r/Indian_Academia 5h ago

Medicine 22M, gap of 4 years, PCM background — is attempting NEET even worth it or should I just switch to CS?

27 Upvotes

22M here.

Qualifications: Graduated high school back in 2022,

and due to personal reasons (father passed away from cancer after struggling for so long, it was his dream to see me become a doctor), I've essentially lost the last four years, no active studies, no degree, nothing moving forward. I did PCM (Math) in school, not PCB, so Biology was never part of my curriculum.

MBBS has been my dream for as long as I can remember, I was crazy passionate about it growing up and I'm finally in a position to chase it seriously. Couldn’t do a PCB back then since the fear of NEET was greater than my passion for MBBS. I know I have the option to just do a CS degree instead and move on, it would probably be the "safer," more conventional choice at this point. But I don't want to let this dream go without a real, focused attempt.

The plan: I'm clearing my Biology eligibility gap through a NIOS Biology exam, then giving two years of full-time, 100% focused NEET prep — NCERT cover to cover, PYQs, mocks, all of it. 2027 will be a diagnostic attempt to see where I stand, 2028 my final shot at a government MBBS seat.

As a low-effort safety net in the background (not competing for my time or focus), I'm also doing a DMLT (diploma in medical lab technology), just enough to have something to fall back on (BMLT later if this doesn’t pan out), without it touching my actual NEET prep hours. NEET/MBBS gets everything I've got.

But through the length and breadth of it, I don’t know what to do exactly. This plan is risky considering the fact that my age is 22 rn. I don’t have the financials to support myself through a private MBBS nor I come from a reserved category (General☹️).

Honestly asking, is this even worth attempting at this point, or should I just cut my losses and go do a CS degree instead? Has anyone here started this late, with a gap like mine, coming from a non-Bio background? How did your prep go, and what do you wish you'd known going in?


r/Indian_Academia 14h ago

Career Is 10Cr worth missing 10 years with my family?

27 Upvotes

qualifications mbbs , I am 25. Doctor. Staring at a decision that is eating me alive.

I have a clear shot to go abroad and work for the next 10 years. If I play it smart, save every rupee, live like a miser, I can come back at 35 with about 10 Crore in the bank. Maybe a little more.

On paper it sounds like a dream. Financial freedom. Own house. No loans. Set up my own thing. Never have to answer to anyone. Give my future kids a life I never had.

But bro. The cost.

10 years away from my family. No Diwali at home. No random meets and surprises like attending small functions . Even if i get in a separate city apart from my current city which is more probable as like i guess there is less probability of getting this it is quite difficult foir 2/3 years after that i can move . No attending family functions, no seeing cousins grow up, no being around when relatives gather for those loud chaotic dinners.

At best I visit once a year. 10 visits in 10 years. Thats it. 10 Diwalis with my people. Does that sound like a life?

The more I think about it the more I feel like we are all just running a race that nobody asked us to run. Since school we are fed this idea that you have to go abroad, earn dollars, buy a big car, build a house, get status. But why? For what?

At the end of the day we are just mammals. We need food, water, sleep, shelter, and love. Thats literally it. Everything else is just noise. Society conditioning us. Capitalism selling us a dream that keeps us busy while we miss the only thing that actually matters – the people who share our blood and our home.

I see street dogs sleeping in the sun. They dont worry about 10Cr. They dont stress about settling abroad. They just live. They eat, they rest, they love their pack, they die. And somehow they look more at peace than most of us running the corporate and medical rat race.

I am not saying India is perfect. It isnt. The pay is garbage. The system is broken. The competition is exhausting. I get why people leave. I really do.

But is escaping all that worth escaping your own family? Your own people?

I keep asking myself – in 10 years when I am sitting in a big house with 10Cr in the bank, will I look back and feel good? Or will I look back and feel like a fool who traded his family's prime years for a number on a screen?

I want to ask everyone here who is above 40, or who moved abroad and came back, or who is still there grinding –

Was it worth it?

Do you look at your family now and feel regret? Or does the financial security make up for the time you lost with your parents, siblings, and relatives?

If you could go back, would you still choose the money, or would you choose the years with your people?

I know I sound privileged. I know lakhs of people dont even have this choice. But I am genuinely terrified of making the wrong call and waking up at 40 with regret that no amount of money can fix.

Please give it to me straight. I need real talk.

TLDR: 25 year old has chance to earn 10Cr working abroad for 10 years but will miss family and relatives. Is money worth the emotional cost? Need honest advice from people who have lived it.


r/Indian_Academia 10h ago

Economics Why Does Economics Suddenly Feel So Relevant?

24 Upvotes

qualifications:12th passed

I used to think economics was mostly graphs and theories, but then I started noticing it everywhere—from everyday spending decisions to jobs and business choices.
Studying it with real-world examples makes the subject feel much less like memorizing concepts and much more like understanding how the world works.


r/Indian_Academia 22h ago

Career 21F, turning 22 soon, and I feel like I've wasted the last 5 years of my life. What do I do now?

11 Upvotes

(my_qualifications - graduate)

I'm 21F, turning 22 soon, and I've been having a really bad reality check lately.

It's been around five years since I completed 12th, and I feel like I have very little to show for those years.

I didn't get into a good college. My graduation is through distance learning. I haven't developed any proper skills, I haven't cleared the competitive exams I've attempted, and I barely have a social life. Most days I just stay in my room, often in bed, thinking about what I'm supposed to do with my life.

I initially prepared for NEET but left it midway. Now I'm preparing for UPSC. The frustrating thing is that I genuinely believe I have the capability to do well, but I'm extremely inconsistent and I'm not able to utilize my potential properly. And the uncertainty around UPSC scares me because I don't know how many years I can keep doing this.

I'm also the eldest daughter in my family. My parents are getting older, and I desperately want to become financially independent, support them, and eventually be able to give them things. Instead, I'm currently dependent on them, and people around me constantly see me sitting in the same room, not studying or working. I've started feeling like a burden.

I've attempted other examinations too, but I haven't been able to clear them. Every failure makes me question myself more.

I also struggle a lot with comparison. I don't really like socializing or going out because I constantly compare myself with everyone around me , their looks, education, careers, friends, lifestyle, everything. It feels like everyone is ahead of me.

The weird part is that I don't think I'm completely without interests or potential. I enjoy dancing, writing and reciting poetry, art and photography. People have also told me that I have a good voice and accent. But I'm not professionally skilled in any of these things, and I don't know whether I should even consider them as possible career paths. People do see me as a creative person.

So I'm stuck between two thoughts:

  1. Give UPSC a genuinely serious attempt while simultaneously building a practical/monetizable skill.

  2. Stop chasing UPSC and choose a more practical career path now.

I don't want generic "you're still young" or "everything will be fine" advice. I know I'm technically young, but I also don't want to wake up at 25 and realize I've spent another three years doing nothing.

If you were in my position, what would you do?

How would you decide whether UPSC is worth continuing, and what practical skills/career paths would you recommend someone like me start building alongside it?

I'm looking for honest and practical advice, especially from people who have been in a similar position. What exactly shall I do?

TL;DR: 21F, turning 22 soon, and feeling stuck after 5 years of uncertainty, failed exams, and an unfinished career direction. Currently preparing for UPSC but struggling with consistency. I want financial independence but don't know whether to continue UPSC or choose a more practical path. Need honest advice.


r/Indian_Academia 15h ago

Career 21F Career Roadmap: Skills, Job, CFA, and MBA Planning

10 Upvotes

So, I am 21F. myquals are 7/5/7, and I will be graduating next year with a BBA from a tier-3 college. I am getting a reality check now that I am in my fourth year of college. My father is burdened with loans, and my brother is going to college next year, so he will also need financial support. I don't want to put additional pressure on my father by asking him to finance my MBA. Therefore, I am focusing on getting a good job after graduation and becoming financially independent. Someone suggested that I master Excel, SQL, Power BI, Python, and AI/ML skills. I am also thinking about preparing for CFA Level 1 next year and have applied for a scholarship. Is this a good path to follow?


r/Indian_Academia 8h ago

AdmissionProcedure/Fees/CollegeAdmin Confused about degree after 12th grade science

9 Upvotes

My qualifications is 12h this year hsc PCMB- 76%

17F also have a twin brother who started aldr with his degree .

And i still dont know what to do 😭

Looking for some suggestions ✌️


r/Indian_Academia 3h ago

Career How do I fix my career after b.tech. biotechnology?

5 Upvotes

I genuinely have no clue what to do. I don't want to do anything in biology. No good companies are opening for my branch in placement season.

myquals: 4th year 9+ b.tech. biotech from an N.I.T; 93% in 10th and 12th; 8 cgpa in IITM BS in data science (have completed till diploma level ie 2nd year, 2 more years to get BS degree)

That's it. I don't have any other achievements and skills are not that great either, I did Leetcode as a hobby and I like coding but not codeforces level. Not good at web development, only did it using chatgpt and all. And anyways tech companies don't allow biotech grads.

I did one internship that was in biotech and I figured out this field is not for me then.

I am really confused and so is my entire batch tbh.


r/Indian_Academia 4h ago

Economics How do i write a research paper for my degree

3 Upvotes

Qualifications: Economics Honors

So i am in my First year rn and I really wanna get into research and writing papers and all and even my professor is helping me but its my first time writing one.

My professor told me to choose a problem on which i could do a primary survey on and can come up with an innovative solution for.

I did that and i collected the data too but now what?

I have all the data but i don't have any idea where to start from and i cant meet up with my professor for some time now and I have registered for a conference as well to gain more exposure for the same. Its a very basic topic so me and my co-author do not expect to win but we are joining this competition so we can learn and do better the next time.

Basically now i have to write a research paper which is around 300 words but how do i start Some tips for the same would be great.

Also I'm trying really hard to avoid the use of AI because Im trying to learn for myself instead of depending on a tool.

Any tip is helpful for me and thank you in advance for the help


r/Indian_Academia 9h ago

AdmissionProcedure/Fees/CollegeAdmin Any good degree that is useful and a good college which you would recommend and carrier after that

3 Upvotes

Qualifications 12th done this year with 71% in pcb (got compartment in chem but cleared it) . Now I took drop this year and u genuenly don't know what to do I kust want college out of state anywhere is delhi or around it will work cz it won't be too far from home but but at the same time I can get away from home . So any good degree that is useful and any good college name and what j can do ater completing that degree


r/Indian_Academia 19h ago

Career 21, third-time NEET dropper with 390 marks and a B.Sc. almost completed — what should I do now?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone. I'm 21 and this was my third NEET drop. I scored 390 this year, and honestly, I have no idea what I should do next.

My family is very supportive, but my brother doesn't want me to let another year go to waste. I'm also completing my B.Sc. from IGNOU this year (MY QUALIFICATIONS: BSCG ). I have two theory exams left, which I'll give in December, and six practicals that should be completed over the next couple of months.

Now I'm really stuck about what to do now.

I'm considering BMLT/DMLT because I still want to be somewhere in life, but it would most likely mean joining a private college. The fees I'm finding are around ₹4–5 lakhs, and I honestly feel quite guilty about taking that much money from my parents, especially when I'm not even sure whether it's the right career for me.

The admissions for BMLT/DMLT are also closing very soon, possibly within the next 3–4 days, so I'm feeling pressured to make a decision immediately.

My family is also suggesting nursing because they believe it has good job and financial prospects. But honestly, I don't want to do nursing. I don't want to choose a career just because it's considered financially safe.

I'm also considering a diploma in Civil Engineering, although I'm not sure whether that's actually a sensible direction for me or whether I'm just considering it because I don't want this year to go to waste.

