How Many Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT 2024? Comprehensive Guide

Madhavi Gaur July 17, 2023 09:05 10327 0

How Many Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT 2024? Comprehensive Guide

How Many Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT?

The UPSC CSAT paper consists of 100 questions, but attempting all of them is not necessary or recommended. To play it safe, aspirants should aim to answer approximately 70-85 questions in the UPSC Prelims exam. Since there is a negative marking of ⅓ for incorrect answers, attempting too many questions without a proper understanding can result in a lower overall score. The biggest question for a UPSC Aspirant is ‘How many Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT?’ Let’s find out.

Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT?

In the General Studies paper, there are 100 questions, while the CSAT paper has 80 questions. It is important for candidates to be strategic and calculative in their approach. By considering the UPSC cut off marks range, which was between 90 to 120 in 2022, candidates can gauge the number of questions they should attempt to increase their chances of qualifying for the Prelims exam.

How Many Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT?
How Many Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT?

Do’s and Don’ts while Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT

The UPSC CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Exam is a crucial aspect of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination. So it is important to attempt the right number of questions in the CSAT exam. Aspirants often face the dilemma of how many questions to tackle to maximize their chances of success. This article aims to provide a strategic approach to help candidates determine the ideal number of questions to attempt in the CSAT, ensuring a balanced and effective performance.

  1. Understanding the Exam Structure: Before deciding on the number of questions to attempt, it is essential to understand the structure of the CSAT. The exam comprises two sections: General Studies Paper-II and the English Language Comprehension Skills (ELCS) section. Each section carries a specific weightage, and it is vital to consider this while planning your attempt strategy.
  2. Quality over Quantity: In the CSAT, the focus should always be on quality rather than quantity. It is better to attempt a lesser number of questions accurately and derive maximum marks from them rather than randomly guessing a larger number of questions. Precision and accuracy play a crucial role in scoring well in the CSAT.
  3. Determine Your Comfort Level: Each candidate has a different comfort level and proficiency in various subjects. Before the exam, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in different topics covered in the CSAT syllabus. Identify the areas where you have a higher level of confidence and understanding. This self-assessment will help you prioritize questions and determine the number of questions you can confidently attempt.
  4. Time Management: Efficient time management is key to success in the CSAT. With limited time available, it is crucial to allocate time wisely to different sections and questions. Analyze the difficulty level of each question and allocate more time to questions that you are confident about. This approach ensures that you have sufficient time to tackle questions accurately, rather than rushing through and making avoidable errors.
  5. Negative Marking Consideration: Negative marking is applicable in the CSAT, which means that incorrect answers carry a penalty. Take this factor into account when deciding on the number of questions to attempt. It is advisable to refrain from guessing blindly if you are unsure, as incorrect answers can significantly impact your overall score.
  6. Practicing Mock Tests: To develop a better understanding of your speed, accuracy, and time management skills, practice solving mock tests and previous years’ question papers. Through regular practice, you will gain insights into your performance, identify your comfort zone, and refine your strategy for attempting questions.

While there is no definitive number of questions to attempt in the CSAT that guarantees success, adopting a strategic approach is key. Focus on quality over quantity, leverage your strengths, and manage your time effectively. Balancing accuracy and speed will help you maximize your overall score. Regular practice and self-assessment are vital in developing a personalized strategy. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the CSAT with confidence, making informed decisions about the number of questions to attempt, and inching closer to your goal of cracking the UPSC examination.

Do’s and Don’ts while Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT
Do’s and Don’ts while Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT

Questions to Attempt in UPSC CSAT: FAQs

Q1: What is the cut off marks for CSAT?

Ans: The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) to promptly address a petition requesting a decrease in the qualifying cut-off marks from 33% to 23% for part 2 of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This test is conducted by the UPSC as a component of the Civil Services Examination in 2023.

Q2: How to calculate 1/3 negative marking in UPSC CSAT?

Ans: There is a negative marking of 0.33% for every incorrect answer in the UPSC CSAT exam, resulting in a deduction of 0.66 marks. To illustrate this, let’s consider the example provided. If 25 questions were answered incorrectly, the negative marking for those 25 incorrect answers would amount to 25 x 0.66 = 16.5 marks deducted.

Q3: How to calculate marks for UPSC CSAT?

Ans: To calculate the total score obtained in the UPSC CSAT exam, candidates should multiply the number of correct answers by 2.5 and the number of incorrect answers by 0.83. This method allows candidates to accurately determine their overall score in the Prelims exam.

Q4: Is calculator allowed in UPSC CSAT?

Ans: Calculators are not allowed for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam. However, candidates are allowed to use Scientific (Non-Programmable type) Calculators during the conventional (Essay) type examination, which is the UPSC Mains Exam.

Q5: How much is negative marking in UPSC CSAT?

Ans: The CSAT paper of the IAS exam consists of 80 questions and follows a pattern of negative marking. Candidates are awarded 2.5 marks for each correct answer, while 0.83 marks are deducted for each incorrect response. The total duration allocated for the CSAT paper is 2 hours.

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