Over 67.3% of 10,167 Registered Candidates Appear for Entrance Examination; Classes to Begin from August 1
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government’s Free Residential IAS-PCS Coaching Scheme, being implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is witnessing a significant surge in popularity among young civil services aspirants across the state. The growing trust in the initiative was reflected in the strong participation recorded during the entrance examination conducted on Sunday, with more than 67.3 percent of registered candidates appearing for the test.
According to official figures, out of 10,167 candidates who had registered for the entrance examination, 6,844 candidates took part in the assessment conducted by the Social Welfare Department. The examination was held on July 5, 2026, across 29 centres located in divisional headquarters spanning all 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh. Officials reported that the examination was conducted peacefully and smoothly without any major disruptions.
The scheme, designed to support meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds, has emerged as a major opportunity for aspiring civil servants who are unable to afford the high costs associated with private coaching institutions. The increasing turnout in the entrance examination is being viewed as a strong indicator of the confidence that students have developed in the programme.
Following the declaration of results, successful candidates will be admitted to various residential coaching centres through a counselling process. The new academic session is scheduled to commence on August 1, 2026, and will continue until May 31, 2027.
Under the programme, a total of 865 candidates will receive free residential coaching for prestigious competitive examinations, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) examinations. Coaching facilities will be provided through seven residential coaching centres established across the state.
In a move aimed at encouraging aspirants who have already demonstrated their potential, 25 percent of the available seats have been reserved for candidates who have qualified the preliminary examination through the lateral entry route. This provision is expected to further strengthen the chances of serious aspirants advancing to higher stages of the civil services examination process.
The selected candidates will be provided comprehensive support throughout the duration of the programme. Apart from free coaching by experienced faculty members, beneficiaries will receive residential accommodation, nutritious meals, books, study materials, and academic guidance at no cost. The integrated support system is intended to create a conducive learning environment and enable students to focus entirely on their preparation.
The initiative has become a crucial support mechanism for talented youth belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), many of whom face financial barriers in accessing quality coaching facilities. By bridging this gap, the state government aims to ensure that deserving candidates are not deprived of opportunities due to economic constraints.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently emphasized that financial limitations should never hinder talent and ambition. The government’s approach is centered on providing equal opportunities and quality educational support to capable students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Officials believe that increased access to professional coaching and guidance will lead to greater representation of underprivileged communities in administrative services.
The scheme is also expected to contribute to broader social transformation by enabling youth from marginalized sections to secure positions in the country’s administrative framework. As more candidates from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enter public service, policymakers believe it will strengthen inclusive governance and promote equitable development.
With thousands of aspirants competing for admission and participation levels continuing to rise each year, the Free Residential IAS-PCS Coaching Scheme has established itself as one of Uttar Pradesh’s most impactful educational empowerment initiatives. By combining quality coaching with comprehensive residential support, the programme is creating new pathways for talented youth to realize their dreams of joining the civil services and contributing to nation-building.
Officials expressed confidence that the initiative will continue to attract increasing numbers of aspirants in the coming years, further advancing the state’s objective of creating equal opportunities and expanding access to quality preparation for prestigious administrative examinations.
