2022 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2022 · CSAT

Question 48: Data Interpretation

Six persons A, B, C, D, E and F are sitting equidistant from each other around a circular table (facing the centre of the table). Consider the Question and two Statements given below :

  1. QuestionWho is sitting on the immediate left of A?
  2. Statement–1B is sitting opposite to C and D is sitting opposite to E.
  3. Statement–2F is sitting on the immediate left of B.

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

aStatement–1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question
bStatement–2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question
cBoth Statement–1 and Statement–2 are sufficient to answer the Question
dBoth Statement–1 and Statement–2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Statement 1 puts B opposite C and D opposite E, which leaves A opposite F, but gives no left-right order. Statement 2 puts F immediately left of B. Combine them: with B at one seat and F beside it, C is opposite B and A is opposite F. The two remaining seats, opposite each other, belong to D and E in either order, and one of them is immediately left of A. Which of D or E it is cannot be fixed, so the answer is not determined.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Fails: statement 1 alone gives no left-right order.
  • (b) Fails: statement 2 places only B and F.
  • (c) Fails: even together, D and E can swap seats.
  • (d) Correct: the person to A's left is D or E.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.