Aspirants must get qualifying grades (33%). Achieving 33% on paper is a piece of cake for many. However, the UPSC-CSE is notorious for being unpredictable. As a result, CSAT preparedness is critical for candidates from both Mathematics and non-Math backgrounds, and especially for applicants from non-English backgrounds. Since the government implemented CSAT as a component of the UPSC civil service preliminary rounds in 2011, there has been considerable concern among applicants from non-English backgrounds or those who believe their English needs to be improved.
UPSC CSAT Exam Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Interpersonal abilities, including communication abilities, logical thinking and analytical abilities
- Making decisions and addressing problems
- Mental ability, in general
- Number System, Interpretation of data
CSAT English preparation and decision-making tips
- To refresh your grammar knowledge, study Objective General English by SP Bakshi and English Grammar and Composition by Wren n Martin.
- Read Hindu Opinion articles regularly to ensure you have excellent comprehension and reading skills for RC portions.
- Enhance your vocabulary by reading extensively or using flash cards/vocabulary modules.
- If you have the time, you may also read easy English books to improve your comprehension, interpretation, and language.
CSAT Math and Logical Reasoning preparation tips
- Examine prior year papers to determine the detail required for each topic.
- Begin by establishing a fundamental grasp of each topic. You may also take our CSAT training for this.
- Following that, practise continuously to ensure that the principles are retained.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for the UPSC CSAT
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Consider the UPSC CSAT cautiously
Because it is a qualifying test, most students dismiss it, only to be surprised when the exam arrives. As a result, ensure you devote enough time to CSAT practice while studying for Prelims. Set aside one day per week, ideally Sunday, for CSAT preparation. On this day, get through your notes or complete a CSAT mock to keep oneself current.
Otherwise, you would be removed from the merit list even if you received excellent grades in General Studies Paper-I. Make it a point to score at least 120 on all practise tests.
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Before you start the preparation, evaluate your skill level
Before beginning CSAT preparation, it is critical to understand your strengths and limitations concerning the CSAT paper. As a result, solve the previous year’s paper and verify it to identify your weak points.
If your score exceeds 100, you need little to no preparation because you are significantly above the qualifying standard. If your grades fall below 100, you must discover your possible weaknesses and then opt for topics that are simple to prepare for. Begin working on the problem areas right away.
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Purchase a complete UPSC CSAT Manual
Several CSAT manuals have been produced by prestigious publications. On the contrary hand, Tata McGraw Hill’s CSAT Handbook is extremely recommended. In this book, each topic is covered in great detail. It will help you to practise and review each topic in a short amount of time. So, if your grade is less than 100 or you believe you need a revision handbook, this is the CSAT manual to use for your CSAT prep.
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Complete UPSC CSAT Mock Exams
In both of the preceding cases, taking CSAT mock tests is required; it will aid you in efficiently revising topics in the allotted time. This is the most crucial aspect of the UPSC Prelims CSAT approach. Simply knowing the themes is not enough; you must also be capable of resolving the issues within the time limit. As a result, practise is essential! And the greatest way to practise is to take fake tests. Continue to take practise tests every Sunday to improve your accuracy and speed.
