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.

Yemen Conflict: Saudi Strikes on UAE-Backed Groups | UPSC

January 3, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 3 Jan 2026, GS2 – International Relations

Context
The Yemen conflict, ongoing since 2014, has seen shifting alliances within the Saudi Arabia–led coalition. While Saudi Arabia backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government, the UAE supports the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a southern separatist group.

Summary:

Saudi warplanes struck UAE-backed STC forces in southern Yemen, particularly in Hadramout governorate.
The strikes followed an attempt by Saudi-backed National Shield Forces to take over STC camps; the STC refused to withdraw.
Saudi Arabia demanded withdrawal of STC fighters as part of de-escalation, but the STC resisted.
Tensions escalated after the STC expanded into Hadramout and Mahra, areas bordering Saudi Arabia and important for security and energy routes.
The episode highlights the Saudi–UAE rift within the anti-Houthi camp, even as both oppose the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Saudi Arabia termed the action a “pre-emptive, non-escalatory” measure to prevent instability.

Methane Emissions in Rice Farming: Mitigation Methods | UPSC

January 3, 2026

Source: The Indian Express (Explained), Tags: 3 Jan 2026, GS3 – Environment

Context
India’s rice cultivation is a major source of methane emissions due to traditional continuous flooding of paddy fields. As methane is a high-impact greenhouse gas, reducing emissions from agriculture has become essential for India’s climate commitments, water conservation, and sustainable farming, without hurting farmer incomes.

What is AWD?

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is a water-management practice in rice farming where fields are not kept continuously flooded, but are allowed to dry intermittently before re-irrigation.

Why AWD is proposed

Continuous flooding → oxygen-free (anaerobic) soil
Anaerobic microbes → methane production
AWD introduces oxygen into soil, disrupting methane-producing microbes

How AWD works

Normal flooding in early growth stage
Later, water level allowed to fall 10–15 cm below soil surface
Field re-flooded after drying
Cycle repeated till flowering stage

Outcomes

Reduces methane emissions
Saves water
No yield loss when properly implemented
Emission reductions can generate carbon credits, giving farmers additional income

US-Iran Relations: Trump on Iran Protest Crackdown | UPSC

January 3, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 3 Jan 2026, GS2 – International Relations

Context
Iran is facing its worst protests in years, triggered by economic distress and inflation, leading to a violent state crackdown. The situation has escalated internationally after the U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran over the handling of protests, raising fears of external intervention and regional instability in an already volatile West Asia.

Countries sharing land borders with Iran

Western Ghats Biodiversity: Galaxy Frogs Near Extinction | UPSC

January 3, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 3 Jan 2026, GS3 – Biodiversity

Context
A scientific study has warned that 7 of the world’s rarest “galaxy frog” species, found only in the Western Ghats of Kerala, are now presumed dead. The study links their disappearance to the rise in photo-tourism, where frequent human intrusion disturbed their fragile micro-habitats.

Galaxy Frog

Galaxy frogs are tiny, rare frogs found only under rotten logs in the Western Ghats.
They are named for their star-like speckled skin, resembling a galaxy.
These frogs are highly habitat-specific and extremely sensitive to disturbance.
Excessive photography, handling, use of camera flash, and movement of logs disrupted their feeding and breeding.
As a result, several species have vanished from their known locations.

China Naval Modernisation: New Missile Destroyer | UPSC

January 3, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 3 Jan 2026, GS2 – Security

Context
China is rapidly expanding its navy to enhance blue-water capability and narrow the gap with the U.S. Navy.

Loudi

Loudi is a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer of the PLA Navy.
Role: Multi-role surface combatant
Air defence
Anti-ship warfare

What is Fujian?

Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier (Type 003).
Largest and most advanced Chinese carrier so far.
Uses electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) — similar to U.S. carriers.
Signifies China’s shift from coastal defence to global naval power projection.

3 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

What is AWD?

Why AWD is proposed

How AWD works

Outcomes

Countries sharing land borders with Iran

Galaxy Frog

Loudi

What is Fujian?

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