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Dr Karan

Dr Karan Gupta  |329 Answers  |Ask -

International Education Counsellor - Answered on Sep 23, 2025

Dr Karan Gupta is an internationally recognised education counsellor, TEDx speaker and the founder of Karan Gupta Consulting and the Karan Gupta Education Foundation.
An alumnus of Harvard Business School, he has advised thousands of students and professionals since 1999, helping them secure admission to top global universities.
He has been honoured by the governments of India and Spain for his contributions to education and women’s empowerment.
With a global perspective shaped by his education in the US, Europe and India, he is committed to empowering individuals through education, leadership and career development.
Dr Gupta holds a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in psychology from Mumbai University.
He has completed his general management programme at Harvard.
He earned his MBA from the IE Business School, Spain, and his PhD from Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon, France.
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Asked by Anonymous - Sep 20, 2025Hindi
Career

Hello, I am a 22 yr old female, i have done B.Tech in Computer Science engineering. I am jobless. I don't want to work in pvt. IT firms. i am confused in Gate preparation and other Govt. Exam preparation. My mother forces me to prepare for UPSC but i am not interested in it. Please guide me. I have even taken online courses for gate and bank, ssc preparation.

Ans: Don’t feel pressured into UPSC if you’re not interested. Since you already explored GATE and SSC/Banking, first ask yourself: do you enjoy engineering subjects or government administration roles? If not private IT, you can look at PSU jobs (through GATE), research fellowships, or higher studies (M.Tech/MBA/MS abroad). The key is clarity—choose one exam and stick to it instead of preparing for many.
Career

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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!

..Read more

Krishna

Krishna Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Mar 24, 2024

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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.

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Latest Questions
Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |228 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 10, 2025

Money
Hi, I'm 49 married with 2 kids aged 16 and 11. I work in mid mgmt in a Finance co. Wife is 45 works at a Bank. Combined annual salary is 80 lakhs. Live in a home which just got loan free. Have a rental income of 40k monthly that my wife gets. Mom also lives with us and she gets a rental income of 45k per month. I have invested in a small office space which will be ready by mid 2027 and has a construction linked plan, have to pay 40L more. I Have stocks of 45L and EPF of 60L PPF of 12 L. Have ancestral property in land at native place not much but say 25L. Mom has pledged 50% of her assets to my sister. Liability of office and company car is 6L. School fees and tution fees are paid from rental income and wife chips in. There's maintenance, club membership fees, insurance, repairs and maintenance, kids pocket money, groceries, internet, mobile, maids etc. which I pay. I'm thinking of quitting my job and starting something on my own. I am a guest lecturer at a college which is pro bono and also helping 2 Startups of friends over weekend with a tiny equity stake in one. Is it a right decision? Pressure at work is high, growth chances are minimum. Many colleagues asked to go. The environment isn't very encouraging. Pls advise if I'm ok financially with about 45 lakhs liability. Never got a chance to save as EMIs were 75% of income. I'm unable to get a direction.
Ans: You are 49, with a stable dual-income family, home loan cleared, and some investments in place. You feel stagnated in your job and want to start something of your own. It’s a natural and valid thought at this life stage — but the decision needs to be planned, not impulsive.

At present, your financial base is decent but not fully liquid. You still have about ?45 lakh in liabilities, upcoming education costs for your children, and limited cash reserves. Your wife’s job and rental income can sustain household expenses, but not much beyond that.

The wise move is to continue your job while you explore your business or investment idea part-time. Use the next 18–24 months to:

Clear pending loans, especially the office property.

Build a minimum ?20–25 lakh emergency corpus.

Fund your children’s education separately.

Test and refine your business idea alongside your job.

Before quitting, also discuss openly with your spouse whether she is comfortable with you stepping away from a steady income. Her emotional and financial comfort will determine how smooth your transition is.

In short:
Keep your job, continue your startup or investing interest part-time, strengthen your finances, and plan a structured exit once liabilities are cleared. Freedom feels best when it’s backed by security, not uncertainty.

Contingency buffer and health insurance details:
For detailed financial planning and portfolio reconstruction, please connect with a Qualified Personal Finance Professional (QPFP).

Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai

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