UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 48: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Consider the following statements : Every red is blue. Every blue is green. Every green is yellow. Which of the following statements denoted by P, Q and R are correct?
- PEvery blue is yellow.
- QEvery red is green.
- REvery red is yellow.
Select the answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
A Venn picture helps: red sits inside blue, which sits inside green, which sits inside yellow. A circle inside a bigger one means every member of the smaller is a member of the larger. So P (blue in yellow), Q (red in green) and R (red in yellow) all hold, because 'every' statements link transitively.
- P. Blue is within green, which is within yellow.
- Q. Red is within blue, which is within green.
- R. Red is within blue, green and then yellow.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: R also follows by chaining all three statements.
- (b) Wrong: P also follows (blue within green within yellow).
- (c) Wrong: Q also follows (red within blue within green).
- (d) Right: all three conclusions follow.
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.