The Centre for Competitive Exams was established at the CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus in 2024 for providing awareness, guidance, support and mentoring to the students aspiring for competitive examinations and careers in public service. Prior to the establishment of the Centre, the Civil Services Committee under the Student Bar Association, the School of Law provided guidance and coaching to students for civil services examinations.
The Centre for Competitive Exams was inaugurated on 14 September 2024 in the august presence of Dr. Dhyaneshwar Mulay (Former IFS Officer, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs & Member, National Human Rights Commission), Dr. Sudhakar Avhad (Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court), Ms. Sadhna Shankar (Former IRS Officer & Member, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission), Mr. Mangesh Khilari (IPS Officer), and Dr. Pratapsinh Salunke (Associate Dean, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai), and under the able guidance of Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, Fr. Justin P. Varghese and Dr. Suraj Karande.
Since its inception, the Centre for Competitive Exams has organised several preparatory courses, workshops, debate competitions, and interactive sessions.
Flagship offerings include the UPSC Civil Services Examination Preparatory Course, the Judicial Services Examination Preparatory Course, Peitho Cup – Inter University Debate Championships, CATalyzer – CAT Strategy and Skill Workshop, and Aptitude Arena.
The civil services and judiciary aspirantStructured coaching in General Studies and substantive law, with mock tests, interviews and mentoring.
The management and corporate aspirantStrategy workshops for CAT, SNAP, NMAT, CET and GMAT, and a forthcoming Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) preparatory course.
The academic and research aspirantOrientation on UGC NET, research pathways and careers in teaching, alongside aptitude-building activities open to all.
From a student committee to a centre
What began as the Civil Services Committee under the Student Bar Association is now a dedicated centre with its own courses, calendar and faculty coordinators.
Preparation across every examination stream
Civil services, judicial services, UGC NET, management entrances and company secretaryship — the Centre’s programmes span the examinations its students actually sit.
Structured Coaching
Preparatory Courses
Expert-led courses built around structured modules, regular mock tests and personalised mentoring — one launching shortly, two already delivered.
01Upcoming
Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) Preparatory Course
The Centre for Competitive Exams is set to launch a Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) Preparatory Course for students aspiring to build careers in corporate governance, compliance, and company law. The course will offer expert-led coaching, structured learning modules, and examination-oriented guidance to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to successfully qualify the CS examination and excel in the corporate sector. The details of the course will be updated soon.
What the course will offer
Expert-led coaching aligned to the CSEET examination syllabus.
Structured learning modules in corporate governance, compliance and company law.
Examination-oriented guidance for careers in the corporate sector.
The Centre offered a comprehensive preparatory course for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2024. Aimed at building a strong foundation in General Studies, the course covered History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Environment, Science & Technology, Ethics, and Current Affairs through expert-led classroom sessions.
Regular mock tests, performance analysis, and mentoring equipped students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and examination strategies required for their success. The programme also included guidance from experienced resource persons and successful civil services candidates, fostering academic excellence and career readiness.
Student outcomes
A strong General Studies foundation across eight core subject areas.
Examination strategy sharpened through regular mock tests and performance analysis.
Mentoring from experienced resource persons and successful candidates.
03Completed
Judicial Service Examinations Preparatory Course
The Centre offered a comprehensive preparatory course for Judicial Services Examinations. Designed for aspiring judicial officers, the course provided rigorous training in Constitutional Law, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Civil Procedure, Contract Law, Torts, and the Transfer of Property Act.
Through expert-led sessions, regular mock tests, interviews, personalised mentoring, and continuous assessment, students developed the legal knowledge, analytical skills and examination strategies required to excel in state judicial service examinations and pursue distinguished careers in the field of judiciary.
Student outcomes
Rigorous grounding in substantive and procedural law, including the BNS, BNSS and BSA.
Interview practice and continuous assessment alongside regular mock tests.
Readiness for state judicial service examinations and a career in the judiciary.
The Academic Year
Events & Activities
Orientations, workshops, interactive sessions with practitioners and a national debate championship — the programmes that carry the Centre through the year. Select any photograph to view it full size.
