UPSC CSAT Daily Aptitude & Reasoning Test – 6 October 2026: Build Speed, Accuracy & Confidence
UPSC CSAT Daily Aptitude & Reasoning Test – 6 October 2026
Build accuracy, speed and confidence for UPSC Prelims Paper II with original aptitude and reasoning questions covering arithmetic, logic, data interpretation and problem-solving.
Practice five original UPSC CSAT questions covering percentages, ratio, logical reasoning, time and work, and data interpretation. Each question includes a detailed solution to help aspirants strengthen speed, accuracy and exam temperament for the qualifying General Studies Paper II.
UPSC Prelims – General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
Core Areas:
Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation.
Why Daily CSAT Practice Matters
CSAT is qualifying in nature, but that does not make it easy.
Many aspirants underestimate Paper II and begin serious practice too late. Daily problem-solving is therefore valuable because it builds:
- Calculation speed
- Logical clarity
- Question-selection ability
- Accuracy under time pressure
- Confidence in quantitative aptitude
- Better elimination skills
Question 1 – Percentage
The price of an article is increased by 20% and then reduced by 20%. What is the overall percentage change in its price?
Assume the original price is ₹100.
After a 20% increase:
₹100 × 1.20 = ₹120
After a 20% decrease:
₹120 × 0.80 = ₹96
Net decrease = ₹4 on ₹100 = 4%.
Question 2 – Ratio
The ratio of men to women in an office is 3:2. If 10 more women join, the ratio becomes 3:4. How many men were originally in the office?
Let men = 3x and women = 2x.
After 10 women join: 3x / (2x + 10) = 3 / 4 Cross multiplying: 12x = 6x + 30 6x = 30 x = 5 Therefore, men = 3 × 5 = 15.
Question 3 – Logical Reasoning
All economists are readers. Some readers are writers. Which of the following conclusions necessarily follows?
The first statement directly establishes that every economist belongs to the set of readers. The fact that some readers are writers does not prove that any economist must also be a writer. Therefore, only the conclusion that all economists are readers necessarily follows.
Question 4 – Time and Work
A can complete a task in 12 days and B can complete the same task in 18 days. Approximately how many days will they take to complete it together?
A's one-day work = 1/12
B's one-day work = 1/18
Combined work: 1/12 + 1/18 LCM = 36 = 3/36 + 2/36 = 5/36 Time required = 36/5 = 7.2 days.
Question 5 – Data Interpretation
A company’s annual sales were ₹40 lakh in Year 1, ₹50 lakh in Year 2 and ₹60 lakh in Year 3. What was the percentage increase in sales from Year 1 to Year 3?
Increase in sales = ₹60 lakh − ₹40 lakh = ₹20 lakh.
Percentage increase: (20 / 40) × 100 = 50%.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Key Skill |
|---|---|
| Percentages | Successive percentage change |
| Ratio | Translating ratios into equations |
| Logical Reasoning | Testing only necessary conclusions |
| Time & Work | Work-rate addition |
| Data Interpretation | Percentage comparison |
CSAT Preparation Strategy for UPSC Prelims
- Practice at least 10–15 questions regularly.
- Build command over percentages, averages, ratio and proportion.
- Learn basic time-work, speed-distance and profit-loss concepts.
- Practice logical reasoning and analytical puzzles.
- Attempt previous-year UPSC CSAT papers under timed conditions.
- Do not spend too much time on one difficult question.
- Develop a strong question-selection strategy for the actual examination.
Do not aim to solve every question. The better strategy is to identify questions you can solve quickly and accurately, build a safe qualifying score, and avoid unnecessary negative marking.
Why Aspirants Should Not Ignore CSAT
CSAT requires a minimum qualifying score, but failing to clear Paper II eliminates a candidate regardless of performance in General Studies Paper I.
Aspirants should therefore treat CSAT as a serious component of Prelims preparation rather than as a last-minute qualifying formality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UPSC paper is CSAT?
CSAT is General Studies Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
What does CSAT test?
It evaluates comprehension, communication and interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem solving, basic numeracy and data interpretation.
Is CSAT qualifying?
Yes. CSAT is qualifying in nature, but candidates must secure the prescribed minimum qualifying marks to remain eligible for evaluation of their Prelims performance.
How should beginners prepare for CSAT?
Beginners should strengthen basic arithmetic first, then gradually practice reasoning, comprehension and timed mixed-question sets.
What is the best way to improve CSAT speed?
Regular timed practice, mental calculation, familiarity with common question types and careful question selection are among the most effective methods.
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