Karnataka Govt to sponsor more candidates from weaker sections for private UPSC coaching

The number of poor and meritorious candidates from the weaker sections in the Karnataka State qualifying for the Government-sponsored pre-examination training for Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) civil services exams in reputed private coaching institutes across the country is likely to go up during 2015-16.

Poor candidates from backward classes, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes (SC and ST) and minorities planning to appear for the civil services exams will not only be provided training in reputed coaching centres in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Belagavi for a duration ranging from seven to nine months, but will also be entitled for a monthly stipend.

Principal Secretary to Department of Backward Classes Welfare Shalini Rajneesh said the entrance test to select suitable candidates from the backward classes is likely to be held in May. “We are planning to double the number of candidates to undergo pre-examination coaching for civil services this year. About 250 candidates were selected for training last year. This year, we are targeting 500,” she said.

Similiarly, Ms Archana, Director of Pre-Examination Training, Social Welfare Department, said the number of SC and ST candidates undergoing civil services coaching is expected to go up this year.

Director, Directorate of Minorities, Mr Akram Pasha told The Hindu that about 80 candidates from minority communities were selected for coaching last year out of the 1,200, who appeared for the entrance test. The Directorate is seeking to add more numbers this year.

All the three departments – Backward Classes Welfare, Social Welfare Department and Directorate of Minorities – are shortly expected to invite online applications. Exams are likely to be conducted by the Centralised Admission Cell of the Education Department.

Candidates from the Backward Classes can contact 080-22374836, SC and ST category can contact 080-22253783 while minority community candidates can contact 080-22863617 for more details and eligibility criteria.

COACHING INSTITUTES SELECTED BY GOVERNMENT, COURSE FEE, STIPEND AND DURATION DURING 2015-16

Name of Institution, course fee per candidate, monthly stipend and duration of training are as follows:

1. Vajiram and Ravi, New Delhi - Rs 1.5 lakh - Rs 8,000 - Minimum of 7 months

2. Alternative Learning systems, New Delhi - Rs 1.5 lakh - Rs 8,000 - Minimum of 7 months

3. Brain Tree, Hyderabad - Rs 97,000 - Rs 6,000 - Minimum of 7 months

4. Universal Coaching Centre, Bengaluru - Rs 70,000- Rs 4,000 (outsiders), Rs. 2000 (locals) - Minimum of 7 months

5. CMAS, Belagavi - Rs 50,000 - Rs 4,000 (outsiders), Rs. 2,000 (locals) - Minimum of 7 months