best upsc coaching in prayagraj (2026)

tldr: top 3 picks for UPSC coaching in prayagraj: drishti IAS (tashkent marg, rs 1,00,000-1,50,000, best study material and brand), sanskriti IAS (stanley road, rs 15,000-80,000, best hindi-medium results with 13 UPSC selections in 2023), and dhyeya IAS (sardar patel marg, rs 12,000-1,05,000, best value with 4,700+ civil services selections over two decades). full breakdown of 12 institutes with fees, the prayagraj vs delhi debate, and living costs below.

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prayagraj was producing IAS officers before delhi’s mukherjee nagar was even a thing.

this is the city that earned the title “IAS factory of india.” before coaching institutes became a multi-crore industry, before youtube channels and telegram groups, prayagraj (then allahabad) was where serious civil services aspirants came to prepare. the city has allahabad university, the allahabad high court, a deep-rooted culture of competitive exam preparation, and generations of families where “beta, IAS bano” wasn’t just a suggestion but a life plan.

the civil lines area of prayagraj, specifically the stretch along sardar patel marg and tashkent marg, is the coaching hub. walk down this road and you’ll see coaching banners every 50 meters. drishti IAS, dhyeya IAS, next IAS, vision IAS, sanskriti IAS, PW onlyIAS. the big delhi brands have all set up shop here, and the local institutes that have been running for decades still hold their ground.

what makes prayagraj different from delhi is the medium and the cost. prayagraj’s coaching ecosystem is heavily hindi-medium, which makes it the natural choice for aspirants from UP, bihar, MP, and rajasthan who think and write in hindi. and the living cost is a fraction of delhi’s. you can sustain 3-4 UPSC attempts in prayagraj for what 2 attempts would cost in mukherjee nagar.

the other thing prayagraj offers is a combined UPSC + UPPSC preparation path. most aspirants here target both exams simultaneously. UPPSC as the realistic backup, UPSC as the main target. the coaching institutes design their programs for this dual approach, which is practically smart.

in 2024, shakti dubey from prayagraj topped the entire UPSC civil services exam with AIR 1. she studied at allahabad university and prepared without formal coaching. that’s the kind of academic ecosystem this city has. the air itself makes you study.

here’s my research-backed breakdown of every major UPSC coaching institute in prayagraj.

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quick comparison: all 12 institutes

#	institute	area	UPSC fee range	medium	my rating	best for
1	drishti IAS	tashkent marg, civil lines	rs 1,00,000-1,50,000	hindi + english	8.5/10	best study material
2	sanskriti IAS	stanley road, civil lines	rs 15,000-80,000	hindi	8/10	best hindi-medium results
3	dhyeya IAS	sardar patel marg, civil lines	rs 12,000-1,05,000	hindi + english	8/10	best value, longest legacy
4	next IAS	sardar patel marg, civil lines	rs 1,20,000-1,40,000	hindi + english	7.5/10	structured approach
5	vision IAS	sardar patel marg, civil lines	rs 11,000-2,15,000	hindi + english	8/10	test series king
6	chanakya IAS academy	tashkent marg, civil lines	rs 1,47,000	hindi + english	7.5/10	legacy brand since 1993
7	PW onlyIAS	sardar patel marg, civil lines	rs 30,000-1,10,000	hindi + english	7/10	tech + affordable
8	khan global studies (KGS)	civil lines	rs 25,000-35,000	hindi + english	7/10	budget bilingual
9	vajirao & reddy	colonel ganj	rs 48,000-2,35,000	hindi + english	7/10	comprehensive material
10	shri yatharth IAS	stretchy road, civil lines	rs 10,000-55,000	hindi	7.5/10	most affordable
11	studyIQ IAS	civil lines	rs 50,000-1,50,000	hindi + english	7/10	online-offline hybrid
12	chahal academy	civil lines	rs 65,000-1,50,000	hindi + english	6.5/10	flexible batches

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tier 1: the heavyweights (proven results, premium coaching)

