CSAT Questions

Which is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors

• Money Banking

Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?

1. Certificate of Deposit
2. Commercial Paper
3. Promissory Note
4. Participatory Note

The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of

• Indian Economy

The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of

1. Integrated Rural Development Programme
2. Lead Bank Scheme
3. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
4. National Skill Development Mission

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government

• GS Environment

Consider the following statements:

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to

1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources

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

Which Article safeguards one's right to marry the person

• Constitution

Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one's right to marry the person of one's choice?

1. Article 19
2. Article 21
3. Article 25
4. Article 29

With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India

• Legislature

With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Governor makes a customary address to Members of the House at the commencement of the first session of the year.
2. When a State Legislature does not have a rule on a particular matter, it follows the Lok Sabha rule on that matter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as

• Constitution

With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?

1. The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
2. The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
3. In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
4. State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

• Organisations & Policies

Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Kanda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 2, 3 and 4
3. 1, 2 and 4
4. 1, 3 and 4

Transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining

• Constitution

Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?

1. Third Schedule
2. Fifth Schedule
3. Ninth Schedule
4. Twelfth Schedule

The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution

• Constitution

The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime ministership of

1. Jawaharlal Nehru
2. Lal Bahadur Shastri
3. Indira Gandhi
4. Morarji Desai

Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night

• Climate

Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?

1. Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth's surface.
2. Clouds reflect back the Earth's radiation.
3. The Earth's surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.
4. Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.

What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati

• Minerals Industries

What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?

1. Recently discovered uranium deposits
2. Tropical rain forests
3. Underground cave systems
4. Water reservoirs

In India, the use of carbofuran, methylparathion, phorate

• GS Environment

In India, the use of carbofuran, methylparathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

1. pesticides in agriculture
2. preservatives in processed foods
3. fruit-ripening agents
4. moisturising agents in cosmetics

Glacier and River Matching

• Rivers

Consider the following pairs:

Glacier : River

1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna
2. Bara Shigri : Chenab
3. Milam : Mandakini
4. Siachen : Nubra
5. Zemu : Manas

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. 1, 2 and 4
2. 1, 3 and 4
3. 2 and 5
4. 3 and 5

Sea and Bordering Country Matching

• World Geography

Consider the following pairs:

Sea : Bordering Country

1. Adriatic Sea : Albania
2. Black Sea : Croatia
3. Caspian Sea : Kazakhstan
4. Mediterranean Sea : Morocco
5. Red Sea : Syria

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. 1, 2 and 4 only
2. 1, 3 and 4 only
3. 2 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Which are correct about the deposits of methane hydrate

• GS Environment

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of methane hydrate?

1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

In terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State

• Indian States

Consider the following States:

1. Chhattisgarh
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Maharashtra
4. Odisha

With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?

1. 2-3-1-4
2. 2-3-4-1
3. 3-2-4-1
4. 3-2-1-4

Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads'

• GS Environment

Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?

1. The are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
2. They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
3. They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
4. They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

Matching - Wildlife and Naturally found in

• Biodiversity

Consider the following pairs:

Wildlife : Naturally found in

1. Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River
2. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River
3. Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Which are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

• Biodiversity

Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

1. Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
2. Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
3. Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
4. Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Pyrolysis and plasma gasification

• GS Environment

In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?

1. Extraction of rare earth elements
2. Natural gas extraction technologies
3. Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
4. Waste-to-energy technologies

Use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol

• GS Environment

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

1. Creating the artificial rains in some regions
2. Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
3. Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
4. Reducing the global warming

Official poverty lines are higher in some States

• Indian Economy

In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because

1. poverty rates vary from State to State
2. price levels vary from State to State
3. Gross State Product varies from State to State
4. Quality of public distribution varies from State to State

Famous place and River Matching

• Ancient History

Consider the following pairs: 

Famous place : River

1. Pandharpur : Chandrabhaga
2. Tiruchirappalli : Cauvery
3. Hampi : Malaprabha

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Which plants was domesticated in the 'New World'

• World History

Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the 'New World' and introduced into the 'Old World?

1. Tobacco, cocoa and rubber
2. Tobacco, cotton and rubber
3. Cotton, coffee and sugarcane
4. Rubber, coffee and wheat

On 21st June, the Sun

• World Geography

On 21st June, the Sun

1. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
2. does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
3. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
4. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

• Organisations & Policies

Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

1. Department of Science and Technology
2. Ministry of Labour and Employment
3. NITI Aayog
4. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Which National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone

• Biodiversity

Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

1. Manas National Park
2. Namdapha National Park
3. Neora Valley National Park
4. Valley of Flowers National Park

With reference to Mian Tansen

• Ancient History

With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
2. Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
3. Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
4. Tansen invented many Ragas.

Person and Position held Matching

• National Movement

With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:

Person : Position held

1. Tej Bahadur Sapru : President, All India Liberal Federation
2. K. C. Neogy : Member, The Constituent Assembly
3. P. C. Joshi : General Secretary, Communist Party of India

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

With reference to the British colonial rule in India

• Modern History

With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:

1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'.
2. In Lord Chelmsford's 'War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
3. Consequent upon the breaking of salt law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in

• Medieval History

Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

1. Chalukya
2. Chandela
3. Rashtrakuta
4. Vijayanagara

With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period

• Ancient History

With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

1. It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
2. It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
3. The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
4. The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

Which are the features of Mahayana Buddhism

• Ancient History

Consider the following:

1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
3. Image worship and rituals

Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' mentioned

• Ancient History

In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?

