Tejas Agnihotri CSAT Strategy

*CSAT Strategy*

I didn't practice CSAT much (which I later realised that I should have). Given my mathematics background, I was comfortable with quant. But UPSC has certainly upped their game a notch.

I made sure to solve a few PYQs in a timed manner in my first attempt (I scored 100+ in those and hence shifted my focus to GS). In my second attempt I watched a couple of marathon sessions (14 or so hours long videos on YouTube). I feel they give a sense of completion and cover most of the topics. Along with that they'll pick up some PYQs and incorporate that into the lecture as well. You can write down the formulas they're using and understand the process simultaneously.

Since 2022, CSAT has become increasingly difficult. Apart from the 2022 and 2023 PYQs, the utility of PYQs has certainly diminished slightly because the quant that is now asked is not adequately reflected in the past papers. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't solve PYQs.

Your goal should be to cover the last 5 years' PYQs in an exam like simulation. Have a formula sheet ready and on the go to revise post the GS paper.

I've not attempted any test series for CSAT and hence won't be able to comment on the quality of questions they entail, but if you feel solving them would help you gain confidence and practice quant better, go for it. Don't overdo it though. There will always be a gap when it comes to the real UPSC papers and test series. And that is why PYQs will always be relevant. It's a window to the minds of the "real" question makers. And therefore, take the marks you get in these test series with a pinch of salt. Create strong feedback loops. Recognise and improve upon your weaknesses.

While you are attempting the paper, you should keep your wits about you and remain calm. If the paper is difficult, it will be so for everyone. Staying calm at that moment would give you an edge over someone who would lose their cool ("You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this and you will find strength." - Marcus Aurelius). That being said, the rest is very individualistic in nature. You need to have net 27 correct to sail through. If you're good at quant, start from quant. But don't get stuck at one question. CSAT is the game of finding easy questions sprinkled throughout the paper. If you can't solve a question, move on. If quant is tough, switch to comprehension. Be fluid and dynamic with your approach. Expect the unexpected in UPSC and be mentally ready to switch strategies according to the paper (despite quant being my strong suit, I prioritised passages last year and it was a decision I took during the paper, after going through it briefly).

Again, staying confident and trusting that whatever you've done is enough for you to clear the threshold is CRUCIAL. There is no dearth of materials available and it will never end. So stick to a few sources and have faith in yourself and your abilities!