Psychology, especially the journey to M.Phil, demands patience, deep understanding, and a lot of empathy. If you’re passionate about it, stay the course—because in the end, it will be worth it.
Samanbar Siddiqui, M.Phil Clinical Psychology at Manav Rachna Institute
1. let’s start with how you are actually feeling after achieving this feat?
First of all, I would like to thank UPS Education and Dr. Arvind Otta, because where I am right now – in the M.Phil program at Manav Rachna International Institute Of Research And Studies, it’s all because I joined the coaching. I feel really good about it. It’s been a dream come true. I joined the UPS Education online program in January 2024 and took part in several test series. After many breakthroughs and breakdowns, I finally cleared the entrance and interview, securing a seat at Manav Rachna. Right now, it’s our fourth week of hospital training at CIMBS (Cosmos Institute of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences), and the journey has been incredible.
It feels like I’m actually at the right place and that I am here and I deserve it. That’s how I feel right now.
2. Can you tell us about your preparation Strategy?
I chose the online batch because I wasn’t comfortable attending in person, and the location was too far. The online program was more convenient for me. However, discipline is key—you need to set a specific timetable for your lectures and stick to it. After attending each class, I would make my own notes. Listening to the lectures, reviewing my notes, and revisiting the material helped reinforce my understanding. There were regular doubt sessions conducted by Dr. Arvind Sir, who explained concepts with great detail and patience, ensuring that all doubts were cleared.
The notes provided by UPS Education are detailed and thorough, but it’s important to make your own notes as well. Writing things down in your own words helps improve comprehension and retention. Go with the flow, jot down important points as you study, and build on your understanding. Commit to at least six months of disciplined study—attend a lecture every day, take notes, and stay consistent. Also, keep attempting entrance exams, even if you feel it’s too early or doubt your ability to clear them. Every attempt is a step forward.
I cleared interviews at multiple places but didn’t make it through the final admission process. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks—they’re just stepping stones. Every rejection, every mistake helps you refine your approach. Keep going, and one day, you’ll move past those mistakes and clear both the exam and the interview.
3. What were some challenges that came your way? Also, How did you deal with these challenges?
There were punctuality issues. Because you are taking classes from home. There is no classroom environment. And anytime your timetable can get disturbed. Sometimes guests can come to your house. Sometimes there can be issues with electricity or maybe your device isn’t working. My biggest challenge is punctuality and discipline. If I take a break, it can easily stretch into a month. I made sure that didn’t happen. At one point, I had a week-long break where I couldn’t attend classes or take notes, but I didn’t let it derail me.
I would advise those people who are still preparing to take classes for one hour each day. Do it with punctuality. Don’t miss the breaks in between, Read for an hour, Read for half an hour, but keep the flow going on. Don’t take breaks in between—just focus for half an hour. Read it, watch the video, and get through it straight away. If you want to do it, then do it because you genuinely want to, not for any other reason.
4. What Resources did you use? if anything specific
If you’re looking for study resources, UPS Education provides chapter-wise detailed notes. Key books to refer to include Morgan & King’s Introduction to Psychology, Short Textbook of Psychiatry by Niraj Ahuja, and the DSM-5 for abnormal psychology. Additionally, using a test series can be beneficial. Focus on one chapter at a time or two per day—study the chapter, watch the corresponding video, take notes, and then attempt the test series. Practice tests and final tests help reinforce learning, and you can only progress after scoring at least 70%. Follow a structured approach, moving from basic to more complex chapters. Ensure you fully understand each topic before proceeding and avoid skipping any chapters.
5. Honestly, What keeps you Motivated?
This part was easier for me because I’ve always been a fan of reading. I read a lot of novels, especially thrillers, so reading psychology books and study material came naturally to me. But preparing for entrance exams is a whole different challenge. If you truly want to be in this field and see a change in yourself, whether it’s through an M.Phil , clearing NET or JRF, or pursuing further studies, each step takes you closer to the person you envision becoming in the next 10 years. This field isn’t just about helping others—you also undergo significant personal growth.
I wanted to see that change in myself, and I truly wanted to be in this field. That’s what keeps me motivated.
6. Any message for aspirants out there?
The most important thing in this journey is discipline. Stay committed, and don’t get discouraged if you miss the mark by a few points—whether it’s 2 or 3 marks. Instead, see it as progress. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn, and the more you learn, the stronger you become.
Remember, each mistake you make now means you’re less likely to repeat it in your next entrance exam or interview. Every rejection letter, every incorrect answer, and every misstep is guiding you towards the right path. The more you practice, the more you’ll refine your understanding, and soon, you’ll know exactly what the right answers are. There will be moments when you’ll feel like giving up, like maybe this isn’t for you, or that you should switch to something else—maybe take up a job instead. But if you truly want to be in this field, patience is key.
Psychology, especially the journey to M.Phil, demands patience, deep understanding, and a lot of empathy. If you’re passionate about it, stay the course—because in the end, it will be worth it.
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