Category: 2025

Geography — The perfect map for success

Choosing geography as an optional subject for CSE can be the first step to success

If you are looking at the most popular and scoring optional subjects for UPSC Mains exam Geography is one of those subjects  owing to the fact that when it comes to all the 3 phases of CSE – Prelims, Mains and Interview, there are quite a few topics that have a commonality.

Another reason for it being a popular choice is due to its high scoring potential. With a clear understanding of concepts and effective presentation skills, candidates can achieve impressive score. It is a subject where the importance of integrating diagrams, maps, and case studies into the answers to enhance clarity and depth cannot be undermined.

Syllabus

Like all the other subjects, Geography Optional Syllabus for UPSC is also divided into two papers, each carrying 250 marks. Paper 1 consists of Principles of Geography, and Paper 2 consists of Geography of India. Overall, it encompasses a broad spectrum of topics like physical geography, human geography, regional development, environmental issues, and the role of geography in India’s economy and society..

Paper I – Principles of Geography covers Physical Geography and Human Geography. Physical Geography entails geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, biogeography, environmental geography, economic geography, population and settlement geography.

Human Geography, on the other hand,  talks about Areal differentiation; regional synthesis; Dichotomy and dualism; Environmentalism; Quantitative revolution and locational analysis; Radical, behavioral, human, and welfare approaches; secularisation and Human development index.

Paper-II (Geography of India) broadly covers the physical, economic, social, and political geography of India. It includes the physical setting—India’s location, structure, relief, drainage, climate, monsoons, natural vegetation, soils, and disasters. Resource topics cover land, water, minerals, energy, forests, wildlife, and conservation. Agriculture includes infrastructure, land reforms, cropping patterns, Green Revolution, livestock, allied sectors, and agro-climatic regions. Industrial geography covers the evolution, location, and distribution of key industries, industrial policy, SEZs, and tourism. Transport and trade focus on transport networks, ports, trade policy, and IT developments. The social setting examines population distribution, diversity, tribes, migration, and health. Settlements include rural and urban patterns, city classification, slums, and urban planning. Regional planning covers development programs, decentralized planning, and special area planning. Political aspects deal with federalism, state reorganization, interstate issues, boundary problems, and India’s geopolitical role. Contemporary issues include environmental hazards, pollution, land use changes, sustainable development, and impact of globalization on India.

How to Prepare?

Concept clarity through NCERT

This is for all aspirants whether you are appearing this time or plan to do that in the near future, NCERT is the best bet. Go through the

NCERTs as it is easy and simple to understand and clarify the concepts.

Visualization through maps and diagrams

Geography can become real gold if you couple all your answers with maps and diagrams. It would not only bring about conceptual clarity but also fetch you more marks. However, to do so, you need to couple them with maps and practice consistently. A preparation of  region-wise and theme-wise maps would help.

Establish links

Establishing linkages not only cement your understanding but also help you in preparing for both Mains and the interview. You may establish static portions with the dynamic current events and make it a living document while preparing for the exam. Each time you come across a current affair linked to a static topic, you may add it to the document you’ve prepared.

Also, establishing linkages between paper 1 and paper 2 is essential for concept enrichment and subsequently more marks.

Deep dive and do a surgical strike at previous year’s papers

Even at the cost of repetition,  go through the previous year’s papers using a biforked strategy – deep dive and analyse the topics that are frequently repeated. Also do a surgical strike at the micro differences in the way they are being asked. This practice would create a simulated environment and build confidence in you.

Standard books for reference

 You can start with NCERT textbooks and then move some of the books given below:

  • NCERT Class 11th and 12th
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography by GC Leong
  • Physical Geography By Savindra Singh
  • Indian Geography by D R Khullar
  • Human Geography by Majid Hussain
  • Models and Theories by Majid Hussain
  • Geographical Thought by RD Dikshit

Summing up

Therefore, if you wish to strike real gold in UPSC Mains, Geography is the best option.

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Rule of LAW

Law- an Optional subject in UPSC Mains

Over the past few years, Law Optional has garnered a lot of attention in UPSC Mains. Among the popular choices, Law optional has consistently drawn aspirants who have either a legal background or a gravitation towards  constitutional matters, governance, and analytical subjects.

Let’s explore the reasons why Law has become a smart choice for UPSC Mains

Scoring subject

Law is a rational, conceptual, and relatively scoring optional subject that requires clarity in legal interpretation and strong answer-writing skills. With the right preparation candidates with Law optional have consistently been scoring more than 270 marks. Your presentation, clarity, and referencing appropriate judgments are crucial to fetch you good marks.

Commonality with General Studies Papers

Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and International Relations overlap with GS Paper 2.

Helpful both in Essay and Interview: Law helps in presenting structured arguments in the essay and discussing governance-related issues in the interview.

Useful in your road ahead

Knowledge of Law would be helpful in your services but also while working in administrative services, especially IAS, IPS, or IRS.

Syllabus and Exam Pattern

UPSC Law optional consists of two papers

Paper I: The optional paper 1 in the Mains exam consists of questions with 250 marks. The topics that would be covered would be Constitutional and Administrative Law, International Law detailing Constitution and Constitutionalism, Fundamental Rights—Public interest litigation; Legal Aid; Legal services authority, relationship between Fundamental rights, Directive principles and Fundamental duties, Constitutional Position of the President and relation with the Council of Ministers, Centre, states and local bodies, emergency provisions etc.

