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.

PSLV-C62 Mission Failure: Causes and Significance for UPSC

January 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Jan 2026, GS3, Space Technology

PSLV-C62 Mission

What happened
• ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission failed to place satellites in orbit
• Rocket strayed from intended flight path

When and where
• Launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
• Lift-off time: 10:18 a.m.

Cause (preliminary)
• Anomaly during the third stage (PS3) of the rocket
• Issue started around 4 minutes 25 seconds after lift-off
• Vehicle began uncontrolled spinning, leading to trajectory deviation

Payload
• EOS-N1 Earth Observation satellite
• 15 co-passenger satellites
• All lost

Why important
• PSLV is ISRO’s workhorse rocket
• This is the fourth PSLV failure since 1993
• Second failure within a year, a setback for ISRO

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Significance for India

January 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Jan 2026, Climate finance, GS3

Article 6 – Paris Agreement

• Purpose: International cooperation to reduce emissions
• Nature: Market and non-market mechanisms

Key parts
• Article 6.2: Bilateral or multilateral transfer of mitigation outcomes (carbon credits)
• Article 6.4: UN-supervised global carbon market (successor to CDM)

Safeguard
• Avoid double counting

Goal
• Cost-effective emissions reduction and climate finance flow

Why Article 6 matters for India
• Access to carbon markets and climate finance
• Transfer of advanced low-carbon technologies
• Aligns growth with decarbonisation

India’s recent step
• India signed Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
• Operationalises Article 6.2
• Marks India’s entry into global carbon markets

UN Charter Article 2(4): Use of Force and International Law

January 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Jan 2026, GS2, International law

UN Charter – Article 2(4)
• Prohibits threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State

Exceptions only
• With UN Security Council approval
• Self-defence under Article 51

Context

The article argues U.S. action against Venezuela does not meet these exceptions, hence a violation of international law

Fentanyl – basic information

What it is: A synthetic opioid drug
Use: Medical pain management legally, but widely misused illegally
Potency: Much stronger than heroin or morphine

Retail Inflation at 1.33%: CPI Data and RBI Target Explained

January 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Jan 2026, Economy, GS3, Inflation

Basic facts
• India’s retail inflation (CPI): 1.33% in December 2025
• Trend: 3-month high, but still below RBI’s lower comfort level (2%)
• Data source: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Reason for low inflation: Broad-based decline in prices across sectors (high base effect)
• RBI target: 4% inflation with ±2% tolerance band (2–6%)
• Core inflation: 4.8% (28-month high)

Pax Silica: U.S.-Led Tech and Economic Framework Explained

January 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Jan 2026, GS2, IR, Minilateralism

Pax Silica

Nature
• U.S.-led minilateral tech–economic framework

Core focus
• Semiconductors
• Critical minerals
• Artificial intelligence
• Advanced technologies

Main aim
• Secure and diversify global supply chains
• Reduce over-dependence on one country

Mode of working
• Policy coordination
• Supply-chain mapping
• Standards alignment
• Technology cooperation

Core members
• United States
• Japan
• Australia
• Select EU partners like the Netherlands

India
• Proposed / likely invitee

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board: Role and Functions for UPSC

January 13, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 13 Jan 2026, Energy regulation, GS3

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
• Nature: Statutory body (set up under the PNGRB Act, 2006)
• Role: Downstream regulator in the oil and gas sector

Key Functions

Regulates refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing and sale of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas
Authorises and regulates pipelines (oil, gas, petroleum products)
Regulates CGD networks (City Gas Distribution)
Ensures fair competition, consumer protection and safety standards

Appellate Jurisdiction

Appeals against PNGRB orders lie with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL)

13 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

PSLV-C62 Mission Failure: Causes and Significance for UPSC

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Significance for India

UN Charter Article 2(4): Use of Force and International Law

Retail Inflation at 1.33%: CPI Data and RBI Target Explained

Pax Silica: U.S.-Led Tech and Economic Framework Explained

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board: Role and Functions for UPSC

Student Desk

Student Testimonial

Request Callback

Help Desk

Login

Contact Us

Event Gallery

Resources

Daily Current Affairs

UPSC PYQ

Free Mock Tests

Demo Lectures

Strategy

Blog

Support

FAQs

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cancellation/ Refund Policy

Career

Social Service

Download New App

Download Old App

About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

How to Prepare Effectively for UPSC CSE

Why Choose UnderStand UPSC?

Join the UnderStand UPSC Learning Community

13 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Student Desk

Resources

Free Mock Tests

Support

Social Service

Download New App

Download Old App

About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

How to Prepare Effectively for UPSC CSE

Why Choose UnderStand UPSC?

Join the UnderStand UPSC Learning Community

Join the Success Journey!