The Cost: Civil Services Coaching Fees; Living In UPSC CSE Hubs
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's central agency which conducts many exams to recruit candidates for both civil services as well as defence services. With roughly 10 lakh applicants each year, the Civil Services Exam (CSE) is one of its most competitive exams. Through it, candidates are selected to serve in the administrative, police, foreign and other services as IAS, IPS, IFS officers at the pan-India level.
Cracking the Civil Services Examination typically involves years of preparation, especially for the first two rounds of the three-part selection process — the Preliminary and Main rounds, popularly known as UPSC Prelims and Mains. While coaching is not necessary for everyone, many candidates do opt for it for a systematic, disciplined approach to covering the UPSC Prelims syllabus and UPSC Mains syllabus. These two rounds typically sift out all but 0.2% of the total number of applicants. These top candidates appear for the final round, the interviews.
UPSC Civil Services Exam: Coaching Hubs
Where UPSC CSE coaching is concerned, some cities and locations have emerged as prime centres. At present, the top coaching institutes are ones operating in Delhi, Prayagraj (Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh, and Bengaluru in Karnataka. Based on information gathered from candidates training in these locations, Careers360 has put together cost estimates for living and studying at these centres to help future candidates and their families budget.
While signing up for paid civil service exam coaching is not necessary, it helps candidates access exclusive study materials, developing discipline and time management, and analyse where they stand as compared to other candidates.
In India, almost every state has coaching institutes for the preparation of CSE exam but when it comes to getting quality coaching, students opt for Delhi, typically considered the Mecca of CSE exam preparation. Apart from Delhi, the two other prominent cities for CSE preparation are Prayagraj and Bengaluru. Given below are the top coaching institutes in these cities and their fee structures. And because the fee is rarely the only expense, we have also attempted to provide estimates of cost of living, travel and entertainment in these cities, based on the responses of candidates currently preparing there.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of coaching institutes all across India are offering online classes. In the details given below, wherever “online” is mentioned, consider it as an initiative started by coaching institutes to ensure preparation is not hampered by the pandemic.
UPSC CSE Coaching In Delhi
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar which is located in North Delhi is the hub of IAS exam coaching centres in Delhi. There are more than 50 coaching centres here and draws most of the CSE aspirants. Every year thousands from across the country come to Delhi to prepare for CSE and most of them prefer residing at Dr. Mukherjee Nagar.
The second prominent area for CSE preparation is Old Rajinder Nagar located in Central Delhi. It is very close to the Karol Bagh metro station (Blue Line). There are more than 25 coaching centres, including branches of the ones in Dr. Mukherjee Nagar.
Delhi: UPSC Exam Coaching Cost
The following are the major institutions for UPSC CSE coaching in Delhi
Vajiram and Ravi, Old Rajinder Nagar
Courses / Programmes | Duration | Fees (In Rs) |
General Studies Prelim-Cum-Mains | 36 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 1,60,000 |
CSAT | 12 weeks (2 hours per day) | 19,000 |
Optional Subjects | Duration | Fees (In Rs) |
Public Administration | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Geography | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Political Science | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Commerce and Accountancy | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Economics | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Sociology | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
History | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Anthropology | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Philosophy | 16 weeks (2.5 hours per day) | 50,000 |
Psychology | 18 weeks | 50,000 |
Mathematics | 24 weeks | 62,000 |
ALS, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Karol Bagh and Shalimar Place
Many coaching institutes accept payment in installments but will charge more for the same course. In the table below and later, the fee shown will be the amount charged for a “one-time payment”. If the institute charges more for payment in installments, that will be mentioned separately.
