Q. I am a 20- year old Engineering student. I want to prepare for UPSC, but I am not sure from where I should start. I'm also worried about whether I'll be able to crack the exam or not and that makes me anxious. What shall I do? Ans. Anxiety gets generated with negative thoughts, such as, will I make it or I will fail? It’s a tough exam and I am not so intelligent? What if I fail and people will laugh at me? I will have to study hard and that is tough? Do some self-introspection to understand why you have chosen to prepare for UPSC? Have you evaluated your positive strengths and your temperament for the UPSC posts?

 

A thorough analysis of self will give you the answers and the confidence. Once you are sure of having a very good chance of clearing it and position yourself as a good candidate, you will pass with flying colours. Self-doubt kills your confidence. There are many good institutes who help you prepare for these exams. You could start by identifying the good ones and joining one. Also talk to a few seniors who have appeared for the exams and understand their experience. Keep a Plan B in mind for your career.

 

Anonymous Q. I am a student of 11th Commerce, preparing for my CA Foundation exam. I want to make a perfect timetable for my studies as well as my routine work, but every time I make one, I'm unable to follow it and I easily get distracted because of my phone. Even my grades are decreasing due to lack of concentration. Please help. Ans. A 'perfect' timetable doesn't really exist, since the meaning of 'perfect' is very subjective. Make a calculation of how many hours are required for preparation of CA exams.

 

Then make a time table fixing so many hours of study. Switch off your phone during those hours. During the study time slots give some time for small physical activity, which would lift your mood, improve your focus. These body breaks help you focus and de-stress. Come for a session if you need any further guidance. Anonymous Q. I’m a 21- year old girl who is currently studying my final year.

 

I have recently realised that I have lost all interest in studies. I do not like what I am doing and want to do something different. I always wanted to act and become a model but my family did not agree. They forced me into this course. I am hating all this more now after tolerating it for few years. But I’m confused about what will I do then? And what if I fail there too? I feel sad, angry and depressed when I do my college work.

 

What should I do? Please help. Ans. What you're feeling is definitely difficult and it is unfortunate for you to be doing a course which does not interest you at all. Careers such as modelling and acting are not sure shot job-oriented courses and require a lot of hard work and long years of making it there. You also need money to sustain yourself for so many years which your parents may not be able to afford. You could complete your degree, work for some years and have acting and modelling as a hobby. Do both, till you are in a position to choose your passion over your job and then switch over. All the best! ■