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Which BA is best for UPSC?

Do you aspire to contribute to the nation’s growth by joining the civil services? Becoming a civil servant with the UPSC can be both challenging and rewarding. Choosing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree as the first step offers a solid foundation and myriad benefits for those considering this path. Most UPSC aspirants choose to pursue a BA or Bachelor of Arts degree because it best matches the requirements of civil services exams. The curriculum of BA courses and the subjects that the degree covers, such as Law, Political Science, History, Economics, Public Administration, and the like, are best deemed relevant to the civil services domain.

Let’s explore why opting for a BA can be the ideal starting point in preparing for the UPSC examinations and what are the best BA majors for UPSC preparation. 

Bachelor of Arts for UPSC 

As stated earlier, a majority of students preparing for UPSC as a career path prefer to take up a Bachelor of Arts, or BA, as a suitable degree. Here are 5 reasons for their degree choice:

BA subjects best align with the UPSC syllabus’s prelims and mains. Students intending to prepare for the civil services should ideally have a fair knowledge of subjects such as Political Science, History, Geography, Philosophy, or Public Administration. These subjects generally have direct relevance to civil services and are therefore considered ideal for UPSC studies.

BA degree gives more focus to humanities. This is exactly the focal point of the syllabus covered for IAS exams. UPSC preparations emphasize more on social sciences and the subjects covered in the Humanities domain, which are well covered by BA study programs.

BA courses facilitate enhanced preparation for General Studies, a pivotal component of the UPSC curriculum. The subjects covered in BA programs perfectly match those taught in General Studies and the Optional (Elective) syllabus for the civil services exam, which is very helpful for BA students aspiring to prepare for UPSC after that. 

BA courses enable a seamless transition from the world of academia to real-world administrative services. This is because both BA and UPSC curriculums are so well integrated that students who choose to pursue a BA gain comprehensive knowledge of the subjects covered in UPSC exams right from the first year of their graduation. This gives them a competitive edge over their peers when sitting for civil services exams. 

BA is the perfect foundation stone for students to build their expertise for UPSC. When you start learning the topics covered in the UPSC syllabus early on in BA study programs, you get sufficient time to delve deeper into the topics later on when pursuing UPSC. This allows you to build your expertise in these areas. 

Best BA majors for UPSC preparation

We have already established that taking up a BA is the ideal option for UPSC aspirants among all the streams pursued at the undergraduate level. Let us now look at the recommended BA majors for UPSC success.

Among the various subjects you can choose to major in for your Bachelor’s, BA Political Science is one of the best options for UPSC preparations. The comprehensive curriculum covers an array of subjects crucial for UPSC, including governance, international relations, public administration, and constitutional law. Furthermore, the analytical and critical thinking skills honed during the course greatly benefit aspirants in navigating the complex landscape of UPSC examinations.

Some of the other options considered by students for BA majors that could prove helpful in UPSC preparations include:

BA Public Administration

BA History

BA Geography

BA Philosophy

BA Economics

All of these subjects have direct relevance to civil services and also tend to overlap with the syllabus prescribed for civil services exams. Students choosing to major in any of the above subjects have the advantage of getting a fair idea of the concept before appearing for the UPSC exams. 

How to start preparing for UPSC after the 12th?

Students interested in appearing for and qualifying through the UPSC exams after completing class 12 must prepare a clear strategy to achieve their goal. Below are a few helpful tips:

Understand the eligibility criteria: The first step in preparing for UPSC is to clearly understand the eligibility requirements for the exam. Listed below are the key UPSC exam eligibility for different BA majors:

The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

They should be aged between 21 and 32 years of age (General category), 35 years (OBC category), 37 years (SC/ST category), and 42 years (PWD category).

They must have either completed their graduation from a university recognized by the government or are in their final year.

Choose your UG degree wisely: It is crucial to make a wise choice concerning the degree you choose to pursue at the undergraduate level if you plan to pursue UPSC ahead. The syllabus for the UPSC exam generally includes subjects like History, Political Science, Mathematics, Geography, and the like. It would, therefore, be helpful to choose a Bachelor’s degree in similar subjects that overlap with the UPSC curriculum so that your UG degree perfectly aligns with the latter. A BA degree in Political Science, Economics, History, Geography, or similar subjects is the perfect choice for UPSC.

Understand the UPSC syllabus: Before proceeding with preparing for the UPSC exams, it is important to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and general examination pattern. This will help you know what exactly to focus on during your preparation. 

Consider taking coaching: It is best to seek professional assistance while preparing for civil services. Considering that the competition is tough, it’d be helpful to join UPSC exam coaching from a professional institute. Your teachers would be better able to guide you and hand-hold you to success. 

