10 Best YouTube Channels For UPSC Preparation 2025 | Socially Adda

If you are a UPSC aspirant then you must know that each second and minute of your life during the preparation phase is complete gold. There are times when a UPSC aspirant may not want to read or solve questions but have to because one can’t afford to lose time. However, with the rise of the best YouTube channels for UPSC preparation now you can afford to look away from the books.

Learning through videos is one of the most effective ways to understand concepts and remember them. Some of the best teachers for UPSC preparation are now offering free insights into their journey and helping people prepare for their ultimate test with carefully planned video guides on YouTube.

Here we have selected some of the best YouTube channels for UPSC aspirants that you must follow for cracking the civil services examination in 2025.

Top 10 YouTube Channels for UPSC Civil Services Preparation

1. Drishti IAS – Best Overall UPSC YouTube Channel

Channel Focus: Comprehensive UPSC preparation with expert faculty
Subscribers: 2.5+ Million
Why Follow: Premier coaching institute’s official channel

Drishti IAS remains one of the best YouTube channels for IAS preparation, offering systematic coverage of the entire UPSC syllabus. Their experienced faculty breaks down complex topics into digestible content, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced aspirants. The channel features:

• Daily current affairs analysis
• Subject-wise video lectures
• Previous year question paper discussions
• Mock interview sessions
• Strategy videos by toppers

2. Study IQ IAS – Top Choice for Current Affairs

Channel Focus: Current affairs and general studies
Subscribers: 4.8+ Million
Why Follow: Most comprehensive current affairs coverage

Study IQ has established itself as the go-to UPSC preparation YouTube channel for current affairs. Their daily news analysis, monthly magazines, and year-end compilations are invaluable for both Prelims and Mains preparation. Key features include:

• Daily “The Hindu” newspaper analysis
• Monthly current affairs magazines
• Static GK coverage
• Multi-language content support

Also Read- An Insight into the Life of Shruti Sharma, AIR-1 in UPSC 2021 Results

3. Unacademy UPSC – Best for Diverse Faculty

Channel Focus: Multi-educator platform with specialized courses
Subscribers: 1.8+ Million
Why Follow: Access to India’s top UPSC educators

Unacademy’s UPSC channel brings together some of India’s finest educators on a single platform. Their rigorous selection process ensures quality content delivery. The channel offers:

• Live classes by expert educators
• Subject-specific playlists
• Interactive doubt-clearing sessions
• Free and premium content options

4. Vision IAS – Excellent for Test Series and Analysis

Channel Focus: Mock tests, interviews, and analytical content
Subscribers: 1.6+ Million
Why Follow: Research-backed content and test series

Vision IAS combines technology with traditional teaching methods, making it one of the top UPSC channels on YouTube. Their strength lies in:

• Comprehensive mock test series
• Detailed answer writing practice
• Interview guidance and mock sessions
• Research-based study materials

5. Sleepy Classes – Rising Star for Engaging Content

Channel Focus: Simplified learning with engaging delivery
Subscribers: 2.2+ Million
Why Follow: Makes complex topics simple and memorable

Sleepy Classes has gained popularity for its unique teaching methodology that makes learning enjoyable. Perfect for UPSC aspirants YouTube community looking for engaging content:

• Simplified explanations of complex topics
• Memory techniques and shortcuts
• Interactive live sessions
• Comprehensive coverage of optional subjects

6. Manuj Jindal IAS – Best Motivational Content

Channel Focus: Strategy, motivation, and guidance by an IAS officer
Subscribers: 800K+
Why Follow: Direct insights from a successful IAS officer

Learning from someone who has successfully cleared the UPSC exam provides authentic guidance. Manuj Jindal’s channel offers:

• Personal journey and success stories
• Strategic guidance for different stages
• Motivational content for challenging times
• Books and resource recommendations

7. ForumIAS – Comprehensive Online Learning

Channel Focus: Complete UPSC preparation ecosystem
Subscribers: 500K+
Why Follow: Structured courses and community support

ForumIAS has built a strong community of UPSC aspirants, making it one of the best educational YouTube channels for UPSC:

• Structured course modules
• Active community discussions
• Regular mentorship sessions
• Comprehensive study plans

8. Khan GS Research Centre – Subject Expertise

Channel Focus: In-depth subject analysis and research
Subscribers: 400K+
Why Follow: Research-oriented approach to UPSC preparation

Known for their analytical approach, Khan GS Research Centre provides:

• Detailed subject-wise analysis
• Research papers and reports discussion
• Policy analysis and government schemes
• International relations focus

9. ClearIAS – Best Beginner-Friendly Content

Channel Focus: Simplified UPSC preparation for beginners
Subscribers: 600K+
Why Follow: Perfect starting point for new aspirants

ClearIAS excels in breaking down the UPSC preparation process into manageable steps:

• Beginner-friendly explanations
• Complete guidance from basics
• Free study materials and notes
• Regular updates and tips

10. Yojna IAS – Specialized Content Focus

Channel Focus: Magazine analysis and government schemes
Subscribers: 300K+
Why Follow: Specialized content for specific UPSC requirements

Yojna IAS focuses on essential UPSC resources like government magazines and policy analysis:

• Yojana magazine detailed analysis
• Government scheme explanations
• Policy-focused discussions
• Budget and economic survey coverage

How to Maximize Benefits from UPSC YouTube Channels

Create a Structured Learning Schedule

• Morning: Current affairs channels (Study IQ, Drishti IAS)
• Afternoon: Subject-wise content (Unacademy, Vision IAS)
• Evening: Motivational and strategy content (Manuj Jindal IAS)

Combine Multiple Channels

Don’t rely on a single channel. Use different YouTube channels for civil services preparation for comprehensive coverage:

• Current affairs: Study IQ + Drishti IAS
• Optional subjects: Unacademy + specialized channels
• Motivation: Manuj Jindal IAS + success story channels

Make Notes While Watching

Transform passive watching into active learning by:

• Taking detailed notes during videos
• Creating mind maps of complex topics
• Regularly revising video-based notes
• Practicing answer writing based on video content

Tips for Effective YouTube-Based UPSC Preparation

1. Quality Over Quantity

Focus on 3-4 reliable channels rather than subscribing to dozens

2. Regular Schedule

Maintain consistency in watching educational content

3. Interaction

Participate in live sessions and comment sections for doubt clearing

4. Supplement with Books

Use YouTube as a supplement, not replacement for standard textbooks

5. Speed Control

Use playback speed options to optimize learning time