� If you don't know much about the test you wish to take.
� If you are not in touch with the concepts.
� If you need some schedule to be enforced on you.
� If you need regular external feedback about your prep level, mistakes you make, etc.
� If you don't have much time and resources to follow up and keep track of changing test pattern and syllabus.
Why one should NOT join a coaching institute for preparation?
� You can better study yourself as there is no limitation of resources these days, thanks to internet.
� You don't have much time to take additional coaching. And the time available can be better utilized in doing self study and analysis as it is more important and mandatory in either case.
� Too much spoon feeding as in coaching institutes can hamper your creativity and thinking capacity.