Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. After analyzing the level of the UPSC CSAT exams conducted in the past, it is safe to say the difficulty level of UPSC CSAT is constantly increasing. Therefore, it’s recommended that candidates take their preparation more seriously if they wish to clear the UPSC CSAT exam.
Here’s the distribution of marks and other details of the UPSC CSAT exam:
- Total Questions: 80
- Weightage of Each Question: 2.5 Marks
- Total Marks: 200Â
- Time allotted: 2 hours
Note. The UPSC CSAT exam involves negative marking i.e. 1/3rd of the total marks allotted for a question is deducted for every wrong answer.
Maths is a crucial (compulsory) component of the UPSC CSAT exam. Without preparing for this component, you cannot expect to clear the CSAT, especially, considering the ever increasing difficulty level of the exam.
You need to score 33% i.e. 66 marks out of 200 to qualify the UPSC CSAT exam.
Yes, CSAT is a crucial stepping stone in the journey of becoming an IAS officer. Only if you clear the CSAT exam, will you be able to move forward to the mains exam.
Note. CSAT was introduced in 2011. And in 2015, it became qualifying in nature.