In international law, you would cover topics like relationship between international law and municipal law; state recognition and state succession, law of the sea: inland waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone and high seas, fundamental principles of international humanitarian law—international conventions and contemporary developments, international terrorism, state sponsored terrorism, hijacking, international criminal court, new international economic order and monetary law: WTO, TRIPS, GATT, IMF, World Bank and protection and improvement of the human environment: international efforts.

Paper II: Law of Crimes, Law of Torts, Contract and Mercantile Law, Contemporary Legal Developments. It would comprise topics like General principles of Criminal liability,kinds of punishment and emerging trends as to abolition of capital punishment, preparations and criminal attempt,joint and constructive liability,abetment, criminal conspiracy;offences against the State, public tranquility,human body,offences against property and the like.

Law of Torts would entail topics like Liability based upon fault and strict liability; absolute liability, vicarious liability including State Liability, general  defences, joint tort

lessors,remedies,negligence,defamation,nuisance,conspiracy,false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and the like.

Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law would have topics like types of contracts, Contract of agency, sale of goods and hire purchase, formation and dissolution of partnership, negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996,Standard form contracts etc.

Another important topic would be Contemporary Legal Developments like Public Interest Litigation, Intellectual property rights, Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws, Competition Law, Alternate Dispute Resolution, environmental  law ,Right to Information Act and trial by media.

How can you score well

As already stated, Law is a scoring subject if your presentation of facts is concise and you are able to cross reference legal aspects. However, use them in an appropriate manner. Law has a wealth of available reading material. Some of the standard text books you should be reading are V.N. Shukla for Constitution, and Avtar Singh for Contract Law.

Summing up

If you are a law graduate or have a legal background, Law as an Optional Subject would be very helpful for you. If you have the gravitation towards putting in the initial effort to understand  legal concepts and case-based learning, this is going to hold you in good stead  not only for cracking UPSC Mains but also in your future roles.

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The Future is Female

On this women’s day, women get both a position and a promotion. Courtesy, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning ruling the roost. Recently, the research firm Gartner predicted that artificial intelligence may actually create more jobs than it’s expected to eliminate. By 2020, artificial intelligence (AI) will generate 2.3 million jobs, exceeding the 1.8 million that it will wipe out. In the following five years to 2025, net new jobs created in relation to AI will reach 2 million. The new spiral wave of jobs would require an augmenting, upskilling and repositioning of the current skills and mindsets needed to survive and thrive. Well, they may generate a plethora of jobs that gravitate towards women. Women can reposition and future proof their careers by getting into AI and ML because these new technologies are going to stay for quite some time.

Skill required to stay a float:

In order to remain relevant in the new world of work, we’ll need to lean into the skills that make us most human. Creativity, problem solving, interpersonal. As automation stealthily slides in, fields that interact with machines such as construction work, factory work, and machine operation are becoming the tortoise in the game, while occupations that place a premium on interpersonal skills, like those in the healthcare field, are seeing explosive growth.

In conversation with Venkatesh Sankaran, CEO and founder, Saguna Consulting Services LLC, a management consulting  and technology services firm in Irvine, Southern California that does a lot of work in AI and ML in Healthcare and has offices in India.

With the market trending towards AI, what is the shift that you envisage for the career opportunities for both men and women?

VS: In this era of Artificial Intelligence, being intelligent is a given and is not just enough. AI has the capacity to be smarter than us. In order to stay afloat, we need to be more smart than just being ‘smart’. More than the quantity of data our mind can comprehend, we need to focus on the quality of our thinking. In other words, we need to be  Emotionally Intelligent. The numbers that would work in our favor would be our EQ rather than our IQ. All these skills are essentially feminine in nature. Automation could bring about a moment of reckoning for EI skills, which have a long history of being undervalued by the labor market. And that might just mean a moment of reckoning for “pink collar,” or women’s work. 

With AI,careers would gravitate towards women. Would there be an impact on the gender discrimination that seems to exist in some sectors?

VS:  AI and ML also takes away the discrimination aspect. The so-called physical endurance that man had and gave him a slight air of superiority would also go away as drones and robots  take over jobs in difficult terrains. It is no more about a man giving an opportunity. It is going to be  a female world leading to enhanced performances since discrimination would crumble. In some sectors like technology, strategic healthcare, Govt and military, the percentage of women has been slim. With AI and ML creeping in, the women would increase especially in Healthcare which needs skills like caring and mothering.

Studies say it all:

Decades of research show unequivocally that men and women are equal in general intelligence (IQ), but that isn’t the case when it comes to emotional intelligence (EQ). There are subtle, and not so subtle, differences in men’s and women’s expression and understanding of emotions that must be explored and understood.

The research, conducted by the Korn Ferry Hay Group, used data from 55,000 professionals in 90 countries and found that in 11 of 12 “emotional intelligence competencies” women out performed men. The only category in which women didn’t receive the better scores was “emotional self-control,” where no gender differences were found.

Recently, researchers at Google came to a similar conclusion in a quest to discover what makes the perfect team. They found that groups tend to innovate faster than an individual working alone. But the most important factor in whether a team would be successful was “psychological safety,” a term that describes a team climate of trust and respect where people feel comfortable being themselves. A team like this might excel at traits like ‘‘conversational turn-taking’’ and ‘‘social sensitivity.”The research suggests that the increasing demand for interpersonal skills is something that favors women. If we think that AI will increase the need for social skills—then this may be beneficial for women, because they really have a sustainable comparative advantage there.

No generalizations:

Having said all of that, let us also not fall into the trap of generalizations and stereotypes. This does not suggest that every woman has a higher EQ than man. A scientific study on gender and emotional intelligence is not a justification to peddle gender stereotypes.  Even though research overwhelmingly points to women having greater EI, science hasn’t determined that these qualities are innate. It is just that women tend to pick up these traits due to their conditioning in the society that expects them to be humble and caring.

Mayank Chhabra, CEO White Space Technologies, an IT startup in  New Delhi says, “A startup founder needs a high EI in order to  use a missed business goal to motivate his team. The ability to listen, collaborate, empathize, and self-regulate are all part of an emotionally intelligent person’s nature. I always feel the need for a woman’s mind while talking to my team”.

Summing up:

Devrath Saha, a student of B.Tech Computer Science Engineering, Alliance University, Bangalore sums it up this way, ”Creativity is a fundamental feature of human intelligence, and a challenge for AI. AI techniques can be used to create new ideas in three ways: by producing novel combinations of familiar ideas; by exploring the potential of conceptual spaces; and by making transformations that enable the generation of previously impossible ideas. All these require skills of being creative which gravitate towards women. 

Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this- technology will enhance us. So instead of artificial intelligence, we will augment our intelligence”. 

So far so good. The ‘female’ skills are very important to AI, whether it’s nurturing, mothering, caring, problem-solving, diplomacy, or critical thinking skills. It all looks so exciting. But I would also like to create a foundation for this feminine utopia. We need more women graduating out of our Computer Science colleges, more women in the corner offices and still more women at C level positions. It is not fair to dream of a female version of the world without actually encouraging women to be a part of building it.

Only then can we safely say, the future is female…

The right ECONOMICS

Economics – a good Optional for UPSC

With the UPSC Prelims paper conducted on May 25, 2025 the next step is to look at which subjects would serve the best for Optional subjects for Mains.

As far as the questions on economics were concerned, those were inclined towards application-based knowledge of existing government schemes, economic indicators, and policy effect. Economics  is a good optional for UPSC — provided you have an analytical mindset and are comfortable with graphs, data interpretation, and economic theories. The subject is highly relevant, overlaps with GS papers, and helps in interview discussions.

Syllabus

Economics Optional Subject has two papers in UPSC Mains. Each paper is of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks. Paper 1 includes Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Growth and Development. Under Microeconomics, we study the theories of consumers’ and producers’ behaviour followed by the theories of main types of market structures like perfect competition, monopoly, and oligopoly. Macroeconomics, on the other hand, is associated with the study of economic aggregates like output level, general price level, interest rates, unemployment, wages, etc. and their behaviour. We study various schools of Macroeconomics like the Classicals, the Keynesians, the Neo Keynesians, the Monetarists, the New Classicals, and the New Keynesians and their theories on the behaviour of these Macroeconomic variables. We also study Microeconomic theories of international trade, trade barriers, trade blocks, etc., followed by the Macroeconomic theories of the open economy, including concepts like the balance of payments and exchange rates. 

Optional Syllabus 2025 for Paper 2 includes the Indian Economy before the liberalisation and post-liberalisation period. The Pre-independence Indian Economy encompasses various features of the Indian economy, like agriculture, industries, railways, etc., during the British Rule. The Post-independence Indian economy includes the study of various sectors like agriculture and industries, economic problems like inequality, poverty, and unemployment, and policies like planning during the period from 1947 to 1991 and also post 1991 policies and  reforms.

Who should opt for it

This subject combines technical, analytical, and logical elements with contemporary relevance. Generally, a background in economics during one’s undergraduate studies or a fundamental understanding of introductory mathematics and statistics is preferred in Economics.

While Paper I in UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus is majorly conceptual and static, Paper 2 requires greater attention to contemporary events with greater emphasis on updated information and conceptual clarity.

Why should you gravitate towards Economics

Choosing economics optional can be a very good decision due to various reasons. First, it has a significant overlap with General Studies(Economy, Agriculture, and Environment) and also with other subjects such as Public Administration. So, you can kill two birds with one stone. Secondly, it is a scoring subject as both the questions and answers can be structured well and you can score according to the value points raised. Also, it is a subject of high relevance in current affairs and also the interviews. Knowledge of current economic affairs prepares you in a better way for the interviews also. Besides, there is a plethora of resources available both offline and online making it easier to prepare.

Prepping up

Keep the following points in mind while prepping:

For paper 1, it is imperative for you to master economic theories and link them with the Indian Economy. Questions may directly ask for these links or students can show them briefly for extra marks. Also practice graphical interpretations and basic mathematical tools (functions and differentiation).Since the paper would involve drawing and interpreting graphs and economic trends it is better to be proficient in drawing conceptually correct graphs.

