Latest Update: The Social Welfare Department of Uttar Pradesh (SWD UP) has released the Admit Card for IAS/PCS Free Coaching Program 2025. Candidates who have registered for the free coaching scheme can now download their admit cards from the official website. This coaching program is aimed at providing quality coaching to deserving candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and economically weaker sections for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services and UPPSC PCS examinations.
| Organization | Social Welfare Department, Uttar Pradesh (SWD UP) |
| Program | Free Coaching for IAS/PCS Examination |
| Document | Admit Card |
| Status | Released |
| Academic Year | 2025-26 |
| Official Website | swd.up.gov.in |
SWD UP Free Coaching Program Overview
The Social Welfare Department of Uttar Pradesh offers free coaching for civil services examinations (IAS/PCS) to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections. The program aims to provide quality coaching to deserving candidates who might not be able to afford expensive coaching institutes, thereby increasing their chances of success in competitive examinations.
The coaching is provided through reputed coaching institutes that are empaneled with the Social Welfare Department. These institutes offer comprehensive coaching for both the Preliminary and Main examinations of UPSC and UPPSC, as well as the interview stage.
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | January 5, 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | January 10, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 15, 2025 |
| Screening Test Date | March 20, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | March 10, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | April 5, 2025 |
| Coaching Commencement | May 1, 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to avail the free coaching facility:
- Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh
- Category: Must belong to SC, ST, OBC, or Economically Weaker Section (General)
- Educational Qualification: Must be a graduate from any recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)
- Age Limit: Between 21 to 32 years (relaxation as per government norms for reserved categories)
- Income Limit: Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 8.00 lakhs
- Attempts: Candidates who have not appeared more than 3 times for UPSC/UPPSC Prelims
How to Download SWD UP IAS/PCS Free Coaching Admit Card 2025
- Visit the official website of Social Welfare Department, UP: swd.up.gov.in
- Click on the “SWD UP IAS/PCS Free Coaching Admit Card 2025” link on the homepage
- Enter your registration number and date of birth/password
- Submit the details and your admit card will be displayed on the screen
- Download and take a printout of the admit card for future reference
- Check all details on the admit card for correctness
Important Note: Candidates must carry their admit card along with a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Driving License/PAN Card) to the screening test venue. No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall without a valid admit card.
Screening Test Pattern
The selection for the free coaching program is based on a screening test. The pattern of the screening test is as follows:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Current Affairs, History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economics, Science & Technology) | 80 | 80 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 40 | 40 |
| General English | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, no negative marking
- Medium: Both English and Hindi
Instructions for the Screening Test Day
Candidates appearing for the screening test must follow these instructions:
- Reach the examination center at least 45 minutes before the scheduled time
- Carry your admit card and original photo ID proof
- Bring two recent passport-size photographs
- Carry only blue/black ballpoint pen for filling the OMR sheet
- No electronic devices (mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, etc.) are allowed in the examination hall
- Follow all COVID-19 protocols as mentioned in the admit card
- Read the instructions on the admit card and question paper carefully
Selection Process
The selection process for the SWD UP Free Coaching Program consists of the following stages:
- Screening Test: Objective type test to assess the candidate’s aptitude and basic knowledge
- Document Verification: Verification of all original documents to confirm eligibility
- Counseling: Allocation of coaching institutes based on merit rank and preference
The final selection is based on the merit list prepared according to the performance in the screening test, subject to verification of all eligibility criteria and documents.
Benefits of SWD UP Free Coaching Program
- Completely free coaching for UPSC and UPPSC examinations
- Quality study materials provided at no cost
- Regular mock tests and performance assessment
- Guidance from experienced faculty members
- Special focus on personality development for interview stage
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 3,000 for outstation candidates (subject to conditions)
- Library facility with extended hours
- Access to online resources and recorded lectures
Participating Coaching Institutes
The Social Welfare Department has empaneled several reputed coaching institutes across Uttar Pradesh for providing free coaching to selected candidates. Some of the major participating institutes are:
| City | Coaching Institutes |
|---|---|
| Lucknow | Paramount Academy, Vision IAS, Drishti IAS, Utkarsh IAS |
| Prayagraj (Allahabad) | Samveg IAS Academy, Knowledge Point, Pragati Civil Services |
| Varanasi | Excellence Civil Services, Achievers Point |
| Gorakhpur | Takshila IAS Academy, Samarth Institute |
| Agra | Pioneer IAS Academy, Career Guide Institute |
| Kanpur | Yojna IAS Academy, Nalanda Civil Services |
Documents Required for Verification
Candidates who qualify the screening test will need to submit the following documents for verification:
- Printout of the online application form with photograph
- Admit card of the screening test
- High School (10th) certificate & marksheet
- Intermediate (12th) certificate & marksheet
- Graduation degree certificate & marksheets
- Post-graduation degree certificate & marksheets (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- Income certificate issued by competent authority
- Domicile certificate of Uttar Pradesh
- EWS certificate (for Economically Weaker Section candidates)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Driving License)
- Recent passport size photographs (4)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don’t receive my admit card or there are errors in it?
How many candidates are selected for the free coaching program?
Is the screening test mandatory for all applicants?
What is the duration of the coaching program?
Is attendance mandatory in the coaching classes?
Conclusion: The SWD UP IAS/PCS Free Coaching Program is an excellent opportunity for deserving candidates from underprivileged backgrounds to receive quality coaching for prestigious civil services examinations. Candidates who have applied for this program should download their admit cards and prepare well for the screening test. This initiative by the Social Welfare Department of Uttar Pradesh aims to level the playing field and increase representation from all sections of society in civil services.
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