Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption. The increasing wastage also results in land degradation by about 45%, mainly due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive groundwater extraction. The energy spent over wasted food results in about 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide production every year. Decay also leads to harmful emissions of other gases in the atmosphere. Addressing the loss and wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of food deficiency and food sustainability. Q.1) Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inferences that can be made from the passage? 1. The current methods of food distribution are solely responsible for the loss and wastage of food. 2. Land productivity is adversely affected by the prevailing trend of food loss and wastage. 3. Reduction in the loss and wastage of food results in lesser carbon footprint. 4. Post-harvest technologies to prevent or reduce the loss and wastage of food are not available. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1, 2 and 3 b) 2 and 3 only c) 1, 3 and 4 d) 1, 2 and 4
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 4
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the passage states food loss occurs throughout the supply chain, not solely due to distribution methods. Statement 2 is correct because the passage explicitly links food wastage to 45% land degradation. Statement 3 is correct because reducing wastage would lower the 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide produced annually. Statement 4 is incorrect because the passage never claims post-harvest technologies are unavailable; rather, it emphasizes the need to address wastage.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption. The increasing wastage also results in land degradation by about 45%, mainly due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive groundwater extraction. The energy spent over wasted food results in about 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide production every year. Decay also leads to harmful emissions of other gases in the atmosphere. Addressing the loss and wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of food deficiency and food sustainability. Q.2) Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The food distribution mechanism needs to be reimagined and made effective to reduce the loss and wastage of food. 2. Ensuring the reduction of wastage and loss of food is a social and moral responsibility of all citizens. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Assumption 1 is valid because the passage highlights inefficiencies across the supply chain, implying the need to reimagine distribution to minimize wastage. Assumption 2 is valid because the passage mentions household consumption as part of the problem, indicating a shared social and moral duty among citizens to reduce food loss.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: As inflation rises, even governments previously committed to budget discipline are spending freely to help households. Higher interest rates announced by central banks are supposed to help produce modest fiscal austerity, because to maintain stable debts while paying more to borrow, governments must cut spending or raise taxes. Without the fiscal backup, monetary policy eventually loses traction. Higher interest rates become inflationary, not disinflationary, because they simply lead governments to borrow more to pay rising debt-service costs. The risk of monetary unmooring is greater when public debt rises, because interest rates become more important to budget deficits. Q.3) Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage? 1. Central banks cannot bring down inflation without budgetary backing. 2. The effects of monetary policy depend on the fiscal policies pursued by the government. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct because the passage argues that without fiscal discipline (cutting spending or raising taxes), monetary policy loses traction and higher interest rates can become inflationary. Statement 2 is correct because the passage emphasizes that monetary policy's impact is intertwined with fiscal policy; if governments fail to adjust fiscally, disinflationary rate hikes are undermined.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: As inflation rises, even governments previously committed to budget discipline are spending freely to help households. Higher interest rates announced by central banks are supposed to help produce modest fiscal austerity, because to maintain stable debts while paying more to borrow, governments must cut spending or raise taxes. Without the fiscal backup, monetary policy eventually loses traction. Higher interest rates become inflationary, not disinflationary, because they simply lead governments to borrow more to pay rising debt-service costs. The risk of monetary unmooring is greater when public debt rises, because interest rates become more important to budget deficits. Q.4) Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Fiscal policies of governments are solely responsible for higher prices. 2. Higher prices do not affect the long-term government bonds. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Assumption 1 is invalid because the passage does not attribute inflation solely to fiscal policy; it discusses the interaction of monetary and fiscal factors. Assumption 2 is invalid because the passage suggests that rising public debt and interest rates directly impact budget deficits, which implies long-term bond costs are affected.
Q.5) Which is the least possible number of cuts required to cut a cube into 64 identical pieces? a) 8 b) 9 c) 12 d) 16
Explanation: To obtain 64 identical pieces, the cube must be divided into 4 × 4 × 4 segments. This requires 3 cuts along each of the three perpendicular axes. Therefore, the minimum number of cuts is 3 + 3 + 3 = 9.
Q.6) In the expression 5 * 4 * 3 * 2 * 1, * is chosen from +, -, × each at most two times. Which is the smallest non-negative value of the expression? a) 3 b) 2 c) 1 d) 0
Explanation: By choosing the operators as 5 − 4 − 3 + 2 × 1, the expression evaluates to 5 − 7 + 2 = 0. Thus, the smallest non-negative value achievable is 0.
Q.7) A certain number of men can complete a piece of work in 6k days, where k is a natural number. By what percent should the number of men be increased so that the work can be completed in 5k days? a) 10% b) (50/3)% c) 20% d) 25%
Explanation: Let the initial number of men be N1 and the final number be N2. Since workers and days vary inversely, 6k × N1 = 5k × N2, giving N2 = (6/5)N1. The percentage increase is [(N2 − N1)/N1] × 100 = [(6/5 − 1)] × 100 = 20%.
