Can You Crack Competitive Job Exams Without IAS, WBCS Online Coaching? Self-study Mantras

Can I crack WBCS by self study? Or IAS, OAS, etc? This is a common question that comes up in mind whenever a candidate decides to appear in government job exams. And there is no simple answer to it. Yes, many people have cleared these exams attending no full-time physical or online courses. But will that be practical for your context? 

This article discusses self-study vs coaching courses debate in the context of WBCS online coaching program. 

What is considered as self-study? 

We often mistake self-study with not attending physical classroom-based courses and tuitions. With the evolution of digital social media platforms, preparation for UPSC, WBCS, or similar exams has transformed completely. Earlier, candidates had only 3 options to study and prepare for competitive exams. 

1. Attending tuition classes in coaching institutes 

2. Joining courses offered in distance modes (usually through post or courier)

3. Doing everything (arranging textbooks, checking references, making notes, practising, etc) on their own 

The third option is self-study in the conventional sense. However, today we have plenty of books, references, online videos, social media groups and coaching institutes in cities and towns across India. So, there is hardly any option to self-study in the conventional sense.  

What are the pros and cons of self-study? 

Earlier candidates used to self-study because of poor availability of quality textbooks, references or coaching facilities in the vicinity. Only significant benefit of self-study today is the flexibility of time. You do not have to attend a class or travel to a coaching center or move to another city. You may save on fees for coaching programs but it may not be significant as you need to spend on newspapers, magazines, books and other stationeries. 

Self-study may cause significant unnecessary difficulties for UPSC, WBCS, or other competitive exam aspirants. Some of them are: 

• Excessive time to consult multiple textbooks to understand a complex topic 

• Wastage of time in preparing notes 

• Difficulties in assessing your own performance  

• Learning and practicing time management 

• Difficulties in overcoming exam fright 

• Staying motivated throughout the journey 

What are the benefits of IAS or WBCS coaching courses? 

Unlike self-study, coaching courses and programs can offer multiple benefits to any candidates aspiring to secure a government job through competitive exams. Some of the unique benefits of any courses from top institutes are:

• Structured curriculum 

• Regularly updated course materials 

• Classroom interaction on complex concepts 

• Doubt-clearing sessions 

• Tutor-invigilated class tests for regular practice 

• Review and feedback for continuous performance review 

• Test series programs 

Besides, coaching courses help UPSC and WBCS candidates to stay motivated throughout the journey. Often candidates require more than one attempt to clear these exams. 

Bottom-line 

You can clear UPSC or WBCS or similar exams by self-studying. However, coaching programs significantly improve your chances of success with the minimum time invested. IAS academy kolkata online coaching offers flexibility of self-study with benefits of classroom coaching. Are you looking for an IAS academy in Kolkata?  Check https://aptiplus.in/. They offer one of the best WBCS coaching courses in Eastern India.