CSAT Comprehension & Reasoning - Without Coaching Studyplan

Mrunal (http://mrunal.
org/)
[Studyplan] CSAT Aptitude Paper 2: Comprehension & Reasoning,

analysis, previous papers, free studymaterial, cutos (part 1 of 3)
Aptitude (http://mrunal.org/category/aptitude) / 11 months Ago /

229 Comments (http://mrunal.org/2014/06/studyplan-csat-aptitude-paper-2-comprehension-reason
English: SP Bakshi
(http://www.flipkart.com/objective-generalenglish-2012/p/itmdyuqqgafhtehp?
pid=9788183480000&affid=mrunalrugm)
1.
Chart: Analysis of all CSAT papers so far
2.
[Section I] Comprehension for CSAT
3.
1.
Step1: Finish theory
2.
How to prepare high level reasoning?
3.
Step#2: Move hands while reading passage
4.
Step#3: Maximum practice
5.
Comprehension: Why read Non-GS columns?
6.
What about the English passages?
[Section II] Reasoning for CSAT

1.
2.
[Block 1] High level (HL) reasoning in CSAT

1.
Sample questions: Logical Connectives
2.
Sample questions: Syllogism
[Block2] Arrangement
1.
A1: Blood relation
2.
A2: Grouping: People vs clothing/city/occupation/relation
3.
A3: Line Sequence / Comparison problems
4.
A4: Arrangement: table Circular / Rectangular
5.
A5: Conditional Team selection
6.
A6: Scheduling lectures, events, journey
7.
A7: Direction sense test
3.
[Block 3] Reasoning: Non Verbal
4.
[Block 4] Reasoning: Misc. Topics / Low priority

1.
M1: Missing number pattern
2.
M2: Sequence Series
3.
M3: Coding decoding
5.
4.
M4: Logical Venn Diagrams
5.
M5: Calendar
6.
M6: Data Sufficiency (DS)
[Block 5] Reasoning: Totally Ignore these topics
4.
Study schedule for the remaining days
5.
Why people cant finish paper?

1.
P1: Start with English passages
2.
P2: Dont keep counting black circles in OMR sheet
3.
P3: Dont come back for sets
4.
P4: Keep sitter Questions for the end
6.
Become data processor NOT data collector
7.
Booklist for CSAT exam Paper II?

1.
Backup#1: Banking, insurance etc.
2.
Backup#2: no competitive exam
3.
Backup#3: higher difficulty exams
8.
Book related doubts
9.
Appendix1a: Sacred cutoffs of CSAT prelim exams
10.
Appendix1b: Minimum Passing marks in CSAT prelims
11.
Appendix2: Download links
Prologue to a mile long article

Yes, Just like YOYO Honey Singh, Im also alive.
(http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/yo-yo-honey-singh-refutes-rumours-ofdeath/article1-1225302.aspx) and [Current] series will be resumed soon but first, How to
prepare for CSAT paper II (aptitude) in a systematic and time-bound manner that too via
selfstudy?
1. Comprehension and Reasoning (http://mrunal.org/2014/06/studyplan-csat-aptitude-paper2-comprehension-reasoning-analysis-previous-papers-free-studymaterial-cutoffs-part-12.html) Youre here
2. Mathematics & Data Interpretation: high priority topics
(http://mrunal.org/2014/06/studyplan-csat-aptitude-paper-2-maths-data-interpretation-highpriority-topics-sample-questions-free-studymaterial-part-2-3.html)
3. Decision Making + Mathematics: Medium & low priority topics

(http://mrunal.org/2014/06/studyplan-csat-aptitude-paper-2-decision-making-mathsmedium-low-priority-topics-sample-questions-free-studymaterial-part-3-3.html)
Structure of CSAT paper II (Aptitude)
Total Questions: 80
Total Marks: 200
Marks for correct answer: 2.5
Negative marking: Yes MINUS 0.83 marks. i.e. -33% of correct answer.
Sectional cutoffs: No. They combine marks for both paper I and paper II to select candidates
for next stage the Mains exam.
Four Sections of CSAT Paper II (Aptitude)

1. Comprehension (i) to test your understanding (ii) to test English
2. Reasoning
3. Mathematics
4. Decision making (without negative marking)
Chart: Analysis of all CSAT papers so far
From above charts, it is evident that in all three years, maximum number of questions have
come from Comprehension. So, lets start with that.
[Section I] Comprehension for CSAT
HL: HIGH LEVEL REASONING (FIND ASSUMPTION, INFERENCE, CENTRAL THEME IN THE PASSAGE)
Reading Comprehension
2011
2012
2013
Comprehension passages (printed in both Hindi and English)
28
32
24
Passages to test your English knowledge (printed only in English)
Total
37
40
32
UPSC comprehension passages are tougher than banking, insurance, staff selection and State
PSCs because:
1. CSAT comprehension dont ask straightforward who, when or where type of MCQs.
2. Even when they ask what and why, you cant find answer directly from a single
sentence of the passage. They test your understanding of the entire passage.
3. In CSAT 2011 and 2012, one passage would contain set of 5-6 MCQs. But in 2013, one
passage contains barely 2-3 questions. Hence youve to read more number of passages to
get same amount of MCQs. Similar trend in sitting arrangement and data interpretation sets.
[Same trend in CAT- upto mid-2000s, one passage 5 MCQs, nowadays 1 passage contains
barely two MCQs.]
4. They even ask High level reasoning questions within the passages. (Find assumptions /
inferences)
Step1: Finish theory

Youll encounter the High level reasoning topic within Comprehension segment, for example:
Assumptions
1. Which of the following assumptions are valid? then 2-3-4 statements given
2. With reference to the passage, which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
Interferences
3. What does the author imply?
4. What does the passage imply?
5. Which one of the following statements conveys the inference of the passage?
6. Which of the following inferences can be made from the passage?
Central theme*
7. Which of the following statements constitute central passage of the theme?
8. What is the essential message being conveyed?
9. Which of the following best describes the thoughts of the author?
10. Which one of the following statements constitutes the central theme of this passage?
These are examples of HIGH LEVEL REASONING.
*as such central theme is not high level reasoning question, but to confuse you, they provide
assumptions and inferences as wrong options.
Passages
Comprehension
passages
Questions
2011
2012
2013
High level reasoning (HL) Find assumption,

inference, central theme
10
other MCQs e.g. finding meaning of a phrase,

cause-effect etc.
14
24
20
A. Subtotal: Comprehension
28
32
24
B. English
passages
i.e. those easy passage given before Decision

Making segment, and only printed in English.
No Hindi translation give.
Total MCQs
A+B
37
40
32
Many candidates dont need to practice comprehension at home. And in the exam, they make
silly mistakes by mixing up facts, assumptions, and inferences with the central theme. You need
a strong grip over high level reasoning theory to tick correct option in this section.
How to prepare high level reasoning?