1. drishti IAS

13/15 edmonston road, tashkent marg, near patrika chauraha, civil lines / GS foundation fee: rs 1,00,000-1,50,000 / batch size: 50-70 / 8.5/10

drishti IAS is the single biggest name in UPSC coaching in india right now, and their prayagraj center (established 2017) is one of their strongest regional branches. the reason is simple: drishti’s content ecosystem is unmatched. their website, youtube channel, daily current affairs, and monthly magazine (DCAT) are used by lakhs of aspirants whether or not they’re enrolled in the coaching.

what makes it work:

• the study material is drishti’s biggest weapon. daily current affairs analysis, monthly compilations, mains answer frameworks, and the PT365/mains365 revision documents are genuinely best-in-class
• the prayagraj center offers both hindi and english medium batches, covering prelims, mains, and CSAT
• the GS foundation course runs for approximately 10-12 months with classes 6 days a week
• the online platform gives enrolled students access to recorded lectures, so you can revisit classes
• UPPSC-specific batches are available for the dual preparation approach

fee breakdown:

• GS foundation (prelims + mains) offline: approximately rs 1,50,000
• GS foundation online: rs 1,00,000
• combo pack (GS + CSAT + optional): approximately rs 1,30,000 (after early bird discounts)
• test series only: rs 5,000-15,000

the catch: drishti’s brand is built on their delhi faculty and vikas divyakirti sir’s content. the prayagraj center faculty may not always match the delhi center quality. some students report that the offline classes at regional centers feel like an extended version of the online lectures. also, at rs 1,00,000-1,50,000, this is on the premium side for prayagraj. verify who’s teaching your batch before enrolling.

verdict: the safest choice in prayagraj if you want a national-brand coaching experience with excellent material. the online resources alone are worth a significant chunk of the fee. best for students who’ll actually use the digital ecosystem alongside classroom coaching.

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2. sanskriti IAS

1/1/8A stanley road, maharana pratap chauraha, civil lines / GS foundation fee: rs 15,000-80,000 / batch size: 60-70 / 8/10

sanskriti IAS is a rising force in prayagraj’s UPSC coaching scene. established in 2021, they’ve moved fast. in UPSC CSE 2023, 13 of their students cleared the entire exam (prelims, mains, and interview), with one candidate at AIR 16. for a relatively new institute, that’s a serious result.

what makes it work:

• 13 UPSC CSE 2023 selections including vinod kumar meena (AIR 135), utkarsh tripathi (AIR 336), alka tripathi (AIR 657), and vikas kumar meena (AIR 672). these are real, verifiable results
• the faculty includes akhil murti, amit kumar singh, A.K. arun, and kumar gaurav, who are known for interactive teaching
• batch size of 60-70 is small enough for personal attention but large enough for a competitive peer group
• fees range from rs 15,000 to rs 80,000 depending on the program, making it far more affordable than drishti or next IAS for a similar quality of classroom coaching
• multiple modes: regular classroom, online, live, VOD, pendrive courses, and distance learning

fee breakdown:

• GS foundation (prelims + mains) hybrid batch: approximately rs 80,000
• shorter courses and test series: rs 15,000-40,000
• new year promotional offers can bring discounts up to 75% + 10% off on selected batches

the catch: sanskriti IAS primarily operates in hindi medium. if you need english-medium coaching, this isn’t the right fit. the institute is relatively new (2021), so the long-term consistency of results is yet to be proven. one great year doesn’t guarantee the next. also, they don’t offer scholarships to students taking admission.

verdict: the best value-for-results ratio in prayagraj right now. 13 UPSC selections in 2023 from a coaching that charges rs 80,000 is remarkable. if you’re a hindi-medium aspirant, sanskriti should be on your shortlist.

