UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 70: Data Interpretation
In a recruitment process, the selection of candidates is based on their performance in three components. The weightages of the components 1, 2 and 3 are 0·2, 0·3 and 0·5, respectively. Use the data given below and find the cutoff score if exactly three candidates are to be selected :
| Candidate | Score in component 1 | Score in component 2 | Score in component 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| 4 | 9 | 4 | 3 |
| 5 | 8 | 8 | 2 |
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Weighted score = 0.2 × component 1 + 0.3 × component 2 + 0.5 × component 3. Candidate 1: 5.2; candidate 2: 5.1; candidate 3: 5.2; candidate 4: 4.5; candidate 5: 5.0. The top three are candidates 1, 3 and 2, the lowest of them scoring 5.1. A cutoff of 5.1 selects exactly these three, since 5.0 falls below it; a cutoff of 5.2 would select only two.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: a cutoff of 5.1 admits candidates 1, 3 and 2 only.
- (b) Wrong: 5.2 selects only two candidates.
- (c) Wrong: 5.3 selects none.
- (d) Wrong: 5.4 selects none.
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.