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UPSC CSAT Exam Syllabus 2024, Exam Pattern, Qualifying Marks

PWOnlyIAS June 19, 2024 04:15 1335 0

UPSC CSAT Exam is the second paper of the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam. Check all details of the UPSC CSAT Exam Syllabus, Pattern, Timings, Marking Scheme and Qualifying Marks.

UPSC CSAT Exam Syllabus 2024, Exam Pattern, Qualifying Marks

UPSC CSAT Exam is the Paper II of the UPSC CSE Exam. It holds extreme importance in deciding whether the UPSC aspirant can qualify for the UPSC Mains Exam. The UPSC CSAT Exam is compulsory to qualify, and 33% (or 66 marks) is the qualifying marks for the UPSC CSAT Exam.

Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024
UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Question Paper Download Link 
UPSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT) Question Paper Download Link
Answer Key 2024 GS Paper (01) Answer Key 2024
CSAT Paper Answer Key 2024
Detailed Answer Key 2024 GS Paper (01) Answer Key 2024
CSAT Paper Answer Key 2024

UPSC CSAT Exam is held on the same day as the UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Exam, but is held in the second shift (or the afternoon shift). The UPSC CSAT Exam has three subjects: Reading Comprehension, Quant or Maths, and Reasoning. The UPSC aspirants should know the complete details of the UPSC CSAT Exam in order to succeed in it.

Let us have a look at the complete details of the UPSC CSAT Exam, including UPSC CSAT Syllabus, UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme, Qualifying marks and Exam Timings. The Trend Analysis of previous year UPSC CSAT Papers is also given here.

UPSC CSAT Exam 2024

UPSC CSAT Exam is a crucial part of the preliminary examination for the Civil Services Examination in India. It assesses candidates’ analytical skills, logical reasoning, and comprehension abilities. Introduced in 2011, CSAT is a qualifying paper where candidates must score a minimum of 33% to be eligible for the main examination. 

The UPSC CSAT Exam paper includes questions on comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, basic numeracy, and general mental ability. Effective preparation for CSAT involves practising past papers, improving problem-solving techniques, and honing reading comprehension skills to ensure a balanced performance across all sections.

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Question Paper Set Download Link
Set A Click here
Set B Click here
Set C Click here
Set D Click here

UPSC CSAT Full Form

UPSC CSAT stands for the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Aptitude Test. This examination is a part of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in India, which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The UPSC CSAT Exam is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude and analytical skills. 

UPSC CSAT Exam serves as the second paper of the preliminary examination for the CSE and includes questions on comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving. UPSC CSAT Exam is mandatory for all candidates aspiring to join various civil services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). 

Introduced in 2011, the CSAT aims to ensure that candidates possess the necessary aptitude for civil service roles. The exam format typically includes multiple-choice questions and is conducted in both English and Hindi.

UPSC CSAT Exam 2024 Overview

UPSC CSAT Exam 2024 is to be held on 16th June 2024, after being postponed from 26th May 2024 due to the General Elections 2024. UPSC CSAT Exam assesses a range of aptitude skills crucial for civil service candidates. These include comprehension, interpersonal skills such as communication, logical reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and data interpretation.

The table below contains the overview of the UPSC CSAT Exam:

UPSC CSAT Exam Overview
Exam Name UPSC CSAT Exam (UPSC Prelims GS Paper II)
Conducted Body Union Public Service Commission
UPSC CSAT Exam Timing Second Shift (2:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Exam Language  English, Hindi
Duration of Exam  2 hours for Paper 2 CSAT
Total Number of  Questions  80
Total Marks Allotted 200 Marks
Marking Scheme Correct Answer: + 2.5 Mark for each correct answer
Incorrect Answer: -0.83 marks for each wrong answer
Exam Date 16th June 2024

Also Read: CSAT Preparation Strategy

UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern

UPSC CSAT Exam is held in the second shift of the UPSC Prelims Exam Day. There are 80 questions for 200 marks, which are to be completed in 2 hours. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd marks for every incorrect answer.