Recommended Book: Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey (BSC Publication)
(http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning-3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?
RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) also covers these
topics but MK Pandeys explanations and examples are much more refined and lucid,
particularly for comprehension angle.
CSAT Manuals by TMH, Pearson, Arihant etc. also cover, but not in a thorough manner.
As such MK Pandey is written for Bank exams, hence not all chapters are important for
UPSC. Do selective study in following sequence
Chapter
1
Title
basic of logic
Topics to focus
How to identify conclusion? he has given list of keywords on
page 6.
Logical connective theory explained on page 19 and 20. He did
not use the word Logical Connective. He calls them
hypothetical reasoning. But either way its important for both
CSAT and CAT. After that read following article:
some
information
tips
[Reasoning] Logical Connectives (if, unless, either or) for

CSAT, CAT shortcuts formulas approach explained
(http://mrunal.org/2013/04/reasoning-logical-connectives-ifunless-either-or-for-csat-cat-shortcuts-formulas-approachexplained.html)
Page 29. When assumption is invalid?
Page 30. When assumption cannot be out rightly rejected?
page33. Difference between implications and assumption.
All the practice exercises + read the full explanation given in
3
Assumptions
the answers- why he classified something as Assumption?

Otherwise in the comprehension youll always endup in
50:50 doubt.
Page 53: Exercise 3C, particularly the end part questions
dealing with assumption in passages.
Page 119-122: how to avoid confusion while deriving

5
Evaluating
inference
inference?
Page 127 onwards: all the question passages. Also read full
explanation given in the answers.
10
Cause Effect
Page 287 onwards: differentiating between immediate cause vs

principle cause. Itll help particularly in the passages related to
science, environment or economy.
This will also help indirectly in the Decision Making
Questions:
evaluating
the given
course of
action
Page 168: how to determine whether a suggestion action

reduces or solves the problem?
Page 171: how to determine if suggestion solution is
practical or not?
Page 172: are you solving the problem or creating a new
one?
After above Core theory is done, go through following:
Ch.4 Forcefulness of the arguments.

Ch.9 Strengthening and weakening the arguments
Ch.8 Punch line.
So far, UPSC hasnt asked GMAT like questions about strengthen/weaken arguments in the
given passage. But nonetheless, above theory will help you digest the passages better.
Step#2: Move hands while reading passage

ManhattanGMATTM is a prominent coaching class in USA(!) Their comprehension tips are worth
implementing for CSAT. While reading the passage, do two things:
1. Note down the assumption & premises on the margin, in a short-hand note.
2. Highlight the important phrases. (GMAT/CAT done online, their software has this facility. You
can do the same even on paper question paper via pen / highlighter)
This helps quickly eliminating options without having to re-read the whole passage again and
again, thus saving precious time during the exam. To see practical demo, go to following links.
Their instructor Stacey Koprince showed her own notes and thought process while reading the
passage:
1. Passage: Language of the leader
(http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index.php/2012/01/03/what-to-read-and-what-notto-read-on-rc-passages/)
2. Passage: Meteor showers part I
(http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index.php/2013/04/22/how-to-read-tough-sciencepassages/#more-5351); Part II
(http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index.php/2013/04/29/inferring-from-the-meteorstream-passage/#more-5390)
3. Passage: Multinational corporations
(http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index.php/2012/11/28/the-reasoning-is-in-thedetails/)
Additional tips from the same instructor:
3. How not to read the passage? 90% focus vs 20% focus

(http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index.php/2013/02/12/what-not-to-read-on-readingcomprehension-passages/)
4. How to find the central theme / central point?
(http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index.php/2011/07/22/how-to-find-the-point-in-anrc-passage/)
Once this is over, time for maximum practice. How?
Step#3: Maximum practice for Comprehension?

As such every publication house has released a separate book on comprehension. But Im
not impressed with their content vs MRP.
Most of their tips are just bolbachhan without telling specifically do this or do that.
Then they give 20-30 practice passages and charge 200-300 rupees. But the quality of their
passages doesnt even justify 50 rupees for the book.
If you can get such books from library then do borrow and practice. Otherwise dont waste
money buying such special comprehension books for CSAT.
For practice you can use following resources:
1. Last three years CSAT papers- to get a taste of the difficulty level of UPSC. (download links
given in appendix of this article)
2. 500 passages gathered from pagalguy.coms old threads related to CAT preparation for year
2011 and 2012. (download links given in appendix of this article)
3. Pagalguy thread for CAT RC discussion 2013 (http://pagalguy.com/forums/verbal/rcdiscussion-cat-2013-t-92255/)
4. this website got another 250 passages:codecoax.com/grerc/
(http://www.codecoax.com/grerc/)
You can find many more resources by just a google search. e.g. just type 1000 comprehension
passages But keep in mind just ~3 months left. Dont get fixated over RC. Youve to prepare &
practice other topics as well.
Comprehension: Why read Non-GS columns?
UPSC examiner doesnt write new passage himself. He merely cut-pastes the passages from
prominent English newspapers and academic books. From his side, he only designs the
MCQs, and gives Hindi translations.
Therefore, irrespective of your medium in mains exam, you have to read English
newspapers and magazines.
Just because you finished college in English medium, doesnt automatically make you master
of English. Avoid such overconfidence.
The English textbooks youve read for engineering, medicine, pharma or commerce theyre
*NOT* the same English that UPSC passages will contain. Therefore, youve to get yourself
familiar with the sentence flow and vocabulary of such academic / column type passages.
Otherwise, in the exam, youll take 15 minutes just to read one passage, while other players
finish the same within 3 minutes. In past exams, many candidates failed to finish entire
paper, only because of this reason.
To get a taste of comprehension passages, the best place is the Book review segment within
Hindu, Indian express, Frontline and EPW. Because they first talk about the book, then about
the contemporary issue dealt in the book e.g. arts, economics, science, environment,
philosophy etc.
Links:
1. indianexpress.com/tag/book-review/ (http://indianexpress.com/tag/book-review/)
2. thehindu.com/books/ (http://www.thehindu.com/books/)
3. epw.in/book-reviews (http://www.epw.in/book-reviews)
4. frontline.in/books/ (http://www.frontline.in/books/) (requires free registration)
of course it doesnt mean youve to read all four each day. Just keep an eye as and when you get
time. Most candidates avoid such articles/columns in newspaper, thinking this is not
important for General studies syllabus. But Keep in mind-Comprehension is a perishable

skill that must be polished with regular reading of such non-GS English columns.
By the way,
What about the English passages?

Yes, what to do with those easy passages given before decision making questions? (i.e.
printed only in English and not in Hindi)
As such no separate preparation necessary. Because MK Pandey

