Most Repeated CSAT Questions, Check High Frequency Topics

Most Repeated CSAT Questions are based on recurring logical patterns rather than repeated wording. In the Civil Services Aptitude Test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, topics like Number System (remainder, divisibility, unit digit), Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning (coding-decoding, directions, clocks), and Reading Comprehension consistently appear every year. By analysing previous year questions, aspirants can identify these repeated logics, improve speed and accuracy, and confidently attempt high-probability questions in the exam.

Most Repeated CSAT Questions 

Analysis of PYQs reveals that several specific topics and question types within Logical Reasoning appear almost every year.

1. Alphabet Series

Find the missing term:
A, C, F, J, O, ___

(a) S
(b) T
(c) U
(d) V

2. Coding–Decoding

If in a certain code, CAT = 24, then DOG = ?

(a) 26
(b) 28
(c) 30
(d) 32

3. Direction & Distance

Ravi walks 10 m north, turns right and walks 5 m, then turns right again and walks 10 m.
In which direction is he from the starting point?

(a) North
(b) South
(c) East
(d) West

4. Clocks

What is the angle between the hour and minute hands at 3:20?

(a) 40°
(b) 50°
(c) 60°
(d) 70°

5. Remainder

What is the remainder when 2152^{15}215 is divided by 7?

(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 4
(d) 6

6. Unit Digit

Find the unit digit of 71037^{103}7103.

(a) 1
(b) 3
(c) 7
(d) 9

7. Percentage

A number is increased by 20% and then decreased by 20%. What is the net percentage change?

(a) No change
(b) 4% decrease
(c) 4% increase
(d) 2% decrease

8. Time & Work

A can complete a work in 12 days and B in 18 days. In how many days can they complete it together?

(a) 6
(b) 7.2
(c) 8
(d) 9

9. What is the value of x?

Statement 1: x² = 25
Statement 2: x is positive

Options:
(a) Statement 1 alone sufficient
(b) Statement 2 alone sufficient
(c) Both together sufficient
(d) Neither sufficient

10.

Passage:
"Technological progress improves productivity but may displace workers temporarily before creating new opportunities."

Question:
What is the main idea of the passage?

(a) Technology always causes unemployment
(b) Technology improves productivity but has short-term disruption
(c) Workers resist technology
(d) Productivity does not matter

Role and Strategy of Analyzing Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

The central strategy for CSAT preparation is to understand that the exam repeats logic, not language. While exact questions do not reappear, the underlying logical principles and problem-solving methods are used consistently every year. The primary goal of analyzing PYQs is to identify these repeated logics and themes, allowing students to discover predictable sets of questions with a high probability of appearing in future exams. Mastering these patterns provides several key advantages:

• Increased Speed: Familiarity with question types and their solutions reduces the time taken per question.

• Improved Accuracy: Practicing known patterns minimizes errors.

• Enhanced Confidence: Knowing that a significant portion of the paper will be based on familiar logics reduces exam-related anxiety. 

A Four-Step Method for PYQ Analysis

To effectively leverage PYQs, a structured four-step analysis is recommended:

1. Identify Repeated Logics: The first step involves finding the same type of question that can be solved using the same logic across different years.

2. Time Yourself: Once a pattern is recognized, time your performance while solving these questions. The goal is to reduce the time taken, freeing up valuable minutes for new or more complex questions during the exam.

3. Note Traps and Twists: Pay close attention to any variations, traps, or twists within a repeated pattern. The logic may be the same, but changes in language or numbers can be designed to catch you off guard.

4. Develop a Revision Cycle: Your revision should always begin with these repeated pattern questions. This practice builds a strong foundation and boosts confidence, confirming that you can solve a predictable number of questions each year.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid focusing only on solving; the objective is to analyze and find patterns between questions. Recognizing 10 core logics is more efficient than randomly solving 100 questions.

• Do not ignore repeated patterns; these high-probability questions should be the first ones you master and attempt in an exam.

• Establish a revision cycle; recognizing a pattern requires consistent practice and revision to master the logic and speed.

High-Frequency Topics in Quantitative Aptitude

Like Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude has core areas with highly predictable question patterns. The Number System is the single most important topic.

Key Sub-Topics in Number System

• Divisibility: Questions are based on applying divisibility rules. A typical problem asks if a large number or expression is divisible by a specific integer. (Identified as Set 7 of repeated patterns).

• Remainder: These questions require finding the remainder when a large expression (e.g., 2¹⁹²) is divided by a number. This topic appears with high frequency, often with multiple questions in a single year. (Identified as Set 8).

• Unit Digit: The task is to find the unit digit (the rightmost digit) of the result of a large numerical expression. The key is to focus only on the unit digits of the numbers involved. (Identified as Set 9).

Other Important Quantitative Topics

• Percentage: A recurring question type tests the concept of percentage change (Final Value - Initial Value) / Initial Value × 100. This logic applies in various contexts like profit/loss or measurement errors. (Identified as Set 10).

• Average: Questions are based on the fundamental formula: Average = (Sum of all observations) / (Total number of observations). Variations may involve correcting an average after a wrong value was included. (Identified as Set 11).

• Time and Work: Problems are solved using one of two core logics:

1. The formula Men₁ × Days₁ = Men₂ × Days₂ for work equivalence problems.

2. The LCM method for efficiency problems, especially when comparing workers with different efficiency levels. (Identified as Set 12).

• Data Sufficiency: This is a question type, not a topic, that appears with very high frequency (5-11 questions annually). It can incorporate concepts from any Quant or Reasoning topic. It is very, very important to have a structured approach:

1. Evaluate Statement 1 alone to see if it is sufficient to provide a unique answer.

2. Evaluate Statement 2 alone to see if it is sufficient.

3. Only if neither statement is sufficient on its own, combine the information from both statements and check for sufficiency.

4. Determine the correct option based on whether the statements are sufficient alone, together, or not at all.

A Framework for Reading Comprehension (RC)

RC questions, comprising about 27-29 questions annually, can be categorized into specific types. Understanding the "logic" behind each question type is key to answering them correctly. The most critical rule for all RC questions is to stick only to the information given in the passage. You must avoid your external knowledge, GS biases, and personal opinions. This is a very, very important discipline.

Key Logics for RC Question Types

• Message: When a question asks for the "message," you are looking for the statement that would serve as the best title for the passage.

• Crux: This asks for the main argument or central point being discussed in the passage.

• Implication: Implications are the possible effects, consequences, or future outcomes that can be logically extended from the information in the passage.

• Inference: An inference is a logical conclusion that can be directly derived from the facts and statements presented in the passage.

• Assumption: Assumptions are the unstated beliefs or premises that the author holds, which are necessary to support the arguments made in the passage.

Building Your CSAT Preparation Strategy

A successful CSAT strategy hinges on the principle that consistency beats complexity. The process can be simplified into three phases: recognize the pattern, practice the pattern, and achieve success.

Actionable Steps for Students

1. Track the Logic: As you solve PYQs, make it a habit to identify whether different questions are using the same underlying logic. Group these questions together.

2. Time Each Question Set: After identifying a pattern, practice it regularly with the twin goals of increasing accuracy and decreasing time.

3. Create a "Personal Repetition Journal": This is a very, very important tool. Start noting down every repeated logic and pattern you find. This journal becomes your primary resource for revision and helps build confidence by focusing on the most predictable parts of the exam.