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MPSC State Services Preliminary Examination 2022, Paper 2 (CSAT)

Series A. Questions and answers from the official MPSC paper and answer key:सीरीज़ A। प्रश्न और उत्तर आधिकारिक MPSC पेपर और उत्तर-कुंजी से: question paperप्रश्न-पत्र, answer keyउत्तर-कुंजी.

Questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50 are based on reading passages taken from published works, so they are not reproduced here; you can solve them on the official paper.प्रश्न 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50 प्रकाशित रचनाओं से लिए गए परिच्छेदों पर आधारित हैं, इसलिए वे यहाँ नहीं दिए गए हैं; उन्हें आधिकारिक पेपर पर हल कीजिए।

Take this paper as a test: answer as many as you like, then see your score with real MPSC marking and which subjects cost you marks. Your answers stay on this device.

All questions with answersउत्तरों के साथ सभी प्रश्न

  1. Two objects having masses 200 gm and 300 gm, are moving along the same line in the same direction with velocities 8 m/s and 4 m/s, respectively. After the collision of the two objects, the first object moves with a velocity of 5 m/s. After collision, the velocity of the other object is :

    1. 0·6 m/s
    2. 60 m/s
    3. 6 m/s
    4. None of the above
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) 6 m/s

    Use conservation of momentum with masses in kg (0.2 kg and 0.3 kg). Initial momentum = 0.2 x 8 + 0.3 x 4 = 1.6 + 1.2 = 2.8 kg m/s. After collision: 0.2 x 5 + 0.3 x v = 2.8, so 0.3v = 1.8 and v = 6 m/s. Answer: option (3).

  2. The mass of a gun is 6 kg and it recoils with a speed 170 cm/s. What is the momentum of the gun ?

    1. 10·2 kg m/s
    2. 1·02 kg m/s
    3. 1020 kg m/s
    4. 102 kg m/s
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) 10·2 kg m/s

    Convert the speed to m/s: 170 cm/s = 1.7 m/s. Momentum = mass x velocity = 6 x 1.7 = 10.2 kg m/s. Answer: option (1).

  3. Complete the following hypothetical reaction : ²³⁵₉₂U + ¹₀n → ˣ₅₄Xe + ʸ₃₈Sr + 4 ¹₀n (a) x = 141, y = 91 (b) x = 139, y = 93 (c) x = 141, y = 93 (d) x = 139, y = 95

    1. Only (b) and (d)
    2. Only (a) and (c)
    3. Only (a) and (b)
    4. Only (c) and (d)
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) Only (a) and (b)

    Mass numbers must balance: 235 + 1 = x + y + 4 x 1, so x + y = 232. (Atomic numbers already balance: 92 + 0 = 54 + 38 + 0.) Check: (a) 141 + 91 = 232 and (b) 139 + 93 = 232 work; (c) 141 + 93 = 234 and (d) 139 + 95 = 234 do not. So only (a) and (b), option (3).

  4. From the alternatives given, select the word closest in meaning to the underlined word. They are carrying out a charade of negotiations with the government. (Underlined word: charade)

    1. series
    2. charter
    3. absurd pretence
    4. spate
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) absurd pretence

    A 'charade' is an absurd pretence: a show put on to look genuine when it is not. A 'charade of negotiations' means talks that are only for show. 'Series' and 'spate' refer to a number of things, and 'charter' is a formal document. Answer: option (3).

  5. Choose the correct antonym from the options given. "Termagant"

    1. Charming
    2. Turbulent
    3. Brawling
    4. Shrewish
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) Charming

    A 'termagant' is a harsh, quarrelsome, overbearing woman (a shrew). 'Turbulent', 'brawling' and 'shrewish' are all close in meaning to it; the opposite quality is 'charming'. Answer: option (1).

  6. A bag contains 3 white, 2 blue and 5 red balls. One ball is drawn at random from the bag. What is the probability that the ball drawn is not red ?

    1. 4/5
    2. 3/10
    3. 1/5
    4. 1/2
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (4) 1/2

    Total balls = 3 + 2 + 5 = 10. Balls that are not red = 3 white + 2 blue = 5. P(not red) = 5/10 = 1/2. Answer: option (4).

  7. Study the information and select the definitely true statement with respect to it. Colony C is located to the south of colonies F, D and G. Colonies C and A are located to the east of E and colony B is located to the west of colonies C and A. Colonies A and B are located to the south of C.

    1. Colony B is located to the east of colony E.
    2. Colony G is located to the west of colony A.
    3. Colony G is located to the north of colony B.
    4. Colony E is located to the south of colony D.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) Colony G is located to the north of colony B.

    G is north of C (C is south of G), and B is south of C. So G is north of B for certain. The others cannot be fixed: B is west of C and A, and E is also west of them, so B and E have no definite east-west order; nothing places G east or west of A; and the north-south position of E relative to D is not given. Answer: option (3).

