UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025 PDF Download

The UPSC CSE Prelims is an extremely competitive exam that acts as the first stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE). The exam is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and serves as a gateway for aspirants who wish to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2023, the exam pattern, marking scheme, and previous year trend analysis. Additionally, we will also discuss the best books for UPSC CSAT that can help candidates in their preparation for the exam. With this information, aspirants can develop a comprehensive study plan and improve their chances of success in the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam.
If you're an UPSC aspirant with a goal of becoming an IAS, then look no further than the EduRev Infinity Package for UPSC.

What is UPSC CSAT?

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Personal Interview. The Preliminary Exam includes two objective type papers: General Studies Paper – I and General Studies Paper – II, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

• GS Paper–II: The CSAT is designed to test the aptitude and reasoning abilities of candidates. Although the UPSC refers to the exam as General Studies (GS) Paper – II, it is commonly known as the CSAT.
• Qualifying Paper: The CSAT is a qualifying paper of the UPSC Prelims Exam, meaning that candidates need to qualify it to move on to the Mains Exam. In order to pass the CSAT exam, candidates need to score a minimum of 33% of the total marks in this paper. However, this passing mark is applicable only if they have scored well enough on the General Studies Paper – I in the Preliminary Exam.
• Marks not counted in Merit List: Though the marks scored in UPSC Prelims 2023 will not be counted in the merit list but to get shortlisted for Mains Exam, the candidates have to qualify for the 1st stage with flying colors. Therefore, candidates need to perform well in both the CSAT and the General Studies Paper – I to be eligible to move on to the Mains Exam.

Also Check: 

• Complete Syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
• UPSC CSE 2023 Exam Pattern

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2023

UPSC CSAT is a qualifying paper in prelims and it is important to score 66+ marks out of 200 to ensure selection in Prelims. Having a thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern is important for UPSC CSAT preparation so that you can study smartly and can effectively study what matters through them.
The CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) syllabus for UPSC 2023 shall comprises the following broad categories:

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)

EduRev offers a comprehensive UPSC CSE Preparation package that covers all the topics from the UPSC CSE syllabus. This Package is designed to help the candidate understand the concepts, prepare for the exam, and practice the questions. Video lectures, detailed notes, and online tests are available enabling learners to choose the most suitable method for their learning preferences.

UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern 

It is important for candidates to be familiar with the exam pattern of the UPSC CSE (Civil Service Examination). The UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies (GS) and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test), with the former being the first paper and the latter being the second paper.

Here are the details of UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper – II (CSAT) Exam Pattern

• Number of Questions: The CSAT paper consists of 80 objective-type multiple-choice questions.
• Negative Marking: There is negative marking in the CSAT paper. One-third of the maximum marks for a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer.
• Time: The duration of the CSAT paper is 2 hours (120 minutes).
• Type of Exam: The CSAT exam is an offline exam, which means that it is conducted on paper.
• Language of CSAT Exam Paper: The CSAT paper is available in two languages, English and Hindi. Candidates can choose the language in which they want to appear for the exam.
• Maximum Marks: The CSAT paper is worth 200 marks in total.
• CSAT Qualifying Marks: In order to qualify the CSAT paper, candidates need to score a minimum of 66 marks out of 200 (33% qualifying criteria).

It is important to note that the CSAT paper is just one part of the Civil Services Examination. Candidates need to qualify both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in order to move on to the next stage of the examination, which is the mains exam.

Also Check: 

• UPSC CSE Handbook- Syllabus, Exam Dates, Notification, Exam Pattern and More

UPSC CSAT Marking Scheme

It is important for candidates to understand the UPSC CSAT marking scheme so that they can strategize their exam preparation accordingly. They should aim to answer as many questions as possible, while also being cautious about the negative marking penalty for incorrect answers.
The UPSC CSAT marking scheme is an important aspect of the Civil Services Examination. Here are some key details about the UPSC CSAT marking scheme:

• Number of Questions: The CSAT paper consists of 80 questions, each carrying 2.5 marks. The total marks for the paper are 200.
• Negative Marking: There is negative marking in the CSAT paper. For every incorrect answer, the candidate is penalised 1/3rd of the total marks allotted to that question. This means that for every wrong answer, 0.83 marks will be deducted.
• Unattempted Questions: If a candidate does not attempt a question, i.e., leaves it blank on the OMR sheet, no marks will be deducted.
• Calculation of Scores: The total score of a candidate in the CSAT paper is calculated by adding up the marks obtained for all the correct answers, and then subtracting the penalty for all the incorrect answers.
• Qualifying Marks: In order to qualify for the CSAT paper, a candidate needs to score a minimum of 66 marks out of 200 (33% qualifying criteria).

Practicing previous year question papers and mock test series available in EduRev Infinity Package for UPSC can help candidates get familiar with the marking scheme and improve their performance in the exam.