Q.9) How many consecutive zeros are there at the end of the integer obtained in the product 1² × 2⁴ × 3⁶ × 4⁸ × … × 25⁵⁰? a) 50 b) 55 c) 100 d) 200
Explanation: Trailing zeros are determined by the number of (2 × 5) pairs. The number of 5s is the limiting factor. Counting 5s from terms where the base is a multiple of 5: 5¹⁰ contributes 10, 10²⁰ contributes 20, 15³⁰ contributes 30, 20⁴⁰ contributes 40, and 25⁵⁰ contributes 100 (since 25 = 5²). Total 5s = 10 + 20 + 30 + 40 + 100 = 200. The number of 2s far exceeds 200, so there are 200 trailing zeros.
Q.10) On January 1st, 2023, a person saved Rs. 1. On January 2nd, 2023, he saved Rs. 2 more than that on the previous day. On January 3rd, 2023, he saved Rs. 2 more than that on the previous day and so on. At the end of which date was his total savings a perfect square as well as a perfect cube? a) 7th January 2023 b) 8th January 2023 c) 9th January 2023 d) Not possible
- 7th January 2023
- 8th January 2023
- 9th January 2023
- Not possible
Explanation: Daily savings form an arithmetic progression: 1, 3, 5, 7, … Total savings after n days equals n². We need n² to also be a perfect cube, so n² must be a perfect sixth power. The smallest such number is 64 (4³ and 8²). Since 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 + 15 = 64, this occurs after 8 days, i.e., on 8th January 2023.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Today, if we consider cities such as New York, London and Paris as some of the most iconic cities in the world, it is because plans carrying a heavy systems approach were imposed on their precincts. The backbone of the systems theory is the process of translating social, spatial and cultural desirables into mathematical models using computing, statistics, optimization and an algorithmic way of formulating and solving problems. The early universities of the West which began to train professionals in planning, spawned some of the most ingenious planners, who were experts in these domains. This was because these very subjects were absorbed into the social sciences, geography and architecture. Planning in India, and its education differ from the West. Q.11) Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage? a) Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach. b) In India, city administration is under bureaucracy which lacks formal training in urban planning and management. c) In India, the management of urban areas is a local affair with a chronic problem of insufficient funds. d) With high density of population and widespread poverty in our urban areas, planned development in them is very difficult.
- Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.
- In India, city administration is under bureaucracy which lacks formal training in urban planning and management.
- In India, the management of urban areas is a local affair with a chronic problem of insufficient funds.
- With high density of population and widespread poverty in our urban areas, planned development in them is very difficult.
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that iconic Western cities benefited from a systems approach integrating computing, statistics, and optimization into planning education. It contrasts this with India, implying the need for a similarly diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum. The other options introduce ideas (bureaucracy, funds, poverty) not discussed in the passage.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Today, if we consider cities such as New York, London and Paris as some of the most iconic cities in the world, it is because plans carrying a heavy systems approach were imposed on their precincts. The backbone of the systems theory is the process of translating social, spatial and cultural desirables into mathematical models using computing, statistics, optimization and an algorithmic way of formulating and solving problems. The early universities of the West which began to train professionals in planning, spawned some of the most ingenious planners, who were experts in these domains. This was because these very subjects were absorbed into the social sciences, geography and architecture. Planning in India, and its education differ from the West. Q.12) Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. India needs a new generation of urban professionals with knowledge relevant to modern urban practice. 2. Indian universities at present have no capacity or potential to impart training in systems approach. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Assumption 1 is incorrect because the passage discusses differences in planning education but does not explicitly state that India needs a new generation of urban professionals. Assumption 2 is incorrect because the passage does not claim that Indian universities lack the capacity to teach systems approach; it merely notes a difference without judging capacity.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of audience. When anonymous private entities with high capital can pay for more space for their opinions, they are effectively buying a louder voice. If political discourse in the digital sphere is a matter of outshining one’s opponent till the election is won, then the quality of politics suffers. The focus of social media is restricted to the promotion of content that generates more user engagement, regardless of how inflammatory the content may be. Q.13) Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage? a) Constructed as a marketplace of views, social media ensures instant access to information. b) Social media are not ideal or moral institutions but the products built by companies to make profits. c) Social media have been created to strengthen democracies. d) In today’s world, social media are inevitable for well-informed social life.
- Constructed as a marketplace of views, social media ensures instant access to information.
- Social media are not ideal or moral institutions but the products built by companies to make profits.
- Social media have been created to strengthen democracies.
- In today's world, social media are inevitable for well-informed social life.
Explanation: The central idea is that social media platforms prioritize profit through engagement-driven content promotion, even if it is inflammatory, and allow wealthy entities to dominate discourse. This aligns with the view that they are profit-driven products rather than neutral or moral institutions. The other options either misrepresent the passage's focus or introduce unsupported claims.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of audience. When anonymous private entities with high capital can pay for more space for their opinions, they are effectively buying a louder voice. If political discourse in the digital sphere is a matter of outshining one’s opponent till the election is won, then the quality of politics suffers. The focus of social media is restricted to the promotion of content that generates more user engagement, regardless of how inflammatory the content may be. Q.14) Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Internet is not inclusive enough. 2. Internet can adversely affect the quality of politics in a country. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Assumption 1 is valid because the passage states that capital-rich entities can buy a louder voice, implying the internet lacks equal inclusivity. Assumption 2 is valid because the passage explicitly links the digital outshoring dynamic to a decline in the quality of politics.
