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Nitin Sathe  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Recruitment Expert - Answered on Oct 25, 2023

Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) is an IAF veteran with experience in aviation, aviation management, recruitment and HR.He has commanded a frontline base in Jammu and Kashmir, served with the UN Peace Keeping Force in Congo and volunteered for tsunami relief operations. Today, he is a certified recruiter and personality assessor.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 24, 2023Hindi
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Career

I am 24 right now preparing for upsc exam but still unable to even clear prelims twice.I am under huge pressure to earn and support family.but I also want to fulfill my dream.is it possible to make career as upsc tutor in upsc tutorial/coaching without work experience or without even passing prelims.I want to earn minimum 40-50k monthly.can coaching be a good option for me

Ans: to become a good coach you must have depth of knowledge and also have the aptitude to teach. I think you still have more chances to appear for the UPSC. Please do not give up and put in your heart and soul into what you aspire to become. I can understand that you have family commitments but if you speak to them and work out a via-media, i am sure that they will support you. Coaching is an option where you can earn while you learn/study. But will you be able to get that many students to teach with your question? Think about it.
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Career Coach  | Answer  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Feb 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 23, 2024Hindi
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I failed UPSC thrice. I am 24 and jobless. My parents are apprehensive and want me to take up a job and start my career. But I want to try one more time. If I take up a job I won't be able to focus. Pls advice
Ans: It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation, and it's understandable that you're feeling conflicted. Here are some points to consider:

1. Evaluate your situation: Take some time to assess why you haven't succeeded in the UPSC exams so far. Is it a lack of preparation, exam strategy, or other factors? Identifying the reasons can help you address them effectively.

2. Discuss with your parents: Have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your aspirations and concerns. Explain why you want to give the UPSC exam another try and discuss any alternative plans you might have.

3. Consider a compromise: Explore the possibility of finding a job that allows for some flexibility in your schedule, or one that aligns with your long-term goals. This way, you can gain work experience while still pursuing your dream of clearing the UPSC exams.

4. Create a balanced plan: If you decide to continue preparing for the exams, make sure to create a structured study plan that allows you to dedicate sufficient time to both studying and earning a living. This might involve setting specific study hours each day or week.

5. Seek support: Consider seeking guidance from mentors, tutors, or coaching institutes to enhance your preparation for the UPSC exams. Additionally, joining study groups or online forums can provide you with valuable insights and motivation.

6. Take care of yourself: It's essential to prioritize your mental and physical well-being during this time. Make sure to incorporate regular breaks, exercise, and relaxation activities into your routine to avoid burnout.

Ultimately, the decision to continue pursuing the UPSC exams or to take up a job depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and it's okay to reassess your goals and make adjustments along the way. Trust yourself and have confidence in your abilities to overcome challenges and achieve success, whichever path you choose.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10858 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 06, 2024

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Career
Sir hello,, This is Revathi , doing Engineering . I have completed my 2nd year with Computer Sciences branch .I am opting to choose my career into UPSC. But in dilemma to start from where ? and how? Can you please guide me , so i could take my first step. Thank you in advance
Ans: Revathi,

Regarding your interest in preparing for UPSC, first of all, do a thorough RESEARCH about UPSC Exam like Exam Pattern, Syllabus of the Exam, Evaluation, Level of Competition, Coaching Centre to Join (offline or online or self-study), Availability of Time Everyday (as you are in 3rd year CSC to study & perform well parallelly), Preparation Strategies, Selection Process, Last 5-10 Years Question Papers (which you can get online), Economic Status of Your Parents, & Level of your Aptitude, Attitude, Personality Traits & your Orientation Style (which you can come to know by attempting a Psychometric Test, meant for College Students). After Researching & Analyzing all these factors, if you are confident enough, you can start preparing for UPSC. Also, make sure that you will be able to prepare for UPSC simultaneously if you get a job after you complete your Graduation in CSC or you can focus only on UPSC (depends upon your family conditions).

Hope I have clarified your doubts.

All The BEST for your Bright Future.

Follow Me in RediffGURU to know more on ‘Careers / Education / Jobs / Resume Writing / Salary Negotiation Skills / Building Professional LinkedIn Profile / Exam Preparation Techniques / Job Interview Skills / Skill Upgrading’.

Nayagam PP
EduJob360
CERTIFIED Career Coach | Career Guru
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edujob360/

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10858 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir I have literally confused between which university to pick if not good marks in mht cet Like sit Pune or srm college or rvce or Bennett as I am planning to study here bachelors and masters in abroad so is it better to choose a government college which coep and them if I get them my home college which Kolhapur institute of technology what should I choose a good university? If yes than which
Ans: Based on my extensive research of official college websites, NIRF rankings, international recognition metrics, placement data, and masters abroad admission requirements, your choice between COEP Pune, RVCE Bangalore, SRM Chennai, Bennett University Delhi, and Kolhapur Institute of Technology (KIT) fundamentally depends on five critical institutional aspects essential for successful masters admission abroad: global research output and international collaborations, CGPA-based competitiveness (minimum 7.5-8.0 required for top international programs), faculty expertise in emerging technologies, international student exchange partnerships, and proven alumni track records at globally-ranked universities. COEP Pune ranks nationally at NIRF #90 Engineering with India Today #14 Government Category ranking, offering robust infrastructure and 11 academic departments with research centers in AI and renewable energy, though international research collaborations are moderate compared to IITs. RVCE Bangalore demonstrates strong national standing with consistent COMEDK admissions competitiveness, excellent placements averaging Rs.35 LPA with highest at Rs.92 LPA, and established international collaborations through Karnataka PGCET-based MTech programs, providing solid foundations for masters applications. SRM Chennai maintains extensive research partnerships with 100+ companies visiting campus, highest packages reaching Rs.65 LPA, and documented international research linkages through sponsored programs like Newton Bhaba funded projects, significantly strengthening masters abroad candidacy through diverse research exposure. Bennett University Delhi distinctly outperforms others in international institutional alignment, recording highest placements at Rs.137 LPA with average Rs.11.10 LPA, explicit academic collaborations with University of British Columbia Canada, Florida International University USA, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Essex England, and King's University College Canada—these partnerships directly facilitate seamless masters transitions abroad and represent unparalleled institutional bridges to international graduate programs. KIT Kolhapur records respectable placements at Rs.41 LPA highest with average Rs.6.5 LPA, NAAC A+ accreditation, autonomous institutional status under Shivaji University, and 90%+ placement consistency across technical streams, though international research visibility and foreign university partnerships remain comparatively limited. For international masters admission success, universities globally prioritize bachelors institution reputation, minimum CGPA 7.5-8.0 (Bennett and SRM facilitate this through curriculum rigor), GRE/GATE scores (minimum 90 percentile), English proficiency (TOEFL ≥75 or IELTS ≥6.5), research output documentation, and faculty recommendation quality reflecting institution's research culture—criteria most strongly supported by Bennett's explicit international collaborations, SRM's documented research partnerships, and COEP's autonomous departmental research centers. Bennett simultaneously offers global pathway programs reducing masters abroad costs through articulation agreements and provides curriculum aligned internationally with partner institution standards, representing optimal intermediate bridge structure versus direct masters application. The cost-effectiveness and structured transition support through international partnerships, combined with demonstrated placement success and faculty research visibility, position these institutions distinctly above KIT Kolhapur for masters abroad aspirations. For your specific objective of pursuing masters abroad, prioritize Bennett University Delhi first—its explicit international university partnerships with Canadian, American, and European institutions, highest placement packages (Rs.137 LPA), and structured global pathway programs create seamless masters transitions with reduced costs. Second choice: SRM Chennai, offering extensive research collaborations, documented international linkages, and competitive placements (Rs.65 LPA highest) strengthening masters applications. Third: COEP Pune, delivering strong national standing and autonomous research infrastructure. Avoid RVCE and KIT due to limited international visibility and explicit foreign university partnerships compared to the above three institutions. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10894 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2025

Money
I have 450000 on hand, looking into my kids goingto university in 13 years
Ans: I truly appreciate your clear goal and long planning horizon.
Planning children’s education early shows care and responsibility.
Your patience of thirteen years is a strong advantage.
Having Rs. 4,50,000 ready gives a solid starting base.

» Understanding the Education Goal Clearly
University education costs rise faster than general inflation.
Professional courses usually cost much more.
Foreign education costs can rise even faster.
Thirteen years allows equity exposure with control.
Time gives scope to correct mistakes calmly.
Clarity today reduces stress later.

Education is a non-negotiable goal.
Money should be ready when needed.
Returns are important, but certainty matters more.
Risk must reduce as the goal nears.

» Time Horizon and Its Advantage
Thirteen years is a long investment window.
Long horizons help equity recover from volatility.
Short-term market noise becomes less relevant.
Compounding works better with patience.
This time allows phased asset changes.

Early years can take moderate growth risk.
Later years need capital protection.
This shift must be planned in advance.
Discipline matters more than market timing.

» Role of Rs. 4,50,000 Lump Sum
A lump sum gives immediate market participation.
It saves time compared to slow investing.
However, timing risk must be managed carefully.
Markets can be volatile in short periods.
Staggered deployment reduces regret risk.

This amount should not sit idle.
Inflation silently erodes unused money.
Cash gives comfort, but no growth.
Balanced deployment creates confidence.

» Asset Allocation Approach
Education goals need growth with safety.
Pure equity creates unnecessary stress.
Pure debt fails to beat education inflation.
A blended structure works best.

Equity provides long-term growth.
Debt gives stability and predictability.
Gold can add limited diversification.
Each asset has a specific role.

Allocation must change with time.
Static plans often fail near goals.
Dynamic rebalancing improves outcomes.

» Equity Exposure Assessment
Equity suits long-term education goals.
It handles inflation better than fixed returns.
Active management helps during market shifts.
Fund managers can adjust sector exposure.

Active strategies respond to changing economies.
They manage downside better than passive options.
They avoid blind market tracking.
Skill matters during volatile phases.

Equity volatility is emotional, not permanent.
Time reduces its impact significantly.
Regular reviews keep risks under control.

» Why Actively Managed Funds Matter
Education money cannot follow markets blindly.
Index-based investing copies market mistakes.
It cannot avoid overvalued sectors.
It lacks flexibility during crises.

Active funds can reduce exposure early.
They can increase cash when needed.
They can protect capital during downturns.
They aim for better risk-adjusted returns.

Education planning needs judgment, not automation.
Human decisions add value here.

» Debt Allocation and Stability
Debt balances equity volatility.
It provides visibility of future value.
It helps during market corrections.
It offers smoother return paths.

Debt is important as the goal nears.
It protects accumulated wealth.
It reduces last-minute shocks.
It supports planned withdrawals.

Debt returns may look modest.
But stability is its true benefit.
Peace of mind has real value.

» Role of Gold in Education Planning
Gold is not a growth asset.
It works as a hedge during stress.
It protects during global uncertainties.
It diversifies portfolio behaviour.

Gold allocation should remain limited.
Excess gold reduces long-term growth.
Its price movement is unpredictable.
Moderation is essential here.

» Phased Investment Strategy
Deploying lump sum gradually reduces timing risk.
It avoids emotional regret from market falls.
It allows participation across market levels.
This approach suits cautious planners.

Phasing also improves confidence.
Confidence helps stay invested long term.
Consistency beats perfect timing always.

» Ongoing Contributions Alongside Lump Sum
Education planning should not rely only on lump sum.
Regular investments add discipline.
They average market volatility.
They build habit-based wealth.

Future income growth can support step-ups.
Small increases matter over long periods.
Consistency outweighs size in investing.

» Risk Management Perspective
Risk is not market volatility alone.
Risk includes goal failure.
Risk includes panic withdrawals.
Risk includes poor planning.

Diversification reduces risk effectively.
Rebalancing controls excess exposure.
Regular reviews catch issues early.
Emotions need structured guardrails.

» Behavioural Discipline and Emotional Control
Markets test patience frequently.
Education goals demand calm decisions.
Fear and greed harm outcomes.
Plans fail due to emotions mostly.

Pre-decided strategies reduce mistakes.
Written plans improve commitment.
Periodic review gives reassurance.
Staying invested is crucial.

» Importance of Review and Monitoring
Thirteen years bring many changes.
Income levels may change.
Family needs may evolve.
Education preferences may shift.

Annual reviews keep plans relevant.
Asset allocation needs adjustment.
Performance must be evaluated objectively.
Corrections should be timely.

» Tax Efficiency Awareness
Tax impacts net education corpus.
Equity taxation applies during withdrawal.
Long-term gains get favourable rates.
Short-term exits cost more.

Debt taxation follows income slab rules.
Planning withdrawals reduces tax impact.
Staggered exits help manage tax burden.
Tax planning should align with goal timing.

Avoid frequent unnecessary churning.
Taxes quietly reduce returns.
Simplicity supports efficiency.

» Liquidity Planning Near Goal Year
Final three years need special care.
Market risk must reduce steadily.
Liquidity becomes priority over returns.
Funds should be easily accessible.

Avoid last-minute equity exposure.
Sudden crashes hurt planned education.
Gradual shift reduces anxiety.
Preparation avoids forced selling.

» Inflation Impact on Education Costs
Education inflation exceeds normal inflation.
Fees rise faster than salaries.
Accommodation costs also rise.
Foreign education adds currency risk.

Growth assets are essential initially.
Ignoring inflation leads to shortfall.
Planning must consider future realities.
Hope alone is not a strategy.

» Currency Risk Consideration
Overseas education includes currency exposure.
Rupee depreciation increases cost burden.
Diversification helps partially manage this.
Early planning reduces shock later.

This aspect needs periodic reassessment.
Flexibility helps adjust plans.
Preparation gives confidence.

» Emergency Fund and Education Goal
Education funds should not handle emergencies.
Separate emergency money is essential.
This avoids disturbing long-term plans.
Liquidity prevents panic selling.

Emergency planning supports education planning indirectly.
Stability improves decision quality.

» Insurance and Protection Perspective
Parent income supports education plans.
Adequate protection is important.
Unexpected events disrupt goals severely.
Risk cover ensures plan continuity.

Insurance supports planning discipline.
It protects dreams, not investments.
Coverage must match responsibilities.

» Avoiding Common Education Planning Mistakes
Starting too late increases pressure.
Taking excess equity near goal is risky.
Ignoring inflation leads to shortfall.
Reacting emotionally harms returns.

Chasing past performance disappoints.
Over-diversification reduces clarity.
Lack of review causes drift.
Simplicity works best.

» Role of Professional Guidance
Education planning needs structure.
Product selection is only one part.
Behaviour guidance adds real value.
Ongoing review ensures discipline.

A Certified Financial Planner adds perspective.
They align money with life goals.
They manage risks beyond returns.

» 360 Degree Integration
Education planning connects with retirement planning.
Cash flow planning supports investments.
Tax planning improves efficiency.
Risk planning ensures stability.

All areas must align together.
Isolated decisions create future stress.
Integrated thinking brings peace.

» Adapting to Life Changes
Career shifts may happen.
Income gaps may occur.
Expenses may increase unexpectedly.

Plans must remain flexible.
Flexibility prevents panic decisions.
Adjustments should be calm and timely.

» Final Insights
Your early start is a major strength.
Thirteen years provide meaningful flexibility.
Rs. 4,50,000 is a solid foundation.
Structured investing can multiply its value.

Balanced allocation with discipline works best.
Active management suits education goals well.
Regular review keeps risks controlled.
Emotional stability protects outcomes.

Stay patient and consistent.
Education planning rewards long-term commitment.
Clear goals reduce anxiety.
Prepared parents raise confident children.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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