UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 12 Dec 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 boat can travel at 10 km/h in still water. The speed of the current is 2 km/h. It takes 1 hour more to go 24 km upstream than to return downstream. Find the time taken to go downstream. (a) 2 hours (b) 2.4 hours (c) 3 hours (d) 3.5 hours Correct Answer: A Solution: Speed in still water = 10 km/h Speed of current = 2 km/h Downstream speed = 10 + 2 = 12 km/h Upstream speed = 10 – 2 = 8 km/h Let the time taken downstream = t hours Then, time upstream = t + 1 hours Distance downstream = 12t Distance upstream = 8(t + 1) Since the distance is the same (24 km): 12t = 8(t + 1) 12t = 8t + 8 4t = 8 t = 2 hours Therefore, time taken to go downstream = 2 hours Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: A Solution: Speed in still water = 10 km/h Speed of current = 2 km/h Downstream speed = 10 + 2 = 12 km/h Upstream speed = 10 – 2 = 8 km/h Let the time taken downstream = t hours Then, time upstream = t + 1 hours Distance downstream = 12t Distance upstream = 8(t + 1) Since the distance is the same (24 km): 12t = 8(t + 1) 12t = 8t + 8 4t = 8 t = 2 hours Therefore, time taken to go downstream = 2 hours Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

#### 1. Question

A boat can travel at 10 km/h in still water. The speed of the current is 2 km/h. It takes 1 hour more to go 24 km upstream than to return downstream. Find the time taken to go downstream.

• (a) 2 hours

• (b) 2.4 hours

• (c) 3 hours

• (d) 3.5 hours

Answer: A

Solution: Speed in still water = 10 km/h Speed of current = 2 km/h

Downstream speed = 10 + 2 = 12 km/h Upstream speed = 10 – 2 = 8 km/h

Let the time taken downstream = t hours Then, time upstream = t + 1 hours

Distance downstream = 12t Distance upstream = 8(t + 1)

Since the distance is the same (24 km): 12t = 8(t + 1) 12t = 8t + 8 4t = 8 t = 2 hours

Therefore, time taken to go downstream = 2 hours Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Answer: A

Solution: Speed in still water = 10 km/h Speed of current = 2 km/h

Downstream speed = 10 + 2 = 12 km/h Upstream speed = 10 – 2 = 8 km/h

Let the time taken downstream = t hours Then, time upstream = t + 1 hours

Distance downstream = 12t Distance upstream = 8(t + 1)

Since the distance is the same (24 km): 12t = 8(t + 1) 12t = 8t + 8 4t = 8 t = 2 hours

Therefore, time taken to go downstream = 2 hours Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question A boat covers a certain distance upstream in 6 hours and the same distance downstream in 3 hours. What is the ratio between the speed of the boat in still water and the speed of the current respectively? (a) 2 : 1 (b) 3 : 1 (c) 4 : 1 (d) 5 : 1 Correct Answer: B Solution: Let the distance be D km. Time upstream = 6 hours, so upstream speed = D/6 Time downstream = 3 hours, so downstream speed = D/3 Let speed of boat in still water = B and speed of current = S. Then, B – S = D/6 …(1) B + S = D/3 …(2) Divide (2) by (1): (B + S)/(B – S) = (D/3) / (D/6) = 2 So, B + S = 2(B – S) B + S = 2B – 2S Bring like terms together: 2B – B = S + 2S B = 3S So, B : S = 3 : 1 Hence, option (b) is the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: B Solution: Let the distance be D km. Time upstream = 6 hours, so upstream speed = D/6 Time downstream = 3 hours, so downstream speed = D/3 Let speed of boat in still water = B and speed of current = S. Then, B – S = D/6 …(1) B + S = D/3 …(2) Divide (2) by (1): (B + S)/(B – S) = (D/3) / (D/6) = 2 So, B + S = 2(B – S) B + S = 2B – 2S Bring like terms together: 2B – B = S + 2S B = 3S So, B : S = 3 : 1 Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

#### 2. Question

A boat covers a certain distance upstream in 6 hours and the same distance downstream in 3 hours. What is the ratio between the speed of the boat in still water and the speed of the current respectively?

