All Prelims papers

UPSC Prelims 2012

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

80 questions, 2 hours. Open a question for its answer and why.

The question paper as a PDF, from UPSCSit it against the clock, marked with UPSC’s key
  1. Question 1 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Education, without a doubt, has an…”

    What do you understand by the ‘instrumentalist’ view of education ?

    aEducation is functional and utilitarian in its purposes.
    bEducation is meant to fulfil human needs.
    cThe purpose of education is to train the human intellect.
    dEducation is meant to achieve moral development.
  2. Question 2 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Education, without a doubt, has an…”

    According to the passage, education must be respected in itself because

    ait helps to acquire qualifications for employment.
    bit helps in upward mobility and acquiring social status.
    cit is an inner process of moral and intellectual development.
    dAll the (a), (b) and (c) given above are correct in this context.
  3. Question 3 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Education, without a doubt, has an…”

    Education is a process in which

    astudents are converted into trained professionals.
    bopportunities for higher income are generated.
    cindividuals develop self-critical awareness and independence of thought.
    dqualifications for upward mobility are acquired.
  4. Question 4 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”

    “The evolution of pesticide resistance is natural selection in action.” What does it actually imply ?

    aIt is very natural for many organisms to have pesticide resistance.
    bPesticide resistance among organisms is a universal phenomenon.
    cSome individuals in any given population show resistance after the application of pesticides.
    dNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.
  5. Question 5 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”

    With reference to the passage, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Use of chemical pesticides has become imperative in all the poor countries of the world.
    2. 2.Chemical pesticides should not have any role in sustainable agriculture.
    3. 3.One pest can develop resistance to many pesticides.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 only
    b3 only
    c1 and 3 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  6. Question 6 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”

    Though the problems associated with the use of chemical pesticides is known for a long time, their widespread use has not waned. Why ?

    aAlternatives to chemical pesticides do not exist at all.
    bNew pesticides are not invented at all.
    cPesticides are biodegradable.
    dNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.
  7. Question 7 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”

    How do pesticides act as agents for the selection of resistant individuals in any pest population ?

    1. 1.It is possible that in a pest population the individuals will behave differently due to their genetic makeup.
    2. 2.Pests do possess the ability to detoxify the pesticides.
    3. 3.Evolution of pesticide resistance is equally distributed in pest population.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only
    b1 and 2 only
    c3 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  8. Question 8 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”

    Why is the use of chemical pesticides generally justified by giving the examples of poor and developing countries ?

    1. 1.Developed countries can afford to do away with use of pesticides by adapting to organic farming, but it is imperative for poor and developing countries to use chemical pesticides.
    2. 2.In poor and developing countries, the pesticide addresses the problem of epidemic diseases of crops and eases the food problem.
    3. 3.The social and health costs of pesticide use are generally ignored in poor and developing countries.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only
    b1 and 2 only
    c2 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  9. Question 9 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”Passage beginning “Chemical pesticides lose their role in…”

    What does the passage imply ?

    aAlternative options to chemical pesticides should be promoted.
    bToo much use of chemicals is not good for the ecosystem.
    cThere is no scope for the improvement of pesticides and making their use sustainable.
    dBoth the statements (a) and (b) above are correct.
  10. Question 10 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”

    Which of the following conditions of growth can add to vulnerability ?

    1. 1.When the growth occurs due to excessive exploitation of mineral resources and forests.
    2. 2.When the growth brings about a change in humankind’s creative potential.
    3. 3.When the growth is envisaged only for providing houses and social security to the people.
    4. 4.When the growth occurs due to emphasis on farming only.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1 only
    b2, 3 and 4 only
    c1 and 4 only
    d1, 2, 3 and 4
  11. Question 11 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”

    What does low-carbon growth imply in the present context ?

    1. 1.More emphasis on the use of renewable sources of energy.
    2. 2.Less emphasis on manufacturing sector and more emphasis on agriculture sector.
    3. 3.Switching over from monoculture practices to mixed farming.
    4. 4.Less demand for goods and services.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1 only
    b2, 3 and 4 only
    c1 and 4 only
    dNone of the above implies low-carbon growth
  12. Question 12 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”

    Which of the following conditions is/are necessary for sustainable economic growth ?

