Refunds & Cancellations

Last updated: 6 July 2026

We want you to pay for studyoptional only if it genuinely helps you. This policy is written plainly, and we mean it. Asking for a refund is completely normal and completely fine — you never have to justify it, and you'll never be made to feel awkward for asking.

First, what's always free

Every worked solution and every guide chapter is free to read, forever, on both tracks, with no payment and no account. You never need to pay to study the material. A pass pays only for the personalised practice engine — your timed attempts, your analytics and insights, your custom practice sheets, and your schedule.

A genuine try-it window

If you buy a pass and find within 7 days that the personalised engine isn't right for you, write to us at [email protected] and we'll refund the full amount — no interrogation, no hoops, and no "are you sure?" It doesn't matter whether you used it a lot or barely at all; "it's not for me" is a complete reason. And whatever you decide, every solution and guide chapter stays free and open to you — a refund only returns the paid engine; it never takes away the study material. We'd rather you study somewhere that fits than hold money you regret spending.

One-time passes, no auto-renewal

Our plans are one-time passes, not subscriptions — there's nothing to cancel and nothing auto-renews. When a pass reaches the end of its validity it simply ends; we'll never silently re-charge you, and we'll let you know before a pass expires, not after.

After the 7-day window

Once you're past the first week, we don't offer a change-of-mind refund — those first 7 days are your window to decide that freely. But if something ever went genuinely wrong — you were charged twice, a payment failed but money left your account, or the service was broken when you tried to use it — there's no time limit on making that right. Write to us and we'll sort it out, fast. If you're ever unsure whether your situation counts, just ask; we'd rather you ask than worry about it.

How refunds reach you

Approved refunds go back to your original payment method via Razorpay, normally within 5–7 working days (your bank may take a little longer).

No outcome guarantees

Preparation is not a promise. We never guarantee selection, a rank, or a score — and we don't sell relief from exam fear. If anyone tells you a fee guarantees a UPSC result, they're selling you something; we won't. (See our Terms.)

Talk to a person

Any question about a charge or a refund — write to [email protected] and a real person will answer, usually within a working day or two. No tickets, no phone-tree, no runaround.

studyoptional.com is operated by STUDY OPTIONAL, a proprietorship registered under India's UDYAM scheme.