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Not on a weak turf
Perfect adjustment
Mentoring entrepreneurs
OFFICE MANTRA
NEWS BOARD
COURSE CHAT
Happiness @ work
Career Hotline
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Not on a weak turf
Subject to success
In the pecking order of subject choices, most students place a high premium on science and commerce streams in Plus II, and fail to even consider many of the exciting options from subjects such as psychology, English, political science, geography and so on. More often than not those unable to score well in Class X are forced to take up humanities subjects, when it should be the first choice of the brightest and the best. What can I do with a BA in English, or political science, or geography - is a common refrain. Plenty, I would say, particularly if you enjoy these subjects.
English
English is one subject that many students take up with the notion that it will enable them to get into journalism and mass communication. However, studying English at university level involves study of English literature and not of the language. It includes extensive study of a range of writings down the centuries, from classics to modern literature, and from poetry to drama. So take up English only if you love books and reading. If you do, then English can help you to get into the fascinating world of books and publishing, of libraries, advertising, teaching and academics. It is also useful if you are looking for a career in journalism and public relations.
History
History is another subject that is often misunderstood. A study of history and the past, can provide excellent insights into the present world of politics and international relations, and form the basis for careers in the civil services, in international organisations, journalism and travel and tourism. For those interested in the social and cultural aspects of history, consider off-beat pursuits such as archaeology, museology and art restoration. A study of fossils, monuments, manuscripts, coins and excavated remains can provide you with the knowledge of societies that existed in the ancient past, and lead you on a trail of jobs that can take you right up to the Smithsonian Museum.
Psychology
There are several areas of work in psychology, and you can specialise in any one of them at the postgraduate level or through professional training after post graduation. You can become a child psychologist and work in special education schools and child guidance clinics, a school psychologist, or a clinical psychologist working in hospitals or rehabilitation centres. Social psychology and occupational psychology are other fields of specialisation, as is the area of Human Resource management for which an MBA is ideal.
Geography
Would you like to study geography? Here is a multi-disciplinary science that covers history, sociology and economics as well as geology, meteorology and the sciences. The knowledge and use of geography has helped scientists to predict and deal with natural calamities, enhance soil fertility where required, demarcate geographical boundaries and provide logistics and remote-sensing data through geographical information systems, for a range of uses from tourism and travel management to town planning. Geography graduates can also enter a wide range of occupations, such as working with the Survey of India, Google maps, nature conservation and the protection, management and enhancement of wildlife habitats, tourism development, transportation development and management, and urban planning.
Political Science
Of what use is a degree in Political Science? Plenty, if you are interested in the careers such as the civil services, law, international relations, journalism, public relations, social work, development studies and several others. A study of political science will also provide you with skills useful for the careers in areas such as travel and tourism, management, advertising, publishing, education, working with an international organisation, and many others that do not require any specific formal knowledge. With a post-graduation in Sociology, there are a whole host of careers you can look forward to, in areas such as the civil services, human rights law, social work, market research, human resource management, anthropology, travel & tourism, teaching and many others.
Vast palette of choices
It is interesting to note that with humanities subjects in Plus II, you can take up every possible career option, except for those requiring science. Some of the emerging careers in the coming years such as mass communication, fashion designing, animation, event or retail management, environment protection, food critic, development studies, fitness, computer game designing, film direction etc, are best handled by those who have the broad vision, sensitivity, critical awareness and other perspectives that the study of humanities provide. It is also accepted that generic competencies such as interpersonal and organisational sensitivity, planning and organising, teamwork and communication are also typically given more emphasis in the study of humanities than in science and technology subjects. As the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University remarked recently at the Davos conclave "If one looks at world leaders, many of the world leaders gathered here - just go and look at their curriculum vitae and you will see very often they are graduates of humanities subjects." There are so many different career options irrespective of which subject you choose. Every degree programme gives you knowledge of the subject, leading to a career directly related to that subject, as well as certain transferable skills that you can use for any number of other careers. The skills of creative and analytic thinking and oral and written communication are needed on every job in every field. Depending on your aptitude and interest, you can select your career and make a good future for yourself. If you are good in verbal and written skills, you can get into careers related to the media, such as journalism, advertising or public relations, after a post-graduate degree or diploma in mass communication. If you are a creative person then a career in any of the design fields would be worth considering — fashion design, graphics, interior, textile, crafts or animation. If you are good with people and with interpersonal skills, you could consider a career in sales and marketing, hospitality, customer care, law or even insurance. So don't be afraid to choose humanities. It may prove to be the foundation for the career of your dreams!
