New Delhi: In a major step towards empowering students from economically weaker backgrounds, Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (SOL) has launched a free online civil services preparation course in collaboration with the NGO Samkalp. The 40-day intensive online course, commencing on June 2, aims to provide accessible and structured guidance for students aspiring to join the prestigious Civil Services.
The program includes six hours of daily recorded lectures, live problem-solving sessions, personalized interactive classes, and regular assessments. It also provides study material in PDF format, updates on current affairs, and curated content for both the Prelims and Mains stages of the Civil Services Examination.
SOL Director Prof. Payal Mago stated, “This is the first time SOL students are being given an opportunity to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. Many of our students come from financially constrained backgrounds and cannot afford the high costs of traditional coaching. With this initiative, we are trying to bridge that gap.”
Students will only be required to pay a nominal ₹300 registration fee, while the course itself remains completely free. The program is designed to replicate the benefits of high-end coaching at no cost, ensuring equal opportunity for all students.
The course will also feature orientation sessions with past rank holders. The first online orientation will be held on May 31, followed by a second on June 1. These sessions will offer practical insights and motivation to participants.
According to Prof. Mago, 115 students have already registered since the process began two days ago. “We are confident that this initiative will play a transformative role in helping our students achieve their dream of becoming IAS officers,” she added.
This initiative marks a significant step in making quality education and competitive exam preparation inclusive and affordable.