  8. 5 children are collecting flowers in the garden for making 5 garlands using 25 flowers each. They decided that at the end of the collecting time, they are going to ensure that they all have equal number of flowers. Four of them are only 2 short of making their garland as was decided and the youngest child was not able to collect the required number of flowers. So each of the others gave 3 flowers from their collection in order to equalise the number of flowers. Choose the option that indicates the number of flowers that the youngest child had collected.

    1. 13
    2. 12
    3. 8
    4. None of the above
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) 8

    Each of the four older children had 25 - 2 = 23 flowers. Each gave away 3, leaving 23 - 3 = 20, and after equalising the youngest also has 20. The youngest received 4 x 3 = 12 flowers, so she had collected 20 - 12 = 8. Answer: option (3).

  9. Let 'X' be the median of the data 13, 8, 15, 14, 17, 9, 14, 16, 13, 17, 14, 15, 16, 15, 14. If 8 is replaced by 18, then median of the data is 'Y'. What is the sum of values of 'X' and 'Y' ?

    1. 30
    2. 27
    3. 28
    4. 29
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (4) 29

    There are 15 values, so the median is the 8th value in order. Sorted: 8, 9, 13, 13, 14, 14, 14, 14, 15, 15, 15, 16, 16, 17, 17; the 8th is 14, so X = 14. Replacing 8 by 18 gives 9, 13, 13, 14, 14, 14, 14, 15, 15, 15, 16, 16, 17, 17, 18; the 8th is now 15, so Y = 15. X + Y = 29. Answer: option (4).

  10. Study the following expressions and recognise structure of the unfamiliar language. Use two assumptions that : there are no exceptions to the rule, and only those rules apply which may be derived from the given expressions. napu pelkeui = The girl is coming from the hut. napu tipkeu = The dog is going to the hut. lam mirkeui = The farmer is walking from the field. dowl pelkeu = The girl is running to the meadow. Select the option that expresses "The dog is walking to the meadow" in this language.

    1. dowl tipkeu
    2. dowl tipkeui
    3. dowl mirkeu
    4. napu mirkeu
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) dowl tipkeu

    Compare the expressions. 'napu' appears with both 'hut' sentences, so napu = hut; then dowl = meadow and lam = field. 'pel' appears in both 'girl' sentences, so pel = girl, tip = dog and mir = farmer. The endings show direction: '-keui' goes with 'from' (pelkeui, mirkeui) and '-keu' with 'to' (tipkeu, pelkeu); the verb itself is not marked. 'The dog is walking to the meadow' = dowl (meadow) + tip (dog) + keu (to) = dowl tipkeu. Answer: option (1).

  11. Study the accompanying Venn diagram that shows the number of students who speak four languages namely; Telugu, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati. The number of students who speak the given languages is 61, 65, 73 and 69 respectively. Select the number of students who speak Marathi only. [Figure: a grid-style Venn diagram. Telugu spans the first two columns and Hindi the second and third columns (a fourth column lies outside both). Gujarati spans the first two rows of the grid and Marathi the second and third rows; a short top row lies outside both. Cell values - top row (outside Gujarati and Marathi): Telugu only blank, Telugu and Hindi 3, Hindi only blank. Gujarati only row: Telugu 6, Telugu and Hindi 6, Hindi 9, neither Telugu nor Hindi 12. Gujarati and Marathi row: Telugu 5, Telugu and Hindi 8, Hindi blank, neither 12. Marathi only row: Telugu 4, Telugu and Hindi 11, Hindi 14, neither (Marathi only) blank.]

    This question has a figure in the official paper; it is described in words above.इस प्रश्न में आधिकारिक पेपर में एक चित्र है; ऊपर उसे शब्दों में बताया गया है। See the official paperआधिकारिक पेपर देखिए

    1. 19
    2. 9
    3. 8
    4. Enough data is not provided for getting the answer
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) 8

    Let the unknown cell for Hindi + Gujarati + Marathi (no Telugu) be c, and Marathi only be m. Gujarati total: 6 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 5 + 8 + c + 12 = 58 + c = 69, so c = 11. Marathi total: (5 + 8 + 11 + 12) + (4 + 11 + 14) + m = 36 + 29 + m = 65 + m = 73, so m = 8. (Telugu and Hindi totals fill the remaining blanks: Telugu only = 18, Hindi only = 3.) Answer: option (3).

  12. Rina, Tina and Hina are starting at the same time from the same point in the same direction to run around the circular playground. Rina completes a round in 70 seconds, Tina in 105 seconds and Hina in 175 seconds. After how much time will they meet again at the starting point ?

