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.

High-Risk Glacial Lakes in Arunachal Pradesh Expanding

June 20, 2026

Source: The Hindu | Page 10 | Tags: 20 June 2026, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Environment, GLOF, GS3, Himalayan ecology

Context: High-Risk Glacial Lakes in Arunachal Pradesh
A satellite-based assessment found that four out of five NDMA-classified high-risk glacial lakes in the Mago Chu Basin, Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, have expanded in area over the last decade.

This has renewed concerns over Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.

Key Findings

4 out of 5 high-risk glacial lakes have expanded in area.
Sangacho Lake showed major growth.
One lake expanded by more than one hectare.
Expansion indicates glacier retreat and meltwater accumulation.
It does not automatically mean immediate disaster, but it signals rising risk.

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood is a sudden release of large volumes of water from a glacial lake due to failure or breach of its natural dam.

Natural Dams May Be Made Of

Moraine
Ice
Rock debris

How GLOF Happens

Glacier retreats due to warming.
Meltwater accumulates in depressions.
A lake forms behind moraine, ice or rock debris.
Dam becomes unstable.
Sudden breach releases massive water downstream.
Flash floods, landslides and destruction follow.

Why It Is Important

GLOFs are among the most dangerous climate-induced disasters in the Himalayas.

They can trigger:

Sudden flash floods
Damage to hydropower projects
Damage to roads and bridges
Landslides
Loss of lives and livelihoods
Downstream disaster risks

Recent Examples

Chamoli, Uttarakhand — 2021

Triggered by avalanche-like glacier event.
Caused flash floods in Rishi Ganga and Dhauliganga rivers.
Damaged NTPC project, bridges and roads.

South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim — 2023

Breach triggered devastating floods.
Damaged the Chungthang hydropower project.
Caused loss of lives and widespread destruction.

Way Forward

Continuous satellite monitoring
Early warning systems
Risk-informed infrastructure planning
Community preparedness
Integrated research on glacial lakes
Hazard mapping and evacuation planning

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana Explained

June 20, 2026

Source: PIB | Tags: 20 June 2026, Employment, Governance, GS2, Labour Reforms, Social Security

Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, aimed at promoting formal employment, expanding social security coverage and creating quality jobs for India’s youth.

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana

Type

Central Sector Scheme

Ministry

Ministry of Labour and Employment

Launch

1 August 2025

Implementation

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation

Outlay

₹99,446 crore

Objective

Formal employment generation
First-time workforce participation
Employer-led job creation
Expansion of social security coverage

Target

More than 3.5 crore jobs in 2 years
Includes 1.92 crore first-time employees

Key Features

Employee Incentive

First-time EPFO-registered employees earning salary up to ₹1 lakh per month receive incentive up to ₹15,000.

Employer Incentive

Employers receive up to ₹3,000 per month per additional employee for 2 years.

The manufacturing sector gets extended support.

Progress

₹2,400 crore disbursed
70 lakh+ first-time employees formalised
Around 30% women beneficiaries
15 lakh+ beneficiaries supported

Significance

Promotes formalisation of labour.
Strengthens social security coverage.
Encourages youth employment.
Supports women’s workforce participation.
Incentivises employers to create jobs.
Helps bridge the gap between skills and formal employment.

Right to Walk Safely on Footpaths Under Article 21

June 20, 2026

Source: The Hindu | Page 10 | Tags: 20 June 2026, Article 21, Fundamental Rights, GS2, Judicial Activism, Polity & Constitution

Context: Right to Walk Safely on Footpaths
A Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice P.S. Narasimha held that the right to walk safely on designated footpaths is part of Article 21, meaning it is connected to the right to life and personal liberty.

Article 21

Article 21 guarantees:

Right to life
Right to personal liberty

It has been expanded by judicial interpretation to include dignified and safe living.

Expansion of Article 21

Article 21 now includes:

Right to privacy
Right to health
Right to clean environment
Right to livelihood
Right to education
Right to shelter
Right to dignity
Right to die with dignity
Right to marry a person of one’s choice
Right to safe mobility and pedestrian safety

Key Idea

The Court held that pedestrians cannot be forced to walk on unsafe roads because footpaths are encroached, poorly maintained or unavailable.

Why It Matters

Recognises pedestrian safety as a constitutional concern.
Links urban planning with fundamental rights.
Places responsibility on State authorities and local bodies.
Strengthens the idea of safe public spaces.
Expands Article 21 beyond survival to dignified urban life.

Governance Angle

Municipal bodies must ensure:

Clear footpaths
Removal of encroachments
Road safety
Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
Inclusive urban planning
Accountability for unsafe civic design

PYQ Link

Right to Privacy is protected under Article 21.

Right to marry a person of one’s choice is also protected under Article 21.

First Constitutional Amendment Act 1951 at 75 Years

June 20, 2026

Source: Indian Express | Tags: 20 June 2026, Constitutional Amendments, Fundamental Rights, GS2, Judicial Review, Parliament–Judiciary Relations, Polity & Constitution

Context: First Constitutional Amendment Act 1951
The First Constitutional Amendment Act was enacted on 18 June 1951. It was Parliament’s response to early Supreme Court judgments on free speech, reservations and land reforms.

Upendra Baxi described it as India’s “Second Constitution” because of its transformative impact.

Key Triggers and Constitutional Response

1. Freedom of Speech — Article 19(1)(a)

Cases

Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras, 1950
Brij Bhushan v. State of Delhi, 1950

Response

Article 19(2) was amended.

Grounds Added

Public Order
Friendly Relations with Foreign States
Incitement to an Offence

2. Reservations and Equality — Article 15

Case

State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan, 1951

Response

Article 15(4) was inserted.

Outcome

It created a constitutional basis for reservations for:

Socially and Educationally Backward Classes
Scheduled Castes
Scheduled Tribes

3. Land Reforms and Right to Property — Article 31

Issue

Zamindari abolition and agrarian reforms were challenged before courts.

Response

Inserted:

Article 31A
Article 31B
Ninth Schedule

Outcome

Land reform laws were protected from judicial challenge.

Why the First Amendment Is Still Debated

Supporters’ Argument

Protected land reforms and abolition of zamindari.
Enabled affirmative action through Article 15(4).
Strengthened the welfare-state vision.
Supported socio-economic transformation.
Ensured judicial interpretation did not obstruct democratic reforms.

Critics’ Argument

Expanded State power over civil liberties through Article 19(2).
Introduced the Ninth Schedule, reducing judicial scrutiny.
Set a precedent for constitutional amendments to overcome court rulings.
Raised concerns about constitutional checks and balances.

Constitutional Voices

Jawaharlal Nehru

Constitution should serve as an instrument of social transformation and not become an obstacle to reform.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Excessive concentration of State power may undermine democratic freedoms and individual liberty.

Upendra Baxi

Described the First Constitutional Amendment as India’s “Second Constitution” because it fundamentally altered the constitutional balance.

A.G. Noorani

Criticised the Ninth Schedule for insulating laws from constitutional scrutiny and weakening judicial review.

SEBI Open-Market Buybacks Reintroduced and Reforms

June 20, 2026

Source: The Hindu | Page 11 | Tags: 20 June 2026, Capital Markets, Economy, Financial Regulation, GS3, Municipal Bonds

Context: SEBI Open-Market Buybacks Reintroduced
The Securities and Exchange Board of India approved the reintroduction of open-market share buybacks, reforms to deepen the Municipal Bond market, and faster transmission of securities to legal heirs.

Municipal Bonds

Municipal Bonds are debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies to raise funds for urban infrastructure.

Uses of Municipal Bonds

Funds can be used for:

Roads
Water supply
Sewage projects
Metro projects
Smart-city projects
Other urban infrastructure

Flow

Urban Local Body
→ Raises funds from investors
→ Pays interest and principal

Share Buyback

A share buyback means a company purchases its own shares from existing shareholders.

Effects of Buyback

Reduces shares available in the market.
Improves Earnings Per Share.
Often signals confidence in future growth.
May return surplus cash to shareholders.

Open-Market Buyback

Open-market buyback means shares are repurchased through stock exchanges during normal trading hours.

Securities and Exchange Board of India

Established

1988

Statutory Status

Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992

Ministry

Ministry of Finance

Core Functions

Protect investor interests.
Regulate securities and capital markets.
Prevent insider trading.
Prevent unfair trade practices.
Regulate listed companies, intermediaries and market infrastructure.

PYQ Link

Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report is mandated by SEBI, not RBI.

BRSR disclosures are largely non-financial in nature.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission Progress

June 20, 2026

Source: PIB | Tags: 20 June 2026, Governance, GS2, Public health, Social Justice, Tribal Welfare

Context:
President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the progress of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and reiterated India’s commitment to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease as a public health challenge by 2047.

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle Cell Anaemia is a hereditary blood disorder caused by abnormal Haemoglobin-S.

This makes Red Blood Cells:

Rigid
Sticky
Sickle-shaped

Pathology

Abnormal HbS
→ Sickling of Red Blood Cells
→ Rapid Red Blood Cell destruction
→ Blood vessel blockage

Consequences

Chronic haemolytic anaemia
Reduced oxygen supply to tissues
Recurrent pain crises
Multi-organ damage
Brain, lungs, kidney and spleen complications

Management

Early screening
Genetic counselling
Hydroxyurea therapy
Folic acid supplementation
Vaccination and infection control
Blood transfusion in severe cases
Bone marrow transplant as a potential cure

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Launched

1 July 2023

Announced In

Union Budget 2023–24

Target

Eliminate Sickle Cell Disease as a public health problem by 2047.

Coverage

Screening of 7 crore individuals aged 0–40 years, especially in tribal-dominated areas.

Approach

Screen
→ Identify
→ Counsel
→ Treat
→ Prevent transmission

Progress

7 crore people screened
Around 2.5 lakh patients identified
More than 20 lakh carriers identified

Significance

Important for tribal health.
Supports preventive public health.
Promotes genetic counselling.
Reduces disease burden in vulnerable communities.
Links health governance with social justice.

20 June 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Key Findings

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

Natural Dams May Be Made Of

How GLOF Happens

Why It Is Important

Recent Examples

Way Forward

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana

Objective

Target

Key Features

Employee Incentive

Employer Incentive

Progress

Significance

Article 21

Expansion of Article 21

Key Idea

Why It Matters

Governance Angle

PYQ Link

Key Triggers and Constitutional Response

1. Freedom of Speech — Article 19(1)(a)

2. Reservations and Equality — Article 15

3. Land Reforms and Right to Property — Article 31

Why the First Amendment Is Still Debated

Supporters’ Argument

Critics’ Argument

Constitutional Voices

Municipal Bonds

Uses of Municipal Bonds

Flow

Share Buyback

Effects of Buyback

Open-Market Buyback

Securities and Exchange Board of India

Core Functions

PYQ Link

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Pathology

Consequences

Management

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Coverage

Approach

Progress

Significance

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