Want to become a Collector? Find Out What It Will Take to Study It! : Are you looking to become a collector? If yes, then you might need professional help. Collector is the dream of numerous students in India. To become a Collector means you are a representation of an authoritative and respected administrative officer.
But how much money does it cost to achieve this? The question might sound naive but trust us being aware of the money you have to spend to become a collector is an important part of. In this Newssow post, we are going to demystify the cost, route, and planning.
The Way to Becoming a Collector: Familiar with the Basics
To become an Indian Collector, one has to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) — one of India’s most competitive exams. The exam recruits IAS officers, and after many years of work and experience, one might get promoted to be a District Collector.
But prior to that, you must have a graduation degree from a recognized university. The majority of students opt for degrees such as BA, B.Sc, or B.Com, but any stream is fine.
Cost of Graduation (3 years)
- Government colleges: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 total
- Private colleges: ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 total
In this period, most students also begin preparing for UPSC to save time.
UPSC Coaching Costs: The Real Investment
This is where it gets serious. Although self-study can be done, the majority of aspirants take coaching institutes’ help for guidance, mock tests, study materials, and interview preparation.
Offline Coaching
- Delhi (Rajinder Nagar/Karol Bagh): ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 for GS (General Studies)
- Optional Subject: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000
- Test Series & Interview Prep: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
- Total: ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 lakh
Online Coaching
- BYJU’S, Unacademy, or Drishti IAS charge ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 for complete packages.
- Total: ₹1 – ₹2 lakh
Living Expenses in Metro Cities (if not native)
- Rent, eating out, traveling, internet, etc. – ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 per month
- For a year: ₹1.2 – ₹2.4 lakh
So, if you avail coaching in Delhi and reside there for a year, your overall expenditure can be ₹4 – ₹6 lakh easily.
Is the Cost Worth It?
Definitely. Collector is not about salary alone — it’s about power, prestige, and purpose. An IAS officer recruited recently receives a pay of about ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 a month, along with house, car, staff, and other benefits. With promotions, it rises further.
Also, the confidence, knowledge, and skills you acquire during preparation are assets for a lifetime. Several people who fail to crack UPSC go on to accomplish well in State PSCs, SSC, banking, or even become entrepreneurs — making the investment worthwhile.
Newssow is of the view that with right planning and discipline, even students from rural or poor economic backgrounds can fulfill this dream without splurging.
Tips to Save Money on UPSC Prep
Use free YouTube channels and government websites like PIB, PRS, and UPSC.gov.in for authentic content.
- Follow toppers’ book lists and avoid buying unnecessary materials.
- Prefer online test series, which are cheaper and equally effective.
- Study from NCERT books, which are available for free on official websites.
- Stay consistent and avoid changing materials/coaching again and again.
- Many success stories featured on Newssow show that smart study is more effective than expensive coaching.
Conclusion
Becoming a Collector is a grand dream, and as with any grand goal, it takes time, effort, and money. But now you know that the expense can be as little as ₹50,000 (self-study path) to ₹6 lakh (complete coaching and living costs). With proper planning and commitment, this dream is yours for the taking.
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