UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 14: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Eight persons P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W sit around a round table in eight different seats placed with equal distance between any two consecutive seats. Both P and R are adjacent to Q. Both T and R are adjacent to S. Both U and W are adjacent to V. S and W are on opposite chairs. If while going in the clockwise direction around the table from P, one meets R before T, then how many persons shall Q cross while moving in the clockwise direction around the table before meeting W?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Q sits between P and R, and S sits between R and T, so R is next to both Q and S and the run P, Q, R, S, T is consecutive. Going clockwise from P meets R before T, so the clockwise order is P, Q, R, S, T. Number the seats 0 to 7 with P at 0. U, V, W take the last three seats with V in the middle. S (seat 3) is opposite seat 7, so W is at 7, V at 6 and U at 5. From Q (seat 1) clockwise to W, Q crosses R, S, T, U and V: 5 people.
How you could have got this
No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
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) Right: R, S, T, U and V lie between Q and W going clockwise.
- (b) Wrong: four misses one person; five lie between Q and W.
- (c) Wrong: five people, not two, stand between Q and W going clockwise.
- (d) Wrong: five people, not one, stand between Q and W going clockwise.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.