Solution: Let the distance be D km. Time upstream = 6 hours, so upstream speed = D/6 Time downstream = 3 hours, so downstream speed = D/3 Let speed of boat in still water = B and speed of current = S. Then, B – S = D/6 …(1) B + S = D/3 …(2) Divide (2) by (1): (B + S)/(B – S) = (D/3) / (D/6) = 2 So, B + S = 2(B – S) B + S = 2B – 2S Bring like terms together: 2B – B = S + 2S B = 3S So, B : S = 3 : 1 Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Justice is not merely the punishment of wrongdoers or the enforcement of law; it is the restoration of moral balance in society. A legal system may convict the guilty, yet still fail to deliver justice if it ignores the conditions that produce wrongdoing in the first place. Poverty, prejudice, and lack of education often create circumstances where choice itself is constrained. When society treats crime only as an individual fault, it overlooks its collective responsibility in sustaining environments of inequality and despair. True justice, therefore, demands compassion alongside accountability — a recognition that preventing injustice is as vital as punishing it. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Justice must integrate empathy and social reform rather than limit itself to retribution. (b) Legal systems should focus exclusively on enforcing strict punishment to deter crime. (c) Crime is a personal moral failing unrelated to social or economic structures. (d) Compassion in justice leads to moral weakness and erosion of law and order. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The author emphasizes that “true justice demands compassion alongside accountability” and that “preventing injustice is as vital as punishing it.” This clearly argues for a synthesis of empathy and reform within justice. Option (b) is incorrect: The author explicitly critiques justice confined to punishment alone, stating that such systems “may convict the guilty, yet fail to deliver justice.” Option (c) is incorrect: The passage links crime to “poverty, prejudice, and lack of education,” rejecting the view that crime is purely individual. Option (d) is incorrect: Compassion is presented as a moral necessity, not a weakness. Hence, (a) best captures the passage’s moral argument: justice must be both humane and corrective. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The author emphasizes that “true justice demands compassion alongside accountability” and that “preventing injustice is as vital as punishing it.” This clearly argues for a synthesis of empathy and reform within justice. Option (b) is incorrect: The author explicitly critiques justice confined to punishment alone, stating that such systems “may convict the guilty, yet fail to deliver justice.” Option (c) is incorrect: The passage links crime to “poverty, prejudice, and lack of education,” rejecting the view that crime is purely individual. Option (d) is incorrect: Compassion is presented as a moral necessity, not a weakness. Hence, (a) best captures the passage’s moral argument: justice must be both humane and corrective.

#### 3. Question

Justice is not merely the punishment of wrongdoers or the enforcement of law; it is the restoration of moral balance in society. A legal system may convict the guilty, yet still fail to deliver justice if it ignores the conditions that produce wrongdoing in the first place. Poverty, prejudice, and lack of education often create circumstances where choice itself is constrained. When society treats crime only as an individual fault, it overlooks its collective responsibility in sustaining environments of inequality and despair. True justice, therefore, demands compassion alongside accountability — a recognition that preventing injustice is as vital as punishing it.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?

• (a) Justice must integrate empathy and social reform rather than limit itself to retribution.

• (b) Legal systems should focus exclusively on enforcing strict punishment to deter crime.

• (c) Crime is a personal moral failing unrelated to social or economic structures.

• (d) Compassion in justice leads to moral weakness and erosion of law and order.

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The author emphasizes that “true justice demands compassion alongside accountability” and that “preventing injustice is as vital as punishing it.” This clearly argues for a synthesis of empathy and reform within justice. Option (b) is incorrect: The author explicitly critiques justice confined to punishment alone, stating that such systems “may convict the guilty, yet fail to deliver justice.” Option (c) is incorrect: The passage links crime to “poverty, prejudice, and lack of education,” rejecting the view that crime is purely individual. Option (d) is incorrect: Compassion is presented as a moral necessity, not a weakness. Hence, (a) best captures the passage’s moral argument: justice must be both humane and corrective.

Answer: (a)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. The roots of social injustice lie as much in systemic inequality as in individual wrongdoing. II. Legal frameworks must be supported by social policies that address the causes of crime. III. The strict enforcement of law alone is sufficient to maintain long-term social harmony. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) I and II only (c) II and III only (d) All three Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly identifies “poverty, prejudice, and lack of education” as underlying causes of crime, showing that injustice stems from systemic conditions, not just individual acts. Assumption II is valid: The author calls for “compassion alongside accountability,” implying that justice must go beyond punishment to include corrective social measures addressing root causes. Assumption III is invalid: The passage critiques overreliance on punishment, showing that law alone, without social reform, cannot secure lasting justice. Therefore, only I and II are valid. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly identifies “poverty, prejudice, and lack of education” as underlying causes of crime, showing that injustice stems from systemic conditions, not just individual acts. Assumption II is valid: The author calls for “compassion alongside accountability,” implying that justice must go beyond punishment to include corrective social measures addressing root causes. Assumption III is invalid: The passage critiques overreliance on punishment, showing that law alone, without social reform, cannot secure lasting justice. Therefore, only I and II are valid.

