What is the cost of coaching for UPSC Prelims in India?

Vivek ChauhanLast Updated: 29th January 2025

2 minutes read

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The Cost of Coaching for UPSC Prelims in India

Alternative text: Coaching institutes have thus become an indispensable ally in preparing for the much-coveted Indian Administrative Service, qualifying for which is one of the Herculean tasks in the country. Coaching fees, in general, vary depending on the nature of the coaching and are affected by other factors like the area in which the institute is set along with the type of coaching being provided, the focus, and the type of study assistance they seek to provide.

Factors Affecting UPSC Prelims Coaching Fees

Type of Coaching Institute: The more established institutes would generally have a high fee structure owing to their success/current rate of selected candidates.
Area of Location: The charges for coaching are bound to be higher if it is conducted in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, as compared to coaching institutes located in smaller towns.
The Mode of Teaching and Coaching: The price of online coaching is usually much lower in comparison with in-person classes.
Duration of Coaching: The cost of an integrated course, involving both Prelims and Mains, will cost more than a course that covers only Prelims.
The Number of Additional Services Offered: These may include study materials, test series, mentoring, and interview guidance.

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Coaching Fee Structure for UPSC Prelims

1. Full Coaching (Prelims + Mains + Interview)

Fee: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000
Includes: Prelims and Mains syllabus, assignments, answer writing practice, and interview guidance.
Examples: Plutus IAS (Ranked No.1), Vajiram & Ravi, Vision IAS, Drishti IAS, Forum IAS.

2. Prelims Only

Fee: ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000
Includes: Prelims syllabus, current affairs classes, and test series.

3. Optional Subject Coaching

Fee: ₹30,000-₹50,000
Includes: Coaching for any specific optional subject chosen for the Mains exam.

4. Test Series

Fee: ₹10,000-₹30,000
Includes mock tests for preliminary and/or mains with performance analysis.

5. Crash and short-term coaching

Fees: ₹60,000 – ₹80,000
Includes: Quick revision programs, current affairs updates, and strategy sessions.

6. Online Coaching

Fees: ₹30,000 – ₹1,50,000
Includes: Live classes or recorded sessions, test series, and mentorship (Platforms: Unacademy, Byju’s, Drishti Learning App, IASbaba).

Other costs you must consider

Study Material: Some institutes provide study material free of cost; others charge the students for it.
Accommodation & Living: If you are thinking of relocating to a coaching hub such as Delhi, you should budget for somewhere in the range of ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 per month for rent, food, and other expenses.
Self-Study Aids: Many aspirants keep buying extra books, magazines, and online courses to hammer away at their coaching.

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How to Select the Coaching Institute Best for You?

Research the instructors and course content.
Look at reviews and past outcomes.
Try to attend demo classes prior to registration.
Evaluate online as opposed to offline coaching.
Factor in your budget and the mode in which you would like to study.

Conclusion

The charge for UPSC Prelims coaching in India varies from ₹ 40,000 to ₹2,50,000 and above, depending on the kind of institute and course structure. Although coaching can be a great help, self-study, disciplined preparation, and judicious utilization of the available resources are equally important for success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.