Q.15) 222³³³ + 333²²² is divisible by which of the following numbers? a) 2 and 3 but not 37 b) 3 and 37 but not 2 c) 2 and 37 but not 3 d) 2, 3 and 37
- 2 and 3 but not 37
- 3 and 37 but not 2
- 2 and 37 but not 3
- 2, 3 and 37
Explanation: Factor out 111: 222³³³ + 333²²² = (2×111)³³³ + (3×111)²²² = 111²²² × (2³³³ × 111¹¹¹ + 3²²²). Since 111 = 3 × 37, the expression is divisible by both 3 and 37. However, 2³³³ × 111¹¹¹ is even while 3²²² is odd, so their sum is odd; thus the entire number is not divisible by 2.
Q.16) What percent of water must be mixed with honey so as to gain 20% by selling the mixture at the cost price of honey? a) 20% b) 10% c) 5% d) 4%
Explanation: Let the cost price of 1 ml honey be Re. 1, so 100 ml costs Rs. 100. To gain 20%, the selling price must be Rs. 120. If x ml of water is mixed with 100 ml honey, the mixture volume is (100 + x) ml. Selling at the same rate gives revenue of (100 + x). Setting 100 + x = 120 yields x = 20. Therefore, the percentage of water is (20/100) × 100 = 20%.
Q.17) What is the rightmost digit preceding the zeros in the value of 30³⁰? a) 1 b) 3 c) 7 d) 9
Explanation: 30³⁰ = (3 × 10)³⁰ = 3³⁰ × 10³⁰. The 10³⁰ term contributes all trailing zeros, so the digit immediately before them is the units digit of 3³⁰. The units digit of powers of 3 cycles every 4: 3, 9, 7, 1. Since 30 ÷ 4 leaves remainder 2, the units digit is the second in the cycle, which is 9.
Q.18) 421 and 427, when divided by the same divisor, leave the same remainder 1. How many numbers can be used as the divisor in order to get the same remainder 1? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4
Explanation: If the remainder is 1, then 420 and 426 are exactly divisible by the divisor. The common divisors of 420 and 426 that are greater than 1 (since remainder must be less than divisor) are 2, 3, and 6. Thus, there are 3 possible divisors.
Q.19) A can X contains 399 liters of petrol and a can Y contains 532 liters of diesel. They are to be bottled in bottles of equal size so that the whole of petrol and diesel would be separately bottled. The bottle capacity in terms of liters is an integer. How many different bottle sizes are possible? a) 3 b) 4 c) 5 d) 6
Explanation: The bottle size must be a common factor of 399 and 532. Prime factorization gives 399 = 3 × 7 × 19 and 532 = 2² × 7 × 19. The common factors are 1, 7, 19, and 133. Therefore, there are 4 possible bottle sizes.
Q.20) Consider the following statements in respect of the sum S = x + y + z, where x, y and z are distinct prime numbers each less than 10: 1. The unit digit of S can be 0. 2. The unit digit of S can be 9. 3. The unit digit of S can be 5. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The prime numbers less than 10 are 2, 3, 5, and 7. Choosing any three distinct primes, the possible sums are 2+3+5=10, 2+3+7=12, 2+5+7=14, and 3+5+7=15. The unit digits possible are 0, 2, 4, and 5. Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is not.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: By the time children reach class 8, the bulk of them tend to be in the age range of 13 years to 15 years. But in our country, about a quarter of all children in class 8 struggle with reading simple texts and more than half are still unable to do basic arithmetic operations like division. Every year about 25 million young boys and girls from elementary school move into the life that lies for them beyond compulsory schooling. They cannot enter the workforce at least in the organized sector till they are 18. For many families, these children are the first from their families ever to get this far in school. Parents and children expect that such ‘graduates’ from school will go on to high school and college. Hardly anyone wants to go back to agriculture. On the other hand, abilities in terms of academic competencies are far lower than they should be even based on curricular expectations of class 8. Q.21) Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. For effective school education, parents have greater role than the governments. 2. School curriculum that conforms to today’s requirements and is uniform for the entire country may address the issues brought out. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Assumption 1 is invalid because the passage does not compare the roles of parents and governments in ensuring effective education. Assumption 2 is invalid because the passage does not propose a uniform national curriculum as a solution; it merely highlights the gap between curricular expectations and actual competencies.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: By the time children reach class 8, the bulk of them tend to be in the age range of 13 years to 15 years. But in our country, about a quarter of all children in class 8 struggle with reading simple texts and more than half are still unable to do basic arithmetic operations like division. Every year about 25 million young boys and girls from elementary school move into the life that lies for them beyond compulsory schooling. They cannot enter the workforce at least in the organized sector till they are 18. For many families, these children are the first from their families ever to get this far in school. Parents and children expect that such ‘graduates’ from school will go on to high school and college. Hardly anyone wants to go back to agriculture. On the other hand, abilities in terms of academic competencies are far lower than they should be even based on curricular expectations of class 8. Q.22) Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? a) Total eradication of poverty in the country will resolve the issue of under-performance of our school-children. b) Monetary incentives to parents and teachers is a strategy to improve the children’s academic performance. c) Public policy should ensure that competencies and achievements of young people are aligned with their expectations. d) India is not going to take advantage of the demographic dividend unless some school pass-outs go back to agriculture.
