UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 35: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Seven persons A, B, C, D, E, F and G travel by three cars X, Y, Z. A and another two of them travel by X. Only E travels with G. C travels by Z, but B does not travel by Y. Besides, A and B do not travel by the same car. Then which of the following are correct?
- INo one travels alone.
- IIOnly D travels with F.
- IIIOnly C travels with B.
Select the answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
E and G travel together with no third person, so that car holds only them. It is not X (A would be with G), and it is not Z (C is in Z), so E and G are in Y. B is not in Y and cannot share X with A, so B is in Z with C, and Z has just these two. X holds A and the remaining D and F. Cars: X (A, D, F), Y (E, G), Z (B, C). Nobody is alone, so I is true. D rides with A as well as F, so II is false. Only C is with B, so III is true.
- I. Cars hold 3, 2 and 2 people.
- II. D shares car X with A as well as F.
- III. Z holds exactly B and C.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: II is false, since D rides with A as well as F.
- (b) Right: I and III hold.
- (c) Wrong: II is false.
- (d) Wrong: II is false, so not all three hold.
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.