2026 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT

Question 27: Reading Comprehension

Passage · as printed by UPSC
Passage beginning “When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in…”Passage beginning “When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in…”

Which of the following reflect the intent of the writer in the above passage?

  1. 1.To evolve methodologies for objective analysis of the two viruses
  2. 2.To establish the epidemiological similarities and differences between the two viruses
  3. 3.To offer a better understanding of the remedies of HMPV when analysed in conjunction with SARS-CoV-2

Select the answer using the code given below.

a1 and 2
b2 and 3
c1 and 3
dNone of the above

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage describes how the two viruses differ: novelty and population exposure, virus family, seasonality, severity, long-term effects and the groups affected. It proposes no methods of analysis, so 1 is out. It does not set out similarities, so 2 misses its aim. It says nothing about remedies for HMPV, so 3 is out. None of the three states the writer's purpose, which is to contrast the two viruses.

  • 1. No methodology for analysing the viruses is proposed.
  • 2. Only differences are drawn out; similarities are not established.
  • 3. Remedies for HMPV are never discussed.

How you could have got this

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

    What you needed to know: No methodology for analysing the viruses is proposed.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.

    What you needed to know: Only differences are drawn out; similarities are not established.

Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.

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) Wrong: no analysis methods are proposed, and similarities are not established.
  • (b) Wrong: remedies are not discussed.
  • (c) Wrong: neither methods nor remedies appear in the passage.
  • (d) Right: the passage only contrasts the viruses; none of the three intents fits.

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.