How to assess the approximate Cost of IAS Exam Preparation?

How to assess the approximate Cost of IAS Exam Preparation?

Clearing IAS exams is the dream of many but a lot of students just don't try their luck and ability because of the cost required for IAS exam preparation. With the increase in the inflation rate in the country, the cost of preparation of IAS exam is, of course, higher than a decade ago. Although the cost for examination fees by the UPSC is low, there are a lot many costs that are involved that has to be analyzed in advance to avoid later on hassle. In this article, we are discussing all such factors that UPSC aspirants should take into account for estimating the right cost required for IAS exam preparation.

Factors Involved in Cost assessment of IAS Exam

The reason behind the flourishing of coaching centers for IAS exam preparation is the life-long financial security, the satisfaction of serving the country, and prestige in the society after being an IAS. It is for this reason that every year the number of IAS aspirants are multiplying. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered like preparation without coaching or the city where an aspirant is taking coaching, cost of living, etc. Let us discuss these factors in detail that helps you in predicting the right cost for the preparation of IAS exams.

Place of Preparation

Expenses incurred for preparing for IAS exams depends on the city where you are living. There are many students from small towns and villages where there are no appropriate coaching institutes for the preparation of such exams. Such students move to nearby metro cities to prepare for achieving their dreams. When you move to another city, it involves the cost of living which includes rent of the room, meals three times a day, water & power bills, transportation, etc.

New Delhi is considered as the city with the best coaching institutes for the preparation of IAS exams. Most of the coaching institutes are located in the areas of posh colonies where the cost of living is quite high. Say for an example in Delhi, Rajendra Nagar, the cost of living, including the basic necessities of internet and library, it costs around 15000 a month. On the other hand, in other areas of New Delhi, it may cost you for the same facilities a little less than 10,000 INR.

However, if you think that your financial limitations won't allow you to prepare for IAS at New Delhi; you may also consider cities like Indore, Jaipur, or Ahmadabad. These cities cost you a bit lesser than New Delhi.

So, the cost of preparing for IAS exam vary from city to city.

Coaching or No Coaching

This is interrelated with the previous factor. If a UPSC student decides to take coaching, the above point is relevant but if he decides not to take any coaching and go for self-study, the above point is meaningless for the student.

There are many students who crack UPSC exam without taking any coaching but not all the students are extraordinary. For an average student, it is said that coaching is good to ensure planned and focused studies. Some students also prefer self-studies because they want isolation and stay away from distractions.

Today, in the age of internet, where everything is available online, UPSC coaching is also available online for which one needs to buy the video lectures of renowned faculties. Well, this also adds up to your costs. However, many students do not prefer video lectures because they are not interactive and students can't get their doubts solved easily.

What's the Average Coaching Fees for IAS Exams

On an average, even a small coaching institute charges around 50K to 1.5K for the preparation of Prelims and Mains exam. For an optional subject, the charge is separate which is approximately between 30K to 45K. If a candidate chooses to take part in the test series, it costs separately up to 20K. If we include yearly subscription of magazines and Newspaper for current affairs, it may further cost 5K around.

So all in all, taking coaching and UPSC study material for prelims and mains will in total cost around 2 Lacs to 3 Lacs. This estimate may vary from place to place.

Expenses also vary With The Number of Attempts.

The first attempt for UPSC exams is the best because it consists of unmatched energy and enthusiasm. But with the increase in the number of attempts this energy and the expenses as well goes down. Students who shifted to other cities move back to their hometown as they already take the classes and repeating coaching is of not much use. So with the increase in the number of attempts expenses reduce.