Courses / Programmes | Fees (One-Time Payment, In Rs) |
General Studies Extensive - Offline | 1,40,000 Installment - 1,60,000 |
General Studies Extensive - Online | 1,25,000 |
General Studies Strategist - Offline | 1,53,900 |
General Studies Strategist - Online | 1,25,000 |
General Studies - Offline | 75,000 |
General Studies - Online | 53,100 |
General Studies Foundation (2-Year Weekend Foundation Programme for Undergraduates) Can be upgraded to General Studies Extensive Programme anytime | 30,000 |
Optional Subjects | Fees (In Rs) |
History | Offline - 41,500 Online - 29,999 |
Public Administration | Offline - 41,500 Online - 29,999 |
Political Science | Offline - 41,500 Online - 29,999 |
Sociology | Offline - 41,500 Online - 29,999 |
Anthropology | Offline - 41,500 Online - 29,999 |
Special Offer (Package): General Studies Strategist + Optional Subject | 1,92,900 |
Also Read | IBPS PO, SBI Clerk: Cost Of Online Coaching For Major Banking Exams
Shriram’s IAS, GTB Nagar and Old Rajinder Nagar
Courses / Programmes | Fees (In Rs) |
General Studies - Offline | 1,60,000 |
Packages: (Offline) General Studies + CSAT General Studies + Optional General Studies + Optional + CSAT | 1,75,000 2,00,000 2,15,000 |
General Studies - Online | 1,25,000 |
Packages: (Online) General Studies + CSAT General Studies + Optional General Studies + Optional + CSAT | 1,40,000 1,60,000 1,75,000 |
CSAT | 21,000 |
Optional Subjects | Fees (In Rs) |
Public Administration | 45,000 |
Political Science | 45,000 |
Sociology | 45,000 |
History | 45,000 |
Anthropology | 45,000 |
Drishti-The Vision, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar and Karol Bagh
This institute is considered one of the best for teaching the UPSC syllabus in Hindi and for teaching Hindi Literature which is an optional subject.
Courses / Programmes | Fees (One-Time Payment, In Rs) |
General Studies Foundation (Prelims + Mains) | 1,25,000 Installment - 1,30,000 |
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Online | 18,000 |
Essay | 10,000 |
Optional Subjects | Fees (In Rs) |
History | 45,000 Installment - 50,000 |
Sociology | 45,000 Installment - 50,000 |
Geography | 45,000 Installment - 50,000 |
Public Administration | 45,000 Installment - 50,000 |
Hindi Literature (In recorded format) | 35,000 |
Test Series | Fees (In Rs) |
Prelims Test Series (GS+CSAT) (25 GS + 5 CSAT = 30 Tests) | 30,000 |
Mains Test Series (General Studies) (20 Tests) | 18,000 |
Test Series (Optional Subjects) (16 Tests) | 16,000 |
Combo Packages | Fees (In Rs) |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + CSAT + Test Series (Prelims) | 1,50,000 Installment - 1,55,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + CSAT | 1,35,000 Installment - 1,40,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + CSAT + Essay | 1,45,000 Installment - 1,50,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + CSAT + Essay + Test Series (Pre) + Test Series-General Studies (Mains) | 1,67,000 Installment - 1,72,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + Hindi Literature (Optional) (Video Class) | 1,52,000 Installment - 1,57,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + History/Geography/Sociology/Public Administration | 1,60,000 Installment - 1,70,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + Hindi Literature (Optional) (Video Class) + CSAT + Essay | 1,77,000 Installment - 1,82,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + History/Geography/Sociology/Public Administration + CSAT + Essay | 1,85,000 Installment - 1,95,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + Hindi Literature (Opt.) (Video Class) + CSAT + Essay + Test Series (Prelims) + Test Series-General Studies (Mains) | 1,99,000 Installment - 2,04,000 |
General Studies (Prelims+Mains) + History/Geography/Sociology/Public Administration + CSAT + Essay + Test Series (Prelims) + Test Series-General Studies (Mains) | 2,07,000 Installment - 2,17,000 |
Khan Study Group, Vijay Nagar and Old Rajinder Nagar
Courses / Programmes | Duration | Fees (In Rs) |
Foundation Course: General Studies, CSAT, Essay, Test Series (P.T/Mains/Integrated) | 9 months | 1,57,000 |
Advance Foundation Course: Foundation and Basic of GS, Cognitive Development, Writing Skills Development & Personality Development Foundation Course: General Studies, CSAT, Essay, Test Series (P.T/Mains/Integrated) | 2 years | Online - 1,85,000 Offline - 2,24,000 |
Foundation Course - Weekend | 1,57,000 | |
Optional Subjects | Fees (In Rs) | |
Political Science and International Relations | 40,000 | |
Geography | 40,000 | |
Sociology | 40,000 | |
Test Series | Fees (In Rs) | |
Prelims Mains Integrated (Prelims+Mains) | 12,000 18,000 25,000 | |
Distance Learning and Mentoring Programme-(General Studies) | 35,000 | |
Viva Guidance | One Week (After publication of the result of UPSC CSE Mains) | 2,000 |
Essay Module | 1 week | 7,000 |
Delhi: Cost Of Living
Students attending UPSC exam coaching in Dr Mukherjee Nagar typically reside in Gandhi Vihar, Indira Vihar, Nehru Vihar, Wazirabad, Sant Nagar, Hudson Line, Vijay Nagar and neighbouring areas where there are paying guest accommodations and flats aplenty.
