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UPSC CSE Prelims 2014 — CSAT Questions with Answers

All 80 CSAT previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2014, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Comprehension

   In recent years, India has grown rapidly not only compared to its own past, but also in comparison with other countries. Yet, there can be no room for complacency, because the Indian economy needs to grow much faster than it has hitherto, and the benefits of this growth need to be spread much more widely, to many more people, than has hitherto been the case. Before going into details of the types of micro-structural changes we need to conceive and then implement, it would be useful to look at the idea of inclusive growth, which forms an underlying concept behind various economic policies and decisions of this government. A nation interested in inclusive growth views this growth in a different way that is based on whether the benefits of growth are concentrated in a small section of the population, or are widely shared by all people. If the benefits of growth are widely shared, that is a happy outcome, but if the benefits of growth are concentrated in one section, it is not. In other words, growth should not be seen as an end in itself, but rather as a means to deliver prosperity to all. India’s own past experience, and the experience of other nations, suggests that growth is necessary for the elimination of poverty, but it is not a sufficient condition. In other words, policies to promote growth need to be supplemented by policies that ensure that more and more people are included in the process of growth, and also, that there are mechanisms available to redistribute some of the benefits to those who are unable to participate in the market process and are thus left behind. A simple way to give more explicit form to the idea of inclusive growth is to measure a nation’s progress in terms of the growth of its poorest sections, for instance, in terms of the growth of the bottom 20% of the population. One can measure the per capita income of this bottom quintile, and one can also compute the rate of growth of income; and on the basis of these measures pertaining to the poorest section, our economic success can be assessed. This approach is attractive, because it does not disregard growth as was done in some earlier counter-traditional norms. It simply looks at the growth of income of the poorest section. It also ensures that those who are outside this bottom quintile are not disregarded. If that were to happen, then there is a real possibility that they too will move into this bottom quintile, and so on. This way our policies would automatically become targeted. The metrics suggested here are a statistical integration of the idea of inclusive growth, leading to two sub-principles: that India should necessarily strive to achieve high growth and that we should work to ensure that the poorest sections benefit from growth. The author's central focus is on

   • a)(a) applauding India's economic growth not only against its own past performance, but against other nations.
   • b)(b) emphasizing the need for economic growth which is the sole determinant of a country's prosperity.
   • c)(c) emphasizing inclusive growth where gains of growth are shared widely by the population.
   • d)(d) emphasizing high growth.
2. Q2.Reasoning

   Consider the following statements: A, B, C, D, E and F are six villages. F is 1 km to the West of D. B is 1 km to the East of E. A is 2 km to the North of E. C is 1 km to the East of A. D is 1 km to the South of A. Which three villages are in a line (straight line)?

   • a)A, C, B
   • b)A, D, E
   • c)C, B, F
   • d)E, B, D
3. Q3.Reasoning

   Four children are sitting in a row. A is in the seat adjacent to B but not adjacent to C. If C is not in the seat adjacent to D, then who is/are in the seats adjacent to D?

   • a)B
   • b)A
   • c)B and A
   • d)Cannot be determined
4. Q4.Quantitative Aptitude

   Assume that: 1. The hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking. 2. The clock shows the time between 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock. 3. The two hands of the clock are one above the other. After how many minutes (to the nearest integer) will the two hands be one above the other again?

   • a)60
   • b)62
   • c)65
   • d)67
5. Q5.Comprehension

   Climate change poses potentially devastating effects on India's agriculture. While the overall parameters of climate change are increasingly accepted — a 1°C average temperature increase over the next 30 years, sea level rise of less than 10 cm in the same period, and regional monsoon variations and corresponding droughts — the impacts in India are likely to be quite site and crop specific. Some crops may respond favourably to the changing conditions, others may not. This emphasizes the need to promote agricultural research and create maximum flexibility in the system to permit adaptations. The key ingredient for "drought proofing" is the managed recharge of aquifers. To ensure continued yields of important staple crops (e.g. wheat), it may also be necessary to shift the locations where these crops are grown, in response to temperature changes as well as to water availability. The latter will be a key factor in making long term investment decisions. For example, water runoff from the Himalayas is predicted to increase over the next 30 years as glaciers melt, but then decline substantially thereafter. It will be critical to provide incentives to plan for these large-scale shifts in agro-ecological conditions. India needs to make long term investment in research and development in agriculture. India is likely to experience changed weather patterns in future. Consider the following statements : Climate change may force the shifting of locations of the existing crops due to 1. melting of glaciers. 2. water availability and temperature suitability at other locations. 3. poor productivity of crops. 4. wider adaptability of crop plants. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

   • a)1, 2 and 3
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 4 only
   • d)1, 2, 3 and 4
6. Q6.Comprehension

   Climate change poses potentially devastating effects on India's agriculture. While the overall parameters of climate change are increasingly accepted — a 1°C average temperature increase over the next 30 years, sea level rise of less than 10 cm in the same period, and regional monsoon variations and corresponding droughts — the impacts in India are likely to be quite site and crop specific. Some crops may respond favourably to the changing conditions, others may not. This emphasizes the need to promote agricultural research and create maximum flexibility in the system to permit adaptations. The key ingredient for "drought proofing" is the managed recharge of aquifers. To ensure continued yields of important staple crops (e.g. wheat), it may also be necessary to shift the locations where these crops are grown, in response to temperature changes as well as to water availability. The latter will be a key factor in making long term investment decisions. For example, water runoff from the Himalayas is predicted to increase over the next 30 years as glaciers melt, but then decline substantially thereafter. It will be critical to provide incentives to plan for these large-scale shifts in agro-ecological conditions. India needs to make long term investment in research and development in agriculture. India is likely to experience changed weather patterns in future. According to the passage, why is it important to promote agricultural research in India ?

