How the Internet Helps to Prepare for Competitive Exams

Introduction

India has some of the toughest competitive exams in the world. Be it the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Exam (IIT JEE), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), Common Admission Test (CAT), or Staff Selection Examination (SSC).

Every year millions of students prepare for such competitive and entrance exams, yet only a handful can clear them. As per statistics, the passing percentage in the GATE exam is just 18 per cent. Similarly, the passing rate for more challenging exams like UPSC is less than 1 per cent.

The following are some of the reasons why students fail to clear the examinations:

• The inability to enrol in coaching classes due to the high fees – which often run into lakhs of rupees per year.

• They lack support and guidance to solve their queries even after enrolling in a coaching institute.

• Some students hesitate to ask questions in class, fearing scolding by the teacher or mocking by classmates.

Thus, there arises a need to provide a platform that is not only affordable but also convenient where students can prepare for the exams effectively and, most importantly, without any hesitation.

This is where the internet for students comes into the picture. Using the internet for exam preparation can be one of the most affordable, simplest, and most effective ways for students, irrespective of their circumstances.

The popularity of using the internet for exam preparation

The internet has already penetrated our lives, thanks to the 4G revolution. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption and use of the internet for various tasks, including education and examinations. The internet has become a valuable resource for students learning and preparing for offline and online exams.

The internet for students is bliss. Students can easily attend classes and write online exams from their homes, libraries, and other places. All they need is an internet-connected device such as a laptop, computer, or smartphone.

In just a few clicks, students can get the required knowledge, guidance, tips, and help from tutors, experts, and community members. The popularity of using the internet for exam preparation has grown so much that it has affected traditional teaching models.

But, how exactly does the internet help to prepare for competitive exams? Or in other words, what are the benefits of online learning compared to traditional learning for competitive exams? Let's find out.

The benefits of using the internet for exam preparation

Students are always looking for an edge in their studies. They want to find the best resources and use them to their advantage. The internet has become one of the essential tools that students can use in their quest for academic success. There are many benefits to using the internet for exam preparation. Let's take a look at some of them.

Use online resources to find practice questions and answers

When it comes to exam preparation, practice makes one perfect. And one of the best ways to practice is by using online resources. A myriad of websites offer practice questions and answers for competitive exams, so every student can find something to suit their needs.

Plus, by doing practice questions online, students can track their progress and see which areas they need to focus on.

Of course, just doing practice questions isn't enough – the students also need to ensure they understand the concepts behind the questions. So, in addition to finding websites that offer practice questions, it's also a good idea to look for online tutorial videos that provide explanations.

That way, students can ensure that they're not just guessing at the answers but actually learning the material.

Get help from online forums and discussion groups

Anyone who has tried to prepare for a competitive exam knows it can be daunting. There are so many subjects to study. Thus, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Thankfully, online forums and discussion groups can provide support and guidance for competitive exam preparation. These forums are a great way to connect with other people studying for the same exam, and they can be an invaluable resource for sharing tips and advice.

In addition, online forums often have knowledgeable moderators who can offer their expertise on specific topics. So if students feel overwhelmed by their preparations, they can reach out to an online forum for help without hesitation.

The classes are more exciting and engaging

The internet provides a wealth of resources that can be useful for students preparing for exams. In addition to traditional study aids such as practice questions and flashcards, the internet can also offer educational videos and interactive tools.

Because of this, classes that use the internet are often more engaging and exciting for students. In addition, the internet can be a great way to connect with other students preparing for the same exam. This can provide a valuable opportunity for collaboration and peer-to-peer learning.

It saves travelling time for the students

The internet for students is also a convenient option. In the past, students would have to travel to libraries or attend physical classes to access study materials. However, the internet has made it possible to access a wealth of information from the comfort of their own home.

This helps save an hour or two daily – usually wasted commuting to and fro from the classes. The saved time can be utilised for additional studying or relaxing the mind.

Not only does the internet save students' travelling time, but it also allows them to study at their own pace and in their own time. With a fast internet connection, students can now access online courses, practice tests, and various other resources to help them ace their exams at their convenience.

