I am a school teacher with a PG and B.Ed. I would like to appear for two government exams: sub-inspector and school assistant. How can I study and work? Should I opt for one exam? Anil
Dear Anil,
Managing exam prep with your job is challenging but achievable with discipline and a well-structured plan. Be honest with yourself about the time you can dedicate and your capacity to handle the workload. If the syllabus overlap is significant and the exam dates allow, attempting both is possible. However, if you feel overwhelmed, focusing on one exam might increase your chances of success.
Work on a pros and cons list to identify which job you would prefer and prioritise that exam. Create a realistic study schedule. Identify pockets of time to study (e.g., before/after school, during breaks, weekends). Assign dedicated slots for each subject for both exams, considering their weightage and your proficiency. Focus on common subjects first if you are preparing for both. For subjects unique to each exam, allocate time based on the exam date. Break the syllabus down into smaller, achievable weekly and monthly goals to track progress. Review your schedule and adjust it based on your progress. Analyse past papers to identify important topics and strengthen weak areas. Ensure your study space is free from distractions. Take regular mock tests with past question papers. Do not neglect your health. Sleep and eat well, exercise regularly, and maintain a positive attitude.
I finished ECE in 2021 and began preparing for the UPSC. I couldn’t crack it and am still trying. I don’t have a backup and am not interested in coding. How can I find a job? Shaikh
Dear Shaikh,
Your ECE degree is valuable, and the skills that you have gained during your UPSC preparation are also an asset. Why is there no backup? Be open to opportunities and consider roles that might not be your ideal but can provide experience and income. Build your network and be open to starting at entry-level positions. Try internships to gain experience and get your foot into the door. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile and highlight the skills and knowledge relevant to the specific job roles you have applied for.
Search for jobs on online platforms and specialised engineering job sites. Visit the career pages of companies you are interested in and apply directly. Connect with alumni from your college as they may have leads or insights. Prepare well for the interviews and be ready to answer questions about your technical knowledge, problem-solving approach, and motivation for the specific role and to explain the career gap due to UPSC preparation. Highlight the transferable skills you gained.
Explore technical positions in government organisations related to telecommunications, defence, railways, and public sector undertakings (PSUs) that recruit ECE graduates. Keep an eye on notifications from SSC, state PSCs (for technical roles), and specific PSU recruitments.
After my B.Com., I took the UPSC exam twice but couldn’t clear it. I cleared the UGC-NET in 2023. I am currently doing an M.A. in Public Administration and a Diploma in Labour Law through correspondence. I want a career that will allow me to balance my preparation for the UPSC exams and support myself. Lakshmi
Dear Lakshmi,
Why don’t you try teaching, tutoring or part-time administrative roles that provide a steady income and allow time to prepare for the UPSC exams? As you progress in your preparation, you can re-evaluate and potentially transition to a career that aligns with your Public Administration and Labour Law qualifications. Leverage your qualifications for immediate income and flexibility. You could be contract or guest faculty in colleges with your UGC-NET qualification. These roles offer flexible hours and can provide a decent income. You can also consider coaching institutes for UPSC exams, or for commerce and public administration.
Consider freelance content writing or creation for educational websites, online learning platforms, or publishing houses or platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Part-time data entry or administrative roles usually have fixed hours but provide a steady income with potentially less demanding mental effort. Once you complete your Diploma in Labour Law, you could also conduct small paid workshops or seminars for small businesses or individuals on basic labour laws.
I am from Kashmir. I have a B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. Physics, and am doing a B.Ed. I wish to do my Ph.D. at a foreign university while also maintaining a professional career. How can I do this? Musabiah
Dear Musabiah,
Do you want to do a Ph.D. as distance learning from a foreign university or move to study abroad? Either way, research and identify universities in countries that interest you and understand the structure of their programmes. What is the time commitment? Are there any mandatory on-campus residencies? What is the mode of communication with faculty? Evaluate the programme reputation and faculty and check eligibility requirements and admission criteria. Once you shortlist the programme, identify professors whose research interest aligns with yours and who will support your ideas.
What about funding? If you plan to self-fund through a career, then a part-time or online Ph.D. may be more feasible. Check for scholarships for international students. on FindAPhD.com and university websites. Your employer may sponsor a part of your research especially if it aligns with the company’s interests.
Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.
The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge
