Millions of individuals in India dream of becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as well as joining other services such as the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The recruitment process for about 20 services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS, is conducted through the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE).
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) manages the entire recruitment procedure. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of India’s most challenging and prestigious exams.
It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to crack it. Many aspirants rely on coaching centers for guidance, but with the growing trend of online learning, many are now opting for UPSC online courses.
This article will discuss the benefits of taking a UPSC online course, how to choose the right one, and what to expect from a coaching center for UPSC. There are many aspects of UPSC preparation.
Benefits of Taking a UPSC Online Course
- Flexibility: Online courses offer great flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and convenience.
- Cost-effective: It makes it easier for students to get a quality education without putting too much strain on their finances.
- Access to a wide range of resources: Online courses provide students with access to a vast array of study materials, including videos, e-books, and online discussions with other students.
- Convenient access to updates: Online courses are updated regularly to ensure that students get the latest information and syllabus changes.
How To Choose the Right UPSC Online Course?
- Look for quality content: Ensure that the online course you choose has quality content and is taught by experienced faculty.
- Check for interactive features: Look for online courses, such as live classes and online discussions.
- Consider the cost: While cost should not be the only factor in choosing an online course, it is important to consider it as it can impact your decision.
- Read reviews: Read reviews from previous students to get an idea of the quality of the course and the level of support provided.
What to Expect From UPSC Coaching Centers?
- Expert guidance: The coaching center UPSC offers expert guidance from experienced faculty who deeply understand the UPSC exam.
- Classroom atmosphere: Coaching centers provide a structured and disciplined environment, ideal for students who need a more structured approach to their studies.
- Access to study materials: Coaching centers often provide students with access to a wide range of study materials, including books, practice tests, and online resources.
- Personalized attention: Coaching centers offer customized attention to each student, helping them to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
What Should Be Your Approach When Preparing for the UPSC Exam?
The first approach to preparing for UPSC CSE is through self-study. While it is possible to pass the exam this way, it is more time-consuming than using expert coaching and proper resources. It is rare for someone to secure a top rank in their first attempt through self-preparation alone unless they begin early.
The vast syllabus of UPSC CSE takes a lot of time to cover through self-study, often multiple years, and requires discipline and self-motivation to stick with it. Many self-studiers lose focus and take 3-4 years without completing half the topics.
For individuals with limited time, such as working professionals or college students, self-study is not the best option as they need a more efficient method to cover the material faster. In conclusion, while self-study is cheaper, it is not recommended for those who value their time highly.
It’s not embarrassing to seek proper training to enhance your knowledge and skills. However, joining a UPSC coaching center, either online or offline, can help you learn topics quickly and make the best use of your time.
Quality coaching provides essential resources such as study materials, mock exams, expert classes for each subject, and strategies to increase your marks. However, not all coaching centers are created equal. Some offer high-quality guidance and exam-focused training, while others may not deliver value for money despite charging high fees.
It’s important to note that the methods used by traditional coaching institutes may not be effective for cracking the latest UPSC requirements and changing patterns. Therefore, aspirants should carefully consider the quality of coaching and the credibility of the faculty before joining any center.
Don’t be swayed by popular trends or advertisements. Instead, try to assess the coaching quality and credibility of the staff on your own. For example, studies and research have shown that people learn faster and retain information better through video than other methods, such as textbooks.
It has been proven in various studies, such as one published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, where students who viewed a video on a subject performed better on a quiz than those who read a textbook on the same topic.
Another research indicated that seeing a video on a difficult subject helped students understand and retain the knowledge better than reading or watching a lecture. The study was published in Science.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, UPSC online courses and coaching centers have advantages and disadvantages. While online courses offer great flexibility and convenience, coaching centers provide a structured and disciplined environment with expert guidance.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and learning style. However, with the right approach and dedication, anyone can crack the UPSC exam and become a civil servant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many hours do UPSC students sleep?
UPSC aspirants are also normal people who have to sleep properly. An average person needs 6-8 hours of sleep, and UPSC aspirants also need 6-8 hours of sleep. The duration of sleep might differ from person to person. So many aspirants don’t get proper sleep, hindering their preparation after some days. Get proper sleep for better performance.
2. How many hours do IAS toppers study?
You might have heard that toppers study 20-22 hours daily, but it’s not true. Generally, a topper studies 6-15 hours a day and differs from person to person based on strategy and execution. For example, some students required 6 hours a day, while some required 10 hours a day. Make a strategy and study with total concentration.
3. Can I prepare for UPSC at home in 1 year?
Yes, you can prepare for the UPSC exam from anywhere, and one year is enough for the UPSC preparation. Take UPSC preparation as a full-time job and give a minimum of 6-8 hours a day for preparation. The exam covers a vast syllabus, and if you want to prepare in one year, make a systematic study plan and cover the syllabus.
