APSC CC Prelim Exam Paper-2 – General Studies II CSAT
Preparation Strategy, Study Materials & Books List, New Syllabus Sectional Breakup
Download – Important Formulas for Quantitative Aptitude – APSC Prelim CSAT Paper
General Studies (GS) Paper–II is CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) type paper. This paper is introduced this year for the first time in APSC CC (Prelims) Examination to test candidates’ analytical skills, reasoning ability and aptitude of a candidate. But it is only of qualifying nature, i.e. it tests candidates for basic level of these skills.
GS Paper II (CSAT) Pattern for APSC Prelims 2022
- Number of questions: 80 Objective-Type (MCQ) questions
- Negative Marking: Yes (1/4rd of the maximum marks for the question)
- Time: 2 hours
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Each question carries 2.5 marks in the CSAT paper making the total to 200 marks.
- CSAT qualifying marks: 33% Marks
APSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper II (CSAT) Syllabus
The CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) syllabus comprises the following broad categories:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc) ( Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. (Class X level)
Online Materials
- Speed, Time and Distance – Important Formulas
- Profit and Loss – Important Formulas
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest – Important Formulas
- Calendar, Odd days, Leap years – Important Formulas
- Aptitude, Reasoning and Quants Formulas & Notes
- Downstream/Upstream Boat Speed – Important Formulas
- L.C.M and H.C.F based Questions – Important Formulas
- Probability – Important Formulas
- Geometry and Mensuration Formulas & Properties
CSAT strategy for APSC CC (Prelims) Exam 2022
- APSC Preliminary Exam General Studies paper 2 is not a tough challenge, but be cautious! As this CSAT Paper is a qualifying paper with just 33 percent marks needed. But it’s always safe to prepare both papers well.
- All Candidates should not ignore the CSAT paper thinking it is only a qualifying paper. If candidates feel that their English comprehension and basic math/quantitative aptitude skills are not up to the mark, they should spend a decent amount of time for this paper.
- CSAT Paper strategy is pretty simple.
- Refers to basic maths formula
- Practice Questions from data interpretation, logical reasoning, etc. are essential.
- Some of the CSAT questions are lengthy and time-consuming. So, it becomes important for candidates to practise mock test papers by enrolling for APSC Prelims 2022 Test Series for CSAT paper.
- Practicing previous year UPSC GS Paper 2 Question Papers (from 2011).
The CSAT paper of even UPSC CSE is of Easy to Moderate level. Most of the questions can be solved easily with basic reasoning, logic and language skills. But what aspirants generally lack is –
- Enough Practice
- Accuracy
- Speed
Practice is the most important key – it will definitely improve your speed and accuracy.
- Practicing Adhikary Education’s APSC Prelims 2022-23 Test Series in an online timed environment. That would be enough for most aspirants. In case, if you still need additional inputs, get some of the books mentioned below.
Best books for APSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT)
The books recommended by IAS toppers for acing the UPSC Prelims – CSAT (GS Paper II) are
- Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R. S. Aggarwal
- CSAT Paper – 2 Manual by TMH
- Analytical Reasoning – M. K. Pandey
However, since the CSAT exam in APSC CC (Prelims) Exam was made qualifying, candidates need to score only 33% to qualify for APSC CC (Mains)Exam, provided they score above the cut off in APSC CC (Prelims) Exam – GS Paper I.
Questions in CSAT are of qualifying nature and the Class X level, so serious candidates do not put more efforts to separately prepare for the paper.
NOTE: No point in spending excessive time for this GS Paper II as it is only qualifying in nature.
Previous Years Questions Papers & Test Series
APSC Prelims 2020 – GS II (CSAT) solved question paper
Prelims 2018 Question Paper & Answer Key – GS | History | Polity | Education | Sociology
Prelim Question Papers of 2015 – GS | Economics | History | Pol Science | Sociology |Geography
Prelim GS Paper 2016 – Question Paper & Analysis (Video of Analysis & Suggested Topics)
GS Papers of 2009, 2013 and 2015 Analysis & Video Analysis