The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has shut down several coaching centres, rental houses, and libraries operating from basements in Old Rajinder Nagar, Patel Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar, and other localities, leading to significant disruptions for UPSC aspirants. Thousands of students are protesting, demanding better facilities and living conditions, while others are torn between joining the protests and continuing their preparations for the UPSC Main exam scheduled for September 20.
Impact on Preparations
Rohit Kumar, a 23-year-old from Samastipur, Bihar, has been preparing for the UPSC Mains in Old Rajinder Nagar for 15 months. He describes the difficulty of studying in cramped, humid conditions and the suspension of his UPSC Main crash course. With mock tests crucial at this stage, many students are resorting to self-study due to the unavailability of classes and the inaccessibility of libraries.
The shutdown of basement libraries, which comprised 95% of study spaces in Old Rajinder Nagar, has forced many aspirants to relocate to places like Noida or return to their hometowns. The few remaining libraries have hiked their monthly fees from Rs 3,000 to around Rs 5,000, further straining students’ finances. These libraries were not just study spaces but also centers for peer interaction and shared learning.
Shift to Online Assistance
Shivam Yadav, a 23-year-old from Ashoknagar District, MP, explains that his coaching centre has started offering online assistance. However, with the UPSC Mains being a pen-and-paper exam, online test series are insufficient for accurate self-assessment and improvement. The centre has informed students that classes will not resume until the protests are resolved, adding to the anxiety and uncertainty among aspirants.
Financial and Infrastructure Strains
Vivek Chauhan, 26, from Shamli, UP, highlights the financial burden and logistical challenges faced by students. Many shared small rooms, using libraries as primary study spaces. The sudden closure of these libraries has increased their costs, forcing them to pay significantly more for the limited number of available libraries. The MCD’s actions, while addressing safety concerns following tragic incidents at coaching centres, have not included provisions for alternative solutions, exacerbating the difficulties for aspirants.
Kuldeep Chaudhury, 24, from Hisar, Haryana, reports that some libraries are now charging extra for corner seats due to reduced distractions, further highlighting the economic exploitation of students in these areas.
Broader Implications
Ravi Kapoor, a former IRS officer and current UPSC mentor, notes the longstanding infrastructure issues in these localities, which have worsened with the unregulated expansion of coaching centres and accommodations. He suggests that while foundational programmes at coaching centres are beneficial, the UPSC exam can largely be tackled through online resources and dedicated self-study.
Calls for Refunds and Clarity
Many students are demanding refunds or alternative arrangements for their disrupted classes and library memberships. However, coaching centres have not provided clear communication regarding the suspension of classes or reopening dates. Swarnim Saini, 23, from Saharanpur, UP, mentions that several Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) coaching centres have shut down permanently, instructing students to relocate to other cities without offering refunds.
Conclusion
The MCD’s crackdown on illegally operated coaching centres and libraries has led to significant disruptions for UPSC aspirants, highlighting the urgent need for regulated, safe, and supportive study environments. While some students continue to protest, others struggle to maintain their preparation amidst these challenges, underscoring the complex and often harsh realities of pursuing competitive exams in India.
