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.

Consumer Justice in India: Issues in Speedy Redressal

December 22, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 22 Dec 2025, GS2 – Governance

Context

Consumer courts, created to provide speedy and inexpensive justice, are increasingly unable to do so due to rising pendency, staff shortages, and procedural delays, weakening consumer confidence in redressal mechanisms.

Core Issues

1. High pendency
• ~5.43 lakh cases pending across consumer commissions (Jan 2024).

2. Backlog accumulation
• 2024: Filings 1.73 lakh > Disposals 1.58 lakh.
• 2025 (till July): Filings 78,031 > Disposals 65,537.

3. Severe vacancies
• State commissions: 18 Presidents, 62 Members vacant.
• District commissions: 218 Presidents, 518 Members vacant.

4. Statutory timelines breached
• Law mandates 3–5 months disposal under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, but cases run for years.

5. Frequent adjournments
• Hearings delayed due to congestion, non-appearance, and incomplete filings.

6. Weak infrastructure
• Shortage of courtrooms, staff, and effective digital case systems.

7. Limited expertise
• Lack of technical members → reliance on expert reports → delays.

Elephant Deaths on Railway Tracks: Causes and Solutions

December 22, 2025

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 22 Dec 2025, GS3 – Environment

Context

Train–elephant collisions along railway lines passing through elephant habitats require preventive solutions, combining physical infrastructure interventions and technology-driven early warnings.

Solutions

A. Infrastructure-based solutions

1. Avoidance-first planning
• Align or redesign railway lines to bypass elephant habitats and migration corridors.

2. Wildlife crossing structures
• Construction of underpasses, overpasses, flyovers, and tunnels at elephant crossing points.
• Structures must be wide, open, and aligned with natural movement routes.

3. Strategic fencing
• Fencing along high-risk rail stretches to:
• Prevent elephants from entering tracks.
• Guide herds towards designated crossings.

B. Technology-based solutions

1. AI-based early warning systems
• Artificial Intelligence-enabled systems to detect elephant presence near tracks.
• Provide real-time alerts to train drivers for slowing or stopping trains.

2. Sensor-based detection
• Use of infrared cameras, acoustic sensors, and seismic sensors.
• Effective during night-time and low-visibility conditions.

3. Movement tracking & data use
• Camera trapping and GPS telemetry to map elephant movement patterns.
• Helps identify precise hotspots for crossings and fencing.

India–Africa Economic Ties: Opportunities and Challenges for UPSC

December 22, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 22 Dec 2025, GS3 – Economy

1. Core Context

• Rising uncertainty in Western markets (US & EU absorb ~40% of India’s exports).
• Africa emerging as a key alternative growth partner due to:
Large consumer base
Resource availability
Strategic geopolitical importance
• Need to shift India–Africa ties from transactional trade to long-term economic partnership.

2. Current Status of India–Africa Trade

• Africa is India’s 4th largest trading partner.
• Bilateral trade: ~$100 billion.
• India’s exports to Africa (FY24): $38.17 billion.
• Africa accounts for only ~6% of its imports from India → untapped potential.
• China dominates African trade (> $200 billion), especially in machinery and electronics.

3. Key Challenges Identified

• Over-reliance on low-value and commodity-based exports.
• Limited Indian manufacturing presence in Africa.
• MSMEs constrained by:
Lack of trade finance
High risk perception
Weak institutional support
High logistics and freight costs.

4. Five strategic pillars suggested by the editorial

1. Trade architecture
• Remove trade barriers.
• Engage with regional blocs like African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Preferential and comprehensive economic partnerships.

2. Move to value-added trade
• Shift from raw commodities to manufacturing, joint ventures, and cross-border production.
• Use Africa’s growing consumer base and industrial demand.

3. MSME-centric strategy
• Expand Lines of Credit.
• Improve access to trade finance.
• Explore local currency trade and joint insurance mechanisms to manage political risk.

4. Logistics & connectivity
• Invest in ports, hinterland connectivity, freight efficiency.
• Develop India–Africa maritime corridors.

5. Services & people-to-people ties
• Leverage India’s strengths in Information Technology, health, education, professional services.
• Scale up digital trade and skill partnerships.

India Africa economic ties — India–Africa economic ties

India Bangladesh Relations: Recent Developments Explained

December 22, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 22 Dec 2025, GS2 – International Relations

Context

India has responded to recent communal violence in Bangladesh, following the lynching of a Hindu youth, by formally expressing strong concern over minority safety while simultaneously rejecting unverified media reports alleging threats to Bangladeshi diplomats in India.

What is India’s interest here?

• Protection of minorities: Safety of Hindus in Bangladesh is a long-standing diplomatic and domestic concern.
• Regional stability: Communal unrest in a neighbouring country can spill over socially and politically.
• Diplomatic credibility: India wants to counter misinformation and prevent diplomatic escalation.
• Neighbourhood First policy: Stability in Bangladesh is critical for:
• Border management
• Connectivity projects
• Economic and security cooperation

New Rural Employment Law Gets Presidential Assent | UPSC

December 22, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 22 Dec 2025, GS2 – Governance

Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act

Key features:
• Now an Act, following Presidential assent.
• Replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
• Guaranteed employment increased from 100 to 125 days per rural household.

Conceptual shift:
• Earlier focus on creation of works.
• New Act emphasises measurable outcomes from rural public works.

Four priority areas for works under the Act:

Water security
Core rural infrastructure
Livelihood-related infrastructure
Extreme weather mitigation

Funding pattern:
• Centre as principal funding partner.
• 60:40 Centre–State cost sharing, aligned with centrally sponsored schemes.

Financial outlay:
• ₹1.51 lakh crore allocated for comprehensive village development.

Administrative provisions:
• Stronger accountability for delays in wage payments.
• Structural redesign of rural employment delivery.

Chilla-i-Kalan in Kashmir: Winter Season Explained for UPSC

December 22, 2025

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 22 Dec 2025, GS1 – Geography

What is Chilla-i-Kalan?

• Meaning: Chilla = forty; Kalan = major → “the major 40 days”
• Period: Roughly 21 December to 30 January
• Nature: Harshest winter phase in the Kashmir Valley

Weather features:
• Extremely low temperatures
• Frequent snowfall in higher reaches
• Frozen water bodies, icy roads, disrupted transport

Importance:
• Crucial for snow accumulation, which later feeds rivers and streams in spring
• High impact on daily life, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructureAfter Chilla-i-Kalan, two milder phases follow:
• Chilla-i-Khurd (20 days)
• Chilla-i-Bachha (10 days)

22 Dec 2025 | Daily Current Affairs