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3. dhyeya IAS

IInd & IIIrd floor, 17C, sardar patel marg, civil lines / fee: rs 12,000-1,05,000 / 8/10

dhyeya IAS has been around for two decades, making it one of the oldest UPSC coaching institutes operating in prayagraj. founded by vinay singh and Q.H. khan, the institute is ISO 9001:2015 certified and has a track record that’s hard to ignore: 4,700+ total civil services selections (central + state combined), including 1,600+ central civil servants and 2,500+ state civil servants.

what makes it work:

• two decades of operational history means they’ve survived the ups and downs of the coaching industry. institutes that last this long usually have solid fundamentals
• AIR 1 in UPPCS examinations five times in 8 years. if you’re targeting UPPSC alongside UPSC, dhyeya has a proven formula
• the fee range of rs 12,000-1,05,000 is the widest in prayagraj, meaning they have entry-level courses for beginners and comprehensive programs for serious aspirants
• scholarship program called “udaan” conducts an IAS olympiad entrance exam with up to 100% scholarship for top 20 rank holders
• operates monday to saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM, which means the institute is accessible for long study hours
• distance learning programs available for aspirants who can’t attend regularly

fee breakdown:

• basic/introductory courses: rs 12,000-25,000
• GS foundation (prelims + mains): rs 50,000-1,05,000
• test series and crash courses: rs 12,000-30,000
• scholarship via udaan program can reduce fees significantly

the catch: the “4,700+ selections” claim includes state civil services across multiple states, which inflates the number significantly. UPSC-specific selections would be a smaller subset. the infrastructure, while functional, isn’t as modern as newer institutes like drishti or next IAS. student reviews mention that some faculty are excellent while others are average, so the experience can vary by batch.

verdict: the best for students who want affordable coaching with a two-decade track record. the udaan scholarship is genuinely useful if you can crack the entrance exam. best for combined UPSC + UPPSC preparation.

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tier 2: strong options with specific strengths

4. next IAS

31/31, sardar patel marg, civil lines / GS foundation fee: rs 1,20,000-1,40,000 / 7.5/10

next IAS is another delhi heavyweight that’s expanded to prayagraj. their USP is a highly structured preparation approach with multiple levels of testing: weekly current affairs tests (WCT), monthly comprehensive tests (MCT), and prelims test series (PTS). the prayagraj center offers the same systematic framework as their delhi operation.

what makes it work:

• the multi-level testing system forces regular revision and gives you data on where you stand
• experienced faculty with a focus on conceptual clarity over rote learning
• previous year questions are integrated into lectures, not treated as a separate module
• admissions open twice a year (january and june), so you have flexibility on when to start
• the sardar patel marg location puts you in the heart of prayagraj’s coaching hub

fee breakdown:

• GS foundation (prelims + mains) offline: approximately rs 1,40,000
• GS foundation online: approximately rs 1,20,000
• test series: rs 5,000-12,000

the catch: at rs 1,20,000-1,40,000, next IAS is in the premium range for prayagraj. you’re paying for the brand and the structured system, but similar content coverage is available at dhyeya IAS or sanskriti IAS for half the price. the prayagraj center may not always have the same faculty depth as the delhi center.

verdict: best for students who need a rigid, structured system to stay disciplined. if left to self-study you tend to drift, next IAS’s testing framework will keep you on track.

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5. vision IAS

2nd floor, 43/1 sardar patel marg, civil lines / fee: rs 11,000-2,15,000 / 8/10

vision IAS is the test series brand. across india, their prelims and mains test series is considered the gold standard. the prayagraj center extends this reputation with classroom programs alongside their legendary testing modules.

what makes it work:

• the vision IAS test series is used by aspirants across india regardless of which coaching they attend. it’s that well-regarded
• the 10-month foundation course covers prelims + mains with PT365 and mains365 revision material
• hindi foundation courses are specifically designed for UPSC CSE, including GS, CSAT, and mains365
• weekend batches available for working professionals and college students
• admissions open in january and june each year

fee breakdown:

• classroom programs: rs 50,000-2,15,000 (depending on duration and subjects)
• test series only: rs 11,000-25,000
• foundation course: rs 1,00,000-1,50,000

the catch: vision IAS’s strength is testing and assessment, not necessarily classroom teaching. students who need strong classroom delivery might find other institutes more engaging. at the higher end (rs 2,15,000), you’re paying vision IAS delhi prices without necessarily getting delhi-quality classroom instruction.

verdict: enroll here for the test series even if you’re taking classroom coaching elsewhere. the vision IAS test series + another institute’s classroom coaching is a combination many successful aspirants swear by.