    1. 17 minutes 3 seconds
    2. 34 minutes 30 seconds
    3. 71 minutes 30 seconds
    4. 17 minutes 30 seconds
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (4) 17 minutes 30 seconds

    They are together at the start again after the LCM of their lap times. 70 = 2 x 5 x 7, 105 = 3 x 5 x 7, 175 = 5 x 5 x 7, so LCM = 2 x 3 x 5 x 5 x 7 = 1050 seconds = 17 minutes 30 seconds. Answer: option (4).

  13. Train 'M' leaves Meerut at 5.00 a.m. and reaches Delhi at 9.00 a.m. Train 'N' leaves Delhi at 7.00 a.m. and reaches Meerut at 10.30 a.m. At what exact time do the two trains cross each other ?

    1. 7.36 a.m.
    2. 7.56 a.m.
    3. 8.00 a.m.
    4. 8.26 a.m.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (2) 7.56 a.m.

    Let the distance be D. M takes 4 hours (speed D/4 per hour); N takes 3.5 hours (speed 2D/7 per hour). By 7.00 a.m. M has run 2 hours and covered D/2, leaving D/2 between the trains. They close the gap at D/4 + 2D/7 = 15D/28 per hour, so they meet after (D/2) / (15D/28) = 14/15 hour = 56 minutes, at 7.56 a.m. Answer: option (2).

  14. All persons of a certain community are in a habit of answering any question in two sentences and one of these is always true and other one is always false. A visitor came across three persons of this community : one of them is a doctor, another one is a lawyer and third one is a farmer. Study the reply of these persons to a question about their professions and select the true statement from the given options. X : I am not a farmer. Z is not a farmer. Y : X is not a lawyer. Z is a farmer. Z : X is not a doctor. I am not a farmer.

    1. X is a doctor.
    2. Y is a lawyer.
    3. Z is a farmer.
    4. None of the above statements are true
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) Z is a farmer.

    Suppose Z is not a farmer. Then Y's second sentence is false, so 'X is not a lawyer' is true; X's second sentence 'Z is not a farmer' is true, so 'I am not a farmer' must be false and X is the farmer. But then both of Z's sentences ('X is not a doctor', 'I am not a farmer') are true, which is not allowed. So Z is the farmer. Then Y's 'X is not a lawyer' is false, so X is the lawyer and Y is the doctor; X (true, false) and Z (true, false) both check out. Answer: option (3).

  15. There are equal number of men and women in a family of six. There are two fathers and two sons. Additional information about these family members is as given below. Ram is eldest and Nita is youngest of the family. The farmer is the father of the writer and also of the doctor. Nita is Sameer's sister and both are teenagers. Their mother is a teacher. The only couple in the family is Jayesh and Nadira. Anna is not married and is the daughter of Ram. Select the option that describes the relationship between Ram and the writer.

    1. Ram is the father of the person who is the writer.
    2. Ram is the husband of the person who is the writer.
    3. Ram is the brother of the person who is the writer.
    4. Ram is the son of the person who is the writer.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) Ram is the father of the person who is the writer.

    The six are Ram, Anna, Jayesh, Nadira, Sameer and Nita (three men, three women). Jayesh and Nadira are the only couple; their children are the teenagers Sameer and Nita, and their mother Nadira is the teacher. The two fathers are Ram and Jayesh, and the two sons are Sameer and Jayesh, so Jayesh is Ram's son and Anna is Ram's daughter. The farmer is the father of two working adults, the writer and the doctor; the teenagers are not these, so the farmer is Ram and the writer and doctor are his children Jayesh and Anna. Either way, Ram is the father of the writer. Answer: option (1).

  16. Daya, Maya, Saya, Jia, and Nia are housewives and their team takes care of the garden in their colony. They wanted to visit places Shela, Kota, Moha, Heta and Vela for vacation. They choose to take these holidays in the month of March, June, September, November and December. Following are some additional, related facts. Jia took holiday in December but did not visit Moha or Heta. Maya went to Shela in June. Daya went to Kota but not in March or September. Nia went for holiday in March but as she had visited Heta, she did not go there. Select the person who went on holiday in November.

    1. Daya
    2. Saya
    3. Daya or Saya
    4. Data is insufficient
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) Daya

    Jia took December, Maya June and Nia March. That leaves September and November for Daya and Saya. Daya did not go in March or September, so Daya went in November (and Saya in September). Answer: option (1).

  17. Given below is the main statement that is followed by statements labelled (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the ordered pair of statements where the 1st statement implies 2nd and the two statements together are logically consistent with the main statement. You can watch a drama only if you have a ticket. (a) You watched a drama. (b) You had a ticket. (c) You did not watch a drama. (d) You did not have a ticket.

    1. (c) and (a)
    2. (a) and (b)
    3. (d) and (a)
    4. (b) and (c)
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (2) (a) and (b)

    'You can watch a drama only if you have a ticket' means: watched a drama implies had a ticket (equivalently, no ticket implies did not watch). So (a) You watched a drama implies (b) You had a ticket. (c) and (a) contradict each other, (d) with (a) breaks the rule, and having a ticket (b) does not imply not watching (c). Answer: option (2).

