Gateway to global success
he entry of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the education sector has had a tremendous impact, especially in preparations for competitive exams like the Civil Service Exams (CSE), conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The introduction of easily accessible AI tools is revolutionising the way aspirants prepare. But this brings up the question: Can relying only on AI guarantee success in the UPSC?
TAttractive tool
While tech-savvy aspirants are lured by the prospect of an AI-powered study tool, the path to success isn’t dependent on AI alone. Instead, students must nd the right balance between smartly utilising the capabilities of AI and recognising that there is no substitute for human guidance.
The biggest advantage AI oers is the ability to condense and summarise enormous volumes of information. It allows information to be distilled into bite-sized, AI-powered insights, encapsulates the essence of complex subjects creates personalised learning paths, interactive visualisations, and easily memorised summaries. This saves a huge amount of time and allows students to better focus on truly comprehending and engaging with their study material.
Pitfalls
But this also presents a new challenge: navigating this neatly ordered, AI-prepared information without succumbing to distraction. Preparing for examinations in the pre-AI era demanded a great deal of attention and dedication. But, in an age when smart and interactive devices have become omnipresent, the human attention span has seen a sharp decline. A study by Microsoft states that the average attention span has dropped from 12 seconds to eight seconds since 2000. With AI tools now taking away much of the burden of studying, this trend is only set to get worse. Mastering focus and the ability to lter distractions becomes paramount. In such a situation, experienced mentors who can guide aspirants through this information while also instilling traits such as focus, consistency, and motivation are indispensable.
Human factor
Despite AI’s entry to exam preparation, what sets a successful candidate apart is their psychological resilience and the presence of a mentor, who may even have rst-hand experience of the exam and can provide strategic insights, psychological support, and learning from personal experience, along with extensive practice for the interview process.
While AI can provide condensed knowledge and personalised learning paths, a mentor can directly address an aspirant’s strengths and weaknesses and provide real-time feedback, leading to continuous improvement. While AI-powered tools can be used strategically aspirants must remember these are tools, not substitutes.
Also remember that AI, as advanced as it may be, still has inherent limitations. While it can reorganise and repackage information, it cannot replicate the process of human understanding and internalisation. It lacks the ability to strategise, reason, and motivate; essential qualities to navigate the dynamic landscape of UPSC examinations. Success in areas like essay writing demands sustained practice and re nement, areas where AI tools fall short.
Another area in which AI falls short is its ability to comprehend and interpret intricate socio-political, economic, and administrative contexts; subjects that form the bedrock of the UPSC syllabus. With AI unable to grasp the nuances of governance, policy formulation, and decisionmaking processes, the need for human expertise and critical thinking to navigate these complex domains is further highlighted. This also extends to AI’s inability to update the information it provides with general knowledge and the latest news and developments within a eld. An aspirant can only gain this information by actively following the news and other relevant sources of information.
While AI is undoubtedly an exciting frontier for UPSC preparation, it cannot be treated as a substitute for hard work and effort. Aspirants who can embrace its use in speci c instances while being aware of its shortcomings are best placed to bene t from its integration into their study routine. ith globalisation at an all-time high, more students are inclined to study abroad. For Indian students who dare to dream big, the whole world is now an expansive classroom, unrestricted by geography. Transnational Education (TNE) has catalysed a significant shift in the way young Indians are approaching advanced studies.
WGlobal partnerships
The booming demand for TNE in India is fuelled by aspirations for global exposure, specialised knowledge, and better career prospects. Students are attracted not just by the prestigious degree, but also by how a global education hones their skills while opening their eyes to diverse perspectives. This demand has resulted in fruitful partnerships between Indian institutions and global universities, fostering an ecosystem where credit transfers, and joint degree programmes and integrated degree courses are the norm.
While a 2022-23 report by QS India said that more than 1.2 million Indian students are enrolled in international universities, a Times Higher Education report stated that, in 2022, the number of Indian students in the U.K. was second, after China. As per the University Grants Commission (UGC), more than 100,000 students were enrolled in TNE programmes in 2022-23. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with twice as many students predicted to enroll in the next three years.
Indian universities are capitalising on their expertise in sectors such as Engineering, Information Technology, and Management to collaborate with global institutions. Amity University, Alliance University, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, JAGSoM, Universal Business School, MET Institute of Management, and St. Xavier’s College (Bengaluru) are some of the institutes that have entered into partnerships with foreign institutions. The U.S., the U.K., Canada and Australia continue to be the top choices for Indian students, while partnerships in countries like Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, and Singapore are also on the rise.
The rise of TNE has unlocked opportunities for students from small towns and marginalised communities who were forced to abandon their dreams because of nancial or geographical constraints. However, currently, TNE is concentrated in Delhi-NCR and some districts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh,
Greater Mumbai, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But there is signi cant potential for development in other states such as Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.
The true value of these programmes extends beyond the tangible bene t of dual quali cations. Here are a few:
International Specialised exposure:
Learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds fosters cultural sensitivity, global awareness, and re ned communication skills, qualities prized by today’s employers.
knowledge:
Access to cuttingedge curricula and faculty from overseas universities enables students to specialise in niche elds and acquire industry-relevant expertise.
Improved employability:
Combining a foreign degree with an Indian academic foundation grants graduates a competitive edge in the global job market.
Regulatory tailwinds
Recognising TNE’s potential, the UGC and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have implemented supportive regulatory changes that have simpli ed approval processes, allowed international degrees to be delivered via partnerships, and promoted blended learning models. Ed-tech organisations are also facilitating pathways such as credit transfers, dual degrees, integrated degrees and so on that draw on both local and global perspectives.
This is a win-win situation for Indian students and institutions. The former get easy and aordable access to globally recognised degrees, while the latter elevate their global reputation and attract diverse talent. The larger economic advantage of increased foreign exchange in£ow and the creation of highly skilled graduates is a bonus.
TNE is much more than just an academic trend; it has become a platform for global achievement. By facilitating international education within the country, TNE empowers students and gives wings to their dreams.