The Civil Services Examination, also known as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and formerly known as the Imperial Civil Service, is one of India’s toughest competitive exams. The Union Public Service Commission oversees the selection of officers for the All-India Services and other central services.
Thousands of aspirants take this exam every year in an effort to demonstrate their aptitude and tenacity in order to be chosen for one of these highly sought-after posts. Candidates are choses after a three-stage exam which consist of prelims, mains and personality test. Candidates who successfully qualify all these three stages are selected to work as an IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc. in Government of India or Government of any state of India.
Below is the list of services that are filled through the UPSC CSE exam-
- All India Services- IAS, IPS, and IFoS
- Group A Central Services- IFS, IAAS, ICAS, ICLS, IDES, IIS, IOFS, IPOS, IRAS, IRPS, IRS, etc
- Group ‘B’ Civil Services- DANICS, DANIPS Puducherry Civil Service, etc.
The Mains Exam for the CSE consists of nine descriptive papers. Out of these nine papers, two papers are qualifying and marks are not counted for ranking purposes. The remaining seven papers are considered for the final ranking. The subjects included in the Mains Exam are:
- Paper A – Indian Language (Qualifying)
- Paper B – English (Qualifying)
- Paper I – Essay
- Paper II – GS I (Indian culture and heritage, history of India and world, geography of India and world, society)
- Paper III – GS II (Polity, IR, Constitution, Social Justice etc)
- Paper IV – GS III (Indian economy, internal security, disaster management, science and technology, environment etc.)
- Paper V – GS IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
- Paper VI – Optional Subject Paper 1
- Paper VII – Optional Subject Paper 2
Optional Subjects
In the Mains Exam, candidates must select one optional subject from the list of subjects provided. Candidates must select one optional subject from a list of options. Literature in any of the following languages is one of the optional subjects: Arabic, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam etc. Candidates can also choose subjects like philosophy, sociology, mathematics, chemistry, history, geography, physics, etc.
Before selecting any subject, an aspirant must consider below written points-
1) Interest and Background: Select a topic in which you are interested and have some background knowledge.
2) Scoring potential: Examine the optional subject’s performance in previous years’ UPSC CSE exams. Some subjects have higher scoring potential than others, and choosing such subjects can boost your overall marks and thus your ranking. Choosing an optional subject for the UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination) can be a critical decision because it can have a significant impact on your exam success.
3) Availability of Study Material and Coaching: Select an optional subject for which there is sufficient study material and coaching.
4) Overlap in Syllabus: Determine whether there is any overlap in the syllabus of the optional subject and the syllabus of the general studies paper. Choosing a subject that overlaps with general studies can help you save time and lessen the burden of preparation.
5) Time Management: Select a subject that you can complete in the time allotted for preparation. Choose a subject that does not require extensive preparation, and make sure you have a good plan in place to cover the entire syllabus in the time allotted.
6) Expertise Availability: Choose a subject in which you have access to experts, mentors, or peers who can guide you through your preparation.
Remember that the optional subject should be chosen after careful consideration, and you should not base your decision on what others choose.
Preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam is a challenging and rigorous process that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Some steps one can take to prepare for the IAS exam:
1) Understand the exam pattern– Proper planning and preparation to understand each stage of the exam and preparing accordingly.
2) Create a study plan: Create a study plan that covers all the topics in a systematic manner.
3) Read newspapers and current affairs magazines: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, and magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Frontline.
4) Choose the right study material: Choose standard textbooks and reference books that cover the entire syllabus. Some recommended books for IAS preparation include NCERT textbooks, Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, and Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh.
5) Practice mock tests and PYQs: Mock tests and PYQs are keys to do better in the exam.
6) Join a coaching institute (optional): If you feel the need for guidance, you can consider joining a coaching institute that offers IAS coaching.
The city of Shimla in state of Himachal Pradesh hosts a number of coaching institutes that provide comprehensive facilities for IAS exam preparation. However, select the institute after examining them on some parameters which are mentioned below-
- History of the coaching organizations.
- Training environments with experience offer an advantage.
- Methodologies for teaching.
- Look for institutions with a specific educational philosophy.
- Faculty and Credentials
- Distance learning institution
- course materials
- cost and individual counselling
Top 5 IAS Coaching in Shimla with fees
| Institute | Course & Fees | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| AAA Bright Academy | Complete integrated course Rs.26,999-1,10,999/- |  9882584470 ramanmahajan2000@gmail.com aaabrightacademy.in |
| ALS IAS Academy | Complete integrated course Rs.75,000-13,000/- | 094181 10002alsias.shimla@gmail.comalsias.net |
| Career Pathway IAS Academy | Complete integrated course Rs.69,000-40,000/- | 098052 91450 info@careerpointshimla.comthecareerspath.com |
| Helios IAS Coaching | Complete integrated course Rs.47,999-73,999/- | 070180 44919helioscoachingshimla.in |
| Brain Tree Academy | Complete integrated course Rs.1,50,000-3,00,000/- | 098785 19636braintreeiasacademy.com |
1) AAA Bright Academy– Best IAS Coaching in Shimla
AAA Bright Academy had a humble start in the year 2001 when it was established by Mr. R.K. Mahajan. Since then, the institute has evolved itself to become one of the foremost institutes in Shimla offering courses for different competitive exams like Bank PO, IAS, HAS, CTET, etc. They also have a presence in 12 different cities.
