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.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

What is the SDF

The is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious armed coalition operating mainly in northeastern Syria.
It was formed in 2015 during the Syrian Civil War.
The SDF is Kurdish-led, but includes Arab, Assyrian, Syriac, Turkmen, and Armenian fighters.

Core Objective

Defeat ISIS and prevent its resurgence.
Maintain security and autonomy in areas under its control.
Protect local populations through a decentralized governance model.

Key Military Backbone

The dominant force within the SDF is the (YPG).
YPG’s women’s wing, (YPJ), is globally known for its role in anti-ISIS operations.
Arab militias were integrated to expand legitimacy in non-Kurdish regions.

Territorial Control

Controls large parts of Hasakah, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor provinces.
Administers oil-rich and agriculturally productive regions.
Operates detention camps holding ISIS fighters and families, including Al-Hol camp.

Political Wing and Governance

Linked with the , often referred to as Rojava.
Governance model emphasizes:
- Local councils
- Gender equality
- Minority representation
- Secular legal framework

Role in the Fight Against ISIS

SDF was the main ground force defeating ISIS in Syria.
Key victory was the fall of Baghouz (2019), ISIS’s last territorial stronghold.
Worked closely with the –led Global Coalition Against ISIS.

International Support and Alignment

Receives military, intelligence, and logistical support from the United States.
US presence acts as a deterrent against hostile actors.
Viewed by Western powers as the most reliable anti-ISIS partner in Syria.

Tensions with Turkey

considers the YPG a terrorist group due to its links with the (PKK).
Turkey has conducted multiple cross-border military operations against SDF-held areas.
This remains the biggest external threat to SDF’s survival.

Relations with Syrian Government and Russia

SDF has a tactical and uneasy relationship with the government.
Occasional coordination with , especially when facing Turkish offensives.
No formal political settlement was reached with Damascus.

Strategic Importance

Controls areas critical for:
- Oil and gas resources
- Food supply chains
- Anti-ISIS containment
Stability of SDF zones is directly linked to regional security in West Asia.

Challenges Ahead

Uncertain future of US military presence.
Managing ISIS detainees and radicalization risks.
Economic isolation and lack of international recognition.
Balancing Kurdish aspirations with Arab-majority areas.

Why SDF Matters

Central to Syrian conflict dynamics.
Key actor in counter-terrorism (ISIS).
Illustrates complexities of non-state armed groups, autonomy movements, and great-power politics.
Frequently in news due to Turkey–US–Russia–Syria power contest.