Join SRIRAM's IAS UPSC CSAT Classes for IAS Prelims GS Paper 2

What is UPSC CSAT?

The UPSC CSAT or General Studies Paper 2 is the second paper in the Prelims exam and is also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test. It is a 2-hour exam with 80 questions and carries 200 marks. The objective of this paper is to test the analytical and reasoning abilities of the candidate, along with their comprehension and decision-making skills.

The GS Paper 2 is a qualifying paper, which means that the candidate must score a minimum of 33% marks to clear the paper and proceed to the next stage of the exam. However, the marks obtained in the GS Paper 2 are not considered for the final rank list and only the score of the GS Paper 1, Mains, and Interview are taken into account.

The UPSC CSAT Syllabus for IAS Prelims GS Paper 2 includes the following topics:

• 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.)

• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.)

Why attend UPSC CSAT Classes?

» benefits of attending UPSC CSAT classes

The UPSC CSAT Classes for IAS Prelims GS Paper 2 are designed to help aspirants prepare comprehensively for the CSAT exam. Attending these classes can help you:

• Get access to expert guidance from experienced teachers and subject matter experts

• Learn new strategies and techniques to solve problems quickly and effectively

• Get your doubts clarified with personalized attention

• Stay motivated and disciplined throughout your preparation process

• Get regular feedback on your progress and performance

» The features of a good UPSC CSAT Coaching Institute

When choosing a UPSC CSAT Coaching Institute, it is important to ensure that they have the following features:

• A team of experienced and qualified teachers who have a thorough understanding of the UPSC CSAT Syllabus and exam pattern

• Up-to-date study material that covers all the topics in the syllabus and is easy to understand and follow

• Practice tests and mock exams that simulate the actual exam and help you assess your preparation level

• Flexible class timings and personalized attention

• A track record of successful students who have cleared the UPSC CSAT exam

» How to choose the right coaching institute for your needs

When choosing a coaching institute for UPSC CSAT Classes, it is important to keep the following factors in mind:

• The reputation and credibility of the coaching institute

• The experience and qualification of the teachers

• The quality of the study material and resources provided

• The cost and flexibility of the program

• Recommendations from former students and reviews from trustworthy sources

How to Prepare for UPSC CSAT?

» Proven tips and tricks to crack the CSAT exam

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you crack the UPSC CSAT exam:

• Understand the UPSC CSAT Syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly

• Practice regularly and revise your notes periodically

• Develop a strong foundation in basic concepts, including mathematics and data interpretation

• Improve your reading comprehension and reasoning skills through practice

• Stay updated with current affairs and events through newspapers, magazines, and online resources

• Attempt mock tests and practice papers to assess your preparation level and identify your weaknesses

 

 

» Detailed preparation strategy for GS Paper 2

Here is a step-by-step preparation strategy that you can follow to prepare for the UPSC CSAT exam:

• Start by understanding the UPSC CSAT Syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly

• Collect study material and resources from a reliable source or coaching institute

• Prepare a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus and allocates enough time for revision and practice

• Begin with basic comprehension and reasoning exercises and gradually move towards more difficult exercises, including mock tests and practice papers

• Work on improving your speed, accuracy, and time management skills

• Revise your notes and practice exercises regularly and work on areas where you are weak

• Attempt mock tests and practice papers to assess your preparation level and identify your weaknesses

» Best books and resources for CSAT exam preparation

Here are some of the best books and resources that you can use to prepare for the UPSC CSAT exam:

• CSAT Paper II (Arihant Experts)

• CSAT Civil Services Aptitude Test (TMH Publication)

• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Agarwal

• Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma

• India Yearbook by Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

• The Hindu, Indian Express, and other reputable newspapers and magazines that cover current affairs and events

What to expect in the CSAT Exam?

» Exam pattern and marking scheme for CSAT

The UPSC CSAT exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper 1 and General Studies Paper 2. The duration of each paper is 2 hours, and each paper carries 200 marks. Both papers are objective type and consist of multiple-choice questions or MCQs. The marking scheme for both papers is as follows:
 

 

 

• For every correct answer, you will be awarded 2 marks

• For every incorrect answer, 0.66 marks will be deducted

• There is no negative marking for questions that are not attempted

» Types of Questions asked in GS Paper 2

The General Studies Paper 2 or CSAT consists of the following types of questions:

• Comprehension passages with questions based on the text

• Decision-making and problem-solving questions

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability questions

• Data interpretation questions

• Questions related to interpersonal skills, communication skills, and general mental ability

» Sample Questions

Here are a few sample questions that will give you an idea of the types of questions asked in the UPSC CSAT exam:

• What was the objective of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?

• If the price of a pen is increased by 25%, by how many percentage points should its price be reduced to restore its original price?

• Which of the following statements is true about the working of the Indian Parliament?