IAS Books For Civil Services Preliminary Exam Paper 2 ( CSAT)

Civil Services Preliminary Exam General Studies Paper 2 is popularly known as CSAT. There are many who call not only General Studies Paper 2 but also the complete preliminary stage exam as CSAT (Civil Service Aptitude Test).

Aspirants should note that terminology like “CSAT” is nowhere mentioned in the UPSC notification! It is just a popular convention used for describing Paper 2. General Studies Paper 2 is also for 200 marks like the General Studies Paper 1 of Civil Service Exam Prelims. Paper 2 is comparatively easier and high-scoring than General Studies Paper 1.

In all previous examinations so far, the number of questions in CSAT Paper 2 was 80, with each question carrying 2.5 marks. Negative marking being one-third, the candidate will lose 0.833 marks from his total for wrong answers.

Syllabus for CSAT – General Studies Paper 2 is as follows:

The sub-topics inside the Civil Services Preliminary Exam Paper 2 ( CSAT) is as below:

1. Comprehension.
2. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
3. Quantitative and Basic Numeracy.
4. Data Interpretation.
5. Decision Making and Problem Solving.
6. Interpersonal Skills including communication skills.

IAS Books for CSAT: Recommended Civil Service Prelims Paper 2 (CSAT) Guides or Question Banks

There are many books for CSAT in the market, often confusing freshers about how to select the right book for the exam. Civil Services Preliminary Exam Paper 2 (CSAT) being more practice-oriented, it’s always better to select books with quality problems. The book(s) should also cover all sections mentioned above in the UPSC Prelims Syllabus in detail.

We are listing 4-5 CSAT Books which contains sections like reasoning, maths, comprehension, mental ability, etc suiting UPSC requirements. These books are hugely popular among the Civil Services aspirants community. Have a look.

CSAT Manual: General Studies for Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Paper – 2) by TMH

CSAT Manual: General Studies for Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Paper – 2) by TMH (Tata McGraw-Hill) is the most popular name in this segment. This is a high-quality book covering almost all areas of the question paper/syllabus (a little heavy too 🙂 ). The book also consists of practice question paper sets and solved question papers of previous years. If the price is not a concern, go for this TMH Manual.

Cracking the CSAT Paper – 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test by Arihant

This revised edition of Cracking the CSAT Paper – 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test more or less covers the UPSC syllabus, touching areas like verbal and numerical skills, Data Interpretation, General Mental Ability, Interpersonal Skills, and Communication, Decision Making and Problem-Solving Skills, and Analytical Ability. Practice tests + Previous year question papers make this book, a serious alternative to TMH Manual, particularly for those who are searching for low-priced books.

Also read: Don’t Underestimate the Importance of CSAT (GS Paper 2) for Prelims

Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

While most similar books are published with a focus on last-minute preparations and quick comprehension, Analytical Reasoning by M. K. Pandey focuses on the basics of the subject of logic and reasoning. It is designed to help the reader understand the foundational aspects better. Never get deceived by the not so attractive cover, this book will turn out as a really handy tool for all serious CSAT takers. This book is useful not only for UPSC but also for various other exams like CAT, GMAT, CLAT, Bank PO, etc. Can be used to supplement TMH/Arihant.

A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by Dr.R.S.Aggarwal

A Modern Approach To Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning is of great use to students preparing for a number of entrance examinations, whether it be for an MBA or for a job in the Civil Services. One of the primary reasons why students should use this book is that it contains a lot of practice questions, often explaining topics like the basic analogy, directions, and non-verbal reasoning which you may not find in books on analytical reasoning.

Other CSAT Books in the Market

There are many other books too in the market covering similar areas. The below-mentioned names also are personal favorites of many, particularly those who prepare MBA/Bank exams along with UPSC. But in case, if you already have any of the three out of four mentioned books above, we think that you can skip the names below.

1. Pearson CSAT manual.
2. Trishna’s Quantitative Aptitude And Data Interpretation.
3. CSAT Conceptual Approach (Paper – 2) by P. N. Roy Chowdhury.
4. CSAT (paper II) by Cl India.
5. UPSC Portal: CSAT Comprehensive Manual.

Books for Individual Topics in CSAT (General Studies Paper 2)

So far we have covered the comprehensive guides and question banks for Prelims Paper 2 (CSAT). Though these books mentioned above should be enough for your preparation, there are specific books for sub-topics in CSAT. In-case if you find any particular section like English Comprehension or Maths as your weak area, you may go for these specific books. Details are updated in the below link:

1. IAS Books Prelims – Logical Comprehension.
2. IAS Books Prelims – English Language Comprehension.
3. IAS Books Prelims – Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
4. IAS Books Prelims – Quantitative and Basic Numeracy.
5. IAS Books Prelims – Data Interpretation.
6. IAS Books Prelims – Decision Making and Problem Solving.
7. IAS Books Prelims – Interpersonal Skills including communication skills.
8. IAS Books Prelims – CSAT Paper 2 Complete Guides / Question Papers.