IIT JAM vs UPSC After BSc: A Career Decision for Students
Q. I am 22 years old, and I need your guidance regarding an important career decision. I am currently in the final year of my B.Sc. B.Ed. course, and my results are expected to be declared in August 2027. I am confused about whether I should appear for the IIT JAM examination and pursue an M.Sc. from an IIT, or completely focus on UPSC preparation. I understand that pursuing an M.Sc. from an IIT and higher studies can be academically very challenging. If I get selected for an IIT, I am also concerned about how I would manage my UPSC preparation alongside my M.Sc. studies. On the other hand, I genuinely want to prepare for UPSC and am wondering whether I should start preparing seriously while I am still in college or focus entirely on UPSC instead of pursuing IIT JAM. Sir, I am really confused about what would be the best decision for my future. Could you please guide me and help me understand which path I should choose and how I should plan my preparation? Your guidance would mean a lot to me.
Responded by Upendra Singh Sir
Hello dear aspirant,
I understand this dilemma, and it’s not only with you rather very common among BSc students. I’ve written over it earlier as well and had a detailed discussion with individuals. Combining all those experiences, I shall be sharing the following:
- Very first question, you should ask to yourself, why I’ve decided to go for BSc/Hons.!
If you get the answer like: to get minimum eligibility criteria to apply for Jobs like civil services, then there is not even a single second thought; stay on your decision and start preparing for these services with your under-graduation itself. Start hunting for development of traits required rather directly enrolling in to a coaching classes for rote learning. Under graduation days are so beautiful to develop traits like debating, leading roles in small projects, managing things from multiple dimensions and more importantly using that extra energy of young age with open minds. Yes, can use basic learning resources like reading subjects other than your stream.
Important point: If you choose optional subject from your stream like Mathematics optional, then it’s highly suggestable that put your best on it. It’ll be good if you get a right guide who align your optional preparation with your semester topics. Feel free to discuss, if you wish. You can connect to me through mindset makers website registry desk.
If you get the answer like: I know civil services is a game which can go years by years if I fail at some stage of an attempt. So somewhere I need an alternative: Doing my best in BSc/Hons./BA?MSc-
If I get selected in civils at the age of 26 not at 24, its fine by keeping myself secure through alternatives. No problem, I’ll enjoy. Then you can follow this way-
Trying your best with your graduation subject, choosing it as optional subject for UPSC; say mathematics optional for UPSC CSE/ IFoS. Get the right guidance and eyeing on attempting 500/500. Yes its possible. So if you get the guidance which fulfills the conceptual understanding of say mathematics, then just by few extra efforts of practicing objective questions from IIT JAM previous years questions, will make you successful in JAM exam with good rank and old IIT.
Now we come on the point: two years at IIT campus- Dear student, I’m telling you not to take it just like that. Being at IIT Campus itself is a great asset. Yes, you need to be academically engaged and will not get much time for UPSC preparation but that’s what the reason for choosing this way. Creating a sustainable path for your career and then slowly hitting the target for UPSC. Here it may look like, your goal is delayed but secure. This you’ll realize only when you’ll be trapped in multiple attempts cycle of civil services examinations. Yes, as your optional is mathematics, so keep this at best and keep trying whatever the time permits for other general studies hunting. One more option, you may choose some IIT which is applied mathematics focused and yes there are so.
For further options, if you have done your masters from IIT, you may go on other answers on career path I have already detailed those on mindset makers website bolgs.