Know the UPSC CSAT 2026 qualifying marks, exam pattern, syllabus, and tips to score 66+ out of 200. Clear CSAT to move ahead in UPSC Prelims. Boost your preparation with strategy and mock tests.
theIAShub | 15 Jul, 2025 | 3252 | 0 |
The UPSC CSAT Qualifying Marks 2026 is an important part of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. While Paper 1—General Studies determines the selection for the Mains, Paper 2—CSAT is qualifying in nature. Clearing the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) 2026 is mandatory, as failing can lead to disqualification from moving forward, no matter how high the candidate’s score in Paper 1. Every year, thousands of candidates fail because they don’t qualify for the CSAT Exam. Below, we have broken down the marks needed to qualify for UPSC CSAT 2026, how the paper is structured, and what strategies candidates need to ensure they qualify for the CSAT cutoff marks. Candidates aiming for UPSC 2026 need to understand the CSAT qualifying marks 2026, as this is their first step towards success.
The UPSC CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) is Paper-II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The UPSC CSAT 2026 is a qualifying paper, which means candidates have to secure minimum qualifying marks to be eligible for evaluation of Paper-I (General Studies).
| Exam | Details |
| Name of Exam | General Studies Paper II (CSAT) |
| Type | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Number of Questions | 80 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Qualifying Marks | Minimum 33% (66 Marks) required to qualify |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
Also Read: How to Prepare for CSAT Prelims 2026
In the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026, the CSAT paper (General Studies Paper II) is qualifying in nature. To qualify for the UPSC CSAT Exam 2026, candidates need to score at least 33% of the total marks.
Candidates have to score at least 66 marks on the UPSC CSAT paper to have their GS Paper I evaluated for selection to the Mains.
The UPSC CSAT paper in Prelims 2026 is qualifying in nature, and candidates appearing for the UPSC Exam 2026 must score a minimum of 66 marks out of 200 to move to the Mains stage. Even though CSAT marks do not add to the final Prelims score, failing to qualify will lead to direct disqualification. Therefore, aspirants must prepare seriously to comfortably cross the UPSC CSAT Qualifying Cutoff 2026.
Also Read: CSAT Books for UPSC Prelims 2026
UPSC CSAT paper is designed to test a candidate’s logical reasoning, reading comprehension, analytical skills, and numerical ability, and the candidate’s emotional intelligence to manage real-time exam stress. Given that it is a qualifying paper, aspirants often overlook its importance. However, the increasing difficulty level in recent years makes it crucial to prepare with a structured, section-wise approach. Below is a detailed preparation strategy for each section.
Reading comprehension evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand, analyse, and infer meaning from passages as well as English proficiency. It consists of passages from diverse topics such as economy, environment, science & technology, polity, and philosophy.
This section tests problem-solving, decision-making, and pattern-recognition abilities. It includes syllogisms, coding-decoding, blood relations, puzzles, and logical deductions.
This section covers basic numerical ability, percentages, averages, profit-loss, ratio-proportion, speed-time-distance, probability, and DI sets.
This section tests ethical reasoning, leadership ability, and governance-related decision-making skills.
Also Read: CSAT Previous Year Question Paper
The UPSC CSAT Qualifying Marks 2026 in UPSC Prelims 2026 are mandatory to qualify for the exam and hold great importance for every aspirant. Scoring a minimum 66 marks is mandatory for aspirants to move forward to the Mains stage, and ignoring CSAT can cost candidates their entire attempt. With the rising difficulty level in recent years, candidates must prepare for the CSAT Exam 2026 seriously through regular practice, mock tests, and focused study. A smart and balanced approach will ensure candidates clear the UPSC CSAT Exam 2026 comfortably and keep their UPSC journey on track.
Are you preparing for UPSC 2026? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enrol now!
No, the UPSC CSAT 2025 exam is only qualifying. Only GS Paper I marks are considered for deciding the prelims cutoff.
No, there is no sectional cutoff. Candidates just need an overall 33% (66 marks) in the entire paper.
No, failing the UPSC CSAT Exam 2025 will lead to disqualification irrespective of the candidate's GS Paper I score.
Yes, in recent years (especially from 2021 onwards), CSAT has become tougher, with tricky questions in reasoning and comprehension.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
