. Mishika Upadhyay, a Class 12 student says, “I am not sure about what to do ahead but I definitely know that I do not want to pursue Science, Commerce or Arts. I have been researching other courses and found a list of interesting things I can do. I want to experiment and explore a distinct field, which is unknown.”

Marks and fees are secondary considerations, as students are focusing on interest and curiosity. Aslam Momin, a student said, “I secured 60 per cent in my Class 12 board examination and I want to do something unique. I do not mind working for an NGO in the northeast or in some rural area. All my friends are opting for medical and engineering but I do not want to invest money in this, instead, I want to gain experience in field work.”

Education experts claim these new courses can help students discover a field of interest which is unknown. Kevin Borges, a teacher, says, “Students can try something different when they are young and have circumstances which are conducive for their growth. Parents can be supportive by letting students be independent. Large number of students are going for the usual courses, so there is a lot of competition. So it helps if students opt for something different.”