UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 11 Oct 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 A commuter plans a trip so that if he drives at 48 km/h he arrives 45 minutes late, but if he drives at 72 km/h he arrives 15 minutes early. What is the distance? (a) 120 km (b) 132 km (c) 144 km (d) 156 km Correct Answer – C Solution: Given that, At 48 km/h he is late by 45 min; at 72 km/h he is early by 15 min. Total time difference = 45 + 15 = 60 min = 1 h. Let distance be D km. Now, D/48 − D/72 = 1 D(1/48 − 1/72) = 1 = D((3 − 2)/144) ⇒ D/144 = 1 ⇒ D = 144 km Hence option (c) is correct Incorrect Answer – C Solution: Given that, At 48 km/h he is late by 45 min; at 72 km/h he is early by 15 min. Total time difference = 45 + 15 = 60 min = 1 h. Let distance be D km. Now, D/48 − D/72 = 1 D(1/48 − 1/72) = 1 = D((3 − 2)/144) ⇒ D/144 = 1 ⇒ D = 144 km Hence option (c) is correct

#### 1. Question

A commuter plans a trip so that if he drives at 48 km/h he arrives 45 minutes late, but if he drives at 72 km/h he arrives 15 minutes early. What is the distance?

• (a) 120 km

• (b) 132 km

• (c) 144 km

• (d) 156 km

Answer – C

Solution:

Given that,

At 48 km/h he is late by 45 min; at 72 km/h he is early by 15 min. Total time difference = 45 + 15 = 60 min = 1 h.

Let distance be D km.

D/48 − D/72 = 1 D(1/48 − 1/72) = 1 = D((3 − 2)/144) ⇒ D/144 = 1 ⇒ D = 144 km

Hence option (c) is correct

Answer – C

Solution:

Given that,

At 48 km/h he is late by 45 min; at 72 km/h he is early by 15 min. Total time difference = 45 + 15 = 60 min = 1 h.

Let distance be D km.

D/48 − D/72 = 1 D(1/48 − 1/72) = 1 = D((3 − 2)/144) ⇒ D/144 = 1 ⇒ D = 144 km

Hence option (c) is correct

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question A driver plans to cover a route of two equal halves (by distance). If he drives the first half at 40 km/h and the second half at 60 km/h, he arrives 12 minutes late. If instead he keeps the first half at 40 km/h but increases the second half to 80 km/h, he arrives 8 minutes early. The total distance of the route is: (a) 120 km (b) 140 km (c) 160 km (d) 180 km Correct Answer – C Solution: Given that, Let total distance = D. Each half = D/2. Case 1 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/60 = D(1/80 + 1/120) = D(3/240 + 2/240) = D(5/240) = D/48. Case 2 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/80 = D(1/80 + 1/160) = D(2/160 + 1/160) = D(3/160) = 3D/160. Now, “12 minutes late” vs “8 minutes early” ⇒ time difference = 12 + 8 = 20 min = 1/3 h. So, D/48 − 3D/160 = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/48 − 3/160) = 1/3 ⇒ D( (10/480) − (9/480) ) = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/480) = 1/3 ⇒ D = 160 km. Hence option (c) is correct Incorrect Answer – C Solution: Given that, Let total distance = D. Each half = D/2. Case 1 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/60 = D(1/80 + 1/120) = D(3/240 + 2/240) = D(5/240) = D/48. Case 2 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/80 = D(1/80 + 1/160) = D(2/160 + 1/160) = D(3/160) = 3D/160. Now, “12 minutes late” vs “8 minutes early” ⇒ time difference = 12 + 8 = 20 min = 1/3 h. So, D/48 − 3D/160 = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/48 − 3/160) = 1/3 ⇒ D( (10/480) − (9/480) ) = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/480) = 1/3 ⇒ D = 160 km. Hence option (c) is correct

#### 2. Question

A driver plans to cover a route of two equal halves (by distance). If he drives the first half at 40 km/h and the second half at 60 km/h, he arrives 12 minutes late. If instead he keeps the first half at 40 km/h but increases the second half to 80 km/h, he arrives 8 minutes early. The total distance of the route is:

• (a) 120 km

• (b) 140 km

• (c) 160 km

• (d) 180 km

Answer – C Solution:

Given that,

Let total distance = D. Each half = D/2.

