How much money is needed for the entire IAS exam Preparation?
Money needed for IAS exam: Millions of people aspiring to be an IAS officer would want to know how much money goes into preparation for the IAS exam. However, in reality, there’s no one fixed amount to this question, since understanding the components of costs proves essential for effective financial planning. These expenses can be economical at times, whereas at other times, they can be very expensive, depending on the choices and situations of an aspirant.
How much money is needed for the IAS exam? A Few Major Segments
The money needed for IAS exam preparations can be divided into a limited few main components:
1. Coaching Academy Fees (Optional, but can be heavy)
Usually, the greatest variable in the overall cost is. Coaching academies guide in a structured manner, provide study material, hold mock tests, and handle mentorship.
Offline Coaching: The very best coaching in Delhi, such as Plutus IAS, may cost anywhere from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 plus for a one-year comprehensive course of GS and one optional subject. Some specialised courses or crash courses might cost less, and some advanced-level courses, more.
Online Coaching: Online courses can often be cheaper and cost somewhere between ₹30,000 and ₹150,000 for full courses. These usually offer such flexibility that being on the move or having a full-time job becomes a downside.
Test Series: Even if one goes for coaching, definitely combine it with the Prelims and Mains test series. These services generally cost somewhere between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000.
Mentorship Program: Some institutes and independent mentors also offer one-on-one mentorship programs at prices ranging from a few thousand rupees to ₹30,000 or even more, depending on the duration and intensity.
2. Study Material and Books
Regardless of coaching, books and study materials are very much essential.
- Basic Books: NCERTs from Class 6 to Class 12 are fundamental and cheap (a few thousand rupees for the entire set).
- Standard Reference Books: Speciality books are required for each subject (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, etc.). A worthy collection can cost ₹10,000-₹30,000 during the entire preparation period.
- Current Affairs: Newspaper, magazine, and online current affairs compilation subscriptions must be taken. This could be a recurring monthly expense of ₹500-₹1500.
- Notes and Guides: Some aspirants have a preference for purchasing compiled notes from corresponding coaching institutes or those available in the markets at an additional cost.
- Online Resources: Many free and paid online resources are available to aspirants—some are free, while others may be chargeable with subscriptions to an app or website for a few thousand rupees annually.
3. Living Expenses (If relocating to a study hub like Delhi)
For those aspirants moving to cities like Delhi to prepare, their living costs will be another huge expense in IAS exam preparation.
- Accommodation: Anything from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 rent could be expected for the single room or a shared apartment for a month, depending on the area and facilities.
- Food: Monthly food expenses tend to range between ₹3,000-₹8,000, depending on the cuisine (cooking hold, tiffin service, or eating out).
- Transportation: Local commuting expenses may add about ₹500-₹2,000 per month.
- Miscellaneous: Personal expenses, internet, electricity, and other unaccountable costs may add an additional ₹2,000-₹5,000 every month.
- Considering an average of ₹10,000-₹25,000 per month as living expenses, for 2 years of preparation, it can surely amount to ₹2,40,000-₹6,00,000.
4. Travel and Interview Expenses
If you reach the interview opportunity and travel to Delhi for the interview board (if not there already) then accommodation charges might be other expenses within ₹5,000 to ₹30,000, depending upon the distance and mode of travel.
There could be a minor expense that goes for anything related to attire and grooming for the interview.
Total Estimated Money Required for Preparation for the IAS Exam
Here is a rough estimate of the money required for IAS exam preparation, based on various factors stated above:
Bare Minimum / Self-Study (No coaching, living with family): ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 (Most of the money on books, current affairs, and test series).
Moderate (Online coaching + self-studying + basic living expenses): ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 in 1-2 years.
Complete (Offline coaching in Delhi + living expenses): ₹4,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 in 1-2 years. A few aspirants might spend so much more with repeated attempts, wherein they go for repeated coaching.
Conclusion
Although IAS exam preparation needs a heavy money-wise investment, with offline coaching and shifting, whichever route you want to take. One important thing to remember is that effort is far more important than money. A lot of successful candidates have passed the exam with minimal expenditure, relying heavily on self-study and free resources.
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How much money is needed for the entire IAS exam Preparation?
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This article will provide you the information on How much money is needed for the entire IAS exam Preparation?
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Rishutosh
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