New Delhi: UPSC coaching institutes are increasingly coming up with initiatives to help aspirants cope with academic pressure. Amid growing concerns over student suicides and mental health challenges faced by UPSC aspirants, institutes have begun offering counselling services and recreational activities.
NEXT IAS, for instance, organised UMANG 2026, a sports and inspiration meet for students enrolled in its First Step Course, at the MADE EASY School campus. The event included cricket, volleyball, basketball, tug of war, trekking, and plantation activities, offering students a break from their academic routine.
The institute said such activities were part of its effort to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork, and students’ overall development, emphasising that education should extend beyond the classroom.
“We organise such events every alternate month, combining sports, fun-filled activities, and motivational sessions to help students relieve stress, refresh their minds, and maintain a healthy balance between studies and recreation,” said B Singh, CEO of NEXT IAS.
Over the past few years, frequent cases of aspirant suicides have raised concerns about the pressures associated with preparing for the civil services. In July 2024, 26-year-old Anjali Gopnarayan was found dead in Old Rajinder Nagar after failing to clear the prelims, while two months later, 22-year-old Deepak Kumar Meena was found dead near Mukherjee Nagar on the day the UPSC Mains examination began. Recently, a 25-year-old UPSC aspirant from Andhra Pradesh, Alta Bharat Kumar Reddy, was found dead at his rented accommodation in Old Rajinder Nagar on 19 October 2026.
Counsellors, mentors
At Drishti IAS, the focus is on providing students with access to counselling support. The institute said it has third-party counsellors whom students can approach when dealing with stress.
“We have third-party counsellors, and we encourage students to reach out to them whenever they experience stress, tension or any other problems. Many students come in for counselling sessions. Our teachers also regularly encourage them to seek help whenever they feel pressured or face difficulties. Students’ well-being is our top priority, and we leave no stone unturned to ensure they receive the support they need,” said a representative from Drishti IAS.
While some institutes rely on external counsellors, others combine medical support with mentoring to help students navigate academic pressure and personal difficulties.
“We have an in-house doctor who is a general physician and is also trained in counselling. We also bring in a psychological counsellor on demand. In addition, we have three mentors whose primary role is to interact with students, listen to their concerns, and discuss any issues they may be facing. Students do approach us for counselling and help with stress-related problems,” said Israel Jeba Singh, director of Officers IAS Academy.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
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