    1. 1.Spreading of economic prosperity more.
    2. 2.Popularising/spreading of adaptive technologies widely.
    3. 3.Investing on research in adaptation and mitigation technologies.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1 only
    b2 and 3 only
    c1 and 3 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  13. Question 13 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”

    Which of the following inferences can be made from the passage ?

    1. 1.Rainfed crops should not be cultivated in irrigated areas.
    2. 2.Farming under water-deficient areas should not be a part of development strategy.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  14. Question 14 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”

    Consider the following assumptions :

    1. 1.Sustainable economic growth demands the use of creative potential of man.
    2. 2.Intensive agriculture can lead to ecological backlash.
    3. 3.Spread of economic prosperity can adversely affect the ecology and environment.

    With reference to the passage, which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

    a1 only
    b2 and 3 only
    c1 and 3 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  15. Question 15 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”Passage beginning “Today’s developing economies use much less…”

    Which one of the following statements constitutes the central theme of this passage ?

    aCountries with greater economic prosperity are better equipped to deal with the consequences of climate change.
    bAdaptation and mitigation should be integrated with development strategies.
    cRapid economic growth should not be pursued by both developed and developing economies.
    dSome countries resort to overexploitation of natural resources for the sake of rapid development.
  16. Question 16 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.All artists are whimsical.
    2. 2.Some artists are drug addicts.
    3. 3.Frustrated people are prone to become drug addicts.

    From the above three statements it may be concluded that

    aArtists are frustrated.
    bSome drug addicts are whimsical.
    cAll frustrated people are drug addicts.
    dWhimsical people are generally frustrated.
  17. Question 17 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements :

    1. 1.Either A and B are of the same age or A is older than B.
    2. 2.Either C and D are of the same age or D is older than C.
    3. 3.B is older than C.

    Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements ?

    aA is older than B
    bB and D are of the same age
    cD is older than C
    dA is older than C
  18. Question 18 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements :

    1. 1.Only those who have a pair of binoculars can become the members of the birdwatcher’s club.
    2. 2.Some members of the birdwatcher’s club have cameras.
    3. 3.Those members who have cameras can take part in photo-contests.

    Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements ?

    aAll those who have a pair of binoculars are members of the birdwatcher’s club.
    bAll members of the birdwatcher’s club have a pair of binoculars.
    cAll those who take part in photo-contests are members of the birdwatcher’s club.
    dNo conclusion can be drawn.
  19. Question 19 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    During the last summer vacation, Ankit went to a summer camp where he took part in hiking, swimming and boating. This summer, he is looking forward to a music camp where he hopes to sing, dance and learn to play the guitar. Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above ?

    aAnkit’s parents want him to play the guitar.
    bAnkit prefers music to outdoor activities.
    cAnkit goes to some type of camp every summer.
    dAnkit likes to sing and dance.
  20. Question 20 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Three persons A, B and C wore shirts of black, blue and orange colours (not necessarily in that order) and pants of green, yellow and orange colours (not necessarily in that order). No person wore shirt and pants of the same colour. Further, it is given that

    1. 1.A did not wear shirt of black colour.
    2. 2.B did not wear shirt of blue colour.
    3. 3.C did not wear shirt of orange colour.
    4. 4.A did not wear pants of green colour.
    5. 5.B wore pants of orange colour.

    What were the colours of the pants and shirt worn by C, respectively ?

    aOrange and black
    bGreen and blue
    cYellow and blue
    dYellow and black
  21. Question 21 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Ten new TV shows started in January — 5 sitcoms, 3 drama and 2 news magazines. By April, only seven of the new shows were still on, five of them being sitcoms. Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above ?

    aOnly one news magazine show is still on.
    bOnly one of the drama shows is still on.
    cAt least one discontinued show was a drama.
    dViewers prefer sitcoms over drama.
  22. Question 22 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Read the passage given below and the two statements that follow (given on the basis of the passage) : Four men are waiting at Delhi airport for a Mumbai flight. Two are doctors and the other two are businessmen. Two speak Gujarati and two speak Tamil. No two of the same profession speak the same language. Two are Muslims and two are Christians. No two of the same religion are of the same profession, nor do they speak the same language. The Tamil-speaking doctor is a Christian.