For paper 2 focus on accurate rather than lengthy answers. Prepare thoroughly for pre-independence Indian Economy as questions are regularly asked from this area.

Similarly, prepare for post-independence and pre-1991 economies. You may have to memorize critical data points and also analyse performance indicators like GDP growth, sectoral employment shares, and the like. Since 1991 marks a watershed year in terms of economic reforms, you may expect a diverse array of questions talking about those reforms and their implications. Mere memorization would not serve the purpose; look for establishing linkages between various policies e.g., industrial reforms linked to foreign investment and unemployment.

Therefore, if you wish to score well and stay relevant and current throughout your life, develop an interest in Economics and go for it as an optional subject in UPSC.

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MBA after Engineering – Unicorn of sorts?

When it comes to an MBA degree, a singular point that we all look at is- the Return on Investment( ROI). Since graduate degrees in engineering are directly applicable to your chosen job field, thinking of an MBA after that  can seem a bit…nebulous. Getting an MBA as an engineer is much like learning to speak another language. You may have an innate understanding of business and an  uncanny ability to problem solve. 

But is that enough reason to totally walk off at a tangent and go for an MBA?

Since an MBA is an expensive affair, it becomes all the more imperative that you have your path absolutely clear and etched out before you- especially when you plan to go that route after your Engineering degree.

Before we do that, let’s broaden the definition of what kind of engineers we are talking about here.

Now, there are  various categories of engineers who would be toying with the idea of an MBA. Students with an Engineering degree ( Computer Science and IT , Mechanical or any other), working professionals  eg Non IT Engineers in non-IT roles e.g. mechanical engineers working in a production planning role, electrical engineering students who get into the energy sector, power generation / distribution / transmission jobs and also engineers who are already in business oriented roles (like marketing and sales, finance etc). 

Are you an engineer? Which category do you fall in? Why and how do you think an MBA after engineering will help?

Let’s explore :

MBA requires analytics and reasoning:

The entrance examinations for all MBA programs require basic Quantitative aptitude, reasoning and data interpretation- all skills honed in an Engineering program. Therefore, your engineering degree can be an added advantage for cracking the CAT, SNAP, MAT and other entrance examinations.

In consonance with ‘Make in India’ program:

With the launch of ‘Make in India’ campaign, India has signalled a spurt of growth. It aims to increase the contribution of manufacturing in GDP to 25% from 16% as of now. This would set a spiral of growth in engineering jobs. With engineers having the capacity to devise creative solutions with limited resources, an MBA would be an added advantage as organizations are trying  to create an enabling environment where employees are encouraged to upgrade and expand their skills throughout their lives. 

Need for a diversity of skill set

When engineers get into core engineering roles, at times they face an identity crisis, or a feeling of just being another-brick-in-the-wall  despite being ahead of the pack in their academic life.

For every 100 down in the trenches engineer, there’s the need for the management type that can walk in both worlds and guide the business activities of an engineering-centric firm.  These types of companies will be quick to acknowledge this type of diverse skill set.  The biggest benefit of being an engineer with an MBA, serendipitously, is that it allows you to think like an engineer, have the language of an MBA and  be a unicorn of sorts.

Moreover, if you hope to obtain a position that requires working with budgets and financial forecasting, graduate-level business education is advantageous.

Scale up to higher echelons of Management:

If you are already working as an Engineer and wish to move into that corner office, and leg up into the higher echelons of Management that oversees a team, an MBA is the right choice. This would help you move out of the shop floor, wriggle out of that lab coat and straight into strategic management. If you have an engineering background , it becomes an added advantage as you also understand the nuts and bolts of the business. Besides, once you get into a management role, you get out of the tactical stuff and you have an opportunity to get your salary bumped up by as much as 50- 60% which is way beyond the industry standards should you remain in the same role. 

Overcome career crisis:

A decade ago, midlife came in two forms- a life analysis and career paralysis. After 15- 20 years of work, professionals used to hit a glass ceiling. Today, the career cycles have shrunk and shortened and the feeling of midlife crisis comes earlier. Within 3-4 years, all the excitement of joining a new company at a higher salary dies down. Then comes the itch for a change- to get into fields such as accounting, finance, analytics. This is the time  an MBA could help you make the transition or score the job of your dreams. 

The flip side:

It also needs a word of caution however. If you are an engineer today and are fresh out of college, sometimes directly going the MBA route may not be the best decision to take. The reason is simple- Your counterparts with an Engineering degree get to enter the job market first, postponing an advanced or MBA degree until the moment is right.  Your knee jerk decision can add on to additional education loans. 

Moreover, an MBA might not make you very attractive to some employers. They may look at young, inexperienced MBA holders and assume they will be an expensive hire, not worth the cost when it comes to actual knowledge and lack of real-world experience.  In the startup world especially, there is a great deal of bias against MBA’s.  These maverick industries believe that your fancy degrees actually hinder rather than help business, with their formalities and dependence on traditional styles of management and growth. 

Whatever your reasons might be, do be aware of the pitfalls of taking up the MBA route. Schools, just like companies, have their own idiosyncrasies.

