All Prelims papers

UPSC Prelims 2015

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 “Human history abounds in claims and…”

    Which one of the following statements is least essential as a part of the argument in the above passage ?

    aMan seeks control over external things affecting him.
    bIn society, there are ‘super’ and ‘sub’ human beings.
    cExceptions to universal citizen participation are conducive to systemic efficacy.
    dGoverning implies recognition of disparities in individual capacities.
  2. Question 2 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “By 2050, the Earth’s population will likely…”Passage beginning “By 2050, the Earth’s population will likely…”

    Which one of the following statements best sums up the above passage ?

    aThe population of the world is growing very fast.
    bFood security is a perennial problem only in developing countries.
    cThe world does not have enough resources to meet the impending food scarcity.
    dFood security is increasingly a collective challenge.
  3. Question 3 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Many people in India feel that if…”

    With reference to the above passage, which of the following is the most valid assumption ?

    aBuilding of weapons systems by us has instigated our neighbours to wage wars against us.
    bThe greater spending on weapon-building by us would lessen the possibility of armed conflict with our neighbours.
    cIt is necessary to have state of the art weapons systems for national security.
    dMany people in India believe that we are wasting our resources on weapon-building.
  4. Question 4 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “India accounts for nearly a fifth…”

    Which is the critical inference that can be made from the above passage ?

    aA lot of Indians are illiterate and hence do not recognize the value of basic health practices.
    bIndia has a very huge population and the government alone cannot manage public health services.
    cUniversalization and integration of maternal health and child health services can effectively address the problem.
    dThe nutrition of women in child bearing age does not affect child mortality rate.
  5. Question 5 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 5 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Foods travel more than the people…”

    With reference to the above passage, which of the following statements is/are true ?

    1. 1.Consuming regionally grown food and not depending on long travelled food is a part of eco-friendly behaviour.
    2. 2.Food processing industry puts a burden on our natural resources.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  6. Question 6 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 6 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “I must say that, beyond occasionally…”

    The author says that a thoughtless word hardly ever escapes his tongue or pen. Which one of the following is not a valid reason for this ?

    aHe has no intention to waste his time.
    bHe believes in the economy of words.
    cHe believes in restraining his thoughts.
    dHe has hesitancy in his speech.
  7. Question 7 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 6 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “I must say that, beyond occasionally…”

    The most appropriate reason for the author to be spared many a mishap is that

    ahe hardly utters or writes a thoughtless word.
    bhe is a man of immense patience.
    che believes that he is a spiritual person.
    dhe is a votary of truth.
  8. Question 8 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 6 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “I must say that, beyond occasionally…”

    For the author, silence is necessary in order to surmount

    aconstitutional shyness.
    bhesitancy in speech.
    csuppression of thoughts.
    dtendency to overstate.
  9. Question 9 · Basic Numeracy

    Twelve people form a club. By picking lots, one of them will host a dinner for all once in a month. The number of dinners a particular member has to host in one year is

    aOne
    bZero
    cThree
    dCannot be predicted
  10. Question 10 · Basic Numeracy

    An automobile owner reduced his monthly petrol consumption when the prices went up. The price-consumption relationship is as follows :

    Price (in ₹ per litre)40506075
    Monthly consumption (in litres)60484032

    If the price goes up to ₹ 80 per litre, his expected consumption (in litres) will be

    a30
    b28
    c26
    d24
  11. Question 11 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the figures given below :

    To fit the question mark, the correct answer is

    A row of five boxes, each a T-shaped line figure with small triangle, square, open circle and filled circle symbols attached at its ends; the fifth box holds a question mark. Below are four answer options (a) to (d), each a similar T-shaped figure.
    a[figure a]
    b[figure b]
    c[figure c]
    d[figure d]
  12. Question 12 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following matrix :

    38102?1
    656902200

    What is the missing number at ‘?’ in the matrix ?

    a5
    b0
    c7
    d3
  13. Question 13 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    What is the missing number ‘X’ of the series 7, X, 21, 31, 43 ?

    a11
    b12
    c13
    d14
  14. Question 14 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Four cardboard pieces of specific shapes are shown in the following figure :

    Which one of the following figures given can be formed by joining these pieces together ?