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Perfect adjustment
In today's corporate world switching jobs is very common. When one gets a better opportunity, it is natural to grab it with both hands. Although exciting and exhilarating, switching jobs can also be a very unnerving time. A new job can turn a normal routine upside down. There is a burning desire to do well, make one's presence felt and be accepted by colleagues and superiors. Irrespective of one's level of self-confidence, starting a new job is a daunting task. However, anticipating the challenges ahead can make the transition much smoother.
The D-code
The first step towards blending in a new organisation is knowing its dress code and dressing appropriately. Even within the same industry there can be very different accepted dress codes. Some companies have specific policies with regard to the dress code while in others it is not so clear-cut. The best way is to spend the first week of work a little bit overdressed or try to match the style of the most formally dressed person in the office. Eventually, understand the dress code and adapt accordingly.
Observe
Initially it is wise to listen than talk. Be observant and try reading the body language of people around. A lot of learning comes through observation especially subtle facts which otherwise would go unnoticed.
Be friendly
Make an effort to know and befriend colleagues. Learn names and key facts about as many colleagues as possible. Start the conversation by introducing yourself and asking a few simple questions. Show interest in knowing their roles and how long they have been around. However, avoid getting involved in office gossip since it can send out a wrong impression.
Ask, ask
Don't be afraid to ask questions about policies, procedures or any other work-related concern. Since a new employee is not expected to know everything immediately, colleagues are open to a barrage of questions from them. Moreover, companies would prefer that doubts are cleared in the beginning rather than allowing costly errors later on. An HR manager can be a useful resource for clarifying various aspects of the organization. They can provide guidance and direction with regard to the line of authority, frequency of review, company expectations etc.
Take notes
Maintain a notebook to jot down details such as location of office supplies, equipment, etc. Scribble down people's name, their skills, designation and duties. It will not only help to keep track of the new information but also retrieve it whenever required.
Know your goals
Get a clear, formal job description in writing with details of what exactly is expected of the profile. Create a workable plan and set achievable goals, to chart progress at work. However, avoid making unrealistic commitments before gauging the realities and constraints of the new environment.
Communicate with boss
Communicating regularly with the immediate superior is an effective way of getting feedback and knowing if one is on the right track. Take the initiative of giving a status report to the superior and ask for suggestions.
Respect people and work culture
Make it a habit to treat people with respect including the administrative and support staff. Receptionists, mailroom workers, maintenance people and security staff can often be quite helpful during the initial period of adjustment. Every organisation has its own culture developed on the basis of age-old practices and way of doing work. Although it will involve time and effort, it is essential to understand the work culture of your new organisation. By observing and interacting with others, try to know what works and what does not in the new office. However, under no circumstances attempt to bring about changes without the prior approval or discussion of colleagues. Most importantly avoid comparing the current work place with the previous one. Such adverse and unnecessary comments draw resentment, making the adjustment process difficult.
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Mentoring entrepreneurs
Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments has launched a new innovative initiative ‘Entrepreneur Creation Programme’ (ECP) to encourage and support entrepreneurial mindset. A first of its kind programme, the ECP has been created to foster a culture of innovation and develop skill-sets required for entrepreneurship among young management students and to create a business for themselves.