Read up on success stories of UPSC toppers with BA degrees: These would help encourage you and boost your confidence and morale to appear for the exam. It also gives you a clearer picture of which BA major can help you climb the success ladder with UPSC.

Is an online degree valid for UPSC?

Absolutely. Online undergraduate degrees are valid and accepted while appearing for UPSC exams. The only condition that applies here is that the online Bachelor’s degree must be recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). 

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UGC-approved degrees, even though secured online or through distance education programs, are generally recognized by governments, thereby opening up paths for civil services for students. In addition, online BA degrees are indeed helpful for students preparing for UPSC. Listed below are a few ways how UPSC aspirants can benefit from online BA degrees:

 Greater flexibility: Online learning enables students to choose flexible study times at their convenience. This allows them to comfortably pursue their BA degrees while charting out dedicated time to prepare for UPSC.

Easy affordability: Online study programs are generally easier on the pocket as compared to offline courses. Pursuing an online BA can, therefore, help you save up for UPSC coaching or examination fees, books, study materials, and the like.

Personalized guidance: Online classes can help students receive one-on-one personalized assistance and mentorship from teachers via email, video calls, etc. This helps clarify any doubts they may have and helps them understand concepts better than they do in group classes.

Wider access to knowledge: Online learning opens doors to many useful resources available on the internet. Students can learn more concepts about their BA major and also find other relevant information for UPSC preparations through YouTube videos and other similar knowledge hubs.  

Conclusion

Bachelor of Arts is indeed the best choice for UPSC aspirants, helping them better understand in detail the subjects taught in the UPSC syllabus since these are quite similar to those taught in BA courses. Besides, pursuing BA online is a much better choice than doing it the traditional way (offline) as it would allow you more time to focus on your UPSC preparation. 

Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) offers online BA courses on the Online Manipal platform to students all over. The program is offered with a combination of 3 primary subjects – Political Science, Sociology, and English – all of which are particularly useful and find a place in the UPSC syllabus as well. Sikkim Manipal University is accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC, and its online BA course is UGC-entitled. This makes it easily validated and accepted by governments across the world, opening up lucrative career paths for UPSC candidates.   

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Building bridges: The power of community management in online learning 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of online education, where screens replace classrooms and distance can sometimes feel insurmountable, having a place to connect with peers is of utmost importance. Having a well-defined strong community and its stewards, community managers emerge as a beacon of connectivity and support. In this digital realm, where learners traverse virtual corridors rather than physical ones, fostering meaningful connections is not just a luxury but a necessity. Community management in online learning spaces serves as the glue that binds learners together, creating an environment where collaboration, engagement, and shared learning thrive. 

The Epic.U , was curated for the sole purpose of enabling and encouraging learners to explore their interests, talents and skills beyond their regular curriculum and be able to share the same with their peers on a common platform. However, no community online or offline can work smoothly without its community manager. These community managers are the custodians of the ongoings of the community, the information being shared, and the activities conducted to entertain and engage all learners. 

Considering the volume of our Epic.U learners, we have more than a handful of community mangers who have shouldered the immense responsibility of protecting the sanctity of the Epic.U platform. Wanting to know more about their added responsibilities, their duties with respect to the learners and platform and their experience steering the community we had a quick chat with them. And here is what they had to talk about their incredible journey as community managers for Epic.U 

A student of BBA, Noorjahan has big plans for Epic.U. Talking about her duties, ideas and future plans for Epic.U, she says, “My main goal is to make sure that students feel connected and have a positive experience while attending college from home. I organize virtual events, discussions and activities to create a sense of campus life online. We try to make sure we get pieces of campus life in the virtual space so that the learners do not feel like they miss out on anything.  Essentially, I want to make sure to build a lively and engaging virtual community that makes the online learning experience an enjoyable one for all learners.” 

Who wouldn’t want to hold a piece of experience with them and carry it for a lifetime? We are glad to have community managers like Noorjahan going all the way out to ensure learners have the best time while learning with Manipal University Jaipur.  

Another super enthusiastic community manager Naina Chopra talks about her strategy to keep learners happy. Talking about the various activities she planned and the ideology behind it, she says, “I’ve been a community manager for three months now, wearing multiple hats to keep our learners engaged and connected. From orchestrating exciting events to curating and sharing compelling content on Epic.u, my role also extends to enforcing community guidelines. Community management is all about understanding people, exercising strong management skills, and nurturing sentiments. It’s about knowing our community inside out, catering to their needs, and fostering positive relationships among members.” We are sure Naina is making every learner’s time absolutely memorable during the course of their online learning journey. And wouldn’t it be memorable when we have community mangers like her who pour in their heart and soul to make every activity worthwhile for the learners. 

