2024 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I

Question 100: Economy and Social Development

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements :

  1. 1.The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years.
  2. 2.Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary.
  3. 3.Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
  4. 4.Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

a1, 3 and 4
b2 and 3 only
c2 only
d1, 2 and 4

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

PM-SYM is a voluntary contributory pension scheme for unorganised workers. The entry age is 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40, so statement 1 is wrong. Subscribers pay an age-specific monthly contribution, matched by the Government, so statement 2 is right. A minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 a month after age 60 is provided, so statement 3 is right. Family pension goes to the spouse only, not to unmarried daughters, so statement 4 is wrong.

  • 1. The entry age is 18 to 40 years.
  • 2. Subscribers make an age-specific contribution.
  • 3. A minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 a month is paid after age 60.
  • 4. Family pension applies to the spouse only.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.

    What you needed to know: The entry age is 18 to 40 years.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (c) goes: it leaves 3 out.

    What you needed to know: A minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 a month is paid after age 60.

Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 4.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: the entry age is 18 to 40, and family pension is for the spouse only.
  • (b) Right: age-specific contribution and the minimum pension of ₹3,000 are correct.
  • (c) Wrong: statement 3 on the minimum pension is also correct.
  • (d) Wrong: statements 1 and 4 are incorrect.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.