Sambalpur Jan. 15: Gangadhar Meher University students who want to take up coaching for the civil services examinations can now do so at the varsity after the university decided to set up a coaching centre on its premises.

"We have taken a decision to this effect at the meeting of vice-chancellors on December 20," said the varsity's deputy registrar U.C. Pati.

The state government had sought a proposal from the varsity to run a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination coaching centre. "The proposal is in its final stages. We will submit the proposal by January 20," he said.

The state government will fund the coaching centre, while faculty members will take classes. There are also plans to rope in experts from outside the state, retired academics and administrators for the purpose. The classes will be conducted in the evening.

Enrolment at the coaching centre will be open only to students of the varsity. "Though we have decided to provide free coaching to the students from SC/ST categories, we plan to charge a nominal fee from general category students. However, the government will take a final decision in this regard," Pati said.

"Students of the university who aspire to appear for the UPSC examinations will get proper guidance at the coaching centre. We have decided to guide them in the best way so that more students from our region can crack the examination," Pati said.

Students have welcomed the proposal.

"Many students from our area have the potential to crack the UPSC examination. However, the lack of guidance and proper coaching here has prevented them from clearing it. The proposed coaching centre will be a boon for such students. They will get the best coaching at their own institute," said Sumeet Patel, a student of the varsity.

The university, which was established in 1944, offers 18 undergraduate courses, 16 postgraduate courses, seven MPhil courses and three pre-doctoral courses. It has a strength of 5,300 students.