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Check our FAQs for quick answers to frequently asked questions we receive.

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What are UPSC and MPSC?

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is body which every year conducts several exams to recruit personnel for Central Services. Same task is done at Maharashtra State-level by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).

What is Chanakya Mandal Pariwar?

Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, founded in 1996, is not just a coaching class—it is a Social movement that uses education as a medium to reform and advance Indian society along patriotic lines. While we provide UPSC and MPSC coaching, our true goal is to nurture Karyakarta Adhikaris—officers and professionals who serve society selflessly with integrity, wherever they work.

What is the history and legacy of Chanakya Mandal Pariwar?

Chanakya Mandal Pariwar was founded in 1996 by Shri. Avinash Dharmadhikari Sir, a 1986 batch IAS officer who resigned from service to dedicate himself fully to education and youth empowerment. It began as a small initiative to guide aspiring youth and has grown into a nation-building movement. Today, it is recognized as a leading institute for UPSC, MPSC, and character development, with thousands of alumni serving in civil services and other sectors.

Who is Avinash Dharmadhikari Sir?

Avinash Dharmadhikari Sir is the Founder and Director of Chanakya Mandal Pariwar. He joined the Indian Administrative Service in the 1986 batch, served with distinction, and resigned in 1996 to dedicate his life to education, social reform, and empowering the youth of India. He is also a renowned author, columnist, and motivational speaker, known for guiding students not just toward exam success but toward purposeful lives.

What is the philosophy of Chanakya Mandal?

We emphasize that success in UPSC/MPSC is not an end in itself but a means to serve the nation. Joining the civil services is one path, but not the only one. A Chanakya Mandal student is taught to live by principles of excellence and creativity, contributing to nation-building whether in the public sector, private sector, or even abroad.

Why choose Chanakya Mandal?

Established in 1996, with nearly three decades of legacy.
• Guidance by ex-IAS officer Avinash Dharmadhikari Sir (1986 batch)and an experienced faculty team.
• A socially driven mission—we are not a commercial coaching center.
• Unique blend of exam preparation + character development.
• Proven track record of successful candidates in UPSC and MPSC.
• Holistic support: mentorship, 24/7 study room, library, residential camps, and motivational programs.

What courses are offered at Chanakya Mandal?

• UPSC Comprehensive Course (Prelims, Mains, CSAT, Interview)
• MPSC Comprehensive Course (Prelims, Mains, CSAT, Interview)
• Preparatory Course
• Foundation Course
• Special Programs like Abhyas Mahotsav (residential camps), mentorship, test series, Bharat Darshan, Abhyas Daura etc

Do you provide online as well as offline classes?

Yes. We conduct offline classes at Pune (Sadashiv Peth & Warje), Mumbai (Sion), and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and also provide online batches for students across India.

What kind of infrastructure support do you provide?

• 24-hour study room and well-equipped library
• Monthly magazines and current affairs updates
• Personalized mentorship programs
• Counselling, peer group learning, and topper interactions

What should I do to become an IAS/IFS/IPS officer?

For selecting IAS/IFS/IPS officers, UPSC every year conducts Civil Service Examination. Any aspirant for IAS/IFS/IPS needs to pass this exam for getting selected.

What is the structure of UPSC Civil Services Exam?

The examination is conducted in three stages - Preliminary, Mains and Personality Test. The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers of objective type (multiple-choice questions) carrying a maximum of 200 marks each. One paper is on General Studies and other is of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The Question Papers (Test Booklets) are set in English & Hindi. Mains Exam is descriptive in nature and consists of 9 papers: Compulsory English, Compulsory Indian Language, Essay, General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III, and General Studies IV. Besides you need to choose one Optional subject on which you will have 2 papers. Personality Test (Interview) of successful mains candidates is the last stage of this Exam. Based on Mains + Interview marks, UPSC announces the result. Based on rank, the service is allocated to candidate.

Is there any age limit for appearing in UPSC Civil Services Examination?

As per revised rules, any person from General category more than 21 and less than 32 years of age is eligible to appear for the above mentioned exam. The upper age limit is relaxed up to a maximum of five years for candidates belonging to SCs or STs Categories and up to a maximum of three years for candidates of OBC category among others.

Is there any limit on number of attempts that I can take for UPSC exams?

As per revised rules, a candidate belonging to General category can take upto 6 attempts; those belonging to OBC can take up to 9 attempts. There is no limit on number of attempts available for candidates belonging to SC and ST communities. For more details visit the UPSC website: http://www.upsc.gov.in/

How can I apply for Examinations conducted by UPSC?

Candidates can apply online through the UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in

What is the UPSC’s Annual Programme (Calendar) of Examinations?

UPSC publishes an Annual Examination Calendar every June, covering all structured exams and recruitment tests for the next year. It is available on the UPSC website and in leading national newspapers.

What is the structure of the Civil Services Examination (CSE)?

The CSE has two stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (screening test)
2. Main Examination (written exam + interview/personality test)

What is the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

The Prelims serves as a screening test for recruitment to IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services. It consists of two objective papers (General Studies I & II). Marks of Prelims are not counted in the final merit but are used to shortlist candidates for the Mains.

Is an attempt at the Preliminary Examination counted as an attempt at the CSE?

Yes. Appearing in even one paper of the Preliminary exam is counted as an attempt, even if the candidate’s candidature is later disqualified. However, simply applying and not appearing does not count as an attempt.

What is the scheme of the Preliminary Examination?

Two compulsory papers of 200 marks each.
Objective type (MCQs).
Duration: 2 hours each.
Available in English and Hindi.
General Studies Paper-II is qualifying in nature (minimum 33%).

Is there negative marking in Prelims?

Yes. One-third (⅓) marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Multiple answers to the same question are treated as incorrect.

What are the eligibility criteria for the UPSC exam?

Educational Qualification: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent. Age & Attempts: As per UPSC rules. PwBD Candidates: Must meet physical/functional requirements prescribed by cadre controlling authorities for specific services.

How can I enroll at Chanakya Mandal?

You can register through our website under the Courses section, or visit/contact our Pune, Mumbai, or Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar centers.

How can I get in touch for queries?

Email: office@chanakyamandal.org

Phone: Sadashi Peth Centre : 080-69015451/52, Warje Centre : 080-69015454/55, Mumbai Centre : 080-69015418, 080-69015424, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Centre : 08069015420/21

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