    Four cardboard pieces (a thin triangle at the top, two upright rectangles in the middle, a thin triangle at the bottom), followed by four answer options (a) to (d), each a parallelogram divided into parts.
    a[figure a]
    b[figure b]
    c[figure c]
    d[figure d]
  15. Question 15 · Basic Numeracy

    In a test, a candidate attempted only 8 questions and secured 50% marks in each of the questions. If he obtained a total of 40% in the test and all questions in the test carried equal marks, how many questions were there in the test ?

    a8
    b10
    c15
    d16
  16. Question 16 · Basic Numeracy

    A father is nine times as old as his son and the mother is eight times as old as the son. The sum of the father’s and the mother’s age is 51 years. What is the age of the son ?

    a7 years
    b5 years
    c4 years
    d3 years
  17. Question 17 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Four persons A, B, C and D consisting of two married couples are in a group. Both the women are shorter than their respective husbands. A is the tallest among the four. C is taller than B. D is B’s brother. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct ?

    aAll four have family ties.
    bB is the shortest among the four.
    cC is taller than D.
    dA is B’s husband.
  18. Question 18 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.A man had a wife, two sons and two daughters in his family.
    2. 2.The daughters were invited to a feast and the male members of the family went out to take part in a picnic.
    3. 3.The man’s father did not return from his work.

    Which of the following statements is true ?

    aOnly the man’s wife was left at home.
    bIt is likely that the man’s wife was left at home.
    cNone was left at home.
    dMore than one person was left at home.
  19. Question 19 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Geeta : Naresh has become a better boxer since he started meditation. Radha : Impossible. A boxer’s most important asset is his aggressiveness. Radha’s statement reflects her belief that

    ameditation tends to make a person less aggressive.
    bmeditation has little or no effect on the person who practises it.
    cNaresh was a poor boxer earlier because he was not aggressive enough.
    dNaresh would not have taken to meditation as he was a boxer.
  20. Question 20 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    All good athletes want to win and all athletes who want to win eat a well-balanced diet; therefore all athletes who do not eat a well-balanced diet are bad athletes. The best conclusion from this statement is that

    ano bad athlete wants to win.
    bno athlete who does not eat a well-balanced diet is a good athlete.
    cevery athlete who eats a well-balanced diet is a good athlete.
    dall athletes who want to win are good athletes.
  21. Question 21 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The richer States have a responsibility to…”

    Which among the following is the most logical and rational assumption that can be made from the above passage ?

    aThe richer States must lead in the production and adoption of renewable energy.
    bThe poor States always have to depend on rich States for electricity.
    cThe State Electricity Boards can improve their finances by undertaking clean energy projects.
    dThe high economic disparity between the rich and poor States is the major cause of high carbon emissions in India.
  22. Question 22 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Set against a rural backdrop, ‘Stench of…”

    This is a sensitive issue-based story which tries to sensitise the readers about

    aMale chauvinism and infidelity
    bLove and betrayal
    cLack of legal safeguards for women
    dInfluence of patriarchal mindset
  23. Question 23 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The ultimate aim of government is not…”

    Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage ?

    aThe true aim of government is to secure the citizens their social and political freedom.
    bThe primary concern of government is to provide absolute social security to all its citizens.
    cThe best government is the one that allows the citizens to enjoy absolute liberty in all matters of life.
    dThe best government is the one that provides absolute physical security to the people of the country.
  24. Question 24 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Our municipal corporations are understaffed.…”

    Which among the following is the most logical and rational assumption that can be made from the above passage ?

    aThe task of providing urban services is a complex issue which requires the organisational expansion of municipal bodies all over the country.
    bOur cities can provide better quality of life if our local government bodies have adequate staff with required skills and competencies.
    cLack of skilled staff is due to the absence of institutions which offer the requisite skills in city management.
    dOur country is not taking advantage of the demographic dividend to manage the problems associated with rapid urbanization.
  25. Question 25 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 5 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Flamingos in large flocks in the wild…”

    Which among the following is the most logical corollary to the above passage ?

