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.

Karnataka Resolution on MGNREGA and Federal Concerns

February 4, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 4 Feb 2026, Governance, Polity

Context
• Karnataka Assembly passed a resolution opposing the VB-G RAM-G Act, 2025
• State demands rollback of the new Act and restoration of MGNREGA, 2005
• Claims the new law harms federalism, Panchayat powers and burdens State finances

What does the Resolution Mean?
• State Assembly resolutions are not legally binding on Parliament
• They convey political opinion and exert pressure
• Central law remains unchanged unless Parliament amends or repeals it

Constitutional Basis of MGNREGA
• Enacted under the Concurrent List
• List III, Entry 23:
“Social security and social insurance; employment and unemployment”

Manipur Legislative Assembly and Constitutional Crisis Explained

February 4, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 4 Feb 2026, Polity

Context – What is happening in Manipur?

Manipur Legislative Assembly has not met since August 12, 2024
Under Article 174(1), Assembly must meet at least once every six months
Next sitting was due before February 11, 2025
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025
Governor cancelled the Assembly session scheduled for February 11
Assembly will not meet within the six-month constitutional limit

Relevant Constitutional Articles

Article 174(1)
• Governor must summon the Legislative Assembly
• Gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months

Article 174(2)
Governor can:
• Prorogue the House
• Dissolve the Assembly on the advice of the Council of Ministers

Issue Raised
• Congress demands dissolution of the Assembly, arguing constitutional norms have been violated

Nanda Devi and Himalayan Peaks Opened for Regulated Tourism

February 4, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 4 Feb 2026, geography, Tourism

Context
• Uttarakhand government opened Nanda Devi and 82 other Himalayan peaks for mountaineering and tourism
• Aim: Boost adventure tourism and local economy

Nanda Devi
• Location: Kumaon Himalaya
• Height: 7,816 m
• Second-highest peak entirely within India

Key Points
• Permissions required through Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System
• Focus on regulated tourism with environmental safeguards

Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation and Irrawaddy Dolphin Concerns

February 4, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 4 Feb 2026, Environment

Context
• Budget proposes “turtle trails” in Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala
• Conservationists warn mass-nesting sites are extremely sensitive
• Artificial lights and tourist movement disturb Olive Ridley turtles
• Article also refers to Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lake

Olive Ridley Turtle
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Mass nesting (Arribada): Rare phenomenon; mainly in India and Costa Rica

India’s Major Nesting Sites
• Gahirmatha (Kendrapara, Odisha) – world’s largest rookery
• Rushikulya (Ganjam, Odisha)

Sensitivity
• Highly sensitive to light, noise and human presence
• Nesting beaches must be no-go zones

Irrawaddy Dolphin
• Habitat: Estuaries and brackish waters (e.g., Chilika Lake, Odisha)
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Features: Rounded head, absence of beak, low triangular dorsal fin
• Threats: Boat traffic, habitat disturbance, fishing nets

New START Treaty: Key Provisions and Strategic Importance

February 4, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 4 Feb 2026, IR, Security

New START Treaty
• Type: Bilateral nuclear arms-control treaty between U.S. and Russia
• Signed: 2010 (Prague)
• Entered into force: 2011
• Expiry: February 2026 (now set to lapse; Russia offering 1-year extension)
• Replaced: START-I (1991–2009)

Why Important
• Only remaining nuclear arms-control treaty between U.S. and Russia
• Sets rules to monitor, verify and cap the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals
• Expiry would mean no legal limits on their strategic nuclear weapons

Key Provisions
• Limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads
• Includes robust verification measures: inspections, data exchange, notifications

4 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Karnataka Resolution on MGNREGA and Federal Concerns

Manipur Legislative Assembly and Constitutional Crisis Explained

Nanda Devi and Himalayan Peaks Opened for Regulated Tourism

Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation and Irrawaddy Dolphin Concerns

New START Treaty: Key Provisions and Strategic Importance

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4 Feb 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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