UPSC CSAT Previous Year Trend Analysis

The CSAT previous year papers are a crucial resource for candidates who are preparing for the UPSC exam and aiming to clear the UPSC prelims in their first attempt. Reviewing the CSAT previous year papers will give candidates an idea of the type of questions they can anticipate.
Check out the CSAT Previous Year Paper Analysis below to understand the examination pattern:

• Reading Comprehension Bilingual carries the highest weightage in the UPSC CSAT exam, followed by Basic Numeracy and Reasoning & Analytical Ability.
• These three subjects contribute the most to the exam pattern.
• Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency have a relatively lower contribution, while Decision Making & Problem Solving has the least contribution among all subjects.

Also Check: 

• UPSC CSE 2023 Cut off and Previous Year Trend Analysis for Prelims and Mains

Best Books for UPSC CSAT

UPSC CSAT is a highly competitive exam and requires a focused and disciplined approach for its preparation. Along with regular practice and dedication, choosing the right set of books is also essential for success in this exam. Here are some of the best books recommended by experts for UPSC CSAT preparation:

• General Studies Paper-II for UPSC Preliminary Examination by McGraw Hill
• Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
• A Modern Approach To Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by S.Chand/R.S. Aggarwal
• The Mantra of CSAT Paper II by GKP/Gautam Puri
• Cracking The CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper-2 by Arihant
• High School English Grammar And Composition by Wren & Martin

Also Check: 

• Best Books Recommended by Toppers for UPSC CSE 2023

How to prepare CSAT for UPSC 2023?

Preparing for the UPSC CSAT exam can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and guidance, it can be made manageable. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam:

• Understand the Exam Pattern and syllabus:  Firstly, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the latest syllabus and exam pattern for the Civil Services Aptitude Test. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary topics.
• Analyze & Practice from Previous Year Papers: It is also recommended that you go through previous year's questions to understand the level of difficulty, trends, and types of questions asked in the exam. This will help you prepare a study plan accordingly. To improve your performance and time management skills, it is recommended that you solve as many questions as possible from the last year's papers
• To clear the English section in CSAT: Improve and expand your vocabulary, Specifically learn common idioms and phrases, Read Newspaper Daily, Get a good basic grammar book and read it to ensure you use the grammar correctly.
• To Prepare for Reasoning Questions in CSAT: Understand the concepts, Learn different shortcuts and tricks to solve reasoning questions quickly, Practice regularly, Focus on types of reasoning questions that are typically asked in the exam, such as syllogisms, logical deductions, and analytical reasoning.
• Take Section Wise Mock Tests: Taking section-wise mock tests helps candidates evaluate their preparation level and identify areas that need improvement. By attempting mock tests, candidates can get a clear idea of the types of questions that are typically asked in each section of the exam. They can also practice solving questions within the given time limit, which is essential for clearing the exam.
• Use Complete Preparation Study Material: Get fully equipped for the UPSC exam with EduRev's complete preparation package. Access expert notes, videos, online MCQ tests, mock tests for both UPSC CSE Prelims and UPSC Main, and all study material all in one place.

Also Check: 

• UPSC Bible: 15 Steps to Clear UPSC CSE by Toppers
• How to Prepare for UPSC?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2023

What is UPSC Prelims Syllabus?

UPSC Preliminary Exam is the first stage of the CSE and consists of two papers - General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The General Studies paper covers topics such as Indian Polity and Governance, Indian Economy, History and Culture, Geography, Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology, and Current Affairs. The CSAT paper tests candidates on their analytical and logical reasoning, decision-making, comprehension, and interpersonal skills. Check the complete UPSC Syllabus here.

Is UPSC CSAT paper qualifying in nature?

Yes, the UPSC CSAT paper is qualifying in nature. The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is the second paper of the UPSC Preliminary Exam and is designed to test the candidates' aptitude and analytical abilities. The CSAT paper comprises multiple-choice questions and is of 200 marks. According to the UPSC rules, candidates are required to score a minimum of 33% marks in the CSAT paper to qualify for the Mains exam. However, the marks obtained in the CSAT paper are not counted towards the final merit list.

How to prepare CSAT for UPSC 2023?

Preparing for UPSC CSAT 2023 requires a well-planned and systematic approach. Candidates can follow these tips to prepare for the exam:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
• Analyze and practice previous year's papers to understand the difficulty level and types of questions asked.
• For the English section, improve vocabulary, learn common idioms and phrases, read newspapers daily, and brush up on grammar.
• For reasoning questions, understand the concepts, learn shortcuts and tricks, practice regularly, and focus on types of questions typically asked in the exam.
• Take section-wise mock tests to evaluate preparation level and identify areas for improvement.

Are UPSC CSAT syllabus and UPSC Paper 2 syllabus the same?

Yes, the UPSC CSAT syllabus and UPSC Paper 2 syllabus are the same. The CSAT is designed to assess the candidate's aptitude and is a qualifying exam, requiring a minimum score of 33%. The IAS Prelims Exam includes two papers, namely GS Paper 1 and GS Paper 2, both of which cover the same topics as the CSAT Syllabus.

How much time is sufficient for CSAT?

To prepare for CSAT, it is recommended to reserve every Sunday for practice and attempt some questions from mock question papers available in study materials. For those facing difficulties with the CSAT paper, it is advisable to practice for at least one hour every day. As you improve, the practice time can be reduced to 3-4 hours per week or one mock paper per week, depending on individual needs.