01 27 March 2026Orientation
Strategic Orientation to Competitive Examination: UGC NET
The Centre for Competitive Exams, in collaboration with the School of Law, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organised a Strategic Orientation to Competitive Examination: UGC NET on 27 March 2026. The session guided postgraduate students on the structure, significance, and preparation strategies for the UGC NET examination.
Led by Dr. Anwesha Ghosh, the orientation covered effective study planning, conceptual learning, time management, revision techniques, and the importance of mock tests and previous years’ question papers. An interactive discussion enabled participants to clarify doubts regarding examination patterns, subject preparation, and career opportunities in teaching and research. The programme strengthened students’ confidence, which in turn reflected the Centre’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and preparing aspiring candidates for competitive examinations through expert guidance and structured learning.
Student outcomes
Clarity on the UGC NET structure, syllabus and question patterns.
Practical study planning, time management and revision techniques.
Awareness of career pathways in teaching and research.
02Interactive Session
Interactive Session on Competitive Examinations with Adv. Devansh Malhotra
The Centre for Competitive Exams organised an Interactive Session on Competitive Examinations featuring Adv. Devansh Malhotra, a practising advocate before the Supreme Court of India. The session introduced students to career opportunities in the legal profession, with a special focus on the Law Clerk Examination.
Drawing from his professional experience, Adv. Malhotra explained the role of law clerks, career prospects, and the skills required for success, including legal research, drafting, and analytical reasoning. Students also received practical guidance on examination preparation, reading judicial decisions, and building a strong legal foundation. Through engaging discussions and interactive questions, the programme inspired participants to pursue competitive legal careers with greater confidence, clarity, and a structured approach to preparation.
Student outcomes
Understanding of the Law Clerk Examination and the role of law clerks.
Guidance on legal research, drafting and analytical reasoning.
A structured approach to reading judicial decisions and preparing for legal careers.
03 13 February 2026Workshop
CATalyzer – CAT Strategy and Skill Workshop
The Centre for Competitive Exams organised CATalyzer – CAT Strategy and Skill Workshop on 13 February 2026 to support students preparing for management entrance examinations. Conducted by Mr. Nachiket Joshi, an experienced aptitude trainer, the workshop introduced participants to effective strategies for examinations such as CAT, SNAP, NMAT, CET, and GMAT.
Students learned section-wise preparation techniques, time management strategies, and methods to improve speed, accuracy, and decision-making. Live problem-solving sessions, mock test strategies, and personalised study planning provided practical insights into competitive exam preparation. The workshop encouraged conceptual understanding over rote learning while equipping students with the confidence, discipline, and analytical skills required to excel in management entrance examinations.
Student outcomes
Section-wise preparation techniques for CAT, SNAP, NMAT, CET and GMAT.
Improved speed, accuracy and decision-making under timed conditions.
A personalised study plan built around conceptual understanding.
04 24 January 2026Carnival
Aptitude Arena
As part of the University Carnival, the Centre for Competitive Exams organised Aptitude Arena, an interactive stall designed to promote aptitude-based learning through engaging activities. Conducted on 24 January 2026, the event featured four games — Emoji Enigma, Memory Matrix, Find the Flaws, and Brain Sprint — each aimed at developing memory, logical reasoning, language proficiency, and general awareness.
Students enthusiastically participated in the time-bound challenges, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition and collaborative learning. Faculty members also visited the stall, encouraging participants and highlighting the importance of aptitude development for academic and professional success. The initiative reflected the Centre’s commitment to experiential learning and inspired students to actively engage in aptitude-building activities essential for competitive examinations.
Student outcomes
Hands-on practice in memory, logical reasoning and language proficiency.
Experience of time-bound problem solving under competitive conditions.
Greater awareness of aptitude as a core competitive-examination skill.
05Championship
Peitho Cup 2025 – Inter University Debate Championship
The Centre for Competitive Exams, in collaboration with the Debate Society, School of Law, organised the Peitho Cup 2025, an Inter University Debate Championship bringing together talented debaters from universities across the country. The championship provided a platform for students to engage in informed discussions on contemporary legal, political, and public policy issues through structured debate.
Participants showcased exceptional research, analytical reasoning, public speaking, and advocacy skills while presenting well-reasoned arguments and responding to opposing perspectives. Beyond the competition, the event encouraged academic exchange, networking, and intellectual engagement among students, faculty, and adjudicators. Peitho Cup 2025 reinforced the Centre’s commitment to nurturing critical thinking, persuasive communication, and leadership qualities essential for academic and professional excellence.
