Maharashtra Gazetted Civil Services Combined Preliminary Examination 2024, 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, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 53, 74 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, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 53, 74 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
Match the following : A (a) inherently (b) dogmatism (c) persecution (d) prejudice (e) insular B (i) unreasonable dislike or preference (ii) cruelty (iii) narrow minded (iv) by its very nature (v) authoritarianism Answer options : (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
- (iv) (v) (ii) (i) (iii)
- (i) (iv) (v) (ii) (iii)
- (iii) (v) (ii) (iv) (i)
- (ii) (iii) (i) (iv) (v)
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (1) (iv) (v) (ii) (i) (iii)
Inherently means by its very nature (iv); dogmatism is the authoritarian assertion of beliefs (v); persecution is cruel ill-treatment (ii); prejudice is an unreasonable dislike or preference (i); insular means narrow minded (iii). That is a-iv, b-v, c-ii, d-i, e-iii: option (1).
Out of 5 Brothers and 3 sisters, a committee of 3 members consisting of 1 sister and 2 brothers is to be formed. In how many different ways can it be done ?
- 30
- 25
- 20
- 15
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (1) 30
Choose 2 of the 5 brothers: 5C2 = 10 ways. Choose 1 of the 3 sisters: 3 ways. Total = 10 x 3 = 30. Option (1).
Which organizational pattern is often used in persuasive essays to present arguments and counter arguments ?
- Problem and solution
- Point-by-point
- Cause and effect
- Compare and contrast
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (2) Point-by-point
In a persuasive essay each argument is usually taken up in turn and answered with its counter-argument, i.e. a point-by-point structure. Problem-solution and cause-effect organise explanations, and compare-contrast is used for weighing two subjects. Option (2).
A contract related to cleaning debris around the construction work, specifies penalty in completion of work beyond certain days as follows : ₹ 250 for 1st day; ₹ 310 for 2nd day; ₹ 370 for the 3rd day and so on. If the contractor pays the fine amount ₹ 6960 then select the number days he delayed the work.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) 12
The fines form an arithmetic progression with a = 250 and d = 60. Sum of n days = n/2 x [2(250) + (n - 1)60] = n(220 + 30n). Setting n(220 + 30n) = 6960: for n = 12, 12 x (220 + 360) = 12 x 580 = 6960. So he delayed 12 days. Option (3).
Whenever Meena and Madhu buy ice creams from the local stall, they both always choose one scoop of each of two different flavours. The flavours available on stall are chocolate, coffee, lichi, mango, almond, strawberry, and vanilla. Meena does not eat almond and Madhu does not eat chocolate or coffee ice cream. Select number of more combinations that Meena can choose than those of Madhu.
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (2) 5
There are 7 flavours. Meena can use 6 of them, so she has 6C2 = 15 pairs. Madhu can use 5, so he has 5C2 = 10 pairs. Meena has 15 - 10 = 5 more combinations. Option (2).
Simplify : (4/7)√147 + (3/8)√192 - (1/5)√75
- 5√5
- 3√5
- 7√7
- 6√3
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) 6√3
√147 = 7√3, √192 = 8√3, √75 = 5√3. So (4/7)(7√3) + (3/8)(8√3) - (1/5)(5√3) = 4√3 + 3√3 - √3 = 6√3. Option (4).
If '+' means '-', '-' means 'x', '÷' means '+' and 'x' means '÷', then 25 x 5 ÷ 7 - 4 + 9 = ?
- 39
- 24
- -35
- 25/39
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (2) 24
Replacing the signs gives 25 ÷ 5 + 7 x 4 - 9. By BODMAS: 5 + 28 - 9 = 24. Option (2).
What is the principal amount, if the amount of compound interest on it at 10% p.c.p.a. for 2 years is ₹ 945 ?
- ₹ 4800
- ₹ 4700
- ₹ 4500
- ₹ 4900
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) ₹ 4500
CI for 2 years at 10% = P[(1.1)^2 - 1] = 0.21P. So 0.21P = 945, giving P = 945 / 0.21 = ₹ 4500. Option (3).
