Former IPS officer Basant Rath, a 2000-batch officer has announced the launch of his coaching institute for IAS and IPS aspirants, with a special initiative offering free classroom coaching for candidates from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the North-East. He had announced his resignation from service in June last year.
He revealed this plan on his official Facebook handle, inviting young aspirants to seize the opportunity. The inaugural batch for General Studies will begin next month at his Noida centre.
For aspirants from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and North-Eastern states, the coaching will be absolutely free of cost. However, candidates must clear a walk-in interview and an essay paper to qualify.
Rath emphasized that only classroom coaching is available at the moment, with no online classes being offered.
Fee Structure for Other Aspirants
For candidates outside the free eligibility zone, the 8-month long IAS-IPS coaching program will cost ₹2.4 lakh (taxes included).
In a unique move, Rath has promised a full refund with 6% compound interest for those who do not make it to the final UPSC list by August 2030. This refund policy is unheard of in the competitive coaching industry and reflects his confidence in the program.
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Selection Process: Essay + Walk-In Interview
To secure admission, aspirants must go through a two-step selection process:
- Essay Paper – to evaluate writing skills, understanding of the exam, and knowledge of subjects such as economics, geography, political science, and history (up to 10th standard level).
- Walk-in Interview – to assess seriousness, risk awareness, resilience against failure, and appreciation of social issues.
Importantly, Rath clarified that English speaking skills will not be tested in the selection process.
Focus on Building Serious Aspirants
Rath highlighted that the goal of this institute is not just to teach subjects but to shape aspirants who can handle the risks, sacrifices, and failures that come with the UPSC journey. Candidates must demonstrate maturity, commitment, and readiness to pursue a Plan B if things don’t work out.
A Unique Coaching Model in India
Unlike most commercial coaching centers, Rath’s initiative stands out because of:
- Free coaching for J&K, Ladakh & North-East aspirants.
- Full refund with interest for unsuccessful candidates by 2030.
- Focus on values, resilience, and awareness beyond academic knowledge.
This model could potentially reshape the coaching landscape in India, offering aspirants not just education but also a safety net for their future.
