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Nagendra Pratap

Academic Head, Civil Service Prep Team, CL Educate Ltd

May 18, 2012 | Closed

Tips for Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), 2012

Nagendra Pratap will share his tips on how to crack the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) that starts on May 20.

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Do you believe, CSAT level is going to be increased this year? Asked by: jivitesh chawla
Yes, We expect that the level of difficulty would be more than the previous year.
In your opinion how much time will be sufficient to prepare for CSAT? Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
Two to three months
Do CL Educate Ltd also cover the Syllabus of paper-1 of CSAT or it only deals with the "reasoning", "Problem solving" and "mental ability" part? Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
Right now we offer an extensive course for CSAT only.
How much is the current affairs weightage in paper 1 of preliminary examination? Asked by: jivitesh chawla
UPSC has changed the nature of paper in the last few years. Now current is not asked as current but as a part of some subject like economics, geography, environment and ecology etc.
Please advice some books/materials on CSAT. Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
NCERT books of maths from 6 to 10 class.
What is the marking scheme for preliminary? how much deduction for wrong answers? Asked by: jivitesh chawla
For the Paper-I 2 marks for every correct answer and minus 0.66 for every incorrect answer. For Paper-II 2.5 marks for every correct answer and minus 0.83 marks for every incorrect answer. There are some questions in the Paper-II in which differential marking is used (there is no negative marking for these questions).
Sir, how many questions will there be in preliminary exam ? Asked by: jivitesh chawla
It is expected that the UPSC will continue the pattern of last year. Paper I 100 questions and Paper II 80 questions.
There is news about UPSC changing the syllabus/pattern of main examination for the year 2013. Any update on that? Asked by: Shiva
There are rumours that the new pattern will come into force from the next year (2013). States like AP and Maharashtra are in the process of implementing the new pattern for main examination. However nothing can be said for sure for the civil services examination right now.
Sir, what is the approximate cut-off to clear preliminary? Is there any individual cut-offs for two papers? Asked by: jivitesh chawla
The cut off last year was between 195 to 200 marks. From the analysis of selections of last year, it seems that either there are no cut offs or the cut offs are very low.
Can coaching classes for CSAT really help a student with humanities and/or commerce background? Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
Yes, These classes do help the students from humanities background. The students get a chance to learn alternate approaches to solve questions and their fear of maths and reasoning is also addressed.
What is the approximate cut-off for getting call for mains? Asked by: jivitesh chawla
Approximate cut off for 2011 main examination is between 845-850 marks.
Can you please give some tips on preparation of "Logical reasoning and analytical ability" and "General mental ability". Can you suggest some books on these topics. Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
By studying the trends of this year, it seems that the cut off is between 845 to 850 marks for an interview call.
Do CL Educate Ltd provide "special" classes for CSAT. Are the classes available at Delhi only? Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
Yes, CL Educate runs an exhaustive course for CSAT. These classes are available in Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Allahabad, Hyderabad, Patna, Jaipur and many other cities of India.
Sir, Is this possible to give Preliminary examination and mains examination in English and opt for Interview/Personality test in Hindi? Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
In preliminary examination language is not optional. For those candidates who opt for any Indian language other than Hindi can choose the language of their interview.
will solving previous years papers help in last minute preparations? Asked by: Rishikesh
Yes, It will orient you towards the requirements and the level of the paper.
Is the "level" of "aptitude" based questions under CSAT will be at par with CAT and other MBA entrance tests? Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
The level of difficulty is somewhat near to Bank PO or MAT. It is nowhere near to CAT or XAT
What is the relevance of General Studies at Preliminary examinations level after the introduction of CSAT? Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
General studies is still very relevant for the examination. However, its importantance has come down. Last year many test takers who performed exceedingly well in the CSAT (150+) were selected and their score was low in the general studies paper (30 to 40 marks)
Students with Science background will get advantage of CSAT. Your take. Asked by: Arvind Agarwal
Students of Science background will have an edge over other competitors. But this is diluted to an extent by the knowledge of general studies of students from humanities background.
Sir how can one improve the aptitude if one is from a biotech back ground and is very weak in the maths. Could you please suggest something one should start from scratch in this case ?? Asked by: anand mathur
I will suggest that you attempt puzzles to train your aptitude. Moreover, try to develop critical approach in whatever you do.