Topics Covered: UPSC CSAT Preparation Strategy, UPSC CSAT Important Topics, UPSC CSAT Important Books & Resources, UPSC CSAT Preparation Timetable.

Despite being a qualifying paper, a well crafted UPSC CSAT preparation strategy is a must to score the required minimum 66 marks to qualify. 

Below, we have mentioned a UPSC CSAT preparation strategy which includes:

  • Subject-wise list of important topics of CSAT paper
  • List of recommended books & other resources for CSAT paper
  • A detailed study plan cum timetable for CSAT paper

Following this UPSC CSAT strategy can help you streamline your preparation and score 70+ marks in a limited time.

UPSC CSAT Preparation Strategy

Before jumping right into the UPSC CSAT preparation strategy, it is essential to get familiar with the latest UPSC CSAT syllabus and pattern: 

UPSC CSAT
Free E-Book
  • Syllabus
  • Important Topics
  • Trend Analysis
  • Strategy

Important Topics for UPSC CSAT 

Below, we’ll list the important topics of Maths, Reasoning, and English that you need to focus on to qualify the UPSC CSAT exam.

Important Topics of Maths for UPSC CSAT

We have carefully analyzed the number of questions asked from each topic of maths in the UPSC CSAT previous year papers. Based on our analysis, here are the most important topics for CSAT maths:

  • Number System
  • HCF and LCM
  • Percentage
  • Profit and Loss
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Age and Partnership
  • Time and Work
  • Time, Speed, and Distance
  • Average
  • Mensuration 2D and 3D
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Probability
  • Number Series

Important Topics of Reasoning for UPSC CSAT

Like maths, we have also analyzed the reasoning questions from the previous years, and based on our analysis, here are the most important topics for CSAT reasoning:

  • Syllogism
  • Blood Relation
  • Direction Sense
  • Alphabetical and Alphanumeric Series
  • Coding and Decoding
  • Calendar
  • Clock
  • Continuous Letter Series
  • Ranking and Order
UPSC CSAT
Free E-Book
  • Syllabus
  • Important Topics
  • Trend Analysis
  • Strategy

Important Topics of English for UPSC CSAT

  • Reading comprehension is the only topic from which questions are asked in the UPSC CSAT paper.
  • There are 4 types of passages that are asked. Level 1 passages consist of only 1 question after the comprehension. Similarly, level 2, level 3, and level 4 passages consist of 2,3 and 4 questions, respectively. 

Best Books for UPSC CSAT Preparation

Here are the best books and resources to prepare for the UPSC CSAT 2025 exam.

Reasoning Books for UPSC CSAT
BookAuthorPublisher
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal ReasoningR.S. AgarwalS Chand
A New Approach to REASONING Verbal, Non-Verbal & AnalyticalB.S. Sijwalii & Indu Sijwali Arihant Publications
Maths Books for UPSC CSAT
BookAuthorPublisher
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations R.S. AgarwalOswal Publishers
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh VermaRajesh VermaArihant Publications
English Books for UPSC CSAT
BookAuthorPublisher
CSAT Paper II: Reading Comprehension Ashok Kumar Singh & Nagendra PratapGKP
Word Power Made Easy by Norman LewisNorman LewisPenguin India
Best Books Covering Complete Syllabus of UPSC CSAT
BookAuthorPublisher
Cracking The CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper-2Arihant ExpertsArihant Publications
Crack UPSC CSAT Civil Services Aptitude Test IAS Prelims Paper 2Disha ExpertsDisha Publication
UPSC CSAT
Free E-Book
  • Syllabus
  • Important Topics
  • Trend Analysis
  • Strategy

UPSC CSAT Preparation Timetable

Here’s a subject-wise sample study plan for the UPSC CSAT 2025 exam preparation: 

1. Maths

UPSC CSAT
Maths 
Preparation Timetable
TopicHours (Total 124 hrs)
Number System15
HCF and LCM3
Percentage6
Profit and Loss5
Simple Interest4
Compound Interest4
Ratio and Proportion4
Ages and Partnership4
Data Interpretation5
Time and Work6
Pipes and Cistern4
Time, Speed, and Distance6
Boats and Stream4
Average6
Alligation and Mixture4
Mensuration 2D 12
Mensuration 3D12
Permutation and Combination10
Probability10

2. Reasoning

UPSC CSAT
Reasoning 
Preparation Timetable 
TopicHours (Total 62 hrs)
Alphabetical and Alphanumeric Series4
Coding and Decoding6
Syllogism6
Direction Sense4
Ranking and Order6
Blood Relation4
Letter Series2
Analogy2
Clock6
Calendar6
Dice4
Venn Diagram4
Counting Figure4
Cube and Cuboid4

3. English

Practice at least 1 reading comprehension daily and analyze your performance. To get a better hold on comprehension, start reading articles on the following topics:

  • Economic Issues
  • Social Issues
  • Science & Technology
  • Rural Issues
  • Healthcare
  • Climate & Environment
  • Current Burning Issues (Not Political)

Important Note: This is just a sample UPSC CSAT preparation strategy, you can always modify the timetable based on your unique requirements for the best results.

UPSC CSAT
Free E-Book
  • Syllabus
  • Important Topics
  • Trend Analysis
  • Strategy

Tips for UPSC CSAT Preparation

Here are some general tips to keep in mind when preparing for the UPSC CSAT exam:

  • Adjust the above timetable to suit your specific needs.
  • Take short breaks (5-10 minutes) between sessions.
  • Practice topic-wise questions after the completion of each topic from maths and reasoning.
  • Start attempting maths and reasoning practice papers every 10 days after completing at least 50% of your syllabus.
  • Review your performance, identify mistakes, and learn from them.
  • Allocate more time to weak areas while balancing your strong subjects.
  • Always time-bound your mock test practice for time management and exam simulation.
  • Keep a separate notebook for important formulas, concepts, and notes.
  • Prioritize understanding over rote memorization.
  • Stay physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal performance.

Important Note: If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution that increases your chances of clearing the UPSC CSAT exam, you can opt for EduTap’s: UPSC CSAT Master Course. Here you’ll get in-depth notes, live classes, and summary sheets, for every topic asked in the UPSC CSAT exam.  

In the meantime, you can enroll in our FREE UPSC CSAT Course, where you’ll get a taste of what UPSC CSAT preparation is all about.

Conclusion

Preparing for UPSC CSAT requires dedication, a well-planned strategy, and focused effort. On this page, we have mentioned a practical, efficient UPSC CSAT preparation strategy. Here’s a quick recap of the entire UPSC CSAT preparation strategy:

  1. Identify the important topics of each subject.
  2. Refer to the right books and resources.
  3. Create and follow the study plan.
  4. Keep the additional tips in mind.

Remember that the CSAT paper’s difficulty varies from candidate to candidate, but a strategic approach, positive mindset, and consistent practice help overcome challenges.

UPSC CSAT
Free E-Book
  • Syllabus
  • Important Topics
  • Trend Analysis
  • Strategy