Summing up:

Remember, when it comes to determining whether an MBA as an engineer is worth it, it is better to weigh all the options. What works very well for your peers might not be the roadmap for you. Consider your personality type, your career roadmap, and where is it that you see yourself at least five years from now. Are you building a life or a resume?

Use your logic and reasoning. You’re an engineer, after all.

Humanities with a Digital Edge

There is a pattern in the way students make career choices. After Grade X, they would opt for Sciences, STEM courses being one of the most sought after. Oftentimes, it is seen that a vast majority of them feel that they are stuck with the wrong choice, a choice that they do not fit in with. They wish to switch to Humanities but are confused and feel that Humanities degrees don’t often lend themselves to obvious career choices. If you read medicine, you can be a doctor. But what job should you do if you studied medieval history or philosophy, for example?

Are you one of them? Do you wish to study Humanities and also wish to have a digital edge? 

If yes, you should go in for Digital Humanities. 

Digital Humanities is an emerging field that encompasses the practice of humanities research through information technology, and the exploration of how humanities evolve through their engagement with technology, media, and computational methods, which is basically the use of computer technology to understand the arts and literature. The good thing is that the modern tech-savvy generation with a knack for studying the subjects that come under the discipline of humanities have welcomed with open arms the advent of digital humanities as a study area. The surmounting digital data that is available nowadays presents exciting opportunities for new research questions with opportunities for real-life applications. In such a scenario, digital humanities trains and prepares students to gear up for a growing number of job opportunities that demand the processing and handling of digital information.

Course Content:

The discipline of the digital humanities explores how the questions posed in humanities scholarship are transformed and extended by the digital – both by means of tools and epistemologies. This course seeks to enrich the scope of both design and the humanities by using critical methodologies and approaches to reciprocally reflect upon the other. By doing so, students are able to adapt the modes of inquiry and methodologies embedded in humanities thinking to create both more contextually relevant and responsive technological applications and material objects.

Institute scape:

In India, the course is being taught in a few graduate institutes. Some of them are:

  • Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bangalore offers both undergrad and postgraduate programs
  • Jadavpur University (JU), Kolkata, offers a PG diploma. Pun
  • Pune University offers a certificate course.
  • K.R. Mangalam University, NCR, offering B.Tech in Digital Humanities
  • Kotis Women’s College, Hyderabad.

In the last decade, digital humanities has also become a popular course in many top universities in Europe and North America. In Japan, China and Singapore, many colleges are offering digital humanities too.

Career Pathways:

Students pursuing digital humanities are eligible for jobs like digital library developers, copy editors, e-learning module developers, web designers, and information managers. 

The following are the top five job arenas for the graduates of Digital humanities:

Digital Curator

Simply put, it means creating content for digital collections. It is one of the most sought-after career paths after graduating with digital humanities. The key skills needed for digital curator entail the creation of catalogs or tags with metadata, preservation of the integrity of the collection of materials, evaluation of public reaction to the exhibited material, archiving, storing and disposing of materials that are not of use, and so on. 

A digital curator can join any company that demands the preparation of webpages as a visual exhibit. As a digital curator, you would be a catalyst in the implementation and integration of digital collections and digital tools into curatorial functions and to lead innovative digital projects, working closely with curators in other discipline areas.

Cultural Designer

A good design is immediately understood. But “understanding” varies between cultures. Cultural design differences are often seen as cute anomalies that won’t ever matter for designers. … There are plenty of other culture-bound designs out there, shaping everything from the shape of everyday objects to public policy. Cultural designers strive to make the designs and technologies more suited according to the social context and ensure better use of culture as a resource for innovation. Cultural designing is analogous to environmental designing in the way that it holds huge potential for improving the relationship between the quality of life and technological changes. You will be hired by companies that deal in bringing forth technologies to make the products more suited to the needs of the customers.

Data Scientist

Not only are Data Scientists responsible for business analytics they are also involved in building data products and software platforms, along with developing visualizations and machine learning algorithms. You would be responsible for analyzing, collecting, and interpreting significant amounts of data for the identification of ways to aid a business in improving operations and gaining a competitive edge over the rivals. The job profile of a data scientist is much like that of a statistician’s role and involves the use of advanced analytical techniques, like machine learning and predictive modeling. Any organization that deals with huge quantities of data requires the services of a data scientist.

Information Architect

With Facebook and Google both blocking websites with low valued content, it’s even more important that we produce content that the users will find valuable. Information architects are professionals who decide the structural makeup of digital environments, like a website, to make it more contextual and understandable. Information architects need a broad skill-set including familiarity with design software and HTML coding, in addition to expertise in communication planning. Information architects are generally employed for designing the websites that we use, the software and apps that we download, and the printed objects encountered by us. It is the very foundation for superior user experience with designing being involved in varied fields like content strategy, library science, technical writing, and interaction design.

Metadata Analyst

The Metadata Analyst provides metadata analysis, ingest, and management services. Metadata Analysts support the business needs of the enterprise-owned repository by providing standard data definitions, accurate business calculations, and complete traceability along with the lineage of the governed data.  The metadata analysts track questions and comments put forward by the subject matter experts and work towards identifying the gaps in the controlled vocabulary and defined taxonomy. They also remain involved in providing collaboration regarding the prioritization of digital assets and suggest enhancements to UI for all the automated tools.

