Shubhra Ranjan Fees, Counselling, Location and Trial Class Review

June 17, 2024

14 Minutes

Introduction

Greetings, folks! I’m Shivom Sharma, a Content Strategist at Josh Talks. My mission is to help UPSC aspirants find the perfect coaching institute by visiting institutes, attending demo lectures, and sharing my personal assessments and experiences. I've explored many coaching institutes in Old Rajinder Nagar, the hub of UPSC coaching, as well as other areas. 

As you approach Old Rajinder Nagar via the Delhi Metro, you can't miss the Shubhra Ranjan building on the right side when coming from Rajiv Chowk. Shubhra Ranjan is renowned for its Political Science and International Relations Optional coaching and has earned a solid reputation in the UPSC coaching market. Although I initially planned to check out their optional coaching, a friend mentioned that many aspirants have also joined the institute for GS coaching. So, I decided to visit and see for myself.

Approaching Shubhra Ranjan

I called their office using the number listed on their website and received a good response. I tried to gather some information over the phone, but the counsellor suggested that I visit their office on Pusa Road for a demo lecture and more details. They scheduled my counselling session for 2 PM, and I made sure to arrive on time.

Reaching Shubhra Ranjan

Shubhra Ranjan is conveniently located within walking distance from the Karol Bagh Metro station on the DMRC Blue Line. Upon exiting the station at gate no. 4, head towards Drishti IAS. The Shubhra Ranjan building is just 100 meters from the metro station on the left side. Note that while the main banner suggests the institute office is on the first floor, the counselling office is actually on the ground floor near the car parking. I initially went to the first floor, but the security guard directed me to the admission office downstairs.

Admission Counselling at Shubhra Ranjan

I entered the office and noticed there was no one to attend to me, despite there being just one other student. After standing there for a minute or two, I decided to reach out to the staff myself. A woman directed me to the other side to meet Praveen. When I approached his desk, I mentioned that I had called and scheduled a trial class. He asked me a few questions, but not too many. The conversation with Praveen felt quite casual. Although he showed me the faculty members at Shubhra Ranjan on his tablet, he didn’t provide much information about the institute. I requested a brochure and details about the class. Instead of giving me a brochure, he handed me an A4 size photocopied page with the fee details. The counsellor didn’t provide a brochure at all, which was kind of a bummer.

When I asked about the class location, he informed me that the main building only hosts PSIR and Sociology optional classes, while GS course classes are held in another building about 2-3 km away. The counsellor merely provided the building number and directions, then went back inside. He suggested I take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw to get there. Having taken trial lectures at numerous UPSC coaching institutes, I found this laid-back approach surprising. During previous visits to renowned institutes like Chahal Academy and Ensure IAS, they had either arranged transport for me or sent someone to accompany me to the class. Feeling disappointed, I took an auto-rickshaw and reached the building only after some struggle with the directions.

Also read: Chahal Academy Fees, Admissions, Classrooms, Counselling and Mentorship Review

Shubhra Ranjan Course Details

During my discussion with the counsellor, I had planned to gather all necessary information. However, since the counsellor didn’t explain much, I decided to visit their website and extract details from the course page. The counsellor suggested I join Shubhra Ranjan’s GS Prelims cum Mains Classroom Course, which is set to start on July 4th, 2024. Here are the features of the course, explained in detail:

Course Duration

The course consists of over 750 hours of instruction, ensuring a thorough and in-depth understanding of the material. The institute believes that extensive duration allows students to cover all necessary topics comprehensively.

Access to Delhi Centre Classrooms

Students will have access to classrooms at the Delhi Centre to ensure face-to-face learning, interaction with faculty, and a collaborative environment with fellow aspirants.

Comprehensive Syllabus Coverage

The course offers comprehensive coverage of the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus. This means all topics required for both stages of the exam will be taught during the 11-month-long course.

Weekly Class Tests

Weekly class tests are conducted, available in both online and offline modes. Shubhra Ranjan believes that these tests help students assess their progress regularly and get accustomed to the exam format.

Faculty-Provided Class Notes

Faculty-provided class notes are an integral part of the course. These notes are curated by experienced teachers to supplement aspirants’ learning and serve as valuable revision material.

Doubt-Solving Sessions

Doubt-solving sessions are held in the classroom. Students can clarify their doubts and receive immediate feedback to ensure that they understand the concepts thoroughly.

Previous Years’ Questions (PYQ) Trend Analysis

The course includes a trend analysis and discussion of previous years’ questions (PYQs). This helps students understand the pattern of the exam and focus on important topics.

Mentorship for Strategy

Mentorship is provided to develop effective strategies for preparation. Experienced mentors guide students on how to approach their studies, manage time, and tackle the exam confidently.

