Top 5 Best IAS Coaching Centres in India for UPSC, CSE 2023

If you are planning to join a coaching institute for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, here are the top 5, best IAS coaching centres in India (2023) that you should consider. Before I list the best Civil Service Examination coaching centres, let’s first have a look at the criteria based on which we have ranked these institutes.

The Criteria

Reputation: We have looked for coaching institutes that have a good reputation in the local market. This is decided based upon institute’s track record and student reviews. When checking coaching center’s past performance, never believe their claims/advertisements, but read interviews of selected candidates to know where they took coaching from. Most of the toppers appear in selection lists of multiple IAS coaching centres. The reason being that they appeared there just for mock tests or for single subject coaching, or just interview guidance. These coaching centers don’t disclose the course these successful candidates took in their institute; but claim the credit for their success.

Faculty: The quality of the faculty is critical for the preparation of IAS exam. We have checked credentials of the teachers and made sure they have relevant experience and expertise in the subject matter.

Course Material: A good coaching institute will provide you with comprehensive study material that covers all aspects of the syllabus. Because of the dynamic nature of IAS syllabus, it is very important that the study material is updated frequently.

Test Series and Feedback: Regular mock tests and assessments are an essential part of the preparation process. We have given preference to coaching centres that not only conduct mock tests but also give constructive feedback to help candidates improve.

Fees: Finally, we have considered the fees charged by the institute and made sure that it is reasonable and in line with the quality of the coaching provided.

Now that we know the factors, to look for in a good coaching centre, let’s starts with the list of best IAS coaching centres that have topped in our list.

#1 Jamia Millia Islamia (RCA) & Hamdard Study Circle – Delhi

The Jamia Millia Islamia Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) and Hamdard Study Circle are popular coaching centers for the IAS aspirants in India. Both provide free coaching for the UPSC Civil Services Examination as well as junior services of staff selection commission. Candidate just have to pay registration fee and hostel and mess charges. These centers are funded by the University Grants Commission and Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.

However, these coaching centers are available only for candidates from SC/ST community, minorities, and women.

If you fall in any of these categories, then it’s worth a try to get admission to these coaching centres. However, the seats are limited, and you have to clear an entrance exam and interview to get admission into these coaching centers. Entrance tests for these coaching centers are held in several states across India.

Successful candidates who get admission to these coaching centers are provided with classroom teaching by qualified professors and supplemented with periodic tests and evaluation. You also get access to hostel, study material, and a 24×7 library with large selection of books that are replenished regularly to keep up with the changing syllabus and current affairs.

Because there is an entrance exam in these centers, only bright students are able to get admission. This ensures proper study environment in the coaching center. In the hostel, you can find candidates who are at different stages of the UPSC process. Some are prelims qualified, some are mains qualified, and few others are selected candidates. So, there is sufficient guidance for preparation here.

In the year 2021, a total of 30+ students from RCA and Hamdard Study Circle, were selected for the Civil Services.

#2 Vajiram and Ravi Coaching Institute – Delhi & Chennai

Vajiram and Ravi is known for producing a significant number of successful IAS officers each year, and has a reputation as one of the top IAS coaching institutes in India. The faculty at Vajiram and Ravi are experienced and knowledgeable, with a strong understanding of the IAS exam syllabus and pattern.

The institute provides comprehensive study material which is updated regularly to reflect any changes in the exam pattern. Vajiram and Ravi places a strong emphasis on current affairs, which is a crucial component of the IAS exam. The institute regularly organizes current affairs classes and provides updated information and analysis to help students stay up-to-date.

The institute regularly conducts test series and mock interviews to help students gauge their level of preparedness and identify areas where they need to improve. Vajiram and Ravi has a proven track record of producing top-ranked IAS officers, which is a testament to the quality of its teaching and study material.

#3. Legacy IAS Academy – Jayanagar, Bengaluru

Legacy IAS Academy is a well-known coaching institute for IAS exam preparation in India. What we like the most about this coaching center is that the classroom strength is limited to about 30 students and that makes it easier for students to clear their doubts easily and get individual attention from the teachers. Also, they provide printed current affairs notes prepared by their dedicated team.

Further, they have an in-house, well-equipped library where students can study whole day. They also provide online IAS coaching.

#4 Vidya Sagar Shastri Memorial IAS Study Centre – Patiala

Vidya Sagar Shastri Memorial IAS Study Centre is the top IAS study center in Punjab and one of the best in India. It is run by the Founder & Director Sh. Vinod Sharma, who has more than 37 years of experience in the field of teaching. He himself teaches the entire Preliminary, Mains and Interview part of this exam.

This study centre emphasizes a holistic approach to IAS preparation, covering all aspects of the exam, including current affairs, general studies, and optional subjects.

More than 1000 students of this prestigious institute have made it to IAS, IPS, PCS & Allied service. The Institute has produced several IAS toppers including the rank#3 candidate Ms. Gamini Singla (2021 Batch).

#5 Study at Home – Self Study

I know “Study at Home” is not a coaching center, but it actually is the best way of preparing for an IAS examination. It saves your time and money.

Even if you are adamant about joining an IAS coaching center, you must start with studying at home for at least 6 months before joining a coaching center. If you do this, UPSC syllabus will seem much easier for you.

If required, you can always take coaching for the optional subject, or personality development, interview skills, etc. Also, enroll for test series by various coaching centers in your city or simply order the test series from online stores of various IAS institutes.

Because the syllabus for IAS exam is so vast, you will definitely need some guidance about what books or study material to read. This information is readily available over the internet. You can listen to the interviews of successful candidates and follow their advice about books/study material to read. Here are some of the books/notes that most of the successful candidates have recommended.

If you read these books with dedication, make notes, and revise regularly, then nothing can stop you from clearing the Prelims.

We understand that not everyone can do self-study. So, if you need coaching, go for any of the 4 best IAS coaching centers in India that we have listed above.

Best of luck!