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CSAT Formula Book for UPSC Prelims 2025

CSAT Formula book compiles formulas and tricks for easy revision before the exam. Go through the CSAT Formula Book PDF, a useful cheat sheet that will help in Prelims 2025.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit25 May, 2025
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CSAT Formula

 

CSAT Formula: The UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency in comprehension, logical reasoning, basic numeracy, and data interpretation. Candidates struggle with the CSAT syllabus because it can be overwhelming to revise all topics at the last minute. In such a scenario, the CSAT Formula PDF can be highly beneficial by offering quick tricks and revision before the exam.

The CSAT formula book has a collection of ready-to-use quick formulas and tricks that may come in handy in the last-minute revision and earn a few extra marks. Explore some important formulas in the PW OnlyIAS CSAT formula book to revise before the exam with ease. 

UPSC CSAT Formula Book

To prepare for the CSAT paper or GS Paper II, candidates should ensure that they have covered all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. The UPSC CSAT exam syllabus has been mentioned in the notification and covers the following subjects:
  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision-making and problem-solving
  • General mental ability
  • Class X level Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.)
  • Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. — Class X level)
These core topics are further divided into many subtopics, including number systems, algebra, factorials, SI & CI, profit and loss, surds, and progressions etc.

Also Read: UPSC CSAT Books, Books For IAS Prelims CSAT Paper

UPSC CSAT Formula Book PDF Download 

CSAT Formula PDF can be a valuable resource for UPSC aspirants preparing for this paper. UPSC CSAT Formula books compile essential formulas, concepts, and tricks crucial for success in the exam in a structured and organized format. PW offers a comprehensive and crisp CSAT Formula PDF that contains a collection of important formulas and tricks that can be useful for last-minute revision.
This CSAT Formula book by Physics Wallah will be handy in the final days of the prelim exam by facilitating speed and saving calculation time.  Download the PW CSAT formula book here:
CSAT Formula Book
Book Title Download Link
PW OnlyIAS CSAT Formula Book Click Here

Important CSAT Formulas 

Having a strong command over the CSAT Formula enables candidates to solve problems more efficiently during the exam, saving valuable time and ensuring accuracy. These formulas cover various topics such as algebra, geometry, ratio, and data interpretation, among others. Here are important CSAT formulas for basic numeracy and reasoning sections:

Arithmetic Progression

Arithmetic Progression (AP) is a sequence of numbers in which the difference between consecutive terms is constant. This constant difference is called the "common difference." The formula for Arithmetic Progression in CSAT is: CSAT Formula Where a = First term, d = Common difference, Tn = nth term, Sn = Sum of n terms

Algebraic Formulas

Algebraic formulas encompass a wide range of equations and expressions used to solve problems involving variables and constants. Some of the algebraic formulas useful in the CSAT exam include:
  • (a+b)² = a² + b²+ 2ab
  • (a-b)² = a²+ b²– 2ab
  • a² + b² = (a-b)² +2ab.
  • a² – b² = (a-b)(a+b)
  • a³+b³ = (a+b) (a² – ab + b²)
  • a³-b³ = (a-b) (a² + ab + b²)
  • (a+b+c)² = a²+b²+c²+2ab+2ac+2bc.
  • (a-b-c)² = a²+b²+c²-2ab-2ac+2bc.
Here, “a” and “b” are variables. 

Profit & Loss

In mathematics, the concept of Profit and loss is generally used from an economic perspective. Profits occur when a good is sold higher than its actual cost, whereas a loss is caused if it is sold lower than the cost price. To find out whether there is profit or loss, the difference between the cost price and the selling price is considered:
  • Profit = Selling Price – Cost Price
  • Loss = Cost Price – Selling Price
  • Profit % = Profit / Cost Price x 100
  • Loss % = Loss / Cost Price x 100
  • Discount = Marked Price – Selling Price
  • Discount % = Discount / Marked Price x 100

Average

The average, also known as the arithmetic mean, is a central measure of a set of numbers. It is calculated by summing all values and dividing by the total number of values. In UPSC CSAT, the average is one of the most important topics that is repeated almost every year. Here is the formula for calculating the average:
Average = Sum of observations / Number of observations
Weighted Average = w1x1+w2x2+⋯........wnxn / x1+x2+⋯.....+xn
Note: If the value of each unit in a set is increased or decreased by some value x, then the average of the set also increases or decreases respectively by x.

Percentage

Percentages represent a portion of a whole number expressed in terms of 100. In CSAT percentage formula is commonly used to compare proportions and solve quantitative aptitude problems. It also has relevance in the other topics of the syllabus, such as the Data interpretation section. Here is how to calculate the ‘Percentage’ in the CSAT exam:
Percentage Change = Final Value - Initial Value / Initial Value x 100. 
 For successive change of x% and y%
Total change in percentage  = (x + y + xy / 100) %

Divisibility Rule

Divisibility rules are simple shortcuts or tricks that help us quickly determine whether a number can be divided evenly by another number without actually doing the division.

  • Divisible by 1: Every number is divisible by 1.
  • Divisible by 2: A number is divisible by 2 if its last digit is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8).
  • Divisible by 3: A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
  • Divisible by 4: A number is divisible by 4 if the last two digits form a number that is divisible by 4.

How to Revise the CSAT Formula for Exam?

As just a few days are remaining for the exam, it is high time to revise formulas before the exam. Follow this strategy:
  • Review fundamental topics in mathematics, logical reasoning, and language comprehension.
  • Take note of frequently asked questions and focus revision around them.
  • Summarize all important formulas on a single sheet or flashcards.
  • Create memory aids or visual tricks to remember complex formulas. For example, use acronyms.
  • Revise formulas by solving 5–10 problems daily from each major topic.
So think no more, follow the UPSC CSAT formula book that lists essential formulas on the most frequently covered topics, which aids in improving efficiency and performance. 

Get ready for the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam. Explore PW UPSC Courses!

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CSAT Formula FAQs

How many maths questions are there in CSAT?

Around 20 to 25 maths questions are there in CSAT.

What is basic numeracy in UPSC CSAT?

Basic numeracy in UPSC CSAT refers to the fundamental mathematical concepts at the Class X level.

What is the scoring pattern of the CSAT paper?

The CSAT paper comprises 80 questions, each carrying 2.5 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.83 marks for each wrong answer.

What is the formula of probability for CSAT in UPSC?

The formula for probability in CSAT is: Probability = Number of favorable outcomes / Total number of outcomes.

What is the formula for time and work in UPSC CSAT?

The formula for time and work involves calculating the work done by an individual or group over a certain period of time, expressed as Work = Rate of work × time.
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