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.

India US Textile Trade: Market Access and Export Impact

February 9, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 9 Feb 2026, Economy, GS3

India in Global Textile Exports
• India is the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel globally
• Ranked after China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Germany, Turkey/Italy

Important Facts
• U.S. global textile imports market: $118 billion
• U.S. is India’s largest textile export destination: ~$10.5 billion
• India aims for $100 billion textile exports by 2030
• U.S. removes disadvantage faced by India compared to:
• Bangladesh (20%)
• China (30%)
• Pakistan (19%)
• Vietnam (20%)
• India–U.S. reciprocal tariff: 18% on all textile products
• India’s textile and apparel exports to U.S. fell 31.4% YoY (Nov 2025)

Top 3 South Asian Trade Partners of India (Ranked)

Bangladesh
Nepal
Sri Lanka

India US Trade Deal: Interim Framework and Tariff Cuts

February 9, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 9 Feb 2026, Economy, GS2, IR

Context
India and the United States announced a framework for an interim trade deal focused on tariff reductions and preferential market access.

Key Points
• India will cut tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products
• U.S. will lower tariffs on Indian goods
• Additional 25% tariff imposed in 2025 already reduced by the U.S. to 18%
• Sensitive items such as agriculture and dairy kept out
• India commits to buy $500 billion worth of U.S. products over 5 years
• Both sides agreed on preferential market access and rules of origin
• Deal expected to be formally signed by mid-March

ASEAN Trade Agreements: Congress Questions National Interest Impact

February 9, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 9 Feb 2026, GS2, International Relations, Trade

Context
Congress challenged the Commerce Minister to cancel ASEAN trade agreements if they are against national interest, amid concerns over India’s edible oil imports and trade imbalance.

Key Data on Edible Oils
• India remains a major importer of edible oils
• Domestic production: 10.5–10.6 million tonnes
• Imports: ~16 million tonnes annually
• Import bill (2024–25): $18.3 billion
• Palm oil imports began during NDA-1 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee

India Malaysia Relations: Strategic Agreements and Key Developments

February 9, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 9 Feb 2026, GS2, International Relations

Context
India and Malaysia signed multiple agreements to deepen strategic ties across trade, investment, defence, security, energy, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.

Developments in India–Malaysia Relations
• Strategic cooperation expanded through 11 agreements covering defence, security, semiconductor sector, trade, energy and digital technologies
• Push for local currency trade using Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit for bilateral settlement
• Defence and security cooperation in counter-terrorism, maritime security and intelligence sharing
• Malaysia highlighted India’s economic growth as a major global growth driver
• India to open a Consulate General in Malaysia
• Malaysia reiterated support for India’s permanent membership of UNSC

Palm Oil – Key Data

Top Global Producers
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Thailand

India’s Top Palm Oil Import Sources
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Thailand

Top Global Importers
• India
• China
• European Union

Top Global Consumers
• Indonesia
• India
• China

9 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

India US Textile Trade: Market Access and Export Impact

India US Trade Deal: Interim Framework and Tariff Cuts

ASEAN Trade Agreements: Congress Questions National Interest Impact

India Malaysia Relations: Strategic Agreements and Key Developments

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9 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

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Why Choose UnderStand UPSC?

Join the UnderStand UPSC Learning Community

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