The table below contains the UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern in detail:

UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern

Exam type Objective
Number of questions 80
Negative Marking -0.83 (1/3rd) marks for each incorrect answer
Exam Duration 2 Hours
Language of Exam English or Hindi
Total Marks allotted 200
Paper Type Qualifying (min 33% ie. UPSC CSAT Passing Marks are 66)

UPSC CSAT Qualifying Marks

For the UPSC CSAT Exam, the qualifying marks are calculated based on a percentage of marks. As per the UPSC guidelines, candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks in the CSAT paper to qualify for further evaluation.

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Both GS Paper 1 and CSAT are mandatory to attend. Failure to appear for either of them will result in the cancellation of candidature. Additionally, it’s essential to qualify for the CSAT by scoring at least 33.33% marks to have your marks in GS Paper 1 considered for merit calculation.

Since the UPSC CSAT paper consists of 80 questions worth a total of 200 marks, candidates would need to score at least 66 marks (which is 33% of 200 marks) to meet the qualifying criteria.

UPSC CSAT Exam Syllabus 2024 Overview

The UPSC CSAT Syllabus is released by UPSC along with the UPSC Notification every year. Let us have a look at the overview of the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2024, that has been released by the UPSC in its official UPSC CSE Exam 2024 Notification:

  1. Comprehension
  2. Interpersonal skills including communication skills
  3. Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  4. Decision-making and problem-solving
  5. General mental ability
  6. Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc. – Class X level) Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)

UPSC CSAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

The table below contains the detailed syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude for the UPSC CSAT Exam 2024:

UPSC CSAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Basic Numeracy General Mental Ability
  • 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
  • Surds and Indices
  • Basic Set Theory
  • Divisibility Rules
  • Remainder Theorem
  • Unitary Method
  • Ratio to Percentage
  • Simple Interest
  • Compound Interest
  • Profit and Loss
  • Time and Distance
  • Time and Work
  • Partnership
  • Work and Wages
  • Upstream or Downstream
  • Pipe and Cistern Problems
  • Algebra
  • Mixtures and Allegations
  • Mensuration 2D
  • Mensuration 3D
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Probability
  • Permutations and Combinations, etc

Also Read: UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus

UPSC CSAT Reasoning Syllabus

The table below contains the detailed syllabus of Reasoning for the UPSC CSAT Exam 2024:

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UPSC CSAT Reasoning Syllabus
Logical Reasoning And Analytical Ability Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Analogy
  • Classification
  • Mixed Series
  • Number Series
  • Coding Decoding
  • Blood Relations
  • Decision Making
  • Problem-Solving
  • Input-Output
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Coded Inequalities
  • Distance & Directions
  • Alphabet Test 
  • Puzzle
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Arithmetic Reasoning
  • Calendars
  • Clock Reasoning
  • Mirror Image & Water Image
  • Cube and Dice
  • Syllogism
  • Data Interpretation
  • 2D & 3D Pie Charts
  • Bar Graph
  • Vertical Bar Chart
  • Bar Graph vs Histogram
  • Cause & Effect
  • Order & Ranking
  • Sequences and Series
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Coding Decoding
  • Blood Relations
  • 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

Also Read: UPSC CSAT Reasoning Syllabus

UPSC CSAT Comprehension and Decision Making Syllabus

The table below contains the detailed syllabus of Comprehension and Decision Making for the UPSC CSAT Exam 2024:

UPSC CSAT Comprehension and Decision Making Syllabus
Reading Comprehension Decision Making
  • Understanding of Passages
  • Interpretation of Passages
  • Drawing Inferences
  • Identifying Main Ideas
  • Summarising the Content
  • Evaluating Arguments
  • Identifying Tone and Style
  • Vocabulary in Context
  • Understanding Metaphors and Analogies
  • Ethical Dilemmas
  • Administrative Scenarios
  • Case Studies
  • Situational Judgments
  • Problem-Solving in Governance
  • Resource Allocation
  • Policy Analysis
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Crisis Management
  • Public Service Values

Also Read: UPSC CSAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus

UPSC CSAT 2023 Exam Analysis – Topic Wise Weightage

UPSC CSAT 2023 Exam Question Paper covered a wide range of subjects for evaluating students’ aptitude skills and comprehension abilities. 