The Road Ahead:

Flash forward 10 years and digital humanities will be present in just about every humanities department. Everyone will be a digital humanist, more or less. If you wish to get on the Digital Humanists bandwagon, the moment is now. If you’re a digital humanist, you’ve got a horseless carriage to ride, and it might just carry you ahead of the horses around you. 

But hurry, before everyone else gets one, too.

Keep your OPTIONS open

There are many factors to consider before selecting the best optional subject for the Civil Services exam such as syllabi, time available for preparation, etc. The syllabus of the subjects offered by UPSC is somewhere hyphenated between the graduate and Postgraduate  levels.
 

You can choose any of the UPSC IAS Optional Subjects for the UPSC Exam 2025 based on their educational background and areas of interest. The UPSC has provided a comprehensive UPSC Optional Subject List with 48 UPSC optional subjects, allowing candidates to select the one that best suits them.

Here are some popular optional subjects based on the success rate:

Popular optional subjects

Over the years, a few subjects are consistently chosen by the vast majority of IAS aspirants. These most popular or most opted optional subjects are so because their syllabus overlaps with other parts of the IAS exam ( UPSC Prelims, GS I, II, III or IV, Essay). However, there are many candidates who don’t opt for popular choices either because they are more interested in or have prior knowledge of some other subject. Also, candidates often feel that scoring in a popular optional subject can be tough as there is more competition.

As per the recommendations of the candidates, the optional subject Geography has a high success rate followed by History, Public Administration, Philosophy, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology and Law subjects. Subjects like Mathematics and Science can help students score higher if they overcome challenges like a vast syllabus, complex concepts, and the need for prior knowledge.

Going by the number of candidates appearing for the optionals, the least popular subjects are Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Geology. Civil Engineering. Mechanical Engineering. Agriculture. Statistics. Medical sciences.

Let’s encapsulate the oscillating pendulum in choosing these combinations. For instance Anthropology and Sociology.

 Anthropology and Sociology

Anthropology is the study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including human evolution, culture, and biology, making it highly interdisciplinary. It also looks at case studies that provide practical insights into human behavior and social structures. For those of you with a scientific temperament, this subject is often regarded as more scientific, offering precise answers and straightforward scoring opportunities.

Sociology, on the other hand, encompasses the study of society, social relationships, and institutions. It focuses on understanding human social interactions and how societies evolve. Sociology is more theory-heavy, requiring aspirants to be well-versed in sociological thinkers, social systems, and concepts. It also calls for logical analysis, but can have some concepts that are abstract, making it harder to present concrete, right-or-wrong answers.

There is a set of candidates who say Anthropology can be more scoring:

Concreteness of syllabus

Anthropology at  times becomes a better  choice due to the specificity and concreteness of its syllabus. Unlike Sociology, which can be more abstract, Anthropology provides specific case studies and examples that are easy to grasp. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to avoid too much theory and prefer scientific explanations.

High potential for scoring

Anthropology’s factual and science-based approach makes it easier to write precise answers, improving scoring opportunities.  Over the past few years several toppers with Anthropology as an Optional have been able to achieve top ranks because of the subject’s scoring nature. When compared to Sociology, where the answers are more interpretative, Anthropology provides clear-cut answers that are easier to evaluate.

Overlap with General Studies

When it comes to popularity, Sociology is widely chosen by UPSC aspirants, primarily due to its interdisciplinary nature and its overlap with many sections of the General Studies syllabus. The subject’s concepts like social issues, inequality, and demographic studies are relevant for the essay paper and interview.

Popular Choice

When it comes to popularity, Sociology is widely chosen by UPSC aspirants, primarily due to its interdisciplinary nature and its overlap with many sections of the General Studies syllabus. The subject’s concepts like social issues, inequality, and demographic studies are relevant for the essay paper and interview.

Easier to Understand for Non-Science Students

If you are a person with a non- science background, Sociology would be the right option for you. The theories and concepts are based on societal structures and real-world phenomena, making them easier to relate to.

Develops Logical Reasoning Skills

Sociology requires a deep understanding of social theories and thinkers, which can help develop critical reasoning and analytical skills. It can be advantageous in the UPSC Mains exam, where analytical writing is key.

Summing up

While both Anthropology and Sociology offer unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your strengths and interests. However, if you are looking for a subject with a concise syllabus, high scoring potential, and scientific backing, then Anthropology may be a better option for you.

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Focus on inter-disciplinary questions

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2025 is scheduled to be held on July 20, 2025. The UPSC CMS Notification 2025 has been released for 705 vacancies of Medical Officers and Assistant Divisional Medical Officers under various departments.
 

There have been some changes in the UPSC exam pattern for 2025.

While the overall structure remains the same with written exam, and personality test, there are adjustments to the focus areas within each stage.

The syllabus has been updated to reflect current events and issues, and there’s a stronger emphasis on inter-disciplinary questions in the Mains exam.

Topics that would be tested

The written test would carry 500 marks and comprise 2 papers. Paper 1 would test General Medicine, Paediatrics and Paper 2 would test Surgery, Gynaecology, and Preventive Social and Community Medicine.