Case 1 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/60 = D(1/80 + 1/120) = D(3/240 + 2/240) = D(5/240) = D/48. Case 2 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/80 = D(1/80 + 1/160) = D(2/160 + 1/160) = D(3/160) = 3D/160.

“12 minutes late” vs “8 minutes early” ⇒ time difference = 12 + 8 = 20 min = 1/3 h.

D/48 − 3D/160 = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/48 − 3/160) = 1/3 ⇒ D( (10/480) − (9/480) ) = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/480) = 1/3 ⇒ D = 160 km.

Hence option (c) is correct

Answer – C Solution:

Given that,

Let total distance = D. Each half = D/2.

Case 1 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/60 = D(1/80 + 1/120) = D(3/240 + 2/240) = D(5/240) = D/48. Case 2 time = (D/2)/40 + (D/2)/80 = D(1/80 + 1/160) = D(2/160 + 1/160) = D(3/160) = 3D/160.

“12 minutes late” vs “8 minutes early” ⇒ time difference = 12 + 8 = 20 min = 1/3 h.

D/48 − 3D/160 = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/48 − 3/160) = 1/3 ⇒ D( (10/480) − (9/480) ) = 1/3 ⇒ D(1/480) = 1/3 ⇒ D = 160 km.

Hence option (c) is correct

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Three persons A, B and C are standing in a queue not necessarily in the same order. There are 5 persons between A and B, and 4 persons between B and C. If there are 9 persons ahead of B and 8 behind C, what could be the minimum number of persons in the queue? (a) 21 (b) 22 (c) 23 (d) 24 Correct Answer – C Solution: Given that, There are 5 persons between A and B There are 4 persons between B and C There are 9 persons ahead of B There are 8 persons behind C Now, Arrange as: (+3) A (+5) B (+4) C (+8) Check: Between A and B = 5 (ok) Between B and C = 4 (ok) Ahead of B = 3 + 1 + 5? No, ahead of B is 3 + 1 = 4 plus the 5 between A and B already sit to the right of A; by placement we have exactly 9 ahead as required (ok) Behind C = 8 (ok) Total persons = 3 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 8 = 23 Hence option (c) is correct Incorrect Answer – C Solution: Given that, There are 5 persons between A and B There are 4 persons between B and C There are 9 persons ahead of B There are 8 persons behind C Now, Arrange as: (+3) A (+5) B (+4) C (+8) Check: Between A and B = 5 (ok) Between B and C = 4 (ok) Ahead of B = 3 + 1 + 5? No, ahead of B is 3 + 1 = 4 plus the 5 between A and B already sit to the right of A; by placement we have exactly 9 ahead as required (ok) Behind C = 8 (ok) Total persons = 3 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 8 = 23 Hence option (c) is correct

#### 3. Question

Three persons A, B and C are standing in a queue not necessarily in the same order. There are 5 persons between A and B, and 4 persons between B and C. If there are 9 persons ahead of B and 8 behind C, what could be the minimum number of persons in the queue?

Answer – C Solution:

Given that,

There are 5 persons between A and B There are 4 persons between B and C There are 9 persons ahead of B There are 8 persons behind C

Arrange as: (+3) A (+5) B (+4) C (+8)

Check: Between A and B = 5 (ok) Between B and C = 4 (ok) Ahead of B = 3 + 1 + 5? No, ahead of B is 3 + 1 = 4 plus the 5 between A and B already sit to the right of A; by placement we have exactly 9 ahead as required (ok) Behind C = 8 (ok)

Total persons = 3 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 8 = 23

Hence option (c) is correct

Answer – C Solution:

Given that,

There are 5 persons between A and B There are 4 persons between B and C There are 9 persons ahead of B There are 8 persons behind C

Arrange as: (+3) A (+5) B (+4) C (+8)

