Dear Friend,
As you know, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, including education, by providing new ways to learn and prepare for exams. Initially, many saw the use of AI in preparing for the UPSC CSE and other competitive examinations as not advisable, primarily because tough exams assess not only knowledge but also the integrity and ethical standing of a candidate. It is rightly said that there is no alternative to hard work—taking shortcuts only weakens the base of your knowledge, which should never be compromised.
However, you might have noticed that many aspirants are already using AI tools to prepare for various competitive examinations. Among the toppers of UPSC CSE 2024-25, Mr. Akash Garg (AIR 5), Mr. Raj Krishna Jha (AIR 8) and Mr. Vibhor Bhardwaj (AIR 19), to name a few, not only used an AI platform in their preparation but also achieved spectacular success. This settled the debate about whether AI tools should be used in preparing for competitive exams. When some of the aspirants are using it to their advantage, why should others be deprived of it? The only question that remains is how you can take the best advantage of an AI platform for your preparation.
The story of Mr. Bhardwaj is worth noticing. The native from a small village in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh proved that in the modern age, clearing one of the world’s toughest exams is not just about hard work, it is also about working smart with the tools available to you. With Physics as his Optional subject, he created a powerful strategy with effective use of the new technology. In particular, AI helped him to simulate mock interviews. “I used an AI tool by providing the background details and asked it to conduct my interview around those topics. It was tremendously beneficial”, he shared.
AI tools can offer several advantages to UPSC CSE aspirants, especially when used as supplements to traditional study materials and trusted friends like the Competition Success Review (CSR). The UPSC CSE syllabus is vast, and the exam demands a deep understanding of diverse subjects. AI can help streamline and personalise the learning process. AI-powered platforms can analyse an aspirant’s strengths and weaknesses, offering tailored recommendations for study material, practice questions, and revision schedules. AI can quickly summarise lengthy articles, books and reports, making it easier to digest complex information. For candidates who are not fluent in English, AI translation tools can help them access study material in their preferred language, making learning more inclusive. Most of all, the AI platforms are democratising the preparation for competitive exams, as a young aspirant, based in a small village tucked away in rural India, with no access to big coaching institutes or mentors, can rely on an unconventional companion—an AI chatbot on his smartphone.
However, a strategic approach must be adopted to maximise the benefits of AI. These tools should complement, not replace, traditional study methods. Relying solely on AI-generated summaries or notes can lead to a superficial understanding of concepts. As such, AI should be used to enhance learning and not to bypass the hard work required for UPSC CSE preparation. AI can help with memorisation and revision, but it is essential to build a strong conceptual foundation. AI should be used to clarify doubts, reinforce learning, and practise application-based questions. AI-powered platforms can create personalised study plans based on a candidate’s progress and goals. AI-generated flashcards, mind maps, and summaries can be useful for quick revision before the exam.
While AI tools offer several benefits, candidates must be cautious about their limitations and potential risks. AI-generated content may not always be accurate or reliable. You should cross-check information with trusted sources, such as NCERT textbooks, official reports, and reputable sources such as CSR. Moreover, relying too heavily on AI tools can lead to a lack of critical thinking and independent learning. You must also be conscious about how AI tools may have inherent biases or limitations, especially when dealing with complex or subjective topics. Aspirants using AI platforms in their preparation must be aware of these limitations and use AI-generated content carefully and cautiously.
As the use of AI in competitive exams’ preparation is rising day by day, with more and more candidates adopting it, keeping yourself away from it will deprive you advantages available to those using it. However, its use still raises ethical questions about fairness and integrity. Aspirants must ensure that they are using AI tools in a way that is consistent with the principles of honesty and fairness.
With these words, I wish you the best for all your endeavours.
