The Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) at the Centre for Coaching and Career Planning, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Delhi, has released a revised schedule for the entrance test for its free coaching program, including a hostel facility, for the preparation of the UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary-cum-Main) Examination 2024. Here’s all you need to know about the eligibility criteria, important dates, exam pattern, and more.
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | March 18, 2024 | Monday |
| Last Date for Submission of Application | June 19, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Editing Application Form | June 21-22, 2024 | |
| Entrance Test Date | June 29, 2024 | Saturday |
| Paper I (General Studies) | June 29, 2024 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) | Saturday |
| Paper II (Essay) | June 29, 2024 (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm) | Saturday |
| Result of Written Test (Tentative) | July 20, 2024 | Saturday |
| Interview (Online Only, Tentative) | July 29 – August 12, 2024 | |
| Final Result (Tentative) | August 14, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Last Date for Completion of Admission | August 19, 2024 | Monday |
| Registration for Waiting List Candidates | August 22, 2024 | Thursday |
| Admission for Waiting List Candidates | August 28, 2024 | Tuesday |
| Classes Begin (Orientation) | August 30, 2024 | Friday |
JMI RCA Coaching Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their graduation and be eligible for the Civil Services Examination 2025.
- Categories: Applications are invited from candidates belonging to women’s communities, SC, ST, and minority communities.
- Age Limit: 10% of seats are reserved for students under the age of 24.
- Special Reservations: About 5% of the seats are reserved for physically disabled candidates as per JMI’s reservation policy.
- Repeat Candidates: Candidates who have previously availed of JMI coaching and have not taken the exam in the last three years are not eligible to apply.
JMI RCA Coaching Exam Pattern
The entrance test will assess candidates’ knowledge in general awareness, critical thinking, logical reasoning, comprehension, and written communication skills. The test will consist of two papers:
- Paper I: General Studies (Objective Type)
- Duration: 2 hours (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Language: English, Hindi, and Urdu
- Assessment: Evaluates knowledge on general studies, aligned with UPSC standards.
- Paper II: Essay Writing
- Duration: 1 hour (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
- Format: Essay writing
- Language: English, Hindi, and Urdu
- Assessment: Evaluates written communication and expression.
Only the top 900 candidates based on merit in Paper I will have their essays evaluated.
JMI RCA Coaching Selection Process
- Written Test: Candidates are ranked based on their performance in Paper I. Essays from the top 900 candidates will be evaluated.
- Interview: The top 40 candidates based on combined scores will be invited for an online interview, which carries a total of 40 marks.
- Final Selection: The final list will be determined by combining the scores of Paper I, the essay, and the interview. In the event of a tie, preference will be given based on interview marks. If a tie persists, the younger candidate will be selected.
Exam Centers
The entrance test will be conducted in the following cities:
- Delhi
- Srinagar
- Jammu
- Hyderabad
- Guwahati
- Mumbai
- Patna
- Lucknow
- Bengaluru
- Malappuram (Kerala)
Coaching and Hostel Facilities
The JMI RCA provides comprehensive coaching, including:
- Classes on General Studies, Ethics, CSAT, and selected optional papers.
- Test Series, Answer Evaluation, Discussions, and Essay Writing Practice as part of the curriculum.
- Mock Interviews and Current Affairs Classes to prepare candidates for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
There are 100 seats available for the coaching program, with hostel accommodation provided to all admitted students. In case of a hostel seat shortage, priority will be given strictly based on merit as determined by the entrance test. Students are required to pay a monthly hostel maintenance charge of Rs 1,000, payable six months in advance.
How to Apply for JMI RCA 2024
- Visit the Official Website: Go to JMI’s official website and look for the JMI Coaching application link.
- Review Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before proceeding.
- Complete Application Form: Fill out the form with your personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload Required Documents: Submit your photo, signature, and any other required documents.
- Pay Application Fee: Use the available payment methods to pay any applicable fees.
- Submit and Confirm: Verify your details and submit the form before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email with your application number.