New hires or “Entrepreneur Partners” will be trained and mentored by Ingersoll Rand India leaders and placed on a fast track learning path through diverse rotations across multiple businesses, markets and functions within the company. The company has hired six students from Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad and Bangalore who will be able to create their own businesses at the end of a two-year training programme for Ingersoll Rand products and solutions. The two-year ECP programme is divided into four modules. The first six months of the programme will constitute the ‘Business Understanding Phase’ where trainees will be rotated across Ingersoll Rand’s various businesses and functions for an in-depth understanding. In the second phase or the ‘Business Insight Phase’, trainees will learn to create business and make it financially profitable for a period of six months. The third phase is the ‘Supported Phase’ where students start executing their plans for creating markets and generating sales and solutions. The final phase lasting another six months is the ‘Independent Phase’, where young entrepreneurs will be fully prepared to create their own infrastructure and operate as independent business owners. Speaking about this, programme Venkatesh Valluri, Chairman and President, Ingersoll Rand India said, “At Ingersoll Rand, we have built a culture where our employees are empowered to inspire progress for our customers, communities and for themselves. The ECP has been designed by our Human Resources team as an extension of our vision to drive innovation, build entrepreneurship and create value for the society. The future of the business will be based on a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model. Organisational hubs will own the brand, technology and products and the spokes will be driven by entrepreneurs who will create markets by adopting an open innovation strategy with organisational support. Current entrepreneurial initiatives are taken forward by students themselves . They have a strong desire to start businesses of their own but often fail due to lack of proper guidance and support. Ingersoll Rand’s entrepreneurship programme has been conceptualised to encourage and support ethical business creation practices.”
— TNS
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OFFICE MANTRA
In a sense, these two people typify most people — those who put their hearts into their work and those who don’t. The man who brings meaning into the most menial tasks proves that every person has the power to apply a fragment of truth, goodness and beauty to the raw material of life. Even those who lead bored, aimless existence, have within them a deep-seated yearning to lead lives with high purpose and direction. Human nature and personality reaches its full potential according to the balance of what one “puts into” life instead of what one “takes out”. How can you enjoy your work, feel happier and healthier and thereby live longer? Here are eight steps for you to follow:
Complain less
Does your job suffer because you spend too much time complaining and too little in fulfilling the responsibilities for which you are being paid? Start out by remembering that co-operation is a two-way street, based on the recognition of the right of each person. As an employee, show the same initiative and hard work that you would expect from those on your payroll if you were in charge.
Be fair
As an employer, be sure to provide the same fair wages and working conditions that you would expect if you were employed. Whatever your position, strive to correct legitimate grievances, but recognise your obligation to achieve a balance between a good day’s work and a good day’s pay.
Value time
By the time you reach 70, you will most likely have divided your years in a way that may surprise you. Sleep will have taken the biggest chunk out of your life; roughly eight hours out of every 24. This means you will have slumbered away about 23 years of the 70. then, on an average, you will have put in 11 years working; eight years in recreation; six years eating; five and a half years washing and dressing; three years being educated; three years reading; three years conversing; only six months in worship. So no matter what time remains between you and your eternal destiny, use it wisely and unselfishly.
Practical approach
A roving reporter got some revealing answers from several to whom he put these two questions: “What is your job? What job would you like to have?” The first man, an engineer on an oil tanker, didn’t like his present position. His big dream was to be a television technician. The next man was no better off. He was an accountant but confessed that figures “became dull”. His desire: to be a golf pro. The third man, a hotel worker, said he did not know what he wanted to do – but it certainly wasn’t working in a hotel. The fourth individual helped his father in a ticket office, but yearned to get into politics. None of the persons interviewed was satisfied with his present job. Change your job if you feel you can perform a greater service to others and yourself and still earn a reasonable living. But until you make a change, work at what you are doing. Chronic dissatisfaction is harmful all round. Don’t take it out of others. Most people who lead discontented, dissatisfied lives would find far more cause for satisfaction if they used the formula for a fuller, richer existence; find fault where fault lies and then start correcting that fault. The very meaning of the word “satisfaction” brings out this profound truth. The term is derived from the Latin: “satis” meaning “enough”; and “facere” meaning “to do” or “to make”.
Rise above selfish ends
Start right in your own home and reach out to the world from there. Be tireless in championing the cause of the downtrodden, the neglected, the forgotten… and do it with good cheer. There is an old Swedish proverb that goes: “Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.” We each have an instinctive desire to rise above our weakness. All we need is a self-push. Begin by avoiding selfishness. Look not for your own benefits, but ask what you can do to help others, and thereby be helped, yourself.