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6. chanakya IAS academy

10B/1, data tower, 1st floor, patrika chauraha, tashkand marg, civil lines / fee: rs 1,47,000 / 7.5/10

chanakya IAS academy has been in the UPSC coaching business since 1993. that’s over 30 years of continuous operation. the prayagraj center leverages this legacy with a focus on comprehensive study material, answer writing practice, and structured mentorship.

what makes it work:

• 30+ years in the business. few institutes have this kind of longevity, and longevity in coaching usually means a proven system
• google rating of 4.1/5 from 200+ reviews. students consistently praise the faculty quality and test series
• the emphasis on answer writing practice is critical for mains, and chanakya takes this seriously
• hybrid classes (online + offline), smart classrooms, library, and study rooms
• both hindi and english medium batches available

fee breakdown:

• 1-year IAS program: rs 1,47,000
• installment payment options available

the catch: chanakya IAS in prayagraj sometimes gets confused with chanakya IAS in patna (different institute). make sure you’re comparing the right one. at rs 1,47,000, it’s in the premium bracket. student reviews mention that while the teaching is good, the infrastructure could use an upgrade at the prayagraj center.

verdict: a solid legacy brand. if you value a coaching institute that’s been through 30 years of UPSC pattern changes and adapted each time, chanakya’s experience is hard to beat.

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tier 3: budget and value options

7. PW onlyIAS (physics wallah)

sardar patel marg, in front of PVR mall, civil lines / fee: rs 30,000-1,10,000 / 7/10

PW onlyIAS is physics wallah’s UPSC vertical, and they’ve aggressively expanded into prayagraj. the advantage here is their tech platform. the PW app, recorded lectures, doubt-clearing sessions, and a massive student community. the offline center adds classroom structure to this digital ecosystem.

what makes it work:

• the most affordable entry point among the national brands at rs 30,000 for basic courses
• 1,000+ hours of offline/live/recorded classes for the foundation course
• optional subject coaching available (PSIR, sociology, anthropology, public administration)
• CSAT module included in the foundation course
• 24x7 library access at the prayagraj center
• personal mentorship with assigned mentors

fee breakdown:

• first installment (registration): rs 30,000
• GS foundation (target 2026) full fee: approximately rs 1,00,000-1,10,000
• basic courses: rs 30,000-60,000
• optional subjects: additional charges

the catch: PW’s UPSC vertical is relatively new compared to drishti, vision, or chanakya. the teaching methodology that works for JEE/NEET (where physics wallah made its name) doesn’t directly translate to UPSC, which requires more nuanced answer writing and critical thinking skills. the large student base means batch sizes can be bigger, reducing personal attention.

verdict: the best option if you want national-brand coaching at the lowest possible price point. the tech platform is a genuine advantage for revision and doubt-clearing. but for mains answer writing and interview prep, you might need to supplement with another institute’s test series.

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8. khan global studies (KGS)

civil lines / fee: rs 25,000-35,000 / 7/10

KGS, associated with the khan sir brand from patna, has expanded to prayagraj with bilingual coaching that serves both hindi and english medium aspirants. the fee structure is among the most affordable in the organized coaching space.

what makes it work:

• bilingual teaching (hindi + english) in every batch, so you’re not locked into one medium
• 12-month foundation courses and 6-month target courses based on your preparation stage
• EMI options and scholarships for meritorious students
• the khan sir brand brings a certain teaching energy and engagement that appeals to first-generation UPSC aspirants
• centers in delhi, patna, prayagraj, and dehradun, plus online courses

fee breakdown:

• registration fee: rs 25,000-35,000
• full course fees: varies by program, with EMI options

the catch: KGS’s UPSC-specific results are not as clearly documented as sanskriti or dhyeya IAS. the brand is stronger for foundational/motivational teaching than for advanced mains answer writing. the prayagraj center is newer, so the faculty bench strength may still be developing.

verdict: best for aspirants starting from scratch who need an affordable, motivational entry into UPSC preparation. supplement with vision IAS test series and drishti current affairs for a complete preparation package.