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar is also very close to GTB Nagar metro station (Delhi Metro’s Yellow Line) and Delhi University’s North Campus. There are a lot of street food stalls, dhabas, restaurants, confectionery and sweet shops. This area has a plethora of books and stationery shops as well. Apart from this locality, students hangout at GTB Nagar Metro station area, also known as Camp, Hudson Line and Kamla Nagar Market.
The Rajinder Nagar location is more expensive and therefore, most students studying there prefer to stay in low-cost localities like Patel Nagar, Baljeet Nagar, Inderpuri, Ramesh Nagar and Tilak Nagar. Like Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, this location too has many books and stationery shops and eateries including many street-food stalls. The nearby Karol Bagh market and the Gaffar market are the main places for students to hangout. Connaught Place, or Rajiv Chowk, the heart of Delhi and a major hangout in the city, is very close to this location. It has plenty of shops, right from high-end brands to small stores and food chains.
Both areas are fairly well-connected with metro lines, bus routes and para-transport options such as auto-rickshaws. Apart from coaching fees, students will have to spend on local transportation, books, food and rent among others. Given below are the rough estimates of costs based on inputs from aspirants who are preparing for the CSE exam in Delhi.
Particulars | Amount (In Rs) |
Rent or PG (Cost varies with locality) | 4,500 - 12,000 per month |
Books and Study Materials (Books are one-time purchases) | 3,500 - 6,000 |
Newspapers and Monthly Magazines | 500 - 600 |
Food | 2,000 - 3,500 per month |
Travel | 1,000 - 1,500 per month |
Additional | |
Weekend leisure and entertainment | 500 - 1,000 per weekend |
Miscellaneous | 1,000 per month |
UPSC CSE Coaching In Prayagraj
The CSE preparation institutes in Prayagraj are famous for Hindi-medium students and students who wish to write the CSE in Hindi-medium typically go there.
Compared to Delhi, Prayagraj is slightly cheaper in terms of coaching fees and living expenses. The majority of students here are from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand and are from Hindi-medium backgrounds. They are the ones making Prayagraj a coaching hub.
The following are some of the popular coaching centres and the costs of the courses they offer.
Prayagraj: CSE Coaching Cost
Drishti-The Vision, Civil Lines
Courses / Programmes | Fee (One-Time Payment, In Rs) |
General Studies | 95,000 Installment - 1,00,000 |
CSAT | 18,000 Installment - 22,000 |
Optional Subjects | Fee (In Rs) |
Hindi Literature (Video Classes) | 33,000 Installment Fee - 35,000 |
History or Geography | 35,000 Installment - 38,000 |
Essay | 10,000 Installment - 10,000 |
Test Series (Prelims) | 10,000 Installment - 10,000 |
Test Series (GS Mains) | 18,000 Installment - 18,000 |
Combo Package | Fee ( One-Time Payment, In Rs) |
GS (IAS + UPPSC) + CSAT + Hindi Optional + Essay + Test Series (PT + GS Mains) | 2,00,000 Installment - 2,11,000 |
GS (IAS + UPPSC) + CSAT + Other Optional + Essay + Test Series (PT + GS Mains) | 2,02,000 Installment - 2,14,000 |
Dhyeya IAS, Civil Lines
Courses / Programmes | Fee (In Rs) |
General Studies Of Prelims And CST (Exclusive Of GST) | 70,000 |
Complete IAS Coaching (Exclusive Of GST) | 1,34,000 |
Optional Courses | Fee (In Rs) |
History | 20,000 |
Geography | 20,000 |
Political Science | 20,000 |
Sociology | 20,000 |
Hindi Literature | 20,000 |
Prayagraj: Cost Of Living
Given below are the rough estimates of what a candidate preparing for the Civil Service Exam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, might expect to spend on various things other than coaching. Students prefer staying and hanging out in localities like Chhota Baghara, Allahpur, Katra and Mumfordganj. The following cost estimates have been compiled with inputs shared by students studying in Prayagraj.
