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CSAT Questions - Download UPSC CSAT Practice Questions PDF

by Vajiram & Ravi

Practising CSAT questions is an integral part of UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation. CSAT is a time-bound paper that tests your ability to solve questions quickly and accurately. Practising CSAT questions helps you develop effective time management skills, which are vital for both Prelims and Mains. CSAT questions often involve logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and data interpretation. Practising these questions improves your ability to solve problems efficiently and think critically.

CSAT Practice Questions

Analysing your performance in CSAT practice tests helps you identify areas of strength and weakness. This enables you to focus on improving specific skills and concepts, and by practising CSAT questions, you become more adept at handling stress and pressure during the actual exam, which can significantly impact your performance.

CSAT Questions on Comprehension

1. Engineering students who will complete their graduation this year will find it difficult to get used to the advanced technology being used in the corporate world. The university which designs the engineering course should concentrate on upgrading the infrastructure and improving the quality of teaching to meet industrial standards.

Which of the following assumptions does the above argument make?

a) There are more engineering students than job openings this year.

b) The engineering students graduating this year are not very determined or intelligent.

c) The infrastructure and teaching faculty currently available for engineering students is not up to corporate technological standards.

d) Engineering students will probably pursue management education instead of taking up jobs.

Answer: Option c

2. New barriers on immigration will be detrimental to Britain’s economy, which is facing the prospects of recession. It will also put off countries, on which Brexiters pin much hope. By signalling that she will work for those dispossessed by globalisation, Theresa May has already moved her government’s agenda to the left at a time when labour is lurching to the extreme left. She has clearly understood the broad political message of the Brexit vote about what was once called the “squeezed middle”. But she must also heed the economic danger of protectionism and closing British doors to immigrants. Theresa May or may not be the new Margaret Thatcher, but Britain certainly could do with one.

Which one of the following statements is least essential as a part of the argument in the above passage?

a) Brexit supporters have a lot of expectations from India.

b) Immigrants play an important role in the British labour force and economy in general.

c) Brexit, though possibly only related to Britain, affects other countries as well.

d) Brexiters should have been more careful in exercising their votes.

Answer: Option d

3. Racist attacks are on the rise in most countries, prompting Indian students to rethink their decision to study abroad. However, governments in the countries concerned have promised to take up active campaigns to educate the public and ensure that students are provided with a safe and healthy atmosphere to live in. The fact that hate crimes are on the rise does not reflect positively on their efforts.

The argument “ hate crimes are increasing despite efforts by the authorities” would weaken if:

a) Students have to study abroad due to the lack of the right teaching facilities in India.

b) The police have reported 30 hate crimes to last year’s figures

c) Racist crimes are now a punishable offence and can lead to imprisonment.

d) 911 call centres report an 80% reduction in SOS calls received by them in this category.

Answer: Option d

UPSC CSAT Reasoning Questions

In the dynamic landscape of UPSC preparation, sharpening reasoning skills is a crucial element for success. The UPSC CSAT Reasoning Section challenges aspirants with its diverse range of questions that test analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and decision-making abilities. The following CSAT Reasoning questions will offer you insights on strategies, resources, and the transformative impact of honing these skills for a competitive edge in the civil services examination.

1. Observe the context below and answer the given questions.

Eight boys A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H are seated around a circular table. A and B are opposite to each other. F is neither next to H nor next to G. H is to the immediate left of B and opposite of G. D is to the immediate right of B.

Who is to the immediate right of A? - (a) G, (b) B, (c) F, (d) C or E

Answer: c) F

If each person interchanges his place with the person opposite to him, then who is sitting to the immediate right of C?

a) H

b) F

c) D

d) cannot be determined

Answer: d

2. Krishna travels 10 km to the south, then takes a left and travels 8 km. He then takes a right and travels 3 km; after which he travels in the southeast direction for 4 km and then towards the northeast for 4 km. Finally, he travels 13 km towards the north. In which direction is he with respect to from where he started? - (a) East, (b) West, (c) South, (d) North

Answer: a

3. The question below has two statements followed by two conclusions. Consider the two given statements as true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts. Read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows the given statements.