    1. 1.The Christian-businessman speaks Gujarati.
    2. 2.The Gujarati-speaking doctor is a Muslim.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct conclusion/conclusions ?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  23. Question 23 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statement : “Though quite expensive, television is not a luxury item, as one can learn many things through television.” Which one of the following is a valid inference from the above statement ?

    aAll expensive things are regarded as luxury.
    bAll essential things for learning are not luxury.
    cTelevision is essential for learning.
    dTelevision is not a luxury item.
  24. Question 24 · Basic Numeracy

    Mr. Kumar drives to work at an average speed of 48 km per hour. The time taken to cover the first 60% of the distance is 10 minutes more than the time taken to cover the remaining distance. How far is his office ?

    a30 km
    b40 km
    c45 km
    d48 km
  25. Question 25 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Gita is prettier than Sita but not as pretty as Rita. Then,

    aSita is not as pretty as Gita.
    bSita is prettier than Rita.
    cRita is not as pretty as Gita.
    dGita is prettier than Rita.
  26. Question 26 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Given that,

    1. 1.A is the brother of B.
    2. 2.C is the father of A.
    3. 3.D is the brother of E.
    4. 4.E is the daughter of B.

    Then, the uncle of D is

    aA
    bB
    cC
    dE
  27. Question 27 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements :

    1. 1.Rama scored more than Rani.
    2. 2.Rani scored less than Ratna.
    3. 3.Ratna scored more than Rama.
    4. 4.Padma scored more than Rama but less than Ratna.

    Who scored the highest ?

    aRama
    bPadma
    cRani
    dRatna
  28. Question 28 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”

    With reference to the passage, which of the following statements is correct ?

    aIntroduction of exotic species into new geographical areas always leads to reduced biodiversity.
    bExotic species introduced by man into new areas have always greatly altered the native ecosystems.
    cMan is the only reason to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into more homogeneous ones.
    dNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) is correct in this context.
  29. Question 29 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”

    Why does man introduce exotic species into new geographical areas ?

    1. 1.To breed exotic species with local varieties.
    2. 2.To increase agricultural productivity.
    3. 3.For beautification and landscaping.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

    a1 only
    b2 and 3 only
    c1 and 3 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  30. Question 30 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”

    How is homogenization prevented under natural conditions ?

    aEvolution of groups of species specific to local habitats.
    bPresence of oceans and mountain ranges.
    cStrong adaptation of groups of species to local physical and climatic conditions.
    dAll the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above are correct in this context.
  31. Question 31 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”

    How have the human beings influenced the biodiversity ?

    1. 1.By smuggling live organisms.
    2. 2.By building highways.
    3. 3.By making ecosystems sensitive so that new species are not allowed.
    4. 4.By ensuring that new species do not have major impact on local species.

    Which of the statements given above are correct ?

    a1 and 2
    b2 and 3
    c1 and 3
    d2 and 4
  32. Question 32 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”Passage beginning “Invasions of exotic species into new…”

    What can be the impact of invasion of exotic species on an ecosystem ?

    1. 1.Erosion of endemic species.
    2. 2.Change in the species composition of the community of the ecosystem.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  33. Question 33 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Most champions of democracy have been…”Passage beginning “Most champions of democracy have been…”

    According to the passage, why is a serious tension perceived between democracy and development by the detractors of democracy ?

    aDemocracy and development are distinct and separate goals.
    bEconomic growth can be promoted successfully without pursuing a democratic system of governance.
    cNon-democratic regimes deliver economic growth faster and far more successfully than democratic ones.
    dAll the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above are correct in this context.
  34. Question 34 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Most champions of democracy have been…”Passage beginning “Most champions of democracy have been…”

    According to the passage, what should be the ultimate assessment/aim/view of development ?