   • a)To predict variations in monsoon patterns and to manage water resources
   • b)To make long term investment decisions for economic growth
   • c)To facilitate wider adaptability of crops
   • d)To predict drought conditions and to recharge aquifers
7. Q7.Comprehension

   According to the passage, which of the following would help in the mitigation of greenhouse gases ? 1. Reducing the consumption of meat 2. Rapid economic liberalization 3. Reducing the consumerism 4. Modern management practices of livestock Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   • a)1, 2 and 3
   • b)2, 3 and 4
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)2 and 4 only
8. Q8.Reasoning

   Why do we continue to depend on the fossil fuels heavily ? 1. Inadequate technological development 2. Inadequate funds for research and development 3. Inadequate availability of alternative sources of energy Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3
9. Q9.Comprehension

   According to the passage, how is reducing greenhouse gas emissions helpful to us? 1. It reduces expenditure on public health. 2. It reduces dependence on livestock. 3. It reduces energy requirements. 4. It reduces the rate of global climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • a)1, 2 and 3
   • b)1, 3 and 4
   • c)2, 3 and 4
   • d)1 and 4 only
10. Q10.Comprehension

    What is the essential message of the passage ?

    • a)We continue to depend on fossil fuels heavily
    • b)Mitigation of the greenhouse gases is imperative
    • c)We must invest in research and development
    • d)People must change their lifestyle
11. Q11.Quantitative Aptitude

    There are 50 students admitted to a nursery class. Some students can speak only English and some can speak only Hindi. 10 students can speak both English and Hindi. If the number of students who can speak English is 21, then how many students can speak Hindi, how many can speak only Hindi and how many can speak only English ?

    • a)21, 11 and 29 respectively
    • b)28, 18 and 22 respectively
    • c)37, 27 and 13 respectively
    • d)39, 29 and 11 respectively
12. Q12.Comprehension

    In recent years, India has grown rapidly not only compared to its own past, but also in comparison with other countries. Yet, there can be no room for complacency, because the Indian economy needs to grow much faster than it has hitherto, and the benefits of this growth need to be spread much more widely, to many more people, than has hitherto been the case. Before going into details of the types of micro-structural changes we need to conceive and then implement, it would be useful to look at the idea of inclusive growth, which forms an underlying concept behind various economic policies and decisions of this government. A nation interested in inclusive growth views this growth in a different way that is based on whether the benefits of growth are concentrated in a small section of the population, or are widely shared by all people. If the benefits of growth are widely shared, that is a happy outcome, but if the benefits of growth are concentrated in one section, it is not. In other words, growth should not be seen as an end in itself, but rather as a means to deliver prosperity to all. India’s own past experience, and the experience of other nations, suggests that growth is necessary for the elimination of poverty, but it is not a sufficient condition. In other words, policies to promote growth need to be supplemented by policies that ensure that more and more people are included in the process of growth, and also, that there are mechanisms available to redistribute some of the benefits to those who are unable to participate in the market process and are thus left behind. A simple way to give more explicit form to the idea of inclusive growth is to measure a nation’s progress in terms of the growth of its poorest sections, for instance, in terms of the growth of the bottom 20% of the population. One can measure the per capita income of this bottom quintile, and one can also compute the rate of growth of income; and on the basis of these measures pertaining to the poorest section, our economic success can be assessed. This approach is attractive, because it does not disregard growth as was done in some earlier counter-traditional norms. It simply looks at the growth of income of the poorest section. It also ensures that those who are outside this bottom quintile are not disregarded. If that were to happen, then there is a real possibility that they too will move into this bottom quintile, and so on. This way our policies would automatically become targeted. The metrics suggested here are a statistical integration of the idea of inclusive growth, leading to two sub-principles: that India should necessarily strive to achieve high growth and that we should work to ensure that the poorest sections benefit from growth. The author supports policies which will help

    • a)(a) develop economic growth.
    • b)(b) better distribution of incomes irrespective of rate of growth.
    • c)(c) develop economic growth and redistribute economic gains to those getting left behind.
    • d)(d) put an emphasis on the development of the poorest segments of society.
13. Q13.Quantitative Aptitude

    A gardener increased the area of his rectangular garden by increasing its length by 40% and decreasing its width by 20%. The area of the new garden

    • a)has increased by 20%.
    • b)has increased by 12%.
    • c)has increased by 8%.
    • d)is exactly the same as the old area.
14. Q14.Logical Reasoning

    Six books are labelled A, B, C, D, E and F and are placed side by side. Books B, C, E and F have green covers while others have yellow covers. Books A, B and D are new while the rest are old volumes. Books A, B and C are law reports while the rest are medical extracts. Which two books are old medical extracts and have green covers ?

    • a)B and C
    • b)E and F
    • c)C and E
    • d)C and F
15. Q15.Quantitative Aptitude

    A straight line segment is 36 cm long. Points are to be marked on the line from both the end points. From each end, the first point is at a distance of 1 cm from the end, the second point is at a distance of 2 cm from the first point and the third point is at a distance of 3 cm from the second point and so on. If the points on the ends are not counted and the common points are counted as one, what is the number of points ?

    • a)10
    • b)12
    • c)14
    • d)16
16. Q16.Quantitative Aptitude

    If Sohan, while selling two goats at the same price, makes a profit of 10% on one goat and suffers a loss of 10% on the other

    • a)he makes no profit and no loss.
    • b)he makes a profit of 1%.
    • c)he suffers a loss of 1%.
    • d)he suffers a loss of 2%.
17. Q17.Quantitative Aptitude

    Out of a total of 120 musicians in a club, 5% can play all the three instruments, guitar, violin and flute. It so happens that the number of musicians who can play any two and only two of the above instruments is 30. The number of musicians who can play the guitar alone is 40. What is the total number of those who can play violin alone or flute alone ?