Statements:

1. All Mumbaikar are Maharashtrian.

2. All Maharashtrians are Indian.

Conclusions:

1. Some Maharashtrian are Mumbaikar.

2. Some Indian are Mumbaikar.

a) Only I

b) Only II

c) Both I and II

d) Neither I nor II

Answer: c

4. Ajay started walking towards the north. After walking for 10 km, he turns towards the east and walks 12 km. He again turns towards the south and walks 15 km. How far is he now from the starting point? - (a) 17 km, (b) 12 km, (c) 13 km, (d) 18 km

Answer: c

5. In a locality, there are five houses in a row. These houses are red, brown, green, purple, and blue in colour. The greenhouse is at the centre. The red and green houses are both adjacent to the brown house. The purple house is second to the right of the brown house. Which house is to the immediate right of the purple house? - (a) Red, (b) Green, (c) Brown, (d) Blue

Answer: d

CSAT Maths Questions

Aspirants can practise the following CSAT Maths questions to boost their chances of clearing this qualifying paper:

Q1. What is the value of the expression 3.3 + 33.03 + 333.003 + 0.33 + 3.03?

a) 336.639

b) 381.369

c) 372.693

d) 333.063

Answer: c

Explanation:

3.3 + 33.03 + 333.003 + 0.33 + 3.03 = 372.693

Hence, option c.

Q2. On dividing a larger number by a smaller number, the quotient obtained is 6 and the remainder is 30. What is the smaller number if the difference between the two numbers is 1380?

a) 280

b) 290

c) 270

d) 250

Answer: c

Explanation:

Let the smaller number be x.

∴ Larger number = 6(x) + 30 = 6x + 30 Difference between the two numbers is 1380.

∴ (6x + 30) – x = 1380

∴ 5x = 1350 i.e., x = 270

Hence, option c.

Q3. The first two terms of a geometric progression add up to 16. The sum of the third and the fourth terms is 64. If the terms of the geometric progression are alternately positive and negative then the third term is:

a) 64

b) 32

c) −16

d) −64

Answer: d

Explanation:

Let the first term of the GP be a and the common ratio be r.

Hence, a + ar = 16 and ar2 + ar3 = 64

∴r2 × (a + ar) = 64

∴r2 = 64/16 = 4

∴r = ±2

When r = 2; a = 16/3

Also, all terms of the G.P. become positive. However, this violates the condition that alternate terms are positive and negative.

∴r = −2

∴a = −16

∴ Third term = ar2

= (−16) × (−2)2 = (−16) × 4 = −64

Hence, option d.

Q4.1st January 2000 was a Saturday. After this date, when would it happen at the earliest for the 1st January to be on Saturday?

a) 1st January 2005

b) 1st January 2006.

c) 1st January 2011

d) 1st January 2028

Answer: a

Explanation:

It makes zero odd days first time on 1st January 2005.

Hence option a.

Q5. What is the value of 283 + 293 + 303 ……………+ 483?

a) 1241292

b) 1360092

c) 1240092

d) 1242292

Answer: c

Explanation:

283 + 293 + 303 …………. + 483 = (13 + 23 + 33

………… + 483) – (13 + 23 + 33 ……… + 273)

The sum of cube of first 𝑛 natural numbers

𝑛2 × (𝑛 × 1)2/4 = (𝑛 + 1)2/2

= (Sum of the first n natural numbers)2

(48 (48+1)²)/2- (27 (27+1)²)/2

= (1176)2 – (378)2 = (1176 + 378) (1176 – 378)

= 1554 × 798 = 1240092

Hence, option c.

Download CSAT Practice Questions PDF

CSAT questions can include decision-making scenarios that assess your ability to make sound judgments under pressure. This skill is valuable not only for the Prelims but also for the subsequent stages of the UPSC exam. Regularly attempting CSAT practice questions simulate the actual exam conditions, helping you become more comfortable with the format and the types of questions you'll encounter.

UPSC CSAT Previous Year Questions

CSAT PYQs provide a firsthand experience of the exam's pattern, types of questions, and difficulty level, allowing candidates to align their preparation accordingly. Consistent practice with PYQs helps identify recurring topics, question formats, and trends over the years, aiding targeted preparation. Incorporating CSAT PYQs into your study routine augments preparation effectiveness aligns your approach with the exam's demands, and propels you toward achieving success in the UPSC Prelims.

FAQs on CSAT Questions

What questions are asked in CSAT?

CSAT questions cover a wide spectrum of topics, including logical reasoning, comprehension, decision-making, numerical ability, data interpretation, and general mental ability. The test evaluates candidates' analytical skills, critical thinking, and aptitude to assess their suitability for civil services.

Are CSAT Questions easy or tough?

The difficulty of the CSAT exam varies for each candidate. It can be challenging due to its diverse question types, including comprehension, reasoning, and numerical abilities. Adequate preparation and practice can make it more manageable.