The COVID-19 pandemic served to accelerate what was eventually going to be an inevitability – IAS coaching classes becoming online. This doesn’t mean that offline classes have lost their importance either.
Now not everyone can find online coaching classes to their liking as some will still prefer offline mode of teaching. Besides it should be kept in mind that what one works for one person may not work for another
The choice between online vs offline coaching is an important one. Students have to crack. THe right choice will make all the difference between victory and defeat in the UPSC Exams.Â
In this article, we will highlight the difference between offline and online coaching which will eventually help in choosing the best IAS Coaching in India
Difference between Online and Offline Coaching
While both online and offline coaching are desirable means to prepare for UPSC exams, each candidate has a different preference. Both come with their fair share of advantages and disadvantages, the details of which will be discussed in detail below:
1. Ease of Access: In this regard, offline coaching takes the lead. Through apps by coaching institutes such as BYJU’S, one can access UPSC Coaching from anywhere, anytime from the convenience of their homes. In a world affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic one this seems to be the practical option.Â
The same feature is not available in offline coaching as one has to be physically present at the venue for classes. It is also time-consuming as one has to commute long hours at the palace where the classes are being held.
2. Clarifying Doubts: Learning something new will lead to doubts inevitably. How they are resolved in both online and offline coaching is different. In an online set up a message is sent to the teacher online and he/she has to read that message to understand the doubt in order to clarify. It is a tedious process if not time-consuming.
But this is not a problem for offline coaching, these amounts can be resolved in an instant. Along with learning them, a teacher can also have a discussion with the students to delve more on the topic. Such a flexibility is not available for online coaching.
3. Fees: UPSC Coaching is an expensive affair and the vast majority of students cannot afford them. As such they look for quality coaching that is affordable. As far as fees are concerned, offline coaching is far more expensive than the online variant. The reason for the same is the expense incurred buy a coaching centre for offline classes
Online coaching is cheaper as all one needs is a camera and whiteboard., while an entire building is needed for offline coaching, the rent of which is covered by the fees paid. This is why online coaching is far cheaper than offline coaching.
4. Proper environment while giving tests: Regular tests are an important part of UPSC Exams preparation. It helps the candidates to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of their preparation and thus identify the areas that need improvement. Both offline and online can be effective in their own way.Â
Online coaching is more convenient than their offline counterparts while offline variants will give the feeling of the actual examination along with the time constraints that will make the test more realistic and effective.
- Effective Reach: When selecting a coaching centre for UPSC, location is an important factor that needs to be kept in mind. A coaching centre located close to your residence is a better choice as it will save time regarding commute.
Online coaching basically eliminates the need to worry about the distance, one can attend online classes from any part of the world. All one needs is a good internet connection and compatible device for an online class, which is not hard to come by these days. Hence when it comes to living in far away places, then offline coaching is the best option.
- Need for resources: While online coaching comes with a lot of advantages, an effective internet connection is needed regardless. While normally that is not a problem, it can be a major hindrance if one is living in an area with bad internet. After all, internet penetration is not at par compared to other places. 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
If you are living in Delhi, one can refer to the IAS Coaching in Delhi page, to choose from the best coaching institutes available in the city.