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CSAT

CSAT

UPSC CSAT (Prelims GS Paper II) notes — reading comprehension, logical reasoning, decision making, basic numeracy and data interpretation.

CSAT is Prelims General Studies Paper II: 80 questions in two hours, qualifying at 33% (66 out of 200). It is not counted for the merit list — but if you do not clear it, your GS Paper I score is never evaluated. Many strong candidates have lost a year here, so treat it seriously.

What UPSC asks

  • Comprehension and English language comprehension skills (Class X level)
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision making and problem solving
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills
  • Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)

How to use these notes

Each numeracy chapter gives the method, a shortcut, and timed practice. Take a full CSAT mock test early to find out how much practice you actually need.

Reading Comprehension CSAT reading comprehension for UPSC Prelims Paper II — question types, the elimination method for inference … 3 topics Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability CSAT logical reasoning for UPSC Prelims Paper II — syllogisms, conditional logic, assumptions, seating … 4 topics Decision Making and Problem Solving CSAT decision making for UPSC Prelims Paper II — situational judgement with a priority ladder, rule-based … 3 topics Interpersonal and Communication Skills CSAT interpersonal and communication skills — the communication process, barriers, active listening, … 3 topics Number System CSAT number system for UPSC Prelims Paper II — divisibility rules, factors, HCF and LCM, remainders, unit … 3 topics Percentages, Ratio and Averages CSAT notes on percentages, ratios and averages — the fraction table, successive change and timed practice for … 4 topics Time, Speed and Work CSAT time, speed, distance and work for UPSC Prelims Paper II — average and relative speed, trains, boats and … 3 topics Data Interpretation CSAT data interpretation for UPSC Prelims Paper II — reading tables, bar and line graphs and pie charts, fast … 3 topics