Which is better for you: Coaching or Self Study? Check out the important points that should be considered before taking any decision.

Are you a UGC NET Aspirant? Are you preparing for the upcoming exam but are unsure about whether to enrol in a NET coaching class or study independently? Then this is the right article for you. This detailed article can help you decide your preference to ace in NET 2025.It is known to all that, the University Grants Commission (UGC) conducts NET  and CSIR NET exams twice a year for candidates who aspire to become a researcher, Assistant Professor or pursue their career in academia. This exam is considered one of the prestigious exams in the Indian academic field.

Self Study or Coaching? A Better Way

Every year a lot of aspiring candidates sit for this exam, but an average of 7-11% of people can clear the exam. Does this sound tough to you? But we can assure you that with the right strategy, you can make it happen in no time. 

Choosing between joining UGC NET Coaching Classes or self-preparation is a significant decision, as it impacts students’ learning journey and success. In this article, our experts will discuss the mistakes candidates make in self-preparation and compare UGC NET coaching vs. self-study methods to give more clarity and also provide a few ways to avoid and overcome the challenges.

Read More: UGC NET Exam Preparation Strategy: Effective Guide to Success

Short Overview of UGC NET

UGC NET stands for University Grants Commission. NTA conducts the NET exam twice a year. The test determines a candidate’s eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions.

Keep in Mind before Preparing for UGC NET

• Understand the UGC net syllabus and exam pattern in detail.
• Check out the UGC NET study materials.
• Make crisp and concise notes.
• Revise every section.
• Using your time well.
• Attempt the mock test every day.

Benefits and Challenges of Self-Study:

Benefits: 

Let’s discuss the benefits of self-study–

1. Self-study provides flexibility. You can study and learn at your own pace.
2. It gives you a sense of independence, without following a strict guideline and learning time, or without intervention from anyone, you can learn at your convenience. 
3. Candidates can easily customize the study approach according to their personal preferences.

Challenges:

However self-study has its drawbacks too. Let’s discuss this in detail.

1. Self-study lacks structured guidance. This is one of the major difficulties candidates face during their preparations. 
2. A concise study plan is important to accelerate learning. Many aspirants face issues regarding this. Not creating a comprehensive study plan that covers the entire syllabus and not allowing sufficient time for each subject and topic makes learning more tricky.  
3. Studying alone can lead to a lack of peer interaction and missed opportunities for discussion. Collaborating with your peer groups often leads to exchanging healthy ideas, diverse perspectives and a flow of motivation and study materials. 

Self-study Vs. Coaching

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what is better for your preparation

Self Study vs Coaching: Decoding the Right Path

The preparation for UGC-NET needs a proper strategic approach. Before sitting for the exam, a common question that always comes into the minds of every aspirant is whether they need coaching or if self-preparation is more than enough. 

While some aspirants find preparation easier with self-study, some candidates need mentoring and strategic guides for their preparation. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. 

Self-Study is Best For You:

• Cannot afford the course fees?
• Have Enough time to prepare notes and study?
• Have sources/guides to clear your doubts?
• Have Proper Strategy and Self Motivation?

If all the answers to the above questions are “YES” then Self Preparation is best for you.

Joining a Coaching Institute is  Best For You:

• Working Professionals?
• Need Personalized Guidance?
• Don’t want to waste your time preparing notes?

If all the answers to the above questions are “YES” then Joining a Coaching is the best option for you.

Also Read: Career Options after Qualifying UGC NET Exam (Traditional & Non Traditional)

Online Coaching Vs Offline Coaching

When considering enrolling in a coaching centre, you may face the dilemma of choosing between an online or offline institute. It’s essential to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision. While many students opt for coaching institutes, the question remains: Which is the better choice – UGC NET Online Coaching or Offline Coaching?

Offline Coaching:

Lots of students prefer Offline Coaching due to various reasons:

• Face-to-face interactions
• Friendly learning environment
• Peer Learning
• Personalized feedback and suggestions
• Reduced Distractions
• Access to resources

Offline classes provide the above-mentioned facilities, but they consume a huge amount of time, and time is the most important thing if you are preparing for the UGC NET Exam. You have to do everything within the limited time whether it is to complete the syllabus or answer the question in the examination hall.

Online Coaching

Let’s find out the advantages of Online Coaching:

• Time and Cost-efficient
• Flexible
• Comfortable Learning
• Learning at own pace

Best Online Learning Platforms:

There are lots of reputable online coaching institutes offering all the above-mentioned features as offline institutes. BSSEI, Unacademy, and Testbook are top leaders in terms of teaching exams, and coaching. Also, their courses are affordable. Maybe you heard about Unacademy and Testbook online learning platforms, but did you know about BSSEI?

BSSEI is the fastest-growing learning platform, where you can get detailed courses on UGC NET/SET, SLST, TET and many more. This online platform provides you with the best experience in learning.  For the UGC NET and other teaching exams, BSSEI is a top-tier coaching institute. Since the beginning in 2017 by Amit Kumar Dey, BSSEI has consistently achieved a 90% success rate on teaching exams such as UGC NET, SSC SLST, WB TET, BPSC, Bihar STET, and CTET. Students from middle-class and lower-class backgrounds make up the majority of those who succeed on exams and get their desired teaching positions.

FAQs

Is self-study enough to qualify for UGC NET?

It’s dependable, on various points like strategy, resources,  depth of preparation and more. According to your preferences, Self Preparation and Coaching both can be enough to qualify and get a good score in UGC NET. 

Is coaching necessary for UGC NET?

No, but with coaching you can get expert support in structured guidance. Your teachers can guide you in your path of preparation. You can get resources and study materials and also track your progress. BSSEI is a leading online platform, where you can get detailed study materials to prepare for ugc net.

Is it possible to clear UGC NET without coaching?

Yes, it’s possible to clear the UGC NET exam without coaching, but it requires strong self-motivation and effective management of your study materials. A structured study plan is essential for thorough preparation.

How many times UGC NET is held in a year?

The examination is conducted twice a year (June & December) to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professors in Indian Universities and Colleges and to award a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). The examination is conducted in two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.