    aMass nesting in all species of birds is essential to ensure complete survival of their offspring.
    bOnly birds have the capacity to develop social behaviour and thus can do mass nesting to raise their chicks in safety.
    cSocial behaviour in some species of birds increases the odds of survival in an unsafe world.
    dAll species of birds set up crèches for their chicks to teach them social behaviour and loyalty.
  26. Question 26 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 6 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Vast numbers of Indian citizens without…”

    What is the most logical, rational and crucial message that is implied in the above passage ?

    aMGNREGS should be extended only to those who have a bank account.
    bThe paper-based system of payments is more efficient than electronic payment in the present scenario.
    cThe goal of electronic wage payments was not to eliminate mediation by village leaders.
    dIt is essential to provide financial literacy to the rural poor.
  27. Question 27 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 7 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Individuals, groups and leaders who promote…”

    With reference to the above passage, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.In developing countries, a strong institutional framework is the only requirement for human development and policy options.
    2. 2.Human development and economic growth are not always positively inter-related.
    3. 3.Focusing only on human development should be the goal of economic growth.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

    a1 only
    b2 and 3 only
    c2 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  28. Question 28 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 7 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Individuals, groups and leaders who promote…”

    With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :

    1. 1.Higher economic growth is essential to ensure reduction in economic disparity.
    2. 2.Environmental degradation is sometimes a consequence of economic growth.

    Which of the above is/are valid assumption/assumptions ?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  29. Question 29 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    If A runs less fast than B, and B runs as fast but not faster than C; then, as compared to A, C runs

    aslower than A
    bfaster than A
    cwith same speed as A
    dGiven data is not sufficient to determine
  30. Question 30 · Basic Numeracy

    Each of A, B, C and D has ₹ 100. A pays ₹ 20 to B, who pays ₹ 10 to C, who gets ₹ 30 from D. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct ?

    aC is the richest.
    bD is the poorest.
    cC has more than what A and D have together.
    dB is richer than D.
  31. Question 31 · Basic Numeracy

    In a town, 45% population read magazine A, 55% read magazine B, 40% read magazine C, 30% read magazines A and B, 15% read magazines B and C, 25% read magazines A and C; and 10% read all the three magazines. What percentage do not read any magazine ?

    a10%
    b15%
    c20%
    d25%
  32. Question 32 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements :

    1. 1.Lady’s finger is tastier than cabbage.
    2. 2.Cauliflower is tastier than lady’s finger.
    3. 3.Cabbage is not tastier than peas.

    The conclusion that can be drawn from these statements is that

    apeas are as tasty as lady’s finger.
    bpeas are as tasty as cauliflower and lady’s finger.
    ccabbage is the least tasty of the four vegetables.
    dcauliflower is tastier than cabbage.
  33. Question 33 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Shahid and Rohit start from the same point in opposite directions. After each 1 km, Shahid always turns left and Rohit always turns right. Which of the following statements is correct ?

    aAfter both have travelled 2 km, the distance between them is 4 km.
    bThey meet after each has travelled 3 km.
    cThey meet for the first time after each has travelled 4 km.
    dThey go on without ever meeting again.
  34. Question 34 · Basic Numeracy

    In a 500 metres race, B starts 45 metres ahead of A, but A wins the race while B is still 35 metres behind. What is the ratio of the speeds of A to B assuming that both start at the same time ?

    a25 : 21
    b25 : 20
    c5 : 3
    d5 : 7
  35. Question 35 · Basic Numeracy

    Two equal glasses of same type are respectively 1/3 and 1/4 full of milk. They are then filled up with water and the contents are mixed in a pot. What is the ratio of milk and water in the pot ?

    a7 : 17
    b1 : 3
    c9 : 21
    d11 : 23
  36. Question 36 · Basic Numeracy

    Out of 130 students appearing in an examination, 62 failed in English, 52 failed in Mathematics, whereas 24 failed in both English and Mathematics. The number of students who passed finally is

    a40
    b50
    c55
    d60
  37. Question 37 · Basic Numeracy

    In a group of persons travelling in a bus, 6 persons can speak Tamil, 15 can speak Hindi and 6 can speak Gujarati. In that group none can speak any other language. If 2 persons in the group can speak two languages only and one person can speak all the three languages, then how many persons are there in the group ?