  18. Two teams are to be compiled from health workers M, N, O, P, Q, R, S and T selected from all over the State for executing health related programmes. Each worker will be in either of the teams and one of the teams can accommodate at the most five or at least four workers. Given below is some more information about the workers. (a) Being best friends O and M would be in the same team. (b) Being rivals M and T will not be in the same team. (c) R and N will not be selected along with O. (d) Q will be selected with M and P but not with S. If P and M are selected for a team, then select the true statement from the given options.

    1. One of the teams has five persons.
    2. N is the member of this team.
    3. Q is in the other team.
    4. S is not the member of this team.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (4) S is not the member of this team.

    With P and M in the team: O joins M (a) and Q joins M and P (d), giving M, P, O, Q. T cannot be with M (b), R and N cannot be with O (c), and S cannot be with Q (d). So this team is exactly M, P, O, Q and the other team is N, R, S, T: four each. Hence (1), (2) and (3) are false and 'S is not the member of this team' is true. Answer: option (4).

  19. Aisha is studying literature of the period 1950 - 2010 for her graduation. She decided to buy a book to help her with studies. Information about 5 different related books which are available at the local shop is given below. Title | Period covered | Hardback ? | Illustrated ? | Price ? '20th and 21st Century Literature' | 1950 - 2020 | Yes | No | ₹ 450 The Illustrated Guide to Literature | 1900 - 2020 | No | Yes | ₹ 500 Beginners' Guide to Literature | 1850 - 2010 | No | No | ₹ 400 Literature For All | 1850 - 2000 | Yes | Yes | ₹ 550 All About Literature | 1800 - 2020 | Yes | No | ₹ 600 Next day she went to the shop with exact cash required for buying the cheapest book satisfying her requirement. She found that there was a sale and the price of all books are reduced by 20%. So she purchased the most costly book that she could buy with the money she had and that fulfils her requirements. Select the amount that is left over with Aisha.

    1. ₹ 90
    2. ₹ 50
    3. ₹ 10
    4. ₹ 130
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (2) ₹ 50

    'Literature For All' stops at 2000, so it does not cover her period. Among the books that do, the official answer is reached by taking the cheapest suitable book as '20th and 21st Century Literature' at ₹ 450, so she carries ₹ 450. That means the setter did not count the Beginners' Guide as suitable for a graduate. After the 20% cut the prices are ₹ 360 ('20th and 21st Century'), ₹ 400 (Illustrated Guide) and ₹ 480 (All About Literature). The costliest she can afford with ₹ 450 is the Illustrated Guide at ₹ 400, leaving 450 - 400 = ₹ 50. (If the ₹ 400 Beginners' Guide counted, she would carry ₹ 400 and have ₹ 0 left, which is not an option.) Answer: option (2).

  20. All 36 pupils of the Zilla Parishad School planted in all 48 plants, a mixture of jambhul and chiku varieties, in their locality. Every boy planted three jambhul varieties and the each group of two girls planted one chiku variety between them. Select the statement that is not true with respect to the above information.

    1. There are 12 more girls than boys in this school.
    2. If the total number of plants planted is 49, then the number of girls in this school is definitely 14, with respect to the above case.
    3. There are 14 boys in this school.
    4. If the total number of plants planted is 51, then the number of boys in this school is definitely 13, with respect to the above case.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) There are 14 boys in this school.

    Let there be b boys and g girls. Then b + g = 36 and 3b + g/2 = 48, i.e. 6b + g = 96. Subtracting, 5b = 60, so b = 12 and g = 24. There are 12 more girls than boys, so (1) is true, while 'There are 14 boys' contradicts b = 12 and is not true. (Statements (2) and (4) are about other totals; 49 or 51 plants would give 5b = 62 or 66, so they do not describe the given situation.) Answer: option (3).

  21. If the number 357*25* is divisible by both 3 and 5, then select the appropriate pair of digits in units and thousandth place respectively.

    1. 0, 4
    2. 5, 4
    3. 5, 6
    4. 0, 6
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) 5, 6

    The stars are the thousands digit (after 357) and the units digit. Divisible by 5 means the units digit is 0 or 5. Divisible by 3 means the digit sum 3 + 5 + 7 + 2 + 5 + (thousands) + (units) = 22 + thousands + units is a multiple of 3. Check: (0, 4) gives 26, (5, 4) gives 31, (5, 6) gives 33, (0, 6) gives 28. Only 33 is divisible by 3. Answer: option (3).

  22. Study the accompanying piece of transparent paper. Select the fold image if it is folded to get triangle. [Figure: a sheet of six equilateral triangles - two triangles on top side by side, three in the middle row and one at the bottom. Top-left triangle has a filled diamond; top-right has a heart; middle-left is blank; middle centre has a '0'; middle-right has an outline diamond; bottom triangle has a chevron. Answer figures are single triangles showing the symbols superimposed.]

