UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT
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 ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
The professor goes up to meet the IAS officer, so the IAS officer lives above him. The doctor goes up as often as down, so the doctor lives in the middle flat, the third. The engineer goes up to the MLA, and the IAS officer lives above the MLA, so the order is engineer, then MLA, then IAS officer, which puts the IAS officer on top. Of the options, only (d) fits: Professor, Engineer, Doctor, MLA, IAS officer.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Here the MLA is above the IAS officer, but the IAS officer must be above the MLA.
- (b) Wrong. Here too the MLA is above the IAS officer.
- (c) Wrong. The IAS officer is at the bottom, but he must live above the professor.
- (d) Right. The doctor is in the middle and the IAS officer is on top, above the MLA.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.