What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)?

The UPSC CSE is India’s most prestigious exam conducted to recruit IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A & B officers. It has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Who is eligible to apply for UPSC CSE?

Any graduate between 21–32 years of age (with relaxation for reserved categories) can apply. Both final-year students and professionals are eligible.

How many attempts are allowed in UPSC?

General: 6 attempts (till 32 years); OBC(NCL): 9 attempts (till 35 years); SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (till 37 years).

What is the exam pattern of UPSC?

Prelims: Objective (GS & CSAT); Mains: 9 Descriptive Papers (Essay, 4 GS, 2 Optional, 2 Qualifying Language Papers); Interview/Personality Test: Final stage.

How should a beginner start UPSC preparation?

For self-learners: Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12), followed by standard reference books, daily newspaper reading, and consistent answer writing practice. Students associated with 'UnderStand UPSC': Follow the guidance provided by the team of mentors led by Satyam Jain Sir.

Which books are best for UPSC preparation?

Polity: Laxmikanth; History: Spectrum + NCERTs; Geography: NCERT + GC Leong; Economy: Ramesh Singh + Current Affairs; Environment: Majid Husain.

Is coaching necessary for UPSC?

Not compulsory. With the right strategy, self-discipline, and resources, many toppers have cleared UPSC without coaching. Coaching, however, can provide structured guidance.

How important is Current Affairs in UPSC?

Extremely important. Questions in Prelims, Mains, and Interviews are linked to current issues. Reading newspapers like The Hindu/Indian Express or using monthly compilations is essential.

How much time is required to prepare for UPSC?

On average, 1.5 to 2 years of focused preparation with 8–10 hours daily study is ideal. Consistency matters more than duration.

What is the role of NCERTs in UPSC preparation?

NCERTs build strong conceptual clarity in subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economy. They are the foundation of UPSC preparation.

How can I manage UPSC preparation with a job?

Follow a time-blocking strategy, prioritize weekends for deep study, and focus on smart notes & revision. Many working professionals have successfully cleared UPSC.

Does UPSC preparation require English medium only?

No. UPSC allows candidates to write Mains in any of the 22 scheduled languages. Many toppers have cleared UPSC in Hindi and regional languages.

What is the cut-off for UPSC Prelims (General Category)?

The cut-off changes every year but usually ranges between 75–98 marks depending on difficulty, vacancies, and number of applicants.

How should I prepare for UPSC answer writing?

Practice daily or weekly answer writing, focus on structure (Intro–Body–Conclusion), and include facts, examples, and current affairs.

Where can I get free UPSC resources?

You can download NCERTs, UPSC Previous Year Papers, Daily Current Affairs PDFs, and Notes for free from the Understand UPSC Free Resources section.

Is CSAT qualifying in UPSC Prelims?

Yes. Candidates need to score at least 33% (66 marks) in CSAT to qualify.

What is the exam pattern of UPSC Prelims?

Two papers: General Studies (200 marks) and CSAT (200 marks, qualifying). Both are objective type.

What is UnderStand UPSC and how is it different from other coaching institutes?

UnderStand UPSC is a mentorship-driven EdTech platform for UPSC aspirants focusing on personalized guidance, affordability, and credibility — unlike traditional coaching setups.

What courses do you offer for UPSC preparation?

We offer Conquer Program (Mains Mentorship), UpSurge Mains Test Series, Transform (Foundation), CSAT by Saransh Gupta Sir, Prelims MAD Execute, Prelims Test Series, Answer Writing Programs, and Optional Subject Mentorship.

How does the mentorship program work?

Each group on Telegram is assigned a mentor who reviews test copies, provides feedback, tracks progress, and conducts sessions via Zoom or Google Meet.

Do you provide online or offline classes?

Yes, both modes are available. Offline has limited seats; online ensures access across India with live mentorship and test feedback.

How can I enroll in a course?

You can register via our website (www.understandupsc.com), mobile app, or contact team. Enrolled students receive LMS access with all resources.

Do you provide free resources?

Yes. Free resources include NCERT PDFs, UPSC Academic Calendar, Syllabus, PYQs, and Daily Current Affairs — available in the Free Resources Section.

How do your test series work?

Our test series mirror UPSC standards, are evaluated by mentors, and come with personalized feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

What is the fee structure for your programs?

Fees vary by program but are designed to remain affordable while maintaining quality. Check the latest pricing on the Courses Page.

