Best Coaching Institutes for IAS Preparation

Preparing for Civil Services in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is becoming tougher. The shocking nature of papers in both Prelims and Mains, a recent phenomenon, is the main reason behind this. Now, with the introduction of CSAT from 2011, the whole pattern of Prelims test has taken a dramatic turn. In this scenario, the availability of the proper guidance has become necessary. Coaching and direct discussion with seniors are available as two prominent weapons in the form of proper guidance. Cracking the IAS may become a cakewalk if the aspirants can stick to a solid plan according to what experienced people have asked them to do. The necessity of joining a coaching institute to crack the IAS can be a subject of controversy, but if time and money allow you then you should join a coaching institute. There are lots of benefits that one can get by enrolling into a coaching institute for Civil Services preparation. Two prominent reasons that instantly pop out in mind in favor of a coaching institute are the possibility of finding a group which helps in the preparation and not loosing the direction of the preparation. As we all know, to become an IAS one needs to show high level of dedication coupled with direction and determination.

However, the picture on the ground is quite disheartening. The coaching institutes have mushroomed and they are applying every possible marketing tactics to attract students. Even a FMCG company will chew their lips by watching closely the marketing strategy that these institutes have applied. Bogus institute like Chanakya IAS Academy is publishing a competitive magazine where every content is duplicated. ALS is advertising Jojo Mathews as the doyen of IAS preparation. Synergy [Mohanty] is presenting himself as the priest of Public Administration. There are innumerable examples where the lure of money has ruined the character of teachers. What will you call a person who is loved to be called as the “author” of a widely read current affairs book [Wizard Current Affairs] and shamelessly asked staffs to copy news items from The Hindu and The Economic Times and print it as it is. He is shameless because he knows that almost all students who are reading his book has also gone through at least The Hindu. People like Jojo Mathews, A. K. Mishra, M. K. Mohanty, Ravindran, Shashank Atom have done a great disservice to those some students who had shown blind faith on them. Nevertheless, I am going to give a short list of five coaching institutes in New Delhi for IAS preparation, Institutes being run by these very people. There are something good about these people and aspirants should understand that before zeroing down on anyone.

The institute was started by Manoj Kumar Singh. Later Jojo Mathews and Shashank Atom joined it as partners. This coaching institute shot into prominence five years ago when it started to give staggering results in Geography. It is said Geography as an optional started to give better results because of Shashank Atom and K. Sidhartha [Ensemble]. However, soon because of self glorification and other stuffs the ALS has become only a shadow of its past. The fortune dwindled as fast as it burgeoned. I included it in the list of top five coaching institute for IAS preparation because of its approach in General Studies. There is not an iota of doubt in the fact that ALS is the best institute in Delhi [and in India] for General Studies preparation. The credit must be given to Mr. Jojo Mathews [though he lacks character, but credit must be given where it is due]. Jojo Mathews has the impeccable communication skills and he has the power to motivate youngsters like nothing else. He took few initial classes in every GS batch with India Polity and gives a perfect direction. He also took classes on Science and Technology and then special batch of Current Affairs. As I have mentioned, Jojo Mathews lacks character by printing his name as an author in a book full of copied content [‘conceptualized by Jojo Mathews would have been better]. If he decided to desert the high level of unwanted ego and unnecessary personification then he may become the next Ravindran for IAS preparation. Any way, for the current discussion, it may be said to be an apt and wise decision if you join ALS for GS. There are few other really good teachers in the GS team of ALS like Animesh Singh, Manish K. Gautam, and others. For optionals, ALS is a big NO [not even for Geography]. The fee structure of CSAT is quite high without any reasonable resources in terms of faculty and training and I would not suggest you to join it for CSAT.

Vajiram and Ravi is still the best institute for overall preparation of Civil Services. One thing that stands apart is the fact that this coaching institute has a teacher like Mukul Pathak. If you are planning to appear in the Civil Services Exam with Psychology as one of your optionals then keep this in mind that there is no alternative to Mukul Pathak at Vajiram and Ravi. Even if you didn’t join Vajiram and Ravi, you have to go for his notes. General Studies is also good at this institute; however, they are yet to tackle the shocking nature of paper. Their approach towards Current Affairs is really pathetic. After the departure of Manocha, the Public Administration at Vajiram and Ravi is down to hell. Sociology is still better [with Mahapatra]. In a nutshell, Vajiram and Ravi still offers the best possible solution for Civil Services in Delhi. Psychology, GS, and Sociology is good enough here. There is quite a high chance of finding a supportive and target minded group if you study at Vajiram and Ravi.

For Geography Ensemble is the best coaching institute. Under the guidance of K. Sidhartha, the institute has continued to give good results in Civil Services. For Public Administration, you can safely rely on M. K. Mohanty’s Public Administration. Mohanty is also a personality with similar characteristics like Jojo Mathews, but still he is delivering the best possible solution for Public Administration. His approach is nice and the style of delivering lecture is quite lucid.

It was started in South Delhi [Jia Sarai near IIT Delhi]. The institute has become one of the most reputed names in a very short span of time. GS and Public Administration are best at this institute, but you can go for other optionals if available. The director of this institute has strong character and he don’t show any sort of self promotion. He is a man who will always strive to provide better facility and good learning environment to all students. Visit their center and ask some director questions from the director. He will certainly guide you in terms of the selection of optional and other vital stuffs.