Students preparing for civil services examinations worried as questions have emerged over the future of the state-funded coaching institution
LUCKNOW — Concern has grown among students and parents following reports that the building housing Uttar Pradesh’s Urdu IAS-PCS Study Centre may be taken back by the government after the expiry of its lease period. The development has led to uncertainty about the future of one of the state’s most important coaching institutions for minority and economically weaker students.
However, government officials have clarified that no final decision has been taken regarding the closure of the centre and that any future action will be taken only after considering the interests of students.
The Urdu IAS-PCS Study Centre was established during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party government and has since been managed by the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy. Over the years, it has become an important institution for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the Civil Services Examination, Provincial Civil Services (PCS) and other government recruitment tests.
The centre provides free coaching to selected candidates and also offers accommodation, meals and other essential facilities, making it particularly valuable for students from financially weaker backgrounds.
According to official information, the institution receives an annual budget of approximately ₹2.5 crore through the Language Department. The building in which the centre operates belongs to the Minority Welfare Department.
Recent reports emerging after a government communication indicated that the lease period for the building had expired. According to the letter issued this month, the process of returning the property to the Minority Welfare Department had been initiated. The communication was reportedly sent by the Principal Secretary of the Language Department to the Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy.
The development triggered concern among current students, former students and parents, many of whom fear that any disruption could affect the future of candidates preparing for highly competitive examinations.
A student associated with the institution said, “This centre has helped many students who could not afford expensive coaching institutes. We hope the government will continue supporting the institution and protecting the interests of students.”
The issue comes at a time when admissions and preparations for various competitive examinations are underway, making the uncertainty particularly worrying for aspirants.
Officials have pointed out that the matter is still under consideration. The Urdu Academy had submitted a request to the government on March 29 last year, seeking an extension of the building’s usage rights for another five years. Discussions regarding that request are continuing.
Government sources said that any major decision regarding the property or the institution would require approval at the highest administrative level and could not be implemented without proper examination of all relevant aspects.
An official familiar with the matter said, “No final decision has been taken. The government is examining the issue, and students’ interests will be kept in mind before any decision is made.”
The Urdu IAS-PCS Study Centre is regarded as one of the few specialised institutions in Uttar Pradesh dedicated to helping minority students prepare for prestigious competitive examinations. Every year, a large number of candidates apply for admission, hoping to benefit from its coaching facilities and academic support.
Former students of the institution point to its record of helping candidates secure positions in various government services and competitive examinations. Many believe that the centre has played an important role in expanding educational opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to access quality coaching.
For now, the future of the institution remains uncertain. While reports of the building’s possible transfer have created anxiety, officials insist that no final decision has been made and that discussions regarding the continuation of the centre are still ongoing.
Students and their families are now waiting for a formal announcement, hoping that the institution will continue functioning without interruption and that opportunities for future civil services aspirants will be protected.
