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.

RBI liquidity injection measures worth ₹2.90 lakh crore announced

December 24, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 24 Dec 2025, GS3 – Economy

Context
The Reserve Bank of India announced fresh liquidity measures worth ₹2.90 lakh crore through Open Market Operations (OMO) and a dollar–rupee swap to ease tight rupee liquidity, stabilise money markets, and manage foreign exchange pressures.

What is Open Market Operation (OMO)?
Open Market Operations (OMO) are the purchase or sale of government securities by the RBI in the open market to regulate liquidity in the banking system.• RBI purchases government securities → injects liquidity
• RBI sells government securities → absorbs liquidity

Bangladesh missions in India witness protests

December 24, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 24 Dec 2025, GS2 – International Relations

What’s happening?
• Protests erupted outside Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in India (New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai) by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, demanding protection of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
• Following the protests, Bangladesh summoned India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka and sought a thorough investigation, condemning intimidation near diplomatic establishments.
• India, in response, called in Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi, describing the meeting as a cordial discussion aimed at de-escalation.
• Bangladesh objected to allegations linking India to the killing of a radical leader, calling them unsubstantiated and diplomatically damaging.
• Security tightened in Delhi, with 1,500 additional police personnel deployed around the Bangladesh High Commission.

Bangladesh missions in India witness protests

National anti-terror policy of India to be released soon

December 24, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 24 Dec 2025, GS3 – Internal Security

India’s First National Anti-Terror Policy

• Union government finalising India’s first national anti-terror policy
• Aim: Uniform framework for States to prevent, pre-empt, and respond to terror attacks
• Trigger: Recent attacks; rise in online radicalisation, open borders misuse, foreign-funded conversion networks
• Focus: Pre-emptive action, intelligence-led policing, standard SOPs
• Key tools: National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) for data-based threat detection
• Institutions: Inputs from National Investigation Agency; policy by Home Ministry
• Next step: Anti-terror conference (Dec 26–27, Delhi) to share policy contours

India Sri Lanka financial assistance of $450 million for recovery

December 24, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 24 Dec 2025, GS2 – International Relations

Context
India announced a $450 million reconstruction package to support Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused large-scale loss of life and displacement. The announcement was made in Colombo by S. Jaishankar during his visit as the Prime Minister’s special envoy.

Summary
• Why: To help Sri Lanka recover from cyclone devastation and signal strong neighbourhood support.
• What India offered: $450 million package
• $350 million as concessional Lines of Credit
• $100 million as grants
• Focus sectors: Areas worst hit by the climate shock.
• Immediate response: India deployed military personnel and resources for rescue and relief, including operations in remote and flooded regions.
• Diplomatic significance: Marked as a “new chapter” in India–Sri Lanka relations; Sri Lanka conveyed gratitude for India’s swift assistance.

Maternal mortality in India declines with rise in institutional deliveries

December 24, 2025

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 24 Dec 2025, GS2 – Health

Context
India’s maternal mortality has declined due to a rise in institutional deliveries, highlighted during the foundation laying of two new medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh.

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
• Definition: Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
• India (latest official): 93 (2019–21, Sample Registration System)

Key Data from the Article
• Institutional deliveries: 89%
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: 1.81 lakh
• Immunisation coverage: 12 types of vaccines

New medical colleges (MP):
• Dhar: ₹260 crore
• Betul: ₹300 crore
• Model: Public–Private Partnership

Medical colleges (India):
• 2003: 387
• Present: 819
• After additions: 821
• AIIMS: 1 → 23

Madhya Pradesh:
• Medical colleges: 33
• MBBS seats: 1,250 → 5,550
• PG seats: 2,862

Made-in-Tihar products online through e-commerce platforms

December 24, 2025

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 24 Dec 2025, GS2 – Governance

Context
Products manufactured by inmates of Tihar Jail — ranging from bakery items (cookies, mustard oil) to handcrafted goods — are being taken online through government-backed platforms (ONDC-linked Mystore), with plans to sell them on Flipkart and Amazon.

The initiative aims to expand market access for prison-made goods, generate inmate income, and strengthen rehabilitation through skill-based prison labour.

TDF

“Institutional deliveries have been central to India’s success in reducing maternal mortality.” Discuss. (150 Words)

24 Dec 2025 | Daily Current Affairs

RBI liquidity injection measures worth ₹2.90 lakh crore announced

Bangladesh missions in India witness protests

National anti-terror policy of India to be released soon

India Sri Lanka financial assistance of $450 million for recovery

Maternal mortality in India declines with rise in institutional deliveries

Made-in-Tihar products online through e-commerce platforms

TDF

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24 Dec 2025 | Daily Current Affairs

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