(http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning-3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) is entirely in English. So once youre done with that
theory, youve automatically gained knowledge of such easy English passages.
But still for practice of such passages, you may go through papersets of Bank and SSC
exams (only if youve time left!)
Anyways, enough of comprehension, lets move to the next segment of CSAT paper II:
[Section II] Reasoning for CSAT
Type
High Level
Arrangement
Non-Verbal
Reasoning Topics
2011
2012
2013
Syllogism
Logical connectives
assumption / inference / conclusion
Subtotal: High level Reasoning
12
1 case vs. many questions
11
1 case 1 question
blood relation
Direction sense test
Sub Total: Sitting Arrangement
13
16
reflection from mirror
min. colors required to paint
which figure next
Cube figure
Subtotal: Non-Verbal
Venn Diagrams
Misc
Total
Missing number pattern
Subtotal: Misc
Final Total Reasoning
12
30
24
% weightage in Paper II
15
37.5
30
[Block 1] High level (HL) reasoning in CSAT
UPSC asked no syllogism / logical connectives in 2013, but they filled up the quota of high level
reasoning by asking 8 such MCQ (find assumption, inference etc) within 32 comprehension
MCQs.
High level reasoning (HLR)
2011
2012
2013
Standalone MCQs within reasoning section
12
HLR-MCQs within comprehension section
10
total HL reasoning
13
20
% weightage in CSAT Paper II (out of 80)
16%
25%
10%
Weve already prepared the high level reasoning for comprehension i.e. logical connectives,
assertion, reasoning, central theme from MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analyticalreasoning-3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm)s book. Only one
important topic left = Syllogism.
Syllogism
For this, refer to MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm)s Chapter 11 page 301
onwards.
Start with mastering two statements. e.g. all cats are dogs, all dogs are pigs then which of
the following conclusion is valid? then move to three statement and four statement
syllogism.
MK Pandey has explained two methods to solve syllogism: AEIO method vs Venn diagram. I
prefer AEIO, some prefer Venn diagram, and you can pick whichever you find more
comfortable. Either way, do all the exercises and read the answer explanations in his book.
If you prefer AEIO method, then:
Mug up the tables given on 306, 307, 311, 321 (short form of table6) and read following
articles(theyre based on AEIO method)
[Reasoning] Syllogism (All Cats are Dogs): Method, approach, techniques, shortcuts
explained for IBPS, SSC, CSAT and CAT (http://mrunal.org/2013/01/reasoning-syllogism-allcats-dogs-approach-shortcut-technique-explained-ibps-ssc-csat-cat.html)
[Reasoning] Three-Statement Syllogism: technique, method, shortcuts for IBPS, SSC, CSAT,
CAT, CMAT (http://mrunal.org/2013/01/reasoning-statement-syllogism-technique-methodshortcuts-for-ibps-ssc-csat-cat-cmat-gmat.html)
[Reasoning Q] 3-Statement Syllogism doubt Question: Apples, Mangoes, Vegetarians
(http://mrunal.org/2013/01/reasoning-q-3-statement-syllogism-doubt-question-applesmangoes-vegetarians.html)
[Reasoning] 4-Statement Syllogism: Approach, Techniques, explained for SBI PO (High level
reasoning) and UPSC CSAT paper 2 (http://mrunal.org/2013/03/reasoning-4-statementsyllogism-approach-techniques-explained-for-sbi-po-high-level-reasoning-and-upsc-csatpaper-2.html)
If you still have time and mood, you can get additional practice from RS Aggarwal
(http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm)s book. But thatd be an
overkill because only ~3 months left.
Sample questions: Logical Connectives

(Prelim 1995) Which of the following can be inferred from the statement that Either John
is stupid or John is lazy?
a. John is lazy/therefore, John is not stupid
b. John is not lazy/therefore, John is stupid
c. John is not stupid/therefore, John is lazy
d. John is stupid/therefore, John is not lazy
(CSAT 2012)
Examine the following statements:
1. I watch TV only if I am bored
2. I am never bored when I have my brothers company.
3. Whenever I go to the theatre I take my brother along.
Which one of the following conclusions is valid in the context of the above statements?
A. If I am bored I watch TV
B. If I am bored, I seek my brothers company.
C. If I am not with my brother, than ill watch TV.
D. If I am not bored I do not watch TV.
(CSAT 2012) Consider the following statements:
1. Either A & B are of same age or A is older than B
2. Either C & D are of same age or D is older than C
3. B is older than C
Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?
a. A is older than B
b. B and D are of the same age
c. D is older than C
d. A is older than C
Sample questions: Syllogism

(Prelim 1998) consider following statements:
1. all members of Mohans family are honest
2. some members of mohans family are not employed
3. some employed persons are not honest
4. some honest persons are not employed.
Which of the following inferences can be drawn from above statements?
a. all members of Mohans family are employed.
b. all employed members of Mohans family are honest
c. the honest members of Mohans family are not employed
d. the employed members of Mohans family are not honest.
(CSAT 2011). Examine the following statements:
1. All animals are carnivorous.
2. Some animals are not carnivorous.
3. Animals are not carnivorous.
4. Some animals are carnivorous.
Codes:
a. 1 and 3
b. 1 and 2
c. 2 and 3
d. 3 and 4
(CSAT 2011) Examine the following statements:
1. All trains are run by diesel engine.
2. Some trains are run by diesel engine.
3. No train is run by diesel engine.
4. Some trains are not run by diesel engine.
Codes:
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1 and 4
1. All artists are whimsical.
2. Some artists are drug addicts.
3. Frustrated people are prone to become drug addicts.
From the above three statements it may be concluded that:
a. Artists are frustrated
b. Some drug addicts are whimsical
c. All frustrated people are drug addicts.
d. Whimsical people are generally frustrated
1. Only those who have a pair of binoculars can become the member of the birdwatchers club.
2. Some members of the birdwatchers club have cameras.
3. Those members who have cameras can take part in photo-contests.
Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?
a. All those who have a pair of binoculars are members of the birdwatchers club.
b. All members of the birdwatchers club have a pair of binoculars.
c. All those who take part in photo-contests are members of the birdwatchers club.
d. No conclusion can be drawn.
[Block2] Arrangement
Within arrangement, I also include blood relation and direction sense test because in all
such sums, youve to drag a chart/diagram in the rough sheets to get the answer.
MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning-3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) has covered them under Chapter 20 Problem
solving. For additional practice you can use RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modernapproach-verbal-non-reasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?
pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm)s chapter 5, 6 and 8.
A1: Blood relation

(1998) A to F are members of a family consisting 4 adults and 3 children. A and D are
brothers, A is doctor. E is an engineer married to one of the brothers and has two children B
is married to D and G is their child. Who is C?
(2009) There is a family of 6 persons A, B, C, D, E and F. There are two married couples in the
family. The family members are lawyer, teacher, salesman, engineer, accountant and doctor.
D, the salesman is married to the lady teacher. The doctor is married to the lawyer. F, the
accountant is the son of B and brother of E. C, the lawyer is the daughter-in-law pf A. E is the
unmarried engineer. A is the grandmother of F. How is E related to F?
(CSAT 2011) A is the brother of B, C is the father of A, D is brother of E, E is the daughter of B
Then, the uncle of D is?
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) Chapter 20 from Page 612 onwards. Understand
the concept of backtracking and how to draw family tree- especially for complex problems
like A is wife of B who is not an engineer etc.

then do all exercises in 20A (page 628 onwards). but it is only for warmup. The real UPSC
level sets begin from Exercise 20B and 20C. First solve them on your own, then understand
the full explanation and technique shown by MK Pandey.
Page
Questions
combined problem of blood

relation plus __.
Explanation
633
12-19
intelligence comparison
670
635
27-31
Weight comparison.
673
638
51-55
Sitting arrangement + age

comparison.
680 (but he did not explain this one,

just gave answer)
643
79-83
Trait comparison.
687-688
653
50-54
occupation
705
653
55-59
occupation
705
655
70-73
nothing
706
660
111-115
nothing
try yourself
662
132-135
surnames
709
For additional practice, you may refer RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approachverbal-non-reasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm)

Ch. 5 Blood relations (page 261 onwards) .
To complicate the question, often the examiner doesnt ask straightforward blood relation but
embeds it in the problem related to grouping- people vs. relation vs occupation vs car color and
so on. Hence our next preparation should focus on:
A2: Grouping: People vs clothing/city/occupation/relation

