On coaching, test series and mock interviews...

 One of the multiple queries I have received from civil services' aspirants is regarding the coaching I attended, the test series and mock interviews I took. So, here goes a list of the different institutes I attended either for coaching, test series or mock interviews. While I attended GS coaching for about 4 months, I didn't take any coaching for my optional as it was also my graduation subject. 

Prelims and Mains

1. Vajiram and Ravi - GS (Prelims and Mains) coaching

Since I come from a humanities background (Arts in 11th and 12th and History in graduation), I did not find it particularly useful. My basics were quite clear and coaching did not add much value to my existing knowledge base. Therefore, I would recommend it to those whose basics in history, polity, economy and other such subjects are weak. 

 

2. Vajiram and Ravi - Prelims Test Series

These mock test series were available as part of the GS coaching itself. It involved about 25 tests - 21 tests of GS (sectional and full length) and 4 CSAT tests. I found the test series to be quite robust as post test discussions were held and uploaded onto the portal. Rankings were also given so as to help students see where they stand with respect to their competition. 

3. Vision IAS - Prelims Test Series

I took a 25 test long prelims test series along with the Abhyaas test series (3 tests) from Vision IAS. In terms of post test discussion as well as value addition material, I found it to be extremely beneficial. Rankings were also provided here.

4. Vision IAS - Mains Test Series (Taken after my prelims)

I took Mains GS test series from Vision IAS which involved 12 tests (4 full length tests) as well as Abhyaas test series which involved 4 full length tests. The quality and promptness of checking, value addition material and test discussion were excellent. Rankings were also provided. However, the diversity of questions was slightly limited as current affairs questions were usually asked from the Vision IAS current affairs booklets.

5. Vision IAS - Essay Test Series  (Taken after my prelims)

This involved 3 tests and the overall quality remained excellent. 

6. Insights IAS - Essay Test Series (Taken before my prelims)

It included 3 tests. It was quite satisfactory

7. Forum IAS - Mains Guidance Program +  (Taken after my prelims)

It included 10 sectional GS tests, 4 full length tests and 4 essay tests. Besides being excellent in terms of promptness, the quality of checking was remarkable. Even the tiniest of mistakes did not go unnoticed. Rankings were also provided. The questions were quite diverse and enabled the candidate to face any sort of questions in the Mains examinations. 

8. GS Score - History Optional Test Series

I don't remember exactly the total number of tests (about 12?). I took the test series before my prelims and continued till after. 

9. Selfstudyhistory.com - History Optional Test Series (Taken after my prelims)

 It included 6 tests - 4 sectional and 2 full length. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of questions, checking, answer pointers as well as promptness. 

Interview

I attended mock interviews at Drishti (1), Vision IAS (2), Rau's Study Circle (2) and Chanakya (1). My first interview at Rau's was an eye opener for me as I realized exactly how much I needed to improve myself. My mocks at Chanakya, Drishti and Vision IAS were also quite beneficial.  

I would also like to add a disclaimer that these are my personal views and other aspirants' experiences might differ. 

Watch this space for my notes, which I shall be posting quite soon!