MGU’s civil services institute to open in July

The Civil Services Training Institute of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) will start functioning this July.

The project, which found place in the varsity budget for the new fiscal, aims at moulding successful civil servants from the State. “The institute will be led by former civil servants like Alexander Jacob. The coaching sessions will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a library and other infrastructure owned by the varsity,” said K. Sherafudeen, Syndicate member and convener of the finance committee of the varsity.

Those with a degree from a recognised university as well as those undergoing undergraduate programmes can apply. Candidates should be aged between 18 and 30. The institute will function under the varsity’s Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension. “The functioning of the institute will be monitored by a Syndicate sub-committee. We have earmarked ₹1 crore in the budget for the project,” Mr. Sherafudeen added.

The fee for civil services preliminary examination training for candidates from the General Category is ₹20,000. Classes will be held between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on all Saturdays and Sundays. An entrance test will be held on May 26 for selecting candidates for the programme.

Besides noted bureaucrats, an expert panel comprising previous civil services toppers will interact with aspirants on a periodic basis.

A teaching method focusing on a comprehensive and intelligent learning process will be chalked out by experts for the training programme. The faculty members will lead mock-interview sessions, besides training aspirants to step up their confidence levels ahead of facing the interview.

The varsity will also request the support of the government for the successful conduct of the venture. It has plans to offer part-time sessions for students from various departments who are interested in taking up civil services as a career option.