Warning: This report contains accounts of sexual assault and violence that some readers may find distressing. Ramia was preparing for a family picnic, on a warm summer day in her village in Latakia province in western Syria, when a white car drove up, she said
Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in the national capital. Pichai is here for the Global AI Impact Summit 2026 and will deliver the keynote address on February 20 at the summit. New Delhi: Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra
The back-and-forth between the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association has taken another turn. On Tuesday afternoon, the WNBPA submitted a new counterproposal, only to have it shot down yet again by the league, as negotiations intensify ahead of the new season
The leadership has made it clear that performance and public perception will be key criteria in deciding nominations The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing for a major organisational overhaul in Assam ahead of the assembly elections
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I completed a Master's in English Literature and cleared UGC-NET in 2022. While I want to pursue research, I lack the motivation and ideas to start. Pravitha
Dear Pravitha,
Identify why you are feeling stuck. Are you waiting for a perfect topic? It doesn't exit. Most researchers begin with a vague curiosity. Are you feeling disconnected from reading? Weeks of not engaging with academic texts can make starting again feel overwhelming and difficult. Are you directly trying to jump to a PhD proposal? Start with micro-questions. Identify your ‘micro-interests'. Which author or genre did you return to during your Master's?
Pick a direction from emerging research areas in English Literature today such as postcolonial and contemporary Indian writing such as Dalit literature, writings from the northeast, partition narratives, caste and gender intersections, Indian graphic novels, ecocriticism and climate literature, ecofeminism, social media storytelling, fanfiction studies, LGBTQ- narratives and so on.
Build motivation by creating a 21-day routine to build a healthy habit. Read for 20 minutes consistently every day: one abstract, two pages from a critical essay, or summarise one idea. Make a mind-map of a theme, free-write for 10 minutes, and note down “gaps” you find. After 21 days, you will automatically see new patterns emerge.
I am in the final year of B.A. Economics and aspire to be an IFS officer. My parents and professor suggest pursuing an M.A. in Economics as a backup and for preparation for exams such as the UPSC, as well as for the IES and RBI DEPR. What should I do? Nandana
Dear Nandana,
For entry into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) you have to attempt the UPSC CSE. The preparation is broad-based, but Economics is useful because it strengthens General Studies Paper 1, Optional Paper 2 (if you choose Economics), and understanding of international economics, trade, and diplomacy. Economics is high-scoring and analytical. An M.A. in Economics could deepen your understanding and improve your optional marks.
Other exams such as the IES and RBI DEPR can also be your plan B, as these offer roles in economic policy roles. Additionally, an M.A. in Economics keeps you eligible for these roles, as well as state economic services, which serve as excellent backups.
I have a Master's in Botany and worked as a botanist in a private Ayurvedic research centre, but resigned due to an emergency. I attempted the Indian Forest Service exam but couldn't make it. I am working in the private sector and have no time to study or the money to join a coaching centre. What should I do? Gouri
Dear Gouri,
Spend some time deciding what you really want. Is Forest Service still the main goal? Do you want to explore alternative public sector/research careers? If so, create a micro-study plan for the UPSC prelims. Check out NCERT textbooks, standard reference books and papers from previous years. Use online resources that are free on YouTube, PDF notes, and join discussion forums and so on.
Also, explore a job that can provide some income and time for the UPSC prep. Consider a research or teaching role that is flexible (college, online teaching, NGOs, or herbal companies) for the next eight months or a year to continue your IFS preparation. If not successful, pivot to research or government science roles.
Target other Government exams (as a backup option) and try to leverage your M.Sc. Botany and research experience. Check out State Forest Service Exams as they have less competition. Look for posts as a Scientist or Research Officer across CSIR, ICMR, ICAR and Ayurvedic/Herbal boards. UPSC CDS, CAPF or State Civil Services is also a feasible backup. Another option is to be a lecturer in Botany or Life Sciences in a private institute.
I am in Class 12 (History, Political Science, Geography) and plan to pursue BA LLB. Will Law give me an edge in UPSC prep and also serve as a strong backup career? Uzain
Dear Uzain,
BA LLB is a five-year integrated programme and integrates UPSC preparation with your degree. The General Studies Paper 1 Polity, Governance comprises the constitution, legal systems, rights, duties, and governance structure, all of which is covered in the course. For the Optional Paper, Law is an optional subject. Legal knowledge helps you write structured, analytical essays on justice, governance, human rights, democracy and so on, so the Essay Paper also gets covered. A strong understanding of governance, laws, and social issues impresses interviewers for the Interview/Mains.
Law is also a strong, independent career choice, so even if UPSC doesn't work out immediately, you can get in legal practice (court litigation, corporate law, public interest law) or write judiciary exams (state judicial services or higher judiciary later) or explore legal advisory roles (in government departments, corporate firms, NGOs) or academic roles in law colleges (after LLM), research, or think tanks.
Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.
The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge.
Published - January 24, 2026 04:30 pm IST
The Hindu Education Plus / careers / College admission / study abroad / admission/enrollment / students / universities and colleges / university / higher education / entrance examination / internships
Source: TheHindu
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