UPSC Prelims Syllabus - CSAT Syllabus

 IAS Prelims Syllabus 

                  Prelims exam paper - CSAT Paper I and Paper II

From 2011, the pattern of Civil service exam has been changed and it is popularly known as CSAT
(Civil Service Aptitude Test) and it is combined of Paper - I and Paper- II.

 Thee main intentions behind changing the IAS exam pattern  to focus on analytical abilities and understanding rather than the ability to memorize. 

IAS Exam Pattern - UPSC  CSAT Preliminary Exam and its Syllabus

The civil service prelims exam pattern includes two papers of two hours duration and 200 marks each.Both papers have multiple choice objective type questions only.They are as under:

• CSAT Paper I -  tests the candidate's knowledge on current events, history of India and Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change and general science.
• CSAT Paper II - tests the candidates' skills in comprehension, interpersonal skills, communication, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision making, problem solving, basic numeracy, data interpretation, English language comprehension skills and mental ability.

In August 2014, the Centre announced that English marks in CSAT-II will not be included for gradation or merit and 2011 candidates may get a second chance to appear for the test next year.

In May 2015, the Government of India announced that Paper II of the preliminary examination will be qualifying in nature i.e. it wouldn't be graded for eligibility in Mains Examination & a candidate needs to secure at least 33% marks in order to be eligible for graded on basis of Marks of Paper I of Preliminary Examination.

CSAT - IAS Exam pattern

Paper I	General Studies - This paper will be counted for qualifying to write  the Civil Services Mains exam.	300 (Two Hours)
Paper II (CSAT)	Aptitude test (CSAT) - This paper is of qualifying nature, but candidate must score at least 33% marks in this paper. However, marks of  this paper are not counted for writing the mains examination.	300 (Two Hours)

There is negative marks for each wrong answer. 1/3rd marks will get reduced from total marks scored so there are need to be very careful during exam for reply of each and every questions.

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