The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is an important part of prelims for the UPSC exam. This test is also known as General Studies (GS) Paper-2 and was introduced into the UPSC exams in 2011. The CSAT exam requires thorough preparation and dedication, so understanding the syllabus clearly is important.
In this blog, we will explore the major sections and topics to cover in the UPSC CSAT syllabus to increase your chances of getting a high score.
Sections and Topics To Focus in CSAT
Along with GS Paper-1, CSAT is the second qualifying exam for UPSC prelims. It is crucial to give equal importance to both these exams to clear the preliminary round. Below we will understand the CSAT syllabus in-depth, focusing on the key topics and sections of the exam that will help increase your CSAT score.
The CSAT exam syllabus is divided into the following sections.
- Comprehension
- Basic numeracy
- General mental ability
- Logical reasoning
- Data interpretation
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Interpersonal skills
Now, let us discuss the key topics to focus on for each section of the exam syllabus.
Comprehension
Comprehension passages are lengthy and reading them can be time-consuming. Students have to practice and increase their reading speed in order to cover all the questions.
An effective way is to practice by reading and solving previous years’ questions papers. Focus on speed reading and accurate answers. You can cross-check with the answer key shared officially by UPSC.
Basic Numeracy
This section tests the numerical aptitude of the candidate. Below are the basic numeracy topics for CSAT to focus on.
- LCM and HCF
- Square Roots and Cube Roots
- Rational Numbers and Ordering
- Averages
- Set theory
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentages
- Decimal Fractions
- Simplification
- Number System
- Remainder Theorem
- Surds and Indices
- Divisibility Rules
General Mental Ability
In this section, the mental aptitude of the candidate is tested. Here are the key topics to focus on for the general mental ability section.
- Boats & Streams
- Trains
- Probability
- Time & Work
- Mensuration & Area
- Partnership
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Time and Distance
- Profit & Loss
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Alligation & Mixtures
- Geometry
- Work & Wages
Logical Reasoning
This section tests the logical and analytical reasoning of the candidate. Below are the key topics to focus on logical reasoning.
- Statement and Inference
- Statement and Assumption
- Statement and Conclusion
- Direction
- Cubes
- Coding and Decoding
- Circular and Linear Arrangement
- Visual reasoning
- Distribution
- Syllogism
- Blood relations
- Data Sufficiency
Data Interpretation
This section evaluates the ability of the candidate to interpret data, especially data from visual representations. Following are the key topics to focus on data interpretation.
- Bar Graph
- Vertical Bar Chart
- 2D and 3D Pie Chart
- Bar Graph vs Histogram
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Missing Number
- Sequences and Series
- Cause and Effect
- Order and Ranking
CSAT Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern will help you become well-prepared for writing the exam. Here, we will understand the pattern for the CSAT exam.
- Mode of exam: The mode of the CSAT exam is pen and paper.
- Number of questions: There will be 80 questions to answer in the exam.
- Duration of the exam: The exam is conducted for 2 hours.
- Total Marks: The CSAT exam is for a total of 200 marks
- Marks to Qualify: You must score 66.67 marks (33%) to qualify for the next round
- Negative Marks: There is negative marking which will be 1/3 of the marks assigned to a specific question for each incorrect answer.
Important Tips For Acing CSAT Exam
As we have seen the major sections and key topics to focus on, now let us look at a few tips to help you ace the CSAT exam.
- Practice reading so that you can increase your reading speed
- Accuracy is the key in scoring well. Aim for high accuracy in all your answers.
- Improve your test scores by solving previous question papers
- Try clearing a few CSAT mock test sessions. Keep studying and attempting until you score 100 marks.
- Do not take the CSAT exam for granted as it is also a qualifying exam, just like General Studies Paper-I.
- Ensure to give enough time for CSAT exam preparation. If you can devote at least two hours of daily study, it will help you pass the exam.
Conclusion
The UPSC CSAT exam is an important part of the Civil Services Examinations. Making yourself familiar with the CSAT syllabus and the main topics will help you create an effective study strategy which can help you improve your score in the CSAT exam.
Use the syllabus topics and guidelines shared in this blog to increase your aptitude for the CSAT exam and achieve your dream of a career as a civil servant.
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