UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 Exam Analysis 2025 | Difficulty Level, Good Attempts

The UPPSC PCS Prelims 2025 CSAT Paper 2 was conducted on 12th October 2025 (Sunday) in the second shift (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM) across Uttar Pradesh. This paper, also known as the UPPSC General Studies Paper 2, is qualifying in nature, but its role is crucial as candidates must secure at least 33% marks (66.67 out of 200) to qualify for the Prelims stage. The paper tested logical reasoning, comprehension, basic numeracy, and decision-making skills. Let’s look at the detailed subject-wise analysis, difficulty level, and expected cutoff trends.

UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2025: Overview

The CSAT paper is often underestimated, but every year a significant number of aspirants fail to qualify it. Hence, analytical preparation and regular practice are essential to clear this stage.

UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2025: Subject-Wise Difficulty Level

The 2025 CSAT paper was moderate to slightly difficult, with reasoning and comprehension sections taking more time. Quantitative aptitude questions were direct but lengthy, while comprehension passages required careful reading.

Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Slightly Difficult

Topics Asked in UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2025

The CSAT paper focused on testing a candidate’s aptitude rather than factual knowledge. Major topics included:

• Reading Comprehension: Passages on environmental awareness, governance, and ethical issues.
• Mathematics: Arithmetic, averages, percentages, ratios, time-speed-distance, and profit & loss.
• Logical Reasoning: Series, coding-decoding, syllogisms, statements & conclusions, and blood relations.
• Data Interpretation: Table and bar graph-based calculations.
• Decision Making: Situational questions testing judgment and integrity.
• Mental Ability: Puzzles, directions, and order-arrangement type questions.

UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2025: Good Attempts

Based on the paper’s structure, good attempts were determined considering both accuracy and time management. Many candidates found comprehension time-consuming but solvable.

Candidates attempting around 65–70 questions accurately are likely to qualify comfortably.

UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2025: Expected Cut Off (Qualifying Marks)

Since the CSAT paper is only qualifying, candidates must score a minimum of 33% marks (66.67 marks) to clear it. Even though it is qualifying, CSAT failures are not uncommon, hence aspirants should practice regularly and not take it lightly.

UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2025: Key Takeaways

The 2025 CSAT paper was balanced but time-consuming, especially in comprehension and arithmetic sections. Logical reasoning was moderate, and decision-making questions tested analytical thinking rather than calculation.

Highlights:

• Reading comprehension dominated the paper with around 25–28 questions.

• Quantitative aptitude questions were calculative and lengthy.

• Logical reasoning was direct but concept-based.

• Decision-making questions were simple and scoring.

• Hindi comprehension passages were straightforward.

Preparation Strategy for UPPSC CSAT 2026

1. Daily Comprehension Practice: Read editorials and practice comprehension-based questions.

2. Revise Arithmetic Basics: Focus on percentages, averages, ratios, and time-speed-distance.

3. Logical Reasoning: Practice series, puzzles, and statement-conclusion type questions daily.

4. Mock Tests: Attempt full-length CSAT papers weekly to improve time management.

5. Data Interpretation: Learn shortcut methods for calculations and approximation techniques.

Consistent practice and strong basics are the key to comfortably clearing the CSAT paper.

Conclusion

The UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 Exam 2025 was moderate in difficulty with balanced coverage across reasoning, comprehension, and mathematics. Candidates with strong aptitude and time management skills will have no difficulty in crossing the qualifying threshold. With increased analytical focus, UPPSC continues to test candidates’ logical ability rather than rote memory.

FAQs on UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 Exam Analysis 2025

Q1. When was the UPPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 conducted?

The UPPSC PCS CSAT Paper 2 was held on 12th October 2025 in the second shift (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) across Uttar Pradesh.

Q2. What was the overall difficulty level of CSAT Paper 2 (2025)?

The paper was moderate to slightly difficult, with comprehension and arithmetic sections taking the most time. Logical reasoning was relatively simpler.

Q3. How many questions were asked in the CSAT Paper 2?

The paper consisted of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 200 marks.

Q4. What are the qualifying marks for CSAT Paper 2?

Candidates must score at least 33% marks (66.67 out of 200) in CSAT Paper 2 to qualify for the Mains stage.

Q5. Which section was most time-consuming in 2025?

The Reading Comprehension section, especially English passages, consumed more time due to their length and inference-based nature.

Q6. What is the safe score to qualify CSAT Paper 2?

A score between 70 to 75 marks is considered safe across all categories.

Q7. Is CSAT counted in the final prelims merit?

No, CSAT Paper 2 is only qualifying in nature. Marks are not counted toward the UPPSC Prelims merit list.

Q8. What topics should candidates focus on for CSAT 2026?

Focus on comprehension, arithmetic, reasoning, and data interpretation. Regular practice of UPSC and UPPSC CSAT previous year papers will help.