Introduction The Arunachal Pradesh UPSC Combined Civil Services Coaching Scheme is an initiative of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh that provides coaching support to eligible Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The scheme aims to help local aspirants access professional guidance and improve their preparation for one of India’s most competitive examinations. The scheme was introduced to address the challenges faced by candidates from Arunachal Pradesh in preparing for national-level civil services examinations. Earlier, the government provided financial incentives to candidates who cleared the Preliminary and Main stages, but financial assistance alone could not meet all their preparation needs. The coaching initiative focuses on providing structured academic support to help eligible candidates compete more effectively. Implemented by the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Arunachal Pradesh, the scheme provides government-funded coaching through selected institutes run by registered societies or NGOs. It covers General Studies coaching, including study materials, as well as optional subject coaching within the prescribed limits. By making coaching more accessible within the state, the initiative seeks to reduce financial barriers and encourage greater participation of APST candidates in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Benefits General Studies coaching: Government-funded coaching support of ₹70,000 per student, including study materials. Optional subject coaching: Support of ₹30,000 per student for a three-month course. Batch limit: Coaching costs are covered for a maximum of 25 students per batch. Coverage period: The coaching benefit can be used for one year from the date of enrolment. Accessible preparation: Eligible APST candidates can access coaching support without having to relocate to major cities solely for preparation. The government releases 50% of the approved coaching fee at the beginning of the course and the remaining 50% after successful completion. Coaching institutes may conduct a selection test, and waitlisted candidates may be considered if a selected student drops out. Eligibility Applicants should meet the following conditions to be considered under the scheme: Must be a permanent resident of Arunachal Pradesh. Must belong to the Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) category. Must qualify in the counselling or pre-selection test conducted by the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, according to the department’s prescribed criteria. Final selection is subject to the department’s official guidelines and the applicable selection procedure. Documents Applicants should prepare the following documents for submission with the prescribed application form: Valid Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificate. UPSC Preliminary Examination result. UPSC Main Examination result, where applicable. Admit card for the relevant examination. Bank account details. Recent passport-size photograph. Duly completed application form issued by the department. Applicants should check the latest official notification for any additional documents or examination-specific requirements. Process to Apply The application process described for this scheme is offline. Candidates can follow these steps: Visit or contact the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Arunachal Pradesh, to obtain the prescribed application form and current instructions. Complete the form carefully and attach the required supporting documents. Submit the application according to the procedure and deadline specified in the department’s official circular. Attend the counselling, written test, interview, or other selection activity if required by the department. Follow the department’s instructions regarding selection and enrolment at the designated coaching institute. Important Links and Contact Official website: Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Arunachal Pradesh Helpline: 0360-2214416 Email: dhearunachal@rediffmail.com Applicants should consult the official website or contact the department to confirm current application dates, selection criteria, and document requirements. FAQs Q1. What is the Arunachal Pradesh UPSC Combined Civil Services Coaching Scheme?The scheme provides government-funded coaching support to eligible APST candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Q2. Which department implements the scheme?The Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Arunachal Pradesh, is the nodal agency. Q3. Who can apply for the scheme?Permanent residents of Arunachal Pradesh who belong to the APST category and meet the prescribed selection criteria may apply. Q4. How much support is available for General Studies coaching?The stated coaching cost is ₹70,000 per student, including study materials. Q5. Is optional subject coaching covered?Yes. The stated support is ₹30,000 per student for a three-month optional subject course. Q6. Is there a limit on the number of students in a batch?Yes. The scheme guidelines described here restrict the covered coaching cost to a maximum of 25 students per batch. Q7. How long can a candidate receive the coaching benefit?The provided scheme details state that the benefit can be availed for one year from the date of enrolment. Q8. Which documents are required to apply?Documents listed include an APST certificate, relevant UPSC results and admit card, bank account details, a passport-size photograph, and the prescribed application form. Q9. How can candidates apply?The stated process is offline. Candidates should obtain the prescribed form from the department, attach the required documents, submit it according to the official circular, and attend any required selection process. Q10. Where can applicants get scheme-related information?Applicants can visit the department’s official website, call 0360-2214416, or email dhearunachal@rediffmail.com.