UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 1 Aug 2025

Considering the alarming importance of CSAT in UPSC CSE Prelims exam and with enormous requests we received recently, InsightsIAS has started Daily CSAT Test to ensure students practice CSAT Questions on a daily basis. Regular Practice would help one overcome the fear of CSAT too.We are naming this initiative as Insta– DART – Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test. We hope you will be able to use DART to hit bull’s eye in CSAT paper and comfortably score 100+ even in the most difficult question paper that UPSC can give you in CSP-2021. Your peace of mind after every step of this exam is very important for us.

Looking forward to your enthusiastic participation (both in sending us questions and solving them on daily basis on this portal).

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Directions for the following 4 (four) items: In a world increasingly driven by competition and consumerism, the idea of contentment is often dismissed as a form of complacency or lack of ambition. Yet, contentment does not imply passivity—it reflects an inner stability and self-awareness that allows individuals to pursue goals without being enslaved by desires. Philosophical traditions across cultures—from Stoicism and Buddhism to Indian Vedanta—have long recognised contentment as a key to ethical living and emotional resilience. Unlike fleeting pleasures, contentment fosters equanimity, reduces envy, and liberates one from the endless chase of external validation. In this light, true freedom may not lie in the multiplication of choices, but in the mastery of desire. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) In a consumerist society, the pursuit of contentment is impractical and outdated. (b) Contentment is an antidote to desire and key to inner freedom. (c) Ambition and contentment are incompatible and cannot coexist. (d) Philosophical traditions promote withdrawal from active worldly life. Correct Answer: B Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: This is a misrepresentation of the passage. The passage critiques consumerism, not supports it. Option (b) is correct: The passage explicitly argues that contentment brings inner stability, helps escape the chase of external validation, and enables freedom through mastering desires. Hence, this best captures the central idea. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage clarifies that contentment does not imply passivity and can coexist with goal pursuit. Option (d) is incorrect: The focus is on inner transformation, not withdrawal from action. Incorrect Answer: B Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: This is a misrepresentation of the passage. The passage critiques consumerism, not supports it. Option (b) is correct: The passage explicitly argues that contentment brings inner stability, helps escape the chase of external validation, and enables freedom through mastering desires. Hence, this best captures the central idea. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage clarifies that contentment does not imply passivity and can coexist with goal pursuit. Option (d) is incorrect: The focus is on inner transformation, not withdrawal from action.

#### 1. Question

Directions for the following 4 (four) items:

In a world increasingly driven by competition and consumerism, the idea of contentment is often dismissed as a form of complacency or lack of ambition. Yet, contentment does not imply passivity—it reflects an inner stability and self-awareness that allows individuals to pursue goals without being enslaved by desires. Philosophical traditions across cultures—from Stoicism and Buddhism to Indian Vedanta—have long recognised contentment as a key to ethical living and emotional resilience. Unlike fleeting pleasures, contentment fosters equanimity, reduces envy, and liberates one from the endless chase of external validation. In this light, true freedom may not lie in the multiplication of choices, but in the mastery of desire.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?

• (a) In a consumerist society, the pursuit of contentment is impractical and outdated.

• (b) Contentment is an antidote to desire and key to inner freedom.

• (c) Ambition and contentment are incompatible and cannot coexist.

• (d) Philosophical traditions promote withdrawal from active worldly life.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: This is a misrepresentation of the passage. The passage critiques consumerism, not supports it.

• Option (b) is correct: The passage explicitly argues that contentment brings inner stability, helps escape the chase of external validation, and enables freedom through mastering desires. Hence, this best captures the central idea.

• Option (c) is incorrect: The passage clarifies that contentment does not imply passivity and can coexist with goal pursuit.

• Option (d) is incorrect: The focus is on inner transformation, not withdrawal from action.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: This is a misrepresentation of the passage. The passage critiques consumerism, not supports it.

• Option (c) is incorrect: The passage clarifies that contentment does not imply passivity and can coexist with goal pursuit.

