New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- Riding the Delhi Metro between Rajiv Chowk and Patel Nagar, one can't miss the signs for numerous IAS coaching centres that line this route.

Neighbourhoods like Karol Bagh, Patel Nagar, and Old Rajinder Nagar are bustling hubs for UPSC aspirants They throng the numerous affordable eateries and crowded bookstores offering materials at wholesale prices, all tailored to the needs of a thrifty student.

The allure of the UPSC exam is not just in its promise of job security but also in the profound respect it bestows on successful students. It's a cultural phenomenon that has been captured in popular media, including television and Bollywood films like "12th Fail".

"Patel Nagar caters mostly to English-medium students, w...