UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 28: Reading Comprehension
Which of the following statements reflect the logical and rational inferences that can be drawn from the passage?
- 1.HMPV has, historically, had longer documentation of studies when compared with SARS-CoV-2.
- 2.The two viruses are different from each other and this results in markedly different outcomes amongst those affected.
- 3.Long-term impacts of the two viruses are dissimilar and this is an important differentiator between them.
- 4.One of the common factors between the two viruses is seasonal specificity.
Select the answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Statement 1 is a fair inference: HMPV has circulated among people and been researched for many years, whereas SARS-CoV-2 was first identified only in 2019. Statement 2 follows because the viruses differ fundamentally and cause different severity. Statement 3: the passage singles out long-term effects as differing, since HMPV leaves none. Statement 4 is wrong: HMPV is strongly seasonal while SARS-CoV-2 is not, so seasonality is a difference, not a shared trait.
- 1. HMPV has been known and studied for decades; SARS-CoV-2 appeared in 2019.
- 2. Different families and severity mean different outcomes.
- 3. Long-term effects differ: HMPV is not followed by lingering symptoms after the infection.
- 4. HMPV is strongly seasonal, but SARS-CoV-2 is not.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is correct, (c) and (d) go: each of them leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Different families and severity mean different outcomes.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: Long-term effects differ: HMPV is not followed by lingering symptoms after the infection.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 4.
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: omits 3, which the passage supports.
- (b) Right: 1, 2 and 3 follow from the passage.
- (c) Wrong: 4 is false; strong seasonality marks HMPV only.
- (d) Wrong: leaves out 2, which the passage supports.
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.