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.

UPSC Prelims 2021 Quiz – GS

1 / 100

1) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

2 / 100

2) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

3 / 100

3) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

4 / 100

4) Question

A) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1

B) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1

C) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correct

D) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct

5 / 100

5) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

6 / 100

6) Question

A) dance forms of Northwest India

B) musical instruments

C) pre-historic cave paintings

D) tribal languages

7 / 100

7) Question

A) a representative government of a nation with federal structure

B) a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers

C) a government whose Head enjoys real powers

D) a government limited by the terms of the Constitution

8 / 100

8) Question

A) A Democratic Republic

B) A Sovereign Democratic Republic

C) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic

D) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

9 / 100

9) Question

A) Legal right available to citizens only

B) Legal right available to any person

C) Fundamental Right available to citizens only

D) Neither Fundamental Right nor legal right

10 / 100

10) Question

A) the Right to Equality

B) the Directive Principles of State Policy

C) the Right to Freedom

D) the Concept of Welfare

11 / 100

11) Question

A) A committed judiciary

B) Centralization of powers

C) Elected government

D) Separation of powers

12 / 100

12) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 3

D) 2 and 3

13 / 100

13) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

14 / 100

14) Question

A) A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government

B) A politically organized people of a definite territory and possessing an authority to govern them, maintain law and order, protect their natural rights and safeguard their means of sustenance

C) A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government

D) A society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary

15 / 100

15) Question

A) The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.

B) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.

C) The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.

D) The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.

16 / 100

16) Question

A) Article 14

B) Article 28

C) Article 32

D) Article 44

17 / 100

17) Question

A) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

B) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

C) Ministry of Rural Development

D) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

18 / 100

18) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

19 / 100

19) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

20 / 100

20) Question

A) 1 only

B) 3 only

C) 1 and 2

D) 2 and 3

21 / 100

21) Question

A) Article 15

B) Article 19

C) Article 21

D) Article 29

22 / 100

22) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

23 / 100

23) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

24 / 100

24) Question

A) Distances among stellar bodies do not change.

B) Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.

C) Light always travels in straight line.

D) Speed of light is always same.

25 / 100

25) Question

A) Food preservatives

B) Fruit-ripening substances

C) Reused plastic containers

D) Toiletries

26 / 100

26) Question

A) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants

B) development of India's own satellite navigation system

C) radio collars for wildlife tracking

D) spread of viral diseases

27 / 100

27) Question

A) Low-density polyethylene

B) Polycarbonate

C) Polyethylene terephthalate

D) Polyvinyl chloride

28 / 100

28) Question

A) 3 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

29 / 100

29) Question

A) it is dipolar in nature

B) it is a good conductor of heat

C) it has high value of specific heat

D) it is an oxide of hydrogen

30 / 100

30) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

31 / 100

31) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

32 / 100

32) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

33 / 100

33) Question

A) clonal propagation of crop plants

B) developing genetically modified crop plants

C) production of plant growth substances

D) production of biofertilizers

34 / 100

34) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

35 / 100

35) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

36 / 100

36) Question

A) brown forest soil

B) fissure volcanic rock

C) granite and schist

D) shale and limestone

37 / 100

37) Question

A) 1, 2, 4 and 5

B) 3, 4 and 5

C) 1, 3 and 4

D) 1, 2, 3 and 5

38 / 100

38) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

39 / 100

39) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 4 and 5

C) 2, 3 and 4

D) 1, 3 and 5

40 / 100

40) Question

A) coniferous forest

B) dry deciduous forest

C) mangrove forest

D) tropical rain forest

41 / 100

41) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

42 / 100

42) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

43 / 100

43) Question

A) Sugarcane

B) Sunflower

C) Pearl millet

D) Red gram

44 / 100

44) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

45 / 100

45) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 4

C) 3 and 4

D) 1 and 3

46 / 100

46) Question

A) glaciers

B) mangrove areas

C) Ramsar sites

D) saline lakes

47 / 100

47) Question

A) Chenab

B) Jhelum

C) Ravi

D) Sutlej

48 / 100

48) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

49 / 100

49) Question

A) 1 and 3

B) 1, 2 and 4

C) 4 only

D) 2 and 3

50 / 100

50) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

51 / 100

51) Question

A) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.

B) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.

C) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.

D) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.

52 / 100

52) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3

D) 3 only

53 / 100

53) Question

A) leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

B) members of the Interim Government in 1946

C) members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly

D) officers of the Indian National Army

54 / 100

54) Question

A) Annie Besant

B) Debendranath Tagore

C) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

D) Sarojini Naidu

55 / 100

55) Question

A) Paragana-Sarkar-Suba

B) Sarkar-Paragana-Suba

C) Suba—Sarkar—Paragana

D) Paragana-Suba-Sarkar

56 / 100

56) Question

A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

B) Jawaharlal Nehru

C) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

D) Sarojini Naidu

57 / 100

57) Question

A) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICС.