    This question has a figure in the official paper; it is described in words above.इस प्रश्न में आधिकारिक पेपर में एक चित्र है; ऊपर उसे शब्दों में बताया गया है। See the official paperआधिकारिक पेपर देखिए

    1. [Figure: triangle with a heart at the top, a chevron below it, a '0' at the right, a filled diamond at the lower left and a small outline square at the bottom]
    2. [Figure: triangle with a heart overlapping a chevron at the upper left, a '0' at the right, and a filled square beside an outline parallelogram at the bottom]
    3. [Figure: triangle with a heart joined to a chevron at the top, a '0' at the right, and a filled square beside an outline square at the bottom]
    4. [Figure: triangle with a heart above an upward arrow shape, a '0' at the right, and an outline square beside a filled parallelogram at the bottom]
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    MPSC dropped this question from evaluation.MPSC ने इस प्रश्न को मूल्यांकन से हटा दिया।

    MPSC cancelled this question in the final answer key, so no option is keyed and it carries no marks either way.

  23. During the discussion one speaker said, "As claimed by some researchers, it is not reasonable to attribute complex reasoning ability to reptiles on the basis of simple stimulus-response explanations of some reptiles' behaviours like searching prey, caring for their eggs and engaging in various other life processes. But since, as observed during experiments, reptiles are not capable of making changes in their behaviour when they are made to face major changes in their surroundings, this leads one to conclude that reptiles are not capable of complex reasoning." Which one of the following is an assumption required by the speaker's conclusion ?

    1. In comparison with their behaviour in laboratory experiments, reptiles' behaviour appears to be more complex in their natural environment.
    2. If reptiles were capable of complex reasoning, then they would exhibit capability of altering their behaviour as per the changes in their natural habitat.
    3. Complex reasoning and responses to stimuli cannot both contribute to the same behaviour.
    4. All reptiles' behaviour can be explained on the basis of simple stimulus-responses.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (2) If reptiles were capable of complex reasoning, then they would exhibit capability of altering their behaviour as per the changes in their natural habitat.

    The speaker reasons: reptiles do not change their behaviour when their surroundings change, therefore they lack complex reasoning. This only follows if complex reasoning would show itself as such a change, i.e. 'if reptiles could reason in complex ways, they would alter their behaviour as their habitat changes'. Without that link the conclusion collapses. Option (1) would weaken the argument, (3) is not needed, and (4) goes further than the speaker, who mentions only 'some' behaviours. Answer: option (2).

  24. Study the following argument and then choose from the options given, the argument that most closely parallels the reasoning of it. The farmer's family had an option of planting gram or soyabeans. Last year gram received a better market price as compared to soyabeans. But in order to ensure high yields, quality organic fertilisers and eco-friendly pest controlling inputs are required for gram. Since they could not get credit required for this additional care, in spite of the crop being likely to earn less profit, the family planted soyabeans.

    1. In order to go on excursion for collecting field data, the learners need to raise enough money. It is impossible for them to raise the sufficient funds, therefore they are unlikely to go on excursion.
    2. For securing promotion, one needs to meet sales targets if one is working as the salesperson. If one is successful in meeting the last quarter's target, then one can hope to get a promotion.
    3. It is possible for tourists to exchange currency through bank or for poorer exchange rate, they can use the hotel where they stay. There was not sufficient time for finding a bank so they had to use the hotel for exchange.
    4. It is possible to get the loan from a nationalised bank or a co-operative bank. Since a co-operative bank has higher customer service rating, a person decides to apply for loan in a co-operative bank as she is sure of getting the loan easily.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) It is possible for tourists to exchange currency through bank or for poorer exchange rate, they can use the hotel where they stay. There was not sufficient time for finding a bank so they had to use the hotel for exchange.

    The argument's structure: there are two options; the better one (gram) needs a resource (credit) that is not available, so the poorer option (soyabeans) is chosen despite its lower return. Option (3) matches exactly: two ways to exchange currency, the better one (bank) needs a resource (time) that was lacking, so the poorer one (hotel, worse rate) was used. Option (1) has no choice between two options, (2) is a simple condition, and (4) picks the better option, not the worse one. Answer: option (3).

  25. Scientists at the Berlin's Institute of Pharmacy have recommended that Ecdysterone, a hormone found in spinach, be included in the list of prohibited substances for athletes. Scientists conducted a study for testing their hypothesis, 'there would be an increase in performance of athletes.' They found, 'significantly higher increase in muscle mass observed in those participants who were dosed with Ecdysterone.' Popeye was definitely into something when be ripped open cans of spinach before beating the bad guys for his beloved Olive. Now, scientists in Germany say that the cartoon character may well have been "doping" to get his superhuman strength. Select the most of appropriate reason for recommending prohibition on the use of Ecdysterone for athletes.

