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UPSC Prelims 2026 CSAT Paper 2 Detailed Analysis (Available) - Check Difficulty Level & Good Attempts
The Union Public Service Commission successfully conducted the UPSC prelims exam on May 24, 2026. The UPSC CSAT is a general studies paper conducted for 200 marks. The CSAT paper 2026 is comparatively easier than previous years. However, candidates have found difficulty level of the UPSC CSAT exam 2026 to be moderate. To get qualified, candidates must score a minimum of 33% marks in Paper 2 to appear for the main examination.
Latest: | UPSC Prelims CSAT Answer Key 2026 | UPSC Prelims CSAT Question Paper 2026 | UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Analysis 2026 |
This Story also Contains
- UPSC Prelims Analysis 2026: Subject-wise
- UPSC CSAT Prelims Analysis 2026: Paper Review
- UPSC prelims analysis 2026 CSAT paper II: Exam Schedule
- UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis: Good Attempts
The UPSC is conducted in two shifts, i.e., morning and afternoon. Candidates can know the difficulty level of the question paper through the exam analysis. For many years, the UPSC CSAT exam has been tough for non-mathematics background students. The exam analysis helps the candidates to estimate how the question paper is designed and which topics are covered by the major questions. Candidates can also know the good attempts of the UPSC prelims analysis for CSAT II from this article.
UPSC Prelims Analysis 2026: Subject-wise
The UPSC IAS prelims exam 2026 is divided into two subjects: General Studies and CSAT. The UPSC prelims exam is conducted for 200 marks, with a duration of two hours per paper. There is a negative marking for each wrong answer and unattempted answer.
UPSC CSAT Prelims Analysis 2026: Paper Review
The CSAT paper 2 contains 80 objective-type questions that carry 2.5 marks for each question. The CSAT paper 2 contains various topics like comprehension, interpersonal skills, and logical reasoning. Check the table to know the difficulty level of the CSAT paper.
CSAT Paper 2 Exam Analysis
Subjects | Difficulty Level |
Reading Comprehension | Easy to moderate |
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability | Moderate to difficult |
Maths & Basic Numeracy | Moderate |
| Overall | Moderate to challenging |
Also Read:
UPSC prelims analysis 2026 CSAT paper II: Exam Schedule
The commission conducts the UPSC prelims CSAT exam in two shifts. Check the table below for exam timing.
UPSC Prelims: Exam Timing
Exam Shift | Timing |
Morning | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
Afternoon | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Also Read:
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
Download EBookUPSC Prelims Exam Analysis: Good Attempts
Based on the students' feedback after concluding the exam, the expected number of good attempts for the UPSC CSAT exam is mentioned below.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Good Attempts
Subjects | Good Attempts |
Reading Comprehension | 29- 30 |
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability | 17 - 18 |
Maths & Basic Numeracy | 25 - 27 |
How to Calculate your CSAT Performance?
Follow the steps below for calculating the CSAT paper:
Check the answer using the answer key
Count the correct and incorrect answers.
Check the marking scheme
Marks Allocation –
Correct answers | +2.5 marks |
Incorrect answers | -0.83 marks |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the UPSC CSAT exam 2026 tough?
A:
Yes, the UPSC CSAT paper is easy compared to general studies.
Q: How to prepare for the UPSC prelims exam 2026?
A:
Candidates who are preparing for the UPSC prelims exam should understand the question paper pattern and syllabus needed for the exam.
Q: What is the UPSC CSAT exam pattern 2026?
A:
The UPSC CSAT question paper contains 80 objective-type questions, each of which carries 2.5 marks.
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