Avoid shortcuts
“Where can I get my fourth polio shot?” Was the question asked of the health department by a man who had become concerned over a polio epidemic. “Go back to the place where you got your first three injections?” asked the health officer. “Oh, I didn’t get the first three”, the man said. “I just want the fourth one. I‘ve heard that’s the best. Shortcuts are available if they do not overlook essentials, but they can be dangerous if they oversimplify solutions to perplexing difficulties. In order to reach quick solutions for social, political, economic, educational, domestic, religious and numerous other problems, you are tempted to take the easy way out. This doesn’t work. It makes you mad, frustrated, and you hate your work. No matter what you do, build it on a solid foundation. Go step by step until you reach the top.
Set goals
No matter what your circumstances or limitations, give meaning to whatever you do. You can replace discontent with objective purposefulness. Let there always be a goal to whatever you do. That gives you a purpose and an incentive and something to live for.
No compromises on work
Once, during past times, a “dark day” occurred. When the sun seemed to disappear at midday, the populace was so alarmed that many began to cry, thinking that the world was coming to an end. Even the legislature was disturbed and confused. Some wanted to adjourn without delay. One calm member, however, quelled the confusion in a very meaningful way when he said: “I make a motion that we obtain some candles and proceed with our business. If the end of the world is about to come, I want to be found doing my duty.” In times of emergency, make a special point to keep “first things first”. This will help you retain your own sense of balance and peace of mind and become a tower of strength to others. Remember that you have duties to perform and let nothing dissuade you. Otherwise, you again become thwarted, confused and filled you a sense of dislike for what you do. Work can be a joy and purposeful blessing or just a humdrum job. Your attitude shapes your own destiny.
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NEWS BOARD
Quite contrary to the general impression that India was taking away American jobs through outsourcing, Indian businesses which have invested widely in the US economy in diverse sectors in services and manufacturing have created thousands of jobs in this country in recent years, according to a new study.
India-based companies have also continued to hire locally wherever they have put down roots, said the study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), “Indian Roots, American Soil: A Look at Indian Companies in the US Economy” released in Washington recently. The study, based on a survey of 35 CII-India Business Forum member companies, concluded: n Since 2005, nearly two-thirds of Indian companies have added jobs to their US operations; n Together, these 35 companies employ more than 60,000 people across 40 states and the District of Columbia. n More than four-fifths of workers at these companies are hired locally. n An overwhelming majority of workers who are employed at these companies are American citizens; n India-based companies that have operations in the US have saved 2,585 jobs from being eliminated due to their acquisition of US firms. The value of these acquisitions since 2005 is $5.9 billion; n The companies represent sectors, including pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, health care, energy, iron and steel and information technology. ”Indian businesses have invested widely in the US economy in diverse sectors in the fields of services and manufacturing,” said Indian ambassador to the US Meera Shankar at the CII event highlighting the jobs and investments created by Indian companies
in the US. ”They have generated and sustained thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the US economy and have contributed to the global competitiveness of US companies,” she said. ”This is CII’s first major attempt in bringing together Indian companies with operations in the US, as a group, to interact with members of the US Congress,” said CII Deputy Director General Kiran Pasricha. ”What we want to do is highlight the range and depth of the US-India business relationship and to dispel some of the misconceptions attached to Indian companies. ”We want the Congress to understand and appreciate the growing contributions of Indian companies to the US economy, and to US society,” she said. — IANS
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COURSE CHAT
Indian Retail School (IRS) is going to introduce PG programme in Retail & Marketing (PGPRM) + MBA from July, 2011.The course is an autonomous full-time programme of IRS approved by UGC recognised university.
Announcing this Tarun Panwar, CEO, Indian Retail School said, "The retail industry is witnessing a healthy growth in our country and hence the requirement for more skilled manpower is increasing. The PG programme in Retail & Marketing plus MBA degree will provide students a proper platform to enhance their skill set and knowledge to face the challenges of this booming industry." The two-year programme will help students to acquire professional skills in Retail Marketing. The programme is divided into four academic semesters where students will undergo industry internship facilitated by IRS. After successful completion of the programme, students will have a wide range of job opportunities in Retail and Marketing sector. After initial orientation, a fresher can grow to positions like Retail Operations Manager, Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, E-marketer, Retail Merchandiser, Visual Merchandising, Retail Buyer, Consumer Marketing Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, Franchise Manager, Retail Analyst and manager with luxury brands.