    1. Higher increase in muscle mass gives a person superhuman strength that helps him or her to give the best performance.
    2. Ecdysterone, as it increases muscle mass, serves as a dope and any kind of doping is banned for athletes.
    3. Higher increase in muscle power causes adverse effects on athlete's health.
    4. Spinach eating causes increase in muscle mass of the person due to Ecdysterone present in it.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (2) Ecdysterone, as it increases muscle mass, serves as a dope and any kind of doping is banned for athletes.

    The scientists found that Ecdysterone significantly increases muscle mass and so boosts performance, which is what makes a substance a performance-enhancing dope; doping is banned in sport, so it should be on the prohibited list. Option (1) exaggerates ('superhuman') and gives no reason for a ban, (3) about health effects is not mentioned, and (4) only states a fact about spinach. Answer: option (2).

  26. Sanvi was born on 28th February, 2018. Then on which day will her 22nd birthday come ?

    1. Tuesday
    2. Monday
    3. Wednesday
    4. Friday
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) Tuesday

    28 February 2018 was a Wednesday. Her 22nd birthday is 28 February 2040. From 2018 to 2040 there are 22 years, and the leap days 29 February 2020, 2024, 2028, 2032 and 2036 fall in between (29 February 2040 comes after the 28th). Odd days = 22 + 5 = 27, and 27 mod 7 = 6. Wednesday + 6 days = Tuesday. Answer: option (1).

  27. A and B can complete a work in 15 days and 10 days respectively. They started doing the work together, but after 2 days B had to leave and A alone completed the remaining work. In how many days was the work completed ?

    1. 8 days
    2. 10 days
    3. 12 days
    4. 15 days
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) 12 days

    Together they do 1/15 + 1/10 = 1/6 of the work per day, so in 2 days they finish 2/6 = 1/3. The remaining 2/3 is done by A at 1/15 per day: (2/3) x 15 = 10 days. Total = 2 + 10 = 12 days. Answer: option (3).

  28. Study the statements given below and select the correct conclusion based on these, that follow : (a) All mathematicians exhibit an ability to do high level logical thinking. (b) Self-learning students, who are not the product of traditional school system, are usually found to be highly creative. (c) Only some of the mathematicians are highly creative.

    1. Persons with high level logical thinking ability are likely to become mathematicians.
    2. Self-learning students don't exhibit high level logical thinking ability.
    3. Self-learning students seldom become mathematicians.
    4. None of the above
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (4) None of the above

    (a) says every mathematician thinks logically at a high level, but not that every such thinker is or will become a mathematician, so (1) does not follow. Nothing links self-learning students to logical thinking, so (2) does not follow. Being highly creative (b) and 'only some mathematicians are highly creative' (c) say nothing about how often self-learners become mathematicians, so (3) does not follow either. Answer: option (4).

  29. Find the dot design of accompanying tiles and select the appropriate part of it from the given options. [Figure: a 3 x 3 arrangement of square tiles with the bottom-middle tile missing. Dots are filled (F) or open (O) at the corners (TL, TR, BL, BR) and centre (C) of each tile. Row 1: tile 1 - TL F, TR F, C O, BL O, BR O; tile 2 - TL F, TR O, C O, BL O, BR F; tile 3 - TL O, C F, BL F. Row 2: tile 1 - TL F, TR O, C F, BL O, BR F; tile 2 - TL F, TR F, C O, BL O, BR F; tile 3 - TL O, BL F, BR O. Row 3: tile 1 - TL O, BL F; tile 2 - missing; tile 3 - TL F, BL O.]

    This question has a figure in the official paper; it is described in words above.इस प्रश्न में आधिकारिक पेपर में एक चित्र है; ऊपर उसे शब्दों में बताया गया है। See the official paperआधिकारिक पेपर देखिए

    1. [Figure: tile with TL open, centre filled, BL filled, BR open]
    2. [Figure: tile with TL filled, TR open, centre open, BL filled]
    3. [Figure: tile with TL open, TR open, centre filled, BR filled]
    4. [Figure: tile with TL open, TR open, centre filled, BL filled]
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) [Figure: tile with TL open, centre filled, BL filled, BR open]

    Look down the columns at the dots where one tile meets the tile below. In columns 1 and 3, between rows 2 and 3 the top-left dot of the row 3 tile has the same shade as the bottom-left dot of the row 2 tile (open over open in column 1, filled over filled in column 3). In column 2 the row 2 tile's bottom-left dot is open, so the missing tile needs an open dot at top left, which rules out option (2). Among the rest, option (1) matches the row 1 and row 2 tiles of column 3 put together (open top left, filled centre, filled bottom left, open bottom right). The rule is not stated in the question, and the official MPSC key gives option (1).