- Total eradication of poverty in the country will resolve the issue of under-performance of our school-children.
- Monetary incentives to parents and teachers is a strategy to improve the children's academic performance.
- Public policy should ensure that competencies and achievements of young people are aligned with their expectations.
- India is not going to take advantage of the demographic dividend unless some school pass-outs go back to agriculture.
Explanation: The passage highlights that millions of students leaving elementary school have low academic competencies despite aspiring for higher education and non-agricultural careers. The central idea is that public policy must bridge this gap so that young people's abilities match their ambitions. The other options either introduce unsupported solutions (poverty eradication, monetary incentives) or misrepresent the passage's intent (returning to agriculture).
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: We take it for granted now that science has a social responsibility. The idea would not have occurred to Newton or Galileo. They thought of science as an account of the world as it is, and the only responsibility that they acknowledged was to tell the truth. The idea that science is a social enterprise is modern, and it begins at the industrial revolution. We are surprised that we cannot trace a social sense further back, because we nurse the illusion that the industrial revolution ended a golden age. Q.23) Which one of the following statements best reflects the thinking of the author about the science? a) Science must value the commitment of the scientists. b) Science is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of scientific awareness in people. c) Industrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science. d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
- Science must value the commitment of the scientists.
- Science is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of scientific awareness in people.
- Industrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science.
- Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
Explanation: The passage contrasts the historical view of science (pursuit of truth alone, as held by Newton and Galileo) with the modern view that science is a social enterprise with broader responsibilities. The author thus believes science should continue seeking truth while also being accountable for social welfare.
Q.24) Consider the sequence A_BCD_BBCDABC_DABC_D that follows a certain pattern. Which one of the following completes the sequence? a) B, A, D, C b) B, A, C, D c) A, A, C, D d) A, A, D, C
- B, A, D, C
- B, A, C, D
- A, A, C, D
- A, A, D, C
Explanation: The pattern consists of four groups: AABCD, ABBCD, ABCCD, ABCDD. Filling the blanks in A_BCD_BBCDABC_DABC_D with this pattern yields the letters A, A, C, D respectively.
Q.25) Two persons P and Q enter into a business. P puts ₹14,000 more than Q, but P has invested for 8 months and Q has invested for 10 months. If P’s share is ₹400 more than Q’s share out of the total profit of ₹2,000, what is the capital contributed by P? a) ₹30,000 b) ₹26,000 c) ₹24,000 d) ₹20,000
- ₹30,000
- ₹26,000
- ₹24,000
- ₹20,000
Explanation: Let P’s profit be X; then Q’s profit is X − 400. Since total profit is 2000, X + (X − 400) = 2000, giving X = 1200. Thus P’s profit is 1200 and Q’s is 800. Let P’s capital be P; then Q’s capital is P − 14000. Profit is proportional to capital × time, so 1200/800 = (P × 8)/((P − 14000) × 10). Solving gives P = 30000.
Q.26) P’s salary is 20% lower than Q’s salary which is 20% lower than R’s salary. By how much percent is R’s salary more than P’s salary? a) 48.75% b) 56.25% c) 60.50% d) 62.25%
- 48.75%
- 56.25%
- 60.50%
- 62.25%
Explanation: Let R’s salary be 100x. Then Q’s salary is 80x (20% less than R), and P’s salary is 64x (20% less than Q). The difference between R and P is 36x. The required percentage is (36x / 64x) × 100 = 56.25%.
Q.27) A number is mistakenly divided by 4 instead of multiplying by 4. What is the percentage change in the result due to this mistake? a) 25% b) 50% c) 72.75% d) 93.75%
Explanation: Let the original number be n. The correct result should be 4n, but the mistaken result is n/4. The change is 4n − n/4 = 15n/4. The percentage change relative to the correct value is [(15n/4) / 4n] × 100 = (15/16) × 100 = 93.75%.
Q.28) In an examination, 80% of students passed in English, 70% of students passed in Hindi and 15% failed in both the subjects. What is the percentage of students who failed in only one subject? a) 15% b) 20% c) 25% d) 35%
Explanation: Since 15% failed both, 85% passed at least one subject. Using the principle of inclusion-exclusion: passed English or Hindi or both = 80 + 70 − both = 85. Solving gives both = 65%. Students who passed only one subject = 85% − 65% = 20%. These 20% failed exactly one subject (the other one). Hence, the percentage who failed in only one subject is 20%.
Q.29) A father said to his son, “n years back I was as old as you are now. My present age is four times your age n years back”. If the sum of the present ages of the father and the son is 130 years, what is the difference of their ages? a) 30 years b) 32 years c) 34 years d) 36 years
- 30 years
- 32 years
- 34 years
- 36 years
Explanation: Let the son’s present age be x. Then the father’s present age is x + n. The second condition gives x + n = 4(x − n). The sum of their ages gives x + (x + n) = 130. Solving these two equations yields x = 50 and n = 30. The age difference is (x + n) − x = n = 30 years.
