Why Coaching for Competitive Exams? Online Class a Gamechanger!

Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximise their own performance. It's helping them to learn rather than teaching them." - Timothy Gallwey.

 

It might not be sufficient to only prepare on your own amid today's fierce competition. That’s when the coaching for competitive exams comes to the aid. A carefully planned and organised coaching program can help you succeed by giving you professional advice and exam-cracking methods, as well as confidence-boosting exercises. You must put in a lot of effort and determination to prepare yourself to stand out, starting with mastering the particular exam pattern and expanding your knowledge!
 

Coaching for Competitive Exams: A necessity or trend for modern students?

The increasing use of coaching centers has resulted in a rise in the success rate of students attempting to get admission to India's best institutions through entrance tests. The growth of coaching facilities has caused a change in India's educational policies and raised questions about the effectiveness of these institutions.  

This has made parents line up to enroll their children in coaching classes, believing it will magically transform their lives. The enormous demands placed on students in today's society to perform well in school have directly led to the development of multiple coaching institutions across India.

There is a lot of hype about coaching classes or coaching for competitive exams, so many people think taking one is a good idea. However, before admission into coaching classes, one must go through the top advantages and disadvantages of joining the coaching institute.

Top 6 Advantages of Coaching Classes:

Here are the top advantages of joining the coaching classes for competitive exams:
 

An organised learning environment:

Success in competitive exams is more than mere knowledge; it's a cumulative collection of strategy, time management, and a profound understanding of the exam pattern. Coaching classes are well-equipped with a structured learning environment, including a strategic study plan and mentorship. These study plans are curated by subject matter experts and mentors who intend to make the syllabus more convenient and inclusive so that students can understand and learn everything systematically.
 

A mentorship program led by an expert:

Coaching for competitive exams is not just about learning or mastering the subjects; it involves personalised attention and often grooming for students to become ideal candidates for that particular examination. Also, former exam toppers or seasoned educators help students gain insights into textbooks and amendments. They also act as motivation for the students through their guidance and problem-solving.
 

An extensive study material

Competitive exams frequently feature an extensive syllabus, making it difficult to separate essential topics from unimportant ones. Coaching centers do provide well-chosen study resources to address this issue. These resources are designed to address every detail on the syllabus, freeing up students' time to concentrate on learning the pertinent subject. Moreover, the provision of past years' question papers facilitates understanding the exam format and tendencies, an essential element of readiness.
 

Regular performance assessments and mock tests

Competitive exam coaching programs regularly administer mock exams to candidates, giving them a sense of what an actual exam is like. These assessments let candidates assess their development, identify their strong and weak points, and assess their exam readiness.  As part of coaching programs, instructors assess students' performance on practice exams and help them identify their weaknesses and improve them. This feedback loop allows them to improve their exam-taking techniques and strengthen their areas of weakness, which boosts their confidence and improves their performance on test day.

A well-bonded support system

Preparing for a competitive exam is a complex and emotionally draining experience. Coaching facilities are aware of the psychological toll it can have on students. As a result, many organisations currently provide psychological and emotional help. These universities are not complete without counsellors and inspirational speakers who assist students in managing stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. With this all-encompassing approach, youngsters are guaranteed to be mentally tough and academically prepared.

Taking advantage of peer learning

Exam preparation can be difficult, taking months or even years of committed work. In supportive coaching institutes, aspirants can engage with like-minded peers, exchange knowledge, and seek inspiration. Surrounded by like-minded people, a competitive culture that encourages development and constructive peer learning is fostered. In coaching facilities, people are motivated to exceed their boundaries and pursue greatness through group energy and friendship.

Disadvantages of Coaching Classes:

Just like the two sides of any coin, coaching classes do have some disadvantages that one should keep in mind: 
 

• Higher costs

Coaching centers charge outrageous fees for competitive test preparation in particular. In addition to tuition, additional fees can be charged for study materials and assignments. If a family cannot afford these expenses, they may have trouble supporting their children's desire to participate in competitive exams.
 

• Anxiety due to academic pressure 

Competitive exam preparation is, by its very nature, stressful. Students struggle to balance various responsibilities, such as school or college homework, which wears them out. Students may also experience burnout from the heavy workload of coaching classes and traditional academics.
 

• Minimal Time for Self-Study: 

Since coaching classes, college and school schedules are rigorous, there isn't much time for self-study and self-analysis. The student's understanding of subjects and themes may suffer from the lack of dedicated study time.
 

• Multi-Coaching Needed:

Competitive exams frequently cover a variety of courses, including physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, General knowledge, and Reasoning. Enrolling in various institutes may be necessary because a single coaching center may not provide sufficient coverage of all these courses. This results in higher costs and an excessive amount of work.
 

How do you choose the best Coaching Institute for you?

Choosing the perfect coaching institute that suits your needs and boosts your academic performance is a diligent decision. It is important to consider several factors, including past results, faculty qualifications, course curriculum, and student reviews on many platforms, including Google, Just Dial, and other listing websites. Another critical factor of the coaching process is Online or Offline sessions:

The question coaching students often deal with is whether Online or Offline - which one is better? 