Newspaper Analysis Classes

Newspaper analysis classes are also part of the course. These sessions teach students how to effectively analyze news articles, which is crucial for the current affairs section of the UPSC exam.

Student-Friendly Environment

Lastly, the course promotes a student-friendly environment. This ensures that the learning experience is supportive and encouraging, helping students stay motivated and focused on their goals.

Tablet Included with all GS Courses

One interesting detail I discovered about Shubhra Ranjan IAS is that students enrolled in their General Studies (GS) or Optional programs receive a tablet. This tablet comes pre-loaded with the institute's online learning portal. This means you can access your lectures and study materials directly on the tablet, making it a convenient way to learn. It's worth noting that the counselor didn't mention this initially, but I found the information on a handout they provided.

Must read: Forum IAS Fees, Fee Structure and Academic Counselling Review

Shubhra Ranjan Fees

Shubhra Ranjan Faculty Lineup

Shubhra Ranjan boasts experienced faculty for each General Studies (GS) subject on the UPSC Civil Services exam syllabus. Since they didn't have any brochures on hand and the counsellor had showed me the faculty info on a tablet, I found the same details on their website. Here's the faculty lineup of SRIAS:

Shubhra Ranjan

Director and lead faculty at Shubhra Ranjan IAS (SRIAS), Shubhra Ranjan brings over 25 years of experience to the table. An expert in Political Science and International Relations, he holds an M. Phil, MA, and BA in Pol Science from Delhi University. Specializing in teaching GS & PSIR optional, his classes are known for their analytical and debatable approach.

Upendra Gaur

Upendra Gaur boasts over 40 years of teaching experience and specializes in Sociology optional for UPSC CSE. With a Masters degree in Sociology from the University of Delhi, Upendra Gaur is credited with nurturing numerous UPSC toppers, including Abhinav Sivach (AIR 12, 2022). His unparalleled expertise and comprehensive understanding of the subject ensure students a strong foundation in sociology.

Satya Prakash

Specializing in PSIR optional with a focus on Indian Government and Politics, Satya Prakash has 6 years of teaching experience. A graduate from the National Institute of Technology, Patna, Satya Prakash fosters a supportive atmosphere for open communication, ensuring aspirants' holistic growth and success in their UPSC preparations.

Rishi Bhargava

Rishi Bhargava specializes in CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) and brings a unique blend of analytical and strategic thinking to his teaching approach. With an educational background that includes an M.Sc. in Mathematics and an MBA in Marketing, Rishi Bhargava has a proven track record of helping students clear CSAT. His dedication lies in empowering learners and enhancing their CSAT examination skills.

Neeraj Nachiketa

Neeraj Nachiketa is the faculty for Environment at Shubhra Ranjan IAS. With over 18 years of teaching experience, he is a trained Biotechnologist and alumnus of IIT Bombay. Neeraj Nachiketa holds an M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering from BITS, Pilani, an LL.M. degree in Environmental Law, Energy and Climate Change, and a Certificate course in IPR from UN WIPO, Geneva.

Sahil Saini

An accomplished Ethics educator, Sahil Saini holds a B.Com from the University of Delhi and brings over 8 years of teaching experience. Passionate about staying updated with Current Affairs, Sahil Saini's pedagogical approach focuses on cultivating critical thinking, with the aim of empowering students as thoughtful problem solvers.

Dr. Kumud Ranjan

Dr. Kumud Ranjan brings over 22 years of experience to the faculty lineup. A Ph.D. graduate from the University of Delhi, Dr. Ranjan specializes in Indian Polity and Governance for the GS curriculum. His passion for the subject is evident in his ability to guide aspirants towards a clear understanding of the complexities of Indian government. Since 2002, Dr. Ranjan has empowered countless students with the knowledge and confidence to excel in their civil service exams.

Rohit Lodha

Rohit Lodha is a dedicated faculty member with over 10 years of teaching experience. His background in Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) brings a unique perspective to the classroom, particularly in the areas of Geography and Disaster Management. Rohit is passionate about creating a positive and interactive learning environment where students can actively engage with the material. His enthusiasm fosters a deep understanding of these crucial subjects, preparing students for success.

Must read: How to Prepare for UPSC

Shubhra Ranjan Class Experience

I had boarded an e-rickshaw from the head office of Shubhra Ranjan institute and it took me around 15 minutes to reach the address.

Classroom Building Exterior

Shubhra Ranjan’s GS classes are held at 32B, Pusa Road, near the NEXT IAS main building. I deboarded and went inside. The building had ample parking space, but the security guard informed me that it was reserved for faculty only. Students arriving by private vehicle had to park on the road. While there was some space in front of the building for bikes to be parked comfortably, it seemed challenging for cars.