    a21
    b22
    c23
    d24
  38. Question 38 · Basic Numeracy

    In a parking area, the total number of wheels of all the cars (four-wheelers) and scooters/motorbikes (two-wheelers) is 100 more than twice the number of parked vehicles. The number of cars parked is

    a35
    b45
    c50
    d55
  39. Question 39 · Reading Comprehension

    The mangroves can shed tons of leaves per acre every year; fungi and bacteria break down this leaf litter and consume it, they then are consumed by tiny worms and crustaceans, which in turn feed small fish, which feed larger fish and birds and crocodiles. Which among the following is the most logical inference of the above statement ?

    aCoastal areas cannot have food chains without mangroves.
    bMangroves are an essential component of all marine ecosystems.
    cMangroves have a crucial role in some of the coastal food chains.
    dThe composition of marine flora and fauna is largely determined by mangroves.
  40. Question 40 · Reading Comprehension

    “By liberty I mean the eager maintenance of that atmosphere in which men have the opportunity to be their best selves.” Which one of the following expresses the view implied in the above statement ?

    aLiberty is the absence of restraint on human action.
    bLiberty is what law permits people to perform.
    cLiberty is the ability to do what one desires.
    dLiberty is the maintenance of conditions for the growth of human personality.
  41. Question 41 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Climate change is already making many…”

    Which among the following is the most logical corollary to the above passage ?

    aGovernment should allocate more funds to poverty alleviation programmes and increase food subsidies to the poor communities.
    bPoverty and climate impacts reinforce each other and therefore we have to re-imagine our food systems.
    cAll the countries of the world must unite in fighting poverty and malnutrition and treat poverty as a global problem.
    dWe must stop unsustainable agricultural practices immediately and control food prices.
  42. Question 42 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The Global Financial Stability Report finds…”

    Which among the following is the most rational and critical inference that can be made from the above passage ?

    aForegin portfolio investments are not good for emerging economies.
    bAdvanced economies undermine the global financial stability.
    cIndia should desist from accepting foreign portfolio investments in the future.
    dEmerging economies are at a risk of shock from advanced economies.
  43. Question 43 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Open defecation is disastrous when practised…”

    Which among the following is the most critical inference that can be made from the above passage ?

    aThe Central and State governments in India do not have enough resources to afford a latrine for each household.
    bOpen defecation is the most important public health problem of India.
    cOpen defecation reduces the human capital of India’s workforce.
    dOpen defecation is a public health problem in all developing countries.
  44. Question 44 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “We generally talk about democracy but…”

    Which one of the following statements best sums up the above passage ?

    aOur country has a lot of diversity with its many castes, communities and religions.
    bTrue democracy could be established by providing equal opportunities to all.
    cSo far none of us have actually understood the meaning of democracy.
    dIt will never be possible for us to establish truly democratic governance in our country.
  45. Question 45 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 5 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The existence/establishment of formal financial institutions…”

    With reference to the above passage, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Indian financial institutions do not offer any financial instruments to rural households to mobilise their savings.
    2. 2.Poor households tend to spend their earnings/savings due to lack of access to appropriate financial instruments.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  46. Question 46 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 5 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The existence/establishment of formal financial institutions…”

    What is the crucial message conveyed in the passage ?

    aEstablish more banks
    bIncrease the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate
    cIncrease the interest rate of bank deposits
    dPromote financial inclusion
  47. Question 47 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 6 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Governments may have to take steps…”

    Which among the following is the most logical assumption that can be made from the above passage ?

    aGovernment should always be given wide discretionary power in all matters of administration.
    bThe supremacy of rules and safeguards should prevail as opposed to the influence of exclusive discretion of authority.
    cParliamentary democracy is possible only if the Government has wider discretionary power.
    dNone of the above statements is a logical assumption that can be made from this passage.
  48. Question 48 · Basic Numeracy