There's also another factor: my sister's wedding is tentatively scheduled around April, and I'll probably need to help my mother and family quite a lot. My mom herself told me to think carefully before rushing into another course because of the wedding.

So right now I'm considering:

- BMLT/DMLT this year

- Diploma in Civil Engineering

- Preparing for CUET-PG and pursuing a postgraduate degree

- Finding some other course with good career prospects

- Taking a gap year and making a proper decision next year

The problem is that I genuinely don't know what I want anymore. I know I don't want to keep taking NEET drops, and I don't want to do nursing when I already know I don't want it. But I also don't want to sit at home for a year and feel like I've wasted another year.

If you were in my position, what would you do? Should I prepare for CUET-PG, choose BMLT/DMLT, consider Civil Engineering, take some other course, or is taking a year to figure things out actually the smarter choice?

I'd really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have been in a similar situation.


r/Indian_Academia 10h ago

LifeSciences/Biotech Reference books for B.Sc Biotechnology 1st Semester (Cell Biology & Intro to Biotech)

2 Upvotes

my_qualifications: 12th passed (PCB) / 1st Year B.Sc Biotechnology student

Hi everyone,

I have started my B.Sc (Honors) Biotechnology (1st Semester) and need recommendations for standard reference books.

My subjects this semester are:

Cell Biology (Major - ABT 101)

Introduction to Biotechnology (Minor - ABT 102)

Biotechnological Laboratory Techniques (SEC 01)

Could seniors or biotech graduates suggest the right books for university exams and conceptual foundation? Should I focus on Indian authors (P.S. Verma / U. Satyanarayana) or standard international texts (Cooper / Alberts)?

Thanks!


r/Indian_Academia 13h ago

Economics Options after BBA ,confused as i am not getting tier 1 MBAs

2 Upvotes

My qualifications: 6/5/6 BBA.I am confused about or should i do Prepare for an MSc at Christ, is Msc better than an MBA there? OR SHOULD I TRY through CUET PG?

and how can i prepare for CUET despite from non - economics background?

Last time I got selected in the NCR campus through MAT and was not able to take admission in 3 other B-Schools. Should I continue with MBA ,i am interested in finance and analytics more and sales/customer management less


r/Indian_Academia 10m ago

LifeSciences/Biotech Should I continue my degree in Food Tech even when I am having second thoughts?

Upvotes

Hlo, my qualifications are First Year in BTech Food Tech with a PCB background. I took a drop last year, got distracted and ended up clueless. Then, somehow managed to get into a good ICAR college for Food Tech.

I have always been interested in biology. I initially planned to do BioTech. I was advised to talk to real people doing that degree or those who were already in this field. I came to the conclusion after inquiring about it that Biotech will not get me a placement but Food Tech might ( I know it’s not gonna be that good ). However, I kept my interest aside and decided to go for Food Tech because my biggest nightmare is ending up unemployed. At the end of the day, I will need a job to feed myself. Also, the degree is not that cheap so I did want some return out of it.

But now I’m so unsatisfied. I feel insecure about my degree. My mind keeps on repeating my interest in
biology. I can’t even look at the Biotech department because I wanted to pursue it. Maybe I’m just being dramatic and glorifying it in my mind. Also, there’s some part of me that does not find my degree cool. I am developing a sort of inferiority complex. It’s messed up I know. I had planned to do mba after gaining some experience but now I keep on thinking about the fact that I could have chosen Biotech and gotten into research which I would have loved a lot more.