• Option (d) is incorrect: The focus is on inner transformation, not withdrawal from action.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Emotional resilience and ethical living require one to moderate one’s desires. The more choices individuals have, the freer and happier they become. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct Answer: A Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage directly links contentment to emotional resilience and ethical living, and it stresses that mastering desires is essential. Hence, this assumption is clearly supported. Assumption II is invalid: The passage challenges this consumerist belief, stating that true freedom may not lie in the multiplication of choices. So this assumption contradicts the core message. Incorrect Answer: A Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage directly links contentment to emotional resilience and ethical living, and it stresses that mastering desires is essential. Hence, this assumption is clearly supported. Assumption II is invalid: The passage challenges this consumerist belief, stating that true freedom may not lie in the multiplication of choices. So this assumption contradicts the core message.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

• Emotional resilience and ethical living require one to moderate one’s desires.

• The more choices individuals have, the freer and happier they become.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) I only

• (b) II only

• (c) Both I and II

• (d) Neither I nor II

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage directly links contentment to emotional resilience and ethical living, and it stresses that mastering desires is essential. Hence, this assumption is clearly supported.

• Assumption II is invalid: The passage challenges this consumerist belief, stating that true freedom may not lie in the multiplication of choices. So this assumption contradicts the core message.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Morality is not merely a code of conduct imposed by society, but a reflection of an individual’s inner conscience and capacity for empathy. True moral action arises not from fear of punishment or hope of reward, but from a deep recognition of shared humanity. Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant argued that moral worth lies in the intention behind an act, not in its consequences. Similarly, Indian ethical thought—particularly in the Bhagavad Gita—emphasises duty (dharma) performed without attachment to results. In this context, morality becomes an act of inner freedom: to choose the right action even when it is difficult, unpopular, or unrewarded. A society built on moral autonomy fosters trust, justice, and dignity rather than coercion or conformity. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) Moral behaviour is best enforced through laws and social expectations. (b) Morality requires suppressing individual will for the collective good. (c) A moral act is one that arises from empathy and self-directed duty. (d) Consequences, not intentions, are the real measure of morality. Correct Answer: (c) A moral act is one that arises from empathy and self-directed duty. Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage opposes morality driven merely by societal pressure or punishment. Option (b) is incorrect: It misrepresents morality as submission; the passage highlights inner freedom and moral autonomy. Option (c) is correct: It captures the central idea that morality comes from empathy and acting on conscience, not external incentives. Option (d) is incorrect: It contradicts both Kantian and Gita-based views mentioned in the passage, which prioritise intention over consequences. Incorrect Answer: (c) A moral act is one that arises from empathy and self-directed duty. Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage opposes morality driven merely by societal pressure or punishment. Option (b) is incorrect: It misrepresents morality as submission; the passage highlights inner freedom and moral autonomy. Option (c) is correct: It captures the central idea that morality comes from empathy and acting on conscience, not external incentives. Option (d) is incorrect: It contradicts both Kantian and Gita-based views mentioned in the passage, which prioritise intention over consequences.

#### 3. Question

Morality is not merely a code of conduct imposed by society, but a reflection of an individual’s inner conscience and capacity for empathy. True moral action arises not from fear of punishment or hope of reward, but from a deep recognition of shared humanity. Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant argued that moral worth lies in the intention behind an act, not in its consequences. Similarly, Indian ethical thought—particularly in the Bhagavad Gita—emphasises duty (dharma) performed without attachment to results. In this context, morality becomes an act of inner freedom: to choose the right action even when it is difficult, unpopular, or unrewarded. A society built on moral autonomy fosters trust, justice, and dignity rather than coercion or conformity.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?

• (a) Moral behaviour is best enforced through laws and social expectations.

• (b) Morality requires suppressing individual will for the collective good.

• (c) A moral act is one that arises from empathy and self-directed duty.

• (d) Consequences, not intentions, are the real measure of morality.

Answer: (c) A moral act is one that arises from empathy and self-directed duty.

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: The passage opposes morality driven merely by societal pressure or punishment.

