Prelims Paper II
UPSC CSAT Previous Year Papers PDF
CSAT does not add to the GS-I merit list, but it is a hard gate. Download, time yourself, and protect the qualifying score.
Last updated: 18 August 2026
In short: UPSC CSAT is Civil Services Prelims Paper II. It is qualifying. These PDFs cover question papers 2015–2024 and keys 2015–2023. Comprehension, reasoning and numeracy all appear. A high GS-I score does not save a failed CSAT.
Download PDFs
| Year | Paper | Question paper | Answer key |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 3.0 MB | — |
| 2023 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 3.2 MB | Answer key 166 KB |
| 2022 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 3.0 MB | Answer key 14 KB |
| 2021 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 1.8 MB | Answer key 143 KB |
| 2020 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 1.5 MB | Answer key 184 KB |
| 2019 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 1.5 MB | Answer key 90 KB |
| 2018 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 1.7 MB | Answer key 165 KB |
| 2017 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 2.1 MB | Answer key 73 KB |
| 2016 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 2.0 MB | Answer key 235 KB |
| 2015 | CSAT Paper II | Download PDF 887 KB | Answer key 124 KB |
These are hosted copies of public exam papers and keys for candidates. Official source: Union Public Service Commission. If a later official PDF differs, use that file. We do not host copyrighted textbooks or institute-branded mocks.
How to use CSAT PYQs
Sit at least three recent papers with a timer. Track accuracy by bucket: reading comprehension, logical reasoning, numeracy. If numeracy collapses, return to Class 8–10 arithmetic rather than buying a thick CSAT manual.
- Do not postpone CSAT until after GS is “finished”
- Practise sets you will skip in the hall so you know your skip rules
- Re-check the qualifying percentage in the latest notification — do not rely on memory of an older year
FAQs
Is CSAT counted for the Prelims merit list?
No. Paper II is qualifying. Paper I marks decide the Prelims cut-off among those who qualify CSAT, as per the notification in force.
What is the CSAT qualifying mark?
In recent years UPSC has required 33 percent in Paper II. Confirm the figure in the latest CSE notification; do not treat a forum post as the rule.
I am from a humanities background. Can I still clear CSAT?
Yes if you practise under time. PYQs show that comprehension and reasoning carry a large share. Numeracy is usually school-level if you keep a weekly slot.
Is the 2024 CSAT answer key here?
The 2024 paper is hosted. A hosted key for 2024 is not. Use the official UPSC key when published.
