UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise & Subject-Wise PDF for Prelims Paper 2

Understand UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 in detail with topic-wise coverage and section weightage. Download the syllabus PDF and learn how to prepare for the exam.

Madhavi Gaur

July 18, 2025

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026: The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is an essential paper of the UPSC Prelims examination. Candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks to qualify the CSAT Paper. Even though the paper is qualifying in nature, the level of questions has increased over the years. 

CSAT paper that tests the aspirant’s presence of mind and fundamental problem-solving ability rather than memorization. It is important for aspirants to understand the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 as it helps them prepare effectively for this qualifying paper. 

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 Overview

Knowing the basic structure of the CSAT paper can help you prepare accordingly for the exam. UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 evaluates a candidates’ aptitude, logical reasoning, and decision-making abilities necessary for administrative responsibilities. It includes objective-type questions focused on aptitude, reasoning, and comprehension. Here’s a brief overview of UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026:

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UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 Overview

Section Topics Covered
Comprehension Reading comprehension passages and answering related questions
Interpersonal and Communication Skills Questions to test interpersonal skills and communication clarity
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability Puzzles, blood relations, directions, coding-decoding, patterns, etc.
Decision-Making & Problem-Solving Situation-based questions assessing judgment and administrative decision-making
General Mental Ability Numerical reasoning, series completion, pattern recognition
Basic Numeracy (Class X level) Number system, percentages, averages, ratios, time & work, profit & loss, etc.
Data Interpretation (Class X level) Charts, graphs, tables, data comparison, and calculation

Also Read: UPSC Syllabus 2025

CSAT Syllabus 2026 Topic-Wise PDF

You can download the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 PDF topic-wise from the official UPSC website. The topic-wise syllabus helps students focus on their preparation strategically. The major sections include:

CSAT Syllabus Topic-Wise PDF

How Many Topics Are There in CSAT?

The CSAT 2026 syllabus can be broadly categorized into six major topics:

  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Decision-Making and problem-solving
  • General Mental Ability
  • Basic Numeracy
  • Data Interpretation

Each of these topics are divided into various subtopics, making it essential for candidates to cover each topic thoroughly.

CSAT Syllabus Topic-Wise Weightage 

The UPSC CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) syllabus 2026 covers broad areas like comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, problem solving, general mental ability, data interpretation, and basic numeracy. There is no specific topic weightage given, but it assesses students’ analytical, problem-solving, and aptitude skills. Here are UPSC CSAT Exam Expected Topic Wise Weightage:

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 Topic Wise Weightage
Topic Expected Weightage (%) 
Comprehension 20%
Interpersonal Skills 15%
Logical Reasoning 25%
Decision Making and Problem Solving 10%
Basic Numeracy 15%
English Language Comprehension 10%
Data Interpretation 5%

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 for Maths

UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus 2026 includes topics like L.C.M & H.C.F., number systems, rational numbers, percentages. This section tests candidates on various mathematical concepts that are essential for solving problems effectively in the exam. 

The topics covered under the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 for Maths are diverse, ranging from basic arithmetic to complex data interpretation. Here is the detailed UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus 2026 for better understanding.

UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus 2026 
Basic Numeracy General Mental Ability
Number System Time & Work
Rational Numbers & Ordering Time and Distance
L.C.M & H.C.F Trains
Square Roots & Cube Roots Boats & Streams
Decimal Fractions Pipes & Cisterns
Averages Work & Wages
Ratio & Proportion Profit & Loss
Percentages Partnership
Simplification SI and CI
Surds & Indices Mensuration & Area
Divisibility Rules Alligation & Mixtures
Remainder Theorem P & C
Set Theory Probability
Geometry

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UPSC CSAT Reasoning Syllabus 2026

UPSC CSAT Reasoning syllabus 2026 aims to assess analytical and logical abilities of the candidate. This section evaluates how well candidates can think through problems, understand patterns, and draw logical conclusions. 

The syllabus is divided into two areas: Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability (LR & AA) and Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (DI & DS). These sections require clarity in logic, understanding of the structured data, and the ability to make quick judgments under time pressure. Here are some topics included in the reasoning section:

UPSC CSAT Reasoning Syllabus 2026
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability (LR & AA) Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (DI & DS)
Mathematical puzzles & patterns Alphabet test
Statements & conclusions Coding-decoding
Cubes & dice Blood relation
Deriving conclusions Seating arrangement
Syllogism Logical Venn diagrams
Clocks Direction sense test
Table, bar, and pie charts Mathematical operations
Statement & assumptions Series
Cause & effect Classification
Calendars Analogy
Analytical reasoning Arithmetical reasoning
Statements & arguments
Number ranking
Time sequence tests
Situation reaction tests
Punch lines

UPSC CSAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2026

UPSC CSAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2026 include Passages from topics based on economics, philosophy, environment, sociology, and current affairs. Based on the passages, questions may test:

  • The primary idea or theme.
  • Author’s tone and intent.
  • Inferences and conclusions.
  • Contextual meanings of words or phrases.
  • Logical flow or coherence of ideas.

The questions aim to assess clarity of thought, linguistic precision, and interpretive skills.

UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper Pattern 2026

UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper Pattern 2026 follows a structured pattern and assesses a candidate’s aptitude and problem-solving skills. Although it’s a qualifying paper, understanding the exam pattern is crucial to plan preparation and manage time effectively. Here is the UPSC 

UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper Pattern 2026 
Particulars Details
Exam Mode Offline (OMR-based)
Total Questions 80
Marks per Question 2.5
Total Marks 200
Duration 2 Hours
Medium English and Hindi
Types of Questions Objective and Multiple Choice Questions
Negative Marking Yes (0.83 marks per wrong answer)
Qualifying Marks 66.67 (33% of 200)

Tips to Prepare for UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025

Given the qualifying nature of the CSAT paper, it is crucial to approach its preparation with a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern. Candidates are advised to:

Start Early and Assess Your Strengths

Candidates should begin at least 3–4 months before Prelims. Take a mock test to identify which topics require practice in Maths, Reasoning, or English.

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Practice Reading Comprehension Daily

Solve at least 3–4 passages a day. Choose sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, or even UPSC previous year CSAT papers. Remember to focus on accuracy and not speed at first. Later on, focus on speed. 

Revise Basic Maths from NCERTs

Having a strong foundation of the basics is important. Go back to Class 8–10 NCERT maths books to revise the basic concepts. Focus on topics like Time and Work, Averages, Percentages, and Profit-Loss. 

Solve Mock Test Under Timed Conditions

Once you’ve completed the topics, take CSAT mock test papers under the two hour exam time. Solving mock tests under timed conditions will help you improve speed and decision-making. Analyze your mistakes after every mock test and work on them.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

 

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs

UPSC CSAT 2026 syllabus covers topics like Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Basic Numeracy, and Data Interpretation.

Around 20–25 questions in the UPSC CSAT paper are from the Maths section (Basic Numeracy). These cover Class 10-level topics such as percentages, averages, time and work, and number systems.

The Reasoning section in the CSAT syllabus 2026 includes analytical topics like syllogisms, statement-conclusion, puzzles, and coding-decoding.

Yes, Reading Comprehension is a major part of the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026. Around 25–30 questions are based on unseen passages.

Yes, the topic-wise UPSC CSAT 2026 syllabus PDF is available on the official UPSC website. It helps candidates organize their study plan more effectively.

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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