Is UPSC CSAT Tough to Crack? The Union Public Service Examination is a gateway for aspirants to start a career in prestigious civil services. Many young graduates dream of becoming IAS/IPS officers in India. This dream can turn into reality only by smart planning and dedicated preparation.
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UPSC wants only skilled and talented graduates to be civil servants working to maintain law and order in Indian states and union territories. Let me give you a quick guide on the UPSC CSAT paper conducted in the Prelims exam. This paper is qualifying in nature.
Candidates have to score 66 marks (33%) out of 200 marks in the CSAT exam. A common question most of you face: Is CSAT Tough to Crack? Let us delve into this blog and decode how to kickstart UPSC CSAT preparation and avoid common mistakes.
UPSC CSE Examination Pattern
Here is the exam pattern of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2024.
| Paper | Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration |
| Paper 1- GS | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2- CSAT | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours |
List of Topics Covered in UPSC CSAT Exam 2024
Candidates should take a look at the list of topics covered in the UPSC CSAT Exam Syllabus 2024.
| UPSC CSAT Categories | Topics Covered |
| Comprehension | English/Hindi Paragraph Comprehension |
| Decision Making & Problem Solving | Hypothetical questions based on ethical dilemmas Decoding facts logically into answers |
| Logical Reasoning | Coding Decoding Blood Relations Decision Making Problem-Solving Input-Output Venn Diagrams Coded Inequalities Puzzle Logical Reasoning Analytical Reasoning Analogy Classification Mixed Series Number Series Distance & Directions Alphabet Test Seating Arrangement |
| Interpersonal Skills | Analogies Critical Reasoning |
| General Mental Ability | Simple Interest Time and Work Partnership Work and Wages Mensuration 2D Mensuration 3D GeometryStatistics Probability Permutations and Combinations, etc Upstream or Downstream Pipe and Cistern Problems Compound Interest Profit and Loss Time and Distance Algebra Mixture and Allegations |
| Data Interpretation | Arithmetic Reasoning Missing Number Cause & Effect Data Interpretation 2D & 3D Pie Chart Bar Graph Vertical Bar Chart Bar Graph vs. Histogram Cube and Dice Mirror Image & Water Image Syllogism Order & Ranking Sequences and Series Data Sufficiency Calendars Clock Reasoning Problems on Ages Statement and Assumption Statement and Argument Statement and Conclusion Statement and Course of Action Statements in Mathematical Reasoning Critical Reasoning Situation Reaction Test |
| Basic Numeracy | Number Series Number System Fundamental Arithmetical Operations Simplification & Approximation Percentage Decimal Fractions Ratio and Proportion LCM and HCF Rational Numbers Squares and Square Roots Cubes and Cube Roots Average Unitary Method Ratio to Percentage Surds and Indices Basic Set Theory Divisibility Rules Remainder Theorem |
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A Quick Guide on UPSC CSAT Subject-Wise Tips
Let’s start individually examining subject-wise strategies for UPSC CSAT exam preparation for Maths, English, and Reasoning. We have covered a detailed analysis to guide candidates to build conceptual knowledge and solve questions for practice. Look at the question pattern asked in English, Reasoning, and Maths.
UPSC CSAT: Decode Maths Preparation
Following is a quick breakdown of important topics in UPSC CSAT Maths. Candidates can start preparing for the Maths section by practicing those topics.
Check UPSC CSAT Maths: PYQ Analysis
Here is the quick distribution of the Maths section from last year’s UPSC CSAT exams:
| Topics | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Percentage | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Ratio & Proportion | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Profit & Loss | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interest | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Data Interpretation | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ages | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Time & Work/Pipes | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Time & Distance | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Train Boats | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Probability P&C | 1 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 12 |
| Alligation Mixture | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Number System | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 18 | 10 | 15 | 22 |
| Mensuration | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| HCF & LCM | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Averages | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Number Series | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 24 | 28 | 30 | 25 | 35 | 32 | 45 | 36 | 38 | 43 |
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Maths: List of Important Topics to Cover
- Number System
- HCF and LCM
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Age and Partnership
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Average
- Mensuration 2D and 3D
- Number Series
UPSC CSAT Exam: Decode English
Following is quick breakdown of list of questions covered in UPSC CSAT English section. This information gives you a strategic understanding to study English section topics smartly for CSAT.
Check UPSC CSAT English: PYQ Analysis
| Topics | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Level 1 Passage | 0 | 19 | 14 | 28 | 14 | 18 | 15 | 25 | 6 | 22 |
| Level 2 Passage | 6 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 12 | 4 |
| Level 3 Passage | 26 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Total | 32 | 30 | 28 | 30 | 25 | 30 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
Important Topics from the English Section
Ace the English language section by mastering analytical skills and following key areas:
- Assumptions
- Inferences
- Conclusion
To make it easier, here are the topics listed to brushup knowledge by reading newspapers and online articles:
- Social Issues
- Economic Issues
- Science & Technology
- Rural Issues
- Healthcare
- Climate & Environment
- Current burning Issues (not political)
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UPSC CSAT Exam 2024: Decode Reasoning
Take a look at the quick breakdown of the topic-wise list covered in the Reasoning section. We have prepared list of important covered for effective practice and revision to qualify UPSC CSAT paper.
Check UPSC CSAT Reasoning: PYQ Analysis
| Topics | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Cube & Cubiod | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dice | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alphanumeric Series+Analogy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Clock | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Calendar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Coding and Decoding | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Direction Sense | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Blood Relation | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Ranking | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Syllogism | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Puzzle+Arrangement | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Image | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statements | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Counting Figure | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Analytical | 4 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 24 | 22 | 22 | 25 | 20 | 18 | 10 | 17 | 15 | 11 |
Important Topics Covered in Reasoning Section
Here is the list of Important Topics covered in Reasoning section:
- Blood Relation
- Syllogism
- Direction Sense
- Alphabetical and Alphanumeric Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Calendar
- Clock
- Continuous Letter Series
- Ranking and Order
- Arrangement and Puzzles
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5 Reasons Why Aspirants Fail in UPSC CSAT Exam
The UPSC CSAT paper is divided into 3 sections Maths, English, and Reasoning. It aims to test aspirants knowledge in logical reasoning, aptitude, comprehension, problem-solving. Look at the few reasons why candidates cannot qualify for UPSC CSAT paper.
- Overconfidence: Many candidates overlook preparing for UPSC CSAT considering basic Maths, Reasoning, and English topics. They focus on GS papers unable to qualify for the CSAT exam.
- Ignore Solving PYQs: Candidates often ignore solving the Previous Year’s Questions for the UPSC CSAT exam. Still, they miss out on important topics and questions to practice.
- Wasting Time on Difficult Questions: Aspirants waste time on difficult questions. They don’t have time left to attempt other questions in UPSC CSAT Exam.
- Negativity: Don’t forget UPSC CSAT exam has negative marks for wrong attempts. Never try to attempt too many questions in guesswork. Attempt only those questions for which you are sure.
- Lack of Consistency: Give your sincere time and dedication to CSAT preparations to qualify for the exam. Many aspirants miss out on discussing CSAT challenges. It causes several misconceptions among others preparing for the UPSC exam.
Check Out: How to Manage Time While Preparing for UPSC CSAT Exam?
Final Words
In this blog, we have provided detailed insights on UPSC CSAT exam preparations. The important topics and strategies for CSAT can guide aspirants to align preparations for prestigious UPSC exams. Avoid 5 mistakes if you don’t want to fail in UPSC CSAT. Stay motivated and trust your skills to get success in 1st attempt. Sign up to Practice with our 1st FREE Mock Test & Know Your AIR.
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