CSAT Strategy That Works: What Toppers Do Differently in Prelims

The CSAT paper (General Studies Paper II) in the UPSC Preliminary Examination has increasingly become a deciding factor for many aspirants. Though qualifying in nature, requiring only 33% marks (66 out of 200), the rising difficulty level in recent years means that the CSAT can no longer be taken lightly. Many aspirants, despite performing well in GS Paper I, have failed to clear Prelims simply because they underestimated the CSAT.

Target Only 55–60 Questions: Quality Over Quantity

A smart approach begins with understanding that attempting all 80 questions is neither necessary nor advisable. Instead, aspirants should target attempting 55–60 questions with a high level of accuracy. A consistent accuracy of 75–80% in these attempts is more than sufficient to qualify comfortably. This prevents panic, avoids unnecessary negative marking, and allows for better time management.

Start with Your Strength: Personalize Your Strategy

The most important element of CSAT strategy is deciding which section to start with—and this must vary from person to person. If you are most confident in reading comprehension, start with it. If logical reasoning or quantitative aptitude is your strength, begin with that. Your performance is always best in the first hour of the exam, so use it to maximize returns in the area you’re most comfortable with.

High Conversion is the Goal: 8 Out of 10 Correct

In your strongest area, aim for high accuracy. Your goal should be a conversion rate of around 8 correct answers for every 10 attempted. It's acceptable to spend the entire first hour on one section if you're confident about your accuracy. However, do not fall into the ego trap of trying to solve all questions from that section. If a question seems too lengthy or difficult, skip it. In any case, try to attempt a minimum of 30 questions in the first 60 minutes. This will give you the confidence and buffer needed to tackle the rest of the paper more calmly.

Practice Accordingly: Sharpen Your Preferred Area

Your preparation strategy should reflect this exam-day strategy. Spend more time practising the section that is your anchor. Develop it into a zone of strength where you are highly confident and accurate. Take mock CSAT tests regularly and simulate exam-like conditions. While it's fine to focus on your strong area, don’t neglect the other sections completely. Build familiarity with basic concepts in reasoning and numeracy, so that you can pick up a few extra marks in the second half of the paper.

Avoid These Mistakes: Stay Grounded

It is important to avoid some common pitfalls. Don’t attempt too many questions or guess randomly—this can cause more harm than good due to negative marking. Don’t go into the paper overconfident, assuming CSAT is easy—especially if you're from an engineering background. Even aspirants with a strong math background have failed CSAT by not practising enough. Also, don’t ignore comprehension passages; these can fetch you 30–40 marks alone if practised properly.

Be Smart, Be Prepared

To sum up, your CSAT strategy must be tailored to your individual strengths, with an emphasis on accuracy, time management, and smart question selection. Focus on your preferred area but remain flexible and grounded in your approach. CSAT may be qualifying, but for many, it has been the final hurdle. Don't let it be yours.