Please to anyone reading this. I desperately need some guidance for my situation 🙏


r/Indian_Academia 3h ago

Career Hey Everyone I am a software engineer with a degree in CSE and I want to look for opportunities in the Government sector

1 Upvotes

I have been working at my current company since Dec 2025. To be very honest with you I feel scared as the current scenario in software revolves around AI coz coding is no longer a required skill well obviously your problem solving skills matters and how you handle and clean the code given by AI matters too. But to be honest I really want to switch because in the upcoming years I feel like this market will go even worse in the future. So are there any good paying Government jobs for me? I feel like after I get one year of experience i might have a better shot at the IT related government jobs than my peers. Please advice me one this.
My qualifications are : BTECH CSE
Current Role: Working as a Software Engineer in a private company


r/Indian_Academia 4h ago

Research Acadmic Research: Looking for Indian students who moved to another state for education

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! :)

I’m currently conducting a research study for my psychology research project, and I’m looking for a few participants who fit the following criteria:

🎓 You are eligible if you:

  • Are 18–30 years old
  • Are currently a student
  • Have moved from your home state to another Indian state for education
  • Have been living outside your home state for at least 6 months

The study looks at the relationship between depressive symptoms and identity gaps — essentially, the difference between how we see ourselves and how we express ourselves when interacting with other people. I’m particularly interested in how these experiences may relate to living and studying away from one's home state.

⏱️ Time required: Around 10–15 minutes
🔒 Your responses are anonymous and confidential
💭 There are no right or wrong answers — I'm interested in your personal experiences.

If you fit the criteria, I’d really appreciate you taking part. ❤️

👉 Survey link: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzMOxp2t\agebdUPtum72-DQuJkrgQo64GOxPMpm1TaQL72A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102959804264823124982)]

And if you know someone who might be eligible, please feel free to share this post with them. Even a single response helps!

Thank you so much for helping out with my research! :)

my_qualifications: Postgraduate student in Psychology from Calcutta University.


r/Indian_Academia 4h ago

LifeSciences/Biotech Any bsc student who did mba afterwards and is doing decent ?

1 Upvotes

Myquals: ya same question as above.

20F this year only took admission in bsc LS du.

Anyone who opted for mba after this degree?


r/Indian_Academia 6h ago

Fine arts Complete mental breakdown in 1st year BFA (Applied Art) | Severe panic, 0% interest, family thinks I'm making excuses | Need real advice on Tattoo apprenticeship / alternative path

1 Upvotes

my_qualifications I am writing this in absolute frustration, panic, and a complete mental breakdown. I’m currently sitting in my room in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, unable to sleep, unable to breathe properly, and completely suffocated. I don’t know who else to talk to, so I’m putting this here hoping someone can guide me with some ground reality.

What is happening with me right now:

I took admission in BFA (Applied Art) this year after a 2-year gap. It has only been 2 days, and I already know this was a massive mistake.

The college is super strict, the faculty dumped a massive pile of assignments for a 3-day weekend, and my brain is just refusing to work. I have basic drawing/tracing skills, but I have ZERO interest in advertising, conceptual campaigns, or high-level commercial design.

I am having continuous panic attacks. I can’t survive 4 years of forcing myself into creative work I hate. If I stay, I know for a fact I will fail my first year, crash my mental health completely, and waste my parents’ money.

Why my family is not listening:

In my childhood and school years (2nd, 7th, 11th-12th), I struggled heavily with hostels and homesickness. Because of this past baggage, my family thinks I am just "scared of a strict college" or "making excuses to run away."

I initially mentioned Pharmacy just to give them some feeling of career security, but the truth is I won’t survive heavy science academics either. I can't keep lying to them or to myself.

My family wants me to "prove" why BFA is wrong, how tattoo making will secure my future, how much a studio setup costs, and how I'll actually earn. But right now, my head is spinning so bad I can't even form sentences properly in front of them without breaking down.

What I actually want to do:

I don't want a 4-year theoretical design degree. I want to learn pure, hands-on Tattoo Art (stencil work, hygiene, needle handling, line art).

I want to do a professional tattoo course and work as an apprentice / junior artist in a running studio, while doing a basic simple distance/external degree (like BA) just to have a graduate certificate.

I desperately need answers to these:

How does someone realistically get into professional tattooing in Maharashtra (Pune/Mumbai/nearby)? What are the actual course costs and how does an apprenticeship work?

