CSAT Books for UPSC PDF Download

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination can be an overwhelming task, especially with the vast amount of information and topics that need to be covered. One of the most crucial components of this examination is the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), which requires a comprehensive understanding of analytical and quantitative skills.

To excel in the CSAT Paper, candidates must use reliable study materials, such as books that provide in-depth coverage of the syllabus and ample practice questions. This article will explore some of the best CSAT books available in the market that can help candidates prepare for the examination with confidence.
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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

What are the top CSAT Books for UPSC Preparation?

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) can be a challenging task, but having the right study material can make a significant difference in your preparation. There are several books available in the market that cater to the needs of UPSC aspirants preparing for the CSAT. Mentioned below books provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, including topics such as quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

This booklist for UPSC CSAT is recommended by almost all the toppers as well as UPSC experts. Now, that you have an entire list with you, there should be no worrying about what to read!
In case you have limited time but still want to excel in the UPSC exam, you can explore the UPSC Study Material available in the  EduRev Infinity Package for UPSC. This comprehensive package offers over 90 EduRev courses, comprising 1000+ tests, 2000+ documents, and 500+ videos, which can assist you in acing the examination.

Additional CSAT Books for UPSC Preparation

Apart from the best CSAT books for UPSC listed above, there are several other top books that can be referred to for UPSC CSAT preparation. Some of these books are equally effective in preparing candidates for the CSAT exam and can provide valuable insights and knowledge.

Also Check: 

• Best Books Recommended by Toppers for UPSC CSE 2023

Importance of UPSC CSE Books 

UPSC books are critical for effective preparation for the Civil Services Examination as they provide comprehensive information on the syllabus and aid in developing a deeper understanding of the subjects.

• Comprehensive Coverage of Syllabus: Good UPSC books cover the entire syllabus in detail and provide in-depth explanations of all the topics. This helps aspirants to get a complete understanding of the syllabus and prepare thoroughly for the exam.
• Exam-Oriented Approach: The best UPSC books are written with the examination in mind. They provide a structured and exam-oriented approach to the subjects, helping aspirants to focus on what is important for the exam and to prepare accordingly.
• Practice Questions and Explanations: Good UPSC books include practice questions and answers along with detailed explanations. This helps aspirants to test their understanding of the subjects and to identify their areas of strength and weakness.
• Up-to-Date Information: Good UPSC books are updated regularly to ensure that they include the most current information and developments in each subject. This helps aspirants to stay informed and to prepare accordingly.

Additionally, practicing previous year question papers and mock test series is equally important. These materials, available in EduRev Infinity Package for UPSC, provide candidates with an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills in a simulated environment.

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?

In conclusion, the CSAT exam is an essential part of the UPSC Civil Services Exam, and its preparation requires dedication and hard work. By following the tips mentioned above and choosing the right study material, you can ace the CSAT exam and move a step closer to your dream of becoming a civil servant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to CSAT books for UPSC

What is CSAT in UPSC?

CSAT stands for Civil Services Aptitude Test. It is the second paper of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) and tests candidates on their comprehension, reasoning, and analytical abilities. The CSAT paper is a qualifying paper and candidates must score a minimum of 33% to clear the exam.

Which book is best for CSAT UPSC preparation?

Some of the best CSAT books for UPSC are:

• CSAT Paper - II (Arihant Experts)
• CSAT (TMH)
• Cracking the CSAT Paper-2 (Arihant Experts)
• Analytical Reasoning (M.K. Pandey)
• Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (R.S. Aggarwal)
• General Mental Ability Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability (Edgar Thorpe)

Is CSAT necessary to clear UPSC?

Yes, CSAT is a qualifying paper of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). Candidates need to score a minimum of 33% to clear the exam. However, the CSAT score is not counted in the final merit list for selecting candidates for the next round of the selection process.

Is CSAT tougher than the GS paper in UPSC?

The difficulty level of the CSAT paper is subjective and varies from candidate to candidate. However, in general, many candidates find the CSAT paper to be relatively easier than the General Studies (GS) paper. This is because the CSAT paper mainly tests the candidate's comprehension, reasoning, and analytical abilities, while the GS paper tests their knowledge and understanding of various subjects.

How can I clear CSAT easily?

Clearing CSAT in UPSC requires a systematic and disciplined approach to preparation. Here are some tips that can help you clear CSAT easily:

• 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.