Directions for the following 3 (three) items:

Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage–1

The main threat to maintaining progress in human development comes from the increasingly evident unsustainability of production and consumption patterns. Current production models rely heavily on fossil fuels. We now know that this is unsustainable because the resources are finite. The close link between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions needs to be served for human development to become truly sustainable. Some developed countries have begun to alleviate the worst effects by expanding recycling and investing in public transport and infrastructure. But most developing countries are hampered by the high costs and low availability of clean energy sources. Developed countries need to support developing countries' transition to sustainable human development.

1. Heavy dependence on fossil fuels
2. Limited availability of resources
3. Expansion of recycling

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

 

Developed countries can support developing countries' transition to sustainable human development by

1. making clean energy sources available at low cost
2. providing loans for improving their public transport at nominal interest rates
3. encouraging them to change their production and consumption patterns

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b

 

Passage–2

Unless the forces and tendencies which are responsible for destroying the country's environment are checked in the near future and afforestation of denuded areas is taken up on a massive scale, the harshness of the climatic conditions and soil erosion by wind and water will increase to such an extent that agriculture, which is the mainstay of our people, will gradually become impossible. The desert countries of the world and our own desert areas in Rajasthan are a grim reminder of the consequences of large-scale deforestation. Pockets of desert-like landscape are now appearing in other parts of the country including the Sutlej-Ganga Plains and Deccan Plateau. Where only a few decades back there used to be lush green forests with perennial streams and springs, there is only brown earth, bare of vegetation, without any water in the streams and springs except in the rainy season.

1. Depletion of soil resource
2. Shortage of land for the common man
3. Lack of water for cultivation

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

 

(a) 105

(b) 120

(c) 150

(d) 225

Answer: d

The gap between the numbers is variable so we can check multiplication relationship rather than addition/subtraction. Also, terms are decreasing initially, and then increase rapidly.  

Start with a number below 1 and check. The pattern is as follows:

20 × 0.5 = 10

10 × 1 = 10

10 × 1.5 = 15

15 × 2 = 30

30 × 2.5 = 75

75 × 3 = 225

 

(a) 8

(b) 9

(c) 11

(d) 12

Answer: a

 

(a) 100 m

(b) 90 m

(c) 60 m

(d) 50 m

Answer: a

Consider the turning point as the starting point and both facing north, ignore the initial 50m.

X moves East 60 m and 50 m South

Y moves West 40 m and 50 m South

Distance is only horizontal and 60 m + 40 m (50 m South can be ignored as we did for the starting 50 m, for being common for both)

 

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 6

(d) 7

Answer: d

Considering 5th June 2022, Sunday as the reference date (date on which UPSC CSE prelims 2022 was conducted), we can work out the June 2099 Sundays too. 

Every year has 7*52 = 364 + 1 day and leap year has 7*52 = 364 + 2 days

So, 5th June 2023 will be Monday (+1 day), 

5th June 2024 will be Wednesday (+2 days)

Now, difference between both the years = 2099 – 2022 = 77 years

Number of leap years in between = 77/4 = 19 (Quotient)

Hence, till 2099 we will have 58 normal years and 19 leap years.

Number of days to be added = (58 × 1) + (19 × 2) = 58 + 38 = 96

96/7 gives 5 as the remainder.

So, 5th June 2099 will be Sunday + 5 = Friday

ie 7th June 2099 will be a Sunday.

 

1. 25 notes of 50 are used and the remaining are in the denominations of 20 and 10.
2. 35 notes of 20 are used and the remaining are in the denominations of 50 and 10.
3. 20 notes of 10 are used and the remaining are in the denominations of 50 and 20.

Which of the above statements are not correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Total amount = Rs. 1840

Let the number of 50, 20, and 10 denomination notes be x, y and z respectively.

so, 50x+20y+10z = 1840.

Statement 1: 25 notes of 50 denomination were used. So, remaining amount = 1840 – (25 × 50) = 1840 – 1250 = 590.

Now, even if we assume all the remaining 25 notes are of 20 denomination (highest denomination remaining), we will only get 500 (25x20) So, Statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2: 35 notes of 20 denomination were used. So, remaining amount = 1840 – (35 × 20) = 1840 – 700 = 1140.

Now, even if we assume all the remaining 15 notes are of Rs. 50 denomination (highest denomination remaining), we will only get 750 (15x50). So, Statement 2 is also incorrect.

Statement 3: 20 notes of 10 denomination were used. So, remaining amount = 1840 – (20 × 10) = 1840 – 200 = 1640.

Now, even if we assume all the remaining 30 notes are of Rs. 50 denomination (highest denomination remaining), we will only get 1500 (30x50). So, Statement 3 is also incorrect.

 

(a) 2⁴⁰

(b) 3²¹

(c) 4¹⁸

(d) 8¹²

Answer: b

The given numbers  2⁴⁰, 3²¹, 4¹⁸, and 8¹² can be simplified to 2⁴⁰, 3²¹, 2³⁶, and 2³⁶. Now, 2⁴⁰ cannot be the smallest and also, we cannot have two correct answers, so answer must be 3²¹

If there were a need to find the smallest between 2³⁶ and 3²¹, we can factorize them to compare and usually there is a big difference so that we don't have to calculate completely. Eg. 

2³⁶ = 2x2^5x7 = 2x32⁷

3²¹ = 3^3x7 = 27⁷

 

(a) 4

(b) 3

(c) 2

(d) 1

Answer: c

We can only use three of the four digits – 2, 3, 7, and 9, in the first row.