Q.30) Consider the following: 1. 1000 litres = 1 m³ 2. 1 metric ton = 1000 kg 3. 1 hectare = 10000 m² Which of the above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are standard unit conversions: 1 cubic meter equals 1000 liters; 1 metric ton equals 1000 kilograms; and 1 hectare equals 10,000 square meters. Therefore, all statements are correct.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: The history of science is the real history of mankind. In this striking epigram, a nineteenth-century writer links science with its background. Like most epigrams, its power lies in emphasizing by contrast an aspect of truth which may be easily overlooked. In this case, it is easy to overlook the relations between science and mankind, and to treat the former as some abstract third party, which can sometimes be praised for its beneficial influences, but frequently and conveniently blamed for the horrors of war. Science and mankind cannot be divorced from time to time at men’s convenience. Yet we have seen that, in spite of countless opportunities of improvement, the opening years of the present period of civilization have been dominated by international conflict. Is this the inevitable result of the progress of science or does the fault lie elsewhere? Q.31) Which of the following is/are emphatically conveyed by the author of the passage? 1. Without science, mankind could not have continued to exist till today. 2. It is the science that will ultimately determine the destiny of mankind. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the passage does not claim that mankind’s survival depends on science; it only discusses science’s intertwined history with humanity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that science will determine mankind’s destiny; it questions whether science is to blame for conflict or if the fault lies elsewhere.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: The history of science is the real history of mankind. In this striking epigram, a nineteenth-century writer links science with its background. Like most epigrams, its power lies in emphasizing by contrast an aspect of truth which may be easily overlooked. In this case, it is easy to overlook the relations between science and mankind, and to treat the former as some abstract third party, which can sometimes be praised for its beneficial influences, but frequently and conveniently blamed for the horrors of war. Science and mankind cannot be divorced from time to time at men's convenience. Yet we have seen that, in spite of countless opportunities of improvement, the opening years of the present period of civilization have been dominated by international conflict. Is this the inevitable result of the progress of science or does the fault lie elsewhere? Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The horrors of modern life are the inevitable result of the progress of science. 2. The aspect of truth likely to be overlooked is that science is what man has made it. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: The passage questions whether science is truly to blame for modern horrors, suggesting it is often conveniently blamed. It emphasizes that science is not an abstract entity but a human creation, which is the easily overlooked aspect. Thus assumption 2 is correct while assumption 1 is not supported.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Only with long experience and opening of his wares on many a beach where his language is not spoken, will the merchant come to know the worth of what he carries, and what is parochial and what is universal in his choice. Such delicate goods as justice, love and honour, courtesy, and indeed all the things we care for, are valid everywhere but they are variously moulded and often differently handled, and sometimes nearly unrecognizable if you meet them in a foreign land, and the art of learning fundamental common values is perhaps the greatest gain of travel to those who wish to live at ease among their fellows. When we meet other people while we travel, we learn to differentiate between a) imagination and understanding b) communities and nationalities c) local values and universal values d) friends and foes
- imagination and understanding
- communities and nationalities
- local values and universal values
- friends and foes
Explanation: The passage states that delicate goods like justice and love are valid everywhere but are variously moulded in foreign lands. It emphasizes learning to distinguish what is parochial (local) from what is universal through travel.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Only with long experience and opening of his wares on many a beach where his language is not spoken, will the merchant come to know the worth of what he carries, and what is parochial and what is universal in his choice. Such delicate goods as justice, love and honour, courtesy, and indeed all the things we care for, are valid everywhere but they are variously moulded and often differently handled, and sometimes nearly unrecognizable if you meet them in a foreign land, and the art of learning fundamental common values is perhaps the greatest gain of travel to those who wish to live at ease among their fellows. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Travel leads to an understanding of humans. 2. Travel helps those who wish to learn fundamental common values. 3. A person with long experience in travel can resolve differences amongst people. Which of the assumptions given above are valid? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The passage suggests travel fosters understanding of humans and helps those seeking fundamental common values. However, it does not claim that experienced travelers can resolve differences among people, only that learning common values helps one live at ease among others.
Let X be a two-digit number and Y be another two-digit number formed by interchanging the digits of X. If (X+Y) is the greatest two-digit number, then what is the number of possible values of X? a) 2 b) 4 c) 6 d) 8
Explanation: Let X = 10a + b and Y = 10b + a. Then X + Y = 11(a + b) = 99, so a + b = 9. The distinct two-digit combinations where a and b are non-zero digits summing to 9 are: 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, and 81. Thus there are 8 possible values.
Weight of 6 boys = Weight of 7 girls = Weight of 3 men = Weight of 4 women. If the average weight of the women is 63 kg, then what is the average weight of the boys? a) 40 kg b) 42 kg c) 45 kg d) 63 kg
Explanation: Total weight of 4 women = 63 × 4 = 252 kg. Since the weight of 6 boys equals the weight of 4 women, the total weight of 6 boys is also 252 kg. Therefore, the average weight of the boys = 252 / 6 = 42 kg.
