Q: I belong to a lower middle class family. I have done my plus two in the year 2002 with science stream securing 67% marks. Since then, I was preparing for engineering entrance exams. In between, I have suffered with many family, financial & mental problems. I was unable to get admission in any reputed national level institute (say IIT, NIT) or University. Now, there is a great burden on me to get into IIT/NIT this year. But I am not sure of my chance for getting into these institutes. After two years of directionless preparation, I am realising that I don't posses the sort of stuff/patience/hard-working/intelligence required for pursuing a degree in engineering (or such other professional course). I took admission in B.Sc. (Physics) Hons. of Delhi University and in B.E. (Elect. & Comm. Engg.) of M.D. University, Rohtak the next year. I left both the courses. As I have dreamt of the IITs, I didn't find myself satisfied at these institutes/universities. Although, my first and last dream was to be an IITian, but I am finding myself diverted & deviated from the engineering studies. Finally, I am also unable to find that what is wrong with me. I am in a situation to do or die. Kindly suggest me what should I do? Although I know everything related to studies but I am unable to guide myself. Why a person like me is so depressed? I know to extent about realities of life. May be I am suffering with lack of confidence.

A:In academic careers, there are times wherein inspite of our best efforts we do not get the desired results, and that is not because of our preparation alone, there are other factors, and that is why it is best to have two options for career - bare minimum so that if plan A is not happening, we can follow plan B. I don't think it would be appropriate for you to feel low and without confidence towards your own self, although I can understand your feelings, but what is needed is to look beyond this issue, and look at life in a longitudinal perspective, and understand that with effort success has to come to you, if not in your choice branch then in some other branch, but it would come for sure. Focus on your academic pursuits, and talk to a professional, take personal and vocational guidance and you would be able to see through this phase of life and move into a much brighter one.