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Happiness @ work
Despite having been reduced to a rivulet in the matted locks of Shiva, Ganga hadn’t lost her pride. As she followed King Bhagirathi to where the remains of his ancestors lay, she swayed, rolled and roared. In her arrogance, she swept away the hermitage of sage Jahnu. Enraged, the sage consumed her in one sip. On the king’s plea, the sage released her as a trickle through his ear. Thus humbled twice, the mighty river obediently followed the king to the abode of sage Kapila. Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you, said Chinese philosopher Confucius. Ravana’s commander Bhasmalochana had a boon that he could incinerate anyone he saw. So Rama fired a mirror missile with a result that the demon caused his own death. Vrikasura had a boon that anybody he put his right palm on would die. Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, tricked him into putting his palm over his head during a dance competition. To punish the rightful King Ambarish for not waiting for him at lunch, sage Durvasa dispatched a chakra (disc) to kill the king. Lord Vishnu, whom the king worshipped, became angry at the sage’s unjust action. The Lord’s Sudarshan Chakra countered Durvasa’s chakra and even went to kill the sage. Only when the sage apologized to the king did the Sudarshan Chakra spare his life. As a robber, Angulimala had killed many merchants and soldiers of Shravasti, the capital of the Kosala kingdom. One day, after the Buddha had reformed him and made him a monk, Angulimala went to Shravasti to seek alms. The denizens of the capital stoned and beat the monk to his death. Kunti abandoned Karna as soon as he was born. Years later, she went to him to plead to either join the Pandavas or at least spare their lives in the Mahabharata war. Even before he was born, Ashtavakra was more intelligent than his father Kahoda. For insulting him in his class, Kahoda cursed Ashtavakra to be born deformed at eight places. Twelve years later, it was due to Ashtavakra’s intelligence that Kahoda was rescued from Varuna’s sacrifice. Don’t get caught in your own trap when the tide turns. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan
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The power of two
Q. I have completed my BTech (electronics) from NIT and have worked for a little over a year in an engineering company. I am very keen to do my postgraduation in the US to improve my job prospects. But I can't decide between MS in electronics/IT and MBA. — Wasim Khan A. In recent years it has become increasingly possible to earn a pair of master's degrees in less time and at less cost or get an advanced degree for an unusual niche.
Choose wisely
— Kokila Verma A. While planning your career it is important to keep employment trends and scope for advancement in mind. Selecting a 'happening' career which offers more openings is ok from the short-term perspective of getting a job. Flowing with the tide is perfect when the 'happening' career also matches your, priorities, skills, aptitude, abilities and interests. But, don't take on jobs for which your personality and abilities are not suited because your chances of success would be low. There are no good jobs or bad jobs, nor is there a future in any job. Remember, the future lies in the person who holds the job.
Port management
— Mayank Garg A. Well, other than a general MBA, you could look at an MBA in Shipping or Port Management as a logical extension within your field. As you must have realised, managing ports today is a highly complex business and depends on the combination of material handling, road transport, storage, safe ship operations, health and safety. The core modules of port management are designed to train aspiring managers in the essential management skills required today for meeting the challenges of the ever-growing sea freight market. Large ports need to deal with a number of disparate activities like the movement, loading and unloading of ships, containers and other cargo, customs activities as well as human resources. Anchorage, channels, lighters, tugs, berths, the warehouse and other storage spaces have to be allocated. The efficient management of a port involves managing these activities and resources, managing the flow of money between the agents providing and using these resources and updating all management-related information. The course will equip you for managerial positions in shipping companies, agency houses, clearing and forwarding firms, export / import houses and major ports world-wide. Port managers are employed by a number of private and public port authorities in companies like the British Ports Association, Hutchison Port Holdings, Forth Ports, Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, Schneider Logistics and others. You could look at the following courses. The ones in management will gear you for managerial positions in shipping companies, agency houses and ports. Institute of Rail Transport, Room 17, Rail Bhavan, Raisina Rd, New Delhi 110001 (www.irt-india.com). Courses: Diploma in Port Development & Management (two-year, Correspondence), Diploma in Multi-Modal Transport (Containerisation) & Logistics Management These may be useful for those in the services sector (pvt & govt) e.g. Container Corp. Fees: Rs 5,000. The M/o Railways recognises this course as an additional qualification for recruitment to the post of ASM and Traffic/Commercial Apprentice.
