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Archana

Archana Deshpande  | Answer  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on May 20, 2024

Archana Deshpande, the founder of TransformMe Life Skills Coaching, is an image consultant, soft skills trainer and life coach.
She has been working with individuals and corporate organisations for more than 10 years during which she has helped professionals and students improve their soft skills, build confidence and enhance self-esteem.
An engineer from the PDA College of Engineering, Gulbarga, Archana had a successful career at Reliance Communications. But she has always been interested in teaching and training people. So she pursued a postgraduate diploma in teacher’s training at Pune’s Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies followed by teaching assignments in schools at Visakhapatnam and Mumbai.
Archana also holds an international certificate in image consulting and soft skills training from the Image Consulting Business Institute, Mumbai.... more
susobhan Question by susobhan on May 10, 2024Hindi
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Career

I am working in a design and build company (for interiors and Fitouts)...but cannot develop proper rappo... with the client....My brain remains very stiff, and i suffer from nervousness, while speaking/interacting...Pls suggest, how to overcome this problem, and maintain a calm posture ..... Susobhan

Ans: Dear Susobhan!!
You will be surprised to know that 72-75% of the population fears public speaking ,this makes public speaking the number one fear of a vast majority. For you, talking to clients is like public speaking!
There is no fear that cannot be overcome with practice and having a process for overcoming it.
Just dig a little deeper and make notes on what happens to your body and mind when a client comes in front of you.
Also look into the past and see why this is happening? The more you become aware of yourself and the WHY of a problem then the HOW of the solution to the problem starts to take shape.
Check, why you get nervous? Is it because you are short of words? You are not properly dressed/groomed? Is it lack of the knowledge of the product? Identifying the problem is half the battle won.

Some suggestions to build the rapport-
(take three deep breaths as soon as you see a client, helps in calming you)-
1. smile as soon as you see the client, a genuine smile
2. stand up to receive him/her
3. exhibit a confident body language
4. greet the client in a clear confident voice
5. ask how you can help them?
6. ask open ended questions, what are they looking for? Let the client speak.
7.offer water/tea/ coffee

I have suggested some ways, however build your own relevant process, from the time the client enters till they leave.
Have your vocabulary ready.... what to say, how to say and practice in front of the mirror.
Always be well dressed/groomed, appropriate for your role.
You must have knowledge about everything in the store and all the services your store offers, this will give you confidence in answering the queries of the client. Do seek help if you don't know all the answers.... there is nothing wrong in saying," I am not so sure about this, let me ask a senior and get back to you on this", don't mumble, say it clearly.

Meditation is a sure shot way of becoming calmer. Go for deep breathing, visualizations and affirmations also overcome your nervousness.

All the best Susobhan!
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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
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I am 35, MBA from a reputed college. I recently took over as senior project manager in a software company. Over the last few months, I’ve been asked to lead more high-stakes presentations, but every time I step in front of a group of senior professionals, my nerves take over. I can’t seem to communicate my ideas clearly, and I end up rambling or losing the audience. It’s frustrating because I know the content is strong, but I can’t deliver it with the confidence it needs. I’m starting to feel like this could affect my career growth if I don’t improve. I want to know how to seem more confident and present my ideas with clarity.
Ans: Hi!!

I can understand what you are going through.
I have helped many a people to become better communicators, presenters and public speakers. I agree with you when you say .. that these skills will augur well for your career growth.
What I can say is this .. that it is a learnable skill. Practice and more practice is the only way ahead. You said your content is strong, that is 50% of the job done, so build up on this confidence and practice your delivery in front of the mirror or in front of encouraging family/friends.
The only way to gain confidence is to "JUST DO IT"....to calm your nerves- deep breathing techniques and visualizations techniques will be useful.
I can help you on this journey of being a person who delivers with panache!

There are books by Dale Carnegie on public speaking which can help you out. Also read about Abe Lincoln and his journey of becoming a great orator, it can maybe help you.

Remember, PRACTICE AND PRACTICE is the key to unlock your confidence and become the person who delvers with panache.

All the best!!

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Mar 20, 2026

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Tips for kcet exam and required books for kcet exam if I'm in 2PUC
Ans: Hi Sadiya,

Greetings from Rediffgurus!

The KCET exam is based on the Karnataka 1st and 2nd PUC (Class 11 and 12) curriculum and includes subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) per subject, with each subject allotted 80 minutes. The content focuses 60% on 2nd PUC topics and 40% on 1st PUC topics, and there is no negative marking.

Subject-Wise Syllabus Highlights:

Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Electrostatics, Magnetic Effects, Optics, and Modern Physics. A new unit on Experimental Skills has been introduced, which includes recent changes in Experimental Science for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Chemistry: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, covering Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, and Redox Reactions.

Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus (which has high weightage), Coordinate Geometry, Statistics, and Probability.

Biology: Diversity of Living World, Structural Organization, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics, and Biotechnology.