2) ALS IAS Academy – Best UPSC Coaching in Shimla
ALS IAS Academy was founded in 2003 and since then they have adopted a flawless teaching methodology that attracts thousands of students every year to take admission in the institute. They have branches across the nation where aspirants are receiving quality education for IAS exam. The ALS offers a mix of quality courses, innovative teaching methods, and maximum academic exposure which adds up to a winning combination of newness and tradition for their students which gives them an extra edge over their competition.
3) Career Pathway IAS Academy– IAS Coaching in Shimla
Career Pathway IAS was founded by Mr. R.K. Sharma to provide proper guidance to aspirants of civil services in the city. He was also awarded with Young Achiever Award in 2021 by Amarujala for their services in education sector. They aim to bring out the best in the student by training them with facilities of the highest possible order. They offer a competitive environment for their students which helps them grow and mature to perform better in high-pressure exams.
4) Helios Coaching Himachal– UPSC Classes in Shimla
Helios coaching was founded by Mr. Abhishek Chauhan in 2015 to provide civil services aspirants of the city an affordable and quality mentoring. The institute aims to guide its students to better prepare for the exam. They have built an ambient environment in their institute and offer the quality study material with a proven track record of success, which attracts students as well as parents.
5) Brain Tree Academy – Top IAS Coaching in Shimla
Brain Tree Academy is one of the leading coaching institutes in Shimla for the preparation of civil services. Students aspiring for civil services can receive guidance from the institute. They follow a unique strategy to complete the syllabus and aid students to prepare for the competition.
Conclusion for IAS/UPSC Coaching in Shimla
The Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) preparation process is demanding and difficult, necessitating a thorough and well-thought-out strategy. While self-study can be a useful method of exam preparation, many applicants choose coaching in order to get direction and help from knowledgeable mentors and trainers.
Several advantages can come from UPSC CSE tutoring, including access to study materials, test series, and mock tests that can assist applicants in identifying their strong points and areas for improvement. Also, coaching centres may offer each student individualised feedback and attention, which can help them get past their uncertainties and challenges.
But, it’s crucial to keep in mind that coaching is not a magic cure and that a candidate’s ability to succeed in the UPSC CSE ultimately rests on their level of effort, commitment, and tenacity. As a result, even while coaching can be a helpful tool, candidates should also put an emphasis on building a solid foundation in the topics, practising regularly, and using time management skills.
The choice to enrol in UPSC CSE coaching is ultimately a personal one that is influenced by a variety of variables, including the candidate’s preferred method of study, the accessibility of resources, and their financial position. In the end, any candidate can pass the UPSC CSE and realize their dream of working as a civil servant with the correct attitude, strategy, and support.
Disclaimer for IAS/UPSC Coaching in Shimla
All the data and rankings featured in this article were given by the MyBestGuide research team. While ranking these universities, factors such as the professors, course materials, Google reviews, and other factors were all taken into account. All decisions relating to these conditions are made by the study team.
FAQs regarding IAS/UPSC Coaching in Shimla
· AAA Bright Academy
· ALS IAS Academy
· Career Pathway IAS Academy
· Helios IAS Coaching
· Brain Tree Academy
IAS exam is the most difficult competitive exams in India which has a very low probability of success. But, with correct strategy, dedication and hard work one can get selected in the services.
No, it is not essential to enrol in coaching institutes. However, coaching does provide guidance and support in preparing for the same which has proved beneficial for most of officers in service.
The salary structure for the UPSC IAS officers varies according to the rank and position. An entry-level IAS officer can expect a salary of around Rs. 56,100 per month, while senior-level officers can earn up to Rs. 2,50,000 per month.
The syllabus for the UPSC IAS exam includes topics from various subjects such as Indian history, physical and human geography, constitution, Indian economy, comprehension, aptitude, etc.
Structured supervision, individualized attention, and access to study materials and practice tests are all advantages of IAS coaching.
The IAS coaching staff should possess information that is current, expertise, interpersonal and communication skills, passion, flexibility, adaptability, analytical skills, and real-world experience.
Current events, history, geography, economics, political science, and other subjects are addressed in IAS tutoring.
By conducting internet research, reading reviews, and seeking suggestions from friends and co-workers, you can select a decent IAS coaching program.
Yes, there are 2 compulsory optional papers of chosen subject from the list provided by UPSC.
