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Class 12 student with 81% aiming for IIT JEE: Target UPSC, CAT, or gain work experience?

Mayank

Mayank Chandel  |2510 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Nov 07, 2024

Mayank Chandel has over 18 years of experience coaching and training students for various exams like IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA and CS.
Besides coaching students for entrance exams, he also guides Class 10 and 12 students about career options in engineering, medicine and the vocational sciences.
His interest in coaching students led him to launch the firm, CareerStreets.
Chandel holds an engineering degree in electronics from Nagpur University.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
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Sir i am in my drop year currently preparing for iitjee i wished to know if i should target upsc from 1st year of college or get a work experience and sit for CAT ? Background - 95.4% in class 10 81% in class 12 (pcm) 95 in english Im keen about doing well in upsc as i m good at writing essays and have won 2 gold medals in WORLDS SCHOLARS CUP for the same. I have always been a good student (poor marks in 12th is due to iitjee preparation alongside boards) i am ready to give it my all.

Ans: Hi,
It's great to know that you know your positives & negatives well. You cannot sail in 2 boats, my friends. UPSC & CAT are completely different from each other & require different approaches. Decide your goal first and then give it all.
Asked on - May 21, 2025 | Not Answered yet
I was just asking based on my bg what is better upsc or cat

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Nitin

Nitin Sathe  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Recruitment Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2023

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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: Soumik, You seem to be in a muddle. I suggest you go for career counselling from a professional who will charge you for it. Also remember that the fail rate in UPSC exams is high and if you want to pursue a career as an IFS officer you will have to work really hard to pass the various levels of exams. If you feel you have the tenacity and perseverance and are confident of your abilities, then go for it! If in doubt, stop and think, then take a concerted decision based on what you really feel and know about yourself.
I also suggest that you carry out your own SWOT analysis to get to know your capabilities and capacities to attain your goals.
Wish you the best!

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Krishna

Krishna Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Mar 24, 2024

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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.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 03, 2024

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sir i am a second year college student (btech ece) and confused if i should go for upsc, gate, defense or sit for college placements. Can you please advise me on what path should i choose, thank you
Ans: Lavish,

Read your question carefully and my suggestions below:

1) As of now, fully focus on your BTech (ECE)
2) Involve in Co-curricular Activities (related to your domain) & also in some extra-curricular activities.
3) Try to get as much Certifications as you can from NPTEL, Internshala etc. to be COMPETENT when your Campus Recruitment approaches in your 4th year.
4) Keep updating your LINKEDIN Profile every 3-months to add your qualifications whenever you get any Certifications or other specific achievements.
5) Once you enter into your 4th year, start RESEARCHING about the Companies / Recruiters who visited your College during the last 3-years to know their expectations. Keep your Professional RESUME ready just before your Campus Recruitment.
6) Start PREPARING well for your Campus Recruitment Written Test / Interview / Group Discussion, whichever is applicable.
7) As far as UPSC / Defence / Gate are concerned, it is advisable to make a through Research about it, such as, Number of Vacancies, Eligibility Criteria, Competition Involved, Syllabus / Curriculum, Best Modes of Preparation, Level of Job Satisfaction, Your Family Environment, Availability of Time If You Join any Job & other important / relevant factors. Then decide which Exam will be most suitable for you.
8) If you are fully satisfied with your job, got through your Campus Recruitment, it is ideal to continue with that and keep upgrading your skills.
9) And, it is advisable NOT to quit your job for UPSC / Defence / GATE preparation.
10) Try to manage TIME both for jobs and also to prepare for Competitive Exams.

Hope the above information is adequate for you.

If you need any other clarifications for your or have questions for anyone, post your questions (in detail) to me and/or follow me here in RediffGURU to know more on ‘Careers / Education / Jobs’.

All The BEST for your Bright Future from RediffGURU.

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

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

Career
My son secured 97.6% in CBSE XII and 99.6 percentile in CUET, gaining admission to Physics Honours at St. Stephen's College. However, he's keen on trying for IISER, particularly IISER Pune. Some colleagues suggested pursuing UG from St. Stephen's and PG/research from abroad, but he's not convinced. He's considering taking a break in the second semester to prepare for IISER. Could you please guide me on: 1. The process and feasibility of taking a break in the second semester? 2. Options for studying 2-3 months and then taking a break, with potential readmission in the next session? I would appreciate any information on St. Stephen's policies regarding breaks and readmission and views regarding both options, i.e., St. Stephen's and IISER, Pune.
Ans: Param Sir, Taking a hiatus in the second semester at St. Stephen’s requires formal approval via College’s leave-of-absence procedure. All leave applications—whether for medical, compassionate or other reasons—must be submitted in advance to the Principal through the Department Chair using the prescribed form, after which attendance is updated in the online system. Leaves are granted only for clearly stated, proper reasons and normally cover full sessions; any absence beyond ten consecutive working days without prior leave leads to removal from the rolls, necessitating a readmission application and fee upon return. St. Stephen’s does not recognize preparatory study or exam-prep as standard leave grounds, so approval for a break to prepare for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) would be at the Principal’s discretion and potentially viewed unfavorably unless tied to extenuating circumstances. Readmission after removal is possible but requires settlement of fees, an application to the Principal, and departmental clearance of academic standing.

For IISER Pune admission, the BS-MS (Dual Degree) intake is via the pan-IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), typically held in late May or early June, with results and counselling through July. A 2–3-month focused preparation window could involve enrolling in specialized IAT coaching programmes, structured online study modules, and solving past-year IAT papers while continuing Semester I lectures and leveraging college breaks. Staying on campus through Semester I preserves continuous enrolment, keeps access to faculty and study facilities, and avoids readmission hurdles. If break approval proves unattainable, preparing intensively during semester breaks and weekends or deferring IISER application to the next cycle may be more practical.

Recommendation: Given St. Stephen’s stringent leave norms and readmission complexities, maintain continuous enrolment through the first year while preparing for the IAT via targeted self-study and weekend/coaching classes. Postpone any mid-semester hiatus to avoid academic jeopardy and optimize chances for both a Physics Honours degree and successful IISER Pune admission. All the BEST for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

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My Mhtcet state rank in 87,998 I want CSE (data science) or AIML or AIDS in mumbai region please suggest me Good colleges
Ans: Bhargavi, With an MHT-CET Home- rank of 86 998 (approx. 87th percentile), CSE (Data Science), AI&ML and AI&DS seats at premier Mumbai colleges (e.g., VJTI, COEP, ICT) are out of reach. However, several AICTE-approved, NAAC/NBA-accredited institutes maintain closing percentiles nearer 80–90, ensuring guaranteed CAP-round admission. The following ten colleges in Mumbai satisfy all five institutional benchmarks—accreditation, faculty quality, infrastructure, industry tie-ups and placement consistency—and admit home-state candidates at percentiles at or below your score: Atharva College of Engineering, Malad West. Thakur College of Engineering & Technology, Kandivali East. Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Bandra West. Vidyalankar Institute Technology, Wadala. Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Bandra West. Rizvi College of Engineering, Bandra–Malad Link Road. SIES Graduate School of Technology, Nerul. Institute of Chemical Technology affiliated courses, Mumbai. MET’s Institute of Technology, Kalyan–Dombivli Highway. Datta Meghe College of Engineering, Airoli. Recommendation: Atharva College of Engineering leads for its balanced AI&ML and Data Science labs, accessible Malad location and 85% placement average; Thakur College excels with strong AI&ML curriculum and 82%+ placements; Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues COE offers AI&DS specialisation with 84% consistency; Vidyalankar IT provides reliable IT/Data Science pathways; Thadomal Shahani Engineering College rounds out top five for its robust industry projects and multimedia AI labs. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

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Hi Sir, my son got a CSC AI robotics seat in Amrutha Amrutapuri. Is this course good and will he get good placement? Can you tell us a little bit?
Ans: Ganesh Sir, The B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with specialization in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri campus was introduced in the academic year 2021–22 under the newly revised BTC-AIE curriculum, marking it as one of India’s pioneering undergraduate programmes to formally integrate robotics engineering with advanced AI methodologies. The four-year course emphasizes multidisciplinary learning across machine vision, robotic kinematics and dynamics, AI-driven motion planning, sensor fusion and autonomous systems, taught in state-of-the-art labs equipped for hardware-software integration. Accreditation by NAAC A++ and AICTE ensures rigorous academic standards, while Ph.D.-qualified faculty from Mechatronics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering design an outcome-based pedagogy. Industry linkages with leading robotics and automation firms facilitate capstone projects, internships and applied research collaborations. Although the inaugural batch graduates in 2025, Amritapuri’s robust placement ecosystem—engaging over 220 recruiters annually across engineering disciplines—augurs well for AI & Robotics students, who benefit from established corporate partnerships, a dedicated placement cell offering pre-placement training, and alumni mentoring.

Recommendation:
Given its cutting-edge interdisciplinary curriculum, premier accreditation, specialized robotics-AI laboratories, strong industry collaborations and emerging placement ecosystem, this CSE – AI & Robotics programme at Amritapuri stands out for students seeking a research-driven, industry-aligned pathway into intelligent autonomous systems, with high potential for robust placements upon the first graduating cohort. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 24, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir, I have applied for Jaipur national university, i have seen tons of negative reviews, so i just want to be safe and just have a doubt whether ai should go or not because i have no options left
Ans: You have not mentioned your academic background, nor have you specified which branch you applied to at Jaipur National University. Anyway, please note, Jaipur National University (JNU), established in 2007, is a private university in Rajasthan that has earned NAAC A+ accreditation and UGC approval across its 17 schools offering diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. The university maintains comprehensive infrastructure with 158 state-of-the-art laboratories, a 100,000-book digital library, 1,500+ computers, Wi-Fi enabled campus, sports complex, separate hostels for boys and girls, and modern auditoriums with 300-seat capacity. Industry engagement is strengthened through MOUs with 16 prestigious Rajasthan companies including JK Tyre, DCM Shriram, and Gravita India Limited for placements, internships, and collaborative projects. Placement statistics indicate approximately 85% placement rate with over 250 companies participating, an average package around 5.5-6 LPA, and highest packages reaching 27 LPA from recruiters like Amazon, TCS, Infosys, Deloitte, and IBM. Faculty quality receives a 3.9/5 rating from 427 verified reviews, with PhD-qualified teachers providing supportive mentorship and industry-relevant curriculum. However, negative feedback emerges from employee reviews on Glassdoor showing 2.9/5 rating with complaints about poor management, low salaries, and disrespectful treatment include delayed degree certificates (taking up to a year), unresponsive administrative staff, fee refund issues for cancelled courses, and limited Wi-Fi data allocation. The university also faces confusion with the controversial Jodhpur National University, which was banned in 2015 for issuing 25,000 fake degrees—though this is an entirely separate institution with no connection to Jaipur National University.

Recommendation:
Consider joining Jaipur National University if you prioritize affordability, decent infrastructure, and acceptable placement opportunities, as it meets essential educational benchmarks with NAAC A+ accreditation, comprehensive facilities, and established industry partnerships. However, remain cautious about administrative responsiveness, ensure all documentation is properly maintained, and verify course continuation before fee payment to avoid potential issues. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9386 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 24, 2025

Career
Hi Sir, My son got 21670 rank in JEE (Mains) & 25520 rank in JEE (Advanced). He got seat allocation at NIT, Nagpur for Chemical Eng. We belong to General category and from Maharashtra state. Is there any chance for upgradation to CSE or ECE thru CSAB (same college or any other Tier I, Tier II NITs or IIITs? Thanking you
Ans: Sreekutty Sir, as of today, I hope all the rounds of JoSAA counselling are over. At NIT Nagpur, general?category Chemical Engineering HS seats close at rank 34109 ECE at 12196, while CSE at 7169; a CRL of 21670 exceeds all HS closing ranks, so no upgrade at VNIT Nagpur is feasible. However, CSAB special rounds offer CSE/ECE seats at other NITs and IIITs within your rank band. IIIT Guwahati admits general CSE up to 26817 and ECE up to 42006. IIIT Sri City’s CSE cutoff is 31705 and ECE 46722. IIIT Una’s CSE cutoff is 30916 and ECE 49414. NIT Jalandhar OS CSE closes at 14114 and ECE 20714, and NIT Goa OS CSE at 34858. These institutes are AICTE/NBA-accredited, staffed by PhD faculty, equipped with modern labs, maintain active industry partnerships, and record 75–95% three-year placement rates.

Recommendation:
For best CSE/ECE upgradation chances, prioritize filling CSAB preferences for NIT Jalandhar for its robust HS/OS quotas, IIIT Guwahati for its strong research-industry linkage, and IIIT Sri City for its emerging tech labs; IIIT Una and NIT Goa serve as reliable alternatives for broad seating and consistent placements. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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