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.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – Working, CPU vs GPU and Role in AI for UPSC GS3

February 20, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 20 Feb 2026, GS3, Science & Tech

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A high-performance processor designed to handle many calculations simultaneously (images, videos, AI, 3D graphics).

Why it exists

Originally built for video games → now core to AI, ML, scientific computing, data centres.

CPU vs GPU

• CPU → Few complex tasks (sequential)
• GPU → Thousands of small tasks (parallel computing)
→ Ideal for AI & graphics

How it works

• Breaks big tasks into thousands of tiny tasks
• Many cores process simultaneously
• Enables fast neural network training & rendering

Why GPUs matter today

• AI needs massive data processing
• Efficient for matrix/tensor operations
• Essential for modern AI infrastructure (Nvidia dominance)

AI Impact Summit 2027 to be Hosted in Geneva – Global AI Governance Update for UPSC

February 20, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 20 Feb 2026, GS2, GS3, International cooperation, Tech

Context

Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced Geneva will host the 2027 AI Impact Summit, stressing AI governance should not be dominated by the U.S. and China (who control ~70% of global AI industry).

EFTA (European Free Trade Association)

• Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
• Focus: free trade & global FTAs
• Members negotiate independently (not EU members)

India–EFTA TEPA (2024)

• Trade & Economic Partnership Agreement
• EFTA commits $100+ billion long-term investment in India (15 years)
• Focus: AI cooperation, innovation, skill development, tech transfer

Upcoming AI Summits

• 2027 – Geneva, Switzerland
• 2028 – UAE

AI Impact Summit 2026 – Global AI Governance and India’s Stand for UPSC GS2 GS3

February 20, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 20 Feb 2026, GS2, GS3, Tech–Geopolitics

Context

At the AI Impact Summit 2026 (Delhi 2026), leaders discussed how AI is reshaping geopolitics.

Key Points

• Shift from AI safety/regulation (UK, Korea, France focus) → to rapid adoption
• Voluntary safeguards preferred over binding global rules
• Global AI governance difficult due to U.S.–China–Russia competition
• India’s stance: AI for development, inclusion, Global South uplift
• U.S. stance: AI as strategic dominance tool
• Modi & Trump portrayed as pushing AI deployment over strict regulation

West Bank Issue – India Signs UN Statement on Israeli Settlement Plan for UPSC GS2

February 20, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 20 Feb 2026, GS2, IR, West Asia

Context

India joined a UN joint statement criticising Israel’s plan to expand settlements in the West Bank, after initially skipping the joint appearance.

West Bank

• Palestinian territory west of the Jordan River
• Under Israeli occupation since 1967 (Six-Day War)
• Divided into Area A, B, C under Oslo Accords
• Israeli settlements widely considered illegal under international law (Fourth Geneva Convention)
• Core issue in Israel–Palestine conflict

Philadelphi Corridor

• 14 km strip along Gaza–Egypt border (Rafah)
• Buffer zone under Israel–Egypt agreements
• Known for smuggling tunnels
• Israel seeks security control; Egypt & Palestinians oppose expansion

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in 22 States from April – Electoral Roll Update for UPSC

February 20, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 20 Feb 2026, Electoral process, GS2

Context

The Election Commission (EC) will start Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 22 States/UTs from April because these regions have not had SIR for many years, and the EC wants updated, accurate rolls before future elections.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

SIR = A deep, field-level verification of voter lists
✔ Door-to-door checks by Booth Level Officers
✔ Add genuine voters, delete ineligible ones
✔ Correct errors (age, address, duplicates)

Constitutional Basis

Article 324
– Gives the EC superintendence, direction, and control over elections, including revision of electoral rolls.

Statutory Basis — Representation of the People Act, 1950

Section 21 – Electoral rolls prepared/revised as directed by EC
Section 22 – Correction of entries
Section 23 – Inclusion of new voters
Section 24 – Appeals against Electoral Registration Officer decisions
Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 – Intensive revision, special revision, continuous updating

20 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – Working, CPU vs GPU and Role in AI for UPSC GS3

AI Impact Summit 2027 to be Hosted in Geneva – Global AI Governance Update for UPSC

AI Impact Summit 2026 – Global AI Governance and India’s Stand for UPSC GS2 GS3

West Bank Issue – India Signs UN Statement on Israeli Settlement Plan for UPSC GS2

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in 22 States from April – Electoral Roll Update for UPSC

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20 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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