2016 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2016 · CSAT

Question 61: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

A military code writes SYSTEM as SYSMET and NEARER as AENRER. Using the same code, FRACTION can be written as :

aCARFTION
bFRACNOIT
cNOITCARF
dCARFNOIT

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Compare the examples: SYSTEM becomes SYSMET and NEARER becomes AENRER. Split each six-letter word into halves and reverse each half: SYS|TEM gives SYS|MET (SYS reads the same reversed), and NEA|RER gives AEN|RER (RER reads the same reversed). Apply this to FRACTION: FRAC|TION, reverse each half to CARF|NOIT, giving CARFNOIT.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) CARFTION reverses only the first half.
  • (b) FRACNOIT reverses only the second half.
  • (c) NOITCARF reverses the whole word, not each half.
  • (d) Right: both halves reversed in place.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.