3. Vajiram & Ravi

Vajiram & Ravi: Is This UPSC Coaching Right for You?

If you’re contemplating joining Vajiram & Ravi, one of Delhi’s most renowned UPSC coaching institutes, this detailed breakdown will help you weigh the pros and cons—so you can decide with confidence.

1. At a Glance: What Vajiram & Ravi Offers

  • Legacy & Reputation: Established in 1976, Vajiram & Ravi has built a reputation as a pioneer in civil services coaching, known for producing a large number of successful candidates each year. Hindustan TimesLinkedIn
  • Comprehensive Courses:
    • GS Prelims + Mains (Classroom & Online): Approx. ₹1.75 L (classroom) and ₹1.55 L (online) Josh TalksThe Hindu Zone
    • 2-Year Foundation Course (Online / Classroom): ₹2.25 L / ₹2.45 L respectively Josh Talks
    • Optional Subjects: Standard fee ~₹54,000 across popular subjects like Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, etc. Josh Talks
    • Additional courses for Essay, CSAT, Test Series, and more with separate pricing The Education MarketJosh Talks
  • Resources & Programs:
    • “Yellow Books”: Annual, faculty-prepared study materials.
    • Recitals Magazine: Monthly current affairs digest.
    • Extensive Test Series: Includes Prelims, Mains writing practice, and interview guidance.
    • Mentorship Support: Counselling by experienced aspirants with Mains/Interview experience.
    • Extended Access: Post-course support via online portal, tests, and mentor assistance. Josh Talks

2. What Students Say: Insights from Reddit

Pros:

  • “All the major subjects are comprehensively covered and the handouts are very clear and well structured.” Reddit
  • “Teachers are experts at their subjects… go the extra mile… highly recommended.” Reddit

Cons:

  • “Classes every day with different teachers makes it hard to follow. Some topics get rushed or skipped.” Reddit+1
  • “Online portal and external support are weak compared to other institutes.” Reddit

3. Strengths of Vajiram & Ravi

FeatureStrength
Faculty & Study MaterialsExpert teachers + well-prepared “Yellow Books” & current affairs digest Hindustan TimesJosh Talks
Test SeriesRegular and integrated Prelims & Mains practice with feedback Josh Talks
Mentorship & Alumni SupportExperienced aspirant guidance—even after courses end Josh Talks
Offered ModesBoth offline and online coaching tailored for urban and remote aspirants

4. Things to Consider

ChallengeDetails
Crowded BatchesLarge class size affects personalized attention — offline batches often have 200+; online are even larger The Education Market
Lack of Trial AccessNo demo classes offered, so you commit without firsthand experience Josh Talks
Rigidity in CurriculumFast-paced schedule might skip areas or compress coverage near Prelims Reddit
Online SupportReported weaker LMS and student support for online batches Reddit
CostPremium pricing—only suitable if value aligns with your needs The Education MarketJosh Talks

5. Final Verdict: Should You Enroll?

Consider Vajiram & Ravi if:

  • You want trusted, structured coaching with legacy materials and test systems.
  • You thrive in large classroom environments.
  • You can afford the fees and are okay with minimal flexibility or trial options.

Explore Alternatives if:

  • You prefer more personalized attention or smaller batches.
  • You seek flexible access to content (e.g., recorded lectures with unlimited access).
  • You’re on a tight budget or need strong online platform support.

Pro Tip for Aspirants:

  • Try to speak with current or ex-students.
  • If possible, attend any open house or info session.
  • Compare their approach with other options like ClearIAS, Vision IAS, or NextIAS to see which suits your learning style best.
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