UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis 2025, Check Topic-Wise Weightage
Deeksha Dixit26 May, 2025
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UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis 2025 is a comprehensive breakdown of the Civil Services Aptitude Test that was held on May 25, 2025. According to the analysis, the paper was lengthy and tricky, with a moderate to difficult difficulty level. Many candidates found it tougher than the previous year due to time constraints and complex questions.
Find complete UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis 2025 highlighting the section-wise weightage, topic distribution, difficulty level, and comparison with previous years to help aspirants understand the evolving exam pattern and plan their preparation effectively for the future.
UPSC CSAT Paper Analysis 2025
The UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) exam, held as Paper II of the Preliminary Examination, is a qualifying paper for candidates aiming for the prestigious Civil Services. UPSC CSAT Exam 2025 will have 80 objective-type questions, carrying a total of 200 marks, with a duration of 2 hours. Candidates still needed to score at least 33% (66 out of 200 marks) in this paper to move ahead in the selection process. Here’s an overview of the CSAT 2025 paper structure:
- Quantitative Aptitude: Increasingly difficult, especially in Number System, Algebra, and Permutation & Combination, with tricky wording and quick calculations.
- Logical/Analytical Reasoning: Makes up 15–20% of the paper; moderate-level questions on puzzles, directions, blood relations, and patterns.
- Reading Comprehension: Most weighted section; features lengthy, complex passages testing speed, understanding, and critical thinking.
| CSAT Exam 2025 Overview | |
| Full Form | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) |
| Official Name | General Studies Paper 2 (GS Paper II) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Date | 25 May 2025 (Afternoon Shift) |
| Shift | 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Mode | Pen and Paper (Offline, OMR-based) |
| Language Options | English and Hindi |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Number of Questions | 80 |
| Marks per Question | 2.5 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.83 marks deducted per wrong answer) |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Main Subjects Tested | Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy, Data Interpretation |
| Nature of Paper | Qualifying |
| Qualifying Marks | 33% (66 marks out of 200) |
UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis 2025 Live Analysis
UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis 2025 offers a detailed breakdown of the question paper, focusing on the section-wise distribution, difficulty level, and comparison with previous years. According to it, Reading Comprehension passages were long and challenging, Reasoning required strong analytical thinking, and Numerical Ability featured tricky, calculation-heavy problems. Time management emerged as the biggest challenge, making it difficult for aspirants to attempt all questions.
Here is an in-depth CSAT 2025 analysis shared by PW ONLYIAS to help aspirants understand the evolving trends in the CSAT paper and evaluate their performance:
Section-Wise Question Distribution in CSAT 2025
UPSC CSAT 2025 consists of 80 questions, spread across various sections that test critical skills in logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English comprehension, and data interpretation. Each section is designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's problem-solving abilities. The table below depicts section-wise question distribution for UPSC CSAT 2025:
| Section | Questions |
| Logical Reasoning | 17 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 34 |
| English Comprehension | 29 |
| Total Questions | 80 |
UPSC CSAT Analysis 2025: Good Attempt & Difficulty Level
The CSAT 2025 paper was rated moderate to difficult, with many candidates struggling due to lengthy comprehension passages and tricky quantitative questions. A good attempt this year is estimated to be around 55–65 questions with high accuracy. Here is section wise Good Attempt & Difficulty Level for the CSAT 2025 exam:
| Subjects | Good Attempt | Difficulty Level |
| Reasoning Ability | 14–15 | Moderate |
| Reading Comprehension | 22–24 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Numerical Ability | 25–28 | Moderate |
| Total | 55–65 | Moderate to Difficult |
Topic-Wise CSAT Analysis (2011-2024)
Topic-Wise CSAT Analysis from 2011 to 2024 provides an insightful breakdown of how different sections have been tested in the UPSC CSAT exam over the years. It highlights the number of questions from key topics such as Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Below is the detailed year-wise analysis of the question distribution across various topics:
| Year | Quantitative Aptitude | Logical Reasoning | Reading Comprehension | Data Interpretation | Decision Making |
| 2024 | 25 | 18 | 27 | 10 | 0 |
| 2023 | 37 | 15 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 22 | 30 | 0 | 3 |
| 2021 | 33 | 18 | 27 | 0 | 2 |
| 2020 | 42 | 12 | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 32 | 18 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 14 | 0 |
| 2017 | 28 | 22 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 31 | 21 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 30 | 18 | 30 | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 | 20 | 23 | 31 | 6 | 0 |
| 2013 | 11 | 21 | 33 | 9 | 6 |
| 2012 | 3 | 28 | 40 | 0 | 9 |
| 2011 | 11 | 17 | 39 | 5 | 8 |
Want to get ready for CSAT 2026? Explore PW's UPSC courses today for guidance and comprehensive study material to boost your preparation!
UPSC CSAT Exam Analysis 2025 FAQs
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