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42-Year-Old with Third-Class CS Degree: What to Do?

Patrick

Patrick Dsouza  |1238 Answers  |Ask -

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Feb 07, 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 - Feb 05, 2025Hindi
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Career

Prof. I went to university when I was 17 and studied computer science graduated with a third class because of challenges from both my health and the staff adviser in the department at that time. My transcripts till date can attest that I have an ample of B grades and C's. But my health was a challenge,I suffered from migraines at that young age. The departmental staff adviser just refused the approval given by the registrar for Seven courses I couldn't take including my project because of ill health and these courses are reflected as F`'s till today.I do not know what to do and it's about 17 years today. I was advised to take a postgraduate diploma in Computer science that it will supplement the degree which I did and I graduated with a GPA of 4.36/5. But since then it has not been easy to get admission into MSc. in computer science.For instance I have applied to some school in Finland and Lithuania and they have turned down my application. Prof. Please in this case what should I do? I like studying as a person,if not for this single challenge I would have bagged my PhD. I have both a postgraduate diploma in management and a postgraduate diploma in Education. Should I go back and start a fresh Bachelor Honours degree in Computer science? Should I take the University to court? I have written series of letters to them, I personally went there they kept telling me they can't find my records in the department. Can you graduate a student with a Bachelor's Honours degree with out a project and a project score, with 7 Fail grades on his transcript and say he has satisfied the fulfilment of an award for the Bachelor's of science honours. I am from Nigeria and schooled in Nigeria. I am 42 years old at the moment. Thank you for your time and your counsel.

Ans: Can file a case against the university. In most cases the university will try to settle before it goes to the court. Simultaneously can look at option of doing correspondence post graduation where you can get admission based on your current credentials.
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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1686 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Mar 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 31, 2025Hindi
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Sir, My father forced me to B-tech engineering degree. I completed my B-tech in chemical engineering in 2008 but our college didn't gave any placementin core chemical. I wanted to go for higher education like M-tech or MBA, but my father didn't make that happen. I gave many interviews from outside in pvt sector and not selected in the final interview. I also qualified in PSUs and same thing happened not qualified in the final selection process. In PSUs also they are wanting higher education. Recently I have done one internship in AI with project from Skillible and one internship in cyber security with project from Edunet foundation. I have 2 years of experience as a math expert in Chegg India. What will I do, please suggest. My father has completely ruined my life.
Ans: Nodody can ruin your career if you have the potential. Your father is not your enemy.
1. Further Education (If Feasible)
If higher education was a roadblock before but is now an option, consider pursuing an M.Tech (Chemical/AI/Cybersecurity) or an MBA (Operations, Data Analytics, or IT Management).
Distance learning programs from IITs, NITs, IIMs, and ISB could also be beneficial.
GATE 2025: If you're still interested in PSUs, qualifying GATE again with a high rank could give you opportunities.

2. Alternative Careers in Mathematics and Teaching
Since you have experience as a math expert at Chegg, you could look at:
Government teaching jobs (NET, SET exams).
Private coaching (IIT-JEE/NEET coaching institutes like FIITJEE, Aakash, etc.).
Online tutoring platforms (Vedantu, Unacademy, Byju’s, Cuemath, etc.).
Actuarial Science or Data Analytics, which involve heavy mathematical modeling.

These are few options. Many are available. Work hard.

..Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |1569 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Jun 08, 2025