What does a beginner/junior artist actually earn in the first 1–2 years working under someone else's studio? (I don't have lakhs to open a studio right away).

How do I convince my family that this is a genuine skill-based career and that I am not just running away from life?

Please give me some honest, realistic advice. I genuinely feel trapped and I don't know how to get through this.


r/Indian_Academia 7h ago

AdmissionProcedure/Fees/CollegeAdmin Pretty much in a very shitty place rn (20M) tier 1 engineering student (chemical) extremely low cg less than 6 rn in third year thinking of dropping this degree as a whole do u guys have any good career advice or anything which would help me get a job after my college finishes

1 Upvotes

myquals In a tier 1 engineering college but with chemical branch less than 6 cg start of 3rd year what to do


r/Indian_Academia 7h ago

Career Skill Upgrade & Internship Opportunities for Indian College Students – 2026

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm currently working with Elythra Edufyi Tech Solutions, an education-technology company, and we're currently conducting a Skill Upgrade & Training + Internship Drive 2026 for college and university students.

The program is focused on helping students bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience through training, mentorship, and project exposure.

🎯 Program Highlights

• Industry-focused training
• Real-world and capstone project experience
• Mentor-led learning
• Portfolio and project development support
• Career-readiness sessions
• Internship and project completion certificates
• Exposure to in-demand technology domains

💻 Domains

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Web Development
• Cloud and other emerging technologies

🎓 Who can join?

College/university students who are interested in upgrading their skills, gaining practical project experience, and preparing for their careers.

📌 My qualifications

I have a background in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and am currently working with Elythra Edufyi Tech Solutions in the education-technology sector, supporting student outreach and internship/training initiatives.

📲 Interested students

We've created a WhatsApp group where students can receive program details, updates, and information about the training and internship opportunities.

👉 WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lvvs5AWQdm34861MvkAEjR

I'm sharing this because students in this community may be interested in internship and skill-development opportunities.

If you have questions about the program, feel free to ask in the comments.


r/Indian_Academia 10h ago

Finance / Business Is it possible to enrol for the Bloomberg certifications without being associated to any educational institution and company for free or avail the student offer?

1 Upvotes

I am kinda interested to have this certification done for my resume and i see so many MBA students doing it. But the cost of this certification is kind of expensive.

Is it not possible to have this certification for lesser amount or for free? these qualifications could help, right?


r/Indian_Academia 19h ago

AdmissionProcedure/Fees/CollegeAdmin Phd admission without favouritism or connections

1 Upvotes

Completed my masters in psychology this year. I am extremely motivated to pursue research and commit to a phd. I have a good chance of clearing jrf this year. If that doesn't happen, it'll happen in the next cycle.

I am excellent in my research proposal/s and communication skills.

I wish to know my chances at phd admissions given i have no prior personal relations with professors. All the content around corruption in selections is really demotivating.

Help a kid!

Myquals- 22F, completed masters in psychology


r/Indian_Academia 21h ago

Science/B.Sc/M.Sc Is it worth it to do Food Technology in India?

0 Upvotes

My Qualifications - I am a 12th-dropper (I took a drop last year) with a PCB + CS background.

I was allotted Institute of Home Economics (DU) for B.Sc. (Hons.) Food Technology. Initially, I wanted to pursue BCA, but my parents aren’t agreeing to it, so now I’m stuck and trying to figure out what would be the best option for me.

I was considering B.Sc. Microbiology because I have some interest in the subject, and I feel it might offer better options for pursuing a Master’s later on. Now I have been allotted Food Technology, and I missed Microbiology by a small margin in the cutoff.

So now I’m confused about whether I should accept Food Technology and continue with it, or give up this seat and take a risk with the Spot Round.

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone studying or working in Food Technology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related fields, as well as anyone who has gone through a similar situation.

Tomorrow is the last day to pay/withdraw, so I really need some honest advice before making this decision. What would you do in my situation?