The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) successfully conducted the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper 2 on 25th May 2025 as part of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Though qualifying in nature, the CSAT plays a decisive role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for the Mains stage, with a minimum cut-off of 33% (66 out of 200 marks).

Candidates who appeared for the exam can now access the UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 to evaluate their responses, calculate their probable scores, and assess their chances of clearing Prelims. While the official answer key will be released only after the final results are declared, several reputed coaching institutes like Tarun IAS, Vision IAS, and others have published unofficial CSAT answer keys for Set A, B, C, and D. In this article, we provide the direct download link for the CSAT Paper 2 Answer Key PDF 2025, along with guidance on how to analyze your score and prepare strategically for the next stage of the UPSC exam.

UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 PDF

The UPSC CSAT Paper 2 (General Studies Paper II) for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 was held on 25th May 2025. Candidates can now download the UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 PDF to evaluate their performance and calculate their probable score. While the official UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025  will be released by UPSC only after the final result, several coaching institutes have published unofficial UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025  for Set A, B, C, and D. In this article, we provide direct links to download the answer key PDF, analyze question-wise solutions, and understand the marking scheme to help you assess your CSAT performance effectively.

How to Download UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025?

Once the official key is released post-final results, follow these steps:

• Visit the UPSC Official Website.
• Click on the “Examinations” tab.
• Select “Answer Keys”.
• Look for “Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025”.
• Click on the link for CSAT Paper II based on your set (A/B/C/D).
• Download the UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 PDF.

UPSC CSAT Answer Key Last 5 Years Year-Wise PDF Download

Understanding previous year trends is a powerful tool for preparation. Here are the last 5 years’ CSAT answer key PDF. Understanding previous year trends is a powerful tool for cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This section provides direct access to year-wise CSAT (Paper II) from the past five years (2020–2024). 

Why Use Previous Year’s CSAT Answer Keys?

Referring to previous years’ CSAT Answer Keys is a crucial strategy for serious UPSC aspirants. Here’s how it can significantly enhance your preparation:

Understand the Exam Pattern and Weightage

UPSC often tweaks its question patterns and sectional focus. By analyzing past CSAT answer keys:

• You can identify recurring question types, such as comprehension-based questions, logical reasoning, basic numeracy, and data interpretation.
• It helps you gauge the relative weightage of different topics across years.
• You’ll be better prepared for surprises or shifts in the structure of the paper.

Identify Important Topics and Question Styles

Previous year answer keys help you:

• Pinpoint high-frequency topics that UPSC prefers to repeat.
• Familiarize yourself with the tone and complexity of questions, especially in reading comprehension, which often trips up aspirants.
• Recognize whether UPSC has favored more conceptual or calculation-based problem-solving over the years.

Strategically Evaluate Your Preparation Level

By solving previous year papers and then comparing your answers with the official or expert answer keys:

• You can accurately measure your performance.
• Identify weak areas that need more focus.
• Build a realistic sense of time management and pressure handling—key to clearing CSAT, especially since it’s a qualifying paper.

Estimate Cut-Off Trends and Adjust Future Strategies

Although CSAT only qualifies (you need a minimum of 33% or 66 marks out of 200), it has become increasingly tricky in recent years.

• Reviewing answer keys helps you track the increasing or decreasing difficulty.
• You can adjust your study plan by emphasizing specific sections (e.g., comprehension, reasoning) depending on where past years have posed challenges.
• Most importantly, it helps avoid complacency—many candidates fail to clear CSAT despite doing well in GS Paper I.

Conclusion

The UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 serves as a vital self-assessment tool that helps candidates judge their performance in the highly competitive Civil Services Preliminary Examination. While the official CSAT Answer Key 2025 is released months later, unofficial answer keys are a reliable interim solution provided by reputed institutions. Don’t forget to leverage the last 5 years’ CSAT Answer Key to understand exam dynamics and maximize your preparation outcomes.

UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 FAQs

When will the official UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 be made available?

The official answer key will be published after the final result of UPSC CSE 2025, typically several months post-Prelims.

How do I download the UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2025 PDF?

 Visit upsc.gov.in, navigate to “Examinations” → “Answer Keys” → “Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025” → Download PDF.

Are unofficial CSAT Answer Key 2025 reliable?

 Yes, if sourced from credible institutions. They offer 90%+ accuracy with explanations.

Is the CSAT Paper qualifying in nature?

Yes, CSAT is qualifying with a minimum cutoff of 33% (66 marks out of 200). It is essential to qualify to be eligible for Mains.

Can I challenge the official CSAT Answer Key 2025?

No, the UPSC does not provide a mechanism to challenge or raise objections to the official answer key.