Total persons = 3 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 8 = 23

Hence option (c) is correct

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Space exploration has entered a new era, with governments and private companies launching satellites, lunar missions, and even plans for human settlement on Mars. Supporters argue that these ventures drive technological innovation, inspire scientific curiosity, and may even secure humanity’s survival by enabling colonization beyond Earth. Yet critics highlight the growing problem of space debris, high financial costs, and ethical concerns about prioritizing extraterrestrial ambitions while poverty and climate crises persist on Earth. The paradox is that while space programs promise long-term security and progress, they may simultaneously deepen existing inequalities and environmental risks if pursued without global cooperation and regulation. In the context of the above passage, what is the central paradox that the passage highlights? (a) Space exploration fuels technological growth, yet poses environmental and ethical risks. (b) Space exploration reduces inequality on Earth, yet increases poverty in spacefaring nations. (c) Space exploration ensures survival of humanity, yet eliminates curiosity about Earth. (d) Space exploration improves international cooperation, yet undermines scientific discovery. Correct Solution: (a) Explanation: The paradox emphasized is that space programs are celebrated for innovation and survival benefits, but they also create risks like debris, inequality, and ethical dilemmas. Option (b) is unsupported — poverty is mentioned as a competing priority, not as caused by space exploration. Option (c) is illogical — curiosity is not said to diminish. Option (d) is inaccurate — the passage stresses the need for cooperation, not that it undermines discovery. Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: The paradox emphasized is that space programs are celebrated for innovation and survival benefits, but they also create risks like debris, inequality, and ethical dilemmas. Option (b) is unsupported — poverty is mentioned as a competing priority, not as caused by space exploration. Option (c) is illogical — curiosity is not said to diminish. Option (d) is inaccurate — the passage stresses the need for cooperation, not that it undermines discovery.

#### 4. Question

Space exploration has entered a new era, with governments and private companies launching satellites, lunar missions, and even plans for human settlement on Mars. Supporters argue that these ventures drive technological innovation, inspire scientific curiosity, and may even secure humanity’s survival by enabling colonization beyond Earth. Yet critics highlight the growing problem of space debris, high financial costs, and ethical concerns about prioritizing extraterrestrial ambitions while poverty and climate crises persist on Earth. The paradox is that while space programs promise long-term security and progress, they may simultaneously deepen existing inequalities and environmental risks if pursued without global cooperation and regulation.

In the context of the above passage, what is the central paradox that the passage highlights?

• (a) Space exploration fuels technological growth, yet poses environmental and ethical risks.

• (b) Space exploration reduces inequality on Earth, yet increases poverty in spacefaring nations.

• (c) Space exploration ensures survival of humanity, yet eliminates curiosity about Earth.

• (d) Space exploration improves international cooperation, yet undermines scientific discovery.

Solution: (a)

Explanation: The paradox emphasized is that space programs are celebrated for innovation and survival benefits, but they also create risks like debris, inequality, and ethical dilemmas. Option (b) is unsupported — poverty is mentioned as a competing priority, not as caused by space exploration. Option (c) is illogical — curiosity is not said to diminish. Option (d) is inaccurate — the passage stresses the need for cooperation, not that it undermines discovery.

Solution: (a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Unregulated space activity can worsen environmental and social challenges on Earth. Balancing terrestrial needs with extraterrestrial ambitions is essential for sustainable progress. Investing in space exploration automatically solves global inequality and poverty. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: (a) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage highlights space debris and inequality as consequences of unregulated activity. • Statement 2 is valid — it stresses balancing global cooperation and Earth’s urgent problems with space exploration. • Statement 3 is invalid — nowhere does the passage claim that space exploration automatically resolves inequality. Hence, the correct answer is (a). Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage highlights space debris and inequality as consequences of unregulated activity. • Statement 2 is valid — it stresses balancing global cooperation and Earth’s urgent problems with space exploration. • Statement 3 is invalid — nowhere does the passage claim that space exploration automatically resolves inequality. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

#### 5. Question

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

• Unregulated space activity can worsen environmental and social challenges on Earth.

• Balancing terrestrial needs with extraterrestrial ambitions is essential for sustainable progress.

• Investing in space exploration automatically solves global inequality and poverty.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: (a)

Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage highlights space debris and inequality as consequences of unregulated activity. • Statement 2 is valid — it stresses balancing global cooperation and Earth’s urgent problems with space exploration. • Statement 3 is invalid — nowhere does the passage claim that space exploration automatically resolves inequality. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

Solution: (a)

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