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MBA or UPSC: Which Path Should I Take With No Work Experience?

Patrick Dsouza |1428 Answers |Ask -Follow

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Patrick Dsouza is the founder of Patrick100.
Along with his wife, Rochelle, he trains students for competitive management entrance exams such as the Common Admission Test, the Xavier Aptitude Test, Common Management Admission Test and the Common Entrance Test.
They also train students for group discussions and interviews.
Patrick has scored in the 100 percentile six times in CAT. He achieved the first rank in XAT twice, in CET thrice and once in the Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test.
Apart from coaching students for MBA exams, Patrick and Rochelle have trained aspirants from the IIMs, the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and the S P Jain Institute of Management Studies and Research for campus placements.
Patrick has been a panellist on the group discussion and panel interview rounds for some of the top management colleges in Mumbai.
He has graduated in mechanical engineering from the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. He has completed his masters in management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi

Career

I am going to be 24 this year. Completed graduation in Bcom Finance in 2022. Had severe clinical depression and other health issues so I couldn't focus much on career for 2-3 years. In this period I did 2 Diplomas related to accounting and finance. Also wrote a few competitive exams like afcat, bank,cat etc but didn't qualify. Now I wish to prepare my dream of upsc. I have no work experience till now. Is it a right choice to pursue my dream of upsc or should I do a MBA from a tier 3 college instead and get a job.

Ans: UPSC is a good option but it is difficult to clear. So get into it only after talking to other students who are preparing for the UPSC exam. Try getting admission into a good MBA college by writing entrance exams. For tier 3 MBA colleges it is recommended you check their placements and talk to students out there before you take admission.

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Question by SOUMIK - Jul 11, 2023Hindi

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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!

Krishna Kumar | Answer |Ask -Follow

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Question by SOUMIK - Jul 11, 2023Hindi

Career

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.

Patrick Dsouza |1428 Answers |Ask -Follow

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Mar 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 01, 2024Hindi

Career

Hi, after my graduation in 2021 i started preparing for upsc then later realizing that i had 2.5 gap years ,i thought of giving cat in 2023 and scored 80% now i am confused that i should continue my upsc preparation with gap or should do an mba? ( actually i want financial stability as i am already 24 )

Ans: Do what you feel you would want to do in life.
Options available
1. Take up a job and prepare for MBA Entrance exam simultaneously
2. Prepare for both Govt exams and MBA Entrance but focus on one of the two.

Patrick Dsouza |1428 Answers |Ask -Follow

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 05, 2025Hindi

Career

Hello Sir, I am 25 years old now, I graduated in nov 2020 (BBA) and after that I started my retail business but it failed in oct 2024. I am thinking if I should do MBA from a tier 2/3 college as I am not confident if I can crack CAT, my academics are 72% in 10th, 58% in 12th and 70% in graduation. Or should I get a job and focus on ups killing and stop thinking about MBA, please guide me.

Ans: If your business was registered then it would count as work experience in most colleges. In that case you can take up a job for another 1 or 2 years so that you have 5+ years work ex and simultaneously write GMAT exam and try to get into 1 year Executive MBA course from a good college. Another option would be to take up a job and just give 1 try for CAT. If you get into a good college then take it up. If you are trying to get into a tier 2/3 MBA college, do check their placements and talk to the students out there before you take admission.

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Hello Sir/Mam, Currently I'm investing in SIP as per below for the last 3 years, my goal is to achieve 2 crores by the next 10 years. Please suggest me if these MFs are good or any rebalancing is required. I'm planning to increase the SIP by 10% each year. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap - 5K Aditya Birla SF BAF - 2K SBI Large & Midcap - 5K Quant Small Cap - 3K SBI Gold Fund - Growth - 5K Canara Robeco Large cap - 5K Thanks.

Ans: Hello & thanks for writing to me.

Your portfolio is well-allocated across flexicap, large & midcap, small cap, BAF and gold, offering a balanced mix of growth, stability and diversification.

Given your 10-year horizon, keeping a higher allocation towards flexicap and large & midcap funds is appropriate, as these categories help manage volatility while still capturing long-term growth. The small-cap exposure adds additional long-term growth potential, while the Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF) provides stability through its dynamic asset allocation. Your gold allocation further supports diversification and can cushion the portfolio during equity market stress.