    A selection is to be made for one post of Principal and two posts of Vice-Principal. Amongst the six candidates called for the interview, only two are eligible for the post of Principal while they all are eligible for the post of Vice-Principal. The number of possible combinations of selectees is

    a4
    b12
    c18
    dNone of the above
  49. Question 49 · Basic Numeracy

    A student has to opt for 2 subjects out of 5 subjects for a course, namely, Commerce, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics I and Mathematics II. Mathematics II can be offered only if Mathematics I is also opted. The number of different combinations of two subjects which can be opted is

    a5
    b6
    c7
    d8
  50. Question 50 · Basic Numeracy

    A person ordered 5 pairs of black socks and some pairs of brown socks. The price of a black pair was thrice that of a brown pair. While preparing the bill, the bill clerk interchanged the number of black and brown pairs by mistake which increased the bill by 100%. What was the number of pairs of brown socks in the original order ?

    a10
    b15
    c20
    d25
  51. Question 51 · Basic Numeracy

    The number of persons who read magazine X only is thrice the number of persons who read magazine Y. The number of persons who read magazine Y only is thrice the number of persons who read magazine X. Then, which of the following conclusions can be drawn ?

    1. 1.The number of persons who read both the magazines is twice the number of persons who read only magazine X.
    2. 2.The total number of persons who read either one magazine or both the magazines is twice the number of persons who read both the magazines.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  52. Question 52 · Data Interpretation

    The graph below depicts the earnings of A and B over the period 2000 to 2010 :

    From the graph, which one of the following can be concluded ?

    A line graph of Earnings (vertical axis) against Years (horizontal axis, from 2000 to 2010) with two curves, A and B, both starting at 2000; A rises faster at first and B overtakes it near 2007, with dashed vertical lines at 2007 and 2010 where the curves meet at the top.
    aOn the average A earned more than B during this period.
    bOn the average B earned more than A during this period.
    cThe earnings of A and B were equal during this period.
    dThe earnings of A were less as compared to B during this period.
  53. Question 53 · Basic Numeracy

    Two pipes A and B can independently fill a tank completely in 20 and 30 minutes respectively. If both the pipes are opened simultaneously, how much time will they take to fill the tank completely ?

    a10 minutes
    b12 minutes
    c15 minutes
    d25 minutes
  54. Question 54 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Each of the six different faces of a cube has been coated with a different colour i.e., V, I, B, G, Y and O. Following information is given :

    1. 1.Colours Y, O and B are on adjacent faces.
    2. 2.Colours I, G and Y are on adjacent faces.
    3. 3.Colours B, G and Y are on adjacent faces.
    4. 4.Colours O, V and B are on adjacent faces.

    Which is the colour of the face opposite to the face coloured with O ?

    aB
    bV
    cG
    dI
  55. Question 55 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statements followed by two conclusions :

    1. StatementsSome men are great. Some men are wise.
    2. Conclusion IMen are either great or wise.
    3. Conclusion IISome men are neither great nor wise.

    Which one of the following is correct ?

    aOnly conclusion I is valid
    bOnly conclusion II is valid
    cBoth the conclusions are valid
    dNeither of the conclusions is valid
  56. Question 56 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Some claim to have seen UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects).
    2. 2.Life on other heavenly bodies is considered to be a possibility.
    3. 3.Voyage to space is now an established fact.

    From the above statements, it may be concluded that

    aUFOs are heavenly bodies
    bUFOs are sent from other heavenly bodies
    cSome living species in other heavenly bodies are more intelligent than man
    dNothing definite can be said about the UFOs
  57. Question 57 · Basic Numeracy

    If ABC × DEED = ABCABC; where A, B, C, D and E are different digits, what are the values of D and E ?

    aD = 2, E = 0
    bD = 0, E = 1
    cD = 1, E = 0
    dD = 1, E = 2
  58. Question 58 · Data Interpretation

    Year-wise variation of the price of a certain commodity is shown in the following graph :

    The price of the commodity in the year 1990

    a line graph of Price in Rupees (vertical axis 0 to 50) against Years (horizontal axis 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010) showing a curve rising slowly and then steeply towards 2010, with a dotted line at 2010 and at 50
    amust have been ₹ 10/-
    bmust have been ₹ 12/-
    cmust have been anywhere between ₹ 10/- and ₹ 20/-
    dis higher than that in the year 1991
  59. Question 59 · Data Interpretation