As you prepare for the exam, remember that the structure is primarily based on HSC (60% from 2nd PUC and 40% from 1st PUC topics).

To score better, try to complete each topic before your class teacher covers it in class. This way, if you have any doubts, you can seek clarification during class. You may also consider joining coaching classes for additional support.

If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reply to this email.

Best regards,

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Mar 20, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 15, 2026Hindi
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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Mar 20, 2026

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I have passed 12th in May 2024. I took a gap for preparation for NEET, but could not get good college. But in September 2025, I took admission in IIT Jodhpur's B.Sc./B.S. in Applied AI and Data Science (delivered in online mode, similar to IIT Madras's B.S. program), of which I'm currently a bona-fide student, and upon graduation in 2029, I will become an alumnus of IIT Jodhpur. Along with this, I will be joining an engineering college in 2026 to pursue dual degree (IITJ+ offline college). Do I have a gap of 1 year or 2 year in my education? What to write in my gap certificate ? It would have been very kind of you if you could help me regarding this matter.
Ans: Hi Sourindra,

Greetings from RediffGurus!

It's great to know that you're pursuing a dual degree, one from IIT and the other from another engineering institution. However, when selecting your engineering course, it's crucial to choose the right one. Even though you are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied AI and Data Science online at IIT (J), it's important to have a traditional, on-campus degree as well because it will be beneficial when applying for jobs later.

You should be very careful to complete your courses on time. Otherwise, you may face challenges in finishing your degree within the prescribed duration. This is an essential aspect to consider when compared to obtaining a gap certificate.

Regarding the gap certificate, it's worth noting that most employers do not typically request it. However, when you submit your resume while applying for jobs, they may inquire about any gaps in your education. Given that you joined IIT (J) in 2025, the gap amounts to approximately 1.5 years. This will also be reflected in your resume.

There's no need to worry too much about the gap certificate. Just share this information in your resume proactively, before they ask. It's quite common nowadays, so you should be fine.

Best regards,

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2637 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Mar 20, 2026

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Sir, I have passed 12th in May 2024. I took a gap for preparation for NEET, but could not get good college. But in September 2025, I took admission in IIT Jodhpur's B.Sc./B.S. in Applied AI and Data Science (delivered in online mode, similar to IIT Madras's B.S. program), and upon graduation in 2029, I will become an alumnus of IIT Jodhpur. Along with this, I will be joining an engineering college in 2026 to pursue dual degree (IITJ+ offline college). Sir, do I have a gap of 1 year or 2 year in my education? What to write in my gap certificate ? It would have been very kind of you if you could help me regarding this matter.
Ans: Hi Sourindra,

Greetings from RediffGurus!

It's great to know that you're pursuing a dual degree, one from IIT and the other from another engineering institution. However, when selecting your engineering course, it's crucial to choose the right one. Even though you are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied AI and Data Science online at IIT (J), it's important to have a traditional, on-campus degree as well because it will be beneficial when applying for jobs later.

You should be very careful to complete your courses on time. Otherwise, you may face challenges in finishing your degree within the prescribed duration. This is an essential aspect to consider when compared to obtaining a gap certificate.

Regarding the gap certificate, it's worth noting that most employers do not typically request it. However, when you submit your resume while applying for jobs, they may inquire about any gaps in your education. Given that you joined IIT (J) in 2025, the gap amounts to approximately 1.5 years. This will also be reflected in your resume.

There's no need to worry too much about the gap certificate. Just share this information in your resume proactively, before they ask. It's quite common nowadays, so you should be fine.

Best regards,

...Read more

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Mar 20, 2026

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Sir My Son has given class xth exams. He want to take PCB. Sir 1. what are the options other than MBBS, If neet is not cleared. because we can't afford private institutions. 2. What is the scope of Bioinformatics. is Math compulsory for bioinformatcs. Regards Gopal Krishan from Faridabad Haryana
Ans: HI GOPAL SIR,
GREETINGS FROM REDIFFGURUS.
If your ward is considering a career in medicine or engineering, opting for PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology) is a better choice than just PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) alone. This path will offer more opportunities and help avoid future challenges in pursuing engineering.

PCMB provides a wider range of options compared to PCB. If he chooses PCB, entering the engineering field may prove to be more difficult.

For PCB, there are primarily two pathways to consider:

**With NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test):**
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- BVSC (Bachelor of Veterinary Science)
- AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy)
- Allied Health Sciences

**Without NEET:**
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
- All basic science streams (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Biotechnology, Food Science, etc.)

Regarding Bioinformatics, if he is interested in this field, he can pursue it part-time or through online courses as a supplementary option. However, it is essential to note that the scope for bioinformatics is limited compared to other courses.

There’s no need to worry; clearing NEET is achievable. The key is proper planning and support from you. If you need any further clarification, please feel free to reply to this message.

Best regards.

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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