I am 26 and have completed B.Sc., M.Sc. and B.Ed. and am preparing for the UPSC. I’ve always been a meritorious student but am struggling to find a job. My parents insist I do an MBA. Please guide me. Name withheld
While you are feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed right now, remember you have a solid academic background. Allow yourself time to process your emotions without judgment. Consider consulting a career counsellor who can help you identify your core strengths and interests and offer objective advice and help you make an informed decision. Reassess your career aspirations and goals. Are you still passionate about public service? If yes, consider alternative paths within the government sector. If not, explore other career options such as teaching or research, content creation/writing, or the state-level civil services, which are less competitive. Regarding the MBA, have an honest conversation with your parents and explain that an MBA might not be the right fit for your interests or career goals. Identify any skill gaps and take steps to address them by taking online courses, workshops, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience. Develop transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Above all, take care of your mental health.
My sister is a first-year MBBS student in Tajikistan and wishes to retake the NEET. Can she do so while currently enrolled in an MBBS programme abroad? If she qualifies, will this score be valid to do a PG course or practise medicine in India after completing MBBS? Also, can she take the exam in a GCC country? Deva
Dear Deva,
She can retake the NEET while enrolled in an MBBS course abroad as long as she fulfils the eligibility criteria. She will need to manage her time effectively and balance her MBBS studies with NEET preparation. NEET-UG is for admission to the MBBS course in India. NEET-PG is for MD/MS in India. To be eligible for NEET-PG, she will need to have an MBBS degree recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. An MBBS degree from a foreign university needs to be validated by the NMC through the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NEXT) (which will replace FMGE). Passing the FMGE/NEXT is mandatory for foreign medical graduates.
To practise medicine in India, she needs to have an MBBS degree recognised by the NMC and be registered with the State Medical Council. In recent years, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has established exam centres, especially in the Gulf countries, due to the large number of Indian students residing there and wanting to apply for the NEET exam. However, refer to the official NTA website for the most current information regarding the NEET exams and schedule.
To take the exam in a GCC country, she needs to ensure that the NTA conducts the exam in that specific country and that she meets the requirements of the exam centre selection and application procedures.
I am doing B.A. (History, Political Science and Public Administration) and also attending UPSC coaching classes. Is it all right to attempt the government exams with just a B.A.? Or should I do an M.A. first? Darshita
Dear Darshita,
Your B.A. combination of History, Political Science, and Public Administration provides a strong foundation to attempt the UPSC and other government exams. In addition to the UPSC, explore other government exams that align with your interests and qualifications. If you have an interest in research or academia, an M.A. and potentially a Ph.D. would be necessary. An M.A. would provide a deeper, enhanced knowledge and specialisation in your chosen subjects, which would be beneficial for the optional papers in the UPSC exam or for specialised government roles. Identify your areas of strength and weakness in the syllabus and work on improving the weak areas. Prioritise your UPSC coaching and exam preparation, practise answering the papers and take mock tests regularly.
I am doing an M.A. in Environmental Studies. I don’t have any tech skills and am not familiar with coding. I am giving the Civil Services Exam, but am worried about what to do if I do not clear it. Sandeep
Dear Sandeep,
Your Master’s equips you with knowledge of environmental issues, policy, and sustainability and will have developed research, analytical, and communication skills, that are transferable to many fields. Focus on your strengths. Other career options include working with NGOs or non-profits in the environment sector, roles in the government apart from the UPSC in policy implementation, environmental monitoring, or public awareness campaigns, education and communication, sustainability and CSR, research and academia, environmental writing and so on. Consider upgrading your skillset in areas such as Geographic Information Systems, Data Analysis, Project Management and so on.
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