At this stage, no major rebalancing is needed. Since you plan to increase your SIPs by 10% every year, directing this additional amount mainly towards your flexicap or large & midcap fund will further strengthen the core of your portfolio over time.

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi

Relationship

My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi

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Hi Anu, My husband doesn't do house chores. We both work full-time, but I still end up cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. When I ask for help, my partner will say, ‘Just tell me what to do,’ but then he conveniently forgets. Maybe he doesn't like it or he is genuinely forgetful. I have tried many ways to make him explain. Once I only did my share of laundry to make him realise but he simply ignored. Every week this pattern repeats. Is this normal? How can married couples divide responsibilities fairly to avoid fights?

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Every home has a different routine and share of responsibilities. So, there's no standard norm to challenge it as normal or not!
So, if you want your husband to pitch in, then say it in clear terms, especially since he has told you to tell him what to do.
Once you have told him, do make sure to ask him: Will you find it convenient to do it now or later? If later, when?
This will ensure that he makes a statement of commitment, so there's no question of forgetting it, right? Play it smart...it's better than feeling bad about the situation or mulling over why something does not work.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
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Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Question by Santosh - Oct 20, 2025Hindi

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Feeling alone in the world and iam not having any close friends everybody is busy with their works and family, help me what to do

Ans: Dear Santosh,
Everybody has a life and so do you; build your life the way that you want...
Start attending weekend events or any social gathering in the city/town that you live in; even a smile or a hi, hello can be start to a good association when you can further discuss and chat on mutual interests and hobbies.
A humble effort in this direction can change the state that you are in.

All the best!
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Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Question by raji - Nov 26, 2025Hindi

Career

kindly share details pvt universities for b.tech CSE/ECE with good placement other than JEE.

Ans: BITS Campuses
VITEEE
Manipal
SRM

Mayank Chandel |2562 Answers |Ask -Follow

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Question by Sumanta - Nov 20, 2025Hindi

Career

My son in Class 10, ICSE board. Best planning for cracking the IIT entrance exam.

Ans: Hi Sumanta
I assume your son is not enrolled in any foundation program for the IIT Entrance Exam. He must enroll in good training institute, for a 2 year program. Please ensure the coaching is good, not some kind of franchisee taken by some local person. rest they will take care of. By 11th end his 70% syllabus must be over, means He starts in April 2026, then in Apr-May 2027 his 70% syllabus must have been completed.

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IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Question by 3m - Nov 26, 2025Hindi

Career

My son will be appearing for JEE Main & JEE Advanced 2026 and will participate in JoSAA Counselling 2026. I request clarification regarding the GEN-EWS certificate date requirement for next year. I have already applied for an EWS certificate for current year 2025, and the application is under process. However, I am unsure whether this certificate will be accepted during JoSAA 2026, or whether candidates will be required to submit a fresh certificate for FY 2026–27 (issued on or after 1 April 2026). My concern is that if JoSAA requires a certificate issued after 1 April 2026, students will have only 1–1.5 months to complete the entire procedure, which is difficult considering normal government processing timelines. Also, during current JEE form filling, students are asked to upload a GEN-EWS certificate issued on or after 1 April 2025, or an application acknowledgement. This has created confusion among parents regarding which year’s certificate will finally be valid at the time of counselling. I request your kind guidance on: Which GEN-EWS certificate will be accepted for JoSAA Counselling 2026 — a certificate for FY 2025–26 (issued after 1 April 2025), or a new certificate for FY 2026–27 (issued after 1 April 2026)?

Ans: Hi
You need not worry about the EWS certificate. Even if you apply for the next year's certificate on 1 Apr 2026, the second session of JEE MAINS will still be held, followed by JEE ADVANCED, which will be held in May. JOSAA starts in June. so you will have 2 months in hand for fresh EWS certificate.

Mayank Chandel |2562 Answers |Ask -Follow

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2025Hindi

Career

I have 2 marksheet one is completed 12th from bio subject and other one is single maths marksheet but both are of same boards, with this marksheet I gave jee, and take admission in engineering college...but now I have a doubt cani eligible for placement drive?

Ans: Hi
Since you have appeared for JEE & got admission in an engineering college as well, be assured about the placement.

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