Confusion between Civil Engineering and Public Administration

duk3

My background-
B.tech with Civil engineering 2012, didn’t join the job and MBA course, preparing only for CSE. This year not selected for mains scoring around 240-50 (still in shock ). My optional was public administration. I Need to get “decent” job (pref. PSU’s) after mains 2014 due to personal reasons and that would be even harder if there is gap of 2-3 years without anything on resume.

Please suggest which optional should I take after considering following and any other suggestion/options available.

1. Civil Engineering :

Pros : IES,GATE, PSU, IFoS etc, strong backup options, have all standard books, not too much in answer writing, have 1 year to complete the lengthy syllabus.

Cons: Scaling , no or very less guidance available in market(made easy is there but it is best for IES), very few opting for CE, study group hard to find, lengthy syllabus, haven’t touched CE in last 8 months, no relevance with GS paper.

2. Public Administration :

Pros : Relevance with GS, short syllabus, plenty of guidance, material available, dyanamic nature, good study group, strategy etc are easily available. etc

Cons: butchered in 2012 like engineering subjects even worse(though might/might not happen in upcoming years), too many aspirants opting for PA after mains pattern change, will not be doing any coaching for PA.

rahul_cse

@duk3 Buddy at the end of the day it has to be your decision, whatever points you have written are those which are told by other people to newbie. Look no doubt civil engg. syllabus is humongous but other rumours like less mark fetching is not true. I know several candidates scoring well above 280 in civil engg. I met a senior who scored 340 but yes amount of hard work required is enormous and you will have to practice a lot. This amount of labour can only be done if you are very much interested in civil engg. Otherwise you can choose any other optional. Do not choose Pub. Ad. because others say it fetches mark first develop interest in subject then you will get good marks.
P.S. I have chosen civil engg. despite several adverse recommendations because I have interest in this subject and I know few fellows who have opted it. So follow your heart.