Basic dilemma
— Vidur Bahel A.
Hats off to you and your determination to pursue your academics against all odds! Sure if you complete your education from a recognised Open School / University like IGNOU you can apply for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSCs) Civil Services Exams provided you possess the prescribed educational qualifications and are otherwise eligible. Moreover, even if you have done your graduation without passing Class X and XII, you are still eligible for the Civil Services Exam. And if this holds for the UPSC, it should, I guess hold for other State Public Service Commissions as well. However, to be doubly sure, do check out details regarding eligibility etc on the UGC website: www.upsc.gov.in as well as that of your State's Public Service Commission www.uppsc.org.in/
Animate your career
Q. I have done a course in multimedia and have been working as a designer in a software company for over two years. I have done nothing but some simple web graphics and some brochure design when I know I can do better. My career is stagnating. The company has no suitable work for me. What should I do? — R.B Sabharwal A. You could look at career options in allied areas such as computer animation or graphics. Learning web programming and languages such as Java, C, C++, Net would also help. TV production
studios would then be a good place to target.
The writer is a noted career expert and director, Career Guidance India (CARING). Please send in your queries with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: The Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com
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Opting for the humanities stream is a good choice as it offers plenty of career options to students.
Usha Albuquerque says those choosing humanities are certainly...
Changing jobs means stepping into the ‘adjustment’ zone in the new workplace. Ragini Gulati points out
certain strategies that can help new workers achieve....
Some years ago we couldn't have imagined a career that involved playing with gizmos and mobile gadgets, creating movies that have talking cartoon characters, adding glitz and glamour to a party or wedding, planning travel itineraries for others or having a full fledged career as a social worker. But today, these are the jobs of the future, and some of the most exciting fields to get into. Irrespective of the subject of choice, there are hundreds of career options which youngsters dream of today - whether environmental law or fitness therapist, food stylist, corporate communications or film production, photography or even alternative healing, the route to success is not necessarily paved with science and commerce subjects only. You can do as well with by delving into humanities. Subjects such as history, geography, political science, philosophy, psychology, economics, languages, arts or music can open up a range of avenues in diverse fields ranging from civil services, advertising, mass communication, archaeology, market research, hotel management, adventure sports and even wildlife studies. And if the MBA tag seems too inviting, you can explore options in the field of business and management also.
Two short-order cooks at the same lunch counter illustrate the big difference between those who put their hearts into what they are doing — and those who “couldn’t care less”. One cook serves up omelettes that are light, fluffy and a delight to eat. The other does no more than push a plate across the counter with an order that is flat, unappetizing, and tasteless. Just two men employed to do the same work – but what a contrast in their performance!
Don’t scheme to bring down others just to prove your superiority. You too may get hurt.
Traditionally, graduate schools (our postgrad is their grad) confined students to one field. But now as working across fields is becoming more necessary, they are offering joint degrees that allow you to link two very different but synergistic areas of study. By allowing credits from one field to be applied the other, not only are time and costs pared down but a dual degree also adds value by expanding your education and therefore, your employment potential. For instance, Boston University's School of Management offers an MS.MBA to turn out managers adept in technology (somewhat like our MBA (IT). Typically, the course load is heavier and may include an additional semester (21 months). But I think it's worth it. Do explore some of the other leading B-schools for similar offerings. For someone with your background, the MS.MBA sounds perfect. This will let you have your cake, and eat it too!
Q. How advisable is it to select a career based on current trends? For instance, if Biotech is a 'happening' career, then should one go for it?
Q. I have been working in the merchant navy for the past six years. Is there any related course that I could pursue to upgrade my prospects should I wish to shift to shore-based work.
Q. Due to family reasons, I could not pass my high school or intermediate. However, after doing a bridge course I completed my B.A from IGNOU. I am very passionate about my studies. After that, I did my B.Ed from Kurukshetra University obtaining a position in the merit list. I keep taking other exams and clear most of them. But not possessing a High School or Inter mark sheet is a big roadblock in my progress. I wish to appear for the UPSC PCS exam. I am already preparing for it. Please tell me if I will be allowed to take this exam as a graduate (but without having done Inter or high school)?