How many times do the hour hand and the minute hand coincide in a clock between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (same day)? a) 3 times b) 4 times c) 5 times d) 6 times
- 3 times
- 4 times
- 5 times
- 6 times
Explanation: The hands coincide once between 10:00 and 11:00 AM (around 10:54), once at exactly 12:00 PM, and once between 1:00 and 2:00 PM (around 1:05). They do not coincide between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM except at 12:00. Thus they coincide 3 times total.
The calendar for the year 2025 is same for a) 2029 b) 2030 c) 2031 d) 2033
Explanation: Counting odd days from 2025: 2026 (+1), 2027 (+1), 2028 (+2 leap year), 2029 (+1), 2030 (+1), 2031 (+1). Total odd days accumulated = 1+1+2+1+1+1 = 7, which is equivalent to 0 odd days. Therefore, 2031 has the same calendar as 2025.
Let p, q, r and s be distinct positive integers. Let p, q be odd and r, s be even. Consider the following statements: 1. (p − r)² (qs) is even. 2. (q − s) q² s is even. 3. (q + r)² (p + s) is odd. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: For statement 1: p − r is odd − even = odd; qs is odd × even = even; odd² × even = even. For statement 2: s is even, so the entire product is even. For statement 3: q + r is odd + even = odd; p + s is odd + even = odd; odd² × odd = odd. All three statements are correct.
What is the angle between the minute hand and hour hand when the clock shows 4:25 hours? a) 12.5° b) 15° c) 17.5° d) 20°
Explanation: At 4:25, the minute hand is at 150° from 12 (25 × 6°). The hour hand is at 120° + 12.5° = 132.5° from 12 (4 × 30° + 25 × 0.5°). The difference between them is 150° − 132.5° = 17.5°.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes. The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results. Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage? 1. In conventional classroom learning, the central goal is duration of learning rather than attainment of competency. 2. Conventional classrooms encourage one-size-fits-all approach and stamp out all differentiation. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: The passage criticizes conventional classrooms for prioritizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, leading to variable outcomes where many are left behind. This supports the inference that duration is prioritized over competency and that a uniform approach is applied without differentiation.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes. The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. As a large number of workers in our country are employed in unorganized sector, India does not need change to its present conventional classroom system of education. 2. Even with its present conventional classroom system of education, India produces sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: The passage argues that the conventional classroom system fails to ensure competency and leads to low employability. It does not support the idea that the unorganized sector makes the system adequate, nor that the current system produces sufficient skilled workers for the demographic dividend.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a conflict between the parents and the child, since the latter considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his own affairs, while the former are filled with parental solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power. Parents consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The adolescent does not feel comfortable with his parents because they tend to be dominating and assertive. 2. The adolescent of modern times does not have much respect for parents. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: The passage describes parental solicitude as a disguise for love of power and notes that dogmatic parental opinions cause adolescents to avoid confiding in them. This supports assumption 1. However, the passage does not discuss or imply anything about respect for parents, so assumption 2 is invalid.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a conflict between the parents and the child, since the latter considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his own affairs, while the former are filled with parental solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power. Parents consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage? a) Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults. b) When children reach adolescence, involvement of parents in their lives is unnecessary. c) Modern-day nuclear families are not capable of bringing up children properly. d) In modern societies, adolescents tend to be stubborn, disobedient and careless.
- Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults.
- When children reach adolescence, involvement of parents in their lives is unnecessary.
- Modern-day nuclear families are not capable of bringing up children properly.
- In modern societies, adolescents tend to be stubborn, disobedient and careless.
Explanation: The passage focuses on how adolescents perceive parental dominance and respond by keeping their affairs secret, suggesting parents may not be helpful during this transition. It does not claim parental involvement is unnecessary, criticize nuclear families, or generalize adolescents as stubborn.
What is the number of fives used in numbering a 260-page book? a) 55 b) 56 c) 57 d) 60
Explanation: Counting occurrences of digit 5 in page numbers 1-260: the units place contains 5 every 10 pages, giving 26 occurrences. The tens place contains 5 in 50-59, 150-159, and 250-259, giving 30 occurrences. Total = 26 + 30 = 56.
What is the sum of the first 28 terms in the following sequence? 1, 1, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 5, 4, 3, 2, ... a) 83 b) 84 c) 85 d) 86
Explanation: The sequence consists of groups: (1), (1), (2,1), (3,2,1), (4,3,2,1), (5,4,3,2,1), (6,5,4,3,2,1), (7,6,5,4,3,2). The first two terms are singletons, followed by groups of lengths 2 through 6 and a final group of 6 terms. Summing all terms: 1 + 1 + 3 + 6 + 10 + 15 + 21 + 27 = 84.
A person buys three articles P, Q and R for ₹3,330. If P costs 25% more than R and R costs 20% more than Q, then what is the cost of P? a) ₹1,000 b) ₹1,200 c) ₹1,250 d) ₹1,350
- ₹1,000
- ₹1,200
- ₹1,250
- ₹1,350
Explanation: Let Q = x. Then R = 1.2x and P = 1.25 × 1.2x = 1.5x. Total cost: 1.5x + x + 1.2x = 3.7x = 3330. Solving gives x = 900, and therefore P = 1.5 × 900 = 1350.
