After PM Modi’s push, Maharashtra to explore free online UPSC coaching

In response to Prime Minister Modi's call for free online coaching during his Independence Day address, Maharashtra's Higher Education Department has formed a committee to develop a policy for expanding the state's offline UPSC coaching service to a larger online audience. Currently, the state offers UPSC training at six Pre-IAS centers located in Amravati, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

To facilitate the transition, a six-member committee headed by the Director of State Institute for Administrative Careers (SIAC) will conduct a thorough study and present a report on providing quality online training to around 1,000 students at each center. The committee will explore various aspects such as feasibility, technology development, digital infrastructure, state-wide network of expert professors, policy formulation, and guidelines for student selection and progress evaluation.

Currently, the six centers provide free training, hostel facilities, and monthly stipends to selected students, with admissions based on a common entrance test. PM Modi had previously stated during his speech that coaching classes impose a financial burden on the poor and middle class, and the government aims to provide free online coaching for various exams to help alleviate this issue.