Choose the correct meaning of the given idiom. "To pick a bone with one"
- To learn
- To blame
- To criticise
- To die
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (2) To blame
To have or pick a bone with someone means to have a complaint against them, i.e. to hold them responsible for something and confront them about it. Of the choices, that is "to blame". Option (2).
Schools | Dnyandeep | Anjuman SEE | 65 | 40 Degree | 40 | 12 The examination results of groups of pupils from the same year from two schools in their end-of-school exams and their university degree are given in accompanying table. Results are expressed as percentages of each group achieving the top grades. Dnyandeep College has significantly smaller class sizes than Anjuman Higher. Two newspapers made different comments on this report : (a) Dnyadeep College is better than Anjuman Higher at teaching to achieve good results in the end-of-schools exams. (b) Anjuman Higher prepares pupils better than Dnyandeep College for university education. Select the comment/s that serve/s as plausible explanation of the data in the table.
- Both (a) and (b)
- Neither (a) nor (b)
- Only (a)
- Only (b)
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) Only (a)
In the end-of-school exams 65% of Dnyandeep pupils get top grades against 40% at Anjuman, and its smaller classes make better teaching for these exams a plausible explanation, so (a) fits. At degree level Dnyandeep pupils again do better (40% against 12%), so the data contradict the claim that Anjuman prepares pupils better for university; (b) does not fit. Option (3).
In the phrase "The end of the story". What does "of" indicate ?
- Possession
- Location
- Time
- Relationship or connection
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) Relationship or connection
In "the end of the story", "of" links the end to the story it belongs to, i.e. it shows a relationship or connection between the two nouns, not ownership, place or time. Option (4).
"Reading fiction improves empathy and social understanding." Which of the following statements, if true, would most strongly support the claim above.
- Studies have shown that individuals who read fiction regularly have high scores on tests measuring empathy.
- Fictional Literature often contains complex characters and situations that require readers to consider multiple perspectives.
- People who read fiction tend to have larger vocabularies compared to those who do not.
- Fictional stories are often set in imaginative worlds that are unrelated to real-life experiences.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (1) Studies have shown that individuals who read fiction regularly have high scores on tests measuring empathy.
Direct evidence that regular fiction readers score higher on empathy tests supports the claim most strongly. Option (2) offers only a possible mechanism, (3) concerns vocabulary rather than empathy, and (4) if anything weakens the claim. Option (1).
What is the main idea in the sentence ? "After hours of practice, she finally mastered the piano piece"
- She enjoys playing the piano
- Practising the piano is difficult
- The piano piece was challenging
- Dedication leads to mastery
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) Dedication leads to mastery
The sentence links hours of practice to finally mastering the piece; its point is that sustained effort (dedication) brings mastery. Enjoyment is not mentioned, and difficulty is only implied. Option (4).
Choose the similar word : Chandrapur; Dhule; Gondia; Jalgaon; __?__
- Nagpur
- Nandurbar
- Nashik
- Bhusaval
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (1) Nagpur
The series alternates between Vidarbha and Khandesh districts: Chandrapur (Vidarbha), Dhule (Khandesh), Gondia (Vidarbha), Jalgaon (Khandesh), so the next term should be a Vidarbha district. Nagpur fits; Nandurbar is in Khandesh, Nashik in north Maharashtra, and Bhusaval is a town, not a district. Option (1).
Select the appropriate image for replacing the question mark in given relationship. [Figure: Pair 1: a die showing 3 dots on top, 1 dot in front and 5 dots on the right side : the same die turned so that it shows 1 dot in front, 2 dots on the right and 3 dots on the bottom. Pair 2: ? : a cube showing a dot on top, a + in front and a black downward triangle on the right. Options: (1) black downward triangle in front, + on the right, dot on the bottom; (2) dot on top, + in front, black downward triangle on the right; (3) + in front, two dots on the right, dot on the bottom; (4) star in a black circle in front, small triangle on top, + on the right.]
