UPSC CSAT

Is UPSC CSAT Tough to Crack: What’s the Challenge?

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.

PaperQuestions Total Marks Time Duration
Paper 1- GS1002002 Hours
Paper 2- CSAT802002 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 CategoriesTopics Covered
ComprehensionEnglish/Hindi Paragraph Comprehension
Decision Making & Problem SolvingHypothetical questions based on ethical dilemmas Decoding facts logically into answers
Logical ReasoningCoding 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 SkillsAnalogies
Critical Reasoning
General Mental AbilitySimple 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 InterpretationArithmetic 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 NumeracyNumber 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:

Topics2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Percentage6633292741
Ratio & Proportion3743022410
Profit & Loss1011332110
Interest1000000001
Data Interpretation53001401000
Ages0111020111
Time & Work/Pipes0012001211
Time & Distance3232312120
Train Boats0010001000
Probability P&C16253133812
Alligation Mixture0000003110
Number System11554818101522
Mensuration0031203012
HCF & LCM2030003011
Averages0023023310
Number Series1200431322
Total24283025353245363843

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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

Topics2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Level 1 Passage 019142814181525622
Level 2 Passage 6442412102124
Level 3 Passage267100700090
Total32302830253025272726

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

Topics2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Cube & Cubiod 0011130001
Dice1100300000
Alphanumeric Series+Analogy0000212323
Clock2102010230
Calendar0000031311
Coding and Decoding0001201101
Direction Sense2130020120
Blood Relation3152011021
Ranking2213153212
Syllogism0001011320
Puzzle+Arrangement66811800130
Image 5200200000
Statements0102000002
Counting Figure 0000100000
Analytical4732000000
Total24222225201810171511

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. 

Divya Sharma

My Role as a Content Writer in PracticeMock is to craft research based blogs. I ensure that aspirants get accurate information on government exams through blogs.

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