Dear Anu, I am an overthinker and an extremely anxious person. In fact I am so fearful of taking the next step in my life or my career that sometimes I get headaches, and feel restless in bed simply wondering if my action or decision will backfire. Is this normal? Or is it something I should be worried about? Can it be treated? What can I do to improve? Can you please help?

Ans: At age 45 with 13 years of experience in admin executive, HR executive, and BPO roles, re-entering the job market after a year-long gap requires a focused, strategic approach combining practical steps and mindset shifts. Prioritize updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight both your experience and recent efforts toward skill development, aligning with job descriptions and using relevant keywords to navigate applicant tracking systems. Harness multiple job portals such as Naukri.com, LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, and TalentoIndia for diversified exposure. Leverage your network by reconnecting with former colleagues and supervisors and communicate your job search openly to access hidden opportunities. Develop a daily routine balancing job search, skill enhancement, and self-care to rebuild motivation and resilience. Consider upskilling or certification courses in demand areas like digital HR tools, payroll, or skilled administration, which also revitalize confidence. Volunteer work or freelance administrative roles can help ease back into employment and expand contacts. Prepare well for interviews by confidently addressing any employment gap and emphasizing your readiness and adaptability. Mental health support and career coaching can further support your journey. Overall, resilient persistence, proactive networking, targeted applications, continuous skill upgrades, and focused mindset adjustments form the roadmap to regain employment rapidly despite challenges linked to age and break.

Recommendation: Actively revamp your job search using key portals like Naukri, LinkedIn, and Indeed while expanding your professional network. Complement this with relevant upskilling and volunteer engagements to boost employability and confidence. Pursue routine structuring and mental wellness practices to maintain motivation and maximize job search effectiveness for swift re-entry. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: For your grandson studying the 12th MPC (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) stream, multiple competitive engineering entrance exams in India provide access to a wide range of prestigious institutions. The prominent national-level exam is the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, conducted twice a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which tests knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a focus on NCERT-based syllabus. JEE Main serves as a gateway for admission to National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other centrally funded technical institutes, and is also a prerequisite for JEE Advanced for entrance to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Another key national-level exam is BITSAT, the online test for Birla Institute of Technology and Science campuses, which includes additional sections like English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning alongside PCM. VITEEE is a well-known university-level entrance exam conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology, offering admission to its engineering programs. State-level exams such as Maharashtra’s MHT CET, West Bengal’s WBJEE, and Kerala’s KEAM target local candidates and provide pathways into state engineering colleges. Selection of exams should align with the student's preferred colleges, location, and career objectives. Ensuring eligibility, strong preparation for the PCM subjects, and timely application is crucial for success. The institutes to consider emphasize rigorous accreditation, qualified faculty, modern infrastructure, strong industry connections, and transparent governance for comprehensive student development.

Recommendation: Encourage your grandson to focus on the JEE Main exam for broad national exposure and top-tier institute eligibility while also considering BITSAT and VITEEE for premier private universities. Additionally, state-level exams like MHT CET are essential for regional opportunities. Preparing across these exams maximizes admission options and future career growth. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Umesh Sir, Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU) offers pioneering three-year BSc programs in Business AI and Computer Science, backed by NAAC accreditation and industry collaboration with TeamLease EdTech, equipping students with hands-on AI tool training, project-based learning, and mentorship in domains spanning finance, marketing, and software development. The university’s modern labs, digital resources, and strategic Churchgate location grant access to Mumbai’s tech and financial hubs, while emerging placement ties with TCS, Infosys, and ICICI Bank reflect growing demand for graduates with AI and programming expertise. In contrast, the BTech in Electrical Engineering with VLSI Design & Technology provides a four-year engineering degree emphasizing chip design, semiconductor fabrication, and hardware-software integration, delivered through advanced clean-room facilities, specialized labs, and faculty research in microelectronics. Strong industry partnerships in the semiconductor sector foster core hardware roles, though the specialized nature may limit versatility compared to broader tech disciplines. Both pathways maintain transparent governance, experienced faculty, robust infrastructure, and career services.