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
- Cube: ▼ in front, + on the right, dot on the bottom
- Cube: dot on top, + in front, ▼ on the right
- Cube: + in front, two dots on the right, dot on the bottom
- Cube: star in a black circle in front, ▲ on top, + on the right
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) Cube: + in front, two dots on the right, dot on the bottom
In the first pair the die is turned half a turn about the front-to-back axis: the front face (1) stays in front, the top face (3) goes to the bottom, and the old left face (2, opposite 5) comes to the right. Applying the same turn to the given cube keeps + in front and moves the dot from the top to the bottom, with a new face on the right. Only option (3) shows + in front with the dot at the bottom. Option (3).
Monday falls on 20th March, 1995. What was the day of 3rd November, 1994 ?
- Sunday
- Tuesday
- Thursday
- Friday
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) Thursday
Days from 3 November 1994 to 20 March 1995: 27 (rest of November) + 31 (December) + 31 (January) + 28 (February, 1995 is not a leap year) + 20 (March) = 137. 137 = 19 x 7 + 4, so 3 November is 4 days of the week before Monday, i.e. Thursday. Option (3).
Given below is an action and related facts (a) and (b) are following it. Select the appropriate option with respect to completion of this action. Anu, Chunu, Kanu and Ninu ran a race. All children start from the same line simultaneously. Using following facts select the person who won the race. (a) Twice the speed of Chunu, thrice the speed of Anu and four times speed of Ninu are equal. (b) When winner finished the race the average of the distances ran by Anu, Kanu and Ninu equalled the average distance ran by Anu and Kanu.
- The activity can be completed using one of the fact alone but cannot be completed by using other fact alone.
- The activity can be done by using both the facts together but cannot be done by using either of the facts alone.
- The activity can be accomplished by using either of the facts alone.
- The activity cannot be completed by using both the facts together.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (2) The activity can be done by using both the facts together but cannot be done by using either of the facts alone.
From (a), 2C = 3A = 4N, so the speeds are C : A : N = 6 : 4 : 3, but Kanu's speed is unknown. From (b), (A + K + N)/3 = (A + K)/2 gives N = (A + K)/2, i.e. Ninu ran the average of Anu and Kanu, which says nothing about Chunu. Together: 3 = (4 + K)/2 gives K = 2, so Chunu (6) is fastest and wins. Both facts are needed. Option (2).
How many 2 digit numbers can be formed with the digits 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 if none of the digits is being repeated in any of the numbers so formed ?
- 30
- 31
- 25
- 20
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) 20
None of the digits is 0, so the tens digit can be any of 5 digits and the units digit any of the remaining 4: 5 x 4 = 20 numbers. Option (4).
₹ 5000 has been distributed to A, B and C in the ratio 2 : 3 : 5. How many ₹ comes to 'C' ?
- ₹ 1500
- ₹ 2000
- ₹ 2500
- ₹ 3000
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) ₹ 2500
Total parts = 2 + 3 + 5 = 10. C gets 5/10 of ₹ 5000 = ₹ 2500. Option (3).
Identify two facts that prove conclusion : 'the area of village Aate is larger than that of village Sate', to be always true. Facts : (a) The area of village Pate is larger than that of village Wate. (b) Sate is not the village smallest with respect to area. (c) Pate would have been largest with respect to area had it not been for Nate. (d) Area wise, village Aate, is the third largest.
- (a), (b)
- (b), (c)
- (b), (d)
- (c), (d)
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) (c), (d)
From (c), Nate is the largest and Pate the second largest. From (d), Aate is third. So Sate, being neither Nate nor Pate, can be at best fourth and is always smaller than Aate. Facts (a) and (b) say nothing about Aate's rank, and (d) alone does not rule out Sate being first or second. Option (4).
Era lives in a certain village near the junction marked 'A' and works at the junction marked 'B'. All road sections in this village are 100 m long. Era likes to vary her walk to work, but always walks the shortest possible distance. Select the number of different routes that she can take. [Figure: a road map made of a snub-square tiling of squares and equilateral triangles, every road section being a side of a square or triangle (100 m). Junction A is in the upper left part of the map and junction B lies to its right, a little lower, roughly four road sections away in a straight line.]