    • a)45
    • b)44
    • c)38
    • d)30
18. Q18.Logical Reasoning

    Six identical cards are placed on a table. Each card has number '1' marked on one side and number '2' marked on its other side. All the six cards are placed in such a manner that the number '1' is on the upper side. In one try, exactly four (neither more nor less) cards are turned upside down. In how many least number of tries can the cards be turned upside down such that all the six cards show number '2' on the upper side ?

    • a)3
    • b)5
    • c)7
    • d)This cannot be achieved
19. Q19.Comprehension

    Towards achieving the above, we will have to shift toward contemporary conservation approaches, which include a paradigm of landscape level interconnectivity between protected area systems. The concept advocates a shift from the species-habitat focus to an inclusive focus on expanding the biogeographic range so that natural adjustments to climate change can proceed without being restrictive. Consider the following statements : According to the passage, the adverse impact of climate change on an ecosystem can be a 1. permanent disappearance of some of its flora and fauna. 2. permanent disappearance of ecosystem itself. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    • a)1 only
    • b)2 only
    • c)Both 1 and 2
    • d)Neither 1 nor 2
20. Q20.Comprehension

    To achieve the above, we need to shift focus to contemporary conservation approaches which include a landscape level interconnectivity paradigm among protected area systems. The concept advocates for an inclusive focus on expanding biogeographical range rather than species-habitat focus, so that natural adaptation to climate change may proceed unhindered. Which one of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the passage regarding the need to shift focus to contemporary conservation approaches?

    • a)Exploitation of natural resources causes the Himalayan ecosystem to be under high stress.
    • b)The Himalayan ecosystem has the capability to adapt to the climate change with some human intervention.
    • c)Rich biodiversity, including endemic diversity, makes the Himalayan region a biodiversity hotspot.
    • d)To maintain the sustainability of the Himalayan ecosystem, the landscape-level interconnectivity among the protected areas is indispensable.
21. Q21.Comprehension

    To achieve the above, we need to shift focus to contemporary conservation approaches which include a landscape level interconnectivity paradigm among protected area systems. The concept advocates for an inclusive focus on expanding biogeographical range rather than species-habitat focus, so that natural adaptation to climate change may proceed unhindered. What is the most important message conveyed by the passage ?

    • a)Endemism is a characteristic feature of Himalayan region.
    • b)Conservation efforts should emphasize on biogeographic ranges rather than on some species or habitats.
    • c)Climate change has adverse impact on the Himalayan ecosystem.
    • d)Without Himalayan ecosystem, the life of the communities of uplands and downstreams will have no sustenance.
22. Q22.Comprehension

    To achieve the above, we need to shift focus to contemporary conservation approaches which include a landscape level interconnectivity paradigm among protected area systems. The concept advocates for an inclusive focus on expanding biogeographical range rather than species-habitat focus, so that natural adaptation to climate change may proceed unhindered. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided. 2. Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems. 3. Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems. Which of the above assumptions is/are correct ?

    • a)1 and 2
    • b)2 only
    • c)2 and 3
    • d)3 only
23. Q23.Comprehension

    In recent years, India has grown rapidly not only compared to its own past, but also in comparison with other countries. Yet, there can be no room for complacency, because the Indian economy needs to grow much faster than it has hitherto, and the benefits of this growth need to be spread much more widely, to many more people, than has hitherto been the case. Before going into details of the types of micro-structural changes we need to conceive and then implement, it would be useful to look at the idea of inclusive growth, which forms an underlying concept behind various economic policies and decisions of this government. A nation interested in inclusive growth views this growth in a different way that is based on whether the benefits of growth are concentrated in a small section of the population, or are widely shared by all people. If the benefits of growth are widely shared, that is a happy outcome, but if the benefits of growth are concentrated in one section, it is not. In other words, growth should not be seen as an end in itself, but rather as a means to deliver prosperity to all. India’s own past experience, and the experience of other nations, suggests that growth is necessary for the elimination of poverty, but it is not a sufficient condition. In other words, policies to promote growth need to be supplemented by policies that ensure that more and more people are included in the process of growth, and also, that there are mechanisms available to redistribute some of the benefits to those who are unable to participate in the market process and are thus left behind. A simple way to give more explicit form to the idea of inclusive growth is to measure a nation’s progress in terms of the growth of its poorest sections, for instance, in terms of the growth of the bottom 20% of the population. One can measure the per capita income of this bottom quintile, and one can also compute the rate of growth of income; and on the basis of these measures pertaining to the poorest section, our economic success can be assessed. This approach is attractive, because it does not disregard growth as was done in some earlier counter-traditional norms. It simply looks at the growth of income of the poorest section. It also ensures that those who are outside this bottom quintile are not disregarded. If that were to happen, then there is a real possibility that they too will move into this bottom quintile, and so on. This way our policies would automatically become targeted. The metrics suggested here are a statistical integration of the idea of inclusive growth, leading to two sub-principles: that India should necessarily strive to achieve high growth and that we should work to ensure that the poorest sections benefit from growth. Consider the following statements According to the author, India's economy has grown but there is no room for complacency as 1. growth eradicates poverty. 2. growth has resulted in prosperity for all. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    • a)(a) 1 only
    • b)(b) 2 only
    • c)(c) Both 1 and 2
    • d)(d) Neither 1 nor 2
24. Q24.Comprehension

    underlying globalization emphasizes absolute freedom to markets to determine prices and production and distribution patterns, and view government interventions as processes that create distortions and bring in inefficiency. Thus, public enterprises have to be privatized through disinvestments and sales; sectors and activities hitherto reserved for the public sector have to be opened to the private sector. This logic extends to the social services like education and health. Any restrictions on the adjustments in workforce by way of retrenchment of workers should also be removed and exit should be made easier by removing any restrictions on closures. Employment and wages should be governed by free play of market forces, as any measure to regulate them can discourage investment and also create inefficiency in production. Above all, in line with the overall philosophy of reduction in the role of the State, fiscal reforms should be undertaken to have generally low levels of taxation and government expenditure should be kept to the minimum to abide by the principle of fiscal prudence. All these are policy actions on the domestic front and are not directly related to the core items of the globalization agenda, namely free international flow of goods and finance. According to the passage, under the globalization, government interventions are viewed as processes leading to

