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.

Dollar dominance in global finance and geopolitics | UPSC GS

January 14, 2026

Source: Business Line, Tags: 14 Jan 2026, Economy, GS2, International Relations

Core Argument
• The real geopolitical problem is not oil availability but dollar dominance in global finance.
• Monetary power is central to geopolitics.
• The dollar-based settlement system gives the U.S. disproportionate influence.

International Liquidity Problem
The problem of international liquidity is related to the non-availability of:
(a) goods and services
(b) gold and silver
(c) dollars and other hard currencies
(d) exportable surplus

Key Data Points

Venezuela
• ~17% of world’s proven oil reserves

US Dollar (global)
• ~88% of global foreign-exchange transactions use the dollar
• ~58% of global foreign-exchange reserves are dollar-denominated

India
• Imports ~85% of crude oil
• ~90% of India’s trade invoiced in dollars
• 55–60% of India’s forex reserves held in dollars

Gig worker safety and ethics in delivery platforms | UPSC

January 14, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 14 Jan 2026, Ethics, GS3, GS4, Labour

Context
Delivery platforms stopped 10-minute delivery promises after government intervention due to worker safety, health risks, and accidents faced by gig workers.

GS Paper 4 – Ethics Example

• Ethical issue: Speed and profit vs human safety and dignity
• Values involved: Empathy, responsibility, compassion
• Ethical governance: Moral persuasion by the State to protect vulnerable workers
• Lesson: Ends (efficiency) do not justify means (risking lives)

Urban Co-operative Bank licences reopening by RBI | UPSC

January 14, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 14 Jan 2026, banking, Economy, The Indian Express

Context
After a gap of nearly 20 years, RBI has proposed reopening licences for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) to strengthen the sector, with preference for large, financially sound co-operative credit societies due to governance failures in small UCBs.

Key Changes Proposed by RBI

• Licences to be favoured for large co-operative credit societies, not small ones

Stricter eligibility norms
• Minimum CRAR: 12%
• Net NPA ≤ 3%

Longer track record required
• At least 10 years of active operations
• Minimum 5 years of sound financial performance

Focus on governance quality
• Better board expertise
• Stronger management practices

Operation Gang Bust Delhi Police and internal security | UPSC

January 14, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 14 Jan 2026, GS3, internal security

Operation Gang Bust
• Agency: Delhi Police
• Duration: 48-hour operation (Jan 9–11), ahead of Republic Day
• Objective: Crackdown on organised crime, gangs, and subversive elements in NCR
• Arrests: 854 persons in two days
• Police deployment: 9,000+ personnel
• Area covered: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh

Golden Jackal protection in India under Wildlife Act | UPSC

January 14, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 14 Jan 2026, Environment, Ethics, GS3, GS4

Jackal
• Scientific name: Canis aureus (Golden Jackal)
• Habitat: Grasslands, forests, scrublands, outskirts of human settlements
• Diet: Omnivorous (small animals, carrion, fruits)
• Role in ecosystem: Scavenger → helps in waste and carcass removal

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — Schedules

• Schedule I
Highest protection; strictest penalties; endangered/critically protected animals

• Schedule II
High protection; penalties less severe than Schedule I

• Schedule III
Protected plant species; regulates collection and trade of specified plants

• Schedule IV
CITES-aligned; regulates international trade in listed species (focus on trade control, not absolute protection)

14 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Dollar dominance in global finance and geopolitics | UPSC GS

Gig worker safety and ethics in delivery platforms | UPSC

Urban Co-operative Bank licences reopening by RBI | UPSC

Operation Gang Bust Delhi Police and internal security | UPSC

Golden Jackal protection in India under Wildlife Act | UPSC

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14 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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