  30. Read the following argument and select the best statement that points out the flaw in the argument from given options. Many people think that welfare benefits create a culture of dependency and an unproductive workforce. Many people solely depend on welfare benefits without making any efforts to earn their living. Few years back the government introduced tough eligibility rules for getting welfare benefits and the number of recipients has now fallen by 15%. The government should therefore tighten eligibility rules to further reduce the number of welfare beneficiaries. Select the statement that points out the flaw in the argument from the given options.

    1. It equates beneficiaries with unproductive workforce.
    2. It implies that beneficiaries are responsible for their situation.
    3. It fails to empathise with beneficiaries facing adversities.
    4. It gives the impression that the benefits are unnecessary.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) It fails to empathise with beneficiaries facing adversities.

    The argument treats a fall in the number of recipients as success in itself and wants to cut it further. It ignores that many beneficiaries depend on welfare because they face genuine hardship, and tougher rules would shut out these people too. This failure to consider beneficiaries facing adversities is the key flaw. The other options describe attitudes close to the argument but do not name what it leaves out. Answer: option (3).

  31. You are the head of a certain office. The office secretariat is in the charge of allotting limited number of houses reserved for the office staff and these houses are near the office. Allotment is done as per the rules laid down by the higher authority of the organization and these rules are published by the secretariat. Your distant relative works in this office as your senior assistant. She pleaded to the secretariat that she should be given priority in house allotment as she has to take care of her ailing in-laws. Another junior staff member also requested to the secretariat to allot house as he has to take care of his ailing wife. The secretariat turned down her request by pointing out the rules and on the basis of these rules the junior staff member has been allotted the house considering the nature of his duties. Now your relative is pressing you to help her to get house that is allotted to the junior staff member and you want to avoid her annoyance. You will,

    1. order the secretariat to hold the allotment orders and delay the declaration of allotment as far as possible.
    2. order the secretariat to allot the houses without considering any request related to personal problems like ailment of relatives.
    3. agree with the secretariat's note as they have strictly followed the rules set up by the authorities though that might strain your relations with her and other relatives.
    4. request the secretariat to explain the rationale of the decision made about not considering her request, in your presence for avoiding misunderstanding and irritation of your relative.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (4) request the secretariat to explain the rationale of the decision made about not considering her request, in your presence for avoiding misunderstanding and irritation of your relative. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 0, (2) 1, (3) 1.5, (4) 2.5.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 0, (2) 1, (3) 1.5, (4) 2.5।

    Option (4) is best: the allotment was made correctly under published rules, so you uphold it without using your position for a relative, while having the secretariat explain the reasons to her openly in your presence. This is transparent, keeps you neutral and addresses her grievance without bad feeling. Option (3) also upholds the rules but simply sides with the note and does nothing to resolve the misunderstanding. Option (2) overrides rules that already allow for duties and needs and is needlessly rigid. Option (1) misuses your authority to stall a valid allotment for a relative's sake and earns nothing. Marks: (1) 0, (2) 1, (3) 1.5, (4) 2.5.

  32. You are a senior government servant known for your integrity. You are approached by a group of activists who are working for social justice for the people who are considered low caste by other groups, in most of the villages in your district that is under your jurisdiction. Many Buddhist families from these villages are facing social boycott and are living in miserable conditions. Activists want you to support the movement and actively participate in it as you are against social stratification of any kind. Government Conduct Rules prohibit government servants from participating in activity related to criticizing government for the condition of these people. In this situation, what appropriate course of action would you choose from the following list of options ?

    1. You know that large number of people are denied justice due to hegemony of so-called high caste people, therefore you assure this group full support and guide them to plan activities for long-term change related to this issue, though this is a very difficult task.
    2. Discourage the group from doing any activity related to the problem of social justice as this will aggravate the problem of the concerned people.
    3. Explain to the group that you cannot participate in any kind of such activity as Conduct Rules prohibit you to do this and you are aware of the fact that even highly educated people don't have any empathy towards these people.
    4. Assure this group that you will give them full moral support and needed assistance without getting involved personally in the programme to avoid any kind of violence related to this issue as so-called high caste people including high level government officials support social boycott against these people.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (1) You know that large number of people are denied justice due to hegemony of so-called high caste people, therefore you assure this group full support and guide them to plan activities for long-term change related to this issue, though this is a very difficult task. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 2.5, (2) 0, (3) 1, (4) 1.5.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 2.5, (2) 0, (3) 1, (4) 1.5।

    Option (1) is best: social boycott is a denial of justice that a district officer is duty-bound to remove. Supporting the group and guiding it towards planned, long-term change is constructive action against the injustice and does not amount to agitating against the government. Option (4) gives support but keeps you at a distance out of fear of the powerful, so it is weaker. Option (3) correctly mentions the Conduct Rules but stops at refusing and offers no help. Option (2) discourages the fight for justice altogether and is the worst. Marks: (1) 2.5, (2) 0, (3) 1, (4) 1.5.

