The UPSC CSAT syllabus covers essential topics that comprehensively evaluate a candidate’s aptitude and skills. This syllabus breakdown highlights its key components and explains their significance in the examination process.
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UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern
To do well in the UPSC CSAT exam, fully understanding the UPSC CSAT syllabus and exam pattern is important. The CSAT paper includes sections like comprehension, logical reasoning, general mental ability, and basic numeracy. Knowing how the marks are distributed and the requirement to score at least 33% to qualify is key to moving from the Prelims to the Mains stage of the Civil Services Examination.
Here’s an overview of the CSAT Exam Pattern:
- Total Marks: 200
- Mode: Pen and Paper
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Number of Questions: 80
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the allotted mark is deducted for each incorrect answer
- Qualifying Marks: 33% or 66.67 Marks
UPSC CSAT Syllabus – Topic-wise
The UPSC CSAT syllabus covers a variety of important topics, each playing a crucial role in the Preliminary examination. This section breaks down each topic in detail, including comprehension, logical reasoning, decision-making, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and data interpretation. Mastering these topics is essential to qualify for the CSAT paper and move on to the next stage of the Civil Services Examination.
The UPSC CSAT syllabus is divided into seven sections:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills
- Logical reasoning
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy
- Data interpretation
UPSC CSAT Maths Syllabus
For candidates preparing for the UPSC CSAT Maths section, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the syllabus. This table includes essential topics from both basic numeracy and general mental ability sections, offering valuable insights to help you excel in the mathematics segment.
| Basic Numeracy | General Mental Ability |
|---|---|
| L.C.M & H.C.F | Time and Work |
| Rational Numbers & Ordering | Partnership |
| Square Roots & Cube Roots | Profit & Loss |
| Averages | Time and Distance |
| Set Theory | Trains |
| Decimal Fractions | Boats & Streams |
| Ratio & Proportion | Work & Wages |
| Simplification | Pipes & Cisterns |
| Number System | Probability |
| Surds & Indices | P & C (Permutation & Combination) |
| Divisibility Rules | Alligation & Mixtures |
| Percentages | Geometry |
| Remainder Theorem | Mensuration & Area |
| SI and CI (Simple & Compound Interest) |
This breakdown covers crucial topics like number systems, percentages, and averages, as well as general mental ability topics such as partnership, profit & loss, and time and distance. By focusing on these areas, candidates can enhance their preparation and improve their performance in the UPSC CSAT Maths section.
UPSC CSAT Reasoning Syllabus
The UPSC CSAT syllabus for reasoning is divided into two main sections: Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability (LR & AA) and Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (DI & DS). Here’s a breakdown of the topics covered in each section:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability (LR & AA) | Analogies, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Puzzles and Patterns, Bar Charts, Statements and Conclusions, Cubes and Dice, Deriving Conclusions, Syllogism, Inserting the Missing Character, Eligibility Tests, Analytical Reasoning, Statement and Assumptions, Cause and Effect, Calendars, Statements and Arguments, Table Charts, Clocks, Situation Reaction Tests, Pie Charts, Number Ranking, Time Sequence Tests, Arithmetical Reasoning, Punch Lines |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (DI & DS) | Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Logical Venn Diagram, Direction Sense Test, Mathematical Operations, Series, Classification, Analogy |
Tips for Preparation
- Regular Practice: Practice consistently to improve your skills.
- Previous Year’s Questions: Solving past papers can give you a good understanding of the types of questions asked and help you manage your time better during the exam.
- Edukemy’s CSAT Material: Edukemy provides a strategic advantage of CSAT questions from 2019 to 2023, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle similar questions in the upcoming exam.
FAQs
Q: What is the UPSC CSAT Syllabus?
- Answer: The UPSC CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) syllabus covers a range of topics designed to test a candidate’s analytical skills, logical reasoning, and comprehension abilities. It includes sections on general mental ability, logical reasoning, basic numeracy, data interpretation, and reading comprehension.
Q: What are the minimum qualifying marks for the UPSC prelims paper 2?
- Answer: To qualify for the UPSC Mains, a candidate must score at least 66 marks (33% of the total) in the CSAT paper. Along with this, they need to clear the minimum cutoff for Paper 1, which changes each year. Only after meeting both these criteria can a candidate move forward to the main stage.
Q: What topics are included in the Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability section?
- Answer: This section includes topics such as analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, puzzles, bar charts, statements and conclusions, cubes and dice, syllogism, cause and effect, calendars, clocks, and various reasoning tests.
Q: What does the Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency section cover?
- Answer: The Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency section covers topics like table charts, pie charts, bar charts, arithmetical reasoning, and other types of data analysis. It focuses on interpreting data accurately and determining if the provided data is sufficient to answer a question.
Q: How important is the Reading Comprehension section in the CSAT syllabus?
- Answer: The Reading Comprehension section is very important as it tests your ability to understand and interpret written material. You will need to read passages and answer questions based on them, assessing your comprehension and analytical skills.
Q: Are the scores from CSAT or UPSC General Studies Paper 2 counted in the final score?
- Answer: No, CSAT scores aren’t added to the final. However, it’s mandatory to clear the minimum qualifying marks in CSAT. Only if candidates pass CSAT can they move forward to the Mains exam.
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