    The proportion of expenditure on various items by two families A and B are represented in the following Bar Charts :

    1. Family ATotal expenditure : ₹ 20,000 per month
    2. Family BTotal expenditure : ₹ 1,00,000 per month

    From these charts, we can conclude that

    two stacked bar charts: Family A has 50% Food, 30% Other items, 20% Education; Family B has 10% Food, 60% Other items, 30% Education; each captioned with its total monthly expenditure
    aFamily A spent more money on food than Family B.
    bFamily B spent more money on food than Family A.
    cFamily A and Family B spent the same amount on food.
    dThe expenditure on food by Family A and Family B cannot be compared.
  60. Question 60 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Usha runs faster than Kamala, Priti runs slower than Swati, Swati runs slower than Kamala. Who is the slowest runner ?

    aKamala
    bPriti
    cSwati
    dUsha
  61. Question 61 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “India has suffered from persistent high…”

    What is the most logical, rational and crucial message that is implied in the above passage ?

    aUnder the present circumstances, India should completely avoid all trade liberalisation policies and all subsidies.
    bDue to its peculiar socio-economic situation, India is not yet ready for trade liberalisation process.
    cThere is no solution in sight for the problems of continuing poverty and inflation in India in the near future.
    dEconomic reforms can often create a high inflation economy.
  62. Question 62 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “No Right is absolute, exclusive or…”

    In the light of the argument in the above passage, which one of the following statements is the most convincing explanation ?

    aThe Right of personal property is a Natural Right duly supported by statutes and scriptures.
    bPersonal property is a theft and an instrument of exploitation. The Right of personal property is therefore violative of economic justice.
    cThe Right of personal property is violative of distributive justice and negates the principle of cooperation.
    dThe comprehensive idea of economic justice demands that the Right of each person to acquisition of property has to be reconciled with that of others.
  63. Question 63 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “The conflict between man and State…”

    The author’s viewpoint can be best summed up in which of the following statements ?

    aThe conflict between the claims of State and individual remains unresolved.
    bAnarchy and chaos are the obvious results of democratic traditions.
    cOld values, ideas and traditions persist despite the dynamic nature of human society.
    dConstitutional guarantee of freedom of speech is not in the interest of society.
  64. Question 64 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Climate change is a complex policy…”

    According to the passage, which of the following is/are a matter of intense debate in the multilateral negotiations under UNFCCC regarding the role of developing countries in climate change ?

    1. 1.The scale and size of required financial support.
    2. 2.The crop loss due to climate change in the developing countries.
    3. 3.To enhance the mitigation and adaptation actions in the developing countries.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only
    b2 and 3 only
    c1 and 3 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  65. Question 65 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Climate change is a complex policy…”

    In this passage, the Convention puts the responsibility for the provision of financial support on the developed countries because of

    1. 1.their higher level of per capita incomes.
    2. 2.their large quantum of GDP.
    3. 3.their large contribution to the stock of GHGs in the atmosphere.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only
    b1 and 2 only
    c3 only
    d1, 2 and 3
  66. Question 66 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Climate change is a complex policy…”

    With regards to developing countries, it can be inferred from the passage that climate change is likely to have implications on their

    1. 1.domestic finances.
    2. 2.capacity for multilateral trade.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  67. Question 67 · Reading Comprehension
    Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “Climate change is a complex policy…”

    Which one of the following is essentially discussed in the passage ?

    aConflict between developed and developing countries regarding support for mitigation
    bOccurrence of climate change due to excessive exploitation of natural resources by the developed countries
    cLack of political will on the part of all the countries to implement adaptation plans
    dGovernance problems of developing countries as a result of climate change
  68. Question 68 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Between 6 PM and 7 PM the minute hand of a clock will be ahead of the hour hand by 3 minutes at

    a6 : 15 PM
    b6 : 18 PM
    c6 : 36 PM
    d6 : 48 PM
  69. Question 69 · Basic Numeracy