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9. vajirao & reddy

in front of anand bhawan, 196, colonel ganj / fee: rs 48,000-2,35,000 / 7/10

vajirao & reddy is one of india’s oldest IAS coaching brands, and the prayagraj center sits in a historically significant location, in front of anand bhawan (the nehru family home). the institute is known for comprehensive study material and a structured approach.

what makes it work:

• the study material, including current affairs analysis, yojana magazine simplified, and mains answer writing notes, is well-regarded
• weekend courses, interview guidance, and correspondence courses available
• recorded lectures and live classes complement offline coaching
• EMI payment options for all courses

fee breakdown:

• minimum fee: rs 48,000
• maximum fee: rs 2,35,000 (for comprehensive programs)
• installment payment available

the catch: the prayagraj center has a google rating of 3.9/5, which is on the lower side for coaching institutes. some reviews suggest the offline experience doesn’t match the brand’s national reputation. the wide fee range (rs 48,000 to rs 2,35,000) means you need to carefully evaluate which program you’re signing up for.

verdict: the material is solid, but the offline coaching experience at the prayagraj center may not justify the premium pricing. consider their correspondence course and test series as supplements rather than primary coaching.

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10. shri yatharth IAS

stretchy road, tulsiani grace, 7th floor, civil lines / fee: rs 10,000-55,000 / 7.5/10

shri yatharth IAS, founded by avadh ojha sir, is the most affordable organized coaching option in prayagraj. avadh ojha’s teaching style, energetic, engaging, and deeply rooted in hindi, has built a massive following on youtube, and the offline coaching extends that energy into the classroom.

what makes it work:

• the most affordable fee structure in prayagraj: rs 10,000-55,000 covers everything from basic courses to the comprehensive DWIJ program
• avadh ojha sir’s teaching style makes complex UPSC topics accessible to first-generation aspirants
• study materials, magazines, yojana simplified, daily news, current affairs, test series, doubt sessions, and NCERT e-books are all included
• the DWIJ program is a complete preparation package for civil services
• available in hindi medium

fee breakdown:

• basic courses: rs 10,000-25,000
• comprehensive DWIJ program: rs 30,000-55,000
• includes study material, test series, and doubt sessions

the catch: shri yatharth IAS is primarily hindi-medium. the institute’s results at the UPSC level are not as prominently documented as sanskriti or dhyeya IAS. at rs 10,000-55,000, you’re getting value, but the infrastructure and faculty depth may not match institutes charging 2-3x more. the avadh ojha sir brand is the draw, but he won’t be teaching every class at the prayagraj center.

verdict: the best entry point for budget-conscious aspirants. if you’re from a modest background and rs 1,00,000+ for coaching is not feasible, shri yatharth IAS gives you a structured preparation at a price that’s accessible.

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11. studyIQ IAS

civil lines / fee: rs 50,000-1,50,000 / 7/10

studyIQ, associated with gaurav munjal’s youtube empire, has a prayagraj center that combines their online content strength with offline classroom coaching. the P2I (prelims to interview) batch is their flagship product.

what makes it work:

• the P2I batch covers prelims, mains, and interview preparation in one program
• live classes in offline mode combined with online access
• one-to-one mentorship with personal tracking
• mains residential program includes lodging and library
• interview guidance program at offline centers

fee breakdown:

• full P2I program: approximately rs 1,00,000-1,50,000
• basic programs: rs 50,000+

the catch: studyIQ’s primary strength is their youtube content and online courses. the offline center experience in prayagraj may feel like an afterthought compared to the polished online delivery. for rs 1,00,000-1,50,000, you’re competing with drishti IAS which has a stronger offline coaching reputation.

verdict: best for students who already follow studyIQ content online and want the offline structure to complement it. the mains residential program is a unique offering.

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12. chahal academy

civil lines / fee: rs 65,000-1,50,000 / 6.5/10

chahal academy has 20+ centers across india, and the prayagraj center is part of this network. they offer both online and offline coaching with flexible batch timings.

what makes it work:

• personalized mentorship and regular mock tests
• affordable fees compared to some premium brands
• flexible batch timings accommodate working professionals
• both hindi and english medium coaching available

fee breakdown:

• full program: rs 65,000-1,50,000
• various batch options at different price points

the catch: chahal academy’s prayagraj center doesn’t have the same prominence as drishti, vision, or sanskriti in the city. the documented results are less visible. at rs 65,000-1,50,000, you have better options in prayagraj.

verdict: a decent option if other institutes’ batch timings don’t work for you, but not the first choice for primary UPSC coaching in prayagraj.