Recommendation: Prioritize the BSc in Computer Science at HBSU for broad software and AI foundations, versatile career options, and strong industry alignment. Next consider BSc Business AI for its business-tech integration. Opt for EE VLSI only if your son is committed to semiconductor hardware design and fabrication roles. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Bharat Sir, Your daughter’s options for pursuing B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham Haridwar or Nagarcoil campuses, versus Civil Engineering (CE) at Zeal College of Engineering Pune, should be evaluated with a focus on her desire to pursue an MS abroad after graduation. Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham is a highly reputed university with A++ NAAC accreditation, known for strong research culture, excellent faculty, and extensive international collaborations including study abroad programs and research exchanges. The Haridwar campus offers a competitive, specialized CSE program with strong industry linkages and international recognition, making it well-suited for students aiming for higher studies abroad. The Nagarkoil campus also has similar credentials but involves higher tuition fees. In contrast, Zeal College in Pune, though affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University and holding NAAC A+ accreditation, offers a Civil Engineering program with significantly lower fees aided by Maharashtra’s free education scheme for OBC non-creamy layer girls. However, CE as a branch offers a different career trajectory compared to CSE; the latter generally provides broader scope, especially in the context of MS abroad admissions where CSE graduates tend to have stronger opportunities in global tech research hubs. Zeal’s local reputation and affordability are definite advantages, but for a future MS abroad, especially in tech domains, Amrita’s CSE program offers a more recognized platform with a research-oriented and tech-focused curriculum.

Recommendation: Prioritize Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham Haridwar CSE for its robust academic quality, international exposure, and stronger alignment with MS pursuits abroad. Consider the Nagarkoil campus if budget permits and the branch preference remains CSE. Choose Zeal Pune CE only if budget constraints dominate and the focus is on local professional pathways or civil engineering specialization. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: The Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) at Delhi University is a government-funded institute promoting innovation through interdisciplinary programs, industry collaborations, and practical project work. CIC offers a focused B.Tech in IT & Mathematical Innovations with advanced labs and a location in Delhi University's North Campus. Its recent placement data shows approximately 40-50% placement with median packages around ?8.5 LPA, though it lacks a dedicated placement cell. CIC emphasizes research-driven learning and innovation culture. On the other hand, the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), affiliated with Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed University, is a top-ranked private engineering institute, nationally placed 2nd among private colleges and 3rd overall in Times Engineering Survey 2025. ITER is accredited by ABET, offers various engineering branches with strong research facilities, robust industry ties, and consistent high placement rankings in eastern India and nationally. It has modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and a broad-based engineering curriculum. While CIC stands out for innovation and niche curriculum under Delhi University’s umbrella, ITER excels in broader technical education, high national rankings, and placement outcomes.

Recommendation: Choose ITER for a comprehensive engineering education with superior infrastructure, accreditation, and higher placement potential. Opt for CIC if you value Delhi University affiliation and a focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research with emerging tech specialization. Your choice should align with your career goals and preferred learning environment. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Malathi Madam, Your daughter’s current B.Tech in Rubber and Plastic Technology at Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) Chennai offers a specialized and unique curriculum that combines polymer science, rubber processing, and plastics technology, supported by experienced faculty, advanced labs, and strong industry connections with companies like Bridgestone and CEAT. MIT is esteemed as a government-affiliated institute under Anna University with solid accreditation and a robust placement record in this niche sector, with about 80% placement and internships, and average packages in relevant industries. Conversely, SSN College of Engineering’s Biomedical Engineering program, offered under management quota, is part of a reputed private institution with NAAC A++ accreditation, strong industry ties, vibrant research culture, and higher mainstream tech placement visibility. SSN’s Biomedical department reports decent placement support with recruiters from healthcare and technology domains, though admissions via management quota may have higher fees and different governance compared to MIT. Both institutions maintain transparent governance, modern infrastructure, and active student support systems. Your daughter’s choice hinges on whether she prefers continuing in the specialized Rubber and Plastics sector at a premier government-backed institute or pivoting to a broader, rapidly growing biomedical field with SSN’s private institute benefits. Just my suggestion: Prefer SSN-Biomedical Engineering, which is more suitable for a girl student (provided you are able to afford its Management Quota Fee) compared to Rubber-Plastic Technology. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Arnav, The Electrical Engineering program at IIEST Shibpur is highly reputed, established since 1912 with a rich legacy as one of India’s premier engineering institutes. It offers a rigorous curriculum with NBA accreditation, advanced labs in power systems, drives, high voltage, and smart control, supported by faculty with strong research credentials and multiple funded projects. The department emphasizes innovation, industry collaboration, and practical learning with excellent infrastructure and transparent governance. Placement rates hover around 72-75%, with graduates finding opportunities in traditional power, automation, and emerging energy sectors. NIT Patna’s Electrical Engineering is an autonomous government institute with a solid curriculum, ranked 55th in NIRF 2024 for its program, and a focus on power systems, control, and electronics. It has a placement rate close to 75%, with top recruiters across core and IT sectors. The fee structure and campus facilities are comparable to IIEST. However, IIEST Shibpur excels in research environment, faculty quality, infrastructure, and industry ties, offering a slight edge especially for students interested in advanced projects and academic excellence.