1. Kanganahalli
2. Sanchi
3. Shahbazgarhi
4. Sohgaura

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site

• Ancient History

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

1. Chanhudaro
2. Kot Diji
3. Sohgaura
4. Desalpur

Movement or Organization and Leader Matching

• Modern History

Consider the following pairs:

Movement/Organization : Leader

1. All India Anti-Untouchability League : Mahatma Gandhi
2. All India Kisan Sabha : Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
3. Self-Respect Movement : E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

With reference to Swadeshi Movement

• National Movement

With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:

1. It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
2. The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements about the Charter Act of 1813

• Modern History

Consider the following statements about 'the Charter Act of 1813':

1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the

• World Economy

The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the

1. International Monetary Fund
2. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
3. World Economic Forum
4. World Bank

With reference to land reforms in independent India

• Agriculture

With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

1. The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
2. The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
3. It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
4. Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

What are the differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar

• Modern History

With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?

1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.
2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the graph in which the birthrate and death rate of a country

• Line Graph

Consider the following graph in which the birthrate and death rate of a country are given, and answer the two items that follow.

1. Looking at the graph, it can be inferred that from 1990 to 2010

1. population growth rate has increased
2. population growth rate has decreased
3. growth rate of population has remained stable
4. population growth rate shows no trend

It is no longer enough for us to talk about providing for universal access to education

• Reading Comprehension L1

It is no longer enough for us to talk about providing for universal access to education. Making available schooling facilities is an essential prerequisite, but is insufficient to ensure that all children attend school and participate in the learning process. The school may be there, but children may not attend or they may drop out after a few months. Through school and social mapping, we must address the entire gamut of social, economic, cultural and indeed linguistic and pedagogic issues, factors that prevent children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, as also girls, from regularly attending and complementing elementary education. The focus must be on the poorest and most vulnerable since these groups are the most disempowered and at the greatest risk of violation or denial of their right to education.

Lakshmi, her brother, her daughter and her son are badminton players

• Basic LR Sets

Lakshmi, her brother, her daughter and her son are badminton players. A game of doubles is about to begin:

1. Lakshmi's brother is directly across the net from her daughter.
2. Her son is diagonally across the net from the worst player's sibling.
3. The best player and the worst player are on the same side of the net.

Who is the best player?

1. Her brother
2. Her daughter
3. Her son
4. Lakshmi

In the figures, some parts are shown to change their positions in regular directions

• Non Verbal Reasoning

Consider the following figures:

In the figures (I) to (VI) above, some parts are shown to change their positions in regular directions. Following the same sequence, which of the figures given below will appear at (VII) stage?

Which statements is not correct with reference to the graph

• Line Graph

Consider the following graph:

Which one of the following statements is not correct with reference to the graph given above?

1. On 1st June, the actual progress of work was less than expected. 
2. The actual rate of progress of work was the greatest during the month of August.
3. The work was actually completed before the expected time. 
4. During the period from 1st April to 1st September, at no time was the actual progress more than the expected progress.

Some people believe that leadership is a quality

• UPSC Critical Reading

Some people believe that leadership is a quality which you have at birth or not at all. This theory is false, for the art of leadership can be acquired and can indeed be taught. This discovery is made in time of war and the results achieved can surprise even the instructors. Faced with the alternatives of going left or right, every soldier soon grasps that a prompt decision either way is better than an endless discussion. A firm choice of direction has an even chance of being right while to do nothing will be almost certainly wrong.

The author of the passage holds the view that

1. leadership can be taught through war experience only 
2. leadership can be acquired as well as taught 
3. the results of training show that more people acquire leadership than are expected 
4. despite rigorous instruction, very few leaders are produced

Today, the top environmental challenge is a combination of people

• UPSC Critical Reading

Today, the top environmental challenge is a combination of people and their aspirations. If the aspirations are more like the frugal ones we had after the Second World War, a lot more is possible than if we view the planet as a giant shopping mall. We need to get beyond the fascination with glitter and understand that the planet works as a biological system.

Which of the following is the most crucial and logical inference that can be made from the above passage?

1. The Earth can meet only the basic needs of humans for food, clothing and shelter. 
2. The only way to meet environmental challenge is to limit human population. 
3. Reducing our consumerism is very much in our own interest. 
4. Knowledge of biological systems can only help us save this planet.

A diversity of natural assets will be needed to cope with climate change

• Reading Comprehension L1

A diversity of natural assets will be needed to cope with climate change and ensure productive agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. For example, crop varieties are needed that perform well under drought, heat, and enhanced CO₂. But the private-sector and farmer-led process of choosing crops favours homogeneity adapted to past or current conditions, not varieties capable of producing consistently high yields in warmer, wetter, or drier conditions. Accelerated breeding programmes are needed to conserve a wider pool of genetic resources of existing crops, breeds, and their wild relatives. Relatively intact ecosystems, such as forested catchments, mangroves, wetlands, can buffer the impacts of climate change. Under a changing climate, these ecosystems are themselves at risk, and management approaches will need to be more proactive and adaptive. Connections between natural areas, such as migration corridors, may be needed to facilitate species movements to keep up with the change in climate.

'Desertification' is a term used to explain a process of decline

• Reading Comprehension L1

'Desertification' is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid 'green revolution' areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline - a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains.