UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT

Question 2: Data Interpretation

For two distinct real numbers x and y, which of them is bigger?

Statement Ix^2 < y < 1
Statement IIy < √x < 1

Each item in this section contains a question followed by two statements. Answer each item using the following instructions and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

aSelect this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using other statement

bSelect this option if the question can be answered using either statement alone

cSelect this option if the question can be answered using both the statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone

dSelect this option if the question cannot be answered even using any of the statements

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Test with x = 0.5. Statement I (x² < y < 1): y = 0.3 makes x bigger, y = 0.9 makes y bigger. Statement II (y < √x < 1): x = 0.25 with y = 0.1 makes x bigger, with y = 0.4 makes y bigger. Combined (x² < y < √x, with x between 0 and 1): x = 0.5 with y = 0.3 or y = 0.6 satisfies both and gives opposite answers. So even together the statements cannot say which is bigger.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: neither statement alone fixes the order; each allows both orders.
(b) Wrong: neither statement alone is sufficient.
(c) Wrong: x = 0.5 with y = 0.3 or 0.6 fits both statements yet flips the answer.
(d) Right: even together the order of x and y is not fixed.

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.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.