The UPSC CSAT 2023 exam’s topical weighting is shown in the table as follows:

UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis – Topic Wise Weightage
Topic Weightage (%)
Reading Comprehension 33%
Interpersonal Skills 15%
Logical Reasoning 25%
Decision Making 10%
Basic Numeracy 15%
Data Interpretation 5%

Previous year Trend Analysis of the UPSC CSAT Exam subject-wise syllabus and formulation of a great study plan are vital parts of passing this paper. 

The table contains the trend analysis of the Previous year question papers of UPSC CSAT Exam, from UPSC CSAT Exam 2011 to the latest Exam year, UPSC CSAT Exam 2023:

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UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis – Previous Year Trends
Exam Year Reading Comprehension Logical & Analytical Reasoning Data Interpretation Decision Making & Problem Solving Math & Basic Numeracy
2011 39 17 5 8 11
2012 40 28 0 9 3
2013 33 21 9 6 11
2014 31 23 6 0 20
2015 30 18 2 0 30
2016 28 21 0 0 31
2017 30 22 0 0 28
2018 26 22 14 0 18
2019 30 18 0 0 32
2020 26 12 0 0 42
2021 27 15 1 2 35
2022 27 22 0 0 31
2023 27 14 0 0 39

Srijan 2024

UPSC CSE Prelims Exam 2024 Structure

UPSC CSAT Exam is part of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. It assesses a candidate’s analytical skills, decision-making ability, and aptitude. UPSC CSE exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II. 

Paper-I covers general knowledge and current events, while Paper-II (CSAT) tests comprehension, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. Each paper is worth 200 marks and lasts two hours. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to each question for incorrect answers. Candidates must score a minimum of 33% in Paper-II to qualify for the mains.

UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Structure
Paper Subject Duration Total Marks Number of Questions Marking Scheme
General Studies I General Knowledge and Current Events 2 hours 200 100 +2 marks for each correct answer
CSAT (Paper-II) Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude 2 hours 200 80 +2.5 marks for each correct answer, -0.83 marks for each incorrect answer

UPSC CSAT Exam Timings

The UPSC CSE Prelims Exam is typically held in two sessions: the morning session and the afternoon session. The UPSC GS Paper I is held in the morning session and the GS Paper II (CSAT) is held in the afternoon session.

The morning session begins at 9:30 AM and ends at 11:30 AM, while the afternoon session commences at 2:30 PM and concludes at 4:30 PM. Each session consists of two hours, during which candidates are required to answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering various subjects such as General Studies and Aptitude. 

The table below contains the UPSC CSAT exam timings:

UPSC CSAT Exam Timings
Session Exam Name Reporting Time Exam Timing
Morning GS Paper I 8:00 AM – 9:20 AM 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Afternoon GS Paper II (CSAT) 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

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UPSC CSAT Exam Marking Scheme

The UPSC CSAT Exam marking scheme involves awarding 2.5 marks for each correct answer and deducting 0.83 marks for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking penalty for questions that will be left unanswered.

The table below contains the marking scheme for the UPSC CSAT Exam 2024:

UPSC CSAT Exam Marking Scheme
Type of Answer Marks Awarded
Correct Answer +2.5
Incorrect Answer -0.83
Unanswered 0

UPSC CSAT Exam requires the candidates to choose the correct books for an efficient preparation of the Exam. The list below contains some of the Recommended books for the UPSC CST Exam:

  1. “A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal – Analytical Reasoning” by M K Pandey
  2. “Comprehension, Decision Making & Problem-Solving Compendium for UPSC IAS Prelims CSAT Paper 2” by Disha Experts
  3. “Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation Compendium for UPSC IAS Prelims CSAT Paper 2” by Disha Experts
  4. “Cracking The CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper-2” by Arihant Experts
  5. “The Mantra of CSAT Paper II” by Gautam Puri
  6. “General Studies Paper-II Manual for Prelims” by Tata McGraw Hill
  7. “CSAT Manual” by Pearson 
  8. “High School English Grammar And Composition” by Wren & Martin
  9. “CSAT Conceptual Approach (Paper 2)” by P. N. Roy Chowdhury

UPSC CSAT Exam Preparation Strategy

UPSC CSAT Exam requires a comprehensive Preparation strategy. UPSC aspirants should prepare for the UPSC CSAT Exam in an efficient manner in order to qualify the Exam. UPSC aspirants can follow the UPSC CSAT Exam Preparation Strategy given below: 

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

  • Exam Pattern: The CSAT paper is qualifying in nature. You need to score at least 33% (66 marks out of 200).
  • Syllabus: The paper includes comprehension, interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy (that includes numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude.), and data interpretation (that includes charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.).

2. Analyse Previous Year Papers

  • Review past year papers to understand the type and difficulty level of questions.
  • Identify the areas you are strong in and those that need more practice.

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3. Create a Study Plan

  • Daily Routine: Dedicate specific hours each day to CSAT preparation, balancing it with the preparation for the GS papers.
  • Weekly Goals: Set weekly targets for each topic based on your strengths and weaknesses.

4. Study Resources

  • Books:
    • “A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal
    • “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey
    • “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S. Aggarwal
  • Online Resources:
    • Various educational websites and YouTube channels that provide free lectures and practice questions.
    • Mock tests and sample papers available online.

5. Practice Regularly

  • Comprehension: Read English newspapers, editorials, and magazines to improve your reading speed and comprehension skills.
  • Reasoning and Aptitude: Solve puzzles, logical reasoning problems, and previous years’ questions regularly.
  • Numeracy and Data Interpretation: Practice basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and work on interpreting data from charts and graphs.

6. Mock Tests

  • Take some regular mock tests to simulate the exam environment.
  • Time yourself while solving these tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Analyse your performance in these tests to identify and work on weak areas.

7. Revision

  • Regularly keep revising the topics you have studied to ensure retention.
  • Keep a separate notebook for important formulas, tricks, and shortcuts for quick revision.

8. Time Management

  • Prioritise the topics considering your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Don’t spend too much time on one type of question during practice or the actual exam.

9. Stay Updated

  • Follow recent trends and changes in the exam pattern or syllabus by visiting the official UPSC website and other reliable sources.

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UPSC CSAT Previous Year Papers PDF Download

Previous year Papers are very helpful in the Exam preparation. The UPSC aspirants should download the UPSC CSAT Previous year Papers for a comprehensive preparation. 

The table below contains the PDF Download link of UPSC CSAT Previous year Question Papers:

Are you also appearing for the UPSC Prelims 2024? If Yes, then boost your preparation by joining the test series from Physics Wallah!

Must Read
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Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store 
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store UPSC Test Series 2024
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

 

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UPSC CSAT Exam Syllabus 2024 FAQs

The difficulty of the CSAT exam varies for each individual. It assesses analytical, logical, and problem-solving skills along with general knowledge. Adequate preparation and familiarity with the exam pattern can make it manageable, but it's generally considered challenging.

To pass the CSAT exam, thoroughly review its content, practice regularly with sample questions, manage your time effectively during the exam, and stay calm and focused. Utilise study guides, online resources, and seek guidance from mentors or tutors if needed.

The UPSC CSAT Exam syllabus includes comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, data interpretation, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and English language comprehension skills up to Class X level, designed to assess candidates' aptitude for civil services.

The UPSC CSAT exam question paper typically includes sections on Reading comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and English language comprehension skills. These all topics have a difficulty level up to school level.

Clearing the UPSC CSAT Exam without preparing for maths is challenging but possible if you excel in other areas like comprehension, reasoning, and general awareness. However, dedicating some time to maths can significantly increase your chances of success.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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