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.

Asim Munir Appointed Pakistan CDF | Pakistan Defence UPSC

December 5, 2025

Sourse: The Hindu, Tags: 5 Dec 2025, GS2 (International Relations)

Context

Pakistan has appointed Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
His tenure as CDF will be for five years.
The post was created through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Objective of the new post: ensure unity of command and speed up decision-making during critical situations.

The new CDF position replaces the earlier role of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).

Postal department considers UPI-like ‘labels’ for addresses

December 5, 2025

Sourse: The Hindu, Tags: 5 Dec 2025, GS3 (Digital Governance)

Context

India Post has proposed an amendment to introduce DHRUVA, a digital addressing system that enables people to share UPI-like smart address labels instead of full physical addresses.
It is built on DIGIPIN, a precise geolocation framework forming part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure.

DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)

A digital, interoperable, virtual address system that lets users share smart address labels like name@entity.

Key Features

• Works like UPI for addresses → one label usable across platforms.
• Users can grant time-bound access to firms for address verification.
• Reduces repetitive typing of physical addresses in e-commerce/logistics.

DIGIPIN (Foundational Layer)

• A 10-character alphanumeric code representing a precise geolocation (lat + long).

Key Facts

• Each DIGIPIN = ~14 sq. metre land block.
• Total capacity = ~228 billion unique pins for India.
• Useful in rural areas where physical addresses are unclear.
• Provides exact location for DHRUVA labels.

Environment Editorial on Sustainability | Earth Day Insights UPSC

December 5, 2025

Sourse: The Hindu, Tags: 5 Dec 2025, GS3 (Environment)

Content

World Soil Day 2025 highlights “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”, stressing that urban soil is a crucial but ignored natural resource.
Healthy urban soils reduce heat island effects, absorb rainwater to prevent flooding, support biodiversity and urban farming, and improve people’s mental and physical well-being.

However, urban soils are increasingly degraded due to construction, soil sealing, pollution, and loss of organic matter, which weakens city resilience.

Five-Point Action Plan

Restore degraded urban soils through compost and organic inputs.
Expand green infrastructure (parks, rain gardens, tree belts).
Promote urban agriculture.
Adopt sustainable soil-management practices.
Improve soil literacy and community composting.

Infant Malnutrition in India | Govt Response Issue UPSC

December 5, 2025

Sourse: The Hindu, Tags: 5 Dec 2025, GS2 (Health)

Important Data

Government did not provide data on infant deaths due to malnutrition in tribal regions (past 5 years).
Children under age 5 in India: over 13.7 crore.
Children enrolled at anganwadi centres & on Poshan Tracker: about 6.6 crore.
Children examined for malnutrition indicators: 6.44 crore.
Among examined children: at least 52% were stunted, wasted, or underweight (as of October 2025).
Government claims improvement in malnutrition indicators since 1990–91.

4.8 Crore Pending Court Cases in India | Judicial Backlog UPSC

December 5, 2025

Sourse: The Hindu, Tags: 5 Dec 2025, GS2 (Judiciary)

Mains Enrichment — Important Data

Vacant judge posts in district courts (India): 4,855
Vacancies in High Courts: 297
Pending cases in lower courts: 4.8 crore
Pending cases in the Supreme Court (as of Dec 1): 90,694
Vacancies of judicial officers in district & subordinate courts: (Data shared by the Minister)
State-wise vacancies (lower judiciary):
• Uttar Pradesh: 1,055
• Gujarat: 535
• Madhya Pradesh: 384
Uttar Pradesh has the highest pending cases in lower courts: 1,13,05,841

India Cuts Russian Oil Imports by 38% | Energy Trade Update UPSC

December 5, 2025

Sourse: The Hindu, Tags: 5 Dec 2025, GS3 (Economy)

Important Data

India’s Russian oil imports in Oct 2025: $3.55 billion (↓ 38% YoY).
Volume imported: 71.6 lakh tonnes (↓ 31% YoY).
Russia’s share in India’s total oil imports: ~32%.
U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on India (August 2025) for importing Russian oil.

India Russia Defence Ties Strengthened | Key Updates for UPSC

December 5, 2025

Sourse: The Hindu, Tags: 5 Dec 2025, GS2 (International Relations)

Context

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a high-level diplomatic engagement.
His visit is to participate in the 23rd edition of the India–Russia Annual Bilateral Summit.
Ahead of the summit, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russia’s Defence Minister Andrei Belousov co-chaired the 22nd Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed strong defence ties, highlighting deep mutual trust, shared strategic principles, and decades-old cooperation.
The discussions focused on strengthening defence industrial collaboration and reviewing ongoing joint projects.

5 Dec, 2025

Context

Context

DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)

Key Features

DIGIPIN (Foundational Layer)

Key Facts

Content

Five-Point Action Plan

Important Data

Mains Enrichment — Important Data

Important Data

Context

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About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

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