There has been a plethora of research on how Online Education has taken over the internet in all ways. While the traditional method of classroom learning has always been the choice, Online UPSC Preparation is in the current limelight.
Let us go through and analyse a few reasons why it has become the big thing today for Online UPSC Preparation
Why are Toppers Opting Out for Online UPSC Preparation?
While doing quick research before putting up this article, I came across a certain survey done by students in Nalanda University over a platform to study for UPSC, where they found out that online study for UPSC enabled students to reflect on their learning and to learn about ‘what to study, what not to’ more efficiently, as
UPSC has a vast syllabus. They reported that more students taking the online course for UPSC found the course to be better than expected and they came out with flying results.
But, is it leading to the demise of the traditional brick and mortar’ classroom pattern? Certainly NOT!
But, the own assessment of toppers has become positive and preferable towards Online UPSC Preparation.
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Why UPSC Online Preparation?
Online coaching for the civil services exam is becoming more popular these days. This is especially true since the outbreak of the pandemic. Since coaching has piqued the interest of many IAS aspirants, there has been some debate about its efficacy.
Cost-Effective
The candidate bears a lower financial burden with coaching. Aspirants save money on travel, lodging, and relocation-related expenses. Many courses and learning modules are available for free or at a low cost online. So, if cost is a major consideration in your decision, e-learning coaching may be advantageous.
Flexible
Class timings are an issue for many people in traditional classroom coaching, such as working professionals preparing for the IAS. Attending classes is more flexible with technology-driven coaching. Many e-learning coaching platforms that offer live classes also offer recordings of their lectures that can be viewed at a later time.
Quality of Learning Modules
The IAS exam e-learning industry is exploding. This has resulted in fierce competition for technology-driven market share among various institutes and online platforms. As a result, the customers, i.e. IAS aspirants, will benefit. IAS aspirants now have online access to a variety of high-quality courses and study materials at affordable prices.
No Need to Shift
Online coaching eliminates the need for an aspirant to relocate to Delhi or other UPSC preparation centres. For this reason, many of my students, including many successful aspirants, preferred e-learning over classroom coaching. For those living in tier 2 cities and remote regions, e-learning makes at-home preparation easier.
People from all walks of life have been able to prepare for the IAS using technology-driven resources. Many people whose circumstances prevent them from relocating, such as those who live in small towns, housewives, and the differently-abled, can benefit from e-learning, which provides them with access to study materials, teachers, and test series.
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Study at Your Own Pace
Every student can view lectures at his or her own pace in online modules. Instead of being one of the hundreds of students in a physical classroom, an aspirant can complete his studies at his own pace. Based on one’s comfort, one can choose one’s learning pace and the amount of time devoted to each section of the syllabus.
Some students struggle to keep up with a classroom lecture because they take longer to take notes. In e-learning, such students can also take notes at their own pace.
Self-Motivation is Important
One of the drawbacks of e-learning is that it necessitates the aspirant’s self-motivation throughout his preparation. Aspirants who choose technology-driven coaching frequently lack a support system of peers and mentors. As a result, it is critical that the aspirant studying online maintains a competitive mindset and develops self-discipline.
Personalised Attention is Lacking
The human touch that comes with teacher-to-student interaction in a physical classroom setting is often missing from e-learning. The majority of technology-driven coaching platforms are devoid of a human interface.
To get around this, some teachers offer online students a personalised doubt-clearing service. While most teachers do not, some, like me, provide their personal phone numbers to online students so that they can clarify their questions over the phone.
As a result, it’s critical to choose your technology-driven coaching carefully, especially if you’re the type who needs regular interaction and support from your mentors. Examine whether or not the teachers at a particular institute are available to speak with you on the phone as often and for as long as you desire.
Isolated Preparation
Peer-to-peer learning is an important part of traditional classroom coaching. Over a cup of chai, discuss the day’s lecture with your classmates to clear up any questions you might be hesitant to ask teachers. The competitive spirit is fostered in the classroom as well. Aspirants for the IAS learn a lot from one another and provide emotional support to one another.
Those preparing for the IAS exam online frequently lament the lack of such a welcoming environment as they embark on the arduous IAS exam preparation journey alone.
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Idea of Online Classes
This idea may sound indifferent to a lot of people who are often with the mentality that a 9 to 5 timetable is a must for UPSC study which is also absolutely fine. But the gospel truth is that for UPSC specifically, students enjoy the opportunity to learn when they are well-rested and most alert.
UPSC Preparation requires a certain concentration and a high level of dedication. It is certainly not a bed of roses. Online Preparation for UPSC, with due credibility, gives us this chance. It is creating new competition in the marketplace of UPSC study that once was defined by geographic boundaries.
Time Management in UPSC
UPSC Classes may have an ample strength of 80 plus people. Travelling to the class with 80 more students in it may make you feel tiresome leading to a monotonous routine with no comfort. It leads to no way to study and sheer lagging behind. One cannot afford to lose time while preparing for UPSC.
