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.

UPSC Prelims 2017 Quiz – GS1

UPSC Prelims 2017 Quiz – GS

1 / 100

Question

A) There is an independent judiciary in India.

B) Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.

C) The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.

D) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

2 / 100

Question

A) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.

B) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.

C) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.

D) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.

3 / 100

Question

A) Sumatra

B) Borneo

C) Java

D) Sri Lanka

4 / 100

Question

A) 1, 2 and 4 only

B) 2, 3 and 4 only

C) 1 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

5 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

6 / 100

Question

A) Corbett National Park

B) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary

C) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

D) Sariska National Park

7 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

8 / 100

Question

A) 1-2-3

B) 2-1-3

C) 3-2-1

D) 3-1-2

9 / 100

Question

A) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitut

B) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.

C) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.

D) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.

10 / 100

Question

A) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

B) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.

C) It is endemic to a particular region of India.

D) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

11 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 3 only

12 / 100

Question

A) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government's education system and local communities.

B) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies.

C) Strengthening India's scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power.

D) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

13 / 100

Question

A) 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) 2 and 3 only

14 / 100

Question

A) To detect neutrinos

B) To detect gravitational waves

C) Тo detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

D) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

15 / 100

Question

A) Fundamental Right

B) Natural Right

C) Constitutional Right

D) Legal Right

16 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

17 / 100

Question

A) India's trade with African countries will enormously increase.

B) India's relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.

C) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

D) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.

18 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

19 / 100

Question

A) European Union

B) Gulf Cooperation Council

C) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

D) Shanghai Cooperation Organization

20 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

21 / 100

Question

A) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna

B) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves

C) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System

D) Security of National Highways

22 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

23 / 100

Question

A) Production of biolarvicides

B) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics

C) Reproductive cloning of animals

D) Production of organisms free of diseases

24 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 4 only

B) 2, 3 and 4 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

25 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

26 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

27 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 only

C) 1, 2 and 3

D) None of the above statements is correct

28 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

29 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

30 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and З

31 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) None of the above

32 / 100

Question

A) Ajanta

B) Badami

C) Bagh

D) Ellora

33 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

34 / 100

Question

A) Bhitarkanika Mangroves

B) Chambal River

C) Pulicat Lake

D) Deepor Beel

35 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

36 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

37 / 100

Question

A) It is a procedure for considering ecological costs of developmental schemes formulated by the Government.

B) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.

C) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings.

D) It is an important provision in 'The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code' recently implemented by the Government.

38 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

39 / 100

Question

A) Division of the central legislature into two houses.

B) Introduction of double government i.e., group of countries. Central and State governments.

C) Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.

D) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

40 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

41 / 100

Question

A) 1, 2 and 3

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1 only

42 / 100

Question

A) Measuring oxygen levels in blood

B) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems

C) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems

D) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions

43 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1 and 3 only

44 / 100

Question

A) anyone residing in India.

B) a resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.

C) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.

D) any citizen of India.

45 / 100

Question

A) ASEAN initiative to upgrade infrastructure in Asia and financed by credit from the Asian Development Bank.

B) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and intuitional investor Capital.

C) Collaboration among the major banks of the world working with the OECD and focused on expanding the set of infrastructure projects that have the potential to mobilize private investment.

D) UNCTAD funded initiative that seeks to finance and facilitate infrastructure development in the world.

46 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

47 / 100

Question

A) 1, 2 and 3 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 3 and 4 only

48 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

49 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

50 / 100

Question

A) Kakinada

B) Motupalli

C) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)

D) Nelluru

51 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

52 / 100

Question

A) 6

B) 7

C) 8

D) 9

53 / 100

Question

A) The Preamble

B) The Fundamental Rights

C) The Directive Principles of State Policy

D) The Fundamental Duties

54 / 100

Question

A) Rights are correlative with Duties.

B) Rights are personal and hence independent of society and Duties.

C) Rights, not Duties, are important for the advancement of the personality of the citizen.

D) Duties, not Rights, are important for the stability of the State.

55 / 100

Question

A) the executive and legislature work independently.

B) it provides continuity of policy and more efficient.

C) the executive remains responsible to the legislature.

D) the head of the government cannot be changed without election.

56 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

57 / 100

Question

A) Observation and understanding of the Universe

B) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses

C) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

D) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

58 / 100

Question

A) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.

B) Digital currency will totally replace the physical currency in about two decades.

C) FDI inflows will drastically increase.

D) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.

59 / 100

Question

A) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.

B) the methods for strengthening executive leadership.

C) a superior individual with dynamism and vision.

D) a band of dedicated party workers.

60 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

61 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

62 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

63 / 100

Question

A) Liberty of thought

B) Economic liberty

C) Liberty of expression

D) Liberty of belief

64 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

65 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

66 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

67 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

68 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

69 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

70 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

71 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

72 / 100

Question

A) Resident Indian citizens only

B) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only

C) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments

D) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

73 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

74 / 100

Question

A) Developing solar power production in our country

B) Granting licences to foreign T.V. channels in our country

C) Exporting our food products to other countries

D) Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country

75 / 100

Question

A) Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.

B) Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.

C) Impose censorship on national press.

D) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

76 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

77 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

78 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2 and 4 only

D) 3 and 4 only

79 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

80 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

81 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 2 and 3 only

82 / 100

Question

A) Bhavnagar

B) Bheemunipatnam

C) Chandipur

D) Nagapattinam

83 / 100

Question

A) ASEAN

B) BRICS

C) EU

D) G20

84 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

85 / 100

Question

A) Federalism

B) Democratic decentralisation

C) Administrative delegation

D) Direct democracy

86 / 100

Question

A) the participation of workers in the management of industries.

B) arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes.

C) an intervention by the British Court in the event of a trade dispute.

D) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

87 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

88 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

89 / 100

Question

A) 1, 2 and 3

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1 only

90 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 3 only

D) 2 and 3 only2 and 3 only

91 / 100

Question

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 only

C) 3 only

D) 2 and 3 only

92 / 100

Question

A) World Economic Forum

B) UN Human Rights Council

C) UN Women

D) World Health Organization

93 / 100

Question

A) Rights are claims of the State against the citizens.

B) Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State.

C) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.

D) Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many.

94 / 100

Question

A) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women

B) Participation of workers in the management of industries

C) Right to work, education and public assistance

D) Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers

95 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

96 / 100

Question

A) Privileges

B) Restraints

C) Competition

D) Ideology

97 / 100

Question

A) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

B) Nallamala Forest

C) Nagarhole National Park

D) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

98 / 100

Question

A) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.

B) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes.

C) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings.

D) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.

99 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

100 / 100

Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Your score is

The average score is 37%

UPSC Prelims 2017 Quiz – GS1

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