Quick answer
UPSC CSAT Paper II has 80 questions for 200 marks in 120 minutes. Sections: CSAT (Paper II) (80 questions, 2 hours). +2.5 for a correct answer. A wrong answer costs one third of the question's marks (0.83). Qualifying paper: 66 marks (33%) needed.
Section-wise pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSAT (Paper II) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours | 90 seconds |
| Total | 80 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Marking scheme
+2.5 for a correct answer. A wrong answer costs one third of the question's marks (0.83). Qualifying paper: 66 marks (33%) needed.
On exam day
One 2-hour timer and an OMR-style answer sheet; move freely between questions.
Practise on the real UPSC CSAT pattern
3 full mocks with the same sections, timer and marking. The first two are free.
Questions students ask
How many questions are there in UPSC CSAT Paper II?
80 questions for 200 marks, in 120 minutes.
Is there negative marking in UPSC CSAT?
+2.5 for a correct answer. A wrong answer costs one third of the question's marks (0.83). Qualifying paper: 66 marks (33%) needed.
What is the UPSC CSAT exam interface like?
One 2-hour timer and an OMR-style answer sheet; move freely between questions.
What is the CSAT pass mark?
33%, which is 66 marks out of 200. CSAT marks are not added to the merit, but failing CSAT means your GS Paper I is not counted.
What does CSAT test?
Reading comprehension, logical and analytical reasoning, decision making, basic numeracy (Class 10 level) and data interpretation.