However, there is no perfect answer for this, as students can use online and offline class resources for exam preparation and improving themselves. By joining the online classes, students can access the learning material and modules anytime and anywhere via LMS. The online classes also include various features such as group sessions, group chat, and messaging apps.

 

"People think of the 'E' in eLearning as 'electronic'. And certainly it's electronic. But here's a few more E's – Everywhere learning, Everyday learning, Engaging learning, Evolving learning .."

 – Elliot Masie

In contrast to any time and anywhere learning, offline classes allow students and teachers to engage in one-on-one learning sessions. Furthermore, offline classes have the least distractions, making it easier for students to focus and pay attention. Students can choose a mode of coaching classes based on their requirements and the needs of the hour. However, the few mistakes students should avoid while selecting their coaching journey are below. 

Students can choose a mode of coaching classes based on their requirements and the needs of the hour. However, the few mistakes students should avoid while selecting their coaching journey are below.

 

What are the mistakes to avoid when selecting a coaching institute?

1. Not finding the right institute.

When you select the institute, ensure your goals align with the institution. For example, few institutes have guidance and mentoring sessions with industry experts who can guide and groom you for a future career. If you are not looking for this kind of service, joining such an institute can hamper your time and academic process. Hence, it's important to join an institute that suits your goals.
 

2. Costs 

The cost of coaching sessions or membership fees is different for each coaching institute and often includes other charges for extra classes or materials, etc. So before you gain official admission to the institute, inquire about all kinds of fees, direct and indirect. Also, remember that cost and education standards are not parallel pillars in coaching institutes.
 

3. Exam-driven decision 

Most students consider the coaching institute only because they want to clear the test. Coaching institutes, on the other hand, assist in developing academic and professional habits. 

Coaching isn't a one-time or one-term event; it acts as a support system until success is achieved. Make sure the institution you choose has a repeated class system or a one-time fee so that if you fail, you can retake the classes.

Apart from the above mistakes, students tend to fall through the cracks of common myths regarding competitive coaching classes, such as,

 

• Coaching classes guarantee success: 

Keep in mind that your success depends on the student's effort, aptitude, and other external circumstances, not solely on the coaching.
 

• Coaching classes are similar to school education: 

Students moving to coaching classes after the 12th might consider it as school education where they will be spoon-fed. That's not the case; coaching classes help you prepare and groom for the competitive exam, but ultimately, your efforts are important.
 

• Coaching classes are essential for success: 

That's one of the biggest beliefs of both parents and students. It is undoubtedly beneficial to receive coaching, but many successful people have reached their goals by self-studying, mentoring, or following alternative educational pursuits.
 

• Only coaching classes can lead to top institutions.

Just like you have seen in '12th fail', several classes have begun the campaign that bigger and better coaching classes can open the doorway to the top institution. There are UPSC toppers like IAS officer Tejasvi Rana who have cracked UPSC exams without coaching. 
 

• Long hours lead to better results.

As we have all learned from childhood, studying longer hours will give you better results. The same applies to coaching institutes, the longer the class is, the better the results. Keep in mind that smart work and better grades are key to success.

The Rise of YouTube Coaching in India - a unique way of learning.

In recent times, the digital landscape has undergone a drastic transformation in terms of the education system. YouTube has emerged as a powerful platform for learning, giving various learners a platform to enhance their knowledge and skills.

 

Apart from the vast viewership, YouTube coaching is known for the diversity of content available on the platform. Students can find learning solutions for subjects like mathematics, science, history, literature, and languages abound. Moreover, there are specialised channels focused on exam preparation for competitive tests like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the Civil Services Examination (UPSC), and many others.

 

The cost benefits of YouTube coaching have been pivotal to learners with a vision of study, but the problem of finances has also been a problem. YouTube coaches such as Khan sir, Alakh Pandey, commonly known as Physics Wallah, and Dr. Vikas Diyakirti from Drishti IAS Coaching Classes have changed the momentum of competitive exam coaching in India.

Tutoring vs Coaching

As a student, you must be wondering where to go for just tutoring or coaching. Here are key differences that will help you to determine the best one for you.

"A tutor teaches you what you need to know.

 A coach helps you unlock what you already know." - Unknown

 

 

 

FAQs

1. How can I choose the right coaching class?

Answer: Compare previous student reviews, past results, course curriculums, faculty members, and session timings of different institutes.
 

2. Are there any additional costs or fees associated with coaching classes?

Answer: Before enrolling in a coaching course, you should inquire about any additional fees or charges associated with it, such as course materials, examination fees, or extracurricular activities.
 

3. Shall I go for online or offline coaching classes?

Answer: It depends on various factors such as the location of classes, the cost of the classes and your ability to learn. You can compare all these factors and determine the mode of education.
 

4. What are the benefits of joining a coaching class?

Answer: A coaching class provides a structured learning environment, individualised attention, and guidance from experienced teachers. In addition to providing a platform for students to interact and share ideas, coaching classes offer regular assessments and evaluations to track progress.
 

5. Are there any financial assistance options available for coaching classes?

Answer: Coaching institutes or educational organisations may offer scholarships, grants, or payment plans to students who need financial assistance. When researching coaching classes, you should ask about financial assistance options.