What Is Better? Coaching V/S Self-Study For UPSC Preparation

Looking at the syllabus of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, almost every aspirant faces a dilemma on How and from where to start the preparation for this exam. Since the syllabus and the structure of the examination is in itself a lengthy process, one cannot exactly figure out the correct way to start the preparation. Hence, the aspirants, as a beginner, always go through the dilemma of whether to join a UPSC Coaching to prepare for the exam or to prepare by Self-Study for UPSC. Honestly speaking, there is no perfect answer to this question. There are numerous examples of candidates clearing this exam in both ways. There are certain pros and cons with both paths. Here, based on our analysis, we have tried to depict both ways in a simplistic manner so as to make the UPSC Aspirants choose their way with ease.

Coaching V/S Self-Study For UPSC Preparation

Preparation Through A UPSC Coaching:

Pros:

– The first and foremost role a UPSC Coaching institute plays is to provide the right direction in the very beginning phase of your preparation. There are more than 15 subjects and aspects that an aspirant learns during this preparation. Choosing the right combination among them is a crucial decision that can kickstart your preparation which you can sustain for a longer period of time.

– Today, there are numerous books and materials available for every subject of UPSC-CSE. You may find almost 5 to 10 books or materials for one particular subject. As a beginner, aspirants do not have the idea of how to choose the right material for their study and hence are misguided. Here, UPSC Coaching plays an important role in guiding you and providing you with the right set of study materials that is suitable for your preparation.

– The very diversity of this examination is hidden in its structure. The three levels, viz., Prelims, Mains and Interview, require different skill sets at a time in order to clear this exam in your first attempt. Reading is just one part of your preparation. One needs to develop MCQs Solving ability, Answer Writing skills and a personality suitable for a civil servant to clear this exam. The UPSC Coaching, at every point of your preparation, guides you to develop these skills and also evaluates and improves your skill sets. 

– The last advantage is the required environment for UPSC-CSE. Being one of the toughest competitive exams, UPSC aspirants should always feel the competitive environment around them. As there are many students coming from different backgrounds and having different abilities and experiences with this exam, all of this is available in one place, that is your UPSC Coaching Institute. So, by joining the coaching, an aspirant always lives and prepares in an environment where he/she has to constantly keep improving or else will be driven out of this arena.

Cons:

– One of the major challenges associated with UPSC Coaching is the associated cost. Since the coaching institutes invest a large amount in providing quality coaching to the students, they have to keep their fees higher. But this is not affordable for many. Nowadays, there are many coaching institutes that provide instalments facilities in order to provide coaching at the ease of the students.

– Choosing the Best UPSC Coaching is also a major challenge. Almost all the coaching institutes provide the same facilities. Choosing the right coaching needs to analyze the team members and experience of the faculties who teach there and how they focus on your skill development. It is a tough task, but one has to do it carefully while choosing Best UPSC Coaching for Preparation.

Preparation Through Self-Study:

Pros:

– The major advantage you get while preparing through self-study is that you are your own guide. You can choose the combination of subjects in which you find yourself comfortable reading in the beginning. 

– While preparing from self-study, you can adjust your daily timetable according to your comfort, which is not there when you prepare at a coaching institute. 

– Generally, this mode of preparation is chosen by the working professionals who are unable to manage and cope with the timing and pace of the coaching institutes. 

Cons:

– You need to self-introspect yourself at every stage and phase of your preparation. In the process of your performance evaluation, one cannot judge himself/herself as efficiently as an expert mentor in this field can. It is rightly said that “Not all Humans are able to see their own mistakes.”

– It takes time when you find your mistakes on your own and correct them one by one. In this process, one may miss the chance to clear this exam on the first attempt. It takes 2 to 3 years to get yourself ready for every stage of this exam. 

So, as we said earlier, there is no perfect answer to this question, but candidates choose their way according to their capabilities and suitability. In case of any confusion over what to choose, always feel free to talk to expert mentors of DELHI INSTITUTE FOR CIVIL SERVICES (DICS), which has been awarded as Best UPSC / IAS Coaching in Gujarat by News18 Network.