Analysis Of CSAT 2011

It is quite interesting to see that the new syllabus has brought in sea change in approach to General studies and Current Affairs.

Earlier (prior to 2010 preliminary exam) most of the questions asked were data like nature. One needs to memorize lot of facts and figures. Indeed, previous exams have evaluated candidate's donkey faculty - how much data he/she can carry!!!

Now its totally different. In the new CSAT besides asking few factual based questions most emphasis would be in evaluating candidate's ability to analyze issues, Reasoning ability and decision making skills and his/her capacity put a sharp eye on the world around

Syllabus forms very important part of exam as the nature of questions will be asked under the frame work of syllabus. So let us go into details of nature of new syllabus:
The nature of questions from Indian History and Geography will remain more or less same. History may include Ancient, Medieval and Modern History of India. As in the current trend most of the questions would be asked from Modern India (1957 uprising to 1947 Independence) especially from Indian national movement. However we must ready to face questions from contemporary history (till 1960 or 1990) as well.
Under the chapter of Geography same question pattern may remain however more emphasis may be on Indian geography (Human) and geographical issues related to current affairs.
In section under Indian Polity, along with the previous nature the governance issues will be asked. (it means constitutional, legal, administrative and other issues emerging from the politico-administrative system prevalent in the country)
The scope of economy has expanded enormously under CSAT. Earlier candidates were tend to neglect economy altogether as there were few questions have been asked in exam. On seeing the new syllabus we can say besides economic development, questions related to National policies and social issues would also be asked. Also its scope is not restricted within Indian economy; we may expect questions from India's economic relation with world (Bilateral trade and International Institutions such as WTO IMF etc). However emphasis would be in Indian Economy.
Questions under General Science would remain almost same as previous year trend. Â It includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Emphasis would be given on Biology especially like Human physiology, Nutrition and Diseases.
Regarding the General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change, few questions have been asked in previous year exams under topics of geography and Current affairs. However special mention made in the new syllabus illustrates its importance in current global politics and policies. So candidates must go into the current issues related to environment, Ecology, Bio-diversity and climate change but it is not necessary to go deep into the subject matter.
Under the section of current event of national and International importance, the focus of the issues will be more or less same as previous year. However there will be less emphasis on data based questions such as personalities, books, years, institution etc. Candidate are advised to look a little deeper like root cause, impacts and associated details of important current issues.
Mental ability part in old syllabus is separated in to a full Aptitude Test paper and replaced the optional subject. In this paper besides Logical reasoning & analytical ability, the scope has been widened to include Interpersonal skills and English comprehension.

This is the most worrisome issue for the students belong to Arts degree and rural background. However the questions would be asked from 10th standard level only. So there is no need to worry or panic. Any person who is willing to learn can acquire these skills in a matter of few weeks. Just put your mind and heart into in.