Pushing boundaries to explore new potential 

Becoming a community manger entails more than just what you can do for others. It also outlines what the role and responsibilities you hold do for you as well. Elaborating on the same, another zealous community manager, Deepanshu Saini pursuing BCA says, “Becoming a community manager was a leap into the unknown, but it opened my eyes to the diverse individuals within our learning community. It’s been a journey of self-improvement, honing my communication, social, and leadership skills while pursuing an online degree. Hosting unforgettable events has been a highlight, showcasing the transformative power of community engagement.” Congratulations Deepanshu for elevating your skills and making us all proud as a community manager. 

Having a strong learner’s community and making the same work are two individual aspects of the community management problem. However, the idea of an online community working smoothly and progressively happens only when the community managers it in their heart to want to make it work. Talking about the same, another one of our community managers, Vinayaka Sharma (MAJMC) elaborates, “My role encompasses meticulous task planning, flawless execution, and fostering active participation among learners. Through this journey, I’ve witnessed remarkable personal growth in leadership, crisis management, and public relations—skills ingrained within our curriculum. Implementing these skills feels more like an enjoyable challenge. The richness of the Epic.U experience lies in the invaluable insights gleaned from our vibrant community. Witnessing their enthusiasm fuels my commitment to excellence as a community manager. Across platforms like ChillChat Zone and Meme Zone, learners express themselves freely, enriching our collective experience.” we must say Vinayaka, you have understood to the core the true ideology behind Epic.U and it thrills us to see you do everything in your power to make this the ideal most engaging platform for all our learners.   

Conclusion 

Epic.U empowers online learners, serving as a dynamic virtual meet point where knowledge, experiences, and insights seamlessly converge. It transcends the limitations of online classrooms, offering a vibrant platform that fosters peer-to-peer learning, ignites meaningful discussions, and cultivates a culture of constructive feedback. In today’s digital landscape, where the boundaries of education are constantly evolving, Epic.U emerges as a pivotal force in redefining the online learning experience. By harnessing the power of connectivity and collaboration, it bridges the gap between learners scattered across the globe, creating a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives and expertise. 

At the heart of Epic.U lies its commitment to engagement, interactivity, and effectiveness. Through innovative features and user-centric design, it strives to make online learning not just a passive endeavour, but a dynamic and immersive journey. Whether through live discussions, interactive workshops, or peer-to-peer mentorship, learners are empowered to actively participate in their educational journey, driving their growth and development. Moreover, Epic.U recognizes the importance of feedback in the learning process. By providing a supportive environment where learners can exchange ideas, receive constructive criticism, and refine their understanding, it nurtures a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. 

In essence, Epic.U is not just a platform—it’s an effort towards a more inclusive, collaborative, and effective approach to online learning. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, Epic.U stands as a beacon of innovation and inspiration, empowering learners to unlock their full potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and others. 

[aniketpathak]

Significance of QS World University Rankings in shaping higher education

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, the QS World University Rankings have emerged as a pivotal tool for students, educators, and institutions alike. Published annually since 2004 by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a leading global higher education analyst, these rankings provide a comprehensive assessment of universities worldwide.

This article delves into the intricacies of the QS World University Rankings, exploring their methodology, impact, and the significance they hold in shaping the higher education system.

You should know why recognition and accreditations are important for universities.

What is QS World University Rankings?

The QS World University Rankings is an annual publication that provides a comprehensive assessment of universities around the globe. It is compiled and published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a renowned international education organization and one of the leading global higher education analysts. The rankings are widely recognized and respected within the academic community and serve as a crucial reference for students, educators, and institutions worldwide.

The primary purpose of the QS World University Rankings is to offer a comparative analysis of universities based on a set of key performance indicators. These indicators cover various aspects of university life, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratios, international diversity among faculty and students, and research impact. The rankings are designed to help prospective students make informed decisions about where to pursue their higher education and to assist universities in identifying areas for improvement and strategic development.

Methodology for QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings employ a robust methodology to evaluate universities across various parameters. The key indicators include Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Faculty/Student Ratio, International Faculty Ratio, International Student Ratio, and Citations per Faculty. Each of these factors contributes to a university’s overall score, reflecting its academic prowess, global impact, and commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant learning environment.

Academic reputation

One of the cornerstones of the QS rankings is a university’s academic reputation. This indicator is determined through a global survey of academics, capturing their perceptions of the academic quality of institutions. The opinions of experts in different disciplines play a crucial role in shaping a university’s standing in this category.

Employer reputation

The employability of graduates is a pivotal aspect of higher education, and the QS rankings recognize this by incorporating an employer reputation indicator. Employers worldwide are surveyed to gauge their opinions on the quality of graduates from various universities, shedding light on the real-world impact of academic programs on students’ career prospects.

Faculty-student ratio

The ratio of faculty members to students is a vital measure of a university’s commitment to personalized education. A lower ratio suggests smaller class sizes and potentially more individualized attention, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.

