1. Reading Comprehension
This section tests how well you understand written passages.
You will be given a paragraph or article, followed by questions.
You must be able to:
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Identify the main idea of the passage
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Understand the author’s point of view
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Infer meanings (even when not directly stated)
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Understand vocabulary in context
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Answer fact-based and logical questions from the passage
Tip: Daily reading helps. Practice long and short passages.
2. Interpersonal Skills Including Communication Skills
This part checks how effectively you can interact with people.
It includes:
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Understanding how conversations work
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Interpreting tone, intention, and attitude
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Solving problems through communication
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Basics of public dealing and empathy
Communication skills questions may test:
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Your ability to understand conversations
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Conflict resolution skills
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Emotional intelligence (EQ)
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Judging responses in social situations
Tip: Questions often come in the form of small dialogues or situations.
3. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
This area checks how well you can think logically and analyze information.
Topics include:
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Puzzles
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Seating arrangements
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Coding–decoding
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Analogy
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Series (letter, number, or symbol series)
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Syllogisms
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Statement and conclusion questions
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Directions & blood relations
The focus is on:
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Observing patterns
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Drawing logical conclusions
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Identifying relationships
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Solving step-by-step logical problems
Tip: Puzzles and series questions require more practice and time management.
4. Decision Making & Problem Solving
This section presents real-life scenarios where you must think like an administrator.
Example:
You might be given a situation such as:
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people arguing in a government office
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shortage of resources
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ethical dilemma
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conflict between two officers
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emergency situation
You will be asked what decisions you would take or what solution is most suitable.
Skills tested:
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Fairness
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Ethics
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Practical judgment
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Ability to choose the best option
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Balanced thinking
Note: These questions usually do NOT have negative marking.
5. General Mental Ability
This is a broad section checking your overall thinking capability.
It includes:
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Simple reasoning
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Quick mental calculations
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Pattern recognition
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Basic analytical skills
It may include:
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Number series
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Alphabet series
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Odd one out
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Simple arithmetic reasoning
Tip: This is the easiest part of CSAT and helps boost your score if prepared well.
6. Basic Numeracy (Class X Level)
This part checks your knowledge of mathematics up to Class 10 level.
Topics include:
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Number system
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Percentages
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Profit & loss
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Simple and compound interest
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Ratio & proportion
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Speed, distance & time
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Averages
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Basic algebra
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Mensuration (areas and volumes)
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Fractions and decimals
These are straightforward math questions but require accuracy.
Tip: If you’re weak in maths, practice NCERT Class 8–10 level problems.
7. Data Interpretation (Class X Level)
This section tests your ability to understand and analyse numerical data.
Data may be given in:
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Bar charts
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Pie charts
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Line graphs
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Tables
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Mixed data formats
You may need to:
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Read values correctly
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Compare figures
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Calculate percentages or ratios
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Identify trends
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Interpret conclusions
Tip: The questions may not be tough, but they can be lengthy — so speed matters.
Why These Topics Matter
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Relevance to Administrative Work: The CSAT topics are not just academic – they mimic real-life administrative decision-making. Being good at reasoning, interpreting data, communicating, and making decisions is vital in civil service roles.
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Qualifying Nature: Since CSAT is qualifying, you don’t need to top this paper, but you must clear it. Focus on consistency and accuracy.
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Time Management: CSAT questions can be time-consuming (especially comprehension and data interpretation). Practice speed and efficiency.
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Balanced Prep Strategy: Don’t neglect either side — communication + reasoning + quant all matter. A weakness in any one area can cost you.
Preparation Tips for CSAT
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Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve past CSAT papers from HPSC to understand the question style.
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Mock Tests: Use mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve speed.
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Reading: Read editorials or opinion pieces to improve comprehension skills. Practice summarizing them.
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Logic Games & Puzzles: Train logical reasoning through puzzles, Sudoku, or reasoning books.
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Math Basics: Revise Class 9–10 maths (percentages, ratio, basic algebra) thoroughly.
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Data Sets: Work with charts, tables, and graphs from newspapers, reports, or sample papers.
Conclusion
The HCS CSAT exam (2026) is a critical but qualifying component of the HPSC Prelims. Its syllabus is broad but focused on reasoning, comprehension, basic mathematics, and decision-making — all skills that are very relevant for a career in civil service. A balanced preparation strategy, regular practice, and good time management can help you clear this paper and move to the Mains stage.