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

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.

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/

Ans: Right now you are just 17. This age is the time to focus on your school curriculum rather than upsc.
As you have already taken a stream of study go ahead and excel in it first.
You will get enough time to prepare for upsc - cse during the time of ug studies.
Need not move from Mumbai if you are native

Ans: Kavitha,

If you're serious about UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) and want an engineering subject that aligns well with the exam syllabus, consider:

Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering at top NITs, DTU, or COEP – These subjects have significant overlap with UPSC Mains optional subjects, making preparation easier.

If UPSC is a backup option and you prioritize job security, consider:
Computer Science (CS) or Information Technology (IT) at NITs, IIITs, or DTU – These fields offer excellent job opportunities in case you decide not to pursue UPSC later.

If you prefer to stay close to Delhi for UPSC coaching, consider:
DTU, NSUT, or IIIT Delhi – Being in Delhi gives easy access to top UPSC coaching institutes and a strong competitive environment.

Key Advice Before Choosing Your Engineering Path:
After JEE Advanced, before participating in JoSAA counselling, take time to thoroughly research the UPSC exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation requirements.
If committed to UPSC, start preparing during your B.Tech by joining UPSC preparation groups, attempting mock tests, and balancing studies effectively.
Choose an engineering branch that allows you enough free time for UPSC preparation while also serving as a strong career backup in case your plans change.

Select a branch and college strategically to balance both UPSC preparation and career security for the best possible outcome.

All the best for your admissions!

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