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prayagraj vs delhi for UPSC: the honest comparison

this is the question every UP/bihar aspirant asks. here’s the real breakdown.

factor	prayagraj	delhi (mukherjee nagar)
coaching quality	good (delhi brands have set up here)	best in india
hindi-medium coaching	excellent, deep bench	excellent, but more english focus
english-medium coaching	limited options	widest range
coaching fees	rs 10,000-2,15,000	rs 50,000-3,00,000
monthly living cost	rs 5,000-10,000	rs 15,000-25,000
hostel/PG rent	rs 3,500-7,500/month	rs 8,000-15,000/month
food cost	rs 2,000-4,000/month	rs 4,000-8,000/month
optional subject coaching	limited (4-5 subjects)	every subject available
UPPSC preparation	integrated into coaching	not a focus
peer group intensity	moderate	extremely intense
library culture	strong (university town)	strong (competition-driven)
test series access	all major series available	everything available
total annual cost	rs 1,00,000-2,50,000	rs 3,00,000-6,00,000

stay in prayagraj if:

• you’re a hindi-medium aspirant
• you’re targeting UPSC + UPPSC together
• your family budget is tight (3-4 prayagraj attempts = 1-2 delhi attempts cost-wise)
• you prefer a less chaotic, less competitive atmosphere for focused study
• you’re from UP and want to stay closer to home

go to delhi if:

• english medium is your strength
• you need optional subject coaching for niche subjects (philosophy, anthropology, etc.)
• you thrive in high-pressure, high-competition environments
• your budget allows rs 3-5 lakh per year without financial stress
• UPSC is your only target (no state PCS backup)

the practical middle ground:

join prayagraj coaching + use delhi-brand online resources (drishti website, vision IAS test series, unacademy optional lectures). this gives you 80% of the delhi advantage at 40% of the cost.

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living in prayagraj as a UPSC aspirant

accommodation

the coaching institutes are concentrated along sardar patel marg and tashkent marg in civil lines. finding a PG or shared room within walking distance of these institutes is ideal.

• basic PG without meals: rs 3,500-5,000/month
• PG with meals: rs 5,500-7,500/month
• shared room (2-3 people): rs 2,000-3,500/month per person
• single room rent: rs 4,000-6,000/month

monthly budget breakdown

expense	budget	moderate	comfortable
rent (PG/room)	rs 2,500	rs 4,500	rs 6,500
food	rs 2,000	rs 3,500	rs 5,000
transport	rs 500	rs 500	rs 1,000
stationery/printing	rs 500	rs 1,000	rs 1,500
miscellaneous	rs 500	rs 1,000	rs 2,000
total	rs 6,000	rs 10,500	rs 16,000

what to know

• civil lines is the safest and most convenient area for UPSC aspirants
• most coaching institutes have their own libraries that are open 8 AM to 8 PM
• allahabad university’s central library is a popular free study spot
• the street food in civil lines is affordable and filling. a full meal at a street stall costs rs 30-50
• prayagraj’s weather is extreme: very hot summers (april-june) and cold winters (december-january). plan your study schedule around the weather

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my recommended preparation strategy from prayagraj

1. primary coaching: drishti IAS or sanskriti IAS (based on budget and medium)
2. test series: vision IAS prelims and mains test series (even if you’re at another coaching)
3. current affairs: drishti IAS website (free) + their monthly magazine
4. answer writing: join a dedicated mains answer writing program, most institutes offer standalone mains programs
5. optional subject: if your optional is available in prayagraj, take it offline. if not, use an online platform (unacademy, edukemy)
6. interview prep: this is where prayagraj falls short. plan to visit delhi for interview guidance from chanakya IAS or vajiram & ravi

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related posts

if you’re moving to prayagraj for UPSC preparation, you’ll need to eat well to study well. check these out:

• best cafes in prayagraj - where to study over chai and coffee in civil lines
• best restaurants in prayagraj - affordable meals for the aspirant budget
• best street food in prayagraj - rs 30-50 meals that fuel late-night study sessions