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How helpful are coaching notes? Can they substitute standard books?
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How helpful are coaching notes? Can they substitute standard books?
Here’s a quote from AIR 1 2017 Anudeep Durishetty on this:  
“Standard books are important because they are written from the ground up and they form the foundation of your knowledge. Once you read standard books, reading coaching notes not only becomes much easier, but you can also see where in that big picture a small topic fits in.

The problem with reading just the coaching notes is that they fail to give you such a big picture perspective. What you will be left with are fragmented concepts and broken knowledge which doesn’t stick for long in your memory. For long term memory, we need a topic’s context which is why you should always start with standard books.

For example, when I started Anthropology, I first read Ember & Ember to get an overview of the subject. Afterward, when I referred to BrainTree coaching material, I could clearly see how a particular topic such as Primate Adaptation fit into the larger concept of Human Evolution. This is why standard books are indispensable.

While reading coaching notes, remember these:
• Coaching notes are helpful and easy to revise before the exam. But they can only supplement but never substitute standard books.
• Always map your notes onto the chapters and topics in the syllabus. Most coaching institutes do not cover the syllabus entirely. Even if they do, they usually rush through some chapters. So when you see a topic not covered well in your notes, read on your own from other sources and make notes.
• Coaching notes and material come in handy to cover a specific topic. For example, for a topic like Govt schemes, instead of you labouring to compile them from ministries’ websites, it’s better that you buy a compilation booklet of any institute. Smart work saves you a lot of time.
• You have to remember that UPSC is not at all like a graduation exam. In college, it’s fairly easy to read just the notes and score really well. But in UPSC, the questions are of higher standard and of deeper analytical depth. None of the questions usually come directly from your coaching notes. It’s your clarity of concepts— especially in optional— that will help you write good answers.”
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How helpful are coaching notes? Can they substitute standard books?
Introduction:
Coaching notes and standard books are both valuable resources for learning and preparation. While coaching notes can be helpful in providing concise and focused information, they cannot completely substitute standard books. This article will discuss the benefits and limitations of coaching notes and explain why they cannot replace standard books.

Benefits of Coaching Notes:
1. Concise and Focused: Coaching notes are usually compiled by experienced instructors who have a deep understanding of the subject matter. These notes condense the key concepts and information into a concise format, making it easier for students to grasp and remember the material.

2. Structured Approach: Coaching notes often follow a structured approach, providing a step-by-step explanation of complex topics. This helps students develop a clear understanding of the subject and enables them to build a solid foundation.

3. Time-Saving: Coaching notes can save time as they contain the most relevant and important information required for exams. Students can refer to these notes instead of spending hours searching through lengthy textbooks.

Limitations of Coaching Notes:
1. Lack of Depth: While coaching notes provide a summary of the subject matter, they often lack the depth and comprehensive coverage that standard books offer. Standard books explore topics in greater detail, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.

2. Limited Scope: Coaching notes are usually designed to cover the syllabus of a specific coaching institute or exam. They may not provide a broader perspective or cover additional topics that may be relevant for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

3. Potential Errors: Since coaching notes are compiled by individuals, there is a possibility of errors or inaccuracies. Standard books, on the other hand, undergo rigorous editing and review processes, ensuring a higher level of accuracy and reliability.

Why Coaching Notes Cannot Substitute Standard Books:
1. Comprehensive Coverage: Standard books cover a wide range of topics and provide in-depth knowledge, which is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Coaching notes, on the other hand, may only cover the essential topics required for exams.

2. Different Learning Styles: Every student has a unique learning style, and while coaching notes may suit some individuals, others may prefer the detailed explanations and examples provided by standard books. Standard books cater to a broader audience and provide a variety of learning resources such as diagrams, illustrations, and practice questions.

3. Exam Preparation: While coaching notes can be helpful for revision and quick reference, they may not be sufficient for comprehensive exam preparation. Standard books offer a broader range of practice questions, case studies, and sample papers, which are essential for developing problem-solving skills and exam readiness.

Conclusion:
Coaching notes are valuable resources that can aid in learning and exam preparation. However, they cannot substitute standard books, which offer a more comprehensive understanding of the subject, cater to different learning styles, and provide a wider range of practice materials. It is recommended to use coaching notes as a supplement to standard books, combining the benefits of both resources for effective learning.
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