The Maharashtra State Services Examination (Prelims) — Paper II (CSAT) is the qualifying aptitude paper conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). It assesses your reasoning, comprehension, decision-making, and numeracy through an objective format. Clearing this stage helps you progress towards the Mains examination and move closer to prestigious Maharashtra State government services careers.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehension | ~11 | ~22 | ~13.75% |
| Interpersonal Skills & Communication Skills | ~11 | ~22 | ~13.75% |
| Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability | ~11 | ~22 | ~13.75% |
| Decision Making & Problem Solving | ~11 | ~22 | ~13.75% |
| General Mental Ability | ~11 | ~22 | ~13.75% |
| Basic Numeracy | ~11 | ~22 | ~13.75% |
| Data Interpretation | ~11 | ~22 | ~13.75% |
| Total | 80 | 160 | 100% |
Key features: Total time: 120 minutes | Total questions: 80 | Total marks: 160 | No negative marking.
Start with timed CSAT practice: attempt one section at a time, then revise weak topics using explanations. Build speed for comprehension by highlighting keywords and locating answers directly. For numeracy and DI, practice daily mini-sets (tables/graphs + arithmetic) to improve accuracy under time pressure. Since there is no negative marking, focus on eliminating wrong options and avoid leaving questions unanswered.
