Top 5 UPSC coaching institutes in Lucknow
Compare Lucknow's best UPSC coaching (Drishti, Shubhra Ranjan, Race IAS) for the 2026 session. Get expert rankings, real fees, selection data, and batch dates at AcademyCheck.
Harish Kumawat
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has become a massive destination for civil services aspirants. With a mix of national giants and specialized niche institutes, students no longer need to rush to Delhi to find quality mentorship. For the 2026-27 session, the focus in Lucknow has shifted toward technology-integrated learning and rigorous answer-writing practice.
Hello students, I hope you all are doing great and your preparation is moving in the right direction. I hope you all achieve your dreams and reach the heights you've envisioned. I am Harish Kumar, and today I am going to write a coaching ranking blog in your city of this UPSC Civil Services Exam. This ranking is based on past results, strong faculty, and facilities. I am going to cover basic things of coaching like past results, course fees, and more to help you make the best choice.
Top UPSC Coaching Ranking - Lucknow (2026)
S.No. | Coaching Name | Total Selection (2025) | Google Rating | AcademyCheck Rating | Google Map Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Drishti IAS | 250+ (National) | 4.3/5 (430+ Reviews) | 4.3/5 | |
2 | Shubhra Ranjan IAS | 150+ (National) | 4.3/5 (39+ Reviews) | 4.8/5 | |
3 | Race IAS Academy | 40+ (Regional) | 4.9/5 (544+ Reviews) | 4.9/5 | |
4 | Physics Wallah | 100+ (Network) | 4.8/5 (1177+ Reviews) | 4.6/5 | |
5 | CDS JOURNEY | 15+ (Niche) | 4.9/5 (935+ Reviews) | 4.9/5 |
1. Drishti IAS Lucknow
A powerhouse in the UPSC ecosystem, Drishti IAS offers a perfect blend of high-quality study material and the mentorship of legendary faculty. Their Lucknow center provides the same rigor as their Delhi headquarters.
Director & Established Year: Mr. Dr. Vikas Divyakirti | 1999
Past Result:
Over 250 selections nationally in 2025.
AIR 1: Anuj Agnihotri
AIR 2: Rajeshwari Suve M
AIR 3: Akansh Dhull
Course Fees: GS Foundation (Offline): Approximately ₹2,00,000 - ₹2,65,000 (3-year validity).
Optional Subjects: Around ₹26,000+.
Optional Subject: History, Hindi Literature, Geography, PSIR, Sociology.
Hostel Facility: No (Local PG assistance provided).
New Batch Date: May 2026 | June 2026
Visit on AcademyCheck: Drishti IAS Lucknow
Address: 1st Floor, Aliganj Tower, Kapoorthala Road, Aliganj, Lucknow.
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Best study material, Dr. Vikas's guidance.
Cons: Very large batch sizes.
2. Shubhra Ranjan IAS Lucknow
If your focus is on Political Science (PSIR), this is the place to be. They are famous for their "Tablet-based" learning and excellent GS modules that prioritize conceptual clarity.
Director & Established Year: Mr. Shubhra Ranjan | 2014
Past Result:
Over 150 selections in 2025.
Vikas (AIR 27)
Apurva Verma (AIR 42)
Kiran Kamate (AIR 53)
Course Fees:
GS Foundation (Prelims + Mains) =₹1,10,000 – ₹1,60,000.
Integrated GS + PSIR =12-15 Months ₹1,65,000 – ₹1,85,000
Optional Subject: PSIR, Sociology, Geography.
Hostel Facility: No.
New Batch Date: May 2026
Visit on AcademyCheck: Shubhra Ranjan IAS Lucknow
Address: 9-46, Sector 9, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031
Pros & Cons:
Pros: India's best PSIR faculty, tech-enabled learning.
Cons: Highly focused on specific subjects.
3. Race IAS Academy
A homegrown champion of Lucknow, Race IAS is known for its "Integrated" approach where they prepare students for both UPSC and UPPSC (UP State Services) simultaneously.
Director & Established Year: Mr. Rajesh Academy | 2010
Past Result:
40+ selections in civil services 2025.
2. Record success in UPPCS 2024/25.
3. Top results in Geography and History.
Course Fees: ₹90,000 + GST (UPSC GS Full Course) | ₹58,000 (UPPSC Pre + Mains).
Optional Subject: History, Geography, Public Admin, Sociology.
Hostel Facility: Yes.
New Batch Date: May 2026
Visit on AcademyCheck: Race IAS Lucknow
Address: Goel Market, Near Lekhraj Market Metro Station Sanjay Gandhi Puram, Indira Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226016
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Excellent state service focus, in-house hostel.
Cons: Infrastructure is traditional.
4. Physics Wallah Lucknow (Vrindavan Vidyapeeth)
Bringing the "PW Revolution" to Lucknow, this center offers the most affordable UPSC coaching without compromising on faculty quality. Their digital-first classroom approach is a hit among youngsters.
Director & Established Year: Mr. Alakh Pandey | 2022 (Lucknow Offline)
Past Result:
100+ selections across its network in 2025.
AIR 1: Anuj Agnihotri (UPSC 2025).
AIR 2: Rajeshwari Suve M.
AIR 3: Akansh Dhull.
AIR 5: Ishan Bhatnagar
Course Fees: Integrated GS + PSIR =12-15 Months ₹1,25,000 – ₹1,85,000
Optional Subject: Sociology, Anthropology, PSIR, Geography.
Hostel Facility: No.
New Batch Date: May 2026 | June 2026
Visit on AcademyCheck: Physics Wallah UPSC Lucknow
Address: CP-5, near Hotel Nakshatra, Viraj Khand-4, Viraj Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Most affordable, great online-offline hybrid.
Cons: New in the offline UPSC market.
5. CDS JOURNEY
While they specialize in defense, their UPSC IAS wing has gained popularity for its high-intensity discipline and focused approach to General Studies and CSAT.
Director & Established Year: Management Board | 2021
Past Result: . AIR 1: Arun (CDS). AIR 1: Harshit . AIR 1: Tushar AIR 1: Aaishaniya (AFCAT).
Over 100+ selections in UPSC CAPF and CDS in 2025.
Course Fees:
UPSC Foundation (18 Months): ₹1,57,000 to ₹2,02,000.
UPSC Foundation (24-36 Months): ₹2,25,000 – ₹2,55,000.
Optional Subject: Geography, History.
Hostel Facility: No.
New Batch Date: May 2026
Visit on AcademyCheck: CDS Journey Lucknow
Address: 5/543, Sector 5, Sector 6, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Very disciplined environment, focus on CSAT.
Cons: Smaller faculty team for all optionals.
Useful Links for Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Aliganj the best area for UPSC coaching in Lucknow?
Yes, Aliganj is the hub for UPSC preparation in Lucknow, hosting majors like Drishti IAS and Shubhra Ranjan, along with numerous student libraries and PGs.
2. Can I clear UPSC while staying in Lucknow instead of Delhi?
Absolutely. With giants like Drishti and PW providing the same resources in Lucknow, you can save on Delhi's high living costs and study in a better environment.
3. What is the average fee for UPSC coaching in Lucknow?
The fees generally range from ₹40,000 to ₹1,60,000, depending on whether you choose a premium national brand or an affordable digital-led center.
4. Does coaching help with the interview stage?
Yes, most institutes listed, especially Drishti and Race IAS, conduct Mock Interview programs with retired bureaucrats to help you build confidence.
Note: The fees mentioned in this blog may vary. For the exact course price, please contact the number given below.
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