(Prelims 2010) Gopal, Harsh, Inder, Jai and Krishnan have Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Cuttack, Delhi
and Ernakulam as their hometowns (Not necessarily in that order). They are studying in
Engineering, Medical, Commerce, Economics and History Colleges (Not necessarily in that
order). None of the five boys is studying in his hometown, but each of them studies in one of
the cities given above.Further, it is given that:
i. Gopals hometown is Ernakulam.
ii. Harsh is not studying in Ahmedabad or Bhopal.
iii. Economic college is in Bhopal.
iv. Inders hometown is cuttack.
v. Krishnan is studying in Delhi.
vi. Jai is studying in Ernakulam and the History College4 is in his hometown Ahmedabad.
vii. Engineering College is situated in Ernakulam.
**then youve to solve four MCQs about who belongs to which city and college.
(CSAT 2012) Three persons A, B & C wear shirts of Black, Blue and Orange colours (not
necessarily in the order). No person wore shirt and pant of the same colour. Further, it is
given that, A did not wear shirt of black colour. B did not wear shirt of blue colour. C did not
wear shirt of orange colour. A did not wear the pants of green colour. B wore pants of
orange colour. What were the colours of the pants and shirts worn by C respectively?
(CSAT 2013) In five flats, one above the other, live five professionals. The professor has to go
up to meet his IAS officer friend. The doctor is equally friendly to all, and has to go up as
frequently as go down. The engineer has to go up to meet his MLA friend above whose flat
lives the professors friend. From the ground floor to the top floor, in what order do the five
professionals live?
How to prepare? In MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) Chapter 20:
Page
Questions
understand his technique explained in page __
599
ex1
602
632
1-5
667
638-39
51-55
680 although has no explanation
657
88-92
707
658
98-102
707
663
140-144
710
664
145-149
710
A3: Line Sequence / Comparison problems

Youre given information about people standing in a line / cars parked / marks or height or
wealth of people in a sequence, then youve to solve the MCQs. observe samples:
(Prelims 2010) P, Q, R and S are four men. P oldest but not poorest. R richest but not oldest.
Q older than S but not than P or R. P richer than Q but not S. Arrange these men in
descending order of their age and richness.
(CSAT 2011) In a queue, Mr. X is fourteenth from the front and Mr. Y is seventeenth from the
end, while Mr. Z is exactly in between Mr. X and Mr. Y. If Mr. X is ahead Mr. Y and there are
48 persons in the queue, how many persons are then between Mr. X and Mr. Z?
(CSAT 2012) Rama scored more than Rani. Rani scored less than Ratna. Ratna scored more
than Rama. Padma scored more than Rama but less than Ratna. Who scored the highest?
Page
Questions
608-09
Point (3), Ex.7
609-10
633
12-19
670
635
27-31
673
644-45
91-95
689
645-46
96-100
690
649-51
25-36
699-700
654
65-69
706
660
116-121
708
661
122-126
708-709
Additional practice: RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-nonreasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) ch.6 on

puzzle tests.
A4: Arrangement: table Circular / Rectangular

(2000) A to F are sitting on a circular table. A is between D and F. C opposite of D. D and E are
not on neighboring chairs. Which of the following must be true? (then various possibilities given
(CSAT 2013) Five people A, B, C, D and E are, seated about a round table, every chair is spaced
equidistant from adjacent chairs. C is seated next to A. A is seated two seats from D. B is not
seated next to A. Which of the following must be true?
I. D is seated next to B.
II. E is seated next to A.
III. Both 1 and 2
IV. Neither 1 nor 2
Page
Questions
60405
Ex5, Ex6
606-608. pay attention to definite information vs comparative

information vs negative information and how he utilizes all three of them
to make the arrangement.
637
39-43
677-678 observe how he prepares diagram to accommodate complex

info- gender vs marital status vs position on a circular table
640
62-71
681-684. again observe how he prepared diagram to accommodate

complex info of gender vs profession vs intelligence vs position on a
rectangular table.
654
60-64
This is for self-exercise.
655
74-77
this is for self-exercise
659
108-110
708
661
122-126
708-709
Then RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) Ch 6
A5: Conditional Team selection

(CSAT 2013) A tennis coach is trying to put together a team of four players for the
forthcoming tournament. For this 7 players are available: males A, Band C; and females W, X,
Y and Z. All players have equal capability and at least 2 males will be there in the team. For a
team of four, all players must be able to play with each other. But, B cannot play with W, C
cannot play with Z and W cannot play with Y. Then 3 MCQ given
(CSAT 2013) The music director of a film wants to select four persons to work on different
aspects of the composition of a piece of music. Seven persons are available for this work;
they are Rohit, Tanya, Shobha, Kaushal, Kunal, Mukesh and J aswant. Rohit and Tanya will
not work together. Kunal and Shobha will not work together. Mukesh and Kunal want to
work together. the only MCQ given.
How to prepare? MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) Chapter 20:
Page
Questions
621
Ex14
621-623. Obverse his shortcut method, he focuses on the options that

are blatantly violating the selection rules, thus he eliminates wrong
options quickly.
636
32-38
674 to 676
643
84-90
688- important dont misread the last condition!
652
44-49
703 to 705
658
93-97
this is for self-exercise
Then RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) Ch.6 Type 5: from page

356 onwards.
A6: Scheduling lectures, events, journey

Observe the pattern of MCQs asked in previous CSAT exams:
(CSAT 2012) Guest lectures on five subjects viz., Economics, History, Statistics, English and
Mathematics have to be arranged in a week from Monday to Friday. Only one lecture can be
arranged on each day. Economics cannot be scheduled on Tuesday. Guest faculty for History
is available only on Tuesday. Mathematics lecture has to be schedules immediately after the
day of Economics lecture. English lecture has to be scheduled immediately before the day of
Economics lecture. ***then MCQs start**
Page
Questions
634
20-26
671-673
638
44-50
678-679
641
72-78
684-687
651
37-43
702
656
78-82
706
659
103-107
708
662
127-131
709
For additional practice, RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-nonreasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) Ch6 Puzzle

test (page 288)
A7: Direction sense test
Sample questions from previous prelims

(2009) A person travels 12 km due North, then 15 km due East, after that 15 km due West and
then 18 km due South. How far is he from the starting point?
1. 6 km
2. 12 km
3. 33 km
4. 60 km
(2010)In a meeting, the map of a village was placed in such a manner that south-east becomes
north, north-east becomes west and so on. What will south become?
1. North
2. North-east
3. North-west
4. West
(2011) The houses of A and B face each other on a road going north-south, As being on the
western side. A comes out of his house, turns left, travels 5 km, turns right, travels 5 km to the
front of Ds house. B does exactly the same and reaches the front of Cs house. In this context,
which one of the following statements is correct?
a. C and D live on the same street.
b. Cs house faces south.
c. The houses of C than 20 km apart.
d. None of the above
How to prepare?
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) doesnt deal with Direction sense test topic. For this
consult RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) Chapter 8.
[Block 3] Reasoning: Non Verbal
Non-Verbal
2011
2012
2013
reflection from mirror
Min. colors required to paint the given figure.
which figure next (similar to those SSC/Bank question)
Cube figure which side will have what color / number /

alphabet.
Subtotal: Non-Verbal
MK Pandey doesnt cover non-verbal reasoning

Preparation source: A modern Approach to verbal and non-verbal reasoning, RS Aggarwal
(S.Chand Publication) (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm)
solve all the chapters given under in the non-verbal reasoning section of that book-Even
chapters related to paper cutting and paper folding type MCQs.
Reason: UPSC is full of uncertainty. Similarly nothing prevents them from asking paper
cutting / paper folding type questions. So practice a few sum from each variety.
Reserve the practice quota of non-verbal, for the last month before exam. Because even if
you begin right now (June), your skill/dexterity will perish by August end. Besides you cannot
really makes revision notes for this topic. (Except a few points in cube theory- number of
faces, how many smaller cubes if x number of cuts are made etc.)
Just like find missing number MCQs, these should also be done at last during the exam.
Sometimes particularly in the cube questions, candidates cannot crack the pattern and
unnecessarily waste 10-15 minutes for a one MCQ. Avoid doing that. Save these non-verbal
reasoning questions for the end.
[Block 4] Reasoning: Misc. Topics / Low priority

Odd ball topics = Not regularly asked in large amount. You cannot see a pattern over the yearsunlike sitting arrangement or assumption-inference.
Reasoning Misc.
2011
2012
2013
Missing number pattern
Venn Diagrams
total
M1: Missing number pattern

(Prelim 2006) find the missing number X in following series
fig1
fig2
16
fig3
64
18
25
25
36
64
18
16
18
Answer choice: 4 / 16 / 25 / 36.

