CIVIL SERVICES APTITUDE TEST (CSAT) EXAM Study Materials 

The study material is available for CSAT Prelims Paper I and Paper II. As the content is vast, we brief outlines of some of the study material for your perusal. This study material, online assessments and digital content are seamlessly integrated.

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

Contents

1.     Basic Tips For Calculation

2.     Arithmetic

2.1 Number System

2.1.1 Introduction

2.1.2 Classification of numbers

2.1.3 Classification of Natural numbers

2.1.4 Properties of Rational and Irrational numbers

2.1.5 Some important results on numbers

2.1.6 Tests of Divisibility

2.1.7 Modulus of a Real number

2.2 Surds and Indices

2.2.1 Square and Cube of a number

2.2.2 Square root and Cube root

2.2.2.1 Square root

2.2.2.2 Methods to find square root of a number

2.2.2.3 Cube root

2.2.3 Indices and Surds

2.2.3.1 Laws of Indices

2.2.3.2 Laws of Surds

            2.3 Fractions and Decimals

2.3.1 Basic concept of fraction

2.3.2 Classification and terminology of fractions

2.3.3 Calculation with fractions

2.3.3.1 Converting unlike into like fractions

2.3.3.2 Comparing fractions

2.3.3.3 To insert a fraction between two given fractions

2.3.3.4 Arithmetic operations on fractions

2.3.4 Decimal Fractions

2.3.4.1 Place value of digits

2.3.4.2 Inter-conversion between decimal numbers and fractions

2.3.4.3 Arithmetic operations on decimal numbers

2.3.4.4 Types of Decimal numbers

2.3.4.5 Rounding off

2.3.4.6 Significant figures

2.4 HCF and LCM                                            

2.4.1 Factors and multiples

2.4.2 Common factors

2.4.3 Highest Common factor (HCF)

2.4.3.1 Prime factorization method

2.4.3.2 Division method

2.4.3.3 HCF of Decimals

2.4.3.4 HCF of vulgar fractions

2.4.4 Least Common multiple (LCM)

2.4.4.1 Prime factorization method

2.4.4.2 Common Division method

2.4.4.3 LCM of Decimals

2.4.4.4 LCM of fractions

2.4.5 Relation between HCF and LCM

2.4.6 Comparison of fractions using LCM

2.5 Simplification

2.5.1 VBODMAS Rule

2.5.2 Basic arithmetic operations and symbols

2.5.3 Short cut methods for basic operations

2.5.3.1 Short cuts in Addition

2.5.3.2 Short cuts in Subtraction

2.5.3.3 Short-cuts in Multiplication

2.5.3.4 Short cuts in Division

2.5.4 Some algebraic formulae for simplification

2.6 Approximation

2.6.1 Addition and subtraction

2.6.2 Multiplication

2.6.3 Division

2.7 Ratio and Proportion

2.7.1 Definition and basic concepts

2.7.2 Ratio between more than two quantities

2.7.3 Compound ratio

2.7.4 Comparison of ratios

2.7.5 Proportion

2.7.6 Types of Proportion

2.7.7 Some specific cases

2.8 Average

2.8.1 Definition

2.8.2 Weighted average

2.8.3 Specific cases of average

2.8.3.1 Average speed

2.8.3.2 Average of Series of Numbers

2.8.3.3 Miscellaneous cases

2.9 Additional Topics in Arithmetic

2.9.1 Mixtures and Alligation

2.9.1.1 Introduction

2.9.1.2 Rule of Alligation

2.9.1.3 Different cases of Alligation and mixtures

2.9.2 Problems on Trains        

2.9.2.1 Basic concepts

2.9.2.2 Specific cases

2.9.2.2.1 Train moving past a stationary point object

2.9.2.2.2 Train moving past a stationary lengthy object      

2.9.2.2.3 Train moving past a moving point object

2.9.2.2.4 Train moving past a moving lengthy object

2.9.3 Unitary Method

2.9.3.1 Time and Distance

2.9.3.1.1 Basic definitions and concepts

2.9.3.1.2 Formulae for specific cases

2.9.3.2 Time and Work

2.9.3.2.1 Basic concepts

2.9.3.2.2 Formulae for specific cases

2.9.3.3 Pipes and Cisterns

2.9.3.3.1 Basic concepts

2.9.3.3.2 Basic principles

2.9.3.3.3 Specific cases and formulae

2.9.3.4 Boat and Streams

2.9.3.4.1 Basic concepts

2.9.3.4.2 Specific cases

3.     Commercial Maths

3.1 Interest

3.1.1 Simple Interest

3.1.1.1 Basic definitions and concepts

3.1.1.2 Some specific cases

3.1.2 Compound Interest

3.1.2.1 Basic definitions and concepts

3.1.2.2 Compounding for different time periods and rates

3.1.2.3 Some specific cases

3.1.2.4 Cases relating Simple and Compound interest

3.2 Percentage

3.2.1 Definition

3.2.2 Conversion between Percent, fraction and decimal

3.2.3 Specific cases of Percentage

3.2.3.1 Percent relationship between quantities

3.2.3.2 Examinations and marks

3.2.3.3 Geometry

3.2.3.4 Depreciation

3.2.3.5 Population growth

3.2.3.6 Price and consumption

3.3 Profit and Loss

3.3.1 Definition

3.3.2 Rule of fraction

3.3.3 Specific cases of Profit and Loss

