High Cost of UPSC Dreams: Considering UPSC preparation in Delhi? Keep these cost factors in mind
PTC Web Desk: After the deaths of three civil services aspirants in the flooded basement of a coaching centre, Delhi minister Atishi on Wednesday said the basements of 30 coaching centres had been sealed, and notices had been served to 200 more institutes illegally operating classes and libraries in their basements. The sealed coaching centers include prominent names such as Drishti IAS, Vajiram, Sriram IAS, Sanskriti Academy, and IAS Gurukul.
Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar are well-known hubs for UPSC aspirants, drawing students from all over India. These areas are packed with coaching centres, libraries, and PG accommodations, catering to the thousands of students who flock to the capital with hopes of clearing one of the toughest exams in the country.
Many of these coaching centres have become highly commercialised, bundling students into cramped spaces that often lack adequate infrastructure. Basements, intended for parking or storage, are converted into classrooms and libraries, violating safety regulations. This lack of proper infrastructure has led to several dangerous situations, including the recent incident that resulted in the deaths of three students.
UPSC Coaching in Delhi: Key Areas and Cost of Living
Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar are renowned for their UPSC coaching centers, attracting aspirants from across the country. These areas are home to major coaching institutes such as Drishti IAS and Rao’s IAS, as well as a bustling business of standalone libraries catering to students.
When students come from far off places, they also look for suitable accommodations that suit their commuting timetable. Popular residential areas for students include Rajinder Nagar, Karol Bagh, Shadipur, and Kirti Nagar.
In Mukherjee Nagar, key residential areas include Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar, Civil Lines, Burari, Sant Nagar, Nirankari, Hudson Lane, and Vijay Nagar.
Here renting a single bed in a PG ranges from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 per month, inclusive of utilities such as electricity and water. The rooms are typically small, often more compact than kitchens in homes outside Delhi. If cooking facilities are not available, meal expenses range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 per month. Personal care, medical expenses, and commuting add to the monthly budget.
Excluding coaching fees, a student's living expenses range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. Higher comfort and amenities will require additional expenditure. The cost of books and study materials can add up significantly. On the other hand, fees vary greatly depending on the brand and reputation of the coaching institute.
Overall, the cost of living and preparing for the UPSC in Delhi can be substantial, with the total monthly expenditure excluding coaching fees ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.
- With inputs from our correspondent
