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Subject pillar · 23 pieces

CSAT

CSAT is Prelims Paper II — qualifying at 33%, but a paper that ends candidacies every year when it is assumed to be easy. It tests comprehension, logical reasoning, basic numeracy and decision-making. The section that…

23Total pieces
23Study articles
0Current affairs
2 Oct 2026Latest update

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What's covered

CSAT is Prelims Paper II — qualifying at 33%, but a paper that ends candidacies every year when it is assumed to be easy. It tests comprehension, logical reasoning, basic numeracy and decision-making.
The section that actually decides outcomes is comprehension, not mathematics, because it carries the most marks and rewards careful reading over speed. The quantitative half needs a small set of topics done reliably rather than a wide syllabus done shakily. Two full timed papers will tell you more about your standing than a month of topic-wise practice.
Topic notes, worked examples, formula sheets and practice sets are all collected here.

Official UPSC CSE syllabus

UPSC Syllabus for CSAT

Preliminary Examination — Paper II (CSAT, qualifying at 33%)

  • 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.

Source: Official UPSC Civil Services Examination notification — Preliminary & Main Examination syllabus.

Editor's picks

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The newest pieces on CSAT. Start here if this pillar is new to you.

Everything in CSAT

All CSAT pieces

The complete index of all 23 pieces filed under CSAT, newest first. It includes the highlights above.

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