Also, since third row is also a 3 digit number and thrice the first row number, maximum value of first row can be 987/3 ie 329. So, we are left with following combinations only: 237, 273, 239, 293, 279, 297, 327, and 329.

We will check these numbers by doubling and tripling respectively to check feasibility - 

237 × 2 = 474 (digit repetition, so eliminated)

273 × 2 = 546; 273 × 3 = 819 (passes both)

239 × 2 = 478; 239 × 3 = 717 (digit repetition, so eliminated)

293 × 2 = 586; 293 × 3 = 879 (digit repetition, so eliminated)

279 × 2 = 558 (digit repetition, so eliminated)

297 × 2 = 594 (digit repetition, so eliminated)

327 × 2 = 654; 327 × 3 = 981 (passes both)

329× 2 = 658; 329× 3 = 987 (digit repetition, and so eliminated)

So, only two cases are possible. answer is (c)

 

Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage–1

"In simple matters like shoe-making, we think only a specially trained person will serve our purpose, but in politics, we presume that everyone who knows how to get votes knows how to administer a State. When we are ill, we call for a trained physician, whose degree is a guarantee of specific preparation and technical competence – we do not ask for the handsomest physician, or the most eloquent one: well then, when the whole State is ill should we not look for the service and guidance of the wisest and the best?"

(a) We assume that in a democracy, any politician is qualified to administer a State.

(b) Politicians should be selected from those trained in administration.

(c) We need to devise a method of barring incompetence from public office.

(d) As voters select their administrators, the eligibility of politicians to administer a State cannot be questioned.

Answer: c

 

Passage –2

The poverty line is quite unsatisfactory when it comes to grasping the extent of poverty in India. It is not only because of its extremely narrow definition of 'who is poor' and the debatable methodology used to count the poor, but also because of a more fundamental assumption underlying it. It exclusively relies on the notion of poverty as insufficient income or insufficient purchasing power. One can better categorize it by calling it income poverty. If poverty is ultimately about deprivations affecting human well-being, then income poverty is only one aspect of it. Poverty of a life, in our view, lies not merely in the impoverished state in which the person actually lives, but also in the lack of real opportunity given by social constraints as well as personal circumstances–to choose other types of living. Even the relevance of low incomes, meagre possessions, and other aspects of what are standardly seen as economic poverty relate ultimately to their role in curtailing capabilities, i.e., their role in severely restricting the choices people have to lead variable and valued lives.

(a) There is some confusion regarding what should constitute the 'poverty line'.

(b) There are wide diversities in the condition of the rural and urban poor.

(c) There is no uniform global standard for measuring income poverty.

(d) It is based on the proposition of poverty as meagre income or buying capacity.

Answer: d

 

(a) It talks of only one kind of deprivation ignoring all others.

(b) Other deprivations in a human life have nothing to do with lack of purchasing power.

(c) Income poverty is not a permanent condition, it changes from time to time.

(d) Income poverty restricts human choices only at a point of time.

Answer: a

 

(a) All deprivations in a human life which stem not only from lack of income but lack of real opportunities

(b) Impoverished state of poor people in rural and urban areas

(c) Missed opportunities in diverse personal circumstances

(d) Material as well as non-material deprivations in a human life which restrict human choices permanently.

Answer: a

 

(a) 2

(b) 3

(c) 4

(d) 5

Answer: b

 

(a) OGXPMLD

(b) OGXQMLE

(c) OFXPMLE

(d) OFXPMLD

Answer: d

Just like in case of ranks from top and bottom, formula is Letter Original Position + Reverse Letter Position = 26 (Total Alphabets) + 1

To find the reverse letter of each of the letters in LUCKNOW -

27 – 12 = 15 ie O

27 – 21 = 6 ie F

27 – 3 = 24 ie X

27 – 11 = 16 ie P

27 – 14 = 13 ie M

27 – 15 = 12 ie L

27 – 23 = 4 ie D

Therefore, the answer is OFXPMLD.

 

(a) 151

(b) 150

(c) 149

(d) 148

Answer: c

The tournament starts with 150 players.

After first round 75 remain (75 matches are held & 75 players are eliminated)

After second round 38 remain (37 matches are held & 37 players are eliminated, 1 qualifies directly to next round)

Similarly, after third round 19 remain.(19 matches)

After fourth round, 10 remain.(9 matches)

After fifth round 5 remain.(5 matches)

After sixth round 3 remain.(2 matches)

After seventh round (in which 1 match is held): 1 player is eliminated, and 2 remain.

After eighth round (in which 1 match is held): 1 player is eliminated, and 1 remain.

So, total number of matches = 75 + 37 + 19 + 9 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 149

 

(a) 8

(b) 12

(c) 16

(d) 24

Answer: b

We need to find three-digit numbers in which:

All digits are odd. So, the three digits must be from amongst 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.

The number is divisible by 5, i.e. the units digit is 5.

The number of ways we can fill the first two digits from amongst 4 distinct digits = 4 × 3 = 12.

 

Question: Is x an integer?

Statement-1: x/3 is not an integer.

Statement-2: 3x is an integer.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?

(a) Statement-1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

(b) Statement-2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

(c) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are sufficient to answer the Question

(d) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

Answer: d

Let’s consider the two statements one by one.

Statement 1: x/3 is not an integer.

x may or may not be an integer. For example, if x = 1, x/3 is not an integer.

