Previous Years Solved UPSC Papers

CSAT Questions

Profit Loss L1

A bookseller sold 'a' number of Geography textbooks at the rate of Rs. x per book, 'a + 2' number of History textbooks at the rate of Rs. (x + 2) per book and 'a - 2' number of Mathematics textbooks at the rate of Rs. (x - 2) per book. What is his total sale in Rs.?

  1. 3x + 3a
  2. 3ax + 8
  3. 9ax
  4. x3 a3

Numbers Numbers L1

While writing all the numbers from 700 to 1000, how many numbers occur in which the digit at hundred's place is greater than the digit at ten's place, and the digit at ten's place is greater than the digit at unit's place?

  1. 61
  2. 64
  3. 85
  4. 91

Cubes

A solid cube of 3 cm side, painted on all its faces, is cut up into small cubes of 1 cm side. How many of the small cubes will have exactly two painted faces?

  1. 12
  2. 8
  3. 6
  4. 4

Numbers L1

A number consists of three digits of which the middle one is zero and their sum is 4. If the number formed by interchanging the first and last digits is greater than the number itself by 198, then the difference between the first and last digits is

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

Culture

The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the

  1. Bundi school
  2. Jaipur school 
  3. Kangra school 
  4. Kishangarh school

Constitution

Which one of the following reflects the nicest, appropriate relationship between law and liberty?

  1. If there are more laws, there is less liberty.
  2. If there are no laws, there is no liberty.
  3. If there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people. 
  4. If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger.

Modern History

In the federation established by The Government on India Act of 1935. Residuary Power were given to the

  1. Federal Legislature
  2. Governor General
  3. Provincial Legislature
  4. Provincial Governors

Biodiversity

In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?

  1. Arunachal Pradesh
  2. Manipur
  3. Meghalaya
  4. Nagaland

Organisations & Policies

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

  1. Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
  2. Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV
  3. Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III
  4. Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution

World GK

International Labour Organization's Conventions 138 and 182 are related to

  1. Child labour 
  2. Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change 
  3. Regulation of food prices and food security 
  4. Gender parity at the workplace

Money Banking

With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements:

  1. BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.
  2. While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.

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

Organisations & Policies

India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

  1. ILO
  2. IMF
  3. UNCTAD
  4. WTO

Indian States Culture

Consider the following pairs:

Tradition - State

1. Chapchar Kut festival - Mizoram 
2. Khongjom Parba ballad - Manipur 
3. Thang-Ta dance - Sikkim

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

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

Indian States Culture

Consider the following pairs:

Craft - Heritage of

1. Puthukkuli shawls - Tamil Nadu 
2. Sujni embroidery - Maharashtra 
3. Uppada Jamdani saris - Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

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

Modern History

Regarding Wood's Dispatch, which of the following statements are true?

  1. Grants-in-Aid system was introduced. 
  2. Establishment of universities was recommended. 
  3. English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended. 

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

Modern History

With reference to educational institutes during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs:

Institution - Founder 

1. Sanskrit College at Benaras - William Jones
2. Calcutta Madarsa - Warren Hastings
3. Fort William College - Arthur Wellesley

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

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

World GK

"Momentum for Change : Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by

  1. The Intergovernmentai Panel on Climate Change 
  2. The UNEP Secretariat 
  3. The UNFCCC Secretariat 
  4. The World Meteorological Organisation

World GK

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at

  1. The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
  2. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro 
  3. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris 
  4. The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi

Agriculture Soils

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:

  1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
  2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
  3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Modern History

In 1920, which of the following changed its name to "Swarajya Sabha"?

  1. All India Home Rule League
  2. Hindu Mahasabha
  3. South Indian Liberal Federation
  4. The Servants of India Society

Modern History

Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India?

  1. Charter Act of 1813
  2. General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823
  3. Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy

Select the correct answer using the code given below

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

Technology GK

In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used?

  1. Mobile phone operations
  2. Banking operations
  3. Controlling the power grids

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Executive

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

  1. the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved. 
  2. the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament. 
  3. Article 19 is suspended in that State. 
  4. the President can make laws relating to that State.

Modern History

Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the

  1. increase in the export of Indian handicrafts 
  2. growth in the number of Indian owned factories 
  3. commercialization of Indian agriculture 
  4. rapid increase in the urban population

Modern History

After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

  1. The territories called `Santhal Paraganas' were created.
  2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

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

National Income

Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if

  1. industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output.
  2. agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output.
  3. poverty and unemployment increase.
  4. imports grow faster than exports.

Budget Fiscal Policy

If a commodity is provided free to the public by the Government, then

  1. the opportunity cost is zero.
  2. the opportunity cost is ignored.
  3. the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the tax-paying public.
  4. the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government.

Money Banking

Which one of the following statements correctly describes the meaning of legal tender money?

  1. The money which is tendered in courts of law to defray the fee of legal cases.
  2. The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims.
  3. The bank money in the form of cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, etc.
  4. The metallic money in circulation in a country.

Indian Economy

Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India?

  1. Indian banks' Association 
  2. National Securities Depository Limited 
  3. National Payments Corporation of India 
  4. Reserve Bank of India

World GK

"Rule of Law Index" is released by which of the following?