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International faculty and student ratios

In an increasingly interconnected world, universities with diverse faculty and student body often rank higher. The international faculty and student ratios highlight the extent to which a university attracts talent from around the globe, fostering a multicultural and cosmopolitan academic environment.

Citations per faculty

Research output and impact are crucial components of a university’s global standing. The citations per faculty indicator assesses the influence and reach of a university’s research by measuring the average number of citations received per faculty member. This reflects the institution’s contribution to advancing knowledge and innovation in various fields.

Global impact and recognition

The QS World University Rankings carry significant weight in the global higher education landscape. For students, the QS rankings serve as a valuable resource during the decision-making process for higher education. Prospective students often use these rankings to identify institutions that align with their academic and career goals. The detailed breakdown of indicators provides a nuanced view of a university’s strengths, allowing students to make informed choices about where to pursue their studies.

For universities, a spot on these rankings is a testimony to their academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers. The recognition garnered through these rankings can attract top-tier faculty, researchers, and students, creating a positive feedback loop that further enhances the institution’s standing.

Impact on institutional strategies

The QS World University Rankings not only reflect the current state of higher education but also influence the strategies of institutions striving to climb the ranks. Universities actively work to enhance their academic reputation by investing in faculty development, research initiatives, and collaborations. The emphasis on employability encourages institutions to forge stronger connections with industries, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the workforce.

Improving faculty/student ratios involves strategic planning for resource allocation and optimizing class sizes to create a more engaging learning environment. Similarly, the push for internationalization prompts universities to actively recruit faculty and students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a global community within their campuses.

The rankings, therefore, serve as a catalyst for continuous improvement and innovation within the higher education sector. Institutions that consistently perform well in the QS rankings often exhibit a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and a forward-looking approach to education.

Get to know now about the details of WES Accreditation

Top-ranked institutions in QS World University Rankings

Top universities in the world

RankInstitution1Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)2University of Cambridge3University of Oxford4Harvard University5Stanford University6Imperial College London7ETH Zurich8National University of Singapore (NUS)9UCL, London10University of California, Berkeley (UCB)Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Top Asian universities

Rank (Asia)InstitutionRank (World)1National University of Singapore (NUS)82Peking University173Tsinghua University254Nanyang Technological University (NTU)265The University of Hong Kong266The University of Tokyo287Seoul National University418Zhejiang University449Kyoto University4610The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)47Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Indian institutions in QS World University Rankings

Rank (World)InstitutionRank (Asia)Rank (South Asia)149Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay401197Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi462225Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore584271Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur595278Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur636285Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras533364Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati11112369Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee11614407University of Delhi40911Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Manipal Universities in QS World Rankings

QS World Rankings feature three Manipal institutions – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), and T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), the premier business school under MAHE. All these institutions are offering their online programs through Online Manipal.

MAHE is ranked #951-1000 in QS World University Rankings 2024. In Asian University, MAHE has 210th rank and among South Asia, MAHE celebrates 37th rank. At Online Manipal, MAHE offers MBA, MSc in Data Science, MSc in Business Analytics, PGCP in Business Analytics, and PGCP in Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

Manipal University Jaipur is listed in the QS World University Rankings in the latest 2024 edition. It is ranked 258 in among South Asian University and 801+ in Asian University Rankings. Through Online Manipal, MUJ is offering online MBA, MCA, MCom, MA JMC, BBA, BCA, and BCom.

TAPMI has 150+ rank in Master in Finance and Master in Management.

QS ranks of institutions under Online Manipal

Rank (World)InstitutionRank (Asia)Rank (South Asia)951-1000Manipal Academy of Higher Education21037–Manipal University Jaipur801+258InstitutionWorld University RankingsMasters in FinanceMasters in ManagementT.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)150+150+Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Conclusion

In conclusion, the QS World University Rankings play a pivotal role in shaping the higher education landscape globally. As a comprehensive and widely recognized assessment, these rankings offer valuable insights for both institutions and students. While not without its criticisms, the methodology employed by QS provides a nuanced evaluation of universities, considering academic reputation, employability, faculty-student ratios, and global impact.

For universities, a favorable position in the QS rankings is a testament to their commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. It serves as a benchmark for continuous improvement and strategic planning, driving institutions to enhance their research output, faculty quality, and internationalization efforts.

For students, the QS rankings serve as a valuable tool during the decision-making process, helping them identify institutions that align with their academic and career aspirations. The rankings, however, should be considered alongside other factors, such as campus life, extracurricular opportunities, and personal preferences.

As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, the QS World University Rankings are likely to remain a key influencer, guiding institutions and students towards excellence and success in the ever-competitive world of academia.

From India, Manipal Universities have secured high rankings in QS World University Rankings. You can check out more details at the Online Manipal.