Can working professionals also join your programs?

Yes. Our mentorship is flexible and personalized, helping working aspirants balance jobs with preparation.

Do you provide guidance for the UPSC Interview/Personality Test?

Yes. We conduct mock interviews, DAF-based guidance, and personality development under the ANTIM-PAG program.

Do you provide study material and notes?

Yes. Students receive curated notes, strategic value additions, and daily/weekly study targets complementing NCERTs and standard books.

How can I contact the team for queries?

You can contact us via email at support@understandupsc.com or call our helpline at +91 8377072252.

Does UnderStand UPSC provide online classes?

Yes, we offer live online sessions, recorded lectures, and continuous mentorship support.

Are test series available separately?

Yes. We provide separate Prelims and Mains test series with detailed evaluation and feedback, aligned with our classroom programs.

Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker: Constitutional Process and Articles

February 10, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 10 Feb 2026, GS2, Polity

Context
Opposition parties (INDIA bloc) are considering a no-confidence / removal motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of partisan conduct, denial of speaking opportunities, suspension of MPs, and ignoring complaints against some members.

Relevant Constitutional Articles

Article 93
• Lok Sabha must have a Speaker and Deputy Speaker elected by the House.

Article 94
• Provides for:
• Vacation of office
• Resignation
• Removal by a resolution of Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members
• 14 days’ notice mandatory before moving the resolution.

Removal Process of the Speaker

Written notice (at least 14 days before) submitted to Secretary-General.
Resolution listed for discussion and voting.
Must be passed by effective majority (majority of total membership of Lok Sabha).
During the process, Deputy Speaker or another member presides.

While resolution for removal is under consideration
• Speaker shall not preside.
• Speaker shall not have the right to speak.
• Speaker shall not be entitled to vote in the first instance.

Kimberley Process: India’s Role, Issues and Global Reforms

February 10, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 10 Feb 2026, Economy, GS2, GS3, International Relations

Context
India, as the Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026, has an opportunity to reform global governance of the rough-diamond trade.

What is a Rough Diamond?
• A natural, uncut, unpolished diamond straight from the mine before processing.

About the Kimberley Process (KP)
• Multinational system to stop trade in conflict diamonds.
• Initiated in 2000; KPCS operational since 2003.
• 60 participants representing 86 countries.
• Covers 99.8% of global rough diamond production.

India’s Role
• Chair for 2026.
• Imports ~40% of global rough diamonds.
• Global leader in cutting and polishing (Surat, Mumbai).
• Re-exports polished diamonds worldwide.

Key Issues in KP
• Narrow definition of conflict diamonds (ignores HR abuses, smuggling, environmental harm).
• Political veto allows any country to block decisions.
• Weak enforcement (e.g., Central African Republic case).

HbA1c Test Limitations in Diabetes Diagnosis

February 10, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 10 Feb 2026, GS2, Health

Context
A Lancet Regional Health: Southeast Asia review warns that reliance only on HbA1c for diagnosing and monitoring Type-2 diabetes can mislead in South Asia due to widespread anaemia and blood disorders.

What is Haemoglobin (Hb)?
• Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

What is HbA1c?
• Glycated haemoglobin with glucose attached.
• Reflects average blood sugar over past 2–3 months.
• Widely used for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring.

Key Findings
• High prevalence of anaemia, haemoglobinopathies (sickle cell disease, thalassemia) and G6PD deficiency distorts HbA1c values.
• Can delay diagnosis by up to 4 years in some conditions.
• Recommends multiparametric approach:
• Oral glucose tolerance tests
• Self-monitoring
• Continuous glucose monitoring
• Relevant blood tests, especially in primary care.

India Greece Defence Cooperation under Strategic Partnership

February 10, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 10 Feb 2026, Defence, GS2, IR

Context
India and Greece held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi to deepen defence cooperation under their Strategic Partnership.

Key Points
• Five-Year Road Map signed for defence industrial cooperation.
• Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan 2026 exchanged.
• Alignment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat with Greece’s Agenda 2030 defence reforms.
• Maritime cooperation strengthened.
• Greece to deploy a Liaison Officer at IFC-IOR, Gurugram.
• Commitment to peace, stability, freedom and democratic values.

10 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker: Constitutional Process and Articles

Kimberley Process: India’s Role, Issues and Global Reforms

HbA1c Test Limitations in Diabetes Diagnosis

India Greece Defence Cooperation under Strategic Partnership

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10 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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