(CSAT 2013) find the missing number X in following series
figure 1
figure 2
figure3
84
81
88
14
12
18
11
The missing number (?) in figure 3 is? Answer choice: 7/16/21/28

Preparation source: RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-nonreasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) Ch16:
Inserting the missing character Page 628 and practice the sums
Tip: in the exam, solve these sums in the end. Because sometimes it may take 10 seconds,
and sometimes even after 10 minutes of trial-error you may not see the pattern. So dont
waste too much time.
M2: Sequence Series

(1995) consider the series given below. 4/12/95, 1/1/96, 26/2/96, The next term of the series is
a. 24/3/96
b. 25/3/96
c. 26/3/96
d. 27/3/96
(1998) .Which one of the following satisfies relationship Dda:aDD:Rrb: ?
a. DDA
b. RRR
c. bRR
d. BBr
In the missing number questions we saw UPSC asked it twice- 2006 and 2013. So far UPSC
hasnt asked sequence/series- but nothing prevents them from asking, especially under the
aegis of Chairman DP Agarwal, to break the backs of coaching classes and senior players.
Therefore, you should prepare such chillar topics as well.
Dont live under overconfidence that just because xyz topic was not asked in last three
exams, so UPSC will never ask it in future exams.

Preparation Source: RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-nonreasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm),
Chapter 2 number analogy, following types
Type 8: number analogy

Type 9: Alphabet Analogy
Chapter 3: Classification, following types
Type 4: choosing odd numerical (indirectly helpful in missing number)
Type 5: choosing the odd letter group
M3: Coding decoding

(1999) In a code language, SOLID is, written as WPSLPIMFHA. What does the code
ATEXXXQIBVO refer to?
a. EAGER
b. WAFER
c. WAGER
d. WATER
(2000) In a certain code, MARCH is written as OCTEJ, how is RETURN written in that code?
A. TFUVSM
B. QGSTQM
C. TGVWTP
D. TGRVSO
Preparation Source: RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-nonreasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm), Chapter 4.
Optional: MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning-3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) Chapter 17 and 19 on coded relationships and
inequalities
M4: Logical Venn Diagrams

There are two type of Venn diagram questions
1. Mathematical: in a society 30% people drink coffee and 50%.well see about this in next
article under Maths strategy.

2. Logical: youre given a complex Venn diagram, without any quantity or percentages. It
contains overlapping of squares, rectangles, circles and triangles, then you have to identify
which of them are both singer and painters etc.
In last three exams, UPSC asked both type of Venn diagrams. They also asked such MCQs in
1996, 1998 and 2001. Hence should be prepared.
Preparation Source: RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-nonreasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm), Chapter 9
Logical Venn diagrams.
What to do with mathematical Venn diagrams? well see in next article under Maths strategy.
M5: Calendar
Sample questions from previous prelims
(2008) March 1, 2008 was Saturday. Which day was it on March 1, 2002?
a. Thursday
b. Friday
c. Saturday
d. Sunday
Preparation source: My article under Aptitude series- click me
(http://mrunal.org/2013/08/reasoning-calendar-questions-finding-day-or-date-conceptsshortcuts-explained.html)
By the way, I consider Permutation, combination, probability, clock angles and mathematical
Venn diagrams as part of mathematics. Well see them in next part.
M6: Data Suciency (DS)

Not seen in recent times, but has been asked in pre-CSAT era, as part of age / sitting
arrangement / blood relation type problems. Observe
(2006) P, Q, R, S and T live in a five storied building (ground+4), and each of them resides
on a separate floor. Further,
1. T doesnt reside on topmost floor
2. Q doesnt reside on ground floor

3. S resides on one story above P, and one below R.
To know which person resides on ground floor, which of the above statements are sufficient?
a. only 1 and 3 sufficient
b. only 2 and 3 sufficient
c. 1, 2 and 3 are sufficient
d. 1, 2 and 3 are insufficient.
(2006) they gave four dice figures. and asked which of them are sufficient to find out the
numbers opposite to each other.
How to prepare DATA SUFFICIENCY?
Prepare data sufficiency ONLY after learning all the theories in reasoning and mathematicsparticularly age problems and number system.
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) Chapter 7, Page 203 onwards
(optional) RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm)s chapter 17 on data
sufficiency. Although thatll be overkill, because MK Pandeys chapter is far better and
thorough than RS Aggarwal.
[Block 5] Reasoning: Totally Ignore these topics

You may Ignore because these topics are not seen in UPSC exams so far. Theyre mainly
reserved for Bank exams. Again I use the word may because DP Aggarwal may ask It for
breaking the backs. but sometimes youve to take calculated risk hahaha
Topic
What does
it contain?
In a big
RS Aggarwal
(http://www.flipkart.com/modernapproach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?
MK Pan
(http://
reason
pid=978
paragraph,
first youre
given
recruitment
conditions.
Then 4-5
Cases
where
1. Analytical
decision
making or
2. Eligibility
Tests
youve to
take
appropriate
action e.g.
18
Ch.12
Ch. 13, 14
select
candidate,
refer to
manager
etc.
This type of
questions
not seen in
UPSC,
hence
ignore.
First youre
given an
example:
3. InputOutput or
4. Sequential
Output
Tracing
input, step
I, II, III, IV, V
then
output.
Then youre
required to
do similar
for given 45 MCQs.
Study schedule for the remaining days

Random preparation based on mood swings = road to #EPICFAIL.
Proceed in following manner.
Month
June
upto Mid
July
What To Prepare
Why?
high level reasoning +

comprehension
Comprehension practice & mock tests will only cause

frustration IF you dont finish high level reasoning
theory first.
maths: with emphasis

on recording all the
calculation errors and
shortcuts in your diary
of mistakes.
Because it has so many topics, youve to start early.

Besides, concepts related to HCF, LCM, Time-speeddistance etc will remain for longer duration in memory
-Compared to dexterity over non-verbal reasoning or
data interpretation.
Data interpretation
(DI)
sitting arrangement
Mid July
to
August 9
Nonverbal
reasoning
misc. topics under
Hardly contain any theory. Even if you finish entire DI

today itself, your skill/ dexterity will get rusted by
August. Hence reserve the quota for Mid-July to Midaugust.
maths & reasoning

Comprehension
practice
August 10 to 23rd (14 days) should be spent in revision.
Practice aptitude after dinner. That way your hands keep moving and brain doesnt feel
sleepy. Allot your fresh hours in daytime to general studies preparation.
For comprehension, make a resolve to solve at least 3-5 passages on daily basis. Download
zip file from bottom.
Why people cant nish paper?

