UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 77: Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills
With reference to ‘circular letters’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1.Circular letters are usually addressed to a group of people.
- 2.Non-standard and customized content is typical of circular letters.
- 3.Circular letters are used to intimate appraisals and increments of employees within organisations.
- 4.Circular letters are less cost-effective than personalised and specific recipient-directed letters.
Select the answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
A circular letter is one standard text sent to many readers, so it is cheap per recipient. Statement 1 is correct: it is addressed to a group. Statement 2 is wrong: the content is standard, not customised. Statement 3 is wrong: appraisals and increments are individual, confidential matters. Statement 4 is wrong: circulars are more cost-effective than separate personalised letters. Only 1 is correct.
- 1. Circulars go to a group of readers.
- 2. Circular content is standard, not customised.
- 3. Appraisals and increments are individual, confidential matters.
- 4. One text for many readers is more cost-effective, not less.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a) and (b) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: Circular content is standard, not customised.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (c) goes: it includes 3.
What you needed to know: Appraisals and increments are individual, confidential matters.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 4.
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: 2 is wrong; circulars carry standard content.
- (b) Wrong: 2 and 4 are both wrong.
- (c) Wrong: 3 and 4 are wrong.
- (d) Right: only 1 is correct.
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.