UPSC CSAT Paper with Solutions |Question Paper 2024
This article will cover the UPSC CSAT Paper, along with solutions, tips, and strategies to help you understand the pattern and perform better in future attempts. The UPSC CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) is a crucial part of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The CSAT paper tests candidates’ analytical ability, reasoning skills, and comprehension abilities.
What is the UPSC CSAT Paper?

The CSAT paper is the second paper of the Preliminary Examination in the UPSC CSE. Although it is qualifying in nature, candidates must score at least 33% (66 marks out of 200) to pass.
The paper focuses on:
- Comprehension and English language skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Basic numeracy and data interpretation UPSC CSAT 2023 Question Paper Overview
The 2023 CSAT paper maintained its usual level of difficulty, with some questions requiring careful reading and000000000000 critical thinking. Here’s a brief overview:
- Total Questions: 80
- Total Marks: 200
- Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd of the marks for incorrect answers)
- Time Allotted: 2 hours
The distribution of questions was as follows:
- Logical Reasoning: 30%
- Quantitative Aptitude: 25%
- Comprehension: 45% Solutions to Key Questions from the UPSC CSAT 2023
Logical Reasoning
Question Example:
If A is the brother of B, B is the sister of C, and C is the father of D, how is A related to D?
Solution:
A is the uncle of D.
Explanation:
- A is B’s brother.
- B is C’s sister, making C A’s sibling.
- C is the father of D, so A is D’s uncle.
Quantitative Aptitude
Question Example:
A train 150 meters long is running at a speed of 60 km/h. How much time will it take to cross a pole?
Solution:
Time = Distance / Speed
- Convert speed to meters/second: ( 60 \, \text{km/h} = \frac{60 \times 1000}{3600} = 16.67 \, \text{m/s} ).
- Time = ( 150 / 16.67 \approx 9 \, \text{seconds} ).
Comprehension
Question Example:
Read the passage below and answer the question:
“Climate change affects agriculture in multiple ways, including reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, and increased water stress.”
Question: What is the primary focus of the passage?
Options:
A. Climate change and its impact on biodiversity
B. Effects of climate change on agriculture
C. Solutions to mitigate climate change
D. Water stress due to climate change
Solution:
Answer: B. Effects of climate change on agriculture
Explanation: The passage discusses various impacts of climate change on agriculture.
Tips to Ace the CSAT Paper

- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on topics such as logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and basic numeracy.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years question papers to familiarize yourself with the format and difficulty level.
- Time Management: Allocate specific time for each section to ensure you attempt all questions.
- Focus on Accuracy: Avoid negative marking by double-checking your answers. Bottom Line
Bottom Line
The UPSC CSAT paper tested candidates’ reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving abilities. By practicing regularly and analyzing past papers, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, while CSAT is qualifying, it plays a crucial role in ensuring you move to the next stage of the examination.