Statement 2: 3x is an integer.

x may or may not be an integer. For example, if x = 1/3, 3x will be an integer.

On combining the two statements also, x may or may not be an integer. For example, if x = 1, even then x/3 will not be an integer. But 3x = 3 will be an integer.

If x = 1/3, even then 3x will be an integer. But x/3 = 1/9 will not be an integer.

 

(a) 5%

(b) 10%

(c) 12.5%

(d) 15%

Answer: b

Let the initial price be Rs. 100.

After 25% rise, the new price = 100 + 25% of 100 = Rs. 125

After 20% fall, the new price = 125 – 20% of 125 = Rs. 100

After 10% rise, the new price = 100 + 10% of 100 = Rs. 110

So, final percentage increase in price = 10%

 

Directions for the following 3 (three) items:

Read the following passage and answer the items that follow the passage. Your answers to these items should be based on the passage only.

Passage

In some places in the world, the productivity of staples such as rice and wheat has reached a plateau. Neither new strains nor fancy agrochemicals are raising the yields. Nor is there much unfarmed land left that is suitable to be brought under the plough. If global temperature continues to rise, some places will become unsuitable for farming. Application of technology can help overcome these problems. Agricultural technology is changing fast. Much of this change is brought about by affluent farmers in the West/Americas. Techniques developed in the West are being adapted in some places to make tropical crops more productive. Technology is of little use if it is not adapted. In the developing world, that applies as much to existing farming techniques as it does to the latest advances in genetic modification. Extending to the smallholders and subsistence farmers of Africa and Asia the best of today's agricultural practices, in such simple matters as how much fertilizers to apply and when, would lead to a greatly increased availability of food for humanity. So would things like better roads and storage facilities, to allow for the carriage of surpluses to markets and reduce wastage.

1. Development of agricultural technology is confined to developed countries.
2. Agricultural technology is not adapted in developing countries.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: d

1. Poor countries need to bring about change in their existing farming techniques.
2. Developed countries have better infrastructure and they waste less food.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

 

1. Growing enough food for future generation will be a challenge.
2. Corporate farming is a viable option for food security in poor countries.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

 

(a) 12

(b) 18

(c) 24

(d) 36

Answer: a

There are exactly 2 letters between A and E. So, the fifth letter must be either beside A or E.

So, the following four arrangements are possible:

A _ _ E _

_ A _ _ E

E _ _ A _

_ E _ _ A

The three blank spaces can be filled by three distinct letters in 3 × 2 × 1 = 6 ways

So, total possible arrangements = 6 × 4 = 24.

 

Question: Is Z brother of X?

Statement-1 : X is a brother of Y and Y is a brother of Z.

Statement-2 : X, Y and Z are siblings.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?

(a) Statement-1 alone is sufficient to answer the Questions

(b) Statement-2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

(c) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are sufficient to answer the Question

(d) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

Answer: d

Statement 1:

X is the brother of Y, and Y is the brother of Z.

We know from this that all 3 are siblings but gender of only X and Y are clear. We do not know whether Z is a male or a female. So, we cannot say whether Z is the brother or sister of X.

Statement 2:

X, Y, and Z are siblings. Here also gender of Z is unknown. So, even if we combine the two statements, we cannot answer the given question as gender of Z remains unknown.

 

(a) 40 m

(b) 40.4 m

(c) 50 m

(d) 50.5 m

Answer: b

This question is a bit tricky and looking at the options we get some red flags too. Remember, if there are only two plants, distance between them would be 1.01 km and not 1.01/2 km.

Length of the road is given 1.01 km = 1010 m

101 plants are planted at equal distance from each other. So, there will be 100 gaps between those plants.

Length of each gap = 1010/100 = 10.1 m

Now, there are 4 gaps between 5 consecutive plants

So, required distance = 4 × 10.1 = 40.4 m

 

(a) 10

(b) 13

(c) 15

(d) 36

Answer: c

Number of ways to go directly from A to C = 3

Number of ways to go from A to B = 3, and Number of ways to go from B to C = 4.

Therefore, Number of ways to go from A to C, via B = 3 × 4 = 12

So, total number of ways to go from A to C = 3 + 12 = 15

 

(a) 76

(b) 68

(c) 60

(d) 52

Answer: d

Assume number of coins with A, B, C and D before giving as A, B, C & D respectively

The number of coins with D = 10 (smallest 2 digit number)

Let’s work backwards now.

D = (C/2) + 2

Or C/2 = 10 – 2 = 8

Or C = 16

Similarly,

C = (B/2) + 2

Or B/2 = 16 – 2 = 14

Or B = 28

And finally,

B = (A/2) + 2

Or A/2 = 28 – 2 = 26

Or A = 52

So, A initially had 52 coins           

(a) G

(b) H

(c) I

(d) J

Answer: c

The given series is: AABABCABCDABCDE…

The pattern being followed here is: A, AB, ABC, ABCD, ABCDE, …

Number of alphabets increase in arithmetic progression. We have to estimate how many such terms will be included when we have total 100 letters.

If we have an arithmetic series, 1, 2, 3 …, then:

Sum of first n terms = (n/2) (2a + (n-1)d), where ‘n’ is the number of terms in the series, ‘a’ the first term, and ‘d' the difference between two terms ie 1.

So, n(n+1)/2 >= 100, solving/estimating we get n=14.

