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Master the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2024 with detailed subject-wise breakdown, marking structure, and preparation strategies. Get ready to ace the CSAT exam!
The CSAT paper in UPSC is getting harder, which has posed new challenges for aspirants to prepare for. Let’s understand the nature of the CSAT paper and explore effective strategies to tackle it.
The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The Prelims consist of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT), both of which are objective-type multiple-choice exams.
The General Studies Paper-II i.e., the CSAT Paper (Civil Services Aptitude Test), is qualifying in nature, which means the student has to clear the predetermined cutoff (33%). It is mandatory for students to qualify for the CSAT to get on the merit list of the UPSC for the preliminary examination. To understand the nature of the CSAT paper, candidates should thoroughly go through the UPSC CSAT syllabus in 2024 to secure the pass mark. This article details the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2024 with detailed marking structure, and preparation strategies.
The CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) evaluates various aptitude skills essential for civil service aspirants. These are comprehension, interpersonal skills like communication, logical reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and data interpretation. Learning and mastering these skills is very important for doing well in the CSAT exam because they help you understand and deal with the challenges you’ll face in the civil service selection process. The following table depicts the details of the UPSC CSAT Prelims Paper Exam.
| Exam Name | GS Paper-II (CSAT)) |
| Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission |
| Timing | Second Shift from ( 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm) |
| Language | English, Hindi |
| Duration | 2 hours for Paper 2 CSAT |
| Total Questions | 80 |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks |
| Negative Marking | + 2.5 Mark for each correct question. – ⅓ or -0.83 marks for each wrong answer |
| Exam Date | June 16, 2024 |
Along with the official UPSC Notification 2024, the Union Public Commission has also released the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2024 pdf. The following table shows the CSAT syllabus officially released by UPSC in 2024.
CSAT Syllabus
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Unlocking the CSAT syllabus is essential for aspirants aiming to crack the UPSC Civil Services exam. By analyzing previous year question papers and consulting various aptitude books, we can derive a comprehensive overview of the CSAT syllabus. This helps candidates prepare effectively and focus on key areas to maximize their chances of success.
By understanding this syllabus, candidates can effectively strategize their preparation, ensuring a solid foundation in the aptitude skills crucial for navigating the complexities of the exam. Some problems may overlap between the quantitative and reasoning syllabuses in CSAT. The detailed syllabus outlined below serves as a valuable resource for candidates preparing for the CSAT exam, offering thorough coverage of key topics essential for success.
1. Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
| Basic Numeracy | General Mental Ability |
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2. Reasoning Syllabus
| Logical Reasoning And Analytical Ability | Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
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3. Decision Making, Problem Solving and Interpersonal Skills
4. Reading Comprehension Syllabus
The CSAT 2023 Question Paper covered a wide range of subjects to evaluate applicants’ aptitude skills and comprehension abilities. The UPSC CSAT 2023 exam’s topical weighting is shown in the table as follows:
| Topic | Weightage (%) |
| Comprehension | 20% |
| Interpersonal Skills | 15% |
| Logical Reasoning | 25% |
| Decision Making | 10% |
| Basic Numeracy | 15% |
| English Language Comprehension | 10% |
| Data Interpretation | 5% |
Analysis of the UPSC CSAT subject-wise syllabus and formulation of a great study plan are vital parts of passing this paper. The weightage of sectional questions from 2011 to 2023 for UPSC CSAT GS paper II is listed here:
| 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 |
| Number of questions | 80 Objective Type Questions (MCQ) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd of the total marks given for a question |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Type of Exam | Offline exam |
| Language of CSAT exam | English/Hindi |
| Maximum Marks | 200 |
| CSAT qualifying marks | 67 marks (33%) |
It is clear to you now that if you study well and are dedicated, completing the UPSC CSAT syllabus won’t be too difficult. There are various books available on the market. You must select books that align well with your learning style and cover all topics comprehensively. It is beneficial to seek recommendations from experienced candidates or mentors who have successfully cleared the exam. To help you prepare for the CSAT Prelims, we have included the list below with some of the top and tried-and-true UPSC materials for the UPSC CSAT syllabus:
A planned method is necessary to efficiently cover the CSAT syllabus preparation. Start by self-assessing your level of preparation using the UPSC CSAT previous year’s question papers. To determine your areas of strength and growth, aim for a subject-wise benchmark score.
The most effective approach to scoring well is through mock practice tests. It is a useful tool to self-check the level of the applicant’s preparedness for the UPSC exam. The mock exams assist the candidates in facing the real examination setting in a replicated environment.
UPSC candidates are highly encouraged to participate in mock tests offered by online platforms. Learning insider secrets and methods is needed to answer UPSC CSAT questions with ease. Preparing for the exam with the professional advice of a mentor will help with your results. Finding your preparation gaps and boosting your self-confidence can be achieved with the aid of the UPSC CSAT Mock Test Series conducted by institutions.
Join the UPSC CSAT 2024 Mock Exams conducted by institutions or online platforms, and it will help you score better in the main exams.
1. The sum of the first two terms of a geometric progression is 16. The third and fourth terms add up to 64. What is the third term in the geometric progression, if the terms have alternately positive and negative values.
A) 64
B) 32
C) −16
D) −64
Answer: D (-64)
2. From a group of 500 people, 60% speak English, 40% speak Hindi, and 20% speak both languages. How many people speak neither English nor Hindi?
A) 100
B) 150
C) 200
D) 250
Answer: A (100)
1. “In recent international developments, India signed a strategic partnership agreement with Country X to enhance cooperation in the defence and security sectors. This move is expected to strengthen India’s position in the region.”
According to the passage, what is the expected outcome of India’s strategic partnership agreement with Country X?
A) To weaken India’s position in the region
B) To maintain the status quo
C) To strengthen India’s position in the region
D) To focus on economic cooperation
Answer: C (To strengthen India’s position in the region)
1. Eight boys A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H are seated around a circular table. A and B are opposite to each other. F is neither next to H nor next to G. H is to the immediate left of B and opposite of G. D is to the immediate right of B.
Who is to the immediate right of A?
A) G
B) B
C) F
D) C or E
Answer: C (F)
2. If all cats are dogs, and some dogs are birds, which of the following statements is true?
A) Some birds are cats.
B) All cats are birds.
C) Some dogs are cats.
D) All birds are cats.
Answer: C (Some dogs are cats)
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