In past exams, many candidates have failed to finish entire aptitude paper within two hours
duration. Why?
1. They dont read columns in Hindu, IE, frontline, EPW etc. Hence they take 10-15 minutes to
read a passage, which a CAT/GMAT-master can finish in barely 3-5 minutes.
2. At home, they dont study high level reasoning theory. So for every assumption /inference
type question theyre 50:50 doubtful. YET they dont skip it, they just keep pondering over it
for another 10-15 minutes.
3. At home, they dont study maths out of fear, and study reasoning in a casual manner. So to
cross the imaginary cutoffs they come back again and again on same comprehension
passages, even when theyre unable to solve it, and repeat point #2.
4. They take too much time solving non-verbal reasoning and sitting arrangement questions.
Even after creating the diagram for sitting arrangement / blood relation- their diagram
doesnt match with any of the answer choice, so they spend another 10-15 minutes in fixing
It, re-reading the entire caselet.
5. At home they only read the sums from books and mugup formulas. But in real life exam,
they make silly mistakes in every multiplication, addition, subtraction and division. So theyve
to redo the same question multiple times.
To avoid such reghting and epicfails:
1. Be thoroughly prepared for Maths, reasoning and English.
2. Keep a wrist watch in the exam hall.
3. Observe following principles:
P1: Start with English passages

Donot start with first page of the question paper. But, immediately open 4th or 5th last pageitll
contain those English testing passages (= those passages without Hindi translations). Solve
them first because its the easiest section in the entire paper. Lets assume cut off is xx. Then
youvealready filled up your tank by 8 correct questions.
Now your brain and hands are warmed up, open first page and start with 1, 2, 3, 4
For the first ~65 questions, UPSC doesnt have sections. Youll come across comprehension,
reasoning and maths questions at random intervals.
Some people first mark the page number / Question numbers of comprehension passages on
the rough-page. Then begin solving all passages one by one. I dont recommend this method
because:
1. Youll end up wasting precious moments in just flipping through pages.
2. You might accidentally miss a single maths /reasoning question hiding between two
comprehension sets.
So, just move with the flow Q no. 1, 2, 3, 4so whatever maths, reasoning or comprehension
question you face in that sequence, either solve or skip or put on mark-n-review.
P2: Dont keep counting black circles in OMR sheet

Ideally you should count the black circles in OMR sheet only once, in those last 5-7 minutes
before exam ends.
But most candidates keep counting their black circles, after every 20-30 MCQs or every 30-45
minutes- how many did I attempt? (imaginary) cutoff cross hogaa ki nahi?
This is a bad habit because:
1. You are wasting precious time in a non-productive activity.
2. Creates stress on your subconscious brain, prompts you to tick answers based on gutfeeling, even where youre 50:50 doubtful.
3. You try to Fit wrong formula/ logic in to solve tough MCQs in maths/ reasoning.
4. You keep coming back to the sets again and again.
P3: Dont come back for sets

Scenario: a passage contains 3 questions. You solved 2 MCQs confidently, but in one MCQ
youre 50:50 undecided. You mark its number on the last page of question paper, hoping Ill
come back at the end of the exam.

This is a bad idea for two reasons
1. When you come back, the understanding of that passage would have evaporated from your
short term memory just like Amir Khan in Ghajni. Youll have to spend another 3-5-7 minutes
re-reading the passage.
2. In the last few minutes before exam ends, person is usually under fear-factor of Cutoffs so,
even if he is 50:50, he ticks answer on Gut feeling just to overcome that imaginary cutoff. In
UPSC, usually Gut-feeling answers are wrong answers. So dont dig your grave in negative
marking.
Same applies to blood relation, sitting arrangement, Data interpretation type sets. Solve the
entire set in one go. Avoid coming back for a single unsolved MCQ from such set.
P4: Keep sitter Questions for the end

Whenever you come across find missing number, find coding-decoding, find analogy; OR
Non-verbal questions like find next figure in the diagram, what will be the number / color on
xyz face of dice.
For all such questions, note their page number on the rough space. Only when youre
finished with other questions, begin solving these questions. (this is one type of marks and
review in online exams)
Reason: sometimes it may take 1 minute, sometimes 10 minutes to crack the pattern in such
MCQs. You dont want to break mental-rhythm during middle of the paper with such bumpyroad MCQs, reserve them for the last lap.
Same advice for any unconventional maths/reasoning questions. Donot break rhythm to
solve something that youve never encountered before at home. or youll end up throwing
good money after bad money.
Remember: Youre not required to tick 80/80 MCQs to qualify for Mains. UPSC will give you
only 2.5 marks whether you solve a given question in 1 minute or in 10 minutes. So learn to
prioritize and make best use of time.
*youre welcome to add more principals in the comments below*
Become data processor NOT data collector

1. UPSC introduced aptitude paper in 2011. At that time, people spent countless hours on net,
gathering tonnes on PDFS and webpages related to other higher level aptitude exams (CAT,
GMAT etc.) hoping that UPSC will ask tough questions from it.
2. But now three years have gone, the paper analysis so far reveals that yes UPSC asks tough
aptitude questions, but theyre not that tough. You can solve most of them through
traditional aptitude books. You dont have to download terabytes of material, pdfs, movies,
softwares meant for CAT/GMAT etc. You dont have to be on 24/7 internet gathering material
for aptitude. So stop that material collection activity and get start practicing from the
traditional books.
Booklist for CSAT exam?

Aptitude Book choice depends on career backup (in case you fail UPSC). Dont waste on money
separate set of books for every exam. CSAT Aptitude is a curious combination of both higher
and lower level exams than UPSC. So, books meant for both type of exams, work just fine with
slight jugaads.
Backup#1: Banking, insurance etc.

Jobs: IBPS, SBI, Staff Selection (SSC), CAPF (Assistant Commandant), AFCAT, LIC, NICL-AAO, ACIO,
FCI, State PSC lower level, & other central government or PSU jobs.
In that case, use following book combination for the CSAT paper II
Maths: Fast track to Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma (http://www.flipkart.com/fasttrack-objective-arithmetic-3rd/p/itmd68vjuzdcmrs7?
Reasoning: RS Aggarwal OR BS Sijwali
if youre buying second hand then RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modernapproach-verbal-non-reasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?
pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm) because contains more practice Qs than Sijwali.
if youre buying brand new then BS Sijwali (http://www.flipkart.com/new-approachreasoning-verbal-non-verbal-1st/p/itmdyuqqzarkzrrc?
pid=9788183482745&affid=mrunalrugm) because ~Rs.200 cheaper than RS Aggarwal
and yet covers all topics with good number of practice questions.
Comprehension: MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm)s Analytical Reasoning
(for assumption inference and high level reasoning) then maximum practice using online
resources.
English grammar: Objective General English by SP Bakshi (http://www.flipkart.com/objectivegeneral-english-2012/p/itmdyuqqgafhtehp?pid=9788183480000&affid=mrunalrugm) (Mind
it: this is not asked in CSAT Paper II but sentence correction / grammar important for non-
UPSC aptitude exams.)
Backup#2: no competitive exam

