Technology is moving at a fast pace. The ways to give exams as well as preparing for them has also evolved with changing time. The recent news that IIT Grad’s AI-based test series helps UPSC aspirants identify weak spots, shows that we are moving in the right direction.
In the future, most of the repetitive tasks will be done by AI, and this is the future we should be ready for. The new AI-based testing system is no less than a boon for the UPSC aspirants. There are many benefits and a few issues that should be known by anyone who is going to attempt in the upcoming IAS exams.
Let’s have a look at all of these aspects and understand the broader outcomes.
Benefits of Having an AI-Based Test Series
There are several benefits of automated test series for IAS. Let’s see what are the factors that make this new way of UPSC preparation a positive change.
Safe for Everyone
COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc across the country. While many companies have prepared vaccines in the world, social distancing norms must be followed properly. One should not be taking this disease lightly and ensure wearing proper masks and using sanitisers whenever they are outside.
Using the AI-based test series for UPSC preparation, the chances of spreading COVID-19 comes to zero. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, UPSC Test Series was conducted in coaching centres, where students gathered from various areas. Had this been done today, it could have led to a further spread of the disease.
As the UPSC preparation automated test series for IAS UPSC exam of Mains and Prelims can be attempted from the comfort of home, it is safe for everyone.
Quicker Checking of Copies
As the tests will be online, the movement of answer copies will be faster, as there will be no involvement of physical copies. Elimination of physical copies will save time as soft copies will be easier to share through the internet. Along with this, the checking will be more accurate as there’s no involvement of humans, leading to zero human errors.
Helps in Performance Improvement
One of the best things of using AI for testing students is identifying the weak areas for each candidate. Each UPSC aspirant will be able to identify the weak areas where she/he needs to improve. The AI will identify the blind spots of the student and will give a question-wise explanation. This will help the students in focusing on the areas where improvement is needed.
Better Time Management
In the AI-based test series, you can set a timer for the online test and attempt it within the time limit. The AI also calculates the time taken by a student in completing each question. This data can help you in identifying areas that trouble you and ones that you find comfortable. You can use this information for better time management in exams and thus avoid errors.
Cost-Effective
The physical tests conducted in coaching centres require a lot of resources. There is a requirement of an invigilator, a large space to sit and other basic things such as seats, desks etc. All these resources come at a cost which the coaching centres extract from the students.
There is no need for such resources in online classes, and the AI software and servers are the things that are needed. Students only need to have a device with internet connectivity to attend the test. This makes the AI-based test system an easy and cost-effective option.
Issues with AI-based Test Series
While there are many benefits of arranging an AI-based test series for UPSC aspirants, some issues come with it. Let’s talk about those issues too.
Health Concerns
As these tests will be on a computer system or a similar electronic device, there is always a health concern. Students will have to sit on the computer non-stop for an hour or more at a stretch for these tests. This can cause headaches and eye-strain, which can affect the health of the candidate. Such prolonged sessions make such computer-based tests challenging for candidates who already have vision-related issues.
Internet Connectivity Concerns
As it is an online test, there is a need for a stable internet connection. As per the latest research, only 34% of Indian population used the internet till the year 2017. This clearly shows that the penetration of the internet is not much. The idea of AI-based test series for UPSC preparation will not flourish until it includes candidates from all statures.
Concluding Words
We have now seen the good and bad side of AI-based tests for UPSC preparation. Using AI to conduct tests is undoubtedly a step forward. However, there are some challenges to overcome to make it truly successful.