Three numbers x, y, z are selected from the set of the first seven natural numbers such that x > 2y > 3z. How many such distinct triplets (x, y, z) are possible? a) One triplet b) Two triplets c) Three triplets d) Four triplets
- One triplet
- Two triplets
- Three triplets
- Four triplets
Explanation: Since x, y, z are from {1,2,3,4,5,6,7} and x > 2y > 3z, z must be 1 (if z = 2, then 3z = 6, leaving no valid distinct y and x). With z = 1, we need x > 2y > 3, so y ≥ 2. Valid pairs (x, y) are: (7,2), (7,3), (6,2), and (5,2). Thus there are four valid triplets.
The total cost of 4 oranges, 6 mangoes and 8 apples is equal to twice the total cost of 1 orange, 2 mangoes and 5 apples. Consider the following statements: 1. The total cost of 3 oranges, 5 mangoes and 9 apples is equal to the total cost of 4 oranges, 6 mangoes and 8 apples. 2. The total cost of one orange and one mango is equal to the cost of one apple. 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
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Let O, M, A denote unit costs. Given 4O + 6M + 8A = 2(O + 2M + 5A), simplifying yields 2O + 2M = 2A, or O + M = A. Statement 2 directly follows. For statement 1: substituting A = O + M into both sides gives 3O + 5M + 9(O+M) = 12O + 14M and 4O + 6M + 8(O+M) = 12O + 14M, confirming equality.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: When an international team of scientists pumped a carbon dioxide and water mix into underground basalt rocks, basic chemistry took over. The acidic mixture dissolved rocks' calcium and magnesium and formed limestone. Basically carbon dioxide is converted into stone, exclaimed the scientists. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical suggestion implied by the passage? a) It is a cheap and practical method to produce limestone at commercial level for building purposes. b) This can be used as one of the methods of carbon sequestration. c) Basalt rock can be made a good source of calcium and magnesium minerals by this method. d) Good rock-dissolving acid can be produced by mixing carbon dioxide and water.
- It is a cheap and practical method to produce limestone at commercial level for building purposes.
- This can be used as one of the methods of carbon sequestration.
- Basalt rock can be made a good source of calcium and magnesium minerals by this method.
- Good rock-dissolving acid can be produced by mixing carbon dioxide and water.
Explanation: The passage describes converting carbon dioxide into stone (limestone) by reacting it with basalt. This is a method of storing carbon dioxide underground, which aligns with carbon sequestration. The other options focus on commercial limestone production, mineral sourcing, or acid production, which are not the primary implications.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Geographers analyzed 175 satellite images of ocean colour, which is an indicator of phytoplankton productivity at the ocean's surface, and found that giant icebergs are responsible for storing up to 20 percent of carbon in the Southern Ocean. The researchers discovered that melting water from giant icebergs which contains iron and other nutrients, supports hitherto unexpectedly high levels of phytoplankton growth. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Giant icebergs have a bearing on primary productivity and food chains of the Southern Ocean. 2. Melting of giant icebergs can produce climate change effects and impact world fisheries. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: The passage states that giant icebergs store significant carbon and release nutrients that support high phytoplankton growth, which affects primary productivity and food chains. It also implies that such large-scale carbon storage and nutrient release can influence climate patterns and fisheries.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Evolution has endowed caterpillars that feed on corn with a unique ability, they can induce the plant to turn off its defence against insect predators. This helps caterpillars to eat more and grow faster. The agent that causes this effect is the caterpillar's faeces or frass. The find could throw new light on compounds associated with plant response to pathogens like fungi or bacteria. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the passage? a) Farmers can use caterpillars to feed on weeds in their crop fields/plantations. b) This finding can help in the development of clinically useful antimicrobial compounds. c) This finding can help in the development of organic, ecologically sustainable pesticides. d) Caterpillars can be genetically modified to be predators of the other plant pests.
- Farmers can use caterpillars to feed on weeds in their crop fields/plantations.
- This finding can help in the development of clinically useful antimicrobial compounds.
- This finding can help in the development of organic, ecologically sustainable pesticides.
- Caterpillars can be genetically modified to be predators of the other plant pests.
Explanation: The passage explains how caterpillar frass induces plants to turn off their defenses. Understanding this plant-insect interaction could lead to pest control methods that mimic natural processes, supporting organic and sustainable pesticide development.
32⁵ + 2²⁷ is divisible by a) 3 b) 7 c) 10 d) 11
Explanation: 32⁵ + 2²⁷ = (2⁵)⁵ + 2²⁷ = 2²⁵ + 2²⁷ = 2²⁵(1 + 2²) = 2²⁵ × 5 = 2²⁴ × 10. Since the expression contains 10 as a factor, it is divisible by 10.
Let p and q be positive integers satisfying p < q and p + q = k. What is the smallest value of k that does not determine p and q uniquely? a) 3 b) 4 c) 5 d) 6
Explanation: For k = 3: only (1,2). For k = 4: only (1,3). For k = 5: possible pairs are (1,4) and (2,3). Thus k = 5 is the smallest value where p and q are not uniquely determined.
