Zenith Orbit

Update – 19 May 07:00 AM IAS /PCS 2024 Register today Educator has written 4 mains and given Interviews 3 times....

Prabhu Shukla
Mentor for Civil Services Preparation (2010–present)

QUES :: Should I join coaching for UPSC preparation or not? I’m very confused because I have no one to guide me. I want to clear this exam anyhow.

The answer to this question is very sImple and clear.

If you are a disciplined individual who can focus on dedicated preparation by analysing and scrutinizing the various resources available at your end for the optimum utilisation, then you don't need any coaching.

Those who have cleared the examination without any coaching are only saying that they have not attended the conventional coaching institutes and they have stated it very clearly that they have got proper guidance from someone who has a rich first hand experience of UPSC. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL THESE WARRIORS HAD SOME RELATION WITH THOSE MENTORS SO THAT THEY GOT THIS OPPORTUNITY. There are so many platforms where you can get all the guidance as well as material you need for free or almost at negligible fee. ( this answer itself is an example ).

You need 25 to 30 standard books for the whole preparation and that list is unanimous. Along with these books the only ingredient you need is the perseverance.

Now come to the second part : What a good institute will provide you and what exactly is a good institute????????

They provide following

Complete roadmap
tailor-made plans
plethora of material and abundant information
a strict/disciplined schedule

Part B: GOOD INSTITUTE

There is no definition for such and everyone claims to be the best.
Check for the credentials of faculty (they may have mastered some topics but unless they have not faced interview in recent years they are extremely good for academics only but not for examination. So many highly respected individuals are bombarding the internet (followed by millions) with videos in which there is not a single thing you need for examination. If you want to listen the philosophy of these individuals which is the result of their competence level then these vdo lectures or whatever you call them is good but if you want to succeed then look for those faculty who are giving you real information required for UPSC.}
Instead of blindly joining somewhere just because they are claiming to be best and displaying the selection board (which sometimes turn out to be fake and other times it is just that the toppers or selected candidates have registered only at there place or attended for few months or taken mock tests etc) : search someone who him/herself has written at least mains in recent past.
Those who can come to lucknow for preparation or lucknowites are most welcome to experience the most gruelling preparation program.