If you get selected in NEET PG and CMS both, you can get an extension. If you clear CMS but are unable to clear NEET PG, you can get government aid to appear for NEET PG later.

Here are some tips to prepare for the exam:

Create a time table

With almost three months to go before the exam, create a monthly plan. Set specific goals for each period and allocate sufficient time for revision. You would have completed doing individual subjects by now. Revise them at least twice. Now is the time to create a plan for taking mock tests and previous years questions. Try focusing on the past five years’ questions at least.

Simulate by taking mock tests

Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and help you gauge your preparation. Take them regularly to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This practice not only improves your speed and accuracy but also builds your endurance for the long exam. Since the question paper is multiple choice and they also give mixed bag as an option, you can practice elimination to arrive at the right option.

Best books for preparation:

Choosing the right UPSC CMS study material is critical. You need resources that are comprehensive, concise, and aligned with the syllabus.

If you have made notes for NEET PG those would be very helpful.

Some of the recommended books and resources for the UPSC CMS preparation are Prasad  Comprehensive Guide to Combined Medical Services by Dr Rajeev Kumar that comes in an updated edition every year.

Besides, there are other books like Human Anatomy by B D Chaurasia, Textbook of Pathology by Harsh Mohan Saradhi.

For Paper 2 preparation, some of the well known books are: Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases by Dr. Neena Khanna, Clinical Methods in Medicine by Chugh, Practical Aspects of Pediatrics by Cheeda.

Observe the pattern

If you believe that practicing previous years papers would help you crack CMS, it’s not enough. You need to observe the pattern. Almost 70% of the topics are repeated but there is always a surprise element in the remaining 30%. Some repeated topics are contraception, tuberculosis, chromosome disorder and the like. Over the past five years, the topics that are being asked have become more and more cross disciplinary.

Revise regularly

Regular revision is key to retaining what you have studied. Make concise notes of important points and revise them periodically. Also, make a list of the questions you are getting wrong repeatedly and revise them regularly.

While the UPSC CMS exam mainly focuses on medical knowledge, staying ahead of the curve in terms of being aware of the latest developments in the medical field can be helpful. This can aid you in answering application-based and case based  and demonstrate your awareness of the field’s current trends.

Summing up

To sum up, if you prefer a stable, administrative career with good benefits and work-life balance, and are not as interested in clinical practice and specialization, CMS is a  good option for you. To qualify for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam requires constant practice, the right resources, and  strategic planning.

With just 3 months left, you keep the end goal in mind and start working in iterative sprints that factor and feed upon each other!

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UPSC CMS 2025: Gearing for the Personality Test

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the Combined Medical Services (CMS) 2025 notification on February 19, signaling the start of a highly competitive journey for thousands of medical aspirants across the country. Each year, candidates vie for coveted positions as medical officers in some of the most esteemed government healthcare services.

If you’re aiming to crack the CMS 2025 exam, understanding the entire selection process—from the written test to the final interview—is not just important, it’s strategic.

After briefly going through the written exam process, let’s look at certain tips to prepare and crack the personality test.

The second stage of the UPSC CMS 2025 selection process is the Personality Test, or interview, carrying 100 marks. The goal of the Personality Test is to ensure that selected candidates possess not only the medical expertise but also the personal qualities required to serve effectively in India’s public health system.

This stage goes beyond academic evaluation to assess your suitability for government medical service. The key qualities would include General Awareness – Understanding of current affairs and social issues, academic proficiency, grasp of core medical concepts and public health knowledge, intellectual curiosity, willingness to learn and engage with new ideas, critical thinking & assimilation, judgement and decision making, presence of mind, social cohesion, connect with diverse communities,integrity of character, ethical standards, and moral conduct, Initiative.

These competencies are not only vital in medical services but also in various other fields, including hospital management, healthcare administration, medical research, public health policy development, and leadership roles within the private healthcare sector.

Here is how you can prepare:

Vesture matters

Since it is a Personality test, personal appearance will matter. Opt for conservative, neat, and clean formal wear which you can carry comfortably well. Avoid loud wear that screams for attention. All that matters is a tidy, neat appearance that talks about your personal signature
and style.

Greet when you meet

Equally important as your dress is your smile, body language and demeanour. Remember, everyone notices your body language, your gait and the way you conduct and carry yourself-even a small greeting. Always offer a respectful greeting when you enter and exit the interviewroom. It helps build rapport and shows attentiveness.

Carry confidence

A composed mind reflects confidence. Stay optimistic and manage nervousness with deep breathing or light mental exercises. Your attitude and self-belief will be noticed instantly. Carry yourself with assurance without appearing arrogant. The focus of the interview would be to check your confidence and how you fare in challenging situations. Since you have already cleared the written test, it is not much about testing the knowledge but also about your confidence to tackle clinical challenges with expertise and empathy.

Revise core subjects

Thoroughly go through your medical subjects and current affairs and practice common questions. Talk to seniors or mentors who have taken the test. Familiarity with question patterns helps reduce anxiety. Participate in mock interviews to simulate the real experience.

You may be asked specific questions about your application process, current affairs, your thought process and any challenges that you have faced and overcome during tough times.

