‘Sarathi’ Paves the Way for Success in Competitive Exams

Aug 2025 : To promote the social, educational, and economic upliftment of the Maratha, Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, and Kunbi-Maratha communities, the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training, and Human Development Institute (SARATHI) was established in 2018. Since then, it has become a strong platform for students aspiring to achieve success in competitive examinations. Working under the motto “Let’s accelerate Shahu’s vision, let’s achieve holistic progress,” the institute has truly emerged as a guiding ‘charioteer’ for students’ dreams.

Through guidance, training, and financial assistance, SARATHI has eased the path for students preparing for exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), banking services, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), and several other competitive bodies.

Comprehensive Guidance for Competitive Exams

SARATHI runs extensive initiatives for exam preparation. For UPSC Civil Services, 1,000 students are given 11 months of training at reputed institutes in New Delhi and Pune, with complete fee coverage by SARATHI. This reduces financial burdens on students and their families. In addition, each trainee receives ₹18,000 for contingencies, ₹10,000 for travel, and a monthly stipend of ₹13,000 for those qualifying for mains and interviews. Mock interviews are also conducted for enhanced readiness. As a result, in UPSC 2024, 17 students were selected, while 128 have been successful so far.

Similarly, for MPSC’s State Services, Judicial, Engineering, Agriculture, and Forest exams, SARATHI provides training, stipends, and lump-sum assistance. Till now, 1,049 candidates have successfully entered government service through MPSC support programs.

Support Beyond UPSC & MPSC

SARATHI’s initiatives extend to banking, SSC, UGC-NET, and SET exams. Students receive training fee support and stipends, enabling them to focus fully on preparation without financial distress.

Strong Training Infrastructure

SARATHI’s headquarters is in Pune, with regional offices in Kolhapur, Amravati, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Nashik, Mumbai (Kharghar, Navi Mumbai), and Latur. These offices ensure effective execution of training schemes. Under the guidance of the State Planning Department, the institute not only provides financial help, but also academic and psychological support. Selected students benefit from expert faculty, quality study material, and modern facilities.

Inspiring Success Stories

Owing to SARATHI’s efforts, a growing number of students are clearing UPSC and MPSC exams every year. For many from economically weaker backgrounds, SARATHI’s schemes have provided the necessary resources and confidence to compete on equal footing. This has created equal opportunities for rural and urban students alike.

SARATHI has thus contributed not only to exam success but also to mainstreaming disadvantaged communities. By enabling educational and financial empowerment, the institute has made students self-reliant. Latur’s Deputy Director Mrs. Ahilya Gathal has appealed to students and parents to access details and apply through SARATHI’s official website.

In true spirit, SARATHI has become a guiding ‘charioteer,’ offering the financial, educational, and emotional support that students need to reach the pinnacle of success. Its initiatives have made the path to competitive exam success easier for thousands of Maratha and Kunbi community students, and this journey is set to grow even stronger in the future.