Student outcomes
Sharpened research, analytical reasoning and advocacy skills.
Confidence in persuasive public speaking before a national field.
Academic exchange and networking with peers, faculty and adjudicators.
06 14 September 2024Inauguration
Inauguration of the Centre for Competitive Exams and Workshops on UPSC & Judiciary
The Centre for Competitive Exams (CCE) was inaugurated on 14 September 2024, marking the beginning of a dedicated initiative to mentor students aspiring for competitive examinations and public service careers. It was inaugurated in the august presence of Dr. Dhyaneshwar Mulay (Former IFS Officer, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs & Member, National Human Rights Commission), Dr. Sudhakar Avhad (Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court), Ms. Sadhna Shankar (Former IRS Officer & Member, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission), Mr. Mangesh Khilari (IPS Officer), and Dr. Pratapsinh Salunke (Associate Dean, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai), and under the able guidance of Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, Fr. Justin P. Varghese and Dr. Suraj Karande.
The inauguration was accompanied by specialised workshops on UPSC Civil Services and Judiciary Examinations, led by distinguished experts from the judiciary, civil services, legal profession, and academia. Through their inspiring addresses, the speakers shared valuable insights into governance, legal practice, public administration, and effective examination preparation. The event also introduced the Centre’s vision, recognised its student leadership, and announced future coaching programmes and academic initiatives. It laid a strong foundation for nurturing analytical thinking, professional excellence, and a culture of public service among students.
Student outcomes
Direct exposure to leaders from the judiciary, civil services and academia.
Insight into governance, legal practice and public administration.
A foundation for analytical thinking and a culture of public service.
The People Behind It
Our Team
Faculty Coordinators
Prof. Akash Chandra
Coordinator
Assistant Professor, School of Law
CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus
The Centre for Competitive Exams was established at the CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus in 2024 for providing awareness, guidance, support and mentoring to the students aspiring for competitive examinations and careers in public service. Prior to the establishment of the Centre, the Civil Services Committee under the Student Bar Association, the School of Law provided guidance and coaching to students for civil services examinations.
The Centre for Competitive Exams was inaugurated on 14 September 2024 in the august presence of Dr. Dhyaneshwar Mulay (Former IFS Officer, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs & Member, National Human Rights Commission), Dr. Sudhakar Avhad (Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court), Ms. Sadhna Shankar (Former IRS Officer & Member, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission), Mr. Mangesh Khilari (IPS Officer), and Dr. Pratapsinh Salunke (Associate Dean, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai), and under the able guidance of Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, Fr. Justin P. Varghese and Dr. Suraj Karande.
Since its inception, the Centre for Competitive Exams has organised several preparatory courses, workshops, debate competitions, and interactive sessions.
Flagship offerings include the UPSC Civil Services Examination Preparatory Course, the Judicial Services Examination Preparatory Course, Peitho Cup – Inter University Debate Championships, CATalyzer – CAT Strategy and Skill Workshop, and Aptitude Arena.
The civil services and judiciary aspirantStructured coaching in General Studies and substantive law, with mock tests, interviews and mentoring.
The management and corporate aspirantStrategy workshops for CAT, SNAP, NMAT, CET and GMAT, and a forthcoming Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) preparatory course.
The academic and research aspirantOrientation on UGC NET, research pathways and careers in teaching, alongside aptitude-building activities open to all.
From a student committee to a centre
What began as the Civil Services Committee under the Student Bar Association is now a dedicated centre with its own courses, calendar and faculty coordinators.
Preparation across every examination stream
Civil services, judicial services, UGC NET, management entrances and company secretaryship — the Centre’s programmes span the examinations its students actually sit.
Structured Coaching
Preparatory Courses
Expert-led courses built around structured modules, regular mock tests and personalised mentoring — one launching shortly, two already delivered.
01Upcoming
Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) Preparatory Course
The Centre for Competitive Exams is set to launch a Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) Preparatory Course for students aspiring to build careers in corporate governance, compliance, and company law. The course will offer expert-led coaching, structured learning modules, and examination-oriented guidance to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to successfully qualify the CS examination and excel in the corporate sector. The details of the course will be updated soon.