A person walks 100 m straight from his house, turns left and walks 100 m, again turns left and walks 300 m, then turns right and walks 100 m to reach his office. In which direction does he walk initially from his house if his office is exactly in the North-East direction? a) North-West b) West c) South d) South-West
- North-West
- West
- South
- South-West
Explanation: Working backwards from the office (North-East), the final right turn of 100 m means before that he was walking North. The previous left turn and 300 m means he was walking East. The first left turn and 100 m means he was walking South. Thus his initial direction from the house was South.
A person walks 100 m Westward, then turns left and walks 100 m. He then takes a 225° turn clockwise. In which direction is he walking now? a) South-West b) South-East c) North-West d) North-East
- South-West
- South-East
- North-West
- North-East
Explanation: After walking West then turning left (South), he faces South. A 225° clockwise turn from South passes through West (90°), North (180°), and continues 45° to North-East. Thus he ends up walking North-East.
A Statement is given followed by two Conclusions numbered I and II. Consider the Statement and the Conclusions. Statement: India is the world's largest producer of milk. Conclusion-I: India is the world's largest exporter of milk. Conclusion-II: India does not import milk. Which one of the following is correct? a) Only Conclusion-I follows b) Only Conclusion-II follows c) Both Conclusion-I and Conclusion-II follow d) Neither Conclusion-I nor Conclusion-II follows
- Only Conclusion-I follows
- Only Conclusion-II follows
- Both Conclusion-I and Conclusion-II follow
- Neither Conclusion-I nor Conclusion-II follows
Explanation: Being the largest producer does not imply being the largest exporter, as domestic consumption may absorb most production. Similarly, a major producer can still import specific milk products to meet particular demands, so neither conclusion logically follows.
What are the values of m and n where m and n are natural numbers? Statement-I: m + n > mn and m > n. Statement-II: The product of m and n is 24. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Question and the Statements? a) The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone b) The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone c) The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone d) The Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together
- The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone
- The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone
- The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone
- The Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together
Explanation: From Statement I, m + n > mn with m > n implies n must be 1 (since for natural numbers ≥ 2, mn ≥ m + n). But this alone does not give unique values. From Statement II, mn = 24 gives multiple pairs. Combining both: since n = 1, m = 24. Thus both statements together are needed.
What is the time required to download the software? Statement-I: The size of the software is 12 megabytes. Statement-II: The transfer rate is 2-4 kilobytes per second. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Question and the Statements? a) The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone b) The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone c) The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone d) The Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together.
- The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone
- The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone
- The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone
- The Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together.
Explanation: Time requires both size and transfer rate. Statement I gives the size; Statement II gives the rate. Together they allow calculating a time range, but neither alone is sufficient.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: In a robust democracy, reality, howsoever inconvenient it may be, finds its expression both in the speech of political leaders and the other social forms of assertion. The existence of the real has to be transparent, both through its circulation in and by the media as well as its argumentative articulation in deliberative democracy. A normatively responsible media through its communication effect has the responsibility to circulate the content of reality without distortion. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the above passage? a) Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy. b) Fake news seems inherent in the life of an ideal democracy. c) There should not be any kind of restrictions on the freedom of expression in an ideal democracy. d) Irresponsible media and political leaders cannot be effectively controlled in an ideal democracy.
- Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy.
- Fake news seems inherent in the life of an ideal democracy.
- There should not be any kind of restrictions on the freedom of expression in an ideal democracy.
- Irresponsible media and political leaders cannot be effectively controlled in an ideal democracy.
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that a normatively responsible media must circulate reality without distortion, ensuring transparency in a deliberative democracy. This aligns with the idea that media should not distort reality. The other options either contradict the passage or introduce unrelated ideas.
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Passage: Now-a-days there is a growing trend to use interconnected home devices. As consumers wire their homes, the increasingly network connected home device manufacturers and service providers will seek to overcome thin profit margins by gathering more of our personal data—with or without our agreement—turning the home into a corporate storefront. Corporate marketers will have powerful incentives to observe consumer behaviour to understand the buying needs and preferences of the device owners. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message implied by the passage? a) Knowledge of consumer behaviour leads to more capital expenditure in manufacturing sector. b) Knowledge of consumer behaviour stimulates the growth of commerce and trade and thus helps in the overall economic development of the country. c) Interconnected devices give a lot of comfort to home users and improve the overall quality of life. d) Interconnected devices can be at security risk and home users may have privacy risk.
- Knowledge of consumer behaviour leads to more capital expenditure in manufacturing sector.
- Knowledge of consumer behaviour stimulates the growth of commerce and trade and thus helps in the overall economic development of the country.
- Interconnected devices give a lot of comfort to home users and improve the overall quality of life.
- Interconnected devices can be at security risk and home users may have privacy risk.
Explanation: The passage warns that manufacturers may gather personal data without full agreement, turning homes into corporate storefronts. This highlights privacy and security risks. The other options focus on economic growth or comfort, which are not the passage's central concern.