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.

UNSC Resolution 2803 and India’s Stand on Gaza Conflict

January 30, 2026

Source: The Hindu | Page 1, Tags: 30 Jan 2026, GS2, International Relations

Context
India welcomed recent U.S. moves at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the Gaza conflict and noted progress under UNSC Resolution 2803.

UNSC Resolution 2803
• Adopted: November 2023
• Aim:
• End Gaza conflict
• Create a terror-free, de-radicalised zone
• Ensure redevelopment
• Coordinate international support
• Includes creation of a “Board of Peace” as a transitional administration

India’s position on Palestine
• First non-Arab country to recognise the State of Palestine (1988)
• Supports a sovereign, independent and viable Palestine living in peace with Israel

Arab Peace Initiative
• Proposed by Saudi Arabia (2002)
• Core idea:
• Two-state solution
• Full normalisation with Israel if it withdraws to pre-1967 borders
• East Jerusalem as capital of Palestine

FRBM Act Review: Centre Flexibility and States’ Fiscal Stress

January 30, 2026

Source: The Hindu | Page 12, Tags: 30 Jan 2026, Economy, GS3

FRBM Act
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 aims to ensure fiscal discipline by:
• Reducing fiscal deficit, revenue deficit and public debt
• Increasing transparency in fiscal operations
• Promoting long-term macroeconomic stability

Escape Clause (FRBM)
Allows temporary deviation from fiscal targets during severe shocks such as:
• National calamity
• National security threats
• Large structural reforms
• Sharp economic slowdown

During COVID-19
• Government invoked the escape clause
• Significant deviation from FRBM targets due to extraordinary conditions

Documents presented with the Budget (FRBM)

Medium-Term Fiscal Policy (MTFP) Statement
Fiscal Policy Strategy (FPS) Statement
Macro-Economic Framework (MEF) Statement
Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Statement (tabled later)

Ethanol Blending and Its Impact on India’s Food Security

January 30, 2026

Source: The Hindu — Page 15, Tags: 30 Jan 2026, Agriculture, Economy, GS3

Context
Economic Survey flags that expansion of ethanol blending—especially maize-based ethanol—is affecting food security.

Critical points
• Shift towards maize cultivation driven by ethanol demand
• Reduction in area under pulses and oilseeds
• Increased dependence on edible-oil imports
• Higher domestic food-price volatility
• Greater vulnerability during supply shocks
• Tension between energy self-reliance (ethanol) and food self-reliance

Ethanol blending gains (till Aug 2025)
• Forex savings: ₹1.44 lakh crore
• Crude oil substituted: ~245 lakh tonnes

Basics of ethanol
• Biofuel (alcohol) used for blending with petrol
• Produced via fermentation of biomass (sugar/starch-based)
• Blending reduces crude-oil imports and emissions

Oil Import Diversification to Reduce India’s Geopolitical Risks

January 30, 2026

Source: The Hindu — Page 15, Tags: 30 Jan 2026, Economy, Energy, GS3

Context
Economic Survey (FY26) notes that India is diversifying crude-oil import sources to reduce geopolitical risk exposure.

Key facts
• Rising imports from: Libya, Egypt, Brazil, U.S., Brunei
• Declining imports from: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Venezuela

Import-share changes (Apr–Nov FY26 vs previous year)
• U.S.: 4.6% → 8.1%
• UAE: 9.4% → 11.1%
• Libya: 0.1% → 0.5%
• Egypt: 0.3% → 1.4%
• Nigeria: 2.2% → 3.3%

Economic Survey 2025-26: India Growth Outlook and Global Risks

January 30, 2026

Source: The Hindu — Page 1, Tags: 30 Jan 2026, Economy, GS3

Economic Survey 2025-26: Growth Outlook
• FY26 (2025-26): Medium-term growth forecast raised to 7%
• FY27 (2026-27): Growth projected between 6.8% – 7.2%

Three global scenarios for 2026

Scenario 1 – Best case (40–45%)
• Business as usual
• Global tensions ease somewhat
• Volatility persists
• Government interventions stabilise markets

Scenario 2 – Multipolar breakdown (40–45%)
• Geopolitical rifts persist
• Trade conflicts and counter-sanctions
• Supply-chain realignments
• Prolonged uncertainty

Scenario 3 – Worst case (10–20%)
• Major global correction, especially in AI-infrastructure investments
• Spike in risk aversion
• Macro fallout worse than the 2008 crisis

30 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

UNSC Resolution 2803 and India’s Stand on Gaza Conflict

FRBM Act Review: Centre Flexibility and States’ Fiscal Stress

Ethanol Blending and Its Impact on India’s Food Security

Oil Import Diversification to Reduce India’s Geopolitical Risks

Economic Survey 2025-26: India Growth Outlook and Global Risks

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30 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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