Shubhra Ranjan Classroom Building, 32B, Old Rajinder Nagar

Access for Differently-Abled

The building is accessible to differently-abled students, featuring a ramp instead of stairs at the entrance and a fully functional elevator that opens up right near the classroom door.

Cleanliness

The classroom building of Shubhra Ranjan looked quite old inside. The staircase was not very clean, the walls were dirty, and the elevator was old with a damp smell throughout. Near the gate, there was a security guard to whom I showed Praveen’s signature on the A4 sheet he had given me as proof for the demo class. Unlike other institutes, Shubhra Ranjan didn’t provide a demo class card.

Trial Lecture Experience

I was sent to attend an Indian Polity class by Mr. Kumud Ranjan. It was one of the initial lectures of the subject, and the teacher was explaining different concepts like Socialism, Communism, Marxism, and the differences as well as correlations between them. Mr. Ranjan is an experienced teacher and has written a book titled “Indian Polity and Constitutional Issues for Civil Services Examinations” for preparation. In his lecture, he explained every concept thoroughly and addressed each question effectively. One surprising aspect was that the class had a capacity of over 200, but only 20-25 students were enrolled. I tried talking to the student next to me, but even he had no idea why it was like that. He mentioned that the batch would slowly start to fill up in the coming days or might get merged with an upcoming batch. The teaching approach and the way Mr. Ranjan explained the concepts were excellent, and I walked out of the class with a clear and thorough understanding of all the topics discussed.

Shubhra Ranjan Classrooms

Shubhra Ranjan Classroom Infrastructure

I saw classrooms at both the main office building and the other building (32B) and found Shubhra Ranjan’s classrooms to be a bit old and less clean. The classroom I sat in was not well-maintained. The walls had cracks, the plaster was damaged, the paint was uneven, and the chairs were too close together. Being 6’2” tall, I couldn’t comfortably sit in one of the middle seats. After trying three times, I chose an aisle seat and managed to squeeze in, although it was difficult. More space between the chairs would have made a big difference.

Despite these issues, the classroom had all the essential amenities, including a digital whiteboard, multiple screens, surround sound speakers, and fire extinguishers. I also checked the washrooms, which were in good condition but a bit old. The building clearly needs maintenance. 

Some might wonder how the condition of the classroom matters to an aspirant, but in my opinion, it does. The place where an aspirant sits for 3-7 hours a day, for 11-12 months, preparing for one of the toughest exams in the country, must be comfortable. I would advise fresh aspirants to inspect the classrooms, make a list of such things, and consider them when selecting the best institute for themselves.

PG Options Near Shubhra Ranjan

Finding a place to live in Old Rajinder Nagar can be tough, especially if you're new to the area. That's why I checked out Krishna PG, a paying guest (PG) option that many shopkeepers, including the friendly people at Rattan Dairy,recommended.

Krishna PG is in a great spot! It's just a short walk from Pusa Road circle, close to both the Karol Bagh Metro station (about 600 meters) and the Shubhra Ranjan area (700 meters away). Even though it's surrounded by coaching centers and libraries, the PG itself is on a quiet street so you can focus on your studies.

They have different room options, including single rooms, rooms for two people (double sharing), and rooms for three people (triple sharing). The price covers all your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and includes a bunch of amenities too, like a fridge you can share with your roommates, air conditioning, furniture (bed, mattress, wardrobe, table, chair),and even a TV and a little sitting area! I'll be sure to share some pictures of the PG with you so you can see it for yourself.

I am listing down the charges of Krishna PG below :

• Single Sharing: Priced at 28,000 rupees per month
• Double Sharing: Priced at 16,000 rupees per month
• Triple Sharing: Priced at 13,000 rupees per month

There are cheaper options available too but it’s hard to find a PG room below 10,000 bucks. For this, you’ll have to look for independent unfurnished rooms

Library Options Near Shubhra Ranjan

If you're looking for a calm study place near Shubhra Ranjan, you're in luck! There are tons of libraries in the area, perfect for those quiet study sessions.

One great option is Divine Library. This library goes above and beyond with extras like lockers for your stuff, plus all the essentials like air conditioning, desk lamps to keep things bright, and even an RO water filter for fresh drinking water.They have assigned seating so you can claim your spot, and they're open 24/7 in case you're a night owl. Plus, their high-speed Wi-Fi will keep you connected. The best part? Divine Library is right in the heart of Old Rajinder Nagar's main street, next to Hotel Madonna. That means it's super close to everything you need, from other cafes and libraries to bookstores and of course, your PG. The library charges 3000 rupees for a permanent spot with locker.

Divine Library, near Hotel Madonna, Old Rajinder Nagar