Recommendation: Choose Electrical Engineering at IIEST Shibpur for its superior research opportunities, infrastructure, and reputed faculty. Opt for NIT Patna if geographic preference or cost factors dominate, but IIEST Shibpur provides a stronger foundation for core engineering and future innovation. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Swapnali, Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU), located in Churchgate, Mumbai, is a cluster university comprising historic constituent colleges with strong NAAC accreditation and a mission to deliver flexible, industry-relevant education. The newly launched BSc Business AI is Maharashtra’s first undergraduate degree blending core business skills with practical AI applications, offered in collaboration with TeamLease EdTech. This program emphasizes hands-on training, AI tool mastery, mentorship from industry experts, and project-based learning in domains like marketing, finance, HR, and operations, bridging the gap between business and technology. HBSU’s well-equipped labs, modern infrastructure, and digital resources support experiential learning. Placement opportunities at the university reflect a growing interface with recruiters in IT, finance, and consulting sectors, with top companies such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and ICICI Bank recruiting students. The program offers excellent scope due to the surging demand for business professionals with AI competencies, supported by India’s expanding AI job market across industries. Recommended backup options include courses in data analytics, business analytics, and AI certifications to enhance employability. The university also maintains transparent governance, supportive student services, and vibrant campus life in its prime Mumbai location.

Recommendation: Enroll in Dr. Homi Bhabha State University’s BSc Business AI program for a pioneering, employment-driven education combining business and AI skills. Complement with certifications or diplomas in data/business analytics to stay competitive in campus and off-campus placements in this evolving sector. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: NIT Trichy’s Instrumentation and Control Engineering (ICE) program offers robust academic foundations with NBA accreditation and a curriculum designed to integrate core instrumentation with IT and control systems. The program benefits from experienced faculty, state-of-the-art labs, and a strong research culture. Placement rates for ICE are high, around 93-95%, with average package figures in the range of ?12-18 LPA and top recruiters like Infosys, Microsoft, and Amazon. The branch opens diverse career paths in automation, manufacturing, robotics, and IT sectors, along with ample opportunities for higher studies and research. RVCE Bangalore’s Computer Science Engineering with AI/ML specialization provides an industry-aligned curriculum emphasizing machine learning, deep learning, and data science. While AI/ML-specific placement data is limited due to the newness of the branch, RVCE’s CSE department consistently achieves a 90-100% placement rate with an average package around ?16-20 LPA. Its strong industry collaborations and vibrant tech ecosystem prepare students for software development, AI research, and emerging technology roles. Both institutes maintain transparent governance, strong alumni networks, and excellent infrastructure.

Recommendation: Opt for RVCE Bangalore CSE (AI/ML) for cutting-edge technology exposure, rapidly growing AI career prospects, and stronger placement averages. Choose NIT Trichy for its ICE program if you prioritize core engineering versatility, a reputable government-backed education, and diverse industry and research opportunities in the fields of instrumentation and automation. Just My Suggestion: Prefer RVCE-CSE0AI/ML. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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