    aRise in the per capita income and industrial growth rates.
    bImprovement in the Human Development Index and GNP.
    cRise in the savings and consumption trends.
    dExtent of real freedom that citizens enjoy.
  35. Question 35 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Most champions of democracy have been…”Passage beginning “Most champions of democracy have been…”

    What does a “constitutive” connection between democracy and development imply ?

    aThe relation between them has to be seen through external links.
    bPolitical and civil rights only can lead to economic development.
    cPolitical liberties and democratic rights are essential elements of development.
    dNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context.
  36. Question 36 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The need for Competition Law becomes…”

    With reference to the passage, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.It is desirable that the impact of Foreign Direct Investment should be pro-competitive.
    2. 2.The entry of foreign investors invariably leads to the inflated prices in domestic markets.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  37. Question 37 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The need for Competition Law becomes…”

    According to the passage, how does a foreign investor dominate the relevant domestic market ?

    1. 1.Multinational companies get accustomed to domestic laws.
    2. 2.Foreign companies establish joint ventures with domestic companies.
    3. 3.Affiliates in a particular market/sector lose their independence as their parent companies overseas merge.
    4. 4.Foreign companies lower the cost of their products as compared to that of products of domestic companies.

    Which of the statements given above are correct ?

    a1 and 2 only
    b2 and 3 only
    c1, 2 and 3 only
    d1, 2, 3 and 4
  38. Question 38 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The need for Competition Law becomes…”

    What is the inference from this passage ?

    aForeign investors and multinational companies always dominate the domestic market.
    bIt is not in the best interests of the domestic economy to allow mergers of companies.
    cWith competition law, it is easy to ensure a level playing field between domestic and foreign firms.
    dFor countries with open economy, Foreign Direct Investment is essential for growth.
  39. Question 39 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements :

    1. 1.I watch TV only if I am bored.
    2. 2.I am never bored when I have my brother’s company.
    3. 3.Whenever I go to the theatre I take my brother along.

    Which one of the following conclusions is valid in the context of the above statements ?

    aIf I am bored, I watch TV.
    bIf I am bored, I seek my brother’s company.
    cIf I am not with my brother, then I watch TV.
    dIf I am not bored, I do not watch TV.
  40. Question 40 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Only six roads A, B, C, P, Q and R connect a military camp to the rest of the country. Only one out of A, P and R is open at any one time. If B is closed, so is Q. Only one of A and B is open during storms. P is closed during floods. In this context, which one of the following statements is correct ?

    aUnder normal conditions only three roads are open.
    bDuring storms at least one road is open.
    cDuring floods only three roads are open.
    dDuring calamities all roads are closed.
  41. Question 41 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements :

    1. 1.None but students are members of the club.
    2. 2.Some members of the club are married persons.
    3. 3.All married persons are invited for dance.

    Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements ?

    aAll students are invited for dance.
    bAll married students of the club are invited for dance.
    cAll members of the club are married persons.
    dNone of the above conclusions can be drawn.
  42. Question 42 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Four political parties W, X, Y and Z decided to set up a joint candidate for the coming parliamentary elections. The formula agreed by them was the acceptance of a candidate by most of the parties. Four aspiring candidates, A, B, C and D approached the parties for their tickets. A was acceptable to W but not to Z. B was acceptable to Y but not to X. C was acceptable to W and Y. D was acceptable to W and X.

    When candidate B was preferred by W and Z, candidate C was preferred by X and Z, and candidate A was acceptable to X but not to Y; who got the ticket ?

    aA
    bB
    cC
    dD
  43. Question 43 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.All X-brand cars parked here are white.
    2. 2.Some of them have radial tyres.
    3. 3.All X-brand cars manufactured after 1986 have radial tyres.
    4. 4.All cars are not X-brand.

    Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements ?

    aOnly white cars are parked here.
    bSome white X-brand cars with radial tyres are parked here.
    cCars other than X-brand cannot have radial tyres.
    dMost of the X-brand cars are manufactured before 1986.
  44. Question 44 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statement : The Third World War, if it ever starts, will end very quickly with the possible end of civilization. It is only the misuse of nuclear power which will trigger it. Based on the above statement, which one of the following inferences is correct ?

    aNuclear power will be used in the Third World War.
    bThere will be no civilization left after the Third World War.
    cThe growth of nuclear power will destroy civilization in the long run.
    dThe Third World War will not take place.
  45. Question 45 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    The elements of the problem figures given below are changing with a certain rule as we observe them from left to right :

    According to this rule, which of the following would be the next figure if the changes were continued with the same rule ?

    a row of four problem figures, each a box holding a small black triangle in a corner and a single line that turns from vertical to slanting to a shallow slope, followed by four option boxes (a) to (d), each with a small triangle in a corner and a line (horizontal, rising diagonal or vertical)
    aa
    bb
    cc
    dd
  46. Question 46 · Data Interpretation

    Consider the following information regarding the performance of a class of 1000 students in four different tests :

    TestsIIIIIIIV
    Average marks60607080
    Range of marks30 to 9045 to 7520 to 1000 to 100

    If a student scores 74 marks in each of the four tests, in which one of the following tests is her performance the best comparatively ?

    aTest I
    bTest II
    cTest III
    dTest IV
  47. Question 47 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Six squares are coloured, front and back, red (R), blue (B), yellow (Y), green (G), white (W) and orange (O) and are hinged together as shown in the figure given below. If they are folded to form a cube, what would be the face opposite the white face ?

    a net of six squares labelled R, B, G, Y, O and W: R and B side by side on top, G, Y and O in a row below them, and W below Y
    aR
    bG
    cB
    dO
  48. Question 48 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    In the above figure, circle P represents hardworking people, circle Q represents intelligent people, circle R represents truthful people, and circle S represents honest people. Which region represents the people who are intelligent, honest and truthful but not hardworking ?

    a Venn diagram of four overlapping circles P, Q, R and S, with the regions numbered 1 to 11
    a6
    b7
    c8
    d11
  49. Question 49 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Three views of a cube following a particular motion are given below :

    What is the letter opposite to A ?

    three views of a cube showing letters on its faces: first view A (front), K (top), B (right); second view M (front), H (top), K (right); third view P (front), B (top), H (right)
    aH
    bP
    cB
    dM
  50. Question 50 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Which one of the figures shown below occupies the blank space (?) in the matrix given above ?

    a 3 by 3 matrix of circles, each divided into four quadrants with one quadrant shaded black, the centre cell holding a question mark, followed by four option circles (a) to (d) of the same kind
    aa
    bb
    cc
    dd
  51. Question 51 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The poor especially in market economies,…”

    Agricultural collectivities such as group based farming can provide the rural poor

    1. 1.empowerment.
    2. 2.increased agricultural productivity.
    3. 3.safeguard against exploitative markets.
    4. 4.surplus production of agricultural commodities.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1, 2, 3 and 4
    b1, 2 and 3 only
    c2 and 4 only
    d1, 3 and 4 only
  52. Question 52 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The poor especially in market economies,…”

    What does the author imply by “gender impact” ?

    aWomen are doubtful participants in cooperatives.
    bFamily cooperatives may not include women.
    cWomen benefiting from group farming.
    dWomen’s role in transition economies is highly restrictive.
  53. Question 53 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The poor especially in market economies,…”

    Consider the following assumptions :

    1. 1.It is imperative for transition economies to have agricultural collectivities.
    2. 2.Agricultural productivity can be increased by group approach to farming.

    With reference to the above passage, which of these assumptions is/are valid ?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  54. Question 54 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “In a typical Western liberal context,…”

    According to the passage, what does “deepening of democracy” mean in the Western context ?

    aConsolidation of group and class identities.
    bDemocratization translated as greater involvement of people.
    cDemocratization as greater involvement of ‘atomized’ individuals in the public sphere.
    dNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context.
  55. Question 55 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “In a typical Western liberal context,…”

    Greater democratization in India has not necessarily led to

    athe dilution of caste and communal identities in the public sphere.
    birrelevance of community identity as a governing force in Indian politics.
    cmarginalization of elite groups in society.
    drelative unimportance of hereditary identities over class identities.
  56. Question 56 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “In a typical Western liberal context,…”