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
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) 5
Every road section is 100 m, so a shortest walk is one that uses the fewest sections. A and B are a little over four section-lengths apart in a straight line, so any route needs at least 5 sections. Listing the routes from A towards B that never step away from B and reach it in that minimum number of sections gives the count; the official MPSC key gives 5 different routes. Option (4).
Which transition word suggests a continuation of the previous idea ?
- Nevertheless
- Consequently
- Additionally
- In conclusion
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) Additionally
"Additionally" adds another point in the same line of thought, so it continues the previous idea. "Nevertheless" signals contrast, "Consequently" a result, and "In conclusion" a summing up. Option (3).
The population of a town increases by 5% every year. If the present population is 9261 then the population 3 years ago was ________.
- 5700
- 6000
- 7500
- 8000
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) 8000
P x (1.05)^3 = 9261. (1.05)^3 = (21/20)^3 = 9261/8000, so P = 9261 x 8000 / 9261 = 8000. Option (4).
Five suspects, one of whom is the guilty party, are being interrogated by the police. Select the culprit if just three of the following always speak truth. Ali : Dev Committed the offence. Cynthia : Ela is innocent. Ela : Banu is telling the truth. Banu : It wasn't me. Dev : Ali is lying when he accuses me.
- Ela
- Cynthia
- Ali
- Banu
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (1) Ela
Ali and Dev contradict each other, so exactly one of them lies. That leaves one more liar among Cynthia, Ela and Banu. Ela and Banu stand or fall together (Ela vouches for Banu), so they cannot be the single extra liar; hence Cynthia lies, which means Ela is guilty. Check: Banu ("not me") is true, Ela is true, Ali lies (Dev is innocent) and Dev is truthful, giving exactly three truth-tellers. Option (1).
Education is a key factor for achieving sustainable development in order to achieve 2030 Agenda. A signification initiative towards integrating sustainable education should come from local level. In accordance a school district is considering implementing a new curriculum focussed on environmental sustainability. As a District Educational Authority you will :
- Consult with educators, parents and students to gather feedback for new curriculum.
- Develop teaching materials and resources aligned with the principles of environmental sustainability.
- Train teachers on effective instructional strategies for delivering the New Curriculum.
- Generate funds for designing the curriculum.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (1) Consult with educators, parents and students to gather feedback for new curriculum. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 2.5, (2) 1, (3) 1.5, (4) 0.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 2.5, (2) 1, (3) 1.5, (4) 0।
The district is only considering the curriculum and the initiative is meant to come from the local level, so the right first step is to consult educators, parents and students and build the curriculum on their feedback (option 1, 2.5 marks). Training teachers (option 3, 1.5 marks) and developing materials (option 2, 1 mark) are useful but come after the curriculum is shaped. Raising funds (option 4, 0 marks) does not address the content or ownership of the curriculum.
While studying footprints in the context of water resources, unfortunately you suffered kidney stone pain. A friend of yours came to wish you a speedy recovery while you were resting for regaining your strength. He not only informed you about your kidney problem in detail but also made you aware of the fact that many villages face this problem due to lack of potable drinking water supply. You are surprised that after studying water for so long you do not know the root cause of your own illness. You will ...
- think about migrating to any other place where you are sure to get potable water supply to your family.
- continue your study for conserving potable natural and manmade water bodies and work for saving people at large from kidney stone suffering.
- build up teams of global and local researchers and activists for conducting research related to quality and conservation of all natural and manmade water bodies in the area, and seek participation of local people in conservation programmes.
- remain neutral as you are aware of the fact that people care least for conserving water bodies that supply potable water, it is difficult to lead them for any constructive work.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) build up teams of global and local researchers and activists for conducting research related to quality and conservation of all natural and manmade water bodies in the area, and seek participation of local people in conservation programmes. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 1, (2) 1.5, (3) 2.5, (4) 0.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 1, (2) 1.5, (3) 2.5, (4) 0।
The problem affects many villages, so the most effective response is a collective one: teams of researchers and activists studying and conserving all local water bodies, with local people taking part (option 3, 2.5 marks). Continuing your own study to help people (option 2, 1.5 marks) is well meant but limited to individual effort. Migrating (option 1, 1 mark) protects only your family, and staying neutral (option 4, 0 marks) abandons the problem.
