DIGITAL ACCESS DIVIDE AND HINDI SOCIAL MEDIA: MAPPING USAGE TRENDS AMONG UPSC ASPIRANTS IN DELHI-NCR

Abstract

The digital revolution has reshaped the educational system as online education through Social media platforms has become a need especially for competitive exam candidates. Aspirants for UPSC civil services examination are doing their preparation through online social media platforms.  Rajendra Nagar-Karolbagh and Mukhergee Nagar in Delhi-NCR are the main centres for the preparation of civil services exams. Here hundreds of coaching centres are providing preparation-help, classes and study materials through both traditional and digital mode coaching. English language has been the medium for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. But as the aspirants from rural background increased Hindi is becoming an important medium for preparation and coaching as well as study materials through Hindi medium has begun to be available easily. These facilities are available in both modes. Online coaching in Hindi through different social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Telegram, X, WhatsApp etc are available at the low coast. But access to the digital facility for every background students is not the same. Some has high internet facility and some has access to internet is quite low. Some has efficient and well-suited devices are available and some lack this facility.  Therefore, there is a digital access divide especially for the aspirants of Hindi mode who belong to rural areas and poor economic backgrounds. So this study aims to assess ‘Digital Access Divide and Hindi Social Media: Mapping Usage Trends among UPSC Aspirants in Delhi-NCR.’ This research is based on both primary and secondary data applying mixed-method research approach. For primary surveys to collect data both qualitative and quantitative surveys have been done in the area of Rajendra Nagar-Karolbagh and Mukhergee Nagar in Delhi-NCR. Expected outcomes may be highly helpful for bridging the digital divide for the aspirants of UPSC aspirants.