2018 CSAT, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2018 · CSAT
Question 59: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Consider the sequence given below : 4/12/95, 1/1/96, 29/1/96, 26/2/96, ....
What is the next term of the series?
a24/3/96
b25/3/96
c26/3/96
d27/3/96
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Look at the gaps between dates: 4 Dec 1995 to 1 Jan 1996 is 28 days, 1 Jan to 29 Jan is 28 days, and 29 Jan to 26 Feb is 28 days. Each term is therefore 28 days after the previous one. From 26 Feb 1996, a leap year with 29 days in February, 3 days reach 29 Feb and 25 more reach 25 March. The next term is 25/3/96.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) 24/3/96 is only 27 days after 26 Feb in a leap year.
- (b) Correct: 28 days after 26 Feb 1996 is 25 March.
- (c) 26/3/96 is the answer only if February had 28 days.
- (d) 27/3/96 is 30 days after 26 Feb in a leap year.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.