“The Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana, launched in 2021 by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, provides free coaching to over 82,000 economically weaker students for competitive exams like UPSC, JEE, and NEET. With AI-powered upgrades, 166 training centers, and expert mentorship, the scheme aims to make quality education accessible, leveling the playing field for underprivileged aspirants across the state.”
Abhyudaya Yojana: Transforming Dreams with Free Coaching in UP
The Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana, launched on February 16, 2021, by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has emerged as a beacon of hope for economically disadvantaged students aiming to crack competitive examinations. Designed to bridge the gap between ambition and resources, the scheme offers free coaching for a range of exams, including UPSC, UPPSC, JEE, NEET, NDA, CDS, TET, SSC, and Bank PO. Since its inception, it has empowered over 82,209 students, with 700 successfully clearing competitive exams, according to Kumar Prashant, Director of Social Welfare.
In a significant upgrade, the scheme integrated artificial intelligence tools in 2025, launching an AI-enabled Abhyudaya portal to streamline the application process and enhance accessibility. The portal, accessible at abhyuday.up.gov.in, allows students from rural and urban areas to register seamlessly for coaching programs. Initially focused on UPSC and UPPSC aspirants, the portal is set to expand its offerings to other exams, ensuring broader reach. The initiative also plans to extend coaching centers to the block level, making quality education more accessible to remote areas. Currently, 166 training centers operate across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, with Lucknow hosting the highest number at 11.
The scheme’s structure combines online and offline coaching, catering to diverse needs. Physical classes are held in district centers, while virtual sessions are accessible via platforms like YouTube and the Abhyudaya portal. Over 500 IAS officers, 450 IPS officers, 300 IFS officers, and subject experts contribute to the program, offering mentorship and mock interviews. Retired civil servants and university professors have been roped in to provide structured guidance, ensuring aspirants receive high-quality training. In the 2024-25 academic year, 23,017 students benefited from the program, with enrollment numbers rising steadily from 6,000 in 2021-22 to 27,634 in 2023-24.
To support digital learning, the Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs. 20 crore to provide free tablets to beneficiaries, enabling access to online study materials and live classes. The scheme also offers a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000 to selected candidates, along with free study materials and sample question papers available on the official portal. Eligibility criteria include Uttar Pradesh residency, an annual family income below Rs. 2 lakh, and a minimum qualification of Class 12 or equivalent.
The selection process involves an online entrance test, with successful candidates gaining access to coaching for exams like IAS, IPS, and NEET. The program’s phased implementation began at 18 divisional headquarters and is expanding to district and block levels to meet growing demand. Institutions like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Government Girls PG College in Lucknow serve as study centers, with 92 students enrolled for civil services preparation in the current session.
The Abhyudaya Yojana stands out for its inclusivity, offering equal opportunities to all eligible candidates regardless of caste or category. The involvement of experienced administrative officers and the integration of technology underscore the scheme’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. As registration for the 2025 batch is underway, with deadlines varying annually, aspirants are encouraged to check abhyuday.up.gov.in for updates.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government websites, news reports, and reliable sources like Jagran Josh, Elets eGov, and News18. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details on the official Abhyudaya portal (abhyuday.up.gov.in) for the latest updates on registration and eligibility.