Analysis of CSAT Paper, UPSC Preliminary Exam 2025

The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) conducted on May 25, 2025, as part of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, presented candidates with a notably challenging paper.  Here's a detailed analysis:

CSAT 2025 Paper Analysis – 25th May 2025

Overall Difficulty: High

The CSAT paper was considered one of the most difficult in recent years.  Despite being a qualifying paper, it served as an eliminator for many aspirants due to its complexity and length.  

Section-Wise Breakdown

Reading Comprehension

Volume: Approximately 30–35 questions. 

Nature: Passages were lengthy and required deep analytical skills, making them time-consuming. 

Challenge: Candidates found it difficult to manage time effectively due to the complexity of passages.  

Quantitative Aptitude

Topics Covered: Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Averages, Ratios, and Percentages. 

Complexity: Questions were more intricate than in previous years, with some requiring multi-step calculations. 

Feedback: Aspirants reported that the math section was tougher, with new formats of questions appearing.  

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Content: Included puzzles, seating arrangements, and data sufficiency questions. 

Difficulty: Questions were designed to test deep analytical abilities, adding to the overall challenge of the paper. 

Time Management

The paper's length and complexity made time management a significant challenge.  Many candidates struggled to complete all questions within the allotted time.  

Qualifying Nature

Although CSAT is a qualifying paper requiring a minimum of 33% marks, the 2025 paper's difficulty level meant that even well-prepared candidates found it challenging to meet this threshold.