Online Vs Offline Coaching for UPSC: Which One Should You Choose?

The COVID-19 pandemic has done in a year what otherwise would have taken five long years. Yes, we are talking about online classes and meetings. The online coaching classes are flourishing like never before. The pandemic has affected many UPSC aspirants who have experienced a hindrance in their coaching classes. These students often ponder upon online vs offline coaching for UPSC.

The thought of online vs offline coaching for UPSC is a pivotal one. Students have to crack their UPSC exams, and for the same, they have to consider the best option available to them.

In this article, we will be analysing both the online and offline coaching for UPSC and see which one is better for you.

Comparison Between Online and Offline Coaching

Both online and offline coaching is a desirable means to prepare for UPSC exams. While some prefer the ease of online coaching, many others prefer exclusive offline coaching. Both of these have their own advantages and disadvantages which may or may not be a deal-breaker for you.

Portability

This is the one factor that has single-handedly led to the rise of online UPSC apps for the coaching needs of the aspirants. If you are using online UPSC apps for coaching such as UPSC Pathshala, Unacademy, Byjus, etc. then you will agree to the fact that the level of portability makes the option of online classes a big hit. You can view your classes of any subject, any time in the comfort of your home, this makes online coaching the best option.

The same facility is not available in offline coaching as you have to be physically present at the venue for classes. Along with that, it is more time-consuming as you will have to commute to the place where the class is being conducted.

Clarification of Doubts

If you are learning something new, doubts are bound to arise. If the doubt is not solved, then understanding other related topics would become difficult. When you are in an online class, you have to message the teacher online, and the teacher then has to read that message to understand the doubt. All of this is a bit tedious and time-consuming. However, if you are attending offline coaching, then the same can be done in an instant.

Along with that, the doubt is cleared in a better way as you can directly ask the teacher and can have a discussion with him later about any other doubts or topics. Such flexibility is not available in online coaching. So, if you often have doubts, then offline coaching should be your choice.

Fees

In India, a majority of UPSC students can’t afford to pay a high fee. Because of the same, people often look at the prices charged by different options before spending their hard-earned money. When it comes to money, offline coaching is costlier than online coaching. The reason for the same is the expenses incurred by a coaching centre for offline classes.

For online classes, you only need a camera and a whiteboard. Whereas, for offline classes, you need a huge space where you can accommodate all the students at once. As the cost of renting such rooms is high, and there are other maintenance expenses that are recovered from the students, the fee charged for such classes is higher than their online counterparts.

Also Read : Are the UPSC Mains Exams Written Type or MCQ type?

Realistic Environment while Giving Tests

Giving tests while preparing for UPSC exams is an extremely important practice if you want to excel in the exam. Taking part in a test series is a good way to check your preparation and knowledge and identify the areas that need to be focused upon. If you take online coaching, then you can attempt IAS online test series which is very convenient as opposed to the offline ones.

However, if you attempt UPSC offline test through offline UPSC apps, then you get a similar experience to that of an actual examination along with tight time constraints that will make the test more realistic and effective.

Better Reach

Location is a very important factor to be taken care of while selecting a coaching centre for UPSC exams preparation. A coaching centre located close to your house is a good choice as you will save time that would have been wasted to commute.

In online coaching, you do not need to worry about the distance; you can attend online classes from any part of the world. All you need to attend an online class is a good internet connection and a device compatible with the apps you use, which is not a big thing to have nowadays. Hence, if you live in a place away from the coaching centres, then, online coaching is the way to go.

Need of Resources

Though online coaching is a boon for many as there are many advantages, you need a good internet connection to attend the same. If you reside in an area where internet connection is not good or unavailable, coaching centres are the only option if you want to prepare for your UPSC exams. While you need a good internet connection along with a smartphone or another electronic device like a laptop or a tablet for online coaching; you only need a teacher, a room to sit and a blackboard to study in case of offline coaching.

Conclusion

We have now discussed all the possible factors to consider while selecting the correct type of coaching for UPSC. We hope that your thought of online vs offline coaching for UPSC would have got a closure and you would be able to choose the one which suits all your needs. Do consider all the factors mentioned in the article before making a decision and choose the one that will help you prepare the best for IAS exams.

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