  33. You are from a farmer's family and working as the Government Agriculture Officer. The Agriculture Minister ordered you to organize lectures for farmers by his friend who is self-proclaimed organic farming expert and celebrity. The Minister also expects you to make VIP facilities available to him. You, as an experienced member of your family, are sure that his methods are not tested scientifically and do not give the yields claimed by him. You will

    1. suggest the name of the scientist who assists farmers to experiment with scientific data available on internet for guiding farmers.
    2. explain to the Minister that this person is a fraud.
    3. organize lectures of the celebrity as you know how difficult it is to convince the Minister that his friend is a fraud.
    4. suggest the name of the scientist who is working with farmers for many years and has designed methods of using organic fertilizers for increasing yield, using scientific data for guiding farmers.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (4) suggest the name of the scientist who is working with farmers for many years and has designed methods of using organic fertilizers for increasing yield, using scientific data for guiding farmers. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 1.5, (2) 1, (3) 0, (4) 2.5.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 1.5, (2) 1, (3) 0, (4) 2.5।

    Option (4) is best: it protects farmers from untested methods while still meeting the Minister's aim of promoting organic farming, by tactfully offering a proven expert with long field experience and scientific, organic methods. Option (1) also offers a scientific alternative, but one who works with internet data is less suited to organic farming advice. Option (2) is honest but confrontational and offers no alternative. Option (3) knowingly exposes farmers to misleading advice to please the Minister and earns nothing. Marks: (1) 1.5, (2) 1, (3) 0, (4) 2.5.

  34. Every year 20th March is celebrated as Happiness Day. As the headmistress, you want to organize celebration of Happiness Day in school to make teachers and learners aware of process of living happily. You have called a parents-teachers meeting to get ideas about celebration of Happiness Day. You also talked to children of different classes and found that adults as well as children have the same ideas about 'happiness'. You also talked to the devotees standing in queue for 'darshan' of deities of their choice and you found that they also pray for something that can be purchased with hefty amount. You will

    1. allow teachers and learners to do whatever they enjoy doing at school as suggested by majority of persons attending the meeting and request each one to write in brief an account of some instances of happy life that they have experienced.
    2. call some people whom you have observed living happily while doing their work and leading a simple life and request them to share their 'happy' experiences with students.
    3. organize teachers and parents sessions for constructing collaborative ideas about 'happiness' and for assisting teachers to design learning experiences that make the learning process enjoyable to each learner.
    4. organize lecture of a celebrated spiritual personality to make students and teachers aware about eternal happiness as suggested by few persons who attend spiritual lectures regularly.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) organize teachers and parents sessions for constructing collaborative ideas about 'happiness' and for assisting teachers to design learning experiences that make the learning process enjoyable to each learner. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 1.5, (2) 1, (3) 2.5, (4) 0.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 1.5, (2) 1, (3) 2.5, (4) 0।

    Option (3) is best: your survey shows people tie happiness to things money can buy, so the school needs to build a shared, deeper idea of happiness. Collaborative sessions with teachers and parents, and learning that is enjoyable for every child, make happiness part of everyday school life rather than a one-day event. Option (1) involves everyone and asks for reflection, but 'do whatever they enjoy' has little direction. Option (2) offers good role models but is a one-off talk. Option (4) follows a small minority, makes the day about one spiritual lecture and does not suit a school's diverse community, so it earns nothing. Marks: (1) 1.5, (2) 1, (3) 2.5, (4) 0.

  35. You are heading a research team in a biotechnical company. You have mooted the proposal for some special hands-on training in a renowned foreign laboratory. In an order passed by your immediate supervisory head, three of your team members have been recommended for this training. You suspect that it is deliberate on part of your boss with whom you had differences of opinion with respect to another project. As first point of action you would

    1. use your media contacts, social media and pressurise your boss to recommend your name for the training.
    2. seek audience from your boss's superiors and make them aware of injustice done to you.
    3. speak to your boss for knowing the reason for not recommending your name for training and explain your point for recommending you for the training if necessary.
    4. submit a written complaint to the concerned authorities about this matter.
    Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या

    Answer:उत्तर: (3) speak to your boss for knowing the reason for not recommending your name for training and explain your point for recommending you for the training if necessary. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 0, (2) 1, (3) 2.5, (4) 1.5.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 0, (2) 1, (3) 2.5, (4) 1.5।

    Option (3) is best: you only suspect bias, so the right first step is to talk directly to your boss, learn the reason and make your case if needed. This is professional and goes through the proper channel. Option (4), a formal written complaint, is a legitimate channel but premature as a first step. Option (2) goes over your boss's head on a mere suspicion. Option (1) uses media pressure on an internal matter, which is unprofessional and earns nothing. Marks: (1) 0, (2) 1, (3) 2.5, (4) 1.5.

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