For n=13, we have sum = 13x14/2 = 91. so, 92nd is A, 93rd is B and so, 100th is I.

 

(a) 22

(b) 28

(c) 32

(d) 38

Answer: a

There are 4 persons between A and B, and 7 persons between B and C. So, there are four cases possible, as depicted below:

A_ _ _ _ B _ _ _ _ _ _ _ C

B_ _ _ _ A _ _ C

C_ _ _ _ _ _ _ B _ _ _ _ A

C _ _ _ _ A _ _ B

Now, there are 11 persons ahead of C and 13 behind A. As there are more than 11 persons ahead of C in first case depicted above, we can eliminate it. We can proceed with the remaining three cases and eliminate all but second one.

_ _ _B_ _ _ _ A _ _ C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Minimum possible number of people in the queue = 22.

 

Directions for the following 4 (four) Items:

The following two passages and answer items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-1

Natural selection cannot anticipate future environments on the earth. Therefore, the set of existing organisms can never be fully prepared for environmental catastrophes that await life. An outcome of this is the extinction of those species which cannot overcome environmental adversity. This failure to survive, in modern terms, can be attributed to the genomes which are unable to withstand geological vagaries or biological mishaps infections, diseases and so on). In biological evolution on the earth, extinction of species has been a major feature. The earth may presently have up to ten million species, yet more than 90% of species that have ever lived on the earth are now extinct. Once again, the creationist doctrines fail to satisfactorily address why a divine creator will firstly bother to create millions of species and then allow them to perish. The Darwinian explanation for extinct life is once again simple, elegant and at once convincing organisms go extinct as a function of environmental or biological assaults for which their inheritance deems them ill-equipped. Therefore, the so-called Darwinian theory of evolution is not a theory at all. Evolution happens-this is a fact. The mechanism of evolution (Darwin proposed natural selection) is amply supported by scientific data. Indeed, to date no single zoological, botanical, geological, paleontological, genetic or physical evidence has refuted either of the central two main Darwinian ideas. If religion is not taken into consideration, Darwinian laws are acceptable just like the laws proposed by Copernicus, Galileo, Newton and Einstein-sets of natural laws that explain natural phenomena in the universe.

1. Species not fully prepared to face the environmental changes that await them will face extinction
2. All the existing species would get extinct as their genomes will not withstand biological mishaps
3. Inability of the genome to withstand environmental changes would result in extinction
4. Extinction of species is a common feature

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 4

Answer: c

 

(a) it does not satisfy the creationist doctrine

(b) extinction is a function of environment and biological assaults

(c) there are no evidences to refute it

(d) existence of organisms is attributed to a creator

Answer: b

 

1. Only species that have the ability to overcome environmental catastrophes will survive and perpetuate.
2. More than 90% of the species on the earth are in the danger of getting extinct due to drastic changes in the environment.
3. Darwin's theory explains all the natural phenomena.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

 

Passage-2

With steady economic growth, higher literacy and increasing skill levels, the number of Indian middle-class families has gone up exponentially. Direct results of the affluence have been changes in dietary patterns and energy consumption levels. People have moved to a higher protein-based diet like milk products, fish and meat, all of which need significantly more water to produce than cereal-based diets. Increasing use of electronic and electric machines/gadgets and motor vehicles needs more and more energy and generation of energy needs water.

(a) People should be persuaded to continue with the mainly Indian traditional cereal-based diets.

(b) India needs to focus on developing agricultural productivity and capacity for more energy generation in the coming years.

(c) Modern technological developments result in the change of cultural and social behaviour of the people.

(d) Water management practices in India need to change dramatically in the coming years.

Answer: d

 

(a) 11580x

(b) 11581x

(c) 694860x

(d) 694861x

Answer: d

x minutes = 60x seconds

x hours = 60x minutes = 3600x seconds

x days = 24x hours = 1440x minutes = 86400x seconds

x weeks = 7x days = 7 × 86400x seconds = 604800x seconds

So, total time in seconds = 604800x + 86400x + 3600x + 60x + x = 694861x seconds

Now, this question could also have been easily solved without calculating full. by just writing 60 X 60 X 24 X 7 you can see that the solution would be of much greater than 5 digits, so rules out options a and b. Eliminating c is easy since last one second is bound to add a units digits in the final answer. 

 

(a) is the grandfather of T

(b) is the grandmother of T

(c) R is the mother of P

(d) T is the granddaughter of Q

Answer: d

Question: How far is city P from city Q?

Statement-1: City Q is 18 km from city R.

Statement-2: City P is 43 km from city R.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?

(a) Statement-1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

(b) Statement-2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

(c) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are sufficient to answer the Question

(d) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

Answer: d

As we do not know the relative positions of P and Q, we cannot find the distance between them, even after using the information in both the statements.

 

Statement-1 : All pens are books.

Statement-2 : No chair is a pen.

 

Conclusion-I : All chairs are books.

Conclusion-II : Some chairs are pens.

Conclusion-III : All books are chairs.

Conclusion-IV : No chair is a book.

 

Which one of the following is correct?

(a) Only Conclusion-I

(b) Only Conclusion-II

(c) Both Conclusion-III and Conclusion-IV

(d) None of the Conclusion follows

Answer: d

Conclusion I contradicts with statement 1& 2

Conclusion II contradicts with statement 2

Conclusion III contradicts with statement 2

Conclusion I contradicts with statement 1& 2

Statement-1 : Some doctors are teachers.

Statement-2 : All teachers are engineers.

Statement-3 : All engineers are scientists.

 

Conclusion-I : Some scientists are doctors.

Conclusion-II : All engineers are doctors.

Conclusion-III: Some engineers are doctors.

 

Which one of the following is correct?

(a) Only Conclusion-I

(b) Only Conclusion-II

(c) Both Conclusion-I and Conclusion-III

(d) Both Conclusion-I and Conclusion-II

Answer: c

 

(a) B sits in between A and G

(b) C sits opposite to G

(c) E sits opposite to F

(d) None of the above

Answer: d

 

Directions for Read the following 4 (four) Items:

following two passages and answer that follow the passages. Your answer to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-1

For two or three generations past, ever-increasing number of individuals have been living as workers merely, not as human beings. An excessive amount of labor is rule today in every circle of society, with the result that man's spiritual element cannot thrive. He finds it very difficult to spend his little leisure in serious activities. He does not want to think; or he cannot even if he wants to. He seeks not Self-improvement, but entertainment which would enable him to be mentally idle and to forget his usual activities. Therefore, the so-called culture of our age is dependent more on cinema than on theatre, more on newspapers, magazines and crime stories than on serious literature.

 

(a) man should not work hard

(b) the great evil of our age is overstrain

(c) man cannot think well

(d) man cannot care for his spiritual welfare

Answer: b

 

(a) is not intellectually capable

(b) has no time to do so

(c) is distracted by materialism

(d) loves amusement and is mentally idle

Answer: b

Passage-2

The demographic dividend, which has begun in India and is expected to last another few decades, is a great window of opportunity. The demographic dividend is basically a swelling in the working age population, which conversely means that the relative ratio of very young and very old will, for a while, be on the decline. From the experience of Ireland and China, we know that this can be a source of energy and an engine of economic growth. The demographic dividend tends to raise a nation's savings rate since in any nation, it is the working age population that is the main saver. And since the savings rate is an important driver of growth, this should help elevate our growth rate. However, the benefits of demographic dividend depend on the quality of the working age population. And this implies bringing back the importance of education, acquisition of skills and human capital.

1. The number of illiterate people will decrease.
2. The ratio of very old and very young will decrease for a while.
3. Population growth rate will quickly stabilize.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b

 

1. Demographic dividend is an essential condition for a country to rapidly increase its economic growth rate.
2. Promotion of higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: d

 

1. Z purchased 8 notebooks more than X did.
2. P and Q together purchased 21 notebooks.
3. O purchased 5 notebooks less than P did.
4. X and Y together purchased 28 notebooks.
5. P purchased 5 notebooks more than X did.

If each notebook is priced 40, then what is the total cost of all the notebooks?

(a) 2,600

(b) 2,400

(c) 2,360

(d) 2,320

Answer: a

As per the information provided in the question:

Statement 1 ->   Z = X + 8       ….(i)

Statement 2 ->   P + Q = 21   ….(ii)

Statement 3 ->   Q = P – 5     ….(iii)

Statement 4 ->   X + Y = 28    ….(iv)

Statement 5 ->   P = X + 5       ….(v)

Total number of Books = P + Q + X + Y + Z

Solving equations ii and iii, we get:

P = 13

Q = P – 5 = 8

Using above result and equation v, we get:

X = P – 5 = 8

Using above result and equation i, we get:

Z = X + 8 = 16

Using iv, we get: Y = 28 – 8 = 20

So, P + Q + X + Y + Z = 13 + 8 + 8 + 20 + 16 = 65

So, total cost of all the notebooks = 65 × 40 = Rs. 2600

 

(a) 10 minutes slow

(b) 5 minutes slow

(c) 10 minutes fast

(d) 5 minutes fast

Answer: d

While solving this question, ignore village clock timing in initial calculations as it is faulty. If you use that information initially, you will get wrong answer or get confused. Total time taken by the man to come back home = 14:30 to 16:00  = 90 minutes

now subtract time for which he stayed in the village ie 25 minutes.

therefore, total travelling time = 90 – 25 = 65 minutes

using, time speed distance formula, total time t1 + t2 = (distance 1/speed 1) + (distance 2/speed 2)

65 = d/s + 1.25d/2s 

solving we get, d/s = 65x2/3.25 = 40

So, the man took 40 minutes to reach to the village.

So, the correct time = 14:30 + 40 minutes = 15:10 hours

Therefore, the village clock is 15:15 – 15:10 = 5 minutes fast.

 

(a) 147

(b) 150

(c) 294

(d) 300

Answer: c

Now, this is a classical problem, but with a twist pens with A B C D E and F - all should be even. Otherwise, we could have solved by simply taking LCM, ie LCM of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 = 60

but now we have to check all values, B C D E F

number of pens with B = 60/2 = 30

number of pens with C = 60/3 = 20

number of pens with D = 60/4 = 15 (an odd number)

number of pens with E = 60/5 = 12

number of pens with F = 60/6 = 10

Now since adding is not an option, we can simply multiply by 2 convert odd numbers to even. Therefore A becomes 60 × 2 = 120

Similarly doubling all and adding we get total number of pens bought by X = 120 + 60 + 40 + 30 + 24 + 20 = 294

 

Consider the Question and two statements given below:

Question: Who is sitting on the immediate left of A?

 

Statement-1: B is sitting opposite to C and D is sitting opposite to E.

Statement -2: F is sitting on the immediate left of B.

 

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?

(a) Statement-1 alone is sufficient to answer the question

(b) Statement-2 alone is sufficient to answer the question

(c) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are sufficient to answer the Question

(d) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

Answer: d

Neither of the two statements is sufficient alone due to lack of information. In such questions we need a lot of data points to arrive at a unique solution. Now only option c and d remain. 

Even on combining the two statements, we are unsure about position of A relative to others. So, we can mark d as both not sufficient to answer the Question.

 

Question: What is the age of Manisha?

Statement-1: Manisha is 24 years younger than her mother.

Statement-2: 5 years later, the ages of Manisha and her mother will be in the ratio 3: 5.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statement?

(a) Statements-1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

(b) Statement-2 alone is sufficient to answer the question

(c) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are sufficient to answer the Question

(d) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

 

Answer: c

since each statement alone has only one equation while solving for two variables generally requires two unique equations, neither of the two statements is sufficient alone.

Now we check if both the statements are sufficient together.

Let the present ages of Manisha and her mother be x and y respectively.

As per statement 1, y = x + 24

As per statement 2, (x + 5)/(y + 5) = 3/5

Or 5x + 25 = 3y + 15

Or 3y – 5x = 10

Or 3(x + 24) – 5x = 10 (using statement 1)

Or 3x + 72 – 5x = 10

Or x = 31

So, Manisha is 31 years old at present. Both statements together are sufficient to answer the question. 

 

Consider the Question and two Statements given below:

Question: Which lecture is in the third period?

 

Statement-1: Lecture F is preceded by A and followed by C

Statement-2: There is no lecture after lecture B.

 

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?

(a) Statement-1 alone is sufficient to answer the question

(b) Statement-2 alone is sufficient to answer the question

(c) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are sufficient to answer the Question

(d) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

 

Answer: d

Since each statement has too little information, neither of the two statements is sufficient alone.

Even after using both statements, we get multiple possible cases. (Even if you identity two different solutions, you can mark the answer as no)

So, Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are not sufficient to answer the Question.

 

Directions for the following 3 (three) Items:

Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-1

In an economic organization, allowing mankind to benefit by the productivity of machines should lead to a very good life of leisure, and much leisure is apt to be tedious except to those who have intelligent activities and interests. If a leisured population is to be happy, it must be an educated population, and must be educated with a view to enjoyment as well as to the direct usefulness of technical knowledge.

(a) Only an educated population can best make use of the benefits of economic progress.

(b) All economic development should be aimed at the creation of leisure.

(c) An increase in the educated population of a country leads to an increase in the happiness of its people.

(d) Use of machines should be encouraged in order to create a large leisured population.

Answer: c

 

Passage-2

If presents bring less thrill now that we are grown up, perhaps it is because we have too much already, or perhaps it is because we have lost the fullness of the joy of giving and with it the fullness of the joy of receiving. Children's fears are poignant, their miseries are acute, but they do not look too forward nor too far backward. Their joys are clear and complete, because they have not yet learnt always to add 'but' to every proposition. Perhaps we are too cautious, too anxious, too sceptical. Perhaps some of our cares would shrink if we thought less about them and entered with more single-minded enjoyment into the happiness that come our way.

 

(a) It is not possible for adults to feel thrilled by presents.

(b) There can be more than one reason why adults feel less thrilled by presents.

(c) The author does not know why adults feel less thrilled by presents.

(d) Adults have less capacity to feel the joy of loving or being loved.

Answer: b

 

(a) worrying too much about the past and future

(b) being in the habit of thinking about presents

(c) not being thrilled by new things

(d) giving and receiving joy only partially

Answer: a

 

Consider the following statements:

1. The 4-digit least value of x is 1332.
2. The 3-digit greatest value of x is 888

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

The three-digit numbers have been represented by ABC, wherein A, B, and C are non-zero digits.

Using 3 distinct digits we can make 3 × 2 × 1 = 6 three-digit numbers.

So, x will be the sum of these 6 three-digit numbers.

We need to find the two values of x closest to 1000, one just below it (which will be the greatest 3-digit value of x), and the other just above it (which will be the lowest 4-digit value of x).

Now, we have to do a bit of hit and try, so that the value of x reaches close to 1000.

Let the three digits be the minimum possible ones, i.e. 1, 2, and 3.

So, we get x = 123 + 132 + 213 + 231 + 312 + 321 = 1332

This is the least possible value of x. So, statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect.

 

(a) 6

(b) 8

(c) 10

(d) 12

Answer: c

The PIN contains three digits out of – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7

Case I: The rightmost digit is 1

The possible combinations are: 531, 631, 731, 641, 741, 751 (i.e. 6 possible combinations)

Case II: The rightmost digit is 2

The possible combinations are: 642, 742, 752 (i.e. 3 possible combinations)

Case III: The rightmost digit is 3

The possible combinations are: 753 (i.e. 1 possible combination)

The rightmost digit cannot be more than 3. (due to difference of 2 between each)

So, the total number of possible combinations of the PIN = 6 + 3 + 1 = 10.

 

(a) 24

(b) 16

(c) 12

(d) 8

Answer: a

With eight equidistant points on a circle - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. We can have 4 unique diameter lines connecting the opposite points.

We are aware of the property that whenever diameter of a circle is one side and opposite vertex is on the circle, it forms a right angle triangle. Therefore, we can get 6 unique right angle triangle using 6 remaining points. 

