UPSC Prelims 2021 · CSAT

Question 38: Data Interpretation

Consider two Statements and a Question :

Statement-1Priya is 4 ranks below Seema and is 31^st from the bottom.
Statement-2Ena is 2 ranks above Seema and is 37^th from the bottom.
QuestionWhat is Seema's rank from the top in the class of 40 students ?

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Statements and the Question ?

aStatement-1 alone is not sufficient to answer the Question

bStatement-2 alone is not sufficient to answer the Question

cEither Statement-1 alone or Statement-2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

dBoth Statement-1 and Statement-2 are required to answer the Question

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

In a class of 40, rank from the top = 41 − rank from the bottom. Statement 1: Priya is 31st from the bottom, so 10th from the top; Seema is 4 ranks above her, so 6th. Statement 2: Ena is 37th from the bottom, so 4th from the top; Seema is 2 ranks below her, so 6th. Each statement alone gives Seema's rank, 6th from the top. Remember: in rank problems convert to one direction first, using rank from top = total + 1 − rank from bottom.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Statement 1 alone is sufficient: Priya is 10th from the top, so Seema is 6th.
(b) Statement 2 alone is sufficient: Ena is 4th from the top, so Seema is 6th.
(c) Right: each statement alone gives Seema's rank as 6th from the top.
(d) Both together are not required, since either alone settles the rank.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.