    What is the “silent revolution” that has occurred in the Indian democratic process ?

    aIrrelevance of caste and class hierarchies in political processes.
    bLoosening of social strictures in voting behaviour and patterns.
    cSocial change through transfer of power from upper caste elites to subaltern groups.
    dAll the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above are correct in this context.
  57. Question 57 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
    Examine the information given in the following paragraph and answer the items that follow : · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Guest lectures on five subjects viz.,…”

    Which lecture is scheduled on Monday ?

    aHistory
    bEconomics
    cMathematics
    dStatistics
  58. Question 58 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
    Examine the information given in the following paragraph and answer the items that follow : · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Guest lectures on five subjects viz.,…”

    Which lecture is scheduled between Statistics and English ?

    aEconomics
    bHistory
    cMathematics
    dNo lecture
  59. Question 59 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
    Examine the information given in the following paragraph and answer the items that follow : · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Guest lectures on five subjects viz.,…”

    Which lecture is the last one in the week ?

    aHistory
    bEnglish
    cMathematics
    dEconomics
  60. Question 60 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
    Examine the information given in the following paragraph and answer the items that follow : · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Guest lectures on five subjects viz.,…”

    Which lecture is scheduled on Wednesday ?

    aStatistics
    bEconomics
    cEnglish
    dHistory
  61. Question 61 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
    Examine the information given in the following paragraph and answer the items that follow : · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Guest lectures on five subjects viz.,…”

    Which lecture is scheduled before the Mathematics lecture ?

    aEconomics
    bHistory
    cStatistics
    dEnglish
  62. Question 62 · Basic Numeracy

    Two glasses of equal volume are respectively half and three-fourths filled with milk. They are then filled to the brim by adding water. Their contents are then poured into another vessel. What will be the ratio of milk to water in this vessel ?

    a1 : 3
    b2 : 3
    c3 : 2
    d5 : 3
  63. Question 63 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.All machines consume energy.
    2. 2.Electricity provides energy.
    3. 3.Electrically operated machines are cheap to maintain.
    4. 4.Electrically operated machines do not cause pollution.

    Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements ?

    aAll machines are run by electric energy.
    bThere is no form of energy other than electricity.
    cMost machines are operated on electric energy.
    dElectrically operated machines are preferable to use.
  64. Question 64 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements :

    1. 1.None but the rich can afford air-travel.
    2. 2.Some of those who travel by air become sick.
    3. 3.Some of those who become sick require treatment.

    Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements ?

    aAll the rich persons travel by air.
    bThose who travel by air become sick.
    cAll the rich persons become sick.
    dAll those who travel by air are rich.
  65. Question 65 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    In five flats, one above the other, live five professionals. The professor has to go up to meet his IAS officer friend. The doctor is equally friendly to all, and has to go up as frequently as go down. The engineer has to go up to meet his MLA friend above whose flat lives the professor’s friend. From the ground floor to the top floor, in what order do the five professionals live ?

    aEngineer, Professor, Doctor, IAS officer, MLA
    bProfessor, Engineer, Doctor, IAS officer, MLA
    cIAS officer, Engineer, Doctor, Professor, MLA
    dProfessor, Engineer, Doctor, MLA, IAS officer
  66. Question 66 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “For fourteen and a half months…”

    Which of the following explains best the sentence in the passage “I was almost a part of it” ?

    aI was not alone in the cell.
    bI was familiar with every bit of the cell.
    cI greeted little tufts of grass like old friends.
    dI felt quite at home in the cell.
  67. Question 67 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “For fourteen and a half months…”

    The passage attempts to describe

    athe general conditions of the country’s jails.
    bthe prisoner’s capacity to notice the minute details of his surroundings.
    cthe prisoner’s conscious efforts to overcome the loneliness.
    dthe prisoner’s ability to live happily with other creatures.
  68. Question 68 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “For fourteen and a half months…”

    The author of the passage seems to suggest that

    ait is possible to adjust oneself to uncongenial surroundings.
    bthe conditions in Indian prisons are not bad.
    cit is not difficult to spend one’s time in a prison.
    dthere is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.
  69. Question 69 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “We started pitching the highest camp…”

