At the same time, today’s aspirants have access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that can cut down repetitive work and make study more efficient. They help with summarizing, organizing notes, and practicing structured answers. But these tools are not a replacement for human guidance—they are support systems that, when used wisely, free up time for deeper learning and answer writing practice.
Today’s aspirants have access to AI tools. It can make study more efficient and effective.AI tools can help organise, summarize and practicing questions and answers. But these tools can’t replace the human guidance, mentorship .AI can be used as supportive systems and have to be used wisely.
AI in UPSC Preparation
AI can be useful in 3 areas for CSE Aspirants:
1. Organize and Summarize: Large and vast study materials to quicks and crisp revision materials.
2. Tests and Practice: MCQs, Mock test questions
3. Moulding Skills: Analysis and Clarity on Topics especially Current Affairs
Aspirants can use these tools to save their time and redirect the energy towards conceptual understanding and analytical writing.
Free AI Tools for UPSC CSE Aspirants
1. ChatGPT (Free Version)
Clarify concepts, draft outlines, and practice structured answers.
Eg: Prompt – “Write a 250-word UPSC-style answer on judicial activism in India with relevant case laws.”
Benefits: Offers a structured draft that aspirants can refine into their own answer.
Caution: Always verify with NCERTs, standard books, and PIB.
2. Perplexity AI
Quick, cited updates on current affairs.
Eg: “Functions of WHO and its recent initiatives 2024 site:.gov.”
· Benefits: Cuts down time spent scanning multiple news sources.
3. Notion AI (Free Plan)
Organizing and condensing notes.
Eg: Summarize The Revolt of 1857 into causes, nature, and consequences.
· Benefits: Helps during quick revision.
4. Grammarly (Free Version)
Polishing essays and GS answers.
Eg: Draft an essay on Urbanization in India and refine it with Grammarly.
· Benefits: Improves clarity, flow, and grammar.
5. Quillbot (Free Tool)
Rewriting bulky material into concise notes.
Eg: Reframe Economic Survey highlights into exam-friendly points.
· Benefits: Especially helpful in answer writing, where originality and precision matter.
Practicability of AI in UPSC Prep
GS Paper 2 – Polity
· Study the Puttaswamy judgment.
· Use ChatGPT for a 200-word summary and draft answer format.
Essay Store essays in Notion AI under themes like Economy, Society, and Environment.
· Summarize each into 5 points for faster revision.
Prelims Revision
· Use Perplexity AI to fact-check current events.
· Example: “Key outcomes of COP29 Climate Summit 2024.”
· Convert responses into flashcards.
PSIR Optional
· Use Quillbot to simplify theories from O.P. Gauba or Andrew Heywood.
· Ask ChatGPT to generate PYQs and attempt practice answers.
· Run drafts through Grammarly for cleaner expression.
Cautions While Using AI
1. AI is a Tool, not a teacher – UPSC rewards analysis and originality.
2. Check Accuracy – Verify every AI-generated point with standard sources.
3. Don’t Depend Entirely – Use AI to save time, not to skip hard work.
Conclusion
AI has made UPSC preparation less mechanical by simplifying tasks. Tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity AI, Notion AI, Grammarly, and Quillbot are assets to an aspirant’s toolkit, while affordable upgrades like ChatGPT Plus and Grammarly Premium offer extra depth. But these tools cannot tell you whether your answer is exam-ready, or whether your argument shows balance and depth—that’s where a mentor’s feedback matters.
The role of a mentor or trainer goes beyond teaching. A good mentor evaluates answers, identifies blind spots, and develops discipline. From my experience as an educator, the aspirants who progress fastest are those who combine consistent mentorship with smart use of AI tools. This mix helps them sharpen essential skills like PSIR answer writing, build confidence, and face the Civil Services Examination with both clarity and direction.