Sejal Singh B G, Correspondent, Siliconindia

• Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed Rajya Sabha that 1,580 IAS officers have undergone the Assistant Secretary Program since its launch in 2015.
• The 8-week program at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, restructured in 2023, is designed to shape young officers with exposure to policy-making, governance, and citizen-centric administration.
• IAS training is not just exam preparation but leadership grooming, with top institutes in North India like Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chandigarh forming the foundation of aspirants’ journeys.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has just told the Rajya Sabha that 1,580 IAS officers have availed themselves of the Assistant Secretary Program, a special program initiated in 2015 for molding young bureaucracy with exposure to national priorities, policy-making, technology-driven governance, and citizen-centric administration.

It is not just training, but mind-shaping for India's future administrators, imparting to officers a national vision before they begin their postings in their respective states and districts. Restructured in 2023, the eight-week LBSNAA, Mussoorie, has emerged as an essential component of IAS training.

It just forms part of a greater truth - that IAS preparation is not merely clearing one of the toughest exams for the world but grooming leaders for a lifetime of responsibility. The quest starts much before, in training centers and coaching classes especially in North India's training centers of Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chandigarh.

In this article, we explore the Top 10 IAS Training Institutes in North India that continue to inspire and guide the leaders of tomorrow.

1. Vajiram & Ravi – (Delhi)

Founded Year: 1970
Success Rate & Alumni: Produced hundreds of toppers including multiple AIR 1s.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Senior subject experts, known for clarity in General Studies and current affairs.
Special Features: Updated study material, regular tests, strong foundation for beginners.
Why Choose: For aspirants who want Delhi’s most iconic and reliable coaching legacy.

2. Vision IAS – (Delhi)

Founded Year: Early 2000
Success Rate & Alumni: Credited by many toppers for its test series.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Practical approach, mentorship-driven, strong feedback culture.
Special Features: Benchmark test series, online learning flexibility, mentorship sessions.
Why Choose: Ideal for aspirants seeking adaptive learning and answer-writing mastery.

3. Rau’s IAS Study Circle – (Jaipur)

Founded Year: 1953 (Delhi), Jaipur branch later established.
Success Rate & Alumni: Decades of success, mentoring thousands of officers.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Integrated GS approach, conceptual plus analytical training.
Special Features: Famous Compass books, innovative pedagogy.
Why Choose: Great for those in Rajasthan who want Delhi-level preparation locally.

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4. KSG (Khan Study Group) – (Jaipur)

Founded Year: 2008
Success Rate & Alumni: Strong results in Mains and interview stages.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Focus on structured answer writing and analytical clarity.
Special Features: Specialized writing practice sessions.
Why Choose: Best for aspirants needing Mains-focused, exam-ready preparation.

5. ALS IAS- (Lucknow)

Founded Year: 1995
Success Rate & Alumni: Consistently produces successful candidates in Uttar Pradesh.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Satellite-based live classes bring Delhi faculty to Lucknow.
Special Features: Optional subject expertise, regional accessibility.
Why Choose: For those who want Delhi-quality coaching without relocation.

6. Drishti IAS - (Lucknow)

Founded Year: 1999
Success Rate & Alumni: Especially strong among Hindi-medium toppers.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Simplified bilingual teaching, accessible notes.
Special Features: Hindi & English resources, affordable material, strong YouTube presence.
Why Choose: Best for Hindi-medium aspirants from UP and nearby states.

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7. KSG Patna – (Bihar)

Founded Year: 2013 (Patna center)
Success Rate & Alumni: Rising number of successful candidates from Bihar.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Dr. Khan’s analytical guidance, focus on answer-writing.
Special Features: Mains-focused workshops, region-specific support.
Why Choose: Perfect for Bihar aspirants wanting quality coaching near home.

8. Achievers IAS Academy– (Bihar)

Founded Year: 2010
Success Rate & Alumni: Known for mentoring students from rural Bihar into IAS ranks.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Local faculty with a practical, exam-oriented style.
Special Features: Affordable fees, regional-language support.
Why Choose: Suited for students who want cost-effective yet reliable preparation in Patna.

9. ALS IAS - (Chandigarh Branch)

Founded Year: 1995 (Delhi origin)
Success Rate & Alumni: Many Punjab & Haryana candidates cleared IAS through this branch.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Satellite classes + local mentors for regular interaction.
Special Features: Strong optional subject programs.
Why Choose: Great for Chandigarh students looking for Delhi-level teaching locally.

10. Abhimanu IAS Academy- (Chandigarh)

Founded Year: 1999
Success Rate & Alumni: Consistent record in UPSC and PCS exams.
Faculty & Teaching Style: Regional experts with a personalized teaching approach.
Special Features: Focus on Prelims + Mains integration, dedicated mentorship.
Why Choose: Best for Punjab & Haryana aspirants seeking strong regional guidance.

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IAS officer Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, former Health and Family Welfare Commissioner of Karnataka says “Don’t wait for opportunities, create them”, a reminder that aspirants must take proactive steps such as choosing the right institute early to set the direction for their IAS journey.

How to Choose the Right Institute for You

Choosing a proper IAS coaching institution is usually as important as the preparation process itself, as the decision may decide the fate of a candidate's process. Delhi remains the epicenter of civil services coaching, but centers in Lucknow, Jaipur, and Chandigarh are now providing as competitive courses at a relatively lower cost of living.

Reflecting this trend of growing access, developments like the recent introduction of the 'Degree with IAS' programme at Bullayya College in Visakhapatnam signal how institutions are coming to combine graduation courses with IAS preparation to provide students with an early head start.

Candidates must also consider the disparity between offline and online classes, as most institutes now offer hybrid options that marry the rigor of classroom study with the convenience of digital access. Fees are still a matter, and while larger institutes will charge a premium, there are many regional academies offering strong substitutes at lower rates.

A further important component is the presence of seasoned faculty for the chosen optional subject, as this usually is the make-or-break of the preparation. Lastly, mentorship style, whether individualized or in big batches, must align with the learning comfort of the candidate.

IAS officer Aruna Sundararajan, former Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology says, “Examinations are not just about knowledge, but about clarity and perseverance”, a line that emphasizes how the right guidance and institute can sharpen focus, build resilience, and ultimately shape an aspirant’s path to success.

Conclusion

IAS preparation isn't merely about selecting an institute but discovering the correct environment that suits an aspirant's requirements. North India's coaching centers still forge future administrators, but all ultimately hinges on discipline, self-confidence, and the passion to serve the country with a mission.