This section is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to interpret information, deduce conclusions, and make decisions based on given data or scenarios.
The difficulty level can vary from simple calculations to more intricate problems that demand a thorough grasp of mathematical concepts and their applications. This highlights the need for aspirants to adopt a comprehensive preparation strategy to effectively manage the diverse and unpredictable nature of the CSAT Maths & Basic Numeracy section.
It covers the following topics:
- Probability
- Trains
- Boats & Streams
- Time & Work
- Partnership
- SI and CI
- Mensuration & Area
- Time and Distance
- Profit & Loss
- Work & Wages
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Permutation and Combination
- Alligation & Mixtures
- Geometry
- Ages
- Averages
Here's a summary of year-wise breakdown of the number of questions asked in the General mental ability section of the UPSC CSAT
| YEAR | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number System | 8 | 19 | 9 | 11 | 15 |
| Profit and loss | 1 | 2 | - | - | - |
| Algebra | 10 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Permutation and combination | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Mensuration | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Set theory | 4 | - | 2 | - | - |
| Time and work | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Time and Distance, Boats & Streams,Pipes & Cisterns | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Ages ,Averages | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