Particulars | Amount (In Rs) |
Rent or PG (Cost varies with locality) | 3,000 - 8,000 per month |
Books and Study Materials (Books are one-time purchases) | 3,500 - 6,000 |
Newspapers and Monthly Magazines | 500 - 600 |
Food | 1,500 - 2,000 per month |
Travel | 500 - 1,000 per month |
Additional | |
Weekend leisure and entertainment | 500 - 1,000 per weekend |
Miscellaneous | 1,000 per month |
Civil Services Coaching In Bengaluru
Bengaluru, apart from being the IT capital of India, is also a major hub for CSE coaching in south India. It is preferred by the students from English-medium background. Jayanagar, a well-known Bengaluru locality, is believed to be the heart of IAS coaching centres in the city. It is close to the GR Education Institution. Jayanagar is one of the city’s oldest and most upscale areas. Currently, there are 36 coaching institutes in Bengaluru. The number of institutes for CSE preparation are increasing every year. Around 20,000 students across the country move to Banglore to take CSE coaching.
Bengaluru: Cost Of CSE Coaching
The following two are the top institutions for UPSC CSE coaching in Bengaluru.
Rau’s IAS Study Circle, Koramangla
Courses / Programmes | Fee (In Rs) |
General Studies (Integrated) Program | 1,75,500 |
Optional Subjects | Fee (In Rs) |
Political Science | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
Public Administration | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
Sociology | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
History | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
Geography | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
Economics | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
Anthropology | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
Psychology | Offline - 50,000 Online - 45,000 |
Also Read | UPSC IAS Exam (Prelims) Analysis 2021
Shankar IAS Academy, Chandhra Layout
Courses / Programmes | Duration | Fee (In Rs) |
General studies - Regular (Offline) | Regular - 2 hours 30 min Weekend - 6 hours | 1,06,000 |
CSAT - Regular | Regular - 2 hours or 2 hours 30 min Weekend - 4 hours | 20,000 |
Optional Subjects | Duration (Per Day) | Fee (In Rs) |
Public Administration - Regular (Offline and Online) | 2 hours 30 min | 30,000 |
Psychology - Regular (Offline and Online) | 2 hours 30 min | 30,000 |
Mathematics - Regular (Online) | 2 hours 30 min | 30,000 |
Law - Regular (Online) | 2 hours 30 min | 30,000 |
Agriculture - Regular (Offline and Online) | 2 hours | 30,000 |
Geography - Weekend (Offline and Online) | 5 hours | 30,000 |
Economics - Weekend (Offline and Online) | 4 hours | 30,000 |
PSIR - Weekend (Offline and Online) | 4 hours | 30,000 |
History - Weekend (Offline and Online) | 4 hours | 30,000 |
Tamil Literature - Weekend (Offline and Online) | 3 hours | 30,000 |
Anthropology - Weekend (Offline and Online) | 3 hours 30 min | 30,000 |
Sociology - Weekend (Offline and Online) | 2 hours 30 min | 30,000 |
Bengaluru: Cost Of Living
The cost of living in Bengaluru is significantly higher than any other city in South India. Most students stay either in hostels or as paying guests with families. Jayanagar also has plenty of restaurants and shopping malls.
