UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus 2026: Chapter-Wise Topics and Weightage

UPSC CSAT Maths syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s basic numerical ability and practical problem-solving skills rather than advanced mathematics. It mainly includes arithmetic, number system concepts, and data interpretation topics that are commonly used in everyday calculations. With a strong focus on speed, accuracy, and logical application, mastering these topics is essential for qualifying the CSAT paper and clearing the Civil Services Preliminary Examination.

UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus 2026 Overview

The official UPSC notification mentions “Basic Numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level)” and “Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. Class X level).” However, the competitive nature of the exam means the UPSC CSAT quantitative aptitude topics often require higher logical application than a standard school exam.

Explore UPSC Online Courses

Explore UPSC Online Courses

UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern 2026

The Union Public Service Commission officially announced the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2024 through UPSC Notification 2024. GS Paper II in Prelims is another name for the CSAT, or Civil Services Aptitude Test. To qualify for the CSAT, candidates must score at least 33%, or 67 marks. The UPSC CSAT Syllabus includes questions on comprehension, basic numeracy, logical reasoning, and general mental aptitude.

Detailed CSAT Maths Topics List 2026

To cover the CSAT maths chapter wise syllabus effectively, candidates should categorize the topics based on their complexity and frequency in previous years. Below is the detailed CSAT maths topics list:

1. Basic Numeracy and Number System
The UPSC CSAT arithmetic syllabus begins with the Number System. This is the most weighted section in recent years.

• Numbers & Relations: Integers, Prime numbers, Rational/Irrational numbers.
• Divisibility Rules: Finding remainders and checking the divisibility of large numbers.
• Unit Digit Calculation: Finding the last digit of expressions.
• HCF & LCM: Concepts and application-based word problems.

2. Commercial Mathematics (Arithmetic)
These UPSC CSAT aptitude maths syllabus topics are essential for daily logical calculations:

• Percentages: Conversion, growth/decrease, and successive percentages.
• Profit, Loss, and Discount: Calculating margins and equivalent discounts.
• Simple and Compound Interest: Basic formulas and difference-based questions.
• Ratio and Proportion: Includes problems on Ages and Partnership.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

3. Time and Distance Dynamics
Understanding the CSAT paper 2 maths syllabus requires proficiency in motion-related problems:

• Time, Speed, and Distance: Average speed, relative speed, and circular motion.
• Problems on Trains: Relative speed between two moving objects.
• Boats and Streams: Upstream and downstream calculations.
• Time and Work: Efficiency, man-days, and Pipes & Cisterns.

4. Modern Mathematics
In recent years, the UPSC CSAT maths question types have shifted toward higher-level logic:

• Permutations and Combinations: Fundamental counting principles and arrangements.
• Probability: Basic probability of coins, dice, and cards.
• Set Theory: Venn diagrams (often integrated with logical reasoning).

5. Data Interpretation and Sufficiency

• Data Interpretation: Analyzing Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, and Tables.
• Data Sufficiency: Determining if the provided statements are enough to answer the question (a mix of CSAT numerical ability syllabus and logic).

UPSC CSAT Maths Weightage Topics 2026

Not all chapters carry equal weight. Analyzing past trends helps in identifying CSAT maths important topics to prioritize.

Explore UPSC Optional Courses

Explore UPSC Optional Courses

Preparation Strategy for UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus 2026

Success in the CSAT requires a balance of speed and accuracy. Here is how to approach the UPSC CSAT maths preparation topics:

1. Strengthen Foundations: Refer to NCERTs from Class 6 to 10. Ensure you understand the “Why” behind every formula.
2. Regular Practice: Solve UPSC CSAT maths practice questions daily. Mathematics is a skill that improves with consistency.
3. Master Shortcuts: While basics are important, learning Vedic math tricks for multiplication and square roots can save time.
4. Mock Tests: Join a test series to simulate exam conditions. Physics Wallah offers curated resources to help aspirants navigate the CSAT maths syllabus for UPSC.
5. Analyze PYQs: Reviewing the last 10 years of papers is the best way to understand the evolving nature of the UPSC CSAT maths question types.

Topic-wise weightage analysis of the UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus

• Many challenges may arise for aspirants while completing the UPSC CSAT Math Syllabus preparation. This is due to the ambiguous subjects and subtopics covered in the Math part.
• However, after reviewing every UPSC CSAT previous year paper, our experts have put together a list of subjects to study that cover the two main subjects of the CSAT math syllabus:
• The UPSC CSAT topic-wise math weightage analysis for UPSC Prelims from 2014 to 2023 has been presented in the table below:

How Should I Study for the UPSC CSAT Maths Exam?

Students should schedule a specific time in their study schedule for CSAT preparation. They should assess the amount of time they would like to dedicate to CSAT preparation in light of their skills and strengths. Here’s what you can do:

1. Be familiar with the UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus

• Begin by familiarizing yourself with the exam structure and gaining a solid understanding of the UPSC CSAT Math syllabus.

2. Build the Foundation

• Make sure you know the basic concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division really well. Pay attention to topics like ratios, percentages, averages, and basic arithmetic. These are commonly asked in the CSAT math section.

3. Get Study Materials

• A comprehensive collection of study materials covering the UPSC CSAT Maths syllabus should be gathered, including books, practice papers, video lectures, and other things.

4. Focus on Logical Reasoning and Mathematics

• The CSAT Mathematics Syllabus covers concepts such as orders of magnitude, numbers and their relationships, etc.
• You should review the prior year’s papers and address these themes as they are of class X level.
• Make a note of key formulas and continue to edit them as you work through the questions.
• Try answering Basic Numeracy questions from all the books that are suggested reading for kids in class 10 if you want to get good grades.
• Develop a foundational knowledge of every subject covered in the CSAT reasoning syllabus.
• To do well in these disciplines, candidates must practice as much as they can.

5. Identity and Plan Your Strength

• You must be aware of your advantages and disadvantages before studying the UPSC CSAT syllabus.
• You can take practice tests and solve problems from the previous year to identify your weak areas.
• Give your weak areas additional attention, and make sure you grasp the fundamentals.

6. Finish Mock Exams

• Answering questions from the UPSC CSAT curriculum will be quite helpful, as we have already mentioned. It will undoubtedly aid in your flawless time management as well as your revision of the subjects you have already covered. You will also improve your accuracy and speed using Physic Wallah Mock Tests.

7. Stay Calm And Focus

• Stay calm and focused while preparing for the CSAT, especially when dealing with math. Once you’ve covered all the topics, practice as many questions as you can with full concentration. This is crucial for effectively tackling the challenges of the exam in real situations.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

Suggested Books For UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus

It’s time to determine the key resources for UPSC CSAT math preparation now that you are aware of the key math themes for the exam.

NCERT Textbooks: The eighth, ninth, and tenth-grade NCERT mathematics textbooks are important to cover UPSC CSAT Maths syllabus. These books will not only improve your comprehension of the fundamental ideas but also fortify your base mathematical knowledge.

Other books to follow to prepare UPSC CSAT Math Syllabus:

Ready to boost your UPSC preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF