UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT
Question 78: Basic Numeracy
Three partners A, B and C entered into a business. A invested one-third of the capital for one-third duration. B invested one-fourth of the capital for one-fourth duration. C invested the remaining capital for the whole duration. Out of a profit of ₹17,000, how much profit will C get?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Let the total capital be C and the duration T. A: C/3 for T/3 = CT/9. B: C/4 for T/4 = CT/16. C puts in the rest, C − C/3 − C/4 = 5C/12, for the whole T = 5CT/12. Ratio A : B : C = 1/9 : 1/16 : 5/12 = 16 : 9 : 60 (multiply by 144). C's share = 60/85 × ₹17,000 = ₹12,000.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: 60/85 of ₹17,000.
- (b) Wrong: ₹10,000 is 10/17 of the profit, not 60/85.
- (c) Wrong: ₹12,500 does not match the 16 : 9 : 60 ratio.
- (d) Wrong: ₹10,750 does not match the 16 : 9 : 60 ratio.
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.