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.

US Fed Policy Rate Kept Unchanged Amid Elevated Inflation

January 29, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 29 Jan 2026, Economy, GS3

Context
The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged due to sticky inflation and strong economic activity.

Impact on Indian Economy

Capital Flows
• Stable US rates reduce sudden outflow of foreign capital from India.
Rupee Stability
• Less pressure on rupee depreciation against the dollar.
RBI Policy Space
• RBI gets flexibility to focus on domestic inflation and growth.
Equity Markets
• Neutral-to-positive for Indian stock markets due to global certainty.
Borrowing Costs
• No immediate rise in global borrowing costs for Indian firms and the government.

US Fed policy rate — US **Fed** policy rate

President’s Address Parliament: Centre Seeks Apology Over Protests

January 29, 2026

Source: The Hindu — Page 13, Tags: 29 Jan 2026, GS2, Polity

Context
During the President’s Address to a joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session, Opposition protests were termed a breach of parliamentary decorum, prompting the Centre to demand an apology.

Relevant Constitutional Articles (Presidential Address & role)
• Article 87: President addresses both Houses jointly at the commencement of the first session each year and after a general election; outlines government policy.
• Article 86(1): President has the right to address Parliament and send messages to either House.
• Article 85: President summons, prorogues Parliament and can dissolve Lok Sabha (on aid and advice).
• Article 74: President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers; the Address reflects the government’s agenda, not personal views.
• Rules of Procedure / Parliamentary conventions: President’s Address is a solemn constitutional occasion; disruptions are seen as disrespect to the office and a breach of decorum.

Aadhaar Voter Verification: SC Rejects Forgery Argument

January 29, 2026

Source: The Hindu — Page 12, Tags: 29 Jan 2026, GS2, Polity

Context
The Supreme Court rejected the argument that Aadhaar should be excluded from voter identity verification during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), stating that forgery risk applies to all documents, including passports, and cannot be a ground to drop Aadhaar.

Aadhaar
• What: Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI.
• Legal basis: Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• Purpose: Proof of identity, not proof of citizenship or domicile.
• Eligibility: Residents of India (including foreigners residing for 182 days or more).
• Use: Identity verification for welfare delivery, services, and governance efficiency.
• Safeguard: Cannot be used as conclusive proof of citizenship (Section 9).
• Key point (SC): Possibility of forgery is not a valid reason to exclude Aadhaar from verification processes.

Index of Industrial Production Grows 7.8%, 26-Month High

January 29, 2026

Source: The Hindu — Page 15, Tags: 29 Jan 2026, Economy, GS3

Context
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 7.8% in December 2025, a 26-month high, driven mainly by manufacturing, electricity, and strong capex-led demand, especially in infrastructure and capital goods.

Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
• What: Measures short-term changes in industrial output.
• Published by: National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.
• Frequency: Monthly.
• Sectors & weights:
• Manufacturing ~77.6%
• Mining ~14.4%
• Electricity ~8.0%
• Current base year: 2011–12
• Proposed new base year: 2022–23
• Use: Tracks industrial momentum and feeds into GDP estimates.

Eight Core Industries
• What: Subset of IIP with ~40% weight.
• Industries: Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, Electricity.
• Index published by: Ministry of Commerce & Industry (monthly).
• Importance: Early signal of infrastructure and industrial activity.

US Iran Nuclear Deal Talks Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

January 29, 2026

Source: The Hindu — Page 16, Tags: 29 Jan 2026, GS2, IR

Context
The US President warned Iran to return to negotiations for a new nuclear deal, stating that refusal could invite much harsher US military action.

Developments
• Iran stated it is open to talks but would retaliate strongly if attacked.
• Situation raises fears of escalation in West Asia.
• Heightened US naval presence amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.

29 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

US Fed Policy Rate Kept Unchanged Amid Elevated Inflation

President’s Address Parliament: Centre Seeks Apology Over Protests

Aadhaar Voter Verification: SC Rejects Forgery Argument

Index of Industrial Production Grows 7.8%, 26-Month High

US Iran Nuclear Deal Talks Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

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29 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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