    • a)distortions and inefficiency in the economy.
    • b)optimum use of resources.
    • c)more profitability to industries.
    • d)free play of market forces with regard to industries.
25. Q25.Comprehension

    Directions for the following 4 (four) items : The following graph shows the average profit of two fruit-sellers A and B in thousands (₹) per year from the year 1995 to 2000. Consider the graph and answer the 4 (four) items that follow : According to this passage, what is the fundamental philosophy of globalization?

    • a)To give complete freedom to producers for determining prices and production
    • b)To give producers freedom for developing distribution patterns
    • c)To give markets complete freedom for determining prices, production and employment
    • d)To give producers freedom for import and export
26. Q26.Comprehension

    Directions for the following 4 (four) items : The following graph shows the average profit of two fruit-sellers A and B in thousands (₹) per year from the year 1995 to 2000. Consider the graph and answer the 4 (four) items that follow : According to this passage, which of the following is/are necessary to ensure globalization? 1. Privatization of public enterprises 2. Expansionary policy of public expenditure 3. Free activity of market forces for determining wages and employment 4. Privatization of social services like education and health Choose the correct answer using the code given below:

    • a)Only 1
    • b)Only 2 and 3
    • c)1, 3 and 4
    • d)2, 3 and 4
27. Q27.Comprehension

    Directions for the following 4 (four) items : The following graph shows the average profit of two fruit-sellers A and B in thousands (₹) per year from the year 1995 to 2000. Consider the graph and answer the 4 (four) items that follow : According to this passage, how should the role of the state be in the process of globalization?

    • a)Expanding
    • b)Declining
    • c)Statutory
    • d)None of the above
28. Q28.Data Interpretation

    Directions for the following 4 (four) items : The following graph shows the average profit of two fruit-sellers A and B in thousands (₹) per year from the year 1995 to 2000. Consider the graph and answer the 4 (four) items that follow : In which year is the average profit of A and B same ?

    • a)1995
    • b)1996
    • c)1997
    • d)1998
29. Q29.Data Interpretation

    Directions for the following 4 (four) items : The following graph shows the average profit of two fruit-sellers A and B in thousands (₹) per year from the year 1995 to 2000. Consider the graph and answer the 4 (four) items that follow : What is the difference between the average profit of B and A in the year 1998 ?

    • a)- ₹ 100
    • b)- ₹ 1,000
    • c)+ ₹ 600
    • d)- ₹ 300
30. Q30.Data Interpretation

    Directions for the following 4 (four) items : The following graph shows the average profit of two fruit-sellers A and B in thousands (₹) per year from the year 1995 to 2000. Consider the graph and answer the 4 (four) items that follow : How much more average profit did A make in the year 2000 than in the year 1999 ?

    • a)₹ 200
    • b)₹ 1,000
    • c)₹ 1,500
    • d)₹ 2,000
31. Q31.Quantitative Aptitude

    What is the trend of the average profit of B from the year 1997 to the year 2000 ?

    • a)Non-increasing
    • b)Non-decreasing
    • c)Steady
    • d)Fluctuating
32. Q32.Quantitative Aptitude

    The following table shows the marks obtained by two students in different subjects: | Subject | Student A | Maximum Marks | Student B | Maximum Marks | |---|---|---|---|---| | English | 60 | 100 | 80 | 150 | | Psychology | 70 | 100 | 70 | 100 | | History | 50 | 100 | 60 | 100 | | Sanskrit | 30 | 50 | 15 | 25 | What is the difference in the average aggregate percentage marks of the students?

    • a)2.5%
    • b)13.75%
    • c)1.25%
    • d)Zero
33. Q33.Reasoning

    Examine the following figure : [Figure showing a three-segment line: first segment slopes down-right, second slopes up-right, third slopes down-right] Which one of the following figures has the above figure embedded in it ?

    • a)[Figure (a) showing a stylized '3' or 'Z' shape that clearly embeds the given figure]
    • b)[Figure (b) showing an 'X' shape with a horizontal line]
    • c)[Figure (c) showing an 'X' shape with a horizontal and vertical line]
    • d)[Figure (d) showing another 'X' like shape]
34. Q34.Comprehension

    under this system. Once the rule is announced, there should be no interference by the government. If this is done for a while, private companies will re-enter this market. And once a sufficient number of them are in the fray, we can remove the rule-based pricing and leave it truly to the market (subject to, of course, the usual regulations of anti-trust and other competition laws). Consider the following statements : According to the passage, an oil company can make greater profits, if a transparent formula for petrol pricing is announced every fortnight or month, by 1. promoting its sales. 2. undertaking innovation. 3. cutting costs. 4. selling its equity shares at higher prices. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    • a)1 only
    • b)2 and 3
    • c)3 and 4
    • d)1, 2 and 4
35. Q35.Reasoning

    Consider the following matrix: [ ↑ | ↑ | ↑↓↑ ] [ ↑ | ↑↓ | ↑ ] [ → | ← | ↓→ ] [ ↑↓ | | ↓↓ ] Which of the following figures exactly fits the empty part of the above matrix?

