Engineering

Software testing is nothing but examining digital products ranging from cameras to mobile phones for bugs and design errors. The profession of software testing has become demanding all over the world with increasing need of testers in all kinds of software companies. Software testers play crucial role in thoroughly scrutinizing any application or design developed by other professionals. Software Testers check for any flaws in design and code of the application.

Most importantly, software testing career is not just for software engineers. Candidates from other streams also can aspire to become a software tester. But generally the companies look for technical qualification. Usually they ask for BE / BTech, BSc (Computer Science) or MCA qualifications. These candidates also have to undergo rigorous training for 3 to 6 months depending on their subject domain.

Non- Engineers also need to get an additional qualification in Computer Applications. There are so many certifications that come handy to the non – engineers. They need strong foundation in databases, software development technology frameworks, computer languages, operating systems and automation techniques. It is estimated that there are more than a lakh software testing professionals are available in India. But demand for more professionals still growing!

At the entry level, you can join as Trainee Software Tester. You can reach to the levels of Associate / Junior software Tester /Junior Trainer; senior software tester / Senior Trainer; Test Manager / Test Architect / Consultant; Senior Test Manager and head of testing based on the experience and performance.

Useful Certifications for Software Testing Career:

1. Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
2. Certified Software Test Manager (CSTM)
3. International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
4. Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)

Training Institutes for Software Testing:

There are number of training institutes for software testing career aspirants. Institutes are spread across all major cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Nagpur, Pune, Kolkata, Delhi, Vizag, Noida, Mumbai, Gurgoan etc. Here are some institutes:

1. Stag Software: Bangalore and Chennai (www.stagsoftware.com)
2. I-PAD Technologies, SR Nagar, Hyderabad.
3. Edista Testing Institute. Centers are located in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune (www.edistatesting.com)
4. Mind Q Systems, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
5. Pure Trainings: Bangalore and Noida (www.puretrainings.com)
6. JVS infotech , Panjagutta, Hyderabad.
7. Seed Infotech: Pune (www.seedinfotech.com)

ECET 2011 Final Phase Web Counseling – Seat Allotment Details: ECET 2011 Final Phase / Second Counseling notification for the vacant seats in Engineering and Pharmacy has been announced. The Diploma candidates who participated in earlier phase / first phase of web counseling for ECET 2011 and reported in allotted college / not reported in college and wish to opt for change of allotment or not allotted any seat can exercise options once again for the vacant seats in minority and Non Minority Colleges and consequential vacancies that may arise in the process of allotment. Those candidates who are satisfied with previous allotment need not exercise options one again. Details of Certificate Verification, Web Options and Seats allotment are available in another post.

Latest Update on ECET 2011 Counseling: ECET 2011 Web Counseling Notification has been released. Candidates have to attend for certificate verification, as per the schedule given in the notification. All the ECET 2011 qualified candidates can exercise web options through apecet.nic.in between 16th and 20th July 2011. Date of seats allotment will be announced later on.

It is really unfortunate that the Government of Andhra Pradesh is not able to conduct ECET 2011 Counseling even after one month of the release of results. The news reports says that the department of technical education is waiting for information from AICTE on the approval for colleges. ABout 1.9 lakh students are eagerly waiting for the dates and schedule of ECET 2011 counseling. The schedule is likely to be announced after 28th June 2011. Many candidates are in confusion whether to join in Intermediate or to wait for the ECET counseling as the academic year for Intermediate has already commenced.

JNTU Hyderabad has announced ECET 2011 (Engineering Common Entrance Test 2011) for Diploma Holders and B.Sc. Mathematics candidates. ECET 2011 will be conducted on 20th May 2011. Admission into Second Year Engineering (BE/ B.Tech) and Pharmacy courses in all unaided private Engineering and Pharmacy colleges in Andhra Pradesh for the year 2011-12 will be through marks / ranks in ECET 2011. As per the latest rules of the AICTE Approval Process Hand Book- 2011-12, candidates must have 50 percent marks in qualifying examination. All the Diploma Holders and B.Sc. (Mathematics) Degree students with 50 percent are eligible to apply for ECET 2011. APSCHE or concerned organising university (JNTUH) shall release ECET 2011 results in June and conduct Counselling for the same. Here are details of ECET 2011 notification:

Candidates can get admission in following courses through ECET 2011:
1. First year B.E./ B.Tech. in University Engineering Colleges
2. Second year B.E./B.Tech. (Regular) Courses
3. Second year B.Pharmacy (Regular) Courses in all universities and unaided private colleges.

Eligibility: Students with Diplomas in Computer Engineering / Electrical/ Chemical (including Sugar Technology / Textile Technology / Ceramic Technology / Leather Technology) / Mechanical (includes Automobile, Printing Technology, Packaging Technology and Foot Ware Technology branches also) / Civil Engineering / Electronics and Communication. (Candidates who studied special diploma in TV and Sound Technology can also apply) / Bio-Medical Engineering (including Special Diploma) / Mining or Metallurgy/ Electronics and Instrumentation (including Special Diploma) / Pharmacy OR B.Sc., Graduates with Mathematics (Maths at +2 also) can apply for ECET 2011.

Application cost is Rs. 300. Interested candidates can collect applications from any of the designated branches of Andhra Bank and Main Post Offices along with office of Convenor, ECET 2011. You can obtain more details from ‘The Convener, ECET – FDH and B.Sc (Maths) 2011, ECET Office, JNTU, Hyderabad. Details also available on www.jntuh.ac.in/ecet

Important Dates:

1. Start of sale of applications: 21-02-2011.
2. Last date for receipt of applications (without any late fee): 8-4-2011.
3. Last date with a late fee of Rs.500/-: 18-4-2011.
4. Last date with a late fee of Rs.1000/-: 27-4-2011.
5. Last date with a late fee of Rs.5000/-: 9-5-2011. (This facility is available at convener’s officer only).
6. ECET 2011 exam date: 20-05-2011.