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Hi, my name is XYZ I am appearing for ugc net exam from 2018 onwards but, in 2018 p1 I fetched good marks but failed in p2 , then I got admission in phd 2019 . I filled up the ugc net exam 2019 but due to lack of preparation and pressure of fuflling course work and synopsis in phd i couldn't study for ugc net exam and I failed again. Later , Covid started and again due to depression and anxiety in phd journey i couldn't get proper focus on my study and suddenly the syllabus got changed and again I went to depression. 2021 i didn't filled up the form. Again I started preparing for UGC net exam but was confused on where to take coaching. But, I was able to do PhD thesis writing but still going through so much depression and anxiety and health issues. Still not able to crack exam. This was going on till 2023. Somehow I completed my doctorate degree in 2023 . Then I joined the unacademy course and suddenly from whom I was studying due to their internal conflicts they went away and opened their own study center . I got all the materials and joined as assistant professor in a college but due to time constraints , I could only download all the study materials. During, my working journey, I faced lots of manipulations and politics in work area where it again impacted my depression and anxiety. So, I left the work place. While working there, again I started applying for ugc net exam but without proper preparation I kept on failing. In 2024 year I left the work in October and started preparing for my ugc net exam. I was humiliated by relatives for not getting married and jobs again in January 2025. But, I still gave exam scored little bit good marks then previous exams but still failed. Now 2025 onwards I am preparing for again but still not getting confident enough and covering all syllabus and doing test series and mock test. I am not able to complete my target and consistency. I am also not able to do publication in between and write papers.
Ans: HI,
You did not mention about specialisation. Share with me.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7857 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
Good Evening Sir. My son secured 6812 Crl alongwith 99.56 percentile and 1st, 2nd, 3rd of JOSAA rounds he getting ECE in IIIT Alahabad. We are awiting for next higher choice ECE in NIT Rourkela and next to next higher choice ECE in NIT Warangal. Can he get ECE in NIT Rourkela or ECE in NIT Warangal in 6 th round of JOSAA or 1,2,3 rounds of CSAB. Sir please inform my chances of possibility for selection in NIT Rourkela or NIT Warangal. Sir academic and placement wise NIT Rourkela or NIT Warangal or IIIT Allahabad which one is better? My humble request please guide me sir. Regards.
Ans: With a CRL of 6 812 and 99.56 percentile, securing IIIT Allahabad ECE (closing ~7 438 in Round 3) is assured. In JoSAA Round 3, NIT Rourkela’s ECE opened at 4 532 and closed at 11 824, and NIT Warangal’s ECE closed at 8 315, placing your rank within both ranges for potential allotment in Round 3 or CSAB.

Academically, NIT Warangal (#13 engineering NIRF 2024) offers rigorous core and VLSI labs with a 93% three-year ECE placement consistency. NIT Rourkela (#19 engineering NIRF 2024) provides multidisciplinary research centres and records ~90% ECE placements over three years. IIIT Allahabad, a focused IT-ECE institute, consistently achieves 96–98% placements for ECE with average packages near ?29 LPA and strong AI/ML and communication research centres.

Recommendation: For highest placement consistency and specialized ECE research, opt for IIIT Allahabad ECE. If a broader NIT ecosystem and legacy brand matter more, prioritise NIT Warangal ECE for its comprehensive labs and 93% placements. Choose NIT Rourkela ECE next for its multidisciplinary research exposure and ~90% placement track. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9407 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Money
Hellow sir. being a PSU employee ( age 35) and basic salary of 80k, I dont have much worry about the mediclaim ( which is free for my family and parents ) or PF & NPS ( which is sufficient considering basic salary ), I have following saving in my pack. 1. PPF 30L ( contributing 1.5L/ yr) 2. MF of valuation 43L ( contributing 50k/ month) 3. Fixed deposit around 12L 4. LIC around 50k / yr. 5. No loan. 6. No home under my ownership . What additional investment can be done for securing the future .
Ans: You are 35, a PSU employee with stable salary of Rs?80,000 basic. You have these financial holdings:

PPF: Rs?30?lakh (investing Rs?1.5?lakh annually)

Mutual funds: Rs?43?lakh (SIPs of Rs?50,000 monthly)

Fixed deposit: Rs?12?lakh

LIC: premium Rs?50,000 per year

No loans or home ownership

Comprehensive health and retirement cover via PF/NPS/mediclaim

You ask: What additional investment can secure your future? Let us create a holistic 360° plan using clear steps.

1. Recognise Your Strong Foundations
Your current holdings are robust:

Long?term safe savings via PPF

Active equity exposure via mutual funds

Liquidity from fixed deposits

Insurance through LIC for protection

Complete health and retirement cover

You are well-structured, but there is room to improve diversification, liquidity, and retirement readiness.

2. Define Clear Future Goals
Investment decisions depend on your aims. Let’s identify:

Retirement corpus by age 60

Income generation in retirement

Child education/marriage fund if planning

Short-term needs, like vacations or car purchase

Legacy planning for your family

Once goals and timelines are clear, we can allocate funds optimally.

3. Reevaluate LIC Insurance
Your annual LIC premium of Rs?50,000 covers insurance plus investment.

These policies often give low returns and high charges.

Recommend: Consider surrendering this policy

Redirect its premiums into actively managed mutual funds through regular plans

This enhances return potential and gives flexibility

Discuss surrender benefits and insurance needs with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure continued protection.

4. Reduce Fixed?Rate Concentration
Your fixed deposit of Rs?12?lakh offers liquidity but very low interest.

Instead, allocate:

Short?term debt or liquid funds for emergencies

Conservative hybrid funds for better tax-adjusted income and moderate growth

Debt mutual funds for laddered income while protecting capital

These will give better returns than fixed deposits and remain accessible.