Communication is the key

Your communication skills are not only about speaking, it is about attentive listening. While listening, pay full attention, do not merely hear and train your mind to frame a new response. Pay full attention to questions and ask politely to repeat, if needed. If you do not know the answer to a particular question do not beat around the bush. Admit that you do not know and would be curious to find out and learn. When you know the answers, be specific and justify with rationale and data.

Talk to all those who have been there before

Experience matters. Talk to all those who have cracked the Personality test before. You may also create your own study partner. Also use AI tools like ChatGPT to ask what are the likely questions for the exam.

Summing up

With still a few months to go, you still have time to prepare and show the board that you are not just a medical professional, but also a confident, sincere, and reliable individual capable of serving in India’s healthcare system with equipoise. If you start today, you might be able to internalise all the concepts and have a fluid experience.

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get ready

Be a part of government workforce

The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2025, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), serves as a premier gateway for graduates seeking positions within India’s central government. This examination offers access to a diverse spectrum of roles across ministries and public sector organisations, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Income Tax Department, and Narcotics Control Bureau. Positions range from clerical to officer-level appointments, each providing opportunities for meaningful contributions to national administration. Successful candidates benefit from job security, competitive salaries, and comprehensive perks such as medical facilities, pension schemes, and leave entitlements. The upcoming exam window, scheduled for June–July 2025, has prompted extensive preparation among aspirants nationwide. Achieving success in the SSC CGL demands not only academic proficiency but also strategic planning, consistent effort, and disciplined study habits.

Important Dates
The Tier-I Examination is tentatively scheduled to take place between June and July 2025, with admit cards expected to be released approximately 7 to 10 days prior to the examination date. The schedule for the Tier-II Examination will be announced at a later stage. The final results are anticipated to be declared in late 2025 or early 2026.These dates serve as critical milestones for candidates preparing for the SSC CGL 2025 examination. While the Tier-I exam is expected to be held between June and July 2025, you should be aware that certain dates — particularly for Tier-II and result announcements — are yet to be finalized.

Age Criteria

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) stipulates specific age criteria for candidates applying for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2025. These criteria vary depending on the nature of the posts and are determined based on your date of birth. The general age limits for aspirants are as follows:
  • 18 to 27 years’ between January 2, 1998, and January 1, 2007.
  • 20 to 30 years: between January 2, 1995, and January 1, 2007, are eligible.
  • 18 to 30 years: between January 2, 1995, and January 1, 2007.
  • 18 to 32 years: between January 2, 1993, and January 1, 2007.
These age limits apply to various posts under the SSC CGL 2025 examination. It is important for students to verify the specific age criteria for the post you intend to apply for, as some positions may have distinct age requirements.

Educational Qualifications

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) mandates specific educational qualifications for candidates applying for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) . The general eligibility criteria are as follows:

For most posts, a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Institution is the essential qualification. However, certain positions have additional requirements: the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) role necessitates a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the 12th standard level or a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects during graduation. The Statistical Investigator Grade-II position requires a Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects throughout all three years or six semesters of the graduation course. For the Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer roles, a Bachelor’s Degree is essential, with desirable qualifications including Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Company Secretary (CS), Master’s in Commerce (MCom), Master’s in Business Studies (MBS), Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – Finance, or Master’s in Business Economics (MBE). Lastly, the Research Assistant position in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) position requires a Bachelor’s Degree, with desirable qualifications comprising a minimum of one year of research experience in a recognized University or Research Institution and a degree in Law or Human Rights.

Exam  Pattern

The SSC CGL 2025 examination comprises two primary tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2, each designed to assess your proficiency in various domains.

Tier 1 examination is an online Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section contains 25 multiple-choice questions, totaling 100 questions for the exam. The maximum marks are 200, with each question carrying 2 marks. Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the test, with an additional 20 minutes (totaling 80 minutes) allotted for those eligible for a scribe. The exam features negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. It  is conducted in both English and Hindi, except for the English Comprehension section. It’s important to note that the Tier 1 exam is qualifying in nature; the marks obtained do not contribute to the final selection but are essential for advancing to Tier 2.

 Tier 2 Paper 1 is a pivotal examination comprising multiple sections designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency across various subjects. The exam is conducted in two sessions on the same day, with a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Session I spans 2 hours and 15 minutes and is divided into two sections.

Section I includes Module I: Mathematical Abilities – 30 questions, 90 marks and Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence – 30 questions, 90 marks

Section II would test English Language and Comprehension ( 45 questions, 135 marks)

And General Awareness – 25 questions, 75 marks

Section III would test Computer Knowledge Test – 20 questions, 60 marks (Qualifying) and Data Entry Speed Test – One task (Qualifying)

Each correct answer would be awarded 3 marks, with a penalty of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III. Module II of Section III does not have negative marking. The Computer Knowledge Test and Data Entry Speed Test are qualifying in nature; candidates must meet the minimum required standards to proceed to the next stage.

This structured approach ensures a thorough evaluation of candidates’ skills and knowledge, aligning with the rigorous standards set by the Staff Selection Commission.

 

Paper 2: For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Gr. II posts, the exam would test Statistics and the  duration of the exam is 2 hours with negative marking of .50 marks for each correct answer.

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