Written by: Altamash Khan
In the digital age, where aspirations often collide with the need for guidance, a peculiar partnership has emerged – the collaboration between Over-The-Top (OTT) web series and traditional coaching centres in selling the dream of success in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of web series centered around the UPSC journey. These series, available on various OTT platforms, offer a dramatized glimpse into the lives of aspirants, combining elements of fiction with the challenges and triumphs of real-life UPSC preparation. The allure of these narratives lies in their ability to connect with the aspirations and struggles of the millions of UPSC hopefuls across the country. OTT platforms, with their wide reach and diverse audience base, have capitalized on the fascination surrounding the UPSC examination. These web series often depict the intense competition, personal sacrifices, and emotional rollercoasters faced by aspirants, creating a narrative that resonates with the dreams of countless individuals aspiring for a career in civil services.
While OTT platforms provide a medium for storytelling, coaching centres have recognized the potential to leverage this narrative for their benefit. Many coaching centres collaborate with content creators and production houses to integrate their teaching methodologies and success stories into these web series. This collaboration serves a dual purpose – entertainment for the audience and promotion for coaching centres, creating a symbiotic relationship that blurs the lines between education and entertainment. The integration of coaching centre strategies into the UPSC web series serves as a powerful marketing tool. The portrayal of successful aspirants attributing their achievements to specific coaching centres subtly promotes these institutions. The meticulously crafted narratives showcase coaching centres as the catalysts for success, thereby influencing the choices of potential UPSC aspirants.
However, this marketing strategy raises ethical concerns. The dramatization of success stories might create unrealistic expectations, glossing over the years of hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifices that are integral to the UPSC journey. As a result, aspirants may be lured into the belief that success is guaranteed by enrolling in a particular coaching centre, overlooking the individual effort and aptitude required.
The amalgamation of OTT web series and coaching centres has a profound impact on the psyche of UPSC aspirants. On one hand, aspirants find inspiration and motivation from the on-screen success stories, pushing them to pursue their dreams with renewed vigour. On the other hand, there is a risk of creating an aspirational bubble, where the lines between reality and fiction blur, leading to a misguided sense of the UPSC journey. The pressure to emulate the successes portrayed in web series can sometimes result in anxiety and stress among aspirants. The obsession with following a particular coaching centre’s approach, as depicted in the series, may overshadow the importance of diverse learning methods and critical thinking – essential components of the UPSC examination.
As the popularity of UPSC-themed web series grows, so does the commercialization of the UPSC dream. Coaching centres and OTT platforms collaborate not just for educational content but also to tap into the economic potential of the aspirant market. The commodification of the UPSC dream turns success into a marketable product, with coaching centres positioned as the exclusive providers of the winning formula.
This commercialization raises questions about inclusivity, as the financial burden of enrolling in premium coaching programs becomes a significant barrier for economically disadvantaged aspirants. The UPSC dream, once a symbol of meritocracy, risks becoming a privilege accessible only to those with the financial means to navigate the competitive coaching industry.
The nexus between the OTT web series and coaching centres in selling the UPSC dream reflects the evolving landscape of education and entertainment in the digital era. Aspirants must navigate through this complex web of narratives and marketing strategies, critically evaluating the role of coaching centres and the impact of dramatized success stories on their aspirations.
In the pursuit of the UPSC dream, it is essential for aspirants to recognize the individualized nature of success and to approach their preparation with a well-rounded perspective. While web series can inspire, coaching centres play a supportive role rather than a guarantee of success. Ultimately, the UPSC journey is a personal endeavour, shaped by dedication, resilience, and an authentic commitment to public service.
About the Writer:
Altamash Khan is a contributing Journalist who has completed his Journalism at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. He has over half a decade of experience writing on a wide range of topics, from politics and social issues to technology and Brands. In addition to his journalism work, Altamash also works as a Public Relations and Brand Strategist, helping communicate Brand messages to the World. He would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Leave a comment below or reach out to us on social media to share your opinions.