UPSC CSAT Simplified | 6 Tips to score 66.67 and qualify Prelims 2024 CSAT paper

3. AVOID NEGATIVE MARKING 

It is always better to score 0 in a question than -0.83 (negative score). In reading comprehension, if the examiner has asked the most appropriate crux of the passage or the inference or the implication, and you seem to be stuck between two close options, it is better to skip such questions and avoid negative marking.

Taking a 50:50 risk is not a wise strategy when it comes to a qualifying paper like CSAT. Likewise, in quantitative aptitude, there may be a situation wherein, your answer is close to two options. It is better to skip the question than to mark an approximate answer out of the two closest options.

4. BREAK BEFORE THE CSAT EXAM

After the GS paper is over, you will get a 3-hour break before the CSAT exam. This intermittent period is very important to rejuvenate and refresh yourself after a brainstorming 2-hour GS paper. During the 3-hour break, you should be aware that you have another battle to fight which is as long and important, if not less, as the first battle of the day. Avoid discussing the answer key and solutions to the GS paper in this break. This would ensure that you are not anxious about the score of the first paper and would allow you sufficient room to stay prepared for the CSAT exam.

Also, mindless YouTube scrolling to check the first reactions to the paper and the probable cut-offs should be avoided for peace of mind.

5. FILLING THE OMR SHEET

Different aspirants have different strategies to fill out the OMR answer sheet. Some aspirants prefer filling out the sheet at the end and some prefer it along the way after every question. Filling out the OMR sheet towards the end and marking all the questions in one go may be counter-productive. During the last few minutes, you are mentally in a zone to finish the paper and attempt as many questions as you can. In such an excited state, marking all the questions in the OMR in one go may lead to mistakes in filling out the circles including marking the wrong solutions. It is preferred to fill the OMR sheet alongside every question to avoid any last-minute panic and consequent errors.

6. COUNTING THE NUMBER OF ATTEMPTED QUESTIONS

It is good to keep track of one’s progress during the exam. However, counting the number of questions attempted after every other question may lead to a significant waste of time. Although the adrenal rush given by such a counting may be satisfying, in those two hours your core focus should be on attempting the next question with the best possible focus and accuracy.

Previous Article in the UPSC CSAT Simplified series:

How to approach Reading Comprehensions?

How to approach ‘Cubes and Dice’ questions?

How to approach ‘Calendar’ questions? (Part 1)

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