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BITS Pilani grad, 3 yrs into UPSC prep, no success yet - will cracking it change my luck?

Inderpaul

Inderpaul Singh  |54 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership Coach - Answered on Feb 26, 2025

Major Inderpaul Singh (retired) served in the Indian Army for eight years.
In the year 2008, he moved to the corporate sector and worked with Century Plyboards for 14 years, specialising in people management and organisation improvement interventions.
He is currently employed as a partner with Amishrit Terrene Pvt Ltd, an IT solutions start-up located in Mohali, Punjab.
A certified life coach, he also helps students and individuals handle challenges in their personal and professional lives.
He holds a commerce degree from DAV College, Amritsar, and a post-graduate diploma in business administration from Symbiosis, Pune. ... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 25, 2025Hindi
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Career

Hi. I am a BITS pilani graduate (2017) but i haven't achieved massive success when compared to my peers. I am preparing of UPSC for past 3 years along with my job, hoping to crack UPSC in 2025 or 2026. I am ashamed to meet my juniors and seniors of my college. Do you think by cracking upsc my fortunes will change and have a reputation among the alumni?

Ans: Hello
The real success is being at peace with oneself. This may sound bit philosophical but it is a profound stuff.
Unfortunately our societal orientation has so strongly imbibed the outside-in approach for most aspects of our life while it should be exactly opposite i.e. inside-out. To simplify, real success is not about meeting benchmarks set by someone else rather striving for leading a wholesome life as per own yardsticks wherein material/career elements are only one part of it. It is not to demean/undervalue something but assigning equal/appropriate weightage to all aspects of what makes us alive - health, family, relationships, sharing/caring etc. hence there is absolute no reason for you to feel ashamed merely basis some perceived/incomplete notions. Yes we should continue to strive for enhancements in life in all areas but do it for personal satisfaction and not for others hence there is no reason to feel stressed rather our goals if set right should energize us & give us a larger purpose in life.
Therefore look at things from a larger prism & not merely to gain some 'random perceived gains' that will again be shor-tlived.
All the Best!!
Major Inderpaul
HR Expert, Career & Relationship Coach
Career

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Krishna

Krishna Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

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I have just recently completed my btech in Computer science engineering from a tier 3 engineering college in Kolkata. Being a tier 3 college, there weren't any decent on campus placements. Further, I always wanted to become an IFS( Indian Foreign Service) officer, so always wanted to sit for UPSC after finishing my graduation. But now that I have seriously started thinking about it, I am not sure what to do. I mean I want to pursue UPSC, there is no financial pressure from family, atleast not for the next 2 years but I feel like if I don't make it (since I have to consider the scenario that I may fail to crack the exam), I don't know whether I will be able to get a job after 2 years gap after graduation in IT sector or will I be able to pursue further studies such as MS from USA or MBA from tob b schools in India. I am feeling depressed and helpless as I am unable to decide what to do? Should I just start looking for a job right now or just prepare for UPSC and don't worry about those stuff right now. I would greatly appreciate your answers and views in this matter.
Ans: Dear Mr.Soumik

Cracking UPSC is not easy but it's worth the effort. Believe in yourself and put your heart and soul in it....suggest you watch the movie 12th fail.

Recently I hired a member in my team, he pursued UPSC for two years and was not successful...the preparation that he did for 2 years made him a different person and that's the reason I hired him

It is said that when we aim for the moon and if we don't get it we would still lmd on some star...

All the best.

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
Money
Sir, I wqnted your advise, regarding an investment. My building is going for re-development, there is a additional flat sale for about 1cr, which will be ready in about 3 years. Please can you advise is it worth to invest 1cr in additional flat, i have savings of about 1cr, or should i keep the 1cr as Fixed Deposit. I do not have knowledge about investment in mutual funds or SIP. Thanks to advise.
Ans: It's commendable that you're considering the best investment route for your Rs. 1 crore savings. Let's evaluate the options you've mentioned and explore a comprehensive approach to wealth creation.

Understanding Your Investment Options
1. Investing in the Additional Flat

Illiquidity Concerns: Real estate investments are typically illiquid. Selling a property can take time and may not fetch the expected price.

Maintenance and Other Costs: Owning an additional flat comes with recurring expenses like maintenance charges, property taxes, and potential renovation costs.

Market Volatility: Property prices can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions and government policies.

Rental Income Uncertainty: If you're considering renting out the flat, rental yields in many Indian cities are relatively low compared to the property's value.

2. Keeping the Amount in Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Low Returns: FDs offer fixed returns, but these may not outpace inflation, leading to a decrease in real purchasing power over time.

Tax Implications: Interest earned from FDs is taxable as per your income slab, which can further reduce the net returns.

Lack of Flexibility: Premature withdrawal from FDs can attract penalties, limiting liquidity.

Exploring Mutual Funds as an Alternative
Given that you're new to mutual funds and SIPs, it's essential to understand their potential benefits:

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make investment decisions based on thorough research.

Diversification: By investing in a mutual fund, your money is spread across various assets, reducing risk.

Liquidity: Most mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investment when needed.

Potential for Higher Returns: Historically, mutual funds, especially equity-oriented ones, have offered higher returns over the long term compared to traditional instruments like FDs.

Tax Efficiency: Mutual funds can be more tax-efficient, especially with the benefits available under certain sections of the Income Tax Act.

Recommended Approach
Considering your current situation and the pros and cons of each investment option:

Avoid Investing in the Additional Flat: Given the illiquidity, associated costs, and potential market volatility, investing in another property may not be the most efficient use of your funds.

Limit Exposure to FDs: While FDs offer safety, the returns may not be sufficient to meet long-term financial goals, especially after accounting for inflation and taxes.

Consider Mutual Funds for Wealth Creation:

Start with a Lump Sum Investment: Allocate a portion of your Rs. 1 crore savings into mutual funds, focusing on a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk appetite.

Initiate SIPs: Set up Systematic Investment Plans to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Given your unfamiliarity with mutual funds, seeking guidance from a certified professional can help tailor an investment strategy aligned with your financial goals.

Final Insights
Your initiative to seek advice before making a significant investment decision is commendable. By steering clear of additional real estate investments and limiting exposure to low-yield instruments like FDs, you can explore avenues like mutual funds that offer the potential for higher returns and greater flexibility. Engaging with a certified financial planner can further ensure that your investment strategy is well-aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

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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