B) The Viceroy's Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.

C) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.

D) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.

58 / 100

58) Question

A) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICС.

B) The Viceroy's Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.

C) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.

D) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.

59 / 100

59) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

60 / 100

60) Question

A) Jain monks

B) playwrights

C) temple architects

D) philosophers

61 / 100

61) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 3

D) 3 only

62 / 100

62) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

63 / 100

63) Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2

C) 3 only

D) 2 and 3

64 / 100

64) Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2

C) 3 only

D) 2 and 3

65 / 100

65) Question

A) Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour Indian National Flag here.

B) Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of Andhra region from here.

C) Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.

D) Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquarters of Theosophical Society first here.

66 / 100

66) Question

A) 1, 2 and 3 only

B) 1, 3 and 4 only

C) 2 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

67 / 100

67) Question

A) 1,2 and 5

B) 1, 3, 4 and 6

C) 2, 3 and 4

D) 5 and 6

68 / 100

68) Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2

C) 3 only

D) 2 and 3

69 / 100

69) Question

A) Dholavira

B) Kalibangan

C) Rakhigarhi

D) Ropar

70 / 100

70) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 4

D) 2, 3 and 4

71 / 100

71) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

72 / 100

72) Question

A) assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world

B) enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading

C) enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries

D) assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time

73 / 100

73) Question

A) 1, 2 and 4 only

B) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

C) 1, 3 and 5 only

D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

74 / 100

74) Question

A) Carbon cycle

B) Nitrogen cycle

C) Phosphorus cycle

D) Sulphur cycle

75 / 100

75) Question

A) Catfish

B) Octopus

C) Oyster

D) Pelican

76 / 100

76) Question

A) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

B) 1, 2 and 4 only

C) 3, 4 and 5 only

D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

77 / 100

77) Question

A) 1, 2 and 4

B) 1, 3 and 5

C) 3 and 4

D) 2 and 5

78 / 100

78) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 only

C) 3 only

D) 1 and 3

79 / 100

79) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 3 and 4

D) 1 and 4

80 / 100

80) Question

A) Congress grass

B) Elephant grass

C) Lemongrass

D) Nut grass

81 / 100

81) Question

A) 1 and 4 only

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3

D) 1, 3 and 4

82 / 100

82) Question

A) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems

B) Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils

C) Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas

D) Carbon present in atmosphere

83 / 100

83) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

84 / 100

84) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

85 / 100

85) Question

A) environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry

B) ecological management of Wetlands of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention

C) sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands

D) Environmental Impact Assessment' in the exploitation of natural resources

86 / 100

86) Question

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3

D) 3 only

87 / 100

87) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

88 / 100

88) Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2

C) 3 only

D) 2 and 3

89 / 100

89) Question

A) 1, 2 and 4 only

B) 3, 4 and 5 only

C) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

90 / 100

90) Question

A) Increase in the Cash Reserve Ratio in the banks

B) Increase in the Statutory Liquidity Ratio in the banks

C) Increase in the banking habit of the people

D) Increase in the population of the country

91 / 100

91) Question

A) Repayment of public debt

B) Borrowing from the public to finance a budget deficit

C) Borrowing from the banks to finance a budget deficit

D) Creation of new money to finance a budget deficit

92 / 100

92) Question

A) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing

B) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewellery, gold, etc.

C) Large donations to political parties and growth of regionalism

D) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion

93 / 100

93) Question

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2

C) 3 only

D) 2 and 3

94 / 100

94) Question

A) 1, 2 and 3

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 4

D) 1 and 4

95 / 100

95) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

96 / 100

96) Question

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

97 / 100

97) Question

A) 1 and 4 only

B) 2, 3 and 4

C) 1, 3 and 4

D) 1, 2 and 3

98 / 100

98) Question

A) Cut in tax rates accompanied by increase in interest rate

B) Increase in expenditure on public projects

C) Increase in tax rates accompanied by reduction of interest rate

D) Reduction of expenditure on public projects

99 / 100

99) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

100 / 100

100) Question

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Your score is

The average score is 45%

UPSC Prelims 2021 Quiz – GS

Follow Us On:

Student Desk

Support

Free Resources

Download Our App

UPSC Prelims 2021 Quiz – GS

Follow Us On:

Student Desk

Support

Free Resources

Download Our App

Fill Out the Form