SARATHI: An Ideal Answer Writing Partner – A 365-Day Guidance & Mentorship Program at SRIAS
Course Overview
SARATHI is a year-long answer writing and mentorship program designed to help UPSC/OPSC aspirants develop consistent, exam-ready writing skills through daily guidance, structured practice, and expert feedback.
Key Features of SARATHI at SRIAS
365-Day Structured Program
Daily answer writing schedule with consistent guidance to build discipline and mastery over time.
Dedicated Personal Mentorship
One-on-one mentorship sessions with experienced faculty to review progress, correct mistakes, and develop a personalized strategy.
Daily Answer Writing Practice
Get daily mains-level questions based on current affairs and static topics from GS Paper I–IV with space for structured answers.
Expert Evaluation & Feedback
Regular assessment of submitted answers with line-by-line feedback on content, structure, clarity, and presentation.
Focused Improvement Tracking
Track your writing progress through monthly review reports highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement.
Integrated Current Affairs
Dynamic questions based on daily news, editorials, and PIB updates to ensure real-time relevance in answer writing.
Model Answers & Writing Samples
Access high-quality model answers and sample copies to understand framing, introduction-body-conclusion structure, and value addition.
Peer Learning & Group Discussions
Participate in writing groups, discussions, and answer comparisons to foster peer learning and gain new perspectives.
Thematic & Weekly Essay Practice
Regular essay topics with feedback and special essay writing workshops for GS Paper I (Essay Paper).
Hybrid Mode Available
Both offline and online submission & feedback options available for flexible participation.
COMPLETELY COVERAGE OF BOTH UPSC & OPSC
Nationality
For IAS, IPS, and IFS:
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
For other Civil Services:
A candidate must be either:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note:
Candidates falling under these categories (except Indian citizens) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
2. Educational Qualification
The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
The degree can be in any discipline.
Candidates who are in the final year of their graduation or awaiting results are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before appearing for the Mains examination.
3. Age Limit (As of 1st August of the examination year)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age:
General (UR): 32 years
OBC: 35 years
SC/ST: 37 years
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD):
General: 42 years
OBC: 45 years
SC/ST: 47 years
Example:
If the exam year is 2026, the candidate must be at least 21 years old on 1st August 2026, and must not have attained the upper age limit as per their category on that date.
4. Number of Attempts
General (UR): 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (up to the age limit)
PwBD:
General: 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
Note:
Appearing in any one paper of the Preliminary Examination is counted as an attempt.
If a candidate applies but does not appear for the exam, it is not counted as an attempt.
5. Restrictions on Applying
If a candidate is already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) after clearing a previous UPSC CSE, they are not eligible to apply for the exam again.
6. Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards for admission to various services (especially for IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service).
Medical tests are conducted after the Mains examination during the Personality Test stage.
OPSC OCSE Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
2. Age Limit (as on January 1 of the exam year)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 38 years
This means the candidate must not have been born earlier than 2nd January 1987 and not later than 1st January 2004.
Age Relaxation (Upper Age Limit)
SEBC / SC / ST / Women: +5 years (up to 43 years)
Persons with Disabilities (PwD): +10 years (up to 48 years)
PwD candidates (SC/ST category): up to 53 years
Note: Proof of date of birth must match 10th certificate.
3. Educational Qualification
Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Must be able to read, write, and speak Odia language fluently.
4. Odia Language Requirement
A candidate must satisfy at least one of the following:
Passed Odia as a subject in Class 10 (HSC) or equivalent
Passed an Odia language exam equivalent to Middle English School standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department
Passed Class 7 or above in a school/educational institution recognized by the Government of Odisha with Odia as the medium of instruction
Passed Odia subject exam conducted by BSE Odisha (for those who didn’t study Odia in school)
5. Number of Attempts
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear as many times as they want within the age limit, subject to other eligibility conditions.
6. Physical Fitness
Candidates must be of sound physical and mental health.
A medical certificate may be required before appointment, especially for specific Group A services.
7. Other Conditions
Must possess a good moral character.
Should not have more than one living spouse, unless exempted by government approval.
Must not have been dismissed from government service or convicted of any offense involving moral