Plan: If I cannot clear UPSC then Ill simply go back to private sector job/ business.
In that case use any CSAT Manual by Tata Macgraw Hill (TMH) (http://www.flipkart.com/generalstudies-civil-services-preliminary-examination-paper-ii-2014-1st/p/itmdzbznrq2gzqr2?
pid=9781259064388&affid=mrunalrugm), Arihant (http://www.flipkart.com/cracking-csat-paper2-civil-services-aptitude-test-4th/p/itmdzy59psxmjytf?pid=9789351411109&affid=mrunalrugm)
or Pearson (http://www.flipkart.com/pearson-general-studies-paper-ii-civil-services-preliminaryexaminations-2014-1st/p/itmdzd9zzfhenbkw?pid=9789332519923&affid=mrunalrugm) etc.
(Whichever you can find cheaper second hand.)
As such I dont have good opinion about such aptitude manuals because theyre hardly useful
for non-UPSC exams:
1. They dont contain detailed trigonometry, quadratic equation= useless for SSC, CDS, SCRA,
CAT etc.
2. No logarithms, no coordinate geometry, no geometry beyond area-volume-perimeter =
useless for CAT, CDS and SCRA.
3. Their Data interpretation sets dont have lengthy calculations and peculiar problems seen in
banking exams = useless for IBPS and SBI exams. Then youll have to buy another paperset
or DI book.
4. They usually avoid input-output, eligibility test topic asked in banking exam. = useless for
IBPS, SBI and LIC/NICL exam, youll have to buy another book or paperset at that time.
5. Very few questions on non-verbal reasoning = not sufficient practice for SSC, insurance and
Banking.
Therefore, if youre planning to give non-UPSC exams as career backup, then avoid purchasing
Aptitude manuals. At max, these manuals will help in CAPF (Assistant commandant) but not
much outside that.
Backup#3: higher diculty exams

CDS, CAT, CMAT, SNAP, XAT & other higher level exams.
1. Maths: Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Kumar (http://www.flipkart.com/quantitative-aptitude-
quantum-cat-common-admission-test-into-iims-7th/p/itmdwqbnmqzd36h5?
pid=9789351416401&affid=mrunalrugm) (OR Arun Sharma
(http://www.flipkart.com/prepare-quantitative-aptitude-cat-6th/p/itmdwqyjag42b5py?
pid=9789339205126&affid=mrunalrugm))
a. IF youre already good at maths then Arun Sharma
b. If youre weak at maths then Sarvesh Kumar.
2. Reasoning: depends
a. In CDS they dont ask reasoning. So, for CSAT use the reasoning books mentioned under
backup#1 (because CSAT asks reasoning questions!)
b. For CAT you may use Gajendra Kumar (Disha publication)
(http://www.flipkart.com/koncepts-logical-reasoning-cat/p/itmdnsgptbzqgfyg?
pid=9789383379385&affid=mrunalrugm). And then maximum practice from
pagalguy.com threads for reasoning.
3. Comprehension: depends
a. CDS: Passages easier than CSAT. But they fill-up the difficulty quota by giving tough sets
on sentence arrangement and sentence correction. (Mind it CSAT doesnt ask verbal
ability /grammar). Hence use the sources given in backup#1.
b. Arun Sharma (http://www.flipkart.com/prepare-verbal-ability-reading-comprehensioncat-5th/p/itmczynppna8zhxf?pid=9789339205133&affid=mrunalrugm) OR Ajay Singh
(http://www.flipkart.com/cat-common-admission-test-mastering-verbal-ability1st/p/itmdyuqrwhuzedfe?pid=9788183484749&affid=mrunalrugm) then maximum
practice from pagalguy.com threads for comprehension and verbal ability. (Mind it CSAT
doesnt ask verbal ability like those sentence correction or sentence arrangement).
Book related doubts

Q. I already have purchased CSAT paper II Manual by xyz publication, do I need to refer
those separate books on maths and reasoning?
Ans. No need. If you already have bought such manual, just study the topics listed in this article,
from respective chapters.
You can also try desi-Jugaad: find a friend in your city with RS Aggarwal
(http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm), exchange books for 10-
15 days. That way he can practice new stuff from your book while you get to practice the
important sections from his.
Q. I already have RS Aggarwal, do I need MK Pandey?
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm)s high level reasoning concepts are far better than
others. Particularly useful for comprehension section of UPSC for those assumption /
inference type of questions.
RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoningrevised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm)s chapters on logicassumption-inference are just practice workbook, hardly explaining the theory/ concepts in
detail.
pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm)s puzzle test/ sitting arrangement chapter contains
good number of UPSC level question sets, along with useful explanations and tips.
+ highly useful for SBI and IBPS exams.
Q. I already have MK Pandey, do I need RS Aggarwal?
Yes because MK Pandey (http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm) doesnt cover many of
the low- level reasoning topics such as analogy, non-verbal reasoning, and direction sense
test.
Anyways, you dont need a brand new RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modernapproach-verbal-non-reasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?
pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm), try to find second hand used copy. Aggarwal is in
the market since 90s, you shouldnt have much trouble finding its second hand copy even in
tier II cities.
Q. I already have CAT books OR CAT coaching material for reasoning. DO I need others
books?
Ans. CAT material will work just fine. But with conditions1. CAT material usually doesnt cover non-verbal reasoning beyond those cube color, dice face
questions. But UPSC is asking which figure next? so for that much practice, download
SSC/ bank papers or borrow someones RS Aggarwal (http://www.flipkart.com/modernapproach-verbal-non-reasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?
pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm).
2. You may Ignore / low-prioritize following topics from CAT reasoning material, because
theyre not seen in UPSC so far:
i. games and tournaments
ii. pipe-network
iii. Data sufficiency (asked but low priority)
Q. Ive CSAT books from xyz jholachhap publication house exclusively in Hindi medium.
Can I rely on them?
No. Hindi maadhyam aptitude books are bogus waste of time and money because
1. They complicate even easy concepts by using too much shuddha Hindi terminology
2. Theyre full of printing mistakes in answers. it ruins the mood and tempo while practicing
sums at home.
Therefore, when it comes to aptitude books, better go for English books of reputed publication
houses.
Appendix1: Sacred cutos of CSAT prelim exams

Only for the informative purpose. DONOT enter the examhall with cutoff mindset. Each UPSC
paper is unique, each years demography is unique. If some baba or Sir has adviced that you
must tick minimum 55 MCQs in aptitude, ignore them. If you cant solve an MCQ then you
CANNOT solve that MCQ, dont dig your grave with guess work or gut feeling just to cross 55.
Exam
CS (Prelim)*
CS (Main)#
CS(Final)
General
241
564
775
OBC
222
534
742
SC
207
518
719
ST
200
510
707
PH-1 Ortho
199
510
725
PH-2 Visual
184
502
718
PH-3 Hearing
163
410
613
Total
400
1750
2025
Minimum passing marks: Prelims

From the above * and # , now we know UPSCs official system of minimum passing marks
(this was never disclosed in RTIs so far).
it implies that if you failed to reach minimum passing marks in any one paper then they
wont select you for next stage, even if you get best marks in other papers.
BUT overall merit list prepared by combing scores of both GS + Aptitue paper.
MAX marks
Minimum
passing
marks
Must get
atleast __ MCQs
correct*
CSAT (GS)
200
30
12
CSAT (Aptitude)
200
70
28
total
400
*1 MCQ worth 2.5 marks. And assume no MCQs is wrongly attempted.

