Delhi University has completed three regular rounds of undergraduate admissions, but 13,433 UG seats are still vacant. According to the university’s latest spot-round vacancy list, the unfilled seats are spread across 1,160 college-course combinations
“We have a history of renowned political leaders; we hail from the lands of intellect. This university has nurtured multiple leaders, including Gulzarilal Nanda, Madan Lal Khurana, Mahadevi Varma, and many Chief Justices,” 23-year-old Priyanshu Vidrohi said
In Bihar’s Gaya district lies Patwa Toli, a village popularly known as the “Village of IITians." What makes it remarkable is the presence of IIT-educated engineers in almost every household. Every year, more than a dozen students from the village qualify for the IIT-JEE examinations
Jammu-born entrepreneur Onkar Singh Batra has added another remarkable achievement to an already extraordinary journey. From creating a website at the age of seven to developing a satellite at 16, Batra has spent much of his childhood exploring technology, entrepreneurship, and space
According to NITI Aayog’s Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047 report, only 8.25 per cent of graduates were able to secure jobs matching their qualifications in one year. This means that more than 91 per cent of graduates were either unemployed or working in jobs below their educational
I have passed Class 12 (PCMB) with a state rank of 10 and have taken NEET 2026 and KCET. I want to pursue B.Sc. Chemistry but people say I should not do so because I have such good marks. I am also considering BDS or a B.Sc. Paramedical course
Me: Lalitha, you’ve been colouring all this time. Do you enjoy colouring? This was an informal conversation I had with two young British-Indian children — a seven-year-old boy and his four-year-old sister, Lalitha — during a train journey from Coimbatore to Chennai.Me: Lalitha
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been grounded in controversy since the NEET UG paper leak row. The central agency, which was envisaged in November 2017 as a single agency for conducting all higher education entrance exams, is under scanner after cancellation of UGC NET exam for three subjects
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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
Related Posts: Nandini Raman,Off the edge,Higher education,Study abroad,admission and scholarships
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