These days many UPSC aspirants join a coaching institute while pursuing their graduation - the minimum qualification required to appear for this exam. However, these days quality material is available easily in the market. One can start preparation by self-study even when s/he is going through the grind of their college life. It is up to you to pick either self-study or coaching based on self-assessment of your dedication and discipline.Therefore, before taking any hasty decision it would be wise if you could gauge the schedule of the college which you will join after 12th results and based on that decide on either self-study or coaching.