Syllabus

UPSC CSAT 2025 Syllabus – Complete Guide to GS Paper 2 Topics

Get a complete guide to the UPSC CSAT 2025 syllabus, detailing the topics included in GS Paper 2. Understand the structure, marking scheme, and key areas like Comprehension, Reasoning, and Mathematics to plan your study schedule effectively.

The UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is Paper-II of the UPSC Preliminary Examination. It is also known as General Studies Paper 2 (GS Paper 2). This paper tests the candidate’s aptitude in comprehension, reasoning, communication, basic numeracy, decision making, and problem-solving skills.

CSAT is a qualifying exam where candidates must score at least 33% to qualify. Though its marks don’t count toward the final ranking, clearing CSAT is mandatory to proceed further in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

This guide provides the complete syllabus including detailed topics of CSAT (GS Paper 2), marks distribution, recommended books, preparation tips, and a downloadable syllabus PDF.

UPSC CSAT: Exam Overview

Parameter Details
Exam Name UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) / GS Paper 2
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Type Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Total Questions 80
Total Marks 200
Duration 2 Hours
Minimum Qualifying Marks 33% (Approx. 66 Marks)
Language English and Hindi
Purpose Qualifying Paper for UPSC Prelims

Complete UPSC CSAT Syllabus: Subjects, Topics & Description

Subject / Area Topics Covered Description
Comprehension Reading comprehension, main ideas, inference, vocabulary, summarizing Ability to understand, interpret, and analyze passages; infer meaning and summarize content.
Interpersonal Skills & Communication Verbal/non-verbal communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution Tests communication effectiveness, emotional management, teamwork spirit, leadership, and negotiation.
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability Series completion, analogies, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, puzzles, seating arrangement, statements & conclusions Evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, analytical puzzles, and deductive reasoning skills.
Decision Making & Problem Solving Situational judgment, ethical dilemmas, case studies, problem analysis, decision-making skills Measures ability to solve real-life administrative/ethical problems and make sound decisions.
Basic Numeracy Number systems, simplification, ratio & proportion, percentage, profit & loss, interest, time & work, speed & distance, averages, mixtures & allegations Tests fundamental math skills required for data handling and financial calculations.
Data Interpretation Tables, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, data sufficiency Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data presented in various graphical/tabular forms.
General Studies Paper 2 (GS Paper 2) Topics Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations
  • Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
  • Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges related to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances
  • Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
  • Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with other countries
  • Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
  • Executive—structure, organization and functioning at Union and State levels
  • Judiciary—structure, organization and functioning, independence and accountability
  • Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
  • Development processes and the development industry—the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
  • Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
  • Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
  • Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance initiatives and citizen charters, Right to Information, Ombudsman, citizens’ participation in governance
  • International Relations and bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Topic-wise Questions and Marks Distribution

Topic No. of Questions Marks (Out of 200) Description
Comprehension 15 37.5 Understanding and analyzing written passages.
Interpersonal Skills & Communication 5 12.5 Testing communication and emotional intelligence.
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability 15 37.5 Logical puzzles, coding-decoding, and analytical reasoning.
Decision Making & Problem Solving 5 12.5 Situational judgment and ethical case studies.
Basic Numeracy 20 50 Arithmetic and quantitative problems.
Data Interpretation 20 50 Graphs, charts, and data analysis.
General Studies Paper 2 (Governance, Polity, Social Justice, IR) 10-15 (approx.) Not separately marked Usually integrated in prelims Paper 1; candidates should be aware of these topics for mains and interview.

Recommended Books for UPSC CSAT & GS Paper 2 Preparation

Book Title Author / Publisher Use Case
Indian Polity M. Laxmikanth Detailed coverage of Constitution and governance
Governance in India Indian Polity by Laxmikanth (selected chapters) Focus on governance and social justice
CSAT Paper 2 Manual Tata McGraw Hill Comprehensive CSAT syllabus guide
Indian Economy Ramesh Singh Development and welfare schemes understanding
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams R.S. Aggarwal Basic numeracy and arithmetic practice
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC Official Archive Real exam pattern and question types

UPSC CSAT & GS Paper 2 Syllabus PDF Download

Access the official UPSC CSAT syllabus PDF here:

UPSC CSAT Syllabus PDF

Preparation Tips for UPSC CSAT (GS Paper 2)

  • Get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus, especially the qualifying nature of CSAT.
  • Strengthen basics by studying NCERT books (Class 6-10) for maths and reasoning.
  • Read newspapers daily to improve comprehension and awareness of governance and polity.
  • Practice previous years’ papers and take mock tests for speed and accuracy.
  • Focus on logical reasoning and decision-making case studies regularly.
  • Revise Indian polity and governance topics thoroughly from recommended books.
  • Time management during practice is key for completing the paper.
  • Maintain accuracy to avoid negative marking penalties.

Conclusion

The UPSC CSAT (GS Paper 2) plays a crucial qualifying role in the civil services exam. Thorough preparation on comprehension, reasoning, numeracy, and governance-related topics is essential to clear this stage confidently.

By following a structured preparation plan, practicing regularly, and understanding key governance concepts, you will be well-positioned to succeed in UPSC prelims and move closer to your dream of serving in India’s civil services.

For personalized study plans or mock test series on CSAT and GS Paper 2, feel free to ask!

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