Yes. You will find a number of options to choose from if you go to UK now:
You could complete school by doing the 'A' levels, the 'AS' levels or the Scottish Highers. Alternatively, you may wish to do a vocational course or a diploma.
All these will enable you to take up an undergraduate program, should you intend to do so later. Moreover, depending on the course that you take, it may be possible to obtain a few credits and get one to two years waived from your undergraduate program.

The academic year in Britain begins in end September/ early October.
For undergraduate entry: Applications should be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), a centralized clearing agency. UCAS forms are available on their website

www.ucas.com/apply/index.php

UCAS is working towards a 100 per cent electronic application system by 2006 entry called UCAS Apply. UCAS Apply is a secure web-based online application system for all students (UK and International).

The key message from UCAS is for all international students to move as rapidly as possible from the traditional paper-based method of application to UCAS Apply electronic application. Students wishing to apply to Oxford and Cambridge need to do so before 15 October of the previous year. You could apply to either one or the other in any given academic year, not to both. At all other universities/colleges, the deadline is 15 January of the previous year. Late applications are taken till 30 June. For further information on application deadlines, you can contact the Education UK Zone at any of our British Council offices or British Libraries in India.

For postgraduate entry: Certain institutions (Ex. Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics (LSE) etc) have deadlines and would want applications to be made strictly within the given timeframe. However, most universities/colleges do not have any deadlines. The best time to apply is in October before the year admission is being sought.

Yes, you can. UK offers Indian students a number of scholarships under a variety of programs. Most of these are for postgraduate study, although limited awards are also available for undergraduate and research programs. For more information, please refer to the section Scholarships & Funding under Study Advice and Scholarships.

Most British institutions require you to prove your proficiency in English only if it has not been your first language. You may be required to either take the IELTS test which is administered regularly by the British Council at all its centres. Alternatively, the TOEFL is also recognized by British institutions.

Independent schools in the UK start accepting international students from the age of nine. You would however be required to arrange for a local guardian who would be prepared to take on the responsibility of your children as and when necessary. Many schools try and organize meetings between parents and those who are willing to act as local guardians.

There are various parameters that you need to keep in mind when choosing a university:

• Course contents: does it suit your requirements?
• Faculty
• Teaching methodology: this is important particularly for the MBA, design related or practical courses
• Facilities: library, computers, recreation, social welfare, accommodation etc.
• International links
• Location
• Size
• Cost

It is important to check the research ratings and teaching quality assessment of universities and colleges. You can access these at the following web sites:

• For Research Ratings:www.hero.ac.uk/rae  
• For Teaching Quality Assessments: www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/reports/subjIndex.asp

Most British degrees awarded are recognized in India. The following programs are however, not recognized:

• Postgraduate Medicine
• Courses run by City and Guilds
• Courses run by the Chartered Institute of England and Wales
• The LLB degree, if done after class 12 is not recognized for practice in India.

To practice law in India, you should have done a bachelor's degree prior to an LLB from the UK. The Bar Council of India recognizes the following British degrees:

• Buckingham University: LL.B.
• City University of London: Diploma in Law
• University of Hull: LL.B
• Inns of Courts School of Law: three year law course 
• University of Leeds: LL.B.
• University of Leicester: LL.B. 
• University of London: LL.B., LL.B. (External) (Prior to 10th & 11th Feb 1990) 
• University of Oxford: B.A.
• University of Cambridge: B.A.
• Thames Valley University: LL.B. (H)
• University of Birmingham: LL.B.
• University of Lancaster: LL.B.
• University of Hertfordshire: LL.B. (H)
• University of Durham: LL.B.
• University of Liverpool: LL.B.
• University of Warwick: LL.B.
• Cardiff University (Listed as the University of Wales College of Cardiff) 
• Council for National Academic Awards

• to complete their graduation degree (in any subject) and then go to any of the institutions listed above
• to do their LLB from India and go to Britain for an LLM. The latter is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities. If students have done an LLB from a British institution which is not recognised by The Bar Council, they can make a representation for recognition, but this is often a time consuming process.

Yes, you could do an LLM without doing an LLB course. There is a professional examination called CPE that permits students to take the LLM course. The LLM course is recognized in India. However, it does not permit you to practice law in India without having obtained an LLB degree first. With an LLM, you could however, work in a law firm..

Yes, you can do a British MBA by distance learning based practically anywhere in the world. In fact, our distance learning courses are preferred by many who cannot spare the time to do a full time course in Britain. A distance learning program equips them with an internationally recognized qualification. Further information in this regard can be obtained from www.distance-learning.co.uk

No. The level at which institutions would expect students to be - would vary depending on both subject and institution.
Please contact the British Council office closest to you for more information on IELTS training and exams.

The acceptability of foundation program varies considerably and students should check with their intended university or college before signing up for any particular foundation program.

Virtually every institution offers short courses. They can be a good alternative for students who can devote neither the time nor the funds to following a course of a year or more. 

The arrangements for processing applications for courses in art and design differ from those for other courses because of the possibility of following two different routes each with a separate timetable

Route A (simultaneous): The closing date for applications through this route is 15 January, i.e. the same date as for other UCAS courses. Earlier application is advisable, although some institutions may consider applications after 15 January. Late applications received up to 30 June will be sent to institutions by UCAS for consideration at their discretion. Applications received after 30 June will be entered in Clearing. 

Route B (sequential): The closing date for applications via this route is 24 March of the year in which the course will commence. Applicants should indicate on a separate form, the order in which they wish to be interviewed or to have their portfolios considered by the institutions, and the forms will be sent to institutions in that order.
Selection for courses in art and design is normally by interview and inspection of a portfolio of work.