Self-Pacing: Online UPSC Preparation
How difficult is it to maintain one’s speed with that of the things being dictated in a classroom knowing UPSC has a vast syllabus?
Is one able to grasp everything?
Does it provide you with a personal mentor for personal doubt solving?
Is taking notes with the same speed possible?
The answer possibly can be a big NO in most possible cases. If we look at technology-driven Education imparting for UPSC, the presentation of the entire syllabus is systematic and unique as per the requirements.
For example, let us look at some subjects, say History. If one has doubts in understanding the subject, one can easily go through the videos provided by the technology-driven institute, a number of times. Notes can be systematically taken down and one can easily go at their own speed.
Planning Your Own Study
I am giving you a real example here.
One of our very diligent students Nikesh put forth an idea in front of us and showed how strategically he manages his study. Nikesh has chalked out a plan of study for him. He mentions that it is because of the technology-driven program, he is able to grasp everything in one go and then all he does is practice. I am sure this isn’t the case with Classroom study. I am sure travelling and commuting must be taking a lot of precious time which can actually be used for study through a technology-driven medium.
The online UPSC videos are also a substitute for office hours, an advantage for students who cannot make it during the scheduled times due to work or family commitments.
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Working People Can Crack UPSC
Also, working people cannot crack UPSC is a myth.
So, coming back to Nikesh, akin to him, you can also plan your study timetable according to your own routine and grasping power.
The world becomes your classroom
Taking Notes and Mentorship
Taking the same notes and mentorship which people from all over the country are referring to can be very enriching and fruitful. Technology-driven UPSC Preparation has a wider approach towards the quality of study material specifically.
Thereby, the reach widens.
The online Material, again, is not limited to bookish knowledge, as UPSC requires you to be well versed with the latest news around. Students’ feedback on the clarity of assignments, timeliness of feedback, and interaction with faculty over Current Affairs is the USP.
Online Classes vs Offline Classes
A major significance lies in demonstrating that online learning for UPSC today is not just better than nothing — it actually tends to be better than conventional Classroom.
Online UPSC Preparation for people living in the rural parts of the country.
Out of the 121 crore Indians, 83.3 crores live in rural areas. Now that sums up to 70% of the total population.
On average, 5 Lakh people give UPSC every year, so obviously, a major chunk from rural areas also give this exam.
Most of the aspirants choose to come to the major cities for their preparations and coaching. However, a large number of aspirants are not able to reach out to the urban centres- like Delhi- which has become the hub of coaching and study material. These candidates face the challenge of preparing for the IAS exam, without a developed market and coaching.
Things to Understand
Understand one thing here; there is no correlation between the possibility of attaining success at the IAS exam and not living in Delhi. Thus, a candidate, living in his native town, should make himself understand that there is no extra edge for the people preparing from outside the home.
In today’s age, it has become possible for aspirants to pursue their dreams through the means of information technology. What matters is your preparation and dedication towards the exam preparation.
Online Study has Become a Part of Education System
So, Online study can obviously guide the efforts of the rural/remote area students. A serious problem emerges for those students, who do not have internet access in their area.
For that, we would recommend a little extra effort. Specifically, in order to fetch the maximum possible output with minimal effort. You might visit the nearest place, where an internet facility is available. Also, buy the appropriate study material for yourself, along with the prints of the resources you find useful on the internet. So, Basically, Online Education is the silver lining here.
The future.
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Government’s Policies and Ideas for Online Education
One thing that one must take into consideration is that the amount of complacency in an online study is much higher.
Also, Students while preparing for UPSC online are able to manage their time.
Not to forget the mentorship and personal training that the classes nowadays provide. Thereby, leading to closer supervision or more frequent interactions.
Also, with the launch of Digital India, things are taking a new turn. The government is also a strong supporter of e-learning and the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY)is taking efforts. It has been actively developing tools and technologies to promote e-Learning.
Some More
Also, The Government has supported e-learning-focused R&D projects at various academic educational institutes. These include content development, R&D/technology initiatives, HRD projects and faculty training initiatives. They are here to improve literacy through online education, specifically, for the Civil Services Examination.
So, we can conclude here that online programs are here to stay for UPSC preparation.
Also, More focus on summative, rather than formative data is the need of the hour for UPSC preparation.
Conclusion
Despite its limitations, technology-driven coaching remains a boon for thousands of serious candidates preparing for the IAS.
It may suit some people and not others as a method of learning. Before choosing e-learning over traditional classroom coaching, a thorough evaluation and introspection are required.
External criteria, such as lecture timings and financial constraints, are used in one aspect of the evaluation. Another factor is the student’s own internal criteria, such as his ability to stick to a strict preparation schedule and remain self-motivated.
Hopefully, the above article has made one understand the differences and also about the latest way to study for UPSC.
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