UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025 Subject Wise, Download Pdf, Reasoning CSAT Syllabus

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025 is crucial for every candidate aiming to qualify for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) evaluates your analytical abilities, reasoning skills, and general mental ability. It is important to have a clear understanding of UPSC CSAT Syllabus to strategize effectively for the exam.

We will provide a detailed breakdown of the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025, topic-wise weightage, reasoning and maths sections, and tips for preparation.

What is the UPSC CSAT Exam?

UPSC CSAT Syllabus is part of the Civil Services Preliminary Exam and is a screening test to assess a candidate’s aptitude. While the General Studies Paper is more focused on current affairs and general knowledge, the CSAT paper evaluates your ability to handle tasks requiring logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and problem-solving.

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025 includes two papers:

• General Studies (GS) Paper I

• CSAT Paper II

CSAT Paper II is qualifying in nature, with a minimum requirement of 33% marks to pass. The total marks for this paper are 200, and it consists of objective-type questions. While it is a qualifying exam, scoring well in the UPSC CSAT Syllabus is still important for overall ranking.

UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern

UPSC CSAT is part of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. UPSC Prelims Exam consists of two papers, General Studies (Paper I) and CSAT (Paper-II). Here’s a breakdown of the exam pattern:

UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern:

Details of the Papers:

• Paper I – General Studies:

1. 1. • This paper tests candidates’ knowledge of current events, history, geography, economics, environment, science, and general awareness.
      • It is qualifying in nature, meaning a candidate must score at least 33% to be considered for selection. However, the marks from this paper do not count toward the final ranking.

• Paper II – CSAT:

1. • This paper tests the candidate’s ability in comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, basic numeracy, and data interpretation.
   • It is a qualifying paper, and candidates need a minimum of 33% to clear it. Like Paper I, its marks are not included in the final score calculation.

Key Features of the CSAT Paper (Paper-II):

• Total Questions: 80 questions
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 2.5 marks. Incorrect answers lead to a penalty of 0.83 marks.
• Topics Covered:
  • Comprehension: Reading and understanding passages, drawing inferences, etc.
  • Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Identifying patterns, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Decision-making, communication, etc.
  • Basic Numeracy: Simple arithmetic, percentages, and basic data interpretation.

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025 Subject Wise

UPSC CSAT Syllabus tests a candidate’s logical reasoning, analytical ability, and basic numerical skills. Here’s a breakdown of the syllabus for the CSAT Paper-II for 2025:

1. Comprehension (Reading Comprehension)

• UPSC CSAT Syllabus includes passages followed by questions that assess a candidate’s ability to read, comprehend, and interpret text.
• This section is designed to check your understanding of the given passage, the logic behind the statements, and your ability to draw inferences.

2. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

• Pattern Recognition: Identifying sequences, patterns, and logical relationships.
• Syllogism: Drawing conclusions from statements.
• Statement and Assumptions: Understanding and analyzing statements, assumptions, conclusions.
• Logical Sequences and Arrangements: Solving problems related to arranging numbers, letters, or words logically.
• Venn Diagrams: Understanding relationships between sets.
• Analytical Reasoning: Solving puzzles and situations that require logical deductions.
• Direction Sense: Solving problems related to directions (north, south, east, west).
• Blood relations

3. Decision Making and Problem Solving

• Tests the ability to make sound decisions based on limited information.
• Decision Making: Understanding and solving problems related to decision-making, prioritizing tasks, and resolving conflicts.
• Problem Solving: Simple word problems, basic problem-solving scenarios.

4. General Mental Ability

• Basic Numeracy: Arithmetic (number systems, percentages, averages, ratios, time and work, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, etc.).
• Data Interpretation: Reading and interpreting data from tables, charts, and graphs.
• Statistics: Simple data analysis including mean, median, mode, and basic probability.
• Simple Algebra: Understanding basic algebraic expressions and solving simple equations.

5. Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills

• Interpersonal Skills: Decision making, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
• Communication: Understanding both verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Conflict Resolution: Identifying problems, resolving conflicts, and decision-making in stressful situations.

Topics in Brief:

Important Notes:

• Minimum Qualifying Marks: A candidate needs to score at least 33% in Paper-II (CSAT) to qualify. The marks in this paper are not counted for final ranking but are used as a qualifying criterion.
• Type of Questions: All questions in CSAT are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

UPSC CSAT Syllabus Topic-wise Weightage

To better understand how to prioritize your study material, here’s a table outlining the CSAT topic-wise weightage based on previous trends:

From the table above, it is clear that Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability holds the most significant weightage, followed by Quantitative Aptitude and Comprehension. Understanding these weightages will help you allocate time efficiently during preparation.

CSAT Maths Syllabus 2025

For candidates preparing for the CSAT Maths section, we have an exclusive breakdown of the syllabus. Covering topics like number systems, L.C.M & H.C.F., rational numbers & ordering, percentages, and more, this section provides valuable insights to help you excel in the mathematics segment. We also focus on general mental ability topics related to mathematics, including partnership, profit & loss, time and distance, and other essential concepts for your success.

UPSC Reasoning CSAT Syllabus

Reasoning is one of the most important sections of the UPSC CSAT Syllabus. UPSC Reasoning CSAT Syllabus focuses on various problems that test the logical ability of candidates. Some of the critical topics include:

• Blood relations
• Direction sense
• Clocks and calendars
• Analogy problems
• Venn diagrams

UPSC CSAT Preparation Tips

• Understand the Syllabus: Having a clear understanding of the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025 is crucial for effective preparation. Focus on key topics like logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude.

• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is the key to success in the UPSC CSAT Syllabus. Solve practice papers and take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.

• Strengthen Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas, especially in the UPSC CSAT Syllabus Maths and reasoning sections, and work on them intensively.

• Time Management: Since the CSAT is time-bound, practice managing your time efficiently during mock tests. This will help you ensure that you attempt as many questions as possible within the allotted time.

• Use the Right Resources: Refer to standard study materials and books tailored for the UPSC CSAT Syllabus to ensure comprehensive coverage.

UPSC CSAT Syllabus FAQs

Q1. Is CSAT Paper II mandatory in the UPSC Prelims?
Answer: Yes, the CSAT Paper II is a mandatory part of the UPSC Preliminary Examination. Although it is qualifying in nature, candidates must score at least 33% (66.67 marks out of 200) to clear this paper and proceed to the Mains stage.

Q2. What are the main topics covered under the UPSC CSAT reasoning syllabus?
Answer: The reasoning section of the UPSC CSAT syllabus covers topics such as:

• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Clocks and Calendars
• Number Series
• Analogy
• Puzzles
• Venn Diagrams

Q3. What Topics are Covered in UPSC CSAT Exam?

Answer: UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025 broadly covers the following key areas:

• Reading comprehension.
• Logical reasoning.
• Mathematics and quantitative aptitude.
• Data interpretation.
• Decision-making and problem-solving

Q4. Is there a negative marking in the CSAT Paper II?
Answer: Yes, the UPSC CSAT Paper II has a negative marking. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the allotted mark for that question is deducted. Candidates should answer carefully to minimize negative scores.

Q5. What is the duration and structure of the UPSC CSAT Paper II?
Answer: The CSAT Paper II has a duration of 2 hours and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The paper carries 200 marks and is qualifying in nature.