Busting the Myth of Joblessness

In an era where joblessness is often regarded as an inevitable outcome of a saturated job market, securing a position can feel like an uphill battle. Many believe that without the highest qualifications, like a PhD or postdoctoral fellowship, the chances of success are slim. However, my story challenges this myth and emphasizes that quality, perseverance, and mental resilience can lead to success even when competing with the best.

In 2023, I appeared for the JKPSC Assistant Professor exam with only 5 vacancies available for open merit, and around 1400 candidates, including PhD and PDF holders, competing for these positions. The odds were stacked against me. I had completed my master's degree in 2021, and unlike many of the other candidates, I had no Publications, Experience, PhD or Postdoctoral fellowship to bolster my resume. Instead, I had consistently qualified for the UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) four times, which, while commendable, had always left me just short of the coveted Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Many might have seen this as a disadvantage, but for me, it became a tool that sharpened my conceptual understanding of my field. Each attempt at the UGC NET enhanced my knowledge and pushed me to a higher level of intellectual clarity. With each test, I improved my analytical abilities, learned to manage the pressure, and built a strong foundation that would prove invaluable in the JKPSC exam.

As a fresher, completing my master’s degree in 2021, I was acutely aware of the competition I faced. Many of my peers in the examination had spent years in academia, with advanced qualifications, teaching experience, and research portfolios that dwarfed mine. At times, I felt overwhelmed and demoralized. But instead of letting these challenges defeat me, I chose to neutralize the negative stimuli. The pressure was intense, but I recognized that success wasn’t solely about the number of degrees on my CV.

It was about maintaining discipline, focusing on quality over quantity, and managing psychological pressures effectively. I realized that, in the end, it's not just about academic merit but how well we can harness our potential, stay composed, consistent and perform when it matters the most. One of the key lessons I've learned through this journey is that quality matters more than quantity.

Having a PhD, while prestigious and undoubtedly beneficial, is not the sole determinant of success. Many of the candidates I competed with held advanced qualifications, but what set me apart was the depth of my conceptual understanding. This came not from the number of degrees I had, but from the quality of my preparation and the consistency with which I had approached every challenge, including my repeated attempts at the UGC NET. The JKPSC exam, like many competitive exams, demands not just rote learning but a deep comprehension of the subject matter. The ability to apply knowledge in different contexts, critically analyze questions, and present coherent answers requires a solid grasp of fundamental concepts.

Managing Psychological Pressure

Many people overlook the importance of mental resilience in competitive exams. The pressure of competing against such a large number of candidates, some with far more experience and credentials, could easily have led to burnout or self-doubt. However, I firmly believe that success is an interplay of various factors—knowledge, hard work, and most importantly, how we handle psychological pressures.

Throughout the process, I consciously worked on neutralizing the stress and uncertainty. Discipline became my anchor. By staying consistent in my preparation and managing the negative thoughts that crept in, I was able to focus on what really mattered: my performance. I concentrated on what I could control—my study habits, my mindset, and my determination.

The Power of Support Systems

No journey to success is ever a solo effort. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to those who stood by me during the most challenging moments. My parents, though unlettered, were my pillars of support. Their strong belief in me, even when the odds seemed insurmountable, gave me the strength to keep going. My spouse, selfless in every sense, lived a life of sacrifice to support my decisions. Her constant encouragement and understanding allowed me to focus entirely on my goal.

I am also incredibly grateful to the Central University of Kashmir, where I had the opportunity to reshape my intellect. The institution de-conditioned my faulty mental structures and provided me with the intellectual tools to think critically and approach problems systematically. I extend my gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Mohammad Amin Dar, at the University of Kashmir, who played an instrumental role in my academic journey. His humility, autonomy, and lack of authoritative pressure gave me the freedom to pursue my targets with focus and clarity.

My journey to cracking the JKPSC Assistant Professor exam  is a testament to the fact that, while academic qualifications are important, they are not the sole determinants of success. Quality—both in terms of knowledge and mental resilience—trumps mere accumulation of degrees. Persistence, discipline, and the ability to manage pressure are equally, if not more, important. I encourage every aspirant to remember that the myth of joblessness is often a reflection of societal pressures rather than individual capability. The key is to focus on sharpening your skills, managing your mindset, and maintaining discipline. With the right approach and the support of those who believe in you, no challenge is insurmountable.

Mudasir Rehman, Research scholar at University of Kashmir, Department of Education.