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.

Strategic Autonomy in India’s Foreign Policy amid Decline of Multilateralism

February 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Feb 2026, GS2, International Relations

Context
As multilateralism weakens and global power politics return, the author argues that India must recalibrate its foreign policy to enhance strategic autonomy and secure long-term national interests.

Five Key Solutions Suggested for India

Reclaim strategic autonomy
- Reduce over-dependence on any single major power (U.S./China).
- Build indigenous capabilities and maintain balanced global engagement.
Prioritise trade diversification
- Expand exports beyond the U.S.
- Strengthen India-U.S. trade ties while mitigating tariff vulnerabilities.
Build new technological & geopolitical partnerships
• Deepen cooperation with Europe, East Asia, and emerging tech powers.
• Invest in cyber security, digital economy, defence tech, and space.
Reset relations with Pakistan calmly
- Approach Pakistan as a foreign policy issue, not an emotional one.
- Explore structured engagement (e.g., pipelines, trade) if conditions permit.
Re-energise BRICS & Global South leadership
- Use BRICS as a vehicle to push multipolarity and financial alternatives.
- Promote de-dollarisation tools (digital currencies, settlement systems) and fairer global governance.

Substantive Motion in Lok Sabha – Procedure and Key Features for UPSC

February 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Feb 2026, GS2, Parliamentary Procedure, Polity

Context
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has moved a Substantive Motion in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging engagement with “anti-national” forces.

What is a Substantive Motion?
A Substantive Motion is an independent, self-contained proposal placed before a Legislature to express a decision or opinion on a specific matter.

Key Features
• Independent motion — not attached to any other motion.
• Requires full debate if admitted by Speaker/Chairman.
• Ends with a formal vote → House must decide “Yes/No.”
• Used for censure, removal, condemnation, or to express the sense of the House on serious issues.

What is an Adjournment Motion?
An Adjournment Motion aims to interrupt normal business of the House to discuss a definite, urgent, and serious matter of public importance.

Key Features
• Seeks to adjourn normal proceedings to take up the urgent issue.
• Must be admitted by the Speaker (very rarely admitted).
• Involves censure element → indirectly criticises the government.
• Requires support of 50 members to be taken up.
• At the end of discussion, no formal vote is required.

One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024 and Simultaneous Elections Debate

February 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Feb 2026, GS2, Polity

Context
Former Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai told the Parliamentary Joint Committee that simultaneous elections do not violate the Basic Structure, while some former CJIs have expressed reservations.

One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024
• Aim: Synchronise elections for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies (simultaneous polls).
• Key Change: Alters only the timing/manner of elections; does not alter executive accountability mechanisms like no-confidence motion.
• Review Body: Parliamentary Joint Committee headed by P.P. Chaudhary.
• Status: Divided views among former Chief Justices of India—some say it fits the Basic Structure; others consider parts vulnerable to judicial scrutiny.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) New Base Year 2024 Explained for UPSC

February 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Feb 2026, Economy, GS3

Context
The government has released a new CPI series with 2024 as the base year, updating weights and coverage to reflect changing consumption patterns.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

What CPI measures
• Measures retail inflation based on changes in prices of a basket of goods & services.
• Tracks cost of living of households.

Who measures CPI
• National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI → CPI-Combined, CPI-Urban, CPI-Rural
• Labour Bureau (Ministry of Labour & Employment) → CPI-IW (Industrial Workers), CPI-AL (Agricultural Labourers), CPI-RL (Rural Labourers)

Key changes in new CPI (Base 2024)
• Base year: 2012 → 2024
• Item basket: 299 → 358 items
• Food weight: 45.86% → 36.75%
• Geographic coverage expanded:
• Rural markets → 1,181 → 1,465
• Urban markets → 1,114 → 1,395
• 12 online platforms added for price tracking
• Groups increased: 6 → 12
• Weights based on: Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24

13 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Strategic Autonomy in India’s Foreign Policy amid Decline of Multilateralism

Substantive Motion in Lok Sabha – Procedure and Key Features for UPSC

One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024 and Simultaneous Elections Debate

Consumer Price Index (CPI) New Base Year 2024 Explained for UPSC

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13 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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