“Breaking Barriers: How Career Counselling Empowered Lisa to Succeed in Competitive Exams” (passing the preliminary examination for the position of Excise Constable under the Jharkhand government.

Lisa’s achievement in passing the preliminary examination for the position of Excise Constable under the Jharkhand government highlights the critical role of career counseling in her journey. As a regular attendee of the Career Counseling cum Competitive Exam Center established by Naya Sawera Vikas Kendra with support from Lotus Outreach International, Lisa attributes her success to the strategic guidance and structured preparation provided by these classes. For rural, economically deprived girls like Lisa, managing time to study for competitive examinations is an immense challenge. They are predominantly engaged in agricultural activities and domestic work, leaving them little time and energy to focus on academics. Unlike students who can devote themselves solely to studying in comfortable environments with all necessary facilities, these girls must overcome multiple hurdles. Therefore, learning the right strategies to crack competitive exams becomes essential.

Lisa recalls how the very first session by Gaurav Sir emphasized the difference between college exams, which are based on a selection process, and competitive exams, which function as elimination rounds due to the limited number of seats. This perspective, combined with sessions on understanding the syllabus, analyzing previous years’ question papers, and mastering time management and accuracy, equipped Lisa with a clear vision and actionable strategy for tackling the examination. The inclusion of regular practice sessions, enhanced by audio-visual presentations, played a significant role in helping her grasp complex concepts more effectively. Lisa recognizes that a dedicated mentor to provide direction and clarity is crucial for success in such competitive scenarios.

The availability of competitive books at the career counseling center also proved to be a great support for Lisa and her peers, ensuring access to quality study materials that they could not afford otherwise. Additionally, the innovative practice of newspaper discussions introduced these girls to new ideas and perspectives. For many, the editorial sections written by Nobel laureates, prominent economists, or visionary thinkers opened new horizons and broadened their understanding of the world.

Beyond academics, the career counseling classes also included life skills sessions, which focused on essential topics like group work, clear communication, and overcoming communication gaps. These activities helped Lisa and her peers develop a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and shaped their personalities, preparing them to face the complexities of life beyond exams. With her family’s excitement and support, Lisa looks forward to clearing the final round, which has the potential to transform her life and unlock new opportunities for her and her family.