• Option (b) is incorrect: It misrepresents morality as submission; the passage highlights inner freedom and moral autonomy.

• Option (c) is correct: It captures the central idea that morality comes from empathy and acting on conscience, not external incentives.

• Option (d) is incorrect: It contradicts both Kantian and Gita-based views mentioned in the passage, which prioritise intention over consequences.

Answer: (c) A moral act is one that arises from empathy and self-directed duty.

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: The passage opposes morality driven merely by societal pressure or punishment.

• Option (b) is incorrect: It misrepresents morality as submission; the passage highlights inner freedom and moral autonomy.

• Option (c) is correct: It captures the central idea that morality comes from empathy and acting on conscience, not external incentives.

• Option (d) is incorrect: It contradicts both Kantian and Gita-based views mentioned in the passage, which prioritise intention over consequences.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Morality rooted in inner conscience is more sustainable than that based on external pressures. Acting morally often involves choosing what is right over what is convenient or popular. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: C Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage stresses morality as a product of inner conscience and empathy, suggesting it is more sustainable and authentic than externally imposed conduct. Assumption II is also valid: The phrase “to choose the right action even when it is difficult, unpopular, or unrewarded” clearly supports this. Hence, both assumptions are valid and central to the passage’s message. Incorrect Answer: C Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage stresses morality as a product of inner conscience and empathy, suggesting it is more sustainable and authentic than externally imposed conduct. Assumption II is also valid: The phrase “to choose the right action even when it is difficult, unpopular, or unrewarded” clearly supports this. Hence, both assumptions are valid and central to the passage’s message.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

• Morality rooted in inner conscience is more sustainable than that based on external pressures. Acting morally often involves choosing what is right over what is convenient or popular.

• Morality rooted in inner conscience is more sustainable than that based on external pressures.

• Acting morally often involves choosing what is right over what is convenient or popular.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage stresses morality as a product of inner conscience and empathy, suggesting it is more sustainable and authentic than externally imposed conduct.

• Assumption II is also valid: The phrase “to choose the right action even when it is difficult, unpopular, or unrewarded” clearly supports this.

• Hence, both assumptions are valid and central to the passage’s message.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage stresses morality as a product of inner conscience and empathy, suggesting it is more sustainable and authentic than externally imposed conduct.

• Assumption II is also valid: The phrase “to choose the right action even when it is difficult, unpopular, or unrewarded” clearly supports this.

• Hence, both assumptions are valid and central to the passage’s message.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Amit walks to the park at 6 km/hr and returns jogging at 12 km/hr. If the total time spent on the round trip is 1 hour 30 minutes, what is the distance (one way) between his home and the park? (a) 5 km (b) 6 km (c) 7.2 km (d) 4.5 km Correct Answer: B Solution: Let distance = x km Time to park = x/6, Time back- x/12 Total time = Given total time = 1 hr 30 min = 1.5 hr So, x/4=1.5⇒x=6 So the one-way distance is 6 km Answer: (b) 6 km Incorrect Answer: B Solution: Let distance = x km Time to park = x/6, Time back- x/12 Total time = Given total time = 1 hr 30 min = 1.5 hr So, x/4=1.5⇒x=6 So the one-way distance is 6 km Answer: (b) 6 km

#### 5. Question

Amit walks to the park at 6 km/hr and returns jogging at 12 km/hr. If the total time spent on the round trip is 1 hour 30 minutes, what is the distance (one way) between his home and the park?

• (c) 7.2 km

• (d) 4.5 km

Answer: B

Solution:

Let distance = x km

Time to park = x/6, Time back- x/12

Total time =

Given total time = 1 hr 30 min = 1.5 hr

So, x/4=1.5⇒x=6

So the one-way distance is 6 km

Answer: (b) 6 km

Answer: B

Solution:

Let distance = x km

Time to park = x/6, Time back- x/12

Total time =

Given total time = 1 hr 30 min = 1.5 hr

So, x/4=1.5⇒x=6

So the one-way distance is 6 km

Answer: (b) 6 km

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