2024 CSAT, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT
Question 40: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
What is the angle between the minute hand and hour hand when the clock shows 4:25 hours?
a12·5°
b15°
c17·5°
d20°
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
At 4:25 the hour hand has moved 4 × 30° + 25 × 0.5° = 120° + 12.5° = 132.5° from 12. The minute hand is at 25 × 6° = 150°. The angle between them is 150° − 132.5° = 17.5°. Remember: the hour hand moves 0.5° a minute and the minute hand 6° a minute, so always add the hour hand's drift within the hour.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. 12.5° is only the hour hand's movement within the hour.
- (b) Wrong. 15° does not match the hand positions of 132.5° and 150°.
- (c) Right. 150° − 132.5° = 17.5°.
- (d) Wrong. 20° does not match the hand positions of 132.5° and 150°.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.