UPSC and similar competitive examinations open up a vast field of opportunities for anyone interested in government administrative jobs. It’s a level-playing field, open for anyone with the right determination, dedication and perseverance.
Availability of free online videos, mock tests and free ebooks has made preparation for UPSC more affordable.
But do you know the right ways to use free UPSC online coaching resources? This article discusses some interesting strategies. Stay with us.
What Does It Take To Appear In The UPSC CSE?
The only academic condition to appear in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is that the candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree from any UGC-recognized university. It sets the minimum age limit at 21 years.
Except for a few exceptions, any general category student can appear in the exam till the age of 32 years. So, you get approximately 6 attempts. It’s ample time to prepare and strengthen your weaknesses. Many UPSC aspirants succeed after 3 or 4 attempts. There are several instances of clearing the personal interview in the last attempt.
Besides, if you prepare in the right way, the process helps build your aptitude and attitude toward administrative jobs. You can easily succeed in other competitive exams and state level public services.
Availability Of Free Study Materials
UPSC CSE syllabus is vast, but it follows 11th and 12th standard NCERT curriculum for almost all subjects. Besides, digital social media has opened up a floodgate of free tutorial videos, podcasts, vlogs and other types of UPSC-specific content.
So, there is no dearth of free study materials if you know where to look. Some of the reliable sources of free UPSC study materials are:
- NCERT free ebooks - You can read online or download topic specific ebooks free of cost from this site.
- UPSC Syllabus and question pattern - You will get entire information on UPSC subject-wise syllabus, exam notification, rules and regulations related to Prelims, Mains and PI rounds.
- Specimen questions with answer booklets - This page is the source of sample questions and answers for all the competitive exams UPSC conducts.
- Daily press releases for news and analysis - Central Government of India publishes press releases on all relevant events. You can prepare your current affairs following the Press Information Bureau website. You should follow the social media channels of PIB for daily news updates.
- PIB e-booklets - These booklets offer detailed information and analysis on government programmes and schemes.
- PIB explainers - PIB explainers are detailed information and analysis of different ministry-specific schemes and events. You can get authentic knowledge from these explainers.
- Daily national and international news updates - Press Trust of India is the reliable source for news updates related to UPSC CSE preparation.
These sources of study materials can help you afford UPSC online coaching almost free of cost. However,
Challenges Of Using Free Study Materials
Entire information and study materials necessary to succeed in UPSC CSE are freely available in public domains. Even many institutes offer the UPSC Prelims Mock Test free of cost.
However, using freely available UPSC preparation materials is not free of challenges.
- Zero personalization - No two persons are similar in their requirements. But free resources are tailored for all. It means they do not cater to the special requirements of individual candidates.
- Zero quality maintenance - Quality of free study materials significantly varies. For candidates, it might create an excess burden and time losses.
- Lack of guidance and feedback - Assessment and feedback are critical parts of learning. Free resources lack both these essential components.
- Lack of depth - UPSC candidates require developing their analytical and critical thinking skills. Free learning materials often lack width and depth of knowledge.
Tips: How To Correctly Use Free UPSC Study Materials?
Some of the effective ways to use free study materials are:
- Review and identify authentic sources.
- Organize the free sources as per subjects and topics.
- Avoid following too many sources for any topic.
- Study in a group with fellow UPSC aspirants
- Choose one-to-one guidance.
- Regularly take online mock tests for Prelims and Mains.
- Maintain self-discipline and motivation.
Conclusion
It is not at all difficult to succeed in UPSC studying only freely available materials. Many have achieved the same. However, it takes a lot more time, dedication, discipline and motivation. You can also take the help of many affordable UPSC online coaching facilities. Check https://www.iasgyan.in/. They offer Prelims Mirror—one of the best UPSC Prelims Mock Tests, free of cost.
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