UPSC Prelims – CSAT (Paper 2)

UPSC Prelims – CSAT (Paper 2)

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1. Overview

Parameter	Details
Paper	CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test – Paper 2)
Marks	200 marks
Duration	2 hours
Nature	Objective / Multiple Choice Questions
Qualifying Marks	33% (66 out of 200)
Purpose	Tests aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, and decision-making skills

Note: CSAT is qualifying in nature, but scoring well helps build confidence and ensures no risk of disqualification.

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2. Recommended Books & Resources

Book / Resource	Purpose / Details
R.S. Agarwal – Quantitative Aptitude	Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, number system, and data interpretation. Good for problem-solving practice.
Arun Sharma – Logical Reasoning	Covers puzzles, logical reasoning, seating arrangements, blood relations, coding-decoding, series, syllogisms. Helps in developing analytical skills.
Practice Papers / Previous Year CSAT Questions	Essential for time management and understanding question patterns.

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3. CSAT Syllabus

Section	Key Topics
Quantitative Aptitude / Arithmetic	Number system, Simplification, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Geometry, Mensuration
Data Interpretation	Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselets
Logical Reasoning / Analytical Ability	Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Coding-Decoding, Inequalities, Series, Direction Sense
Comprehension / English Language	Reading comprehension, Basic grammar, Synonyms & Antonyms, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion
Decision Making & Problem Solving	Situational questions, Analytical reasoning, Basic mental ability

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4. Strategy to Cover CSAT

Step 1: Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Agarwal

·         Cover basic arithmetic topics thoroughly

·         Solve daily 20–30 questions for speed and accuracy

·         Focus on Data Interpretation → Pie charts, tables, line graphs

Step 2: Logical Reasoning – Arun Sharma

·         Practice puzzles daily → Seating arrangements, Blood relations, Syllogisms

·         Learn shortcut techniques for coding-decoding and series problems

·         Regular practice improves accuracy and time management

Step 3: Comprehension & Decision Making

·         Read editorials or short passages to improve reading comprehension

·         Practice case-based questions from previous year CSAT papers

Step 4: Mock Tests

·         Take full-length timed mock tests weekly

·         Identify weak areas and improve speed

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5. Sample Questions – CSAT (Prelims MCQs)

Quantitative Aptitude

1.      A train travels 60 km at a speed of 40 km/h and returns the same distance at 60 km/h. The average speed for the whole journey is:
a) 48 km/h
b) 49 km/h
c) 50 km/h
d) 51 km/h
Answer: c) 48 km/h

2.      If 5 men can complete a work in 20 days, how many days will 10 men take to complete the same work?
a) 5
b) 10
c) 8
d) 12
Answer: b) 10

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Logical Reasoning

3.      A family consists of six members P, Q, R, S, T, and U. P is the father of Q. Q is married to R. S is the mother of R. T is the son of Q. U is the daughter of R. How is S related to T?
a) Grandmother
b) Mother
c) Aunt
d) Sister
Answer: a) Grandmother

4.      Find the next number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
a) 36
b) 40
c) 42
d) 48
Answer: c) 42

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Comprehension / Decision Making

5.      Read the following statement and answer: "All students in a class passed the mathematics exam. Some students also passed the science exam. Which statement is correct?"
a) All students passed both exams
b) Some students passed only mathematics
c) Some students passed only science
d) Some students passed both exams
Answer: d) Some students passed both exams

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6. Preparation Tips – CSAT

1.      Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on basic arithmetic, shortcuts, and DI practice

2.      Logical Reasoning: Practice puzzles, seating, series, blood relations daily

3.      Comprehension: Read passages & practice case-based questions

4.      Mock Tests: Weekly full-length tests to improve speed and accuracy

5.      Time Management: Divide 2 hours → 80 min Quant + 40 min Logical + 20 min Comprehension & Decision Making

6.      Minimum Score Target: 66 marks (33% of 200)

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Summary

·         Books: R.S. Agarwal (Quantitative Aptitude), Arun Sharma (Logical Reasoning), Previous Year CSAT Papers

·         Topics: Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Comprehension, Decision Making

·         Strategy: Build concepts → Daily practice → Shortcut techniques → Mock tests → Revise

·         Goal: Score minimum 66 marks (33%) and attempt confidently