    • a)(a) Image of a vertical line with a right arrow at the top
    • b)(b) Image of two vertical arrows pointing up
    • c)(c) Image of a vertical line with an up arrow at the top and a down arrow at the bottom
    • d)(d) Image of two vertical arrows pointing down
36. Q36.Data Interpretation

    The following table presents the population and total income of a city for four years: | Year | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | |---|---|---|---|---| | Population (in lakhs) | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | | Income (in crores) | 1010 | 1111 | 1225 | 1345 | Which one of the following statements is correct in the context of the above data?

    • a)Population has increased by 5% or more every year.
    • b)Income has increased by 10% or more every year.
    • c)Per capita income has always been more than ₹ 5,000.
    • d)Per capita income was highest in 1994.
37. Q37.Reasoning

    Consider the table given below, in which the numbers have a special relationship with each other along the rows: 29 13 18 33 X 19 30 27 3 Which one of the following numbers is the missing number indicated by the above X?

    • a)19
    • b)15
    • c)14
    • d)8
38. Q38.Reasoning

    Consider the matrix given below with a blank block in the bottom last corner: [A 3x3 matrix of figures. First row: [three circles] [three circles] [three circles, one triangle]. Second row: [two triangles] [four triangles] [three triangles]. Third row: [two circles] [one circle, one triangle] [blank square].] Which one of the following figures can be suitable in the blank block to complete the matrix?

    • a)[A square box containing two triangles]
    • b)[A square box containing one circle and two triangles]
    • c)[A square box containing three circles and two triangles]
    • d)[A square box containing four circles and three triangles]
39. Q39.Reasoning

    In the context of the figure given below, without re-tracing U and/or V, how many different paths are there to go from S to T? [Diagram shows three rhombuses joined horizontally. Points S, U, V, T lie on a straight horizontal line passing through the midpoints of the vertical axes of the rhombuses. S is the leftmost point, U is the common vertex of the first and second rhombus on the horizontal line, V is the common vertex of the second and third rhombus on the horizontal line, and T is the rightmost point. Each rhombus also has a top and bottom vertex, forming paths through them.]

    • a)3
    • b)6
    • c)9
    • d)18
40. Q40.Reasoning

    Consider the following figures: [A sequence of four figures, each composed of a 2x2 grid of circles. Each circle is half-shaded. Figure 1: Top-left circle is top-half shaded, Top-right is left-half shaded, Bottom-left is right-half shaded, Bottom-right is bottom-half shaded. Figure 2: Top-left circle is left-half shaded, Top-right is bottom-half shaded, Bottom-left is top-half shaded, Bottom-right is right-half shaded. Figure 3: Top-left circle is bottom-half shaded, Top-right is right-half shaded, Bottom-left is left-half shaded, Bottom-right is top-half shaded. Figure 4: Top-left circle is right-half shaded, Top-right is top-half shaded, Bottom-left is bottom-half shaded, Bottom-right is left-half shaded. Followed by a blank square with a question mark.] In the four figures marked above, the position of the beads changes according to a sequence. Following the same sequence, which one of the following figures should come as the fifth figure above?

    • a)Figure identical to Figure 1 of the sequence.
    • b)Figure identical to Figure 2 of the sequence.
    • c)Figure identical to Figure 3 of the sequence.
    • d)Figure identical to Figure 4 of the sequence.
41. Q41.Quantitative Aptitude

    One bell rings every 18 minutes. A second bell rings every 24 minutes. A third bell rings every 32 minutes. If all three bells ring simultaneously at 8 A.M. in the morning, then at what other time will they all ring together?

    • a)12 : 40 P.M.
    • b)12 : 48 P.M.
    • c)12 : 56 P.M.
    • d)1 : 04 P.M.
42. Q42.General Mental Ability

    Directions for the following 4 (four) questions: The following graph shows the average profit in thousands of ₹ per year from 1995 to 2000 for two fruit vendors A and B. Consider this graph and answer the following 4 (four) questions. “Price is not the same thing as value. Suppose that on a day the price of everything viz., coal, bread, postage stamps, a day’s labour, the rent of houses, etc. were to double. Prices then would certainly rise, but values of all things except one would not.” The writer wants to say that if prices of all things were doubled

    • a)the values of all things would remain constant.
    • b)the values of the things sold would be doubled.
    • c)the values of the things bought would be halved.
    • d)the value of money only would be halved.
43. Q43.Quantitative Aptitude

    A and B decide to travel from place X to place Y by bus. A has ₹ 10 with him and he finds that it is 80% of the bus fare for two persons. B finds that he has ₹ 3 with him and hands it over to A. In this context, which one of the following statements is correct ?

    • a)Now the money A has is just enough to buy two tickets.
    • b)A still needs ₹ 2 for buying the tickets.
    • c)After buying the two tickets A will be left with 50 paise.
    • d)The money A now has is still not sufficient to buy two tickets.
44. Q44.Quantitative Aptitude

    According to an agreement made with a bank, a businessman had to repay a certain debt in some equal installments without interest. After paying 18 installments, he found that 60 percent of his debt was repaid. As per the agreement, how many installments were there?

    • a)22
    • b)24
    • c)30
    • d)33
45. Q45.Comprehension

    under this system. Once the rule is announced, there should be no interference by the government. If this is done for a while, private companies will re-enter this market. And once a sufficient number of them are in the fray, we can remove the rule-based pricing and leave it truly to the market (subject to, of course, the usual regulations of anti-trust and other competition laws). Consider the following statements : According to the passage, private oil companies re-enter the oil producing market if 1. a transparent rule-based petrol pricing exists. 2. there is no government interference in the oil producing market. 3. subsidies are given by the government. 4. regulations of anti-trust are removed. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

    • a)1 and 2
    • b)2 and 3
    • c)3 and 4
    • d)2 and 4
46. Q46.Quantitative Aptitude

    A worker walks from his home to the factory at a speed of 5 km per hour and reaches his factory 3 minutes late. If he walks at a speed of 6 km per hour, he reaches the factory 7 minutes early. What is the distance from the factory to his home?