Students can thus better manage their daily chores, including exam preparation, and use their time best.

Cheaper than traditional coaching classes

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, and it is no surprise that it is also changing how students prepare for exams. Traditional coaching classes can be expensive and cannot always offer personalised attention.

However, with the internet, students can access a wide range of resources at a fraction of the cost or even for free. Numerous websites and forums offer study material, sample papers, and tips for exam preparation.

In addition, online tutors can provide customised help according to the student's needs. As a result, the internet is proving to be a cheaper and more effective option for exam preparation.

Learn from experts across the country

At traditional coaching centres, students were confined to attending classes conducted by a few local teachers. Otherwise, they would have to relocate to specific areas, such as Kota, for IIT JEE preparation and to attend classes from the best teachers in the country.

However, the internet has removed all such geographical limitations. Using the internet, students can attend classes taught by subject matter experts, even if they are in another corner of the country. Students don't need to relocate and can attend classes, take online exams, and solve queries right from the comfort of their homes.

Save videos for future reference

Nowadays, more and more students are turning to the internet for exam preparation. One of the great things about using the internet for exam preparation is that students can record and save lecture videos for future reference.

This means that if students miss a lecture or want to review a particular concept, they can simply watch the recording at a time that suits them. Furthermore, many online lectures are accompanied by written notes or slides, making it easy to follow along and take notes.

Best of all, students can access online lectures from anywhere in the world, meaning that students can continue their studies even if they are travelling or away from home. Thus, students don't have to worry even if they miss a lecture as they can access it later.

Instant doubt resolution

When it comes to exam preparation, the internet is a valuable tool. One of the most significant benefits of using the internet for exam preparation is instant doubt resolution.

If students are studying for an exam and come across a concept they don't understand, they can quickly go online and find an explanation. This can save them the valuable time they would otherwise spend going through their textbooks or notes.

Moreover, they don't need to wait for the next day, as experienced with traditional classes, to get the answers to their questions. Most online educators provide 24x7 assistance to help solve the students' doubts instantly.

One-on-one attention from the online tutor

One of the best things about using the internet for exam preparation is the one-on-one attention students can get from the tutor. Teachers must divide their time and attention among all students in a traditional classroom setting.

But when students are preparing for competitive exams online, guided by a tutor, they're guaranteed to get their undivided attention. This means they can get personalised help and feedback on their exam preparations.

And because the tutor is just a click away, students can get the help they need whenever they want it – even if it's in the middle of the night, as mentioned earlier.

Better interview preparation

One of the least talked about benefits of using the internet for exam preparation is how beneficial they are for interview preparation. With most exams, students have to give an interview after they clear the written exam to get selected for the job. The internet can also help students be better prepared for this examination stage.

By using the internet to research potential interview questions, students can enter their interview with confidence, knowing that they're prepared to answer any question that comes their way.

For instance, many YouTube channels offer tips regarding preparing for UPSC interviews. These videos explain how the students should dress, how they should greet the interview panel, and how they should maintain their body language throughout the interview. Additionally, they also showcase similar types of questions that are asked in such interviews.

These can help aspiring students better prepare for their interviews after cracking written exams by leveraging the internet – a win-win situation.

Additionally, the internet can help students learn more about the latest information about the organisation they're interviewing with, giving them an edge over the competition. For instance, students who have cleared the Combined Defence Service (CDS) exam can find the latest news, data, and other information about the army on the internet. This can help them perform better in the interview rounds.

The future of the internet in competitive exam preparation

The future of the internet in competitive exam preparation is very bright. It has already made inroads into the field and is being used by many students to prepare for their exams.

The main benefit of using the internet for competitive exam preparation is that it provides students with a vast amount of information at their fingertips at almost zero cost. Thus, the use of the internet for exam preparation will only increase in the upcoming years as the internet becomes more accessible and affordable.

Conclusion

Digital learning is here to stay. The number of students turning towards the internet for competitive exam preparation will increase as more students and parents start understanding the importance and benefits of using the internet for exam preparation.