Analysis of C SAT paper

With the deadline of 2nd June for Prelims examinations, the candidates are enthusiastic to prepare with full confidence. Clearing Prelims is the main hurdle in Civils examination.

Like in the snake and ladder game, one has to come down to 2 from 98 numbers in the game of civils. If the candidate fails in personality test, he has to again appear for prelims if he has chances left over.

The prelims exams contain two objective type papers. GS paper I is about General Studies and the Paper II is known as Civil services Aptitude test – CSAT. It is only a qualifying paper and the marks obtained in this paper II do not count for ranking. It is basically a test of comprehension, analytical and decision making abilities.

The paper II contains 80 questions with 200 marks, where as Paper I has 100 questions with 200 marks. The broad categories in paper II can be classified as follows:

1. Mathematics and basic numeracy,

2. Logical and analytical reasoning

3. Visual reasoning

4. Reading comprehension

5. Decision making

6. Data interpretation

Over the years less importance is given for reading comprehension. The candidate needs to secure at least 33% marks to qualify. Then only your paper I marks will be taken for account

Other topics in the Paper II

1. Inter personal skills

2. Decision making and problem solving

3. General mental ability test

4. data sufficiency

5. General mathematics- Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, commercial and statistics etc.

How to prepare

It is a big question. One has to choose his own way of reading and analyzing the subjects. First of all one has to analyze his strengths and weakness in preparation. The best way is to pick up previous papers and solve them in a given time frame. One can gauge his level while doing so after answering two or three papers. Take the help of your seniors. Understand your weak areas and resolves them.

Regular study: One has to choose his own timetable for study. There is no hard and fast rule. Successors in their interviews mention about 10 to 12 hours study. But you are the best judge. Don't go by thumb rule remarks. Fundamental concepts are to be understood in proper perspective. Find out the difficult topics for you and work out on them at a regular interval. You can plan your own short cut methods.

Time management: This is the fundamental issue. You have 120 minutes and to answer 80 questions. Keep track of time. Follow the simple method:

Solve easy questions first and then go for difficult questions. Little extra time is to be spent on them. Quick speed and accuracy are the key points to remember. Answering mock tests will help in time management. On line question papers from different institutions are available. One can enroll and solves them for practice.

Study of basics

Strong foundation for any edifice is needed. Similarly learn the difficult part and study. Student has to lay stress on acquiring fundamental basics to move ahead. Learn the short cut methods to solve the problems in minimum time with accuracy. It will pave way for success. Understand the pattern of questions and their importance. Each question has 2. 5 marks and there is a negative marking of 0.83 marks also. So be careful while answering.

2018 Paper II Analysis

Passages: Directions for the following four items: read the following four passages and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on passages only.

Passage I.

It is about global population. It is expected that around 2030 when India takes over China as the world's most populous country. Based on the passage the following questions asre given:

Which of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?

(a) Prosperity of agriculture sector is critical importance to India.

(b) Indian economy greatly depends on its agriculture

(c) India should take strict measures to control its rapid population growth.

(d) India's farming communities should switcfh over to othr occupaions to improve their economic conditions.

Correct answer B

Passage 2. "we have the world on our plates" says an official of WHO. It is about food borne illness.

Which of the following is the most logical corollary to the above passage?

(a) With more options for food come more risks.

(b) Food processing is the source of all food borne illnesses.

(c) We should depend on locally produced food only

(d) Globalization of food production should be curtailed.

Corresct answer A

Again there are four more passages to be answered.

Question No. 72 is as follows;

Lakshmi , her brother ,her daughter and her son are badminton players. A game of doubles is about to begin.

i. Lakshmi's brother is directly across the net from her daughter

ii. Her son is diagonally across the net from the worst player's sibling

iii. The best player and the worst player are on the same side of the net.

Who is the best player?

(a) Her brother

(b) Her daughter

(c) Her son

(d) Lakshmi

Correct answer –Lakshmi

Though it is a qualifying paper one has to be cautious to get the required marks.

Answer as many previous papers and mock tests as you can to gain confidence.

(The author is Retired

Additional Director General, Doordarshan)