3.3.3.1 Relation between Cost price and selling price

3.3.3.2 Using false weights

3.3.3.3 Discounts

3.3.3.4 Multiple transactions

3.4 Partnership

3.4.1 Basic concepts

3.4.2 Basic principle of profit sharing

3.4.2.1 Simple partnership

3.4.2.3 Compound partnership

3.4.3 Specific cases

4.     Mensuration

4.1 Plane Mensuration

4.2 Solved examples on Plane Mensuration

4.3 Solid Mensuration                       

4.4 Solved examples on Solid Mensuration

5.     Algebra

  5.1 Elementary Algebra

5.1.1 Basic concepts

5.1.2 Arithmetic operations on algebraic expressions

5.1.2.1 Addition and subtraction

5.1.2.2 Multiplication

5.1.2.3 Division

5.1.3 Algebraic Identities

5.1.4 Factors of Polynomials

5.1.5 HCF and LCM of Polynomials

5.1.6 Linear Equations

5.1.6.1 Solving a Linear Equation

5.1.6.2 Word problems on Linear Equations

5.1.7 Simultaneous Equations

5.1.7.1 Solving Simultaneous equations

5.1.7.2 Word problems on Simultaneous Equations

5.1.8 Quadratic Equations

5.1.8.1 Methods of solving Quadratic equation

5.1.8.2 Relation between roots and coefficients

5.1.8.3 To form a Quadratic equation with given roots

5.1.8.4 Word problems on Quadratic equations

5.1.9 Inequalities

5.1.9.1 Properties of Inequalities

5.2 Permutation & Combination

5.2.1 Fundamental principle of counting

5.2.2 Permutations

5.2.2.1 Important cases of permutation

5.2.3 Combination

5.2.3.1 Relation between permutation and combination

5.2.3.2 Important cases of Combination

6.     Probability

6.1 Basic terms and concepts

6.2 Mathematical definition of Probability

6.3 Mutually exclusive and independent events

7.    Series

7.1 Definition

7.2 Types of Series

7.2.1 Arithmetic Series

7.2.2 Geometric Series

7.2.3 Series of squares and cubes

7.2.4 Mixed series

7.2.5 Two tier Arithmetic series

7.2.6 Three tier Arithmetic series

7.2.7 Arithmetico-Geometric series

7.2.8 Geometrico-Arithmetic series

7.2.9 Twin series    

7.3 Suggested Steps for solving series problems

7.4 Different types of problems on Series

7.4.1 Finding the next term

7.4.2 Finding wrong/missing number

7.4.3 Two line number series

                7.5 Some unique series

DATA INTERPRETATION

&

DATA SUFFICIENCY

Contents

1.        Data Interpretation

1.1              Introduction

1.1.1  What is Data Interpretation?

1.1.2   Need for Data Interpretation

1.1.3   Data Interpretation Vs Problem solving

1.2     Process of Data Interpretation    

1.2.1  Basic formulae

1.2.2       Units of measurement

1.2.3       Commonly used terms

1.3     Formats for Data Representation

1.3.1  Data tables

1.3.2  Case study form

1.3.3  Cartesian Line graphs

1.3.4  Bar charts

1.3.5  Pie charts

1.3.6  Geometry diagrams

1.3.7  Mixed diagrams

2.    Data Sufficiency

1               

2               

2.1              Introduction

2.2              Tips and strategies

2.3              Solved examples 

GENERAL MENTAL ABILITY

Contents

1. VERBAL TESTS

            1.1 Reasoning Tests

1.1.1       Direction and Distance Test

1.1.2       Classification (Odd man out) Test

1.1.3       Coding-Decoding Tests

1.1.4       Series Test

1.1.5       Relationships Test

1.1.5.1   Blood Relationships Test

1.1.5.2   Coded Relationships Tests

1.1.6       Alphabet Test

1.1.7       Conditions and Grouping Test

1.1.8       Number, Ranking and Time Sequence Test

1.1.9       Mathematical Operations

1.1.10   Cubes and Cubical Dice Tests

1.1.11   Data Arrangement Test

1.1.11.1   Linear Arrangement Test

                        1.1.11.1.1   Linear Sitting Arrangement

                        1.1.11.1.2   Linear Arrangement of Letters & Numbers

1.1.11.2   Complex Arrangement Test

1.1.12   Data Sufficiency Test

1.1.13   Sequential Output Tracing (Input)

1.2 Logic Tests

1.2.1   Syllogism

1.2.2   Statements Assumptions

1.2.3   Statements Arguments

1.2.4   Statements Conclusions

1.2.4.1 Coded Inequality

1.2.5   Statements Action

1.2.6   Inferences (Deriving Conclusions from Passages)

1.2.7   Cause and Effect

2. NON VERBAL TESTS

2.1     Problems Based On Symmetry

2.1.1       Problems On Mirror Images

2.1.2       Problems On Water Images

2.1.3       Completion of an Incomplete Pattern

2.1.4       Problems On Paper Folding

2.1.5       Problems On Paper Cutting

2.2     Problem Based On Visual Ability

2.3     Classification

2.4     Series

2.5     Analogy

 
ENGLISH

Contents

         1.         Parts of Speech