    There are 5 tasks and 5 persons. Task-1 cannot be assigned to either person-1. or person-2. Task-2 must be assigned to either person-3 or person-4. Every person is to be assigned one task. In how many ways can the assignment be done ?

    a6
    b12
    c24
    d144
  70. Question 70 · Basic Numeracy

    The monthly incomes of Peter and Paul are in the ratio of 4 : 3. Their expenses are in the ratio of 3 : 2. If each saves ₹ 6,000 at the end of the month, their monthly incomes respectively are (in ₹)

    a24,000 and 18,000
    b28,000 and 21,000
    c32,000 and 24,000
    d34,000 and 26,000
  71. Question 71 · Basic Numeracy

    Two cities A and B are 360 km apart. A car goes from A to B with a speed of 40 km/hr and returns to A with a speed of 60 km/hr. What is the average speed of the car ?

    a45 km/hr
    b48 km/hr
    c50 km/hr
    d55 km/hr
  72. Question 72 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
    Passage · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “A, B, C, D, E and…”

    Which one of the following is possible ?

    aD is 20 years old
    bF is 18 years old
    cF is 19 years old
    dF is 20 years old
  73. Question 73 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
    Passage · as printed by UPSC
    Passage beginning “A, B, C, D, E and…”

    What is the number of logically possible orders of all six cousins in terms of increasing age ?

    a1
    b2
    c3
    d4
  74. Question 74 · Basic Numeracy

    In a society it is customary for friends of the same sex to hug and for friends of opposite sex to shake hands when they meet. A group of friends met in a party and there were 24 handshakes. Which one among the following numbers indicates the possible number of hugs ?

    a39
    b30
    c21
    d20
  75. Question 75 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Two men, Anil and David, and two women, Shabnam and Rekha are in a sales group. Only two speak Tamil. The other two speak Marathi. Only one man and one woman can drive a car. Shabnam speaks Marathi. Anil speaks Tamil. Both Rekha and David can drive. Which of the following statements is true ?

    aBoth the Tamil speakers can drive a car.
    bBoth the Marathi speakers can drive a car.
    cBoth of those who can drive a car speak Marathi.
    dOne of those who can drive a car speaks Tamil.
  76. Question 76 · Basic Numeracy

    In a plane, line X is perpendicular to line Y and parallel to line Z; line U is perpendicular to both lines V and W; line X is perpendicular to line V. Which one of the following statements is correct ?

    aZ, U and W are parallel.
    bX, V and Y are parallel.
    cZ, V and U are all perpendicular to W.
    dY, V and W are parallel.
  77. Question 77 · Basic Numeracy

    A cow costs more than 4 goats but less than 5 goats. If a goat costs between ₹ 600 and ₹ 800, which of the following is a most valid conclusion ?

    aA cow costs more than ₹ 2,500.
    bA cow costs less than ₹ 3,600.
    cA cow costs between ₹ 2,600 and ₹ 3,800.
    dA cow costs between ₹ 2,400 and ₹ 4,000.
  78. Question 78 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    A society consists of only two types of people — fighters and cowards. Two cowards are always friends. A fighter and a coward are always enemies. Fighters are indifferent to one another. If A and B are enemies, C and D are friends, E and F are indifferent to each other, A and E are not enemies, while B and F are enemies. Which of the following statements is correct ?

    aB, C and F are cowards.
    bA, E and F are fighters.
    cB and E are in the same category.
    dA and F are in different categories.
  79. Question 79 · Basic Numeracy

    In a box of marbles, there are three less white marbles than the red ones and five more white marbles than the green ones. If there are a total of 10 white marbles, how many marbles are there in the box ?

    a26
    b28
    c32
    d36
  80. Question 80 · Basic Numeracy

    Candidates in a competitive examination consisted of 60% men and 40% women. 70% men and 75% women cleared the qualifying test and entered the final test where 80% men and 70% women were successful. Which of the following statements is correct ?

    aSuccess rate is higher for women.
    bOverall success rate is below 50%.
    cMore men cleared the examination than women.
    dBoth (a) and (b) above are correct.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.