Q. I am 26 years old. I started my UPSC government exam preparation at the age of 20. My first attempt was in 2023 and the second attempt was in 2025. Unfortunately, I could not succeed in both attempts. I know I made many mistakes — my strategy was not effective, and I lacked proper guidance.
Additionally, I faced several personal challenges at home. Although my family supported me financially, they were not emotionally supportive. This has had a big impact on my mental strength. I will turn 27 this year, and my family has given me just one more year to crack the UPSC exam. If I don’t succeed, they want me to get married next year.
But I truly believe in my potential. I know I can crack this exam — but only with emotional support from my family. Without that, I may not have any other choice. However, I also know one thing for sure: I want to become financially independent before getting married.
I’m now thinking about building my career in other fields as a backup. I know a little bit about digital marketing, and I’m open to learning more. I understand that cracking the UPSC exam is a tough journey, especially with limited time and resources. That’s why I’m looking for practical ways to earn money in 6 months — not to become a millionaire, but to earn enough to survive and support myself.
I’m really interested in knowing what kind of skills I can learn today that can help me build a strong career in the next 2–3 years. I also want to explore real job opportunities in 2025 and beyond that match my interests and background.
Ans. I can guess it has been six years since you started preparing for the UPSC exam, but you haven’t succeeded yet. First of all, it’s good that you’ve accepted your mistakes and acknowledged the lack of a solid strategy. That’s the first step towards growth.
You’re facing many challenges, but don’t worry — they are solvable.
And remember — there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a Plan B.
Let me ask you this honestly:
👉 Have you ever thought — if you had started working on Plan B five years ago, where would you be today?
Well, the good news is — you’re thinking about it today.
I can see two clear problems here.
Let’s solve them, one by one.
Problem 1: UPSC or Something Else? Be Honest With Yourself
You’ve been preparing for UPSC for six years. But have you ever paused and asked yourself:
- Why UPSC?
- Why not some other government exam or private job?
- Was this your decision? Or someone else’s — maybe your family or society?
If the answer is: “It was my decision,”
then great — stay focused. You still have time.
But now you need to study smart, not just hard.
Here’s what you should do:
- Break the UPSC syllabus into manageable targets.
- Study at least 4 hours every day with full focus.
- Plan your day wisely — use tools like Google Calendar or Notion.
- Be consistent and disciplined — that’s your real superpower.
Meanwhile, start working on your Plan B.
It’ll give you confidence and peace of mind.
But if your heart says: “This goal wasn’t really mine…”
Then pause. Think again.
Don’t spend years chasing a dream that doesn’t belong to your soul.
You can crack it — but do you want to?
Remember the 4 elements of Ikigai (from the book Ikigai):
- Do what you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- And what you can be paid for
When all four align, that’s when passion becomes a purpose — and a career.
Mini-Activity: Discover Your Real Path
Here’s a small but powerful exercise:
- Take a pen and paper.
- List the skills you already have.
- Write the things you love doing — that give you energy, not stress.
- Write down the skills you don’t have yet, but are ready to learn and can earn from.
When this list is ready, you’ll know what your Plan B can look like.
Problem 2: What Are the Top Skills in Demand (2025 & Beyond)?
You asked: What are the trending skills in 2025?
Here are Top 5 high-demand skills that can help you build a career and start earning within 6 months:
1. AI and Machine Learning
Yes, the future is here! Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, etc., are all powered by AI.
- If you’re from a tech background, this is your golden opportunity.
- If you’re from a non-tech background, don’t worry. With dedication, you can still learn it.
Start here:
Free courses on YouTube, Coursera, Udemy — just search:
✅ “Learn AI without coding”
✅ “AI skills for beginners”
2. Digital Marketing
This field is booming — and you can start even with zero investment.
You can learn to:
- Build websites
- Run ads
- Do SEO
- Work as a freelancer
Small businesses are actively hiring people with basic digital skills.
📍Search keywords:
✅ “Digital marketing career for freshers”
✅ “Earn from SEO and ads”
🎥 3. Social Media Content Creation
Pick one niche — teaching, books, motivation, or anything you love.
✅ Start a YouTube channel
✅ Post 1 video every day (even Shorts work)
✅ Be consistent for 6 months
You’ll grow slowly, but surely. You just need 2 hours daily and a smart content plan.
📍Search keywords:
✅ “Grow YouTube channel in 6 months”
✅ “Content strategy for beginners”
4. Content Writing & Blogging
If you love writing, this is your zone.
- Start a blog on a topic you enjoy
- Write and publish daily or weekly
- After 3–6 months, you can monetize it
Or, try freelance writing on Fiverr, Upwork, or even Medium. You can also self-publish eBooks!
📍Search keywords:
✅ “Earn from content writing”
✅ “Start a blog and make money”
5. Virtual Assistance & Freelancing
You don’t need advanced skills for this.
Businesses and creators often look for:
- Email management
- Canva designing
- Social media scheduling
- Research and data entry
📍Learn tools like Canva, Trello, Notion, and offer your services on:
✅ Fiverr
✅ Freelancer
✅ LinkedIn
📍Search keywords:
✅ “Become virtual assistant India”
✅ “Online freelance jobs for beginners”
The Bottom Line: Start Anywhere — But Start Today
You don’t need to be rich tomorrow.
But you deserve to be financially independent.
You’ve already given your 6 years — now give 6 months to yourself and your growth.
👉 You have the power
👉 You have the time
👉 All you need now is direction
Let today be the day you choose progress over pressure.