The UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) 2026 requires candidates to achieve a minimum of 66 marks (33% of total 200 marks) to qualify. This paper assesses candidates' abilities in comprehension, logical reasoning, and decision-making. It consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and features a negative marking system, where 0.83 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. All candidates, regardless of category—General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)—must meet this uniform qualifying criterion. Although CSAT scores do not factor into the final merit list, passing is essential to advance to the next stages of the Civil Services Examination. Candidates are encouraged to adopt effective preparation strategies, including time management, focusing on strengths, and regular mock testing, to enhance their chances of success.