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.

Lead Bank Scheme: RBI Draft Circular on District Credit Planning for UPSC GS3

February 14, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 14 Feb 2026, Economy, GS3

Context
RBI has released a draft circular to update the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) to improve coordination, clarify roles, and strengthen district-level credit planning.

Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)
• Introduced: 1969
• Objective: Ensure coordinated banking penetration & credit flow in districts; one bank designated as “Lead Bank” for each district
• Key role: Prepare district credit plans, monitor financial inclusion, coordinate with govt agencies

Committee origin
• Based on Gadgil Study Group (1969) recommendations
• Further strengthened after Nariman Committee (1975) inputs

Service Area Approach (SAA)
• Launched: 1989
• Purpose: Allocate specific villages/wards to each rural/semi-urban bank branch for focused lending & monitoring
• Feature: Branch becomes responsible for credit needs of its assigned “service area”; reduces duplication and improves targeting

PM RAHAAT Scheme: Features, Objectives and Governance Reforms for UPSC GS2

February 14, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 14 Feb 2026, GS2, Polity

Context
The Prime Minister inaugurated the new PMO Seva Teerth and Central Secretariat buildings Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2, calling them milestones in citizen-centric governance. The structures replace old colonial-era offices that were cramped and symbolic of the British Empire.

Schemes in News

PM RAHAAT Scheme (Accident Victim Support)
• Provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road-accident victims
• Aim: Rapid emergency care, reduce preventable deaths
• Funded through central support + nodal ministry (MoRTH)
Lakhpati Didi Scheme
- Target doubled to 6 crore women beneficiaries
- Promotes women’s economic empowerment through self-help groups (SHGs) enabling them to earn ₹1 lakh/year
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
- Boosted allocation: subsidy support doubled to ₹2 lakh crore
- Purpose: Provide low-interest loans for agri-infrastructure such as storage, processing, supply-chain facilities.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

Rajya Sabha Elections: Article 80, STV System and Quota Formula for UPSC GS2

February 14, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 14 Feb 2026, GS2, Polity

Context
Odisha’s Assembly numbers create a scenario where BJP, despite not having enough MLAs on its own, is confident of winning 3 of 4 Rajya Sabha seats, mainly due to support from Independents and the strength distribution of parties.

Rajya Sabha Elections

Relevant Constitution provision
• Article 80 → composition of Rajya Sabha
• Article 84 → qualifications for membership

Members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies through:
• Indirect election
• Proportional Representation (PR)
• Single Transferable Vote (STV)
• MLAs vote, not the public

Winning formula (quota):
Required votes = Total MLAs / (Vacancies + 1) + 1

Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections: BNP Victory and Democratic Reforms for UPSC GS2

February 14, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 14 Feb 2026, GS2, IR

Context
Bangladesh BNP has won a landslide majority in the Feb 12 parliamentary elections, ending almost two decades out of power. Alongside elections, Bangladesh held a national referendum, where citizens approved major democratic reforms.

July Charter: Key Democratic Reforms Approved in Bangladesh Referendum for UPSC GS2

February 14, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 14 Feb 2026, GS2, IR, Polity

JULY CHARTER

What is it?
A post-uprising reform blueprint proposed under Muhammad Yunus’s transition agenda; approved via referendum with 60.2% voter support.

Core Reforms
• PM term limits
• Creation of Upper House of Parliament
• Stronger Presidential powers
• Greater Judicial independence
• More women’s representation in Parliament
• Deputy Speaker elected from Opposition
• Opposition to head Parliamentary Committees

Purpose:
Prevent return to authoritarianism; strengthen democratic checks & separation of powers.

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deployment to West Asia: Strategic Significance for UPSC GS2

February 14, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 14 Feb 2026, GS2, IR, Security

Context
The U.S. is deploying a second aircraft carrier to West Asia to increase military pressure on Iran amid stalled nuclear talks and rising regional tensions. This move places two U.S. carrier strike groups in the region simultaneously.

Aircraft Carriers

USS Gerald R. Ford
- World’s largest aircraft carrier (first of the Ford-class)
- Nuclear-powered, advanced electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS)
USS Abraham Lincoln
- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier (older generation)
- Already deployed in the Arabian Sea with guided-missile destroyers
- Forms part of the existing U.S. presence in the region

14 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Lead Bank Scheme: RBI Draft Circular on District Credit Planning for UPSC GS3

PM RAHAAT Scheme: Features, Objectives and Governance Reforms for UPSC GS2

Rajya Sabha Elections: Article 80, STV System and Quota Formula for UPSC GS2

Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections: BNP Victory and Democratic Reforms for UPSC GS2

July Charter: Key Democratic Reforms Approved in Bangladesh Referendum for UPSC GS2

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deployment to West Asia: Strategic Significance for UPSC GS2

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14 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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