As per estimates provided by aspirants preparing for the Civil Service Exam in Bengaluru, the cost of living is significantly higher than that of even Delhi. Given below are approximate amounts that a candidate must expect to spend while preparing for exams in Bengaluru.
Particulars | Amount (In Rs) |
Rent or PG (Cost varies by locality) | 3,000 - 10,000 per month |
Books and Study Materials (Books are one-time purchases) | 5,000 |
Newspapers and Monthly Magazines | 400 - 600 per month |
Food | 5,000 per month |
Travel | 2,000 - 3,000 |
Additional | |
Weekend leisure and entertainment | 1500 - 2,000 per weekend |
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Questions related to UPSC CSE
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?
Hello
If you want to become an IAS officer, you can choose any group CEC, MPC, or BiPC as IAS does not require a specific subject stream.
However, many students prefer CEC (Commerce, Economics, Civics) or MPC (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) because they help build analytical and general knowledge skills useful for the IAS exam.
CEC helps with subjects like economics and polity, which are important for the IAS syllabus.
MPC develops problem-solving skills and logical thinking, also useful for the exam. BiPC (Biology group) is less common for IAS aspirants, but still possible if you prefer life sciences.
Hello, it’s wonderful to see such clarity at such a young age. Becoming an IAS officer requires consistent preparation, strong general knowledge, and excellent analytical skills. Right now, your main focus should be building a strong base in academics, especially in subjects like History, Geography, and Economics. Start reading NCERT textbooks from class 6 to 12 for these subjects. Make it a habit to read a good newspaper like The Hindu or Indian Express daily to improve your current affairs knowledge. Practice writing short essays on important topics it will help you in the Mains stage later. Participate in debates, quizzes, and discussions to improve your speaking and thinking skills. After 12th, choose a graduation subject that you enjoy but also overlaps with UPSC syllabus. Most importantly, stay consistent and avoid distractions. You have plenty of time to prepare, so start slowly and build steadily.
Wishing you success in your IAS dream, and thank you for sharing.
The choice of your graduation path – integrated BSc BEd (Zoology), BTech CS, or integrated BS-MS at IISER Thiruvananthapuram – to pursue the dream of becoming an IAS officer requires careful consideration.
A Bachelor of Arts degree, particularly in subjects like Political Science, History, or Economics, is often considered the most aligned with the CSE syllabus, covering crucial topics relevant to General Studies papers.
However, a science background, especially with a BTech CS degree, develops analytical and logical reasoning skills beneficial for the CSAT paper and could be advantageous for certain optional subjects like Mathematics or potentially Engineering disciplines.
Even if you choose a science or engineering stream, you can still select humanities-based optional subjects that overlap with the General Studies papers like Anthropology, Sociology, or Public Administration, which many engineers have successfully opted for.The integrated BSc BEd (Zoology) offers a strong foundation in science and a backup career in teaching, but the primary focus of the BEd component may not be directly relevant to the UPSC syllabus. The integrated BS-MS at IISER offers a strong research focus and academic excellence, potentially leading to diverse career paths in science, academia, industry, or even government agencies But still it is not connected with your ias dream.
Among all b.tech is best as many successful candidates from engineering backgrounds, have utilized their analytical skills and knowledge to crack the exam.
Hello
This is the typical schedule of the IAS Exam (UPSC CSE):
Notification Release:
February
Online Application Window:
February to early March
Prelims Exam:
May or June
Mains Exam:
September/October
As for 2025, the registration date is already gone, so you have to see for 2026 now. The registration will open most probably in February 2026 so stay tuned.
To know more about the IAS Exam: UPSC CSE
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
A candidate who has undergone heart surgery can be eligible for the IAS post if they are medically fit and can perform the required duties without any serious health problems The UPSC allows candidates to appear for the exam if they meet the general physical and mental fitness criteria After clearing the main examination and interview all selected candidates must undergo a detailed medical examination by a government medical board If the candidate has recovered well from heart surgery and there are no complications they can be declared fit for service However if the surgery has caused any permanent disability and if it is certified under the benchmark disability rules then the candidate may be eligible for reservation under the persons with disabilities category Final eligibility depends on the report given by the medical board during the selection process
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