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 2016 Quiz – GS1

UPSC Prelims 2016 Quiz – GS

1 / 100

1) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

2 / 100

2) Question

A) S. Ramanujan

B) S. Chandrasekhar

C) S. N. Bose

D) C. V. Raman

3 / 100

3) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

4 / 100

4) Question

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

5 / 100

5) Question

A) Andhra Pradesh

B) Chhattisgarh

C) Karnataka

D) Rajasthan

6 / 100

6) Question

A) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its' total membership

B) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership

C) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total

D) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

7 / 100

7) Question

A) 1, 2 and 4

B) 2, 3, 4 and 5

C) 2 and 5 only

D) 1, 3, 4 and 5

8 / 100

8) Question

A) India should be granted complete independence

B) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence

C) India should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the Commonwealth

D) India should be given Dominion status

9 / 100

9) Question

A) Introduction of communalism into Indian nolitice bu ord Minto

B) Extremists' lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government

C) Foundation of Muslim League

D) Aurobindo Ghosh's inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

10 / 100

10) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

11 / 100

11) Question

A) Arunachal Pradesh

B) Himachal Pradesh

C) Karnataka

D) Maharashtra

12 / 100

12) Question

A) Shramana

B) Parivraajaka

C) Agrahaarika

D) Maagadha

13 / 100

13) Question

A) bonded labour

B) land grants made to military officers

C) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

D) wasteland converted to cultivated land

14 / 100

14) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

15 / 100

15) Question

A) 1, 2 and 3 only

B) 2, 3 and 4 only

C) 1, 4 and 5 only

D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

16 / 100

16) Question

A) Cauvery and Tungabhadra

B) Godavari and Krishna

C) Mahanadi and Sone

D) Narmada and Tapti

17 / 100

17) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

18 / 100

18) UPSC GS1 2016 83.1

UPSC GS1 2016 83.2

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) None of the above is an advantage of practicing drip irrigation

19 / 100

19) Question

A) agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East

B) agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries

C) agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade

D) agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries

20 / 100

20) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

21 / 100

21) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3

D) 1 and 3

22 / 100

22) Question

A) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation

B) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation

C) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation

D) It can build fusion reactors for power generation

23 / 100

23) UPSC GS1 2016 78.1

UPSC GS1 2016 78.2

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

24 / 100

24) Question

A) G20

B) ASEAN

C) SCO

D) SAARC

25 / 100

25) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

26 / 100

26) Question

A) European Central Bank

B) International Monetary Fund

C) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

D) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

27 / 100

27) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

28 / 100

28) Question

A) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system

B) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating

C) providing pensions to old and destitute persons

D) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

29 / 100

29) Question

A) African Union

B) Brazil

C) European Union

D) China

30 / 100

30) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

31 / 100

31) Question

A) Iran

B) Saudi Arabia

C) Oman

D) Kuwait

32 / 100

32) Question

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

33 / 100

33) Question

A) constitutional reforms

B) Ganga Action Plan

C) linking of rivers

D) protection of Western Ghats

34 / 100

34) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

35 / 100

35) UPSC GS1 2016 66.1

UPSC GS1 2016 66.2

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

36 / 100

36) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) None of the statements given above is correct

37 / 100

37) Question

A) social reforms

B) educational reforms

C) reforms in police administration

D) constitutional reforms

38 / 100

38) Question

A) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas

B) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

C) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls

D) Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

39 / 100

39) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

40 / 100

40) Question

A) Andhra Pradesh

B) Gujarat

C) Maharashtra

D) Uttar Pradesh

41 / 100

41) Question

A) mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas

B) curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies

C) exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies

D) lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects

42 / 100

42) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

43 / 100

43) Question

A) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar

B) a temple-entry movement in Gujara

C) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

D) a peasant movement in Punjab

44 / 100

44) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

45 / 100

45) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

46 / 100

46) Question

A) It is an international accounting tool for government and busincss leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions

B) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countrics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies

C) It is an inter governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022

D) It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank

47 / 100

47) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

48 / 100

48) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

49 / 100

49) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

50 / 100

50) Question

A) a division of World Health Organization

B) a non-governmental international organization

C) an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union

D) a specialized agency of the United Nations

51 / 100

51) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 2 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

52 / 100

52) Question

A) agitation against the Partition of Bengal

B) Home Rule Movement

C) Non-Cooperation Movement

D) visit of the Simon Commission to India

53 / 100

53) UPSC GS1 2016 48.1

UPSC GS1 2016 48.2

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

54 / 100

54) Question

A) Electric plane tested by NASA

B) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

C) Space observatory launched by China

D) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

55 / 100

55) Question

A) Amphibious warfare ship

B) Nuclear-powered submarine

C) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

D) Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers

56 / 100

56) Question

A) Andaman Islands

B) Anaimalai Forests

C) Maikala Hills

D) Tropical rain forests of northeast

57 / 100

57) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

58 / 100

58) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

59 / 100

59) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

60 / 100

60) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

61 / 100

61) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

62 / 100

62) Question

A) Georg Bühler

B) James Prinsep

C) Max Müller

D) William Jones

63 / 100

63) Question

A) agriculturists

B) warriors

C) weavers

D) traders

64 / 100

64) Question

A) organization for Economic Cooрeration and Development (OECD)

B) World Economic Forum

C) World Bank

D) World Trade Organization (WTO)

65 / 100

65) Question

A) production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers

B) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households

C) installation of CNG kits in motorcars

D) installation of water meters in urban households

66 / 100

66) Question

A) waste management technology

B) wireless communication technology

C) solar power production technology

D) water conservation technology

67 / 100

67) Question

A) 1, 2 and 3

B) 2, 3 and 4

C) 1, 2 and 4

D) 1 and 4 only

68 / 100

68) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

69 / 100

69) Question

A) immunization of children and pregnant women

B) construction of smart cities across the country

C) India's own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

D) New Educational Policy

70 / 100

70) Question

A) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

B) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

C) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

D) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

71 / 100

71) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

72 / 100

72) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

73 / 100

73) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

74 / 100

74) Question

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

75 / 100

75) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

76 / 100

76) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

77 / 100

77) Question

A) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms

B) Necm coating sloшя роun the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

C) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields

D) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

78 / 100

78) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

79 / 100

79) Question

A) Sand deserts of northwest India

B) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

C) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

D) Western Ghats

80 / 100

80) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

81 / 100

81) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

82 / 100

82) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3

D) 3 only

83 / 100

83) Question

A) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country

B) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year

C) It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries

D) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country's international reserves

84 / 100

84) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

85 / 100

85) Question

A) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood

B) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood

C) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers

D) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

86 / 100

86) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

87 / 100

87) Question

A) Rouble

B) Rand

C) Indian Rupee

D) Renminbi

88 / 100

88) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

89 / 100

89) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

90 / 100

90) Question

A) WTO affairs

B) SAARC affairs

C) UNFCCC affair

D) India-EU negotiations on FTA

91 / 100

91) Question

A) Swapnavasavadatta

B) Malavikagnimitra

C) Meghadoota

D) Ratnavali

92 / 100

92) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

93 / 100

93) UPSC GS1 2016 8.1

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

94 / 100

94) Question

A) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entreprencurs in the field of renewable sources of energy

B) Providing electricity to every houschold in the country by 2018

C) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time

D) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies

95 / 100

95) Question

A) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East

B) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change

C) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

D) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals

96 / 100

96) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

97 / 100

97) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

98 / 100

98) UPSC GS1 2016 3.1

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

99 / 100

99) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2 and 3

D) 1 and 3 only

100 / 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 31%

Quiz Instructions

⏳ Time: 2 Hours
🖥️ Use Full Screen (⛶) mode for a better experience.
📝 Attempt all questions and manage your time wisely.
🚫 Avoid cheating—treat it like the actual UPSC Prelims exam.
📊 Your score will be displayed automatically after submission.
🎯 Review your mistakes and improve your preparation.

🍀 Best of Luck! Your consistency today shapes your success tomorrow.

UPSC Prelims 2016 Quiz – GS1

Quiz Instructions

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UPSC Prelims 2016 Quiz – GS1

Quiz Instructions

Follow Us On:

Student Desk

Support

Free Resources

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