You can crack CSAT without math. You know how? Look at the checklist attached below and clear UPSC Prelims on your first attempt.
General Studies Paper- II, aka CSAT, is a qualifying exam. So, you don’t need to devote 12 hours of your day to solving innumerable math problems. However, you will not clear Prelims if you don’t score 33%, i.e., a minimum of 66.67 marks in CSAT.
But what if I tell you that there is a way to clear CSAT without coaching?
In this blog, I will help you prepare for CSAT even if you are weak in math. While many of your friends will be wasting their money in coaching classes and irrelevant test papers, you will be learning through Past Year Question Papers.
Read carefully and make notes of what you need to do to secure the bare minimum in CSAT.
How to Prepare for CSAT if You Are Weak in Math?
There are 5 points that you need to follow if you want to crack CSAT. Those 7 points are mentioned below:
1. CSAT Syllabus: What are the chapters and units that are included in the CSAT syllabus? ‘Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.’ After memorizing the syllabus, you can choose which topics you want to prepare first and then focus on less important ones.
2. Solve CSAT Previous Year Questions: Most of the questions in CSAT are based on previous year questions. That’s why it is important to practice the questions of the last 6-7 years, at least. In Arihant’s CSAT Brahmastra book covers previous year questions from 2011-2024. This CSAT study guide also has solved papers of CSAT 2024 and 2023.
3. Solve 20 Questions Daily: Arihant’s CSAT preparation book has 38 chapters and many questions based on the latest CSAT pattern. After all, consistency is key. If you practice 20 questions daily, then in 2 months, you will have a total of 1200 questions. These 1200 questions comprise six complete CSAT exams.
4. Free YouTube Videos: Numerous online platforms offer free tutorials and practice questions. Websites like Exam with Arihant can be incredibly helpful for building your math skills. Secondly, you can also get free formula banks and NCERT solutions in Dinesh Kaushik’s CSAT study guide.
5. Mock Tests: Mock tests help you remember whatever you learned. You have to take regular mock tests to assess your progress. This will help you identify weak areas and improve your speed and accuracy.
How to Qualify CSAT Without Math?
The CSAT paper has 80 questions, 200 marks, and a negative marking of 0.33 marks. However, what most aspirants fail to realise is that apart from math and comprehension passages, there are a number of sections covered in the syllabus of General Studies Paper 2 in UPSC Preliminary Exam.
Now, tell me this, “What is your father’s aunt called?”
You must be thinking, “What’s the relevance of this question here?” Well, we are happy to break it to you that even your knowledge of family relations can fetch you 1.5 marks/question. Like this, there are many examples of how you can qualify for the CSAT even if you are weak in math.
If math is not your strong suit, focus on other sections of the CSAT:
1. Comprehension: There are approximately 8 comprehensions in a CSAT exam and almost 4 questions/comprehension. Which means you can score 48 marks very easily. However, attempting comprehension based questions is a very tricky task. To achieve this work on improving your reading comprehension skills. Read newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Summarize what you read to enhance your understanding and retention.
2. Is This Reason Logical: This section can be scored well with practice. Use a dedicated CSAT Study Guide to practice logical reasoning problems. Books like "Dinesh Kaushik CSAT 2025 Guide" provide extensive practice questions and explanations.
3. Decision Making and Problem Solving: These sections test your ability to think critically. Engage in activities that challenge your problem-solving skills, like puzzles and brainteasers. The "CSAT Brahmastra book" is a great resource for this.
Best Books for CSAT Preparation
Choosing the right books is crucial for effective CSAT preparation. Here are some recommended titles:
1. Bilingual: We know that you are a little weak in understanding English but can’t understand questions in Hindi either. So, what to do? In Arihant’s CSAT Brahmastra Book, you will find questions in both English and Hindi.
2. Formula Bank: After reading the authentic and detailed theories, it is important that you also memorise the formulas. Normally, it will take 5-6 minutes to solve a tricky question, but with formulas, you can solve the same question in 2-3 minutes.
3. PYQs 2024-2011: All the sections of CSAT exam are a general guide that covers all areas of the CSAT exam. Not only that, the ‘CSAT Preparation Book’ also has CSAT Solved Papers of 2023 and 2024.
4. 25+ Years of Experience: Mr. Dinesh Kaushik sir is a post graduate from IIM and holds a teaching experience of 25+ years. Secondly, he has taught 80,000+ students and holds great insights into how to solve a question in seconds.
Conclusion
“Wahi karna jo nahi ho sakta” should be the spirit when preparing for CSAT exam. Just solve 20 questions every day for 3 months and also focus on math a little bit.
Preparing for CSAT without coaching is entirely possible with the right strategy and resources. Focus on your weak areas, use a variety of study materials like the "CSAT Brahmastra book" and "Dinesh Kaushik CSAT 2025 Guide," and practice regularly. Stay consistent and motivated, and you'll be well on your way to qualifying the CSAT exam.