    • a)3 km
    • b)4 km
    • c)5 km
    • d)6 km
47. Q47.General Mental Ability

    Directions for the following 4 (four) questions: The following graph shows the average profit in thousands of ₹ per year from 1995 to 2000 for two fruit vendors A and B. Consider this graph and answer the following 4 (four) questions. “Liberty, therefore, is never real unless the Government can be called to account when it invades rights.” Which one of the following is the best justification of the above statement ?

    • a)In the realisation that the government can be brought to book in a court of law
    • b)In identifying a man as a political unit in a way which distinguishes him from other citizens
    • c)In a decentralized society wherein the basic needs of men can find satisfaction
    • d)In the understanding that liberty and restraints are complementary
48. Q48.Comprehension

    Many nations now place their faith in capitalism and governments choose it as the strategy to create wealth for their people. The spectacular economic growth seen in Brazil, China and India after the liberalisation of their economies is proof of its enormous potential and success. However, the global banking crisis and the economic recession have left many bewildered. The debates tend to focus on free market operations and forces, their efficiency and their ability for self correction. Issues of justice, integrity and honesty are rarely elaborated to highlight the failure of the global banking system. The apologists of the system continue to justify the success of capitalism and argue that the recent crisis was a blip. Their arguments betray an ideological bias with the assumptions that an unregulated market is fair and competent, and that the exercise of private greed will be in the larger public interest. Few recognize the bidirectional relationship between capitalism and greed; that each reinforces the other. Surely, a more honest conceptualisation of the conflicts of interest among the rich and powerful players who have benefited from the system, their biases and ideology is needed; the focus on the wealth creation should also highlight the resultant gross inequity. The apologists of the “Free Market System”, according to the passage, believe in

    • a)market without control by government authorities.
    • b)market without protection by the government.
    • c)ability of market to self correct.
    • d)market for free goods and services.
49. Q49.Comprehension

    Many nations now place their faith in capitalism and governments choose it as the strategy to create wealth for their people. The spectacular economic growth seen in Brazil, China and India after the liberalisation of their economies is proof of its enormous potential and success. However, the global banking crisis and the economic recession have left many bewildered. The debates tend to focus on free market operations and forces, their efficiency and their ability for self correction. Issues of justice, integrity and honesty are rarely elaborated to highlight the failure of the global banking system. The apologists of the system continue to justify the success of capitalism and argue that the recent crisis was a blip. Their arguments betray an ideological bias with the assumptions that an unregulated market is fair and competent, and that the exercise of private greed will be in the larger public interest. Few recognize the bidirectional relationship between capitalism and greed; that each reinforces the other. Surely, a more honest conceptualisation of the conflicts of interest among the rich and powerful players who have benefited from the system, their biases and ideology is needed; the focus on the wealth creation should also highlight the resultant gross inequity. With reference to “ideological bias”, the passage implies that

    • a)free market is fair but not competent.
    • b)free market is not fair but competent.
    • c)free market is fair and competent.
    • d)free market is neither fair nor biased.
50. Q50.Comprehension

    Many nations now place their faith in capitalism and governments choose it as the strategy to create wealth for their people. The spectacular economic growth seen in Brazil, China and India after the liberalisation of their economies is proof of its enormous potential and success. However, the global banking crisis and the economic recession have left many bewildered. The debates tend to focus on free market operations and forces, their efficiency and their ability for self correction. Issues of justice, integrity and honesty are rarely elaborated to highlight the failure of the global banking system. The apologists of the system continue to justify the success of capitalism and argue that the recent crisis was a blip. Their arguments betray an ideological bias with the assumptions that an unregulated market is fair and competent, and that the exercise of private greed will be in the larger public interest. Few recognize the bidirectional relationship between capitalism and greed; that each reinforces the other. Surely, a more honest conceptualisation of the conflicts of interest among the rich and powerful players who have benefited from the system, their biases and ideology is needed; the focus on the wealth creation should also highlight the resultant gross inequity. “The exercise of private greed will be in the larger public interest” from the passage 1. refers to the false ideology of capitalism. 2. underlies the righteous claims of the free market. 3. shows the benevolent face of capitalism. 4. ignores resultant gross inequity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    • a)1 only
    • b)2 and 3
    • c)1 and 4
    • d)4 only
51. Q51.Comprehension

    According to this passage, what is/are the reason(s) for saying that the time has come for a review of the role of the public sector? 1. In the industrialization process, the public sector has now lost its relevance. 2. The public sector does not perform satisfactorily. 3. Entrepreneurship is increasing in the private sector. 4. Effective competitive policies are now available. Which of the statements given above is/are correct in the given context?

    • a)Only 1 and 3
    • b)Only 2
    • c)Only 2, 3 and 4
    • d)1, 2, 3 and 4
52. Q52.Comprehension

    According to this passage, rural roads should be under the ambit of the public sector. Why?

    • a)Rural development work is solely the domain of the government.
    • b)The private sector cannot derive financial benefits from it.
    • c)The government collects money from taxpayers, hence it is the government's responsibility.
    • d)The private sector does not need to have any social responsibility.
53. Q53.General Mental Ability

    What does government portfolio restructuring refer to?

    • a)Public sector asset quality
    • b)Investment in liquid assets
    • c)Mix of government investment in various industrial sectors
    • d)Purchase of capital assets yielding returns on investment
54. Q54.Comprehension

    The author prefers the government to be like an umpire and the private sector like players, because:

    • a)The government prescribes standards for fair functioning of the private sector.
    • b)The government alone is the ultimate authority for policy formulation.
    • c)The government has no control over those working in the private sector.
    • d)None of the above statements are correct in this context.
55. Q55.Reasoning

    In a question paper, it is necessary to ask a question on one of the eight poets A, B, C, D, E, F, G or H. The first four poets are considered medieval and the rest are modern. Generally, in alternate years, questions are asked on modern poets in the question paper. Usually, those who prefer H also prefer G; and those who prefer F also prefer E. The examiner does not want to ask a question about F because he has written a book about F, but he prefers F. Last year, there was a question about A in the question paper. Based on the given information, which poet is most likely to be asked about this year?

    • a)C
    • b)E
    • c)F
    • d)H
56. Q56.Quantitative Aptitude

    Five persons fire bullets at a target at an interval of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 seconds respectively. The number of times they would fire the bullets together at the target in an hour is

    • a)6
    • b)7
    • c)8
    • d)9
57. Q57.Reasoning

    In a group of six women there are four dancers, four vocal musicians, one actress and three violinists. Girija and Vanaja are among the violinists while Jalaja and Shailaja do not know how to play on the violin. Shailaja and Tanuja are among the dancers. Jalaja, Vanaja, Shailaja and Tanuja are all vocal musicians and two of them are also violinists. If Pooja is an actress, who among the following is certainly a dancer and a violinist?

    • a)Jalaja
    • b)Pooja
    • c)Shailaja
    • d)Tanuja
58. Q58.Reasoning

    L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S and T are nine integers to be substituted by nine integers from 1 to 9, but not necessarily in the same order. 4 is assigned to P. The difference between P and T is 5. The difference between N and T is 3. What is the integer assigned to N?

    • a)7
    • b)5
    • c)4
    • d)6
59. Q59.Reasoning

    The number of deaths among the army personnel is 8 in 1000, but among the civilian population it is 20 per 1000. Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from this statement ?

    • a)It is better to join the army.
    • b)The relationship is fortuitous.
    • c)Quality of Life Index is very high within the armed forces.
    • d)The groups cannot be compared due to their heterogeneity.
60. Q60.Reasoning

    Given the statement : “Buses are the cause of more accidents than cars, and trucks cause fewer accidents than buses”, which of the following conclusions can we draw ?

    • a)There are more buses on the road than trucks.
    • b)Car drivers are more careful than bus drivers.
    • c)Truck drivers are more skilled than either car or bus drivers.
    • d)None of the above
61. Q61.Comprehension

    "If political leadership fails to emerge, then in developing countries there is a possibility of the military taking over power. Student groups or labor people can try to bring about a revolution, but they can never compete with the military. Military intervention, withdrawal from government and politics is closely linked to the level of political development of society." In the context of political development, the above passage assumes that:

    • a)Political leadership is not an effective tool.
    • b)The military fills a political vacuum.
    • c)Military intervention for development is inevitable.
    • d)None of the above
62. Q62.Reasoning

    Four persons, Alok, Bhupesh, Chander and Dinesh have a total of ₹ 100 among themselves. Alok and Bhupesh between them have as much money as Chander and Dinesh between them, but Alok has more money than Bhupesh; and Chander has only half the money that Dinesh has. Alok has in fact ₹ 5 more than Dinesh has. Who has the maximum amount of money ?

    • a)Alok
    • b)Bhupesh
    • c)Chander
    • d)Dinesh
63. Q63.Reasoning

    Examine the following statements: 1. George attends Music classes on Monday. 2. He attends Mathematics classes on Wednesday. 3. His Literature classes are not on Friday. 4. He attends History classes the day after his Mathematics classes. 5. He attends Sports classes on Tuesday. If he attends classes in only one subject on any one day and his holiday is on Sunday, then on which day is he free?

    • a)Monday
    • b)Thursday
    • c)Saturday
    • d)Friday
64. Q64.Reasoning

    In a row 'A' is at the 11th position from the left and 'B' is at the 10th position from the right. If 'A' and 'B' interchange their positions, then 'A' becomes 18th from the left. How many persons are there in the row other than 'A' and 'B'?

    • a)27
    • b)26
    • c)25
    • d)24
65. Q65.Quantitative Aptitude

    Position of B is in the North of A and position of C is in the East of A. Distances AB and AC are 5 km and 12 km respectively. What is the shortest distance (in km) between B and C?

    • a)60
    • b)13
    • c)17
    • d)7
66. Q66.Quantitative Aptitude

    Two cars start from two places A and B, 160 km apart at the same time and travel towards each other. Both cars start at 08 : 10 a.m. If the speeds of the cars are 50 km/hr and 30 km/hr respectively, at what time will they meet each other?

    • a)10 : 10 a.m.
    • b)10 : 30 a.m.
    • c)11 : 10 a.m.
    • d)11 : 20 a.m.
67. Q67.Quantitative Aptitude

    A group of 630 children is seated in rows for a group photo session. Each row contains three less children than the row in front of it. Which one of the following number of rows is not possible ?

    • a)3
    • b)4
    • c)5
    • d)6
68. Q68.Comprehension

    Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for audition for the school play. Cynthia nearly died of fright when she was told that she would have to stand on stage in front of the entire class and deliver dialogues. The mere thought of it made her feel sick. But a remarkable transformation occurred during the audition. A thin, shy girl, her knees quaking, her stomach churning in terror, began to stun everyone with her excellent performance. Her bored classmates suddenly stopped their noisy chat to stare at her slender figure on the stage. At the end of her audition, the entire room erupted in thunderous applause. The author's children held his hands firmly because

    • a)(a) they were scared of the barking dogs.
    • b)(b) they wanted him to pluck berries.
    • c)(c) they saw the whip in the old man’s hand.
    • d)(d) the road was uneven.
69. Q69.Comprehension

    Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for audition for the school play. Cynthia nearly died of fright when she was told that she would have to stand on stage in front of the entire class and deliver dialogues. The mere thought of it made her feel sick. But a remarkable transformation occurred during the audition. A thin, shy girl, her knees quaking, her stomach churning in terror, began to stun everyone with her excellent performance. Her bored classmates suddenly stopped their noisy chat to stare at her slender figure on the stage. At the end of her audition, the entire room erupted in thunderous applause. The expression “a stray dog watched the procession philosophically” means that

    • a)(a) the dog was restless and ferocious.
    • b)(b) the dog stood aloof, looking at the procession with seriousness.
    • c)(c) the dog looked at the procession with big, wondering eyes.
    • d)(d) the dog stood there with his eyes closed.
70. Q70.Comprehension

    Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for audition for the school play. Cynthia nearly died of fright when she was told that she would have to stand on stage in front of the entire class and deliver dialogues. The mere thought of it made her feel sick. But a remarkable transformation occurred during the audition. A thin, shy girl, her knees quaking, her stomach churning in terror, began to stun everyone with her excellent performance. Her bored classmates suddenly stopped their noisy chat to stare at her slender figure on the stage. At the end of her audition, the entire room erupted in thunderous applause. Cynthia was afraid to stand on stage because

    • a)(a) she felt her classmates may laugh at her.
    • b)(b) her stomach was churning.
    • c)(c) she lacked self-confidence.
    • d)(d) she did not like school plays.
71. Q71.Comprehension

    Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for audition for the school play. Cynthia nearly died of fright when she was told that she would have to stand on stage in front of the entire class and deliver dialogues. The mere thought of it made her feel sick. But a remarkable transformation occurred during the audition. A thin, shy girl, her knees quaking, her stomach churning in terror, began to stun everyone with her excellent performance. Her bored classmates suddenly stopped their noisy chat to stare at her slender figure on the stage. At the end of her audition, the entire room erupted in thunderous applause. Cynthia's classmates were chatting because

    • a)(a) it was their turn to act next.
    • b)(b) they were bored of the performances.
    • c)(c) Cynthia did not act well.
    • d)(d) the teacher had no control over them.
72. Q72.General Mental Ability

    Cynthia's knees were quaking because

    • a)(a) she felt nervous and shy.
    • b)(b) the teacher scolded her.
    • c)(c) she was very thin and weak.
    • d)(d) she was afraid of her classmates.
73. Q73.General Mental Ability

    The transformation that occurred during the audition refers to

    • a)(a) the nervousness of Cynthia.
    • b)(b) the eruption of the entire room in thunderous applause.
    • c)(c) the surprise on the faces of her classmates.
    • d)(d) the stunning performance of Cynthia.
74. Q74.General Mental Ability

    If the 3rd day of a month is Monday, which one of the following will be the fifth day from 21st of this month ?

    • a)(a) Monday
    • b)(b) Tuesday
    • c)(c) Wednesday
    • d)(d) Friday
75. Q75.Quantitative Aptitude

    For a charity show, the total tickets sold were 420. Half of these tickets were sold at the rate of ₹ 5 each, one-third at the rate of ₹ 3 each and the rest for ₹ 2 each. What was the total amount received ?

    • a)(a) ₹ 900
    • b)(b) ₹ 1,540
    • c)(c) ₹ 1,610
    • d)(d) ₹ 2,000
76. Q76.Reasoning

    Directions for the following 3 (three) items : Read the passage given below and answer the items that follow. A, B, C, D, E, F are members of a family. They are engineer, stenographer, doctor, draughtsman, lawyer and judge (not in order). A, the engineer is married to the lady stenographer. The judge is married to the lawyer. F, the draughtsman is the son of B and brother of E. C, the lawyer is the daughter-in-law of D. E is the unmarried doctor. D is the grandmother of F. There are two married couples in the family. What is the profession of B ?

    • a)(a) Judge
    • b)(b) Lawyer
    • c)(c) Draughtsman
    • d)(d) Cannot be determined
77. Q77.Reasoning

    Directions for the following 3 (three) items : Read the passage given below and answer the items that follow. A, B, C, D, E, F are members of a family. They are engineer, stenographer, doctor, draughtsman, lawyer and judge (not in order). A, the engineer is married to the lady stenographer. The judge is married to the lawyer. F, the draughtsman is the son of B and brother of E. C, the lawyer is the daughter-in-law of D. E is the unmarried doctor. D is the grandmother of F. There are two married couples in the family. Which of the following is/are a couple/couples ?

    • a)(a) AD only
    • b)(b) BC only
    • c)(c) Both AD and BC
    • d)(d) Both AC and BD
78. Q78.Reasoning

    There are seven persons up on a ladder, A, B, C, D, E, F and G (not in that order). A is further up than E but is lower than C. B is in the middle. G is between A and B. E is between B and F. If F is between E and D, the person on the bottom step of the ladder will be

    • a)B
    • b)F
    • c)D
    • d)E
79. Q79.Reasoning

    Directions for the following 3 (three) items : Read the passage given below and answer the items that follow. A, B, C, D, E, F are members of a family. They are engineer, stenographer, doctor, draughtsman, lawyer and judge (not in order). A, the engineer is married to the lady stenographer. The judge is married to the lawyer. F, the draughtsman is the son of B and brother of E. C, the lawyer is the daughter-in-law of D. E is the unmarried doctor. D is the grandmother of F. There are two married couples in the family. What is the profession of D ?

    • a)(a) Judge
    • b)(b) Stenographer
    • c)(c) Doctor
    • d)(d) Cannot be determined
80. Q80.Reasoning

    Consider the following: 1. A is taller than B. 2. C is taller than A. 3. D is taller than C. 4. E is the tallest. Now, if they are arranged in order of their height as given above, who will be in the middle?

    • a)A
    • b)B
    • c)C
    • d)D