Since, with each diameter we can form 6 unique triangles, we have total number of right-angled triangles that can be drawn = 4 x 6  = 24

 

(a) 30 days

(b) More than 30 days

(c) Less than 30 days or more than 30 days

(d) Data is inadequate to draw any conclusion

Answer: d

 

(a) 3

(b) 2

(c) 1

(d) 0

Answer: d

The key to solving this question is knowledge of divisibility tests. We check 1261 with all prime numbers one by one. First hit is 13 (2, 3 & 5 can easily be ruled out. Then try 7 and 11). 

Remaining number ie 1261/13 is 97.

1261 = 1 × 13 × 97

Now, 91 is divisible by 13 and 97 itself is present.  So, 1261 will completely divide the expression.

Hence, the remainder = 0

 

1. It is possible to cut the sheet exactly into 4 square sheets.
2. It is possible to cut the sheet into 10 triangular sheets of equal area.

Which of the above statements is are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Statement I: It is not possible to cut a rectangle into exactly 4 square sheets. But the 4 squares don't have to be equal in area. So, we can have 4 squares - 8x8, 8x8, 4x4, 4x4

Statement II: Now we know that by merging two equal area congruent triangles we can form a rectangle. So, we have 5 equal sized rectangles instead of 10 triangles. We can easily cut 1 rectangle into 5 equal sized rectangles.  

Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.

 

(a) z < x < y

(b) x < y < z

(c) y < x < z

(d) z < y < x

Answer: a

To simplify we write percentages in decimal form,

0.7 x + y = 1.65 y

Or 0.7 x = 0.65 y

Or x/y = 0.65/0.70, which is less than 1.

Hence, x < y …..(i)

Now, 0.6 x + z = 1.65 z

Or 0.6 x = 0.65 z

Or x/z = 0.65/0.60, which is greater than 1.

Hence, x > z …..(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get:

z < x < y

 

Directions for the following 3 (three) items:

Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage–1

The majority of people, who fail to accumulate money sufficient for their needs, are generally, easily influenced by the opinions of others. They permit the newspapers and the gossiping neighbours to do their thinking for them. Opinions are the cheapest commodities on the earth. Everyone has a flock of opinions ready to be wished upon by anyone who will accept them. If you are influenced by opinions when you reach decisions, you will not succeed in any undertaking.

 

(a) Most of the people do not accumulate money for their needs.

(b) Most of the people never fail to accumulate money for their needs.

(c) There are people who fail to accumulate money for their needs.

(d) There is no need to accumulate money.

Answer: c

 

(a) People should not be influenced by the opinions of others.

(b) People should accumulate as much money as they can.

(c) People should neither give nor accept the opinions.

(d) People will succeed in any undertaking if they do not accept any opinion at all

Answer: a                                                                        

 

Passage–2

"The social order is a sacred right which is the basis of all other rights. Nevertheless, this right does not come from nature, and must therefore be founded on conventions."

1. Conventions are the sources of rights of man.
2. Rights of man can be exercised only when there is a social order.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

 

(a) 15000

(b) 12000

(c) 9600

(d) 5000

Answer: a

Since there are only two candidates, if X got 56%, Y got 44%. Difference is of 12%.

Now, Difference is given as 1440 (12% of votes casted). Therefore, total casted votes = 12000

Now, only 80% voted, so total voters = 12000/80 = 15000.

 

(a) 1063

(b) 1073

(c) 1083

(d) 1183

Answer: c

LCM of 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 = 180

Smallest number greater than 1000 which is a multiple of 180 is 1080.

So, the required number with remainder 3 = 1080 + 3 = 1083.

 

(a) 45

(b) 27

(c) 18

(d) 9

Answer: d

The given product p × q = 2430 ...(i)

The last digit is 0, so one two of the digits must be 5 and other one an even number 2, 4, 6 or 8.

Let this unknown digit be x.

So, p = 10x + 5 and q = 50 + x

putting in (i),

(10x + 5) × (50 + x) = 2430

Now, try 2, 4, 6 and 8,  

x = 4 (we can easily eliminate others as they will yield either too big or small number than 2430)

Therefore, p = 45 and q = 54

Required difference = q - p = 54 – 45 = 9.

 

1. p x q can be an odd number.
2. q / p can be a prime number.
3. p + q can be a prime number.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Since all statements say "can be", we just need to find one case that is possible for each statement. This is not tough to do as shown below. 

p is a prime number. So, p can be 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, .….

q is a composite number. So, q can be 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, .….

Statement 1: p × q can be an odd number, e.g. (3 × 9 = 27). Thus, statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: q/p can be a prime number, e.g. (4/2 = 2). Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3: p + q can be a prime number, e.g. (3 + 4 = 7). Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Thus, all the statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.

 

1. Between 3:16 p.m. and 3:17 p.m., both hour hand and minute hand coincide.
2. Between 4:58 p.m. and 4:59 p.m.. both minute hand and second hand coincide.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Statement 1:

In 1 minute, Hour hand covers 0.5 degrees. So, at 3.16 pm, hour hand position in degrees = 192x0.5 = 96

In 1 minute, minute hand covers 6 degrees. So, at 3.16 pm ie 16 minutes, minute hand position in degrees = 16x6 = 96

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 is bound to be correct as the second-hand travels through the entire clock in one minute. So, it will coincide with the minute hand when it is between 4:58 p.m. and 4:59 p.m.

Thus, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.