PS: unlike Bank exams there is no sectional cutoffs within an individual paper. (This is confirmed
via RTI many times)
Sectional cutoff: no.
Paperwise cutoff: no. They combine marks of GS+aptitude: total out of 400
Preliminary (CSAT) marks counted only for shortlisting candidates to next stage (i.e. Mains
examination).
Final selection depends on the combined score of mains + interview.
Appendix2: Download links

#1: UPSC CSAT: Aptitude papers of 2011, 2012, 2013
Link: https://files.secureserver.net/0s4I32bAjTl3bm
(https://files.secureserver.net/0s4I32bAjTl3bm)
UPSC uploaded these papers on its official site but PDF quality very bad. Hard to read the
passages, and size too big especially 2013 paper pdf alone is 22 MB. Hence Ive collected better
quality PDFs from testkafunda.com + included official answerkey from UPSC. 2013s answer key
will come only after final result, because again Lord Curzon stonewalled my RTI.
IF you want topicwise sorted question papers, refer CSAT Topicwise solve papers (1995-2013) by
Disha Publication. (http://www.flipkart.com/csat-topic-wise-solved-papers-19-years-generalstudies-1995-2013/p/itmdhhccqt4sr3hz?pid=9789382961789&affid=mrunalrugm)
#2: 500 Reading comprehension (RC) from Pagalguy.com
Link: files.secureserver.net/0sSHBgG2lnFPwx (https://files.secureserver.net/0sSHBgG2lnFPwx)
In the next article, well see the studyplan for mathematics and decision making.
For more on aptitude, visit Mrunal.org/Aptitude (http://Mrunal.org/Aptitude).
Mrunal recommends
SBI/IBPS Bank Exams
UPSC Civil Service
SSC CGL: Staff selection
CDS: Defense Services
CAT/IIM MBA Entrance
ACIO Intel Officer
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[Studyplan] CSAT Aptitude Paper 2: Maths & Data Interpretation-High priority
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[Studyplan] CSAT Aptitude Paper 2: Decision Making + Maths Medium & Low
priority topics, Sample Questions, free studymaterial (part 3 of 3)
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[Reasoning] Calendar Questions: Finding day or date, concepts, shortcuts
explained (http://mrunal.org/2013/08/reasoning-calendar-questions-findingday-or-date-concepts-shortcuts-explained.html)
[Trigonometry] Finding Minimum Maximum Values for SSC CGL Made Easy
without differentiation (http://mrunal.org/2013/07/trigonometry-findingminimum-maximum-values-for-ssc-cgl-made-easy-withoutdifferentiation.html)
[Reasoning] Logical Connectives (if, unless, either or) for CSAT, CAT shortcuts
formulas approach explained (http://mrunal.org/2013/04/reasoning-logicalconnectives-if-unless-either-or-for-csat-cat-shortcuts-formulas-approachexplained.html)
Print | PDF (need Chrome) (http://mrunal.org/2014/06/studyplan-csat-aptitudepaper-2-comprehension-reasoning-analysis-previous-papers-freestudymaterial-cutoffs-part-1-2.html/print/)
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So far 229 Comments posted
REPLY (/2014/06/STUDYPLAN-CSAT-APTITUDE-PAPER-2-COMPREHENSION-REASONING-ANALYSISPREVIOUS-PAPERS-FREE-STUDYMATERIAL-CUTOFFS-PART-1-2.HTML?
REPLYTOCOM=306135#RESPOND)
ABHINAV JAIN
frnds plz tell me any good prctice book/ material for reading
comprehension in HINDI.
Praveen_R
Hi Mrunal,
Can you plz update this section with stats from 2014 paper, when you
get time. Thanks.
brijesh
boss pls guide about new pattern of reading com. 2014 . with type e.g. hlr..
puja more
Please tell me how can I improve my English so I can write easy in english
and talk also
Ahmad Mehmood
Sir, the analysis is greatly helpful but with regard to the change in the
pattern of paper 2 in csat2014 there are issues which need to be
addressed particularly in the reading Comprehension questions. The
questions were quite sygnificantly different from GRE, GMAT, CAT etc
because it required implicit decision making i.e knocking out 4
intertwined statements for one question. There is a dearth of such
practice questions. Please help out. I downloaded your material and
pagalguys RCs; they are great but conventional. I cant find 1 &2, 2&3, 1 2
& 3 correct type questions ANYWHERE.
(PS: I am indebted to you for economics lectures)
sonia
Kindly tell me csat hindi book for math resoning and comprehensionit
is my last chance.suggest me some tips to clear the exam.thanks
waiting for ur rply.
Arif
Hi Sir I was just wondering if is there any books( maths as well reasoning)
for the CSAT so that i could understand easily? m extremely weak in
maths as well in reasoning. kindly help me out. i would be extremely help
ful to you. (there is no time for coaching n all )
pls revert me back as quickly as possible.
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CSAT Comprehension & Reasoning - Without Coaching Studyplan

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[Studyplan] CSAT Aptitude Paper 2: Comprehension & Reasoning,

Aptitude (http://mrunal.org/category/aptitude) / 11 months Ago /

Chart: Analysis of all CSAT papers so far

[Section I] Comprehension for CSAT

Step1: Finish theory

How to prepare high level reasoning?

Step#2: Move hands while reading passage

Step#3: Maximum practice

Comprehension: Why read Non-GS columns?

What about the English passages?

[Section II] Reasoning for CSAT

[Block 1] High level (HL) reasoning in CSAT

Sample questions: Logical Connectives

Sample questions: Syllogism

A1: Blood relation

A2: Grouping: People vs clothing/city/occupation/relation

A3: Line Sequence / Comparison problems

A4: Arrangement: table Circular / Rectangular

A5: Conditional Team selection

A6: Scheduling lectures, events, journey

A7: Direction sense test

[Block 3] Reasoning: Non Verbal

[Block 4] Reasoning: Misc. Topics / Low priority

M1: Missing number pattern

M2: Sequence Series

M3: Coding decoding

M4: Logical Venn Diagrams

M6: Data Sufficiency (DS)

[Block 5] Reasoning: Totally Ignore these topics

Study schedule for the remaining days

Why people cant finish paper?

P1: Start with English passages

P2: Dont keep counting black circles in OMR sheet

P3: Dont come back for sets

P4: Keep sitter Questions for the end

Become data processor NOT data collector

Booklist for CSAT exam Paper II?

Backup#1: Banking, insurance etc.

Backup#2: no competitive exam

Backup#3: higher difficulty exams

Book related doubts

Appendix1a: Sacred cutoffs of CSAT prelim exams

Appendix1b: Minimum Passing marks in CSAT prelims

Appendix2: Download links

Prologue to a mile long article

3. Decision Making + Mathematics: Medium & low priority topics

Four Sections of CSAT Paper II (Aptitude)

[Section I] Comprehension for CSAT

Comprehension passages (printed in both Hindi and English)

Passages to test your English knowledge (printed only in English)

Step1: Finish theory

High level reasoning (HL) Find assumption,

other MCQs e.g. finding meaning of a phrase,

i.e. those easy passage given before Decision

How to prepare high level reasoning?

[Reasoning] Logical Connectives (if, unless, either or) for

the answers- why he classified something as Assumption?

Page 119-122: how to avoid confusion while deriving

Page 287 onwards: differentiating between immediate cause vs

Page 168: how to determine whether a suggestion action

After above Core theory is done, go through following:

Ch.4 Forcefulness of the arguments.