CSAT Paper II mock tests are under development. We're preparing full-length practice tests with comprehension passages, logical reasoning, analytical ability, basic numeracy, and data interpretation — all in the UPSC CSAT format (80 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours).
← Back to UPSC CSECSAT is a qualifying paper — you need 33% (66/200 marks) to clear it. The marks are not counted in the Prelims merit list. However, failing CSAT will disqualify you even if you score 180+ in GS Paper I.
CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) is UPSC Prelims Paper II. It is a qualifying paper — you need 33% marks (66 out of 200) to pass. The paper tests reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic math skills.
Total Questions: 80 MCQs. Total Marks: 200 (2.5 marks per question). Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes). Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks for that question (same as GS Paper I). Qualifying marks: 33% i.e. 66 marks out of 200. Important: CSAT marks are NOT added to GS Paper I marks for the Prelims merit list. Only candidates who clear both the 33% threshold in CSAT AND the GS Paper I cutoff are considered qualified for Mains. The paper includes a comprehension passage in both English and Hindi.
Reading Comprehension — typically 20–25 questions from 4–5 passages. Longest section; focus on careful reading and inference. Logical Reasoning — syllogisms, analogies, blood relations, directions, coding-decoding, series completion. Analytical Ability — arrangement problems, input-output, statement-assumption, statement-conclusion. Basic Numeracy — percentages, ratios, profit/loss, time-speed-distance, simple and compound interest, averages. Data Interpretation — bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, tables. Strategy: comprehension + DI together account for 40–50% of the paper. Candidates who are weak in math can still clear CSAT by scoring well in comprehension and logical reasoning.
Do not ignore it — Many aspirants focus only on GS Paper I and fail CSAT. Since 2015, CSAT has seen surprise difficulty spikes. Comprehension strategy — Read the questions first, then the passage to identify what to look for. Don't spend more than 7–8 minutes per passage. Math shortcuts — Learn Vedic maths tricks for percentages, ratios. Practise mental math. Logical reasoning — Syllogisms follow strict Venn diagram logic; practise diagrams. For blood relations, draw family trees. Time management — In the exam, attempt comprehension and DI first (most marks per minute), then reasoning, then math. Skip and come back if stuck. Past papers — Solving 5–6 previous year CSAT papers is the most effective preparation.
GS Paper I (General Studies) — 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours. Tests knowledge of History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs. Merit-based — marks count for Prelims ranking. CSAT Paper II — 80 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours. Tests aptitude skills — comprehension, reasoning, numeracy. Qualifying only — 33% threshold, marks not counted in merit list. Key difference: GS Paper I decides who qualifies for Mains (merit-based cutoff); CSAT is just a gate — clear the 33% threshold and you're through. Most candidates with a science background find CSAT easier; humanities background candidates may need more math practice.