1.1         Noun

1.1.1          Kinds of Noun

1.1.2          Gender

1.1.3          Number

1.1.4          Case

1.2         Adjective

1.2.1          Kinds of Adjectives

1.2.2          Degrees of Adjectives

1.2.3          Rules

1.3         Pronoun

1.3.1          Kinds of Pronoun

1.3.2          Rules

1.4         Verb

1.4.1          Different Kinds of Verbs

1.4.2          Subject Verb Agreement

1.5         Adverb

1.5.1          The Kinds of Adverbs

1.5.2          Comparison of Adverbs

1.5.3          Some Rules Related to the Use of Adverbs

1.6         Preposition

1.6.1          Rules

1.6.2          Short List of One-Word Prepositions

1.6.3          General Rules Regarding Certain Prepositions

1.7         Conjunction

1.7.1          Classification of Conjunctions

1.7.2          Some Important Rules

1.8         Interjection

         2.         Articles

2.1         Kinds of Articles

2.1.1          The Indefinite Article

2.1.2          The Definite Article

         3.         Tenses

3.1         Classification of Tenses

3.1.1          Present Tense

3.1.2          Past Tense

3.1.3          Future Tense

3.2         Summary of Rules with Examples in Tabular Form

         4.         Punctuations and Capitals

4.1         List of Important Punctuation Marks

4.2         Rules Regarding Usages

4.3         Use of Capital Letters

         5.         Idioms and Phrases

5.1         Idioms

5.2         Phrases

5.3         Clauses

         6.         Sentences

6.1         Kinds of Sentences

6.2         Subject and Predicate

         7.         Active and Passive Voice

7.1         Active Voice

7.2         Passive Voice

7.3         Rules for Changing the Voice

7.4         Transformation of Sentences-Voice Change

7.5         Summary of Rules with Examples in Tabular Form

         8.         Direct and Indirect Speech

8.1         Direct Speech

8.2         Indirect Speech

8.3         Rules for Changing Direct into Indirect Speech

         9.         English Vocabulary

9.1         Antonyms

9.1.1          Strategies for Antonyms

9.2         Synonyms

9.2.1          Strategies for Synonyms

9.3         Analogies

9.3.1          Common Relationships

9.3.2          Strategies for Analogies

9.4         One Word Substitution

9.4.1          List of Popular Words

9.5         List of Most Frequently Misspelled Words

       10.      Fill in the Blanks

10.1     Types of Fill in the Blanks

10.1.1      Logical Fill in the Blanks

10.1.2      Paired Logical Fill in the Blanks

10.1.3      Grammar Based Fill in the Blanks

10.1.4      Missing Link in a Paragraph

10.1.5      Complete the Theme

10.1.6      Maximum Number of Times

10.2     Strategies for Fill in the Blanks

       11.      Cloze Test

11.1     Strategies for Cloze Test

       12.      English Usage Errors

12.1      Types of Errors

12.1.1      Errors in Case

12.1.2      Error in Subject Verb Agreement

12.1.3      Error in the Tense or Form of a Verb

12.1.4      Error in Subjunctive Mood

12.1.5      Error in Comparison

12.1.6      Error in the use of Adjective for Adverb or Vice-Versa

12.1.7      Error of Parallel Construction

12.1.8      Error in Diction or Idiom

12.2      Types of Common Errors

12.2.1      Common Errors in the Use of Articles

12.2.2      Common Errors in the Use of Nouns

12.2.3      Common Errors in the Use of Pronouns

12.2.4      Common Errors in the Use of Adjectives

12.2.5      Common Errors in the Use of Verbs

12.2.6      Common Errors in the Use of Adverbs

12.2.7      Common Errors in the Use of Prepositions

12.2.8      Common Errors in the Use of Conjunction

12.2.9      Common Errors in the Use of Tenses

12.2.10  Common Errors in the Use of Modals

       13.      Sentence Improvement and Sentence Correction

13.1     Sentence Improvement

13.1.1      Strategies for Sentence Improvement

13.2     Sentence Correction

13.2.1      Types of Format

13.2.2      Strategies for Sentence Correction

       14.      Rearrangement of Sentences in Paragraph and Rearrangement of Words in Sentence

14.1     Rearrangement of Sentences in Paragraph

14.1.1      Strategies for Rearrangement of Sentences in Paragraph

14.2     Rearrangement of Words in Sentence

14.2.1      Strategies for Rearrangement of Words in Sentence

       15.      English Comprehension

15.1     Types of Comprehension Based Questions

15.2     Strategies for Comprehension Based Questions