UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies

Question 30: Economy and Social Development

Assertion (A): India's software exports increased at an average growth rate of 50% since 1995-96. Reason (R): Indian software companies were cost-effective and maintained international quality.

aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are individually true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (a).

India's software exports grew at about 50 per cent a year in the late 1990s because Indian firms offered skilled English-speaking engineers at lower cost while meeting international quality standards, such as ISO and SEI-CMM certification. Cost advantage together with quality is what drove demand, so R explains A. Remember that the US and Europe were the main markets.

A. Software exports grew roughly 50 per cent a year from 1995-96.
R. Low cost with international quality drove the demand.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: both are true and R explains A.
(b) R is the main explanation, not a side fact.
(c) R is true.
(d) A is true.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.