Your friends like drinking alcohol and influence you to do the same. If you don't want to go with them and to keep yourself away from the habit of drinking alcohol, what would you do ?
- I will tell my friends that my parents have forbidden me to drink alcohol.
- Will Refuse to drink alcohol.
- Will drink alcohol only because your friends are drinking.
- Will refuse and lie to them that you have liver disease.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (2) Will Refuse to drink alcohol. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 1.5, (2) 2.5, (3) 0, (4) 1.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 1.5, (2) 2.5, (3) 0, (4) 1।
A clear, honest refusal shows you own your decision and resists peer pressure (option 2, 2.5 marks). Citing your parents' ban (option 1, 1.5 marks) works but shifts the decision onto someone else. Refusing with a lie about liver disease (option 4, 1 mark) avoids drinking but is dishonest. Drinking just because friends do (option 3, 0 marks) gives in to the very pressure you want to avoid.
You are in a bus. The bus reaches your stop but still you have not purchased the ticket because of heavy rush. What will you do ?
- Give the money to the driver and tell him to give it to the conductor.
- Jump out quickly to avoid embarrassment.
- Call the conductor give him the money and get the ticket.
- Hand the money to someone sitting nearby to give it to the conductor.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (3) Call the conductor give him the money and get the ticket. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 1.5, (2) 0, (3) 2.5, (4) 1.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 1.5, (2) 0, (3) 2.5, (4) 1।
Calling the conductor, paying and taking the ticket is honest and gives you proof of a valid journey (option 3, 2.5 marks). Paying through the driver (option 1, 1.5 marks) is honest but distracts the driver and gets you no ticket, and passing money through a stranger (option 4, 1 mark) is less reliable still. Jumping out without paying (option 2, 0 marks) is ticketless travel.
Being a director of educational institute you think that something is deeply wrong with today's public psyche that sees glory rather than horror in war. Through most of history war was indeed glorified and the accompanying killing of innocent people and loot was ignored as collateral damage. This world view was challenged by the European Enlightenment that promoted centrality of human rights. This did not end wars or robbed them of patriotic sheen. Gandhian non-violence was adopted as a moral and practical resistance to colonial tyranny during the freedom movement but it is your regret that nothing special is being done to oppose war and establish peace. You will...
- encourage students to read literature which explains the need to try to bridge the gap between the parties concerned by discussing the various conflicts in the world that is stocked in school library.
- avoid thought of peace, keeping in mind that it is not possible to develop young men and women who are ready to join the army for the defense of the country without impressing the stories of gallantry, war and patriotism on the minds of the children.
- encourage teachers to empower students to analyze the various conflicts in history courses in the classroom and to understand the long-term effects on their society by studying authentic historical documents with the help of up-to-date techniques.
- assist learners to understand the truth that, 'War is not valor, but the failure of a man who calls himself wise. For a soldier who experiences stupidity and cruelty, war ends in destruction. Peace is not established by it' by organizing various activities continuously with the participation of parents and teachers.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (4) assist learners to understand the truth that, 'War is not valor, but the failure of a man who calls himself wise. For a soldier who experiences stupidity and cruelty, war ends in destruction. Peace is not established by it' by organizing various activities continuously with the participation of parents and teachers. Graded question, no negative marking. Marks for each option: (1) 1, (2) 0, (3) 1.5, (4) 2.5.श्रेणीबद्ध प्रश्न, कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं। हर विकल्प के अंक: (1) 1, (2) 0, (3) 1.5, (4) 2.5।
Your concern is that the public sees glory rather than horror in war, so the best course is a sustained effort that directly changes this attitude, with parents and teachers involved, helping learners see war as destruction and a failure of reason (option 4, 2.5 marks). Critical classroom analysis of historical conflicts (option 3, 1.5 marks) is sound but indirect, and encouraging library reading (option 1, 1 mark) is passive. Dropping the idea of peace to glorify war (option 2, 0 marks) goes against the aim.