UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT

Question 53: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Previous waves of customer-service technology,…” — Passage · as printed by UPSC

Which of the following conclusions, made on the basis of the given passage, is/are correct?

1.The advent of new customer-service technology had invariably sparked fears about job losses.
2.Often it is found that instead of job losses, alternative channels for employee engagement are discovered while certain tasks are replaced by technology.
3.The advent of technology inevitably leads to stressful outcomes.

Select the answer using the code given below.

a1 and 3

b2 only

c3 only

d1 and 2

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage says earlier customer-service technologies stirred fears of job losses that then did not materialise, which supports 1. It also suggests that when technology takes over tasks, people are freed for creative, rewarding work rather than losing jobs, which supports 2. Statement 3 has no basis: the passage is hopeful about technology's effects and never says stressful outcomes are inevitable.

1. Earlier technologies stirred fears of job losses that did not materialise.
2. Tasks are replaced while people are freed for more rewarding work.
3. Nothing says technology inevitably leads to stress; the tone is hopeful.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (c) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Earlier technologies stirred fears of job losses that did not materialise.
Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Tasks are replaced while people are freed for more rewarding work.

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: 3 is unsupported; the passage is hopeful, not about inevitable stress.
(b) Wrong: omits 1, which the passage supports.
(c) Wrong: 3 alone is unsupported.
(d) Right: 1 and 2 are supported.

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.