Requirement of Classes for Civil Services Examination

Let me start at the outset by stating that I have attended several private classes in Delhi as part of my preparation for civil services examination. The classes have benefited me enormously.


When I decided to appear for the exam, I knew of very few people who had given this examination. As per common belief that the classes in Delhi were the best for civil services examination, I too decided very early on that I would go to Delhi.


Without any prior preparation for the exam I directly joined the classes in Delhi. The distinct advantage that I gained was the direction in my preparation. Lot of people in Mumbai Thane region still face the same problem of direction. As the Civil Services Examination involves vast syllabus coverage, it is important to be purposeful in one's preparation. In the absence of proper guidance and direction it is very easy to drift away from the goal. The classes in Delhi helped me realise the path I needed to take very early on.


Teaching has several benefits when compared to self reading. The classes helped me to build a strong foundation across various subjects. As a result during my entire preparation there was not a single area that I was weak in. I was able to handle all areas satisfactorily albeit some better than the others.


Selecting a class


I would not say that it is mandatory to join a class. I have friends who have cleared the exam without a single class. On the other hand there are those who have attended all kinds of classes but have been unable to clear the exam. So there isn't a co-relation between classes and selection. One has to gauge for oneself if he/she needs a class.


But should you think of joining a class, here are few guidelines that I would like to share from my own experience.

1. Do not select a class only on the basis of advertisement in various media. It is always advisable to ask people currently preparing for civil services for their opinion first. Ask a broad range of people before selecting the class. It will be better to get information on a particular class from a person who is studying in that city.
2. There is a difference between a General Studies class and Optional subject class. A general studies class involves number of teachers from different areas - polity, economy, geography etc. Whereas a optional class involves the entire syllabus coverage by a single teacher. Thus the reputation of a class is important in General Studies while the individual teacher is important for optional subjects. (Tip: A lot of optional subject classes are started by individual members and they are very good)
3. Who are the teachers? There are several types
1. University Professors - There is a slight catch here. The Professors are very good with their subject but often have very little idea of the demands of the Civil Services exam. As a result they may be excellent Ph.D guides but not useful for cracking Civil Services exam.
2. Aspirants who have exhausted their attempts - These often turn out to be the best guides as they have the knowledge of how to crack the exam and have also gained sufficient subject knowledge (of course not as much as the Professors but sufficient for civil services). The best teachers in this category are those who are running these classes on a full time basis.
3. Aspirants who have given several attempts and are still preparing - These can be very useful guides for starters and in the initial phases of preparation. But for advanced phases they are less reliable as they themselves are in the process.   

Government run Institutes

There are two institutes in the Mumbai Thane region

1. C.D.Deshmukh Institute for Administrative Carriers, Thane. It is run by the Thane Municipal Corporation.
2. State Institute For Administrative Carriers (SIAC), Mumbai CST. It is run by the Government Of Maharashtra.

These are guidance institutes and not coaching classes. However they provide a tremendous platform for a civil services aspirant. So if you reside in Mumbai Thane region and are thinking of preparing for civil services, then whether you want to join any other private class or not, you MUST definitely be a part of these institutes.

These institutes have limited seats and conduct an entrance exam for the same. I have been part of C.D.Deshmukh Institute since 2008. They provide very good support and help you to be part of a circle of fellow aspirants, something very essential if you want to prepare for civil services examination by staying in Mumbai Thane region.