Dynamism and experience

Interview with A.R. Khan of Khan Study Group.

KHAN Study Group's (KSG) success ratio has turned out to be the best in recent years. One of the specialities of this institute is that it pays extra attention to weaker students. It has four centres two in Delhi and one each in Jaipur and Bhopal. A.R. Khan spoke to Frontline:

What makes Khan Study Group so popular with IAS aspirants?

Dynamism supported by the depth of experience is the hallmark of KSG. The young and energetic team at KSG is extremely motivated about its duty towards the students.

Accordingly, a system has been developed by which perceptions and views of experts from diverse fields are obtained in order to make the Civil Services Examination an enjoyable experience for students who have loads of talent but remain deprived of quality guidance and study material.

KSG has set a benchmark for General Studies preparation. In course content, it has been declared as one of the best among coaching institutes and has been honoured with The Best Institute in IAS Preparation award.

At KSG, the significant transformation of the student to the examinee takes place. Qualified and experienced faculty members guide students to formulate a strategy for cracking the highly competitive examination. Our endeavour is to turn a good performer into an excellent one and change the fortune of even borderline candidates.

To keep the candidates on their toes, regular tests, of UPSC [Union Public Service Commission] standard, are conducted. The KSG team gives personal attention to each student. This has proved extremely beneficial for students as every student is tuned differently.

How does KSG update itself on the constantly changing pattern of the UPSC examination?

KSG has played a pioneering role in anticipating changes in the pattern of the UPSC examination. KSG has got a think tank comprising faculty members and other staff who constantly update the study material with the aid of authentic sources. Every year, KSG scrutinises the question paper to the minutest detail and prepares the study material and test papers.

What subjects do you specialise in?

Our institute provides coaching guidance for General Studies, Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) and public administration. KSG has become synonymous with General Studies preparation.

The classroom lectures are supplemented with updated and relevant study material, which is distributed on a daily basis.

Besides, the Proof of Delivery, or POD, technique used helps in the individual monitoring of each student in a transparent manner.

KSG also uses multimedia techniques to explain different theories and concepts in a lucid manner.

What has been your success rate over the past few years?

The constant hard work and personal attention given to each student has helped KSG maintain a very high success ratio in the Civil Services Examination. But the KSG, as part of its policy, has never claimed the success of any student.

Is there a convergence of management studies and civil services after the initiation of CSAT?

CSAT has a distinct nature and identity, even if management studies and CSAT converge at a certain point.

If we look at the UPSC syllabus, we will find that the word CSAT has not been used. The UPSC instead uses the word GS Paper-II. This itself suggests that the UPSC does not want to dilute its identity because it is an administrative examination and not a managerial examination.

Will there be changes in the main examination?

Several committees on civil services reform have suggested that the mains examination should be made a level playing field for all candidates.

This is possible only after evaluating the candidates' performance in selected common papers. There is the possibility that certain papers will be made compulsory for all the candidates so that no particular subject gets undue preference. However, it would be premature to say anything about the changes now.

Do you work on personality development of the candidate?

At KSG we are sensitive about our role in shaping the future steel frame of Indian democracy.