How CSAT in Punjab PCS different from UPSC CSAT
Punjab PCS CSAT is very much similar to the UPSC CSAT. Both examinations have Comprehension, Interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, General mental ability, English language comprehension (Class X level). The only difference is that CSAT in Punjab PCS does not include decision making and problem solving.
The only difference between UPSC CSAT and Punjab PCS CSAT is that Punjabi language comprehension is added to the latter. Besides, General Mental ability in UPSC CSAT includes Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level) while the same section in Punjab PCS CSAT comprises basic numerical skills, numbers and magnitudes, percentages, numerical relation appreciation, data analysis, graphic presentations, charts, tables and spreadsheets.
The Paper-2(Civil Services Aptitude Test) is introduced with the objective of testing the aptitude of the candidates. The Punjab PCS CSAT paper is designed to test the decision-making ability of the candidate. Moreover, it also looks for the ethical and moral traits in a candidate.
For example, comprehension section tests how good a candidate is at fact-finding, interpreting text and going through information.
Now, Candidates who have administrative traits will have an edge over those who are good only in academics. Candidates need not rote things while appearing for this examination.