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.

Board of Peace Launched by US | Global Peace Initiative UPSC

January 23, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 23 Jan 2026, Global peace initiative, GS2

‘Board of Peace’
• What it is: A new global peace initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump at Davos (WEF).
• Purpose: To mediate conflicts, starting with Gaza ceasefire efforts.

Nature
• Informal multilateral platform
• Outside the UN system
• Led by the U.S.

Objectives
• Conflict mediation
• Ceasefires
• Post-war governance discussions

Membership
• Select countries and leaders
• Many major U.S. allies not participating

Fee / Cost (reported)
• $1 billion required to become a permanent member

Controversy
• Seen as an attempt to sideline the United Nations

Anti-Defection Law Explained | Constitution UPSC Prelims

January 23, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 23 Jan 2026

Constitutional basis
• 10th Schedule of the Constitution

Inserted by
• 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985

Purpose
• To prevent political defections motivated by personal gain.
• To ensure stability of elected governments.

When does disqualification apply?

Voluntarily giving up membership of the political party.
Voting or abstaining against party whip without prior permission.
Independent member joining a political party after election.
Nominated member joining a political party after 6 months.

Decision-making authority
• Speaker / Chairman of the House (subject to judicial review).

Key update
• 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
• Removed protection for splits.
• Only mergers supported by at least 2/3rd members are allowed

Social Media Ban for Under-16 in Andhra Pradesh | UPSC

January 23, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 23 Jan 2026, Child digital safety, GS2

Context
• Andhra Pradesh has set up a ministers’ panel to examine a proposal to ban social media for children under 16.
• Inspired by Australia’s model on child digital safety.

Crisp summary
• Andhra Pradesh becomes the first Indian state to formally explore a social media ban for under-16s.
• Proposal aims to protect children from online abuse, harmful content and mental health risks.
• Implementation is complex as IT regulation requires Centre’s approval (Section 69A, IT Act).
• Existing law: Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 mandates verifiable parental consent for children’s data (child defined as below 18), but does not ban social media.

Himalayan Ecocide and Infrastructure Expansion | UPSC GS-3

January 23, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 23 Jan 2026, GS3, Himalayan ecology

Context
The editorial warns that unregulated infrastructure expansion in the fragile Himalayas is pushing the region towards ecological collapse, increasing disasters such as landslides, floods and glacial risks.

Summary
• Himalayas are ecologically fragile and disaster-prone; climate change is intensifying risks.
• Deforestation, road widening, tunnelling and hydropower projects are destabilising slopes.
• Ignoring scientific assessments weakens disaster resilience and local livelihoods.
• Development must follow ecology-first planning, not short-term economic gains.
• Policy failure lies in bypassing environmental safeguards and local knowledge.

Ecocide
• Large-scale destruction of ecosystems causing severe, long-term environmental damage.
• Threatens human and ecological survival.
• Often discussed as a potential international crime.

UAE Trilateral Talks on Ukraine Conflict | UPSC GS-2

January 23, 2026

Source: The Indian Express, Tags: 23 Jan 2026, GS2, Ukraine peace talks

Context
• The UAE will host the first trilateral talks involving the U.S., Russia and Ukraine.
• Aim is to explore pathways for peace amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
• Reflects UAE’s growing role as a neutral diplomatic mediator in global conflicts.

NATO Greenland framework and US Tariff Withdrawal | UPSC GS-2

January 23, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 23 Jan 2026, GS2

Context
• The U.S. withdrew proposed tariffs on 8 European countries after consultations with NATO.
• The decision followed discussions on a broader Greenland–Arctic security framework.
• Highlights U.S.–Europe tensions, Arctic geopolitics, and NATO’s role as a security forum rather than an economic body.

NATO — quick revision points
• Full form: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• Founded: 1949 (Washington Treaty)
• Purpose: Collective defence — Article 5 (attack on one = attack on all)
• Nature: Military–political alliance (not an economic bloc)
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium

Members
• Total members: 32
• Founding members (1949): 12 (U.S., U.K., France, etc.)

Recently joined members
• Finland (2023) – ended neutrality; shares long border with Russia
• Sweden (2024) – joined after prolonged negotiations

Why important?
• Expansion strengthens NATO’s northern and Arctic flank
• Increases strategic pressure on Russia
• Arctic region gaining importance due to security, resources and shipping routes

23 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

Board of Peace Launched by US | Global Peace Initiative UPSC

Anti-Defection Law Explained | Constitution UPSC Prelims

Social Media Ban for Under-16 in Andhra Pradesh | UPSC

Himalayan Ecocide and Infrastructure Expansion | UPSC GS-3

UAE Trilateral Talks on Ukraine Conflict | UPSC GS-2

NATO Greenland framework and US Tariff Withdrawal | UPSC GS-2

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23 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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