The dream to become an IAS officer attracts millions of students each year to give one of the most challenging exams in the world, the UPSC. In the past five years, roughly a million students have applied for the prelims each year, and the selection rate of UPSC is lower than any other institution in the world at 0.2%.
As per the seasoned veterans and coaches, it takes a minimum of two years to prepare for the exam. Since the onset of the pandemic and even before, the idea of a UPSC online course has been flourishing. Doing an online course helps the students to cover the vast syllabus of the civil services exam at their own pace, and these days, it is the primary choice of many.
Now, the problem arises: which online institute or coaching to join as all the institutes teaching online claim to be the best. So, here are a few tips on deciding which online coaching is best for UPSC. Consider these factors before joining a coaching institute for UPSC online courses.
- Proper and transparent communication
Analyze the way and the medium through which they conduct the classes. Communication between faculty and a student is the primary factor in ensuring a great understanding of the subject matter. Without proper interaction neither, the student will be able to grasp the subject now will the student ask questions.
- Experience of Faculty
The guide or faculty is the factor to pay the most attention to. An experienced faculty is better capable of guiding the students to the treasure of IAS. While most teachers do not have a problem in offline mode, some teachers tend to get camera shy, so ensure that teachers are well capable of conducting an online class smoothly. Try to talk to one of the current students or even attend a trial session to assess whether the faculty is well experienced.
- Study material
It takes studying a lot of different resources to clear the UPSC exam. Online videos, or live classes, are helpful, but study materials are there 24*7 and are essential for clearing the UPSC. Ensure that the institute has resources to provide you with the best study materials, in the form of PDFs, E-books, soft notes, and others.
- Stress on Current Affairs
There is the significant importance of current affairs in the IAS examination. Since this subject has no set syllabus and is very dynamic, it becomes crucial to stay updated with current affairs and study them regularly. If not, then the subject piles up and is difficult to catch up with. So, check whether the institute conducts a regular class where current critical affairs are discussed.
- Sectional Test
A good institute must conduct sectional tests regularly after completing certain subjects and even midway through the syllabus. These tests are essential to finding the weak and potent topics for a student.
- Writing sessions
So, the way a candidate writes the civil services exam reflects their level of thinking. A candidate must display a level of thinking like an IAS, and selectors judge it by answering questions. Ask the online institute if they conduct regular writing sessions. Without having the right way to answer questions, clearing the test will be difficult. So, are some of the factors one should consider before choosing to coach for UPSC online courses. Choose an institute that best serves you and qualifies as the best option for you.