UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 75: Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills
Match List–I with List–II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
| List–I (Barrier to communication) | List–II (Example) |
|---|---|
| A. Semantic | 1. Lack of feedback |
| B. Cognitive | 2. Misunderstanding the meaning of a word |
| C. Organisational | 3. Fear of social stigma |
| D. Affective | 4. Information overload |
Code :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Match each barrier with its example. Semantic barriers concern word meaning: misunderstanding a word (A-2). Cognitive barriers arise from limits of mental processing: information overload (B-4). Organisational barriers come from structure and process: lack of feedback (C-1). Affective, or emotional, barriers: fear of social stigma (D-3). The code is A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3.
- A-2. Semantic barrier: misunderstanding the meaning of a word.
- B-4. Cognitive barrier: information overload.
- C-1. Organisational barrier: lack of feedback.
- D-3. Affective barrier: fear of social stigma.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: all four matches are off.
- (b) Wrong: A-3 and D-2 swap the semantic and affective barriers.
- (c) Wrong: B-1 and C-4 swap the cognitive and organisational barriers.
- (d) Right: A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3.
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.