    What does the expression “pitching the highest camp” imply ?

    aThey reached the summit of the highest mountain in the world.
    bThose who climbed that far earlier did not pitch any camp.
    cSo far nobody has ever climbed that high.
    dThey were too many climbers and needed to pitch a big camp.
  70. Question 70 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “We started pitching the highest camp…”

    They took a long time to finish the work because

    athey were very tired.
    bthere was not enough air to breathe.
    cit was very cold.
    dit was very dark.
  71. Question 71 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “We started pitching the highest camp…”

    When they crawled into the tent

    athey took off their gloves because it was not very cold.
    bthey could not take off their gloves because it was very cold.
    cthey took off their gloves though it was very cold.
    dthey did not take off their gloves though it was not cold.
  72. Question 72 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “A local man, staying on the…”

    The man went into another room because

    ahe did not know where exactly the stairway was.
    bthe passage was full of smoke.
    che was extremely nervous.
    dhe stumbled on a bundle.
  73. Question 73 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “A local man, staying on the…”

    The man was called a hero because he

    aexpressed his willingness to risk his life to save others.
    bmanaged to escape from the fire.
    cshowed great courage in fighting the fire.
    dsaved a life.
  74. Question 74 · Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

    You have differences of opinion regarding the final report prepared by your subordinate that is to be submitted urgently. The subordinate is justifying the information given in the report. You would...

    aConvince the subordinate that he is wrong.
    bTell him to reconsider the results.
    cRevise the report on your own.
    dTell him not to justify the mistake.
  75. Question 75 · Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

    You are competing with your batch-mate for a prestigious award to be decided based on an oral presentation. Ten minutes are allowed for each presentation. You have been asked by the committee to finish on time. Your friend, however, is allowed more than the stipulated time period. You would...

    aLodge a complaint to the chairperson against the discrimination.
    bNot listen to any justification from the committee.
    cAsk for withdrawal of your name.
    dProtest and leave the place.
  76. Question 76 · Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

    You are handling a time-bound project. During the project review meeting, you find that the project is likely to get delayed due to lack of cooperation of the team members. You would...

    aWarn the team members for their non-cooperation.
    bLook into reasons for non-cooperation.
    cAsk for the replacement of team members.
    dAsk for extension of time citing reasons.
  77. Question 77 · Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

    You are the chairperson of a state sports committee. You have received a complaint and later it was found that an athlete in the junior age category who has won a medal has crossed the age criteria by 5 days. You would...

    aAsk the screening committee for a clarification.
    bAsk the athlete to return the medal.
    cAsk the athlete to get an affidavit from the court declaring his/her age.
    dAsk the members of the sports committee for their views.
  78. Question 78 · Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

    You are handling a priority project and have been meeting all the deadlines and are therefore planning your leave during the project. Your immediate boss does not grant your leave citing the urgency of the project. You would...

    aProceed on leave without waiting for the sanction.
    bPretend to be sick and take leave.
    cApproach higher authority to reconsider the leave application.
    dTell the boss that it is not justified.
  79. Question 79 · Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

    You are involved in setting up a water supply project in a remote area. Full recovery of cost is impossible in any case. The income levels in the area are low and 25% of the population is below poverty line (BPL). When a decision has to be taken on pricing you would...

    aRecommend that the supply of water be free of charge in all respects.
    bRecommend that the users pay a one time fixed sum for the installation of taps and the usage of water be free.
    cRecommend that a fixed monthly charge be levied only on the non-BPL families and for BPL families water should be free.
    dRecommend that the users pay a charge based on the consumption of water with differentiated charges for non-BPL and BPL families.
  80. Question 80 · Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

    As a citizen you have some work with a government department. The official calls you again and again, and without directly asking you, sends out feelers for a bribe. You want to get your work done. You would...

    aGive a bribe.
    bBehave as if you have not understood the feelers and persist with your application.
    cGo to the higher officer for help verbally complaining about feelers.
    dSend in a formal complaint.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.