 

(a) m=n

(b) m> n

(c) m<n

(d) Cannot be determined due to insufficient data

Answer: a

After 20 ml of milk transferred from container X to container Y, Milk in container X = 100 – 20 = 80 ml

Amount of solution in container Y becomes = 100 ml water + 20 ml milk = 120 ml

Ratio of milk in container Y solution = 20 : 120 = 1 : 6

By corollary, ratio of water in Y solution = 5 : 6 (100 : 120)

After 20 ml of milk transferred from container Y to container X, Milk in container X = 80 + 1/6 *20 = 83.33 ml

Amount of water in Y = 5/6 * 100 = 83.33 ml

Thus, m = n

 

(a) 112/9

(b) 125/6

(c) 155/9

(d) 250/9

Answer: d

Any circle including a pie-chart has sum of internal angles as 360 degrees.

Therefore, Angle A in the pie-chart = 360 – (90 + 50 + 45 + 75) = 100

So, Percentage of expenditure on item A = (100/360) × 100 = (250/9)%

 

Directions for the following 3 (three) items:

Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage–1

To encourage research is one of the functions of a university. Contemporary universities have encouraged research, not only in those cases where research is necessary, but on all sorts of entirely unprofitable subjects as well. Scientific research is probably never completely valueless. However silly and insignificant it may seem, however mechanical and unintelligent the labours of the researchers, there is always a chance that the results may be of value to the investigator of talent, who can use the facts collected for him by uninspired but industrious researchers as the basis of some fruitful generalization. But where research is not original, but consists in the mere rearrangement of existing materials, where its objects is not scientific but literary or historical, then there is a risk of the whole business becoming merely futile.

 

(a) it is never very valuable

(b) it is sometimes very valuable

(c) it is never without some value

(d) it is always very valuable

Answer: c

 

(a) not many research results can be of value to an intelligent investigator

(b) a research result is always valuable to an intelligent investigator

(c) any research result can be of value to an intelligent investigator

(d) a research result must always be of some value to an intelligent investigator

Answer: c

 

Passage–2

How best can the problems of floods and droughts be addressed so that the losses are minimal and the system becomes resilient? In this context, one important point that needs to be noted is that India gets "too much' water (about 75% of annual precipitation) during 120 days (June to September) and "too little' for the remaining 245 days. This skewed water availability has to be managed and regulated for its consumption throughout the year.

 

(a) Constructing huge concrete storage tanks and canals across the country

(b) Changing the cropping patterns and farming practices

(c) Interlinking of rivers across the country

(d) Buffer stocking of water through dams and recharging aquifers

Answer: d

 

Where m and n are positive integers, then what is the maximum value of m?

(a) 7

(b) 6

(c) 5

(d) 4

Answer: b

15 × 14 × 13 × 12 × 11 × 10 × 9 × 8 × 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 3m × n

Numbers which are multiple of 3 = 15 × 12 × 9 × 6 × 3 = (3 × 5) × (3 × 4) × (3 × 3) × (3 × 2) × 3 = (3x3x3x3x3x3) × (5 ×4 × 2)

Therefore, the maximum value of m is 6.

 

(a) 248

(b) 252

(c) 258

(d) 262

Answer: b

We need to break down the numbers into their multiples to observe the pattern clearly :

1 x 1 x 2, 2 x 2 x 3, 3 x 3 x 4, 4 x 4 x 5, 5 x 5 x 6, .....

Next number is 6 x 6 x 7 = 252.

 

(a) 105

(b) 525

(c) 945

(d) 1050

Answer: c

There are 9 non-zero digits i.e 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9

There are 5 vowels and 21 consonants in English alphabet (capitals only)

The password starts with a vowel and ends with a consonant. So, the digit will come at the middle.

The number of such passwords = 5 × 9 × 21 = 945

Hence, 945 such passwords can be generated.

 

(a) 18

(b) 27

(c) 54

(d) 81

Answer: d

The cups will be arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix. We need to remove cases where any one row contains only Tea i.e all 3 Teas in a single row.

This can happen in 3 ways - first, second or third row. Therefore 3 cases need to subtracted from total combinations possible.

Total arrangements = 9! /(6! x 3!) (by formula)

Required answer = total arrangements possible - 3 = 84 - 3 = 81.

 

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) No such possibility is there

Answer: c

Let the 3 consecutive integers be x - 1, x, and x + 1

According to the question, sum = product, therefore

(x – 1) + x + (x + 1) = (x - 1) × x × (x + 1)

⇒ 3x = x × (x - 1) × (x + 1)

⇒ x = 0, 2 or -2

Therefore, there are 3 such possibilities.

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. (Note that taking x, x + 1, x + 2 is only recommended in case of whole numbers and not integers which can be negative).

 

(a) 72

(b) 81

(c) 90

(d) 100

Answer: a

Since, X and Y are distinct non-zero digits - 1 to 9.

XY can be arranged in = 9 × 8 ways = 72.

 

(a) 40.5 kg

(b) 40.8 kg

(c) 41 kg

(d) Cannot be determined as data is inadequate

Answer: c

(A + B + C)/3 = 40 (given)

=> (A + B + C) = 120 ………(i)

(B + D + E)/3 = 42 (given)

=> (B + D + E) = 126 ..……(ii)

F = B .…….(iii)

From equations (i) and (ii), we get:

A + B + C + B + D + E = 120 + 126

Or A + B + C + D + E + F = 246 (replacing one B with F as F = B from equation iii)

So, average weight of A + B + C + D + E + F = 246/6 = 41.