UPSC CSAT 2024 Paper Analysis | Easiest Paper in 8 Years | Download PDF & Video Solution
The UPSC CSAT 2024 paper, held as part of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, surprised many aspirants with its easy difficulty level arguably the easiest CSAT paper in the last 8 years.
If you were among those who attempted it, you likely found the paper highly manageable. But for those preparing for UPSC CSAT 2025/26, this analysis will help you understand the trend and plan your preparation smartly.
CSAT 2024 Paper Pattern Breakdown
Let’s look at the subject wise distribution of the questions in CSAT 2024:
Section
Number of Questions
Difficulty Level
Arithmetic
12
Easy
Number System
23
Moderate
Data Sufficiency
10 (across topics)
Moderate
Reasoning
18
Easy
Reading Comprehension
27
Easy to Moderate
Key Observations: Why CSAT 2024 Was Considered Easy
Reading Comprehension (RC):
27 questions were asked from RC, with most passages being short and questions straightforward. No tricky vocabulary or complex inference based questions.
Reasoning Section:
18 questions, primarily from basic topics like coding decoding, direction sense, seating arrangement and blood relations. Almost all could be solved through common sense and simple logic.
Quantitative Aptitude:
Number System: 23 questions, although the topic carried high weightage, most questions were solvable with conceptual clarity and no need for heavy formula use.
Arithmetic: 12 questions, all direct and simple, focusing on time, work, ratios, averages, percentages and profit loss.
Data Sufficiency (DS):
A total of 10 questions were framed in the DS format and were distributed across all three areas: Maths, Reasoning and RC. This indicates a growing UPSC trend where candidates are tested not just for the answer, but for judgment and reasoning.
Download CSAT 2024 PDF: Question Paper + Official Answer Key
We’ve uploaded both the official question paper PDF and answer key for you to download and analyze.
Download CSAT 2024 Question Paper (PDF)
Download CSAT 2024 Official Answer Key (PDF)
These are crucial for verifying your answers and understanding UPSC’s approach.
Watch: CSAT 2024 Full Video Solution by UNGIST
To help you understand the thought process behind solving each question (without cramming formulas), we’ve released a detailed video solution. Every question is explained the way we teach inside our UNGIST classes with logic, clarity and without rote methods.
Watch the CSAT 2024 Video Solution
What Should CSAT 2025 Aspirants Do ?
Here’s how you should gear up based on the 2024 trends:
1. Master the Number System
With 23 questions from this area, Number System is clearly dominating the CSAT landscape. Focus on concepts like factors, LCM, HCF, divisibility, remainders, and digit based questions. Don’t rely on shortcuts, understand the logic.
2. Be Strong in Arithmetic
Arithmetic is an easy scoring area if concepts are clear. You don’t need Vedic maths just smart, clear thinking. Practice time & work, averages, percentages and basic algebra.
3. Practice Reasoning Daily
Basic puzzles, arrangements, direction sense and coding questions are easy marks. Aim for 90%+ accuracy here.
4. Train Yourself in Data Sufficiency
This format is becoming UPSC’s favorite across all topics. Build the habit of identifying whether the data is sufficient, not just solving the question.
5. Reading Comprehension is Non Negotiable
RC remains the backbone of CSAT. Work on comprehension speed, inference ability and comfort with diverse topics.
Learn with UNGIST | India's Best CSAT Coaching for UPSC
At UNGIST, we’ve helped thousands of students clear CSAT using our formula free, concept first approach. Whether you're from Arts, Commerce, or Non Maths background, our method simplifies even the toughest areas.
Highlights of UNGIST CSAT Program:
Daily conceptual classes (Offline + Online).
Chapter wise tests and full length mock tests.
Data Sufficiency and Number System focused practice.
UNGIST CSAT Theory & Practice Book with PYQs (2011 to 2024).
Personal mentorship for every student.
Final Thoughts
UPSC CSAT 2024 has sent a clear signal: If your basics are strong, this paper is a golden scoring opportunity. With the right guidance and focused revision, anyone can qualify CSAT with ease, even if you’re not from a Maths background.
So, if you’re preparing for UPSC CSAT 2025, this is the perfect time to start with the right plan and the right teacher.
Download the CSAT 2024 PDFs
Watch the CSAT 2024 Video Solution
Explore the UNGIST CSAT Course
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Very important. The Number System had 23 questions, making it the highest weighted topic in the paper. Mastery of this topic is now crucial for qualifying.
Yes. The significant increase in Data Sufficiency questions (10 total) across topics marks a clear trend that UPSC is focusing on analytical ability over calculation.
Arithmetic questions were easy and straightforward, mostly based on fundamental concepts like percentages, averages, ratios, and time & work.
Focus more on Number System, Reasoning, and Data Sufficiency. Also, practice Reading Comprehension regularly and refer to UNGIST’s formula free CSAT book and free concept classes for a strong foundation.
