Social media and the UPSC exams- an uncanny combination that would raise many eyebrows. If you are an IAS aspirant, the world would expect you to lock yourself in a room, bury your head in the study material, and say goodbye to movies, TV and especially social media.
Social Media: Yay or Nay for Your IAS Goals?
The truth is, social media can and should be a part of your preparation routine for the UPSC exams. These platforms are drastically changing the way we communicate. People use it to imprint their presence, grow their businesses and market their brands. In short, social media is hip and happening. So why shouldn’t you make the most of this digital world? Our blog explores the many ways you can use social media to effectively enhance your UPSC journey. Let’s dive straight into the details.
Guidelines For IAS Aspirants To Harness The Power Of Social Media
What does an IAS aspirant do on social media? Experts from Chinmaya Academy of Civil Services, the leading IAS training institute, say aspirants should chart a proper social media strategy. The trick is to use social media judiciously rather than get addicted to it. These eight guidelines will help you practice the disciplined usage of social media and use it as a powerful tool to succeed in the exams and beyond.
1. Pick the right platform
The digital world is inundated with more than a hundred social media platforms offering everything you require for your exam preparations. In short, there’s nothing that you cannot find on social media. From the latest news updates and lectures on specific topics to quizzes and useful tips, you can find it all right here.
That said, it does not mean that you have to subscribe to every platform that’s out there. Choose two or three channels that complement your efforts and make your time worthwhile. Make sure you subscribe to a few good coaching institute channels and newspaper portals like The Hindu and Indian Express.
Word of caution: Do not oversubscribe, or you will end up checking your notifications or glancing at your friend’s wall to read their status updates.
2. Collect study material
Online platforms prove extremely useful for IAS aspirants to pursue their preparations even during pandemic lockdowns. Apps like Zoom, Whatsapp, Skype, etc., allow aspirants to source and share valuable study materials. Therefore such apps are a must if you want to:
- Keep in touch with your mentors, the teaching faculty, and co-aspirants.
- Download free study materials, PDF documents, and monthly journals
- Attend online lectures and coaching sessions from any location
- Participate in virtual classrooms and professional meetings
- Participate in quizzes, online mock tests and discussions
3. Stay motivated
Being a UPSC aspirant is no cakewalk, and staying motivated, happy, and confident every single day is no walk in the park either. The monotony and toughness of the preparation journey can sometimes demoralise you. So, every time you feel like quitting, you can watch inspirational videos or read the success stories of IAS toppers. You can also use social media platforms to explore and implement your winning strategies.
4. Gather current information
You are wasting time if you are not using social media to stay abreast of the current issues. These platforms open the door to unlimited content that’s constantly streaming via e-newspapers, blogs, and e-magazines. So what if you’ve banished your TV for the sake of your exams? You can always watch the news clips on YouTube and other such platforms as and when they happen.
5. Build your network & connections
Aspirants can utilise social media to connect with the public, engage in collaborative research, and work in groups. The social environment also serves as an ideal platform for introverts to feel comfortable and communicate effectively with fellow aspirants. However, if you are on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, learn to use it wisely. Restrict yourself from visiting your profile only once a day or once every two days.
6. Tackle uncertainty
In these highly unpredictable pandemic times, there’s no saying how and when the situation will change. Therefore, staying digitally connected is a mandatory prerequisite, especially when tackling personal, social, and economic issues. Social media platforms serve as a window to connect with aspirants all over the country. You can find solace and derive inspiration from how others are tackling these pandemic-related issues.
7. Gain global exposure
The internet is an ocean of information, and social media enables aspirants to share their findings with their peers at a rapid speed. There are unlimited websites, tutorial videos, lecture videos, and webinar links that you can utilise. Apart from information, you can also share your:
- Views and opinions
- Exam-writing strategies
- Revision tips and tricks
8. Beat stress
So, you are an IAS aspirant, but that doesn’t mean you have to be grim and serious all the time. Social media platforms can help you beat the stress and strain when bogged down with too much work. You can:
- Take a look at the funny memes
- Share a joke or thoughts
- Post your study strategies
A few light moments will fuel your mind with the energy and motivation you need to continue your revision.
Understanding The Responsibility Of Using Social Media
Social media is a double -edged sword.There is no doubt that you can derive many benefits from social media platforms. However, there is one cardinal rule to remember: Moderation is the key. You can easily get distracted when you log in to your social media profile. To avoid getting lost in the ocean of information, you can:
- Set a specific time frame
- Follow only one or two social media platforms
- Use social media with a goal
- Refrain from using platforms that are not useful
Remember that anything you utilise should contribute positively to your UPSC preparations rather than making you waste your precious time.
Would you like to gain expert guidance about using social media for your IAS exam preparations? Feel free to contact our Chinmaya Academy of Civil Services team, Chennai.