CompetitivePractice + Mock

UPSC Prelims — CSAT Paper II

Civil Services Aptitude Test — qualifying paper

120
Minutes
20
Questions
28,100
Learners
55%
Pass mark
★ Start here · Official guidance

From practice to the real exam

Verified sources
01
CSAT is Paper II of Prelims
You take it the same day as GS Paper I. It is qualifying — minimum 33% to be eligible for Mains.
02
Same registration as Prelims
No separate application. CSAT is part of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
03
Sit the exam
80 questions, 2 hours, negative marking. Tests aptitude, logical reasoning, comprehension.
Official resources
Heads up: Links open in a new tab and go to government / awarding-body sites. AceMark is not affiliated — always verify deadlines and fees on the official page.
Exam blueprint

What this exam covers

5 topics · 20 questions
01Quantitative aptitude
40%8 questions
02Logical reasoning
25%5 questions
03Decision making
15%3 questions
04Reading comprehension
10%2 questions
05Interpersonal skills
10%2 questions
The experience

What to expect on test day

Timed simulation
Every mock runs under real exam time pressure. No pauses, no hints — exactly like the day.
Randomised questions
Every attempt draws fresh questions. You cannot memorise your way to a pass — you have to understand.
Integrity monitoring
Tab switches are logged in mock mode. Three switches auto-submits — same discipline as a real proctor.
Detailed results
Topic-by-topic breakdown, every answer explained, and a personalised 5-day study plan when you finish.
How to prepare

Competitive study playbook

Four habits that move the needle most — pulled from how high-scorers actually study.

01
Spend the first week entirely on your weakest topic — momentum follows confidence.
02
Previous-year papers are the single highest-ROI study tool. Treat them as gospel.
03
Strict time per question. Most failures are time-management failures, not knowledge failures.
04
For GS: daily current affairs reading is non-negotiable — even 15 minutes compounds.