UPSC Prelims 2014 · CSAT
Question 38: Data Interpretation
The following table shows the marks obtained by two students in different subjects :
| Student A | Maximum Marks | Student B | Maximum Marks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 60 | 100 | 80 | 150 |
| Psychology | 70 | 100 | 70 | 100 |
| History | 50 | 100 | 60 | 100 |
| Sanskrit | 30 | 50 | 15 | 25 |
The difference in the mean aggregate percentage marks of the students is
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Add the marks and the maximum marks, then find the percentage. Student A: 60 + 70 + 50 + 30 = 210 out of 100 + 100 + 100 + 50 = 350, which is 60 percent. Student B: 80 + 70 + 60 + 15 = 225 out of 150 + 100 + 100 + 25 = 375, also 60 percent. The difference is zero. The aggregate percentage is total obtained over total maximum, not an average of subject percentages.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) 2.5 percent does not come from either student's aggregate; both are 60.
- (b) 13.75 percent is not the gap between the two aggregates, which are both 60.
- (c) 1.25 percent does not match the aggregates, which are both 60 percent.
- (d) Right. Both students score 60 percent in aggregate.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.