What the course will offer
Expert-led coaching aligned to the CSEET examination syllabus.
Structured learning modules in corporate governance, compliance and company law.
Examination-oriented guidance for careers in the corporate sector.
The Centre offered a comprehensive preparatory course for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2024. Aimed at building a strong foundation in General Studies, the course covered History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Environment, Science & Technology, Ethics, and Current Affairs through expert-led classroom sessions.
Regular mock tests, performance analysis, and mentoring equipped students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and examination strategies required for their success. The programme also included guidance from experienced resource persons and successful civil services candidates, fostering academic excellence and career readiness.
Student outcomes
A strong General Studies foundation across eight core subject areas.
Examination strategy sharpened through regular mock tests and performance analysis.
Mentoring from experienced resource persons and successful candidates.
03Completed
Judicial Service Examinations Preparatory Course
The Centre offered a comprehensive preparatory course for Judicial Services Examinations. Designed for aspiring judicial officers, the course provided rigorous training in Constitutional Law, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Civil Procedure, Contract Law, Torts, and the Transfer of Property Act.
Through expert-led sessions, regular mock tests, interviews, personalised mentoring, and continuous assessment, students developed the legal knowledge, analytical skills and examination strategies required to excel in state judicial service examinations and pursue distinguished careers in the field of judiciary.
Student outcomes
Rigorous grounding in substantive and procedural law, including the BNS, BNSS and BSA.
Interview practice and continuous assessment alongside regular mock tests.
Readiness for state judicial service examinations and a career in the judiciary.
The Academic Year
Events & Activities
Orientations, workshops, interactive sessions with practitioners and a national debate championship — the programmes that carry the Centre through the year. Select any photograph to view it full size.
01 27 March 2026Orientation
Strategic Orientation to Competitive Examination: UGC NET
The Centre for Competitive Exams, in collaboration with the School of Law, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organised a Strategic Orientation to Competitive Examination: UGC NET on 27 March 2026. The session guided postgraduate students on the structure, significance, and preparation strategies for the UGC NET examination.
Led by Dr. Anwesha Ghosh, the orientation covered effective study planning, conceptual learning, time management, revision techniques, and the importance of mock tests and previous years’ question papers. An interactive discussion enabled participants to clarify doubts regarding examination patterns, subject preparation, and career opportunities in teaching and research. The programme strengthened students’ confidence, which in turn reflected the Centre’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and preparing aspiring candidates for competitive examinations through expert guidance and structured learning.
Student outcomes
Clarity on the UGC NET structure, syllabus and question patterns.
Practical study planning, time management and revision techniques.
Awareness of career pathways in teaching and research.
02Interactive Session
Interactive Session on Competitive Examinations with Adv. Devansh Malhotra
The Centre for Competitive Exams organised an Interactive Session on Competitive Examinations featuring Adv. Devansh Malhotra, a practising advocate before the Supreme Court of India. The session introduced students to career opportunities in the legal profession, with a special focus on the Law Clerk Examination.
Drawing from his professional experience, Adv. Malhotra explained the role of law clerks, career prospects, and the skills required for success, including legal research, drafting, and analytical reasoning. Students also received practical guidance on examination preparation, reading judicial decisions, and building a strong legal foundation. Through engaging discussions and interactive questions, the programme inspired participants to pursue competitive legal careers with greater confidence, clarity, and a structured approach to preparation.
Student outcomes
Understanding of the Law Clerk Examination and the role of law clerks.
Guidance on legal research, drafting and analytical reasoning.
A structured approach to reading judicial decisions and preparing for legal careers.
03 13 February 2026Workshop
CATalyzer – CAT Strategy and Skill Workshop
The Centre for Competitive Exams organised CATalyzer – CAT Strategy and Skill Workshop on 13 February 2026 to support students preparing for management entrance examinations. Conducted by Mr. Nachiket Joshi, an experienced aptitude trainer, the workshop introduced participants to effective strategies for examinations such as CAT, SNAP, NMAT, CET, and GMAT.
Students learned section-wise preparation techniques, time management strategies, and methods to improve speed, accuracy, and decision-making. Live problem-solving sessions, mock test strategies, and personalised study planning provided practical insights into competitive exam preparation. The workshop encouraged conceptual understanding over rote learning while equipping students with the confidence, discipline, and analytical skills required to excel in management entrance examinations.
