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UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026, Topic Wise Maths and Reasoning Syllabus

Check the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 with topic-wise coverage of Maths and Reasoning. Know important areas, question trends, and preparation tips to ace the CSAT Paper II in Prelims.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit14 Jul, 2025
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UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026: UPSC CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) is a qualifying paper in nature, as the candidate must score at least 33%. Candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Service Prelims Exam should have an idea about the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026. The Syllabus CSAT tests the logical reasoning, general aptitude and analytical ability of the candidates. UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers: the General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), also known as the GS II paper

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 

The UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers: the General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), also known as the GS II paper. It was introduced in 2011 in the UPSC Prelims Exam. It is mandatory to qualify the paper for the Mains exam. The UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test syllabus for 2026 encompasses a range of topics designed to assess candidates' analytical and problem-solving abilities. Even though the CSAT paper is qualifying, candidates need to prepare well, as questions have become increasingly challenging in recent years. It includes comprehension skills, where candidates must interpret and answer questions based on passages. Find out the topic-wise UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 here.

Candidate can download UPSC CSAT Previous Year Question PDF Here!

UPSC CSAT Syllabus Topic wise 2026 

The UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 is divided into various sections that assess different skills, making it crucial to understand the syllabus in detail. Each section focuses on a specific area, such as mathematics, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, and comprehension. By breaking down the Civil Services Aptitude Test 2026 syllabus topic-wise, you can concentrate on each area individually, ensuring thorough preparation. Here’s the UPSC CSAT syllabus topic wise:
  • Comprehension;
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability;
  • Decision making and problem solving;
  • General mental ability;
  • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level),
  • Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. — Class X level);

UPSC Maths CSAT Syllabus 2026

The UPSC Maths CSAT Syllabus 2026 is designed to evaluate numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Regular practice is essential to improve your speed and accuracy, ensuring you can solve mathematical problems efficiently during the exam. The key topics include:

General Mental Ability

  • Geometry
  • Time and Distance
  • Profit & Loss
  • Probability
  • Mensuration & Area
  • Pipes & Cisterns
  • Permutation & Combination
  • Trains
  • Boats & Streams
  • Time & Work
  • Partnership
  • Simple Interest and Compound Interest
  • Alligation & Mixtures

Basic Numeracy

  • Simplification
  • Rational Numbers & Ordering
  • Number System
  • Square Roots & Cube Roots
  • Decimal Fractions
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • L.C.M & H.C.F
  • Averages
  • Surds & Indices
  • Set theory

Data Interpretation

  • Mixed Graphs
  • Caselets
  • Tables
  • Bar Graphs
  • Line Graphs
  • Pie Charts
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Data Comparison
  • Data Calculation

UPSC Reasoning CSAT Syllabus 2026

The reasoning section of the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 evaluates your logical and analytical thinking abilities. Understanding the Civil Services Aptitude Test 2026 syllabus for the reasoning section thoroughly will give you an edge in this paper. CSAT reasoning includes a variety of topics, such as:

Logical Reasoning

  • Series completion
  • Analogies
  • Blood relations
  • Direction sense
  • Coding-decoding
  • Decision-making
  • Statement and assumptions

Analytical Reasoning

  • Arrangements (linear and circular)
  • Puzzles
  • Data interpretation (graphs, charts, and tables)
  • Syllogisms

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

  • Word problems
  • Statement and conclusion
  • Inference-making
  • Series and patterns in shapes and figures
  • Visual reasoning
  • Venn diagrams

UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern 2026 gives an idea of the format of the question paper including the total number of questions, negative marking, duration, and total marks. UPSC CSAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with each question carrying equal marks. Here is the UPSC Exam Pattern 2026 for CSAT has been discussed below table:
UPSC CSAT Exam Pattern 2026
Number of Questions 80 MCQs
Maximum Marks 200
Time allotted 2 hours (120 minutes)
Marking Scheme 2.5 marks each
Negative Marking 1/3rd for each incorrect answer
Negative Mark 0.83 marks each
Qualifying Marks 33% or 66.67

UPSC CSAT Syllabus Topic wise PDF Download

The UPSC CSAT Syllabus Topic Wise 2026 PDF will help candidates understand all the important topics for the exam. The official 2026 syllabus PDF will be released by UPSC later. For now, you can refer to the previous year’s CSAT syllabus PDF as a guide to start your preparation. We have provided the link to the previous year’s syllabus PDF below for your easy reference. Once the 2026 syllabus is available, we will update the link here.

How to Cover UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026?

By familiarizing yourself with the UPSC syllabus 2026 for CSAT and the exam pattern, you can approach the exam with a clear strategy. However, covering the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 requires a well-structured and disciplined approach. Here are a few tips to help you prepare effectively:
  • Understand Each Section: Begin by thoroughly understanding each topic outlined in the syllabus to know what to focus on.
  • Collect Study Material : Gather necessary books and resources to cover the syllabus effectively.
  • Solidify Concepts: Focus on understanding the basic concepts before moving on to more complex topics.
  • Maximum Practice: Practice as many questions as possible to improve your accuracy and speed.
  • Read and Summarize: Regularly read and summarize newspaper editorials to strengthen your comprehension section.
  • Enroll in Test Series: Join a test series such as the PW CSAT Test Series to evaluate your progress and get used to the exam environment.
  • Take Mentor’s Help: Seek guidance from experienced mentors to clear doubts and receive personalized support in this challenging paper.
Unlock preparation support with PW's UPSC Courses! Enroll today!

UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs

What is the syllabus of UPSC CSAT 2026?

The UPSC CSAT 2026 syllabus includes topics like Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, Basic Numeracy, and Data Interpretation.

How many topics are there in the CSAT paper?

The CSAT paper typically covers six main topics, including Comprehension, Reasoning, and Basic Numeracy.

How to download the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026?

You can download the UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2026 from the official UPSC website.

How many questions are there in the CSAT exam?

The CSAT exam consists of 80 questions worth 200 marks.

What is the cut off for CSAT 2026?

There is no cut-off for CSAT 2026, candidates need to score at least 33% to qualify this paper.
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