Identify a mentor

Getty Images/iStockphoto | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto I have completed my UG degree and have a strong desire to clear the TNPSC exam, but feel lazy and demotivated. How can I build a consistent study habit? Nithiyasri Dear Nithiyasri, Are you sure you are not overwhelmed by the massive syllabus? First, confirm that you have the official TNPSC syllabus (Group 1, 2, or 4, based on your target) and skim the broad subject heads (General Tamil/English, Indian Polity, Aptitude). Then collect Samacheer Kalvi textbooks (classes 6 to 10). These are easier to digest than advanced competitive exam guides. Commit to studying for 15-20 minutes in a one-hour block. Pick the easiest or most interesting topic and slowly build the discipline to work through multiple hourly blocks and increase the study time. Start with 3-4 cycles a day and increase as you feel more confident. Habit stacking will help with consistency. Pair your study session with a habit that you already enjoy. Mark detailed portions on a calendar — weekly, fortnightly, monthly — and measure your progress. Start solving old question papers. If you still do not make progress, identify a mentor and work with someone you respect and can be accountable to. I am in the final year of Medicine but don’t want to be a physician. While preparing for the UPSC, I realised that I love studying Economics. Will I be able to pursue a Master’s in Economics? Name withheld Transitioning from Medicine to a Master’s in Economics is possible, but before making any drastic changes, think through your decision. Economics in the UPSC General Studies focuses heavily on policy intuition, macro-trends, inflation, public finance, and descriptive analysis, whereas graduate-level Economics is predominantly Applied Maths and Quantitative Modelling. Test your comfort with formal quantitative economics: multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and probability/statistics. Intermediate Microeconomics by Hal Varian is the standard undergraduate textbook. If you enjoy the mathematical formulations of consumer choice and optimisation in this, you will thrive in an MA/M.Sc. Economics environment. While an MBBS degree is a recognised Bachelor’s degree, verify specific prerequisite course requirements for each institution. Programmes at Delhi School of Economics, ISI, IGIDR, or MSE usually mandate calculus, linear algebra, and statistics at the UG level or require competitive entrance exams like CUET-PG (Economics) or IIT-JAM (Economics). Universities abroad offer Conversion Master’s in Economics or M.Sc. Economics tracks for non-Economics graduates with strong quantitative skills. I’m doing B. Pharm, but I wish to go into banking solely for financial security. How can I make the switch? Reeva Dear Reeva, All major bank recruitment exams (IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, RBI Assistant) require a recognised Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Start looking at the key notifications and prepare for these exams. You will need to master Quantitative Aptitude (Data Interpretation, Simplification), Logical Reasoning, English, and General Awareness tests. You could also leverage your Pharma background and target specialised roles like IBPS Specialist Officer (SO) or Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) if eligible, or look for Credit Analyst or Technical Officer roles in commercial banks that evaluate healthcare and pharmaceutical business loans. Consider PG Diplomas in Banking as an alternative route for private banks. ICICI Manipal Probationary Officers Programme or HDFC Future Bankers train non-commerce graduates and guarantee placement. Public Sector Banks come with an unmatched job security, standardised pay scales, allowances, and medical benefits. But there is high pressure to meet business targets, potential rural postings, and high entry competition. In comparison, Private Banks have a faster hiring process and quicker merit-based promotions but without job security. If financial stability is your primary goal, look at pharma-adjacent roles like Pharma Data Analytics, Regulatory Affairs, or Medical Writing. These provide higher entry pay and stronger work-life balance than entry-level private banking. I am in the second year of B.Tech. Dairy Technology. I want to do a Master’s in this field. What skills should I develop? Is it possible to work part-time alongside B.Tech? Rishad Dear Rishad, Focus on advanced quality assurance and microbiological testing techniques and chemical analysis, dairy process engineering and unit operations, HTST plants, spray drying, membrane filtration and homogenisation, and food safety management systems. Acquire certifications with conceptual clarity in HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSAI regulations. Learn Modern Research and data skills and tools like R, SPSS, or Python for statistical quality control, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and response surface methodology (RSM). Build familiarity with analytical instruments like HPLC, Gas Chromatography (GC), Spectrophotometry, and Rheometers. Part-time jobs may be difficult due to the rigorous, lab-heavy nature of your course. However, flexible remote or project-based work is possible. Consider tutoring for school-level Chemistry, Biology, or basic Maths on ed-tech platforms; explore technical writing or content development for food safety blogs, agritech startups, or educational portals; or assist researchers with literature reviews or statistical data entry remotely. Approach your professors for research assistantships that contribute directly to your Master’s application through research publications, conference papers, and strong letters of recommendation (LORs). 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 - October 03, 2026 06:30 pm IST