Student outcomes
Section-wise preparation techniques for CAT, SNAP, NMAT, CET and GMAT.
Improved speed, accuracy and decision-making under timed conditions.
A personalised study plan built around conceptual understanding.
04 24 January 2026Carnival
Aptitude Arena
As part of the University Carnival, the Centre for Competitive Exams organised Aptitude Arena, an interactive stall designed to promote aptitude-based learning through engaging activities. Conducted on 24 January 2026, the event featured four games — Emoji Enigma, Memory Matrix, Find the Flaws, and Brain Sprint — each aimed at developing memory, logical reasoning, language proficiency, and general awareness.
Students enthusiastically participated in the time-bound challenges, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition and collaborative learning. Faculty members also visited the stall, encouraging participants and highlighting the importance of aptitude development for academic and professional success. The initiative reflected the Centre’s commitment to experiential learning and inspired students to actively engage in aptitude-building activities essential for competitive examinations.
Student outcomes
Hands-on practice in memory, logical reasoning and language proficiency.
Experience of time-bound problem solving under competitive conditions.
Greater awareness of aptitude as a core competitive-examination skill.
05Championship
Peitho Cup 2025 – Inter University Debate Championship
The Centre for Competitive Exams, in collaboration with the Debate Society, School of Law, organised the Peitho Cup 2025, an Inter University Debate Championship bringing together talented debaters from universities across the country. The championship provided a platform for students to engage in informed discussions on contemporary legal, political, and public policy issues through structured debate.
Participants showcased exceptional research, analytical reasoning, public speaking, and advocacy skills while presenting well-reasoned arguments and responding to opposing perspectives. Beyond the competition, the event encouraged academic exchange, networking, and intellectual engagement among students, faculty, and adjudicators. Peitho Cup 2025 reinforced the Centre’s commitment to nurturing critical thinking, persuasive communication, and leadership qualities essential for academic and professional excellence.
Student outcomes
Sharpened research, analytical reasoning and advocacy skills.
Confidence in persuasive public speaking before a national field.
Academic exchange and networking with peers, faculty and adjudicators.
06 14 September 2024Inauguration
Inauguration of the Centre for Competitive Exams and Workshops on UPSC & Judiciary
The Centre for Competitive Exams (CCE) was inaugurated on 14 September 2024, marking the beginning of a dedicated initiative to mentor students aspiring for competitive examinations and public service careers. It was inaugurated in the august presence of Dr. Dhyaneshwar Mulay (Former IFS Officer, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs & Member, National Human Rights Commission), Dr. Sudhakar Avhad (Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court), Ms. Sadhna Shankar (Former IRS Officer & Member, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission), Mr. Mangesh Khilari (IPS Officer), and Dr. Pratapsinh Salunke (Associate Dean, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai), and under the able guidance of Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, Fr. Justin P. Varghese and Dr. Suraj Karande.
The inauguration was accompanied by specialised workshops on UPSC Civil Services and Judiciary Examinations, led by distinguished experts from the judiciary, civil services, legal profession, and academia. Through their inspiring addresses, the speakers shared valuable insights into governance, legal practice, public administration, and effective examination preparation. The event also introduced the Centre’s vision, recognised its student leadership, and announced future coaching programmes and academic initiatives. It laid a strong foundation for nurturing analytical thinking, professional excellence, and a culture of public service among students.
Student outcomes
Direct exposure to leaders from the judiciary, civil services and academia.
Insight into governance, legal practice and public administration.
A foundation for analytical thinking and a culture of public service.
The People Behind It
Our Team
Faculty Coordinators
Prof. Akash Chandra
Coordinator
Assistant Professor, School of Law
CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus
Christ University Road, 30 Valor Court At Post: Dasve Lavasa,Taluka: Mulshi Pune 412112, Maharashtra
Tel: 1800-123-2009
Email: mail.lavasa@christuniversity.in
Web: https://lavasa.christuniversity.in
Vision
EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE
Mission
CHRIST (Deemed to be University) is a nurturing ground for an individual's holistic development to make effective contribution to the society in a dynamic environment.
