The General Studies Paper II (GS Paper II) of the APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) Preliminary Exam is commonly known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Unlike GS Paper I, this paper does not contribute to the Prelims merit ranking. However, it is qualifying in nature, and candidates must score at least 33% (66 out of 200 marks) to qualify. If a candidate fails to secure the qualifying marks in GS Paper II, their GS Paper I marks are not considered for shortlisting to the Mains Examination, irrespective of how well they performed in Paper I.

APSC Prelims GS Paper II: Exam Pattern

Particular	Details
Paper	General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
Type	Objective (MCQ)
Total Questions	80
Total Marks	200
Marks per Question	2.5
Duration	2 Hours
Negative Marking	1/4th of the marks assigned to the question
Qualifying Marks	33% (66 Marks)
Counts for Merit	No (Qualifying Only)

APSC GS Paper II (CSAT) Syllabus

The paper evaluates a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, analytical thinking, and basic mathematical skills rather than factual knowledge.

1. Reading Comprehension

This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand, analyse, and interpret written passages.

Important topics include:

• Reading comprehension passages
• Vocabulary in context
• Inference-based questions
• Main idea identification
• Logical conclusions
• Tone and purpose of the passage

2. Interpersonal Skills and Communication Skills

Candidates are tested on their understanding of communication and interpersonal situations.

Topics include:

• Effective communication
• Interpersonal relationships
• Communication process
• Listening skills
• Workplace communication
• Social interaction

3. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

This is one of the most important sections of CSAT.

Frequently asked topics include:

• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Seating Arrangement
• Statement and Conclusion
• Syllogism
• Analogy
• Series
• Ranking
• Puzzle-based reasoning
• Cause and Effect
• Logical deductions

4. Decision Making and Problem Solving

Questions assess a candidate’s judgment in practical situations.

Topics include:

• Administrative decision making
• Ethical situations
• Problem-solving ability
• Situational judgment
• Choosing the most appropriate course of action

5. General Mental Ability

This section examines overall intellectual ability.

Topics include:

• Number Series
• Letter Series
• Pattern Recognition
• Classification
• Odd One Out
• Analytical thinking
• Mental aptitude

6. Basic Numeracy (Class X Level)

Only basic mathematics is tested.

Important topics include:

• Number System
• HCF & LCM
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Average
• Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest
• Compound Interest
• Time and Work
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Partnership
• Ages
• Mixture and Alligation
• Mensuration (basic)
• Probability (basic)

7. Data Interpretation

Candidates should be comfortable analysing numerical data.

Topics include:

• Tables
• Pie Charts
• Line Graphs
• Bar Graphs
• Mixed Graphs
• Data Sufficiency