  1. Amnesty International 
  2. International Court of Justice 
  3. The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights 
  4. World Justice Project

Modern History

He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna; stayed in America for some time; and was also elected to the Central Assembly. He was

  1. Aurobindo Ghosh
  2. Bipin Chandra Pal
  3. Lala Lajpat Rai
  4. Motilal Nehru

Organisations & Policies

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

  1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
  2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

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

GB Living Organisms

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

  1. Hard and waxy leaves
  2. Tiny leaves 
  3. Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Modern History

Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley?

  1. To maintain a large standing army at other's expense 
  2. To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger 
  3. To secure a fixed income for the Company 
  4. To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

Medieval History

Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

  1. Francois Bernier
  2. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
  3. Jean de Thevenot
  4. Abbe Barthelemy Carre

Medieval History

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

  1. Buddhism 
  2. Jainism 
  3. Vaishnavism 
  4. Shaivism

Modern History

Who among the following were the founders of the "Hind Mazdoor Sabha" established in 1948?

  1. B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George 
  2. Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Day al Upadhyay and M.N. Roy 
  3. C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu 
  4. Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

Modern History

Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?

  1. Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement
  2. Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement
  3. Joining of peasant unrest to India's National Movement
  4. Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

Modern History

The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were

  1. Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium
  2. Sugar, salt, zinc and lead
  3. Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea
  4. Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium

Minerals Industries

With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:

  1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. 
  2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

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

Current GK

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements :

  1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
  2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
  3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Current GK

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements :

  1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
  2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 
  3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. None

Basic LR Sets

Four political parties W, X, Y and Z decided to set up a joint candidate for the coming parliamentary elections. The formula agreed by them was the acceptance of a candidate of the most of the parties. For aspiring candidates A, B, C and D approached the parties for their ticket.

  • A was acceptable to W but not Z
  • B was acceptable to Y but not X
  • C was acceptable to W and Y
  • D was acceptable to W and X

When candidate B was preferred by W and Z, candidate C was preferred by X and Z and candidate A was acceptable to X but not Y: Who got the ticket?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Basic LR Sets

In five flats, one above the other, live five professionals. The professor has to go up to meet his IAS officer friend. The doctor is equally friendly to all, and has to go up as frequently as go down. The engineer has to go up to meet his MLA friend above whose flat lives the professor's friend.

From the ground floor to the top floor, in what order do the five professionals live?

  1. IAS officer, Engineer, Doctor, Professor, MLA
  2. Engineer, Professor, Doctor, IAS officer, MLA
  3. Professor, Engineer, Doctor, MLA, IAS officer
  4. Professor, Engineer, Doctor, IAS officer, MLA

Basic LR Sets

A, B, C, D and E belong to five different cities P, Q, R, S and T (not necessarily in that order). Each one of them comes from a different city. Further it is given that:

  • 1. B and C do not belong to Q
  • 2. B and E do not belong to P and R
  • 3. A and C do not belong to R, S and T
  • 4. D and E do not belong to Q and T

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. B belongs to S
  2. C belongs to P
  3. D belongs to R
  4. A belongs to Q

Basic LR Sets

Five people A, B, C, D and E are seated about a round table. Every chair is spaced equidistant from adjacent chairs.

  • (i) C is seated next to A
  • (ii) A is seated two seats from D
  • (iii) B is not seated next to A

Which of the following must be true?

  • (I) D is seated next to B
  • (II) E is seated next to A

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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

Basic LR Sets

Four friends A, B, C and D distribute some money among themselves in such a manner that A gets one less than B, C gets 5 more than D, D gets 3 more than B. who gets the smallest amount?'

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Basic LR Sets

Geeta is older than her cousin Meena. Meena's brother Bipin is older than Geeta. When Meena and Bipin visit Geeta, they like to play chess. Meena wins the game more often than Geeta.

Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above?

  1. Geeta hates to lose the game.
  2. Geeta is the oldest among the three.
  3. While playing chess with Geeta and Meena, Bipin often loses.
  4. Meena is the youngest of the three.

Basic LR Sets

Seven men, A, B, C, D, E, F and G are standing in a queue in that order. Each one is wearing a cap of a different colour like violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. D is able to see in front of him green and blue, but not violet. E can see violet and yellow, but not red. G can see caps of all colours other than orange. If E is wearing an indigo coloured cap, then the colour of the cap worn by F is

  1. Blue
  2. Orange
  3. Red
  4. Violet

Basic LR Sets

The music director of a film wants to select four persons to work on different aspects of a composition of a piece of music. Seven persons are available for this work; they are Rohit, Tanya, Shobha, Kaushak, Kunal, Mukesh and Jaswant. 

Rohit and Tanya will not work together. Kunal and Shobha will not work together. Mukesh and Kunal want to work together.

Which of the following is the most acceptable group of people that can be selected by the music director?

  1. Tanya, Kaushal, Shobha and Rohit
  2. Tanya, Mukesh, Kunal and Jaswant
  3. Rohit, Shobha, Kunal and Kaushal
  4. Shobha, Tanya, Rohit and Mukesh