UPSC CSAT Paper 2: Syllabus, Books, Marking Scheme, and Preparation Strategy (In English and हिंदी Both)

UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Overview

- The CSAT is a qualifying paper in the UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam. Though it is compulsory to appear for CSAT, it is only qualifying in nature, meaning that candidates need to score at least 33% in this paper to be eligible for the Mains exam. The final selection is based on the aggregate performance in General Studies Paper 1.

- Total Marks: 200 marks
- Duration: 2 hours
- Number of Questions: 80 questions
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

- The CSAT paper consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- The questions are designed to test the candidate’s analytical skills, logical reasoning, decision-making ability, comprehension, and basic numeracy.
- The difficulty level of questions can vary, but they are generally designed to test the applicant’s basic understanding and mental ability.
- The paper has 80 questions in total, and the difficulty level is considered to be moderate.
- The sections typically cover Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Decision-Making, and Basic Numeracy.

- Reading comprehension: Passages from various fields (science, humanities, economics, etc.), followed by related questions to test the candidate’s understanding.
- Interpretation of passages: Candidates are tested on their ability to analyze and interpret the meaning of the passage accurately.

- Logical reasoning: Includes problems related to syllogisms, sequences, coding-decoding, and patterns.
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: Includes analogies, blood relations, directions, seating arrangements, puzzles, etc.
- Decision-making: Questions that require candidates to make the best decision based on available information, often involving scenarios.

- Number system: Basic concepts such as powers, roots, and percentages.
- Data interpretation: Tables, graphs, and data sets requiring calculations and drawing conclusions.
- Averages, ratios, and proportions: Simple questions to test mathematical aptitude.
- Time and Work, Speed and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest: Basic questions related to everyday applications of mathematics.

- Patterns: Simple sequences or patterns to identify the next item in a series.
- Basic Arithmetic: Arithmetic questions requiring basic calculations, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

- Each correct answer is awarded 2.5 marks.
- Each incorrect answer attracts a penalty of 0.83 marks (negative marking).
- Unanswered questions or questions left blank do not attract any penalty.

- The CSAT paper is only qualifying in nature, which means that while it plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for the Mains exam, the marks obtained in this paper do not contribute to the final ranking or selection.

- The questions in the CSAT paper are of moderate difficulty, and while they test reasoning, analytical, and numerical abilities, they do not require advanced knowledge.
- The Basic Numeracy questions generally do not go beyond high school-level mathematics.
- Logical reasoning questions are designed to test the candidate’s ability to think critically and solve problems with clear and structured thinking.
- Comprehension questions require the candidate to understand and interpret written material, but they are not as complex as in other competitive exams.

- “CSAT Paper 2: UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test” by MHE (McGraw Hill Education): A popular book for CSAT preparation with a wide variety of practice questions on reasoning, comprehension, and mathematics.

- “A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal: Highly recommended for practicing logical and analytical reasoning, offering numerous practice questions and detailed solutions.

- “CSAT General Studies Paper 2” by Wiley India: This book covers a broad spectrum of topics with practice exercises and sample papers designed for the UPSC CSAT.

- “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal: Focuses on basic numeracy, algebra, and data interpretation, ideal for practicing simple arithmetic problems.

- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey: A good book to strengthen logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, particularly in reasoning sections of CSAT.
- Examlife’s Concept and Quiz Section

- “Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by Dr. K. Kundan:A comprehensive book covering all aspects of verbal and non-verbal reasoning with sufficient practice material.

- “UPSC CSAT Solved Papers” by Vajiram and Ravi:A collection of solved papers from previous years, which gives a clear understanding of the question pattern and difficulty level.

- “Objective General English” by R.S. Aggarwal:Helps to improve comprehension and English language skills for the reading comprehension section of CSAT.

- A. Understanding the Pattern: Analyze previous years’ papers to understand the type and level of questions asked in the CSAT paper.
- B. Time Management: Practice solving questions under time constraints to ensure that you can complete the entire paper within the allocated 2 hours.
- C. Focus on Weak Areas: If you struggle with mathematics or logical reasoning, spend extra time on these areas and use books that explain basic concepts and provide practice questions.
- D. Regular Mock Tests:Take regular mock tests to improve your time management skills, accuracy, and confidence. Focus on practicing comprehension and analytical reasoning under exam conditions.
- E. Revision: Revise important concepts, especially in quantitative aptitude and reasoning. Ensure that you regularly practice numerical problems and logical puzzles.

- UPSC Prelims Paper 2: CSAT is an essential component of the Civil Services Prelims Exam. While the paper is qualifying in nature, it is crucial to perform well to progress to the Mains exam. Candidates should focus on strengthening their analytical reasoning, logical ability, and basic numeracy skills. With the right preparation and strategy, candidates can easily clear this paper and focus on their General Studies paper, which will ultimately contribute to their final ranking in the UPSC Civil Services Exam.