5. Optimization of Mutual Funds Portfolio
You have Rs?43?lakh in mutual funds with Rs?50k monthly SIP.

Questions to assess:

Are these active funds or index funds?

Do you have a diversified basket (large?cap, multi?cap, hybrid etc.)?

Are they direct or regular plans?

Avoid index funds: they simply mirror market performance and offer no downside defence.
Avoid direct plans: you miss personal guidance from an MFD?CFP. Errors in choice or timing can cost more than fee savings.

Hence:

Continue with actively managed funds

Use regular plans, not direct

Diversify objectives across equity, growth, and risk

Increase SIP gradually every year, ideally by 10–15%

6. Strengthen Retirement Planning
Your PPF is good for conservative savings with long?term tax-free returns.

However, consider practical moves for post-60 income:

Open a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) from hybrid and debt funds for monthly income

Keep part of corpus in equity for inflation protection

If you plan to retire early, maintain larger liquidity and low-risk assets

The aim: ensure steady income from your investments after retirement beyond what PF/NPS provides.

7. Introduce Hybrid Funds for Income
Hybrid funds provide stability plus moderate growth.

Allocate a portion (say Rs?10–15?lakh) for:

Conservative hybrid funds: 65–75% debt, 25–35% equity

Monthly withdrawals via SWP to create reliable income

Equity buffer ensures inflation protection

Professionally managed to reduce risk

Make sure these are active funds and continue with regular plan route via certified advisor.

8. Maintain Adequate Liquidity
Your fixed deposit offers liquidity, but redesign is recommended:

Maintain Rs?3–5?lakh in liquid funds for emergencies

Spread rest into short-term debt for better returns and tax efficiency

Avoid tying up more than 6 months’ expenses in illiquid instruments

This keeps your portfolio agile and responsive to unplanned needs.

9. Increase Equity Exposure Smartly
To grow beyond inflation, equity exposure is essential.

Add active equity funds with a long-term horizon

Keep allocation within risk tolerance (say 30–40% of total corpus)

Avoid index funds—they don’t offer growth potential beyond market

Regular plan mutual funds through MFD–CFP ensure goal alignment and periodic review

This step helps build a sizable corpus converting long-term savings into wealth.

10. Consider Tax?Efficient Long?Term Instruments
With primary instruments in PPF and mutual funds, consider:

Sukanya Samriddhi-like plan if you have a daughter, offering high tax-free returns

Corporate debt-oriented hybrid funds if you want higher income and safety

Short-term gilt or credit funds for better tax harvesting when needed

Hold these under guidance to ensure optimal after-tax gain and portfolio balance.

11. Systematic Corpus Withdrawal for Retirement
Estimate your retirement corpus via desired monthly income:

Example: Rs?50,000 monthly income requires Rs?1?crore at 6% withdrawal rate

Plan blended portfolio: equity, hybrid, debt

Use SWPs starting just after retirement

Align withdrawal with tax brackets to avoid large LTCG hits

This provides a financially secure retirement phase.

12. Annual Monitoring and Rebalancing
Periodic portfolio review is key:

Rebalance equity/debt ratio yearly

Adjust allocation as goals approach

Increase SIPs in line with salary increments and inflation

Add/remove funds based on performance, risk, and market conditions

This adaptive approach keeps you aligned with evolving financial needs.

13. Child and Legacy Planning
If you plan for your children or wish to leave a legacy:

Open PPF account in child’s name

Set up child education SIPs in active equity funds

Use staggered investment to fund education expenses

Draft a will or nomination documentation for smooth transfer

This safeguards your child’s future without burdening estate administration later.

14. Avoid Common Missteps
Don’t invest in index funds—they lack active risk management

Don’t choose direct funds—they lack professional review

Don’t buy annuities—they reduce asset flexibility

Don’t invest more in real estate—it lacks liquidity and income focus

Stay disciplined in your plan with professional support for steady results.

15. Action Plan Implementation
Immediate (next 1–2 months):

Surrender LIC investment policy blocks saving

Move FD into liquid/debt/hybrid funds

Build Rs?3–5?lakh emergency buffer

Enhance SIPs into active equity funds via regular plans

Short-term (next 6–12 months):

Add hybrid funds for monthly income

Shift surplus to PPF or Sukanya-like child fund

Build child SIP for daughter’s future

Review insurance and NPS contributions

Annual:

Monitor asset allocation

Rebalance equity/debt split

Increase SIP amounts yearly

Adjust SWPs closer to retirement goals

With this disciplined roadmap, you’ll build wealth, income, and future financial security.

