CSAT PRELIMS STRATEGY

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CSAT PRELIMS STRATEGY

 

In the vast realm of UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), one component silently holds the power to reshape destinies – the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT). Unlike its counterparts, CSAT often remains underestimated, becoming a stumbling block for aspirants who triumphed in General Studies.

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WHAT IS THE CSAT EXAM?

The CSAT, or Civil Service Aptitude Test, is a part of the UPSC prelims exam. Unlike other papers, aspirants just need to get passing marks in CSAT. To clear it, they should aim for at least 33 percent.

CSAT mainly assesses logical reasoning, decision-making, interpersonal skills, general mental ability, and reading comprehension.

Pattern of the CSAT Exam:

CSAT (General Studies Paper-II) is conducted in the afternoon after the General studies paper of UPSC CSE Prelims.

  • In CSAT, there are 80 questions with a maximum of 200 marks (each question weighing 2.5 marks).
  • The questions are of the objective type (Multiple-choice questions).
  • For each wrong answer, there is a deduction of 1/3rd of the marks.
  • Duration of the exam: 2 hours or 180 minutes
  • Qualifying criteria is set at 33% or 67 marks.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CSAT EXAM?

Step 1: EVALUATE YOUR CSAT READINESS BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR PREPARATION.

  • To figure out how much time and effort you should put into CSAT preparation, start by solving 2-3 previous year question papers (PYQ).
  • Your performance in these papers will give you an idea of where you stand.
  • If your score is really low, say below 20 or 30, you should focus more on CSAT and follow a strict plan because you need at least 33% to pass.

Step 2: UNDERSTANDING CSAT THROUGH PREVIOUS YEAR PAPERS:

  • This will give you an idea of the exam format and the types of questions that will be asked.
  • You can also identify and improve your strengths and weaknesses.

Step 3: UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPTS

  • It’s crucial to really understand the concepts.
  • Often, questions about basic math and interpreting data require using more than one concept.

Step 4: ALLOCATE ADEQUATE TIME FOR COMPREHENSION

  • Comprehension section alone caters to around 30 questions in the paper.
  • Understanding and answering about 30 comprehension questions can significantly boost your chances of passing the exam if you use the right strategy.
  • It’s a key element, and approaching it wisely can make a positive impact on your overall exam performance.

       Step 5: PRACTICE MOCK QUESTIONS

  • In the competitive UPSC CSE CSAT exam, no part of the syllabus should be overlooked. It’s essential to tackle a range of questions within a specific timeframe.
  • Regular practice is the key to attaining the necessary accuracy during the real exam.
  • Tathastu ICS’s CSAT course is valuable for UPSC CSE aspirants, ensuring thorough coverage of the syllabus, emphasizing each section’s importance.
  • The course encourages regular practice, refining accuracy, crucial for CSAT success.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CSAT PREPARATION:

  1. Give your full attention to the UPSC CSAT; take it seriously.
  • Given that CSAT is a qualifying component, many students tend to underestimate its importance. Consequently, some candidates, despite scoring well in General Studies Paper-I, fail to qualify for the Mains examination.
  1. Tips for Comprehension:
  • Consistently go through Hindu Editorials to enhance your reading, comprehension, and vocabulary skills.
  • To boost your reading, comprehension, and vocabulary, consider reading brief English books regularly.
  1. Arithmetic and logical reasoning:
  • Candidates can enhance their math problem-solving speed in the CSAT paper by utilizing effective and commonly used math shortcuts.
  • Make a list of important formulae and concept to be revised before the exam.
  1. Don’t hesitate to join a coaching:
  • If you’re unsure about CSAT preparation, consider joining coaching. It could prevent losing a year if CSAT isn’t cleared. It’s especially helpful for non-math background aspirants.

 

The CSAT course from Tathastu ICS is crafted by IITians and experts, providing a straightforward solution for CSAT preparation.

Tailored for those unsure about self-study, the course offers guidance to avoid setbacks.

It’s especially useful for aspirants without a math background, ensuring a thorough and successful learning journey.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  1. How many hours daily should I dedicate for CSAT preparation?

You only need to dedicate one to two hours each day depending on your prior knowledge for your preparation to successfully pass this exam.

  1. How many months before the prelims should I start preparing for the CSAT exam?

Begin CSAT preparation around 3-4 months before the prelims to ensure ample time for a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and focused study.

  1. Is coaching necessary for CSAT?

Coaching for CSAT is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial. It depends on individual learning styles and needs.

But if you prefer not to take any chances and want guaranteed results, enroll in Tathastu ICS CSAT course.

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