IAS IPS Tips on Coaching

It is perfectly possible to crack this exam by self study if one gets the right guidance from reliable sources. But coaching makes the process easier and aids UPSC Exam preparation in many ways. Firstly, it gives one an idea what the exam is really about. Secondly, as exam preparation can turn out to be a long drawn out process, coaching can help you stay focused in the company of fellow aspirants.
Before one goes for coaching, it is good to determine what one really wants from coaching. There may not be a need to join for the full packages coaching centres offer. For example,  if you are confident about one subject, you can choose to go  for coaching for the other subject and G.S. You save money, and more importantly time which is the real limiting resource in this examination.
It is also not necassery to take coaching for all the subjects from one coaching centre. Instead, some research should be done where your subjects are taught the best and join those centres. And as the schedules of the coaching centres differ, some co-ordination may have to be done if you are opting for different centres. Planning in advance is a huge advantage, not just for coaching, but for the examination as a whole.
And most importantly, just keep in mind that it is not about the coaching, but it is about getting through the exam. Even if you are disappointed with a coaching centre, and you think you have lost your money, don't panic, you can easily make up with your efforts. Feel free to adopt your own strategy for cracking the exam. Good luck