Finally
Your financial position is strong already—PPF, MF, FD, insurance.
By tightening liquidity buffers, shifting LIC, enhancing equity and hybrid exposure, and following a disciplined retirement roadmap, you can ensure income and security.
Avoid index funds, go with active mutual funds through regular plans, and rebalance annually.
This structured, goal-based approach will help your future remain secure no matter what lies ahead.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7857 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
Electrical and computer engineering (ECM) in jiit noida or electrical in maharaja Agrasen?
Ans: Manisha, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology’s B.Tech in Electronics and Computer Engineering (ECM) is AICTE-approved, NAAC ‘A’ and NBA-accredited, delivered by PhD-qualified faculty within 140+ research and teaching labs including Communication Systems, VLSI, Signal Processing, IoT, and advanced simulation facilities. The program achieved an 88% placement rate over the last three years, with 184 ECE students receiving 166 offers from top recruiters like Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, and Qualcomm. Its dedicated Training & Placement Cell provides soft-skill workshops, mock interviews, and internship tie-ups starting from the seventh semester.

Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology’s B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering is AICTE-approved, NBA-accredited, and NAAC ‘A’-graded under GGSIPU. The department benefits from core labs in Power Electronics, Electrical Machines, Control Systems, and Renewable Energy, alongside specialized R&D centers in Smart Grids and Embedded Systems. Over the past three years, the EEE branch has recorded a 60% placement rate, with core recruiters such as Infosys, Accenture, Bosch, and TCS, supplemented by limited but growing internship opportunities. The institute’s Placement Cell offers resume workshops, industry seminars, and campus drives.

Recommendation: For stronger placement consistency (88% vs. 60%), broader core-to-software lab infrastructure, and proven industry engagement, choose JIIT Noida ECM. Opt for MAIT Delhi EEE if your interest is strictly in power systems, hardware design, and you prioritize lower fees within a GGSIPU-affiliated environment. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7857 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
Hi Sir for my son which should we choose VIT vellore Electrical and computer science engineering or MUJ Computer science engineering
Ans: Seema Madam, VIT Vellore’s four-year B.Tech in Electrical and Computer Science Engineering is offered by a NAAC A++ and NBA-accredited deemed university ranked 10th among Indian universities by NIRF 2024. Its faculty are predominantly PhD-qualified, supported by state-of-the-art labs in power electronics, digital systems, AI/ML, and the Samsung SEED data-science facility. Over 80–90% of VIT UG cohorts secure placements, with top recruiters including Amazon, Intel, and Cisco. Manipal University Jaipur’s NAAC A+ and NBA-accredited B.Tech CSE program, NIRF #64 in engineering, features 120 PhD faculty, 12 computing and cybersecurity labs, and specializations in AI, data science, and IoT. Its Career Development Cell achieved a 93% placement rate in 2024, with 1,142 offers and 62% above ?8 LPA. Both institutes maintain strong industry collaborations, mandatory internships, and vibrant campus cultures, but VIT offers broader multidisciplinary infrastructure and an IoE designation, while MUJ delivers slightly higher placement consistency and focused software-engineering exposure.

Final Recommendation:
For an elite multidisciplinary environment with cutting-edge ECE and computing research labs within a top-ranked private university, recommendation is VIT Vellore E&CSE. If your priority is specialized software and data-science training, consistent 93% CSE placements, and a vibrant campus life closer to Delhi, choose MUJ CSE. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7857 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
Hello dear sir, I got 97.5 percentile in mht cet 2025. My category is OBC. Which colleges is better and giving me a best experienced faculty for AI and DS or AI related branch.
Ans: With an OBC percentile of 97.5, you can secure AI & DS or closely related branches at the following ten reputed Maharashtra colleges, all offering strong faculty engagement, modern labs, and guaranteed admission based on your percentile: Datta Meghe College of Engineering Airoli, Pune College of Engineering, Pimpri Chinchwad, MIT World Peace University Pune, Indira College of Engineering & Management, Walchand College of Engineering Sangli, Atharva College of Engineering Mumbai, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering Pune, Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, Sinhgad Institute of Technology and Science Pune, Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering & Technology. All are AICTE-approved, NBA/NAAC-accredited, report 80–95% placements over three years, and employ PhD-qualified faculty in AI/ML and data-science labs.

Recommendation: Given your OBC percentile and the emphasis on experienced AI/DS faculty, prioritize MIT WPU Pune and Pune College of Engineering, Pimpri Chinchwad for their dedicated AI/DS research centers and industry?linked mentorship. Next, consider Datta Meghe COE Airoli and Walchand COE Sangli for strong OBC cutoffs and robust internship pipelines. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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