The UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2025, officially known as General Studies Paper 2, is a critical part of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Although qualifying in nature, with a minimum cut-off of 33% (66 marks out of 200), the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) often becomes a make-or-break paper for many aspirants. Designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, comprehension, logical reasoning, and decision-making abilities, CSAT requires strategic preparation and consistent practice.
In this article, we provide the UPSC CSAT Paper 2 PDF 2025 download link, along with key details about the exam structure, marking scheme, and question types. You will also find the official and unofficial answer keys, a step-by-step guide to download the paper from the UPSC website, and a section to access previous year CSAT question papers. Whether you’re reviewing your attempt or gearing up for the next attempt, this guide will help you understand and master the CSAT paper effectively.
CSAT Question Paper 2025 Overview
The CSAT Question Paper 2025 was held on 25 May 2025, as part of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Officially termed General Studies Paper II, this qualifying paper is crucial for candidates aiming to move on to the Mains stage. The exam was conducted in the second shift, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, after a 3-hour interval following General Studies Paper I held in the morning. The CSAT paper consisted of 80 multiple-choice questions, with a total duration of 2 hours. Each question carried 2.5 marks, and one-third (0.83 marks) was deducted for every incorrect answer, highlighting the importance of accuracy.
CSAT Question Paper 2025 PDF Download
Download the UPSC CSAT Paper 2 Question Paper 2025 PDF for effective practice and exam analysis. This article includes the official download link, exam pattern, marking scheme, answer keys, and previous year CSAT papers to help you prepare strategically for the UPSC Prelims.
| CSAT Question Paper 2025 & Answer Key |
| CSAT Question Paper 2025 PDF- Click here
CSAT Answer Key 2025 PDF- Click here |
For aspirants beginning their preparation or looking to benchmark performance, reviewing previous year question papers is also crucial. Below are downloadable resources for both 2024 and 2025 UPSC Prelims papers.
CSAT Previous Year Question Paper 2025 PDF Download
Practicing with previous year CSAT (Paper II) question papers is essential for understanding the evolving pattern of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. These papers help aspirants identify important topics, gauge the difficulty level, and enhance time management skills. Below is a year-wise list of CSAT question papers from 2020 to 2024 available for download in PDF format. These resources are particularly useful for building accuracy and confidence ahead of the CSAT 2025 exam.
| Year | CSAT (Paper II) |
| 2024 | Download PDF |
| 2023 | Download PDF |
| 2022 | Download PDF |
| 2021 | Download PDF |
| 2020 | Download PDF |
How to Download CSAT Question Paper 2025 PDF
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the official CSAT (General Studies Paper II) question paper along with the answer keys a few weeks after the Civil Services Preliminary Examination is conducted. These documents are available for free on the official website.
Follow these steps to download the CSAT 2025 Question Paper PDF:
Visit the Official UPSC Website
- Open your web browser and go to the UPSC official website:
🔗 https://www.upsc.gov.in
Navigate to the “Examinations” Section
- On the homepage, look at the top menu bar.
- Hover your mouse over the “Examinations” tab.
- From the drop-down menu, select “Answer Keys”.
Look for the CSAT 2025 Entry
- On the “Answer Keys” page, scroll through the list of exams.
- Find the entry titled:
“Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025 – General Studies Paper II (CSAT)”
Download the CSAT Question Paper 2025 PDF
- Click on the relevant link for the CSAT Paper II PDF.
- The PDF will usually include all sets – Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D.
- Choose the set you attempted in the exam and download it for reference.
Save the File
- After clicking the link, the question paper PDF will open in your browser.
- Click the download icon (usually on the top-right corner of the screen).
- Save the file to your device for offline access.
Conclusion
The CSAT Question Paper 2025 is not to be underestimated. Though qualifying, it can be a deal-breaker if neglected. Aspirants must regularly practice using PDF downloads, analyze previous year question papers, and solve mock tests. Start your preparation early and remember—CSAT is just as crucial as GS Paper 1 in clearing the UPSC Prelims 2025.
CSAT Question Paper 2025 FAQs
Why is solving the CSAT Question Paper 2025 important for UPSC preparation?
Practicing with the CSAT Question Paper 2025 helps aspirants understand the difficulty level, improve time management, and identify key question trends. It’s an essential tool to ensure one can clear the qualifying threshold of 66 marks.
Are there any coaching institutes that release unofficial CSAT Question Paper 2025 PDFs before UPSC?
Yes, several leading institutes such as Vision IAS, ForumIAS, and InsightsIAS release unofficial versions of the CSAT Question Paper 2025 along with provisional answer keys shortly after the exam for analysis and practice.
Can I use the CSAT Question Paper 2025 PDF for mock practice at home?
Absolutely. Aspirants are encouraged to simulate exam conditions using the CSAT Question Paper 2025 PDF to improve speed and accuracy, particularly in comprehension, reasoning, and data interpretation.
Will the CSAT Question Paper 2025 include any major pattern changes from previous years?
While UPSC typically maintains a consistent structure, reviewing the CSAT Question Paper 2025 after the exam will help assess any shifts in difficulty level or topic emphasis compared to previous years.