#### 4. Question

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

I. The roots of social injustice lie as much in systemic inequality as in individual wrongdoing. II. Legal frameworks must be supported by social policies that address the causes of crime. III. The strict enforcement of law alone is sufficient to maintain long-term social harmony.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) I only

• (b) I and II only

• (c) II and III only

• (d) All three

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly identifies “poverty, prejudice, and lack of education” as underlying causes of crime, showing that injustice stems from systemic conditions, not just individual acts. Assumption II is valid: The author calls for “compassion alongside accountability,” implying that justice must go beyond punishment to include corrective social measures addressing root causes. Assumption III is invalid: The passage critiques overreliance on punishment, showing that law alone, without social reform, cannot secure lasting justice. Therefore, only I and II are valid.

Answer: (b)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question In a world where convenience has become the new currency, individuals often trade privacy for efficiency without realizing the cost. Every click, search, and transaction generates data that forms an invisible portrait of one’s preferences and behaviour. While this data fuels innovation and improves user experience, it also enables unprecedented surveillance and manipulation. When technology companies know people better than they know themselves, the line between service and control blurs dangerously. The real question, therefore, is not whether privacy can coexist with technology, but whether society values autonomy enough to protect it. Freedom in the digital age may depend less on secrecy and more on the conscious choice to limit how much of ourselves we surrender for convenience. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Digital technology is inherently incompatible with personal freedom and privacy. (b) True freedom in the digital age requires individuals to consciously safeguard their autonomy against convenience-driven compromise. (c) The rise of data-driven technology has made privacy irrelevant in modern society. (d) Governments, not individuals, must be solely responsible for ensuring digital privacy. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The author does not claim incompatibility; rather, the tension lies in our choices and values, not in technology itself. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage rejects the idea of privacy being “irrelevant.” It views privacy as essential to autonomy and freedom. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage focuses on individual responsibility—“whether society values autonomy enough to protect it.” It does not shift accountability solely to the State. Option (b) is correct: The core idea is that individuals must consciously decide “how much of ourselves we surrender for convenience.” Hence, freedom depends on deliberate self-limitation and awareness, not blind acceptance of convenience. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The author does not claim incompatibility; rather, the tension lies in our choices and values, not in technology itself. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage rejects the idea of privacy being “irrelevant.” It views privacy as essential to autonomy and freedom. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage focuses on individual responsibility—“whether society values autonomy enough to protect it.” It does not shift accountability solely to the State. Option (b) is correct: The core idea is that individuals must consciously decide “how much of ourselves we surrender for convenience.” Hence, freedom depends on deliberate self-limitation and awareness, not blind acceptance of convenience.

#### 5. Question

In a world where convenience has become the new currency, individuals often trade privacy for efficiency without realizing the cost. Every click, search, and transaction generates data that forms an invisible portrait of one’s preferences and behaviour. While this data fuels innovation and improves user experience, it also enables unprecedented surveillance and manipulation. When technology companies know people better than they know themselves, the line between service and control blurs dangerously. The real question, therefore, is not whether privacy can coexist with technology, but whether society values autonomy enough to protect it. Freedom in the digital age may depend less on secrecy and more on the conscious choice to limit how much of ourselves we surrender for convenience.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?

• (a) Digital technology is inherently incompatible with personal freedom and privacy.

• (b) True freedom in the digital age requires individuals to consciously safeguard their autonomy against convenience-driven compromise.

• (c) The rise of data-driven technology has made privacy irrelevant in modern society.

• (d) Governments, not individuals, must be solely responsible for ensuring digital privacy.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The author does not claim incompatibility; rather, the tension lies in our choices and values, not in technology itself. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage rejects the idea of privacy being “irrelevant.” It views privacy as essential to autonomy and freedom. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage focuses on individual responsibility—“whether society values autonomy enough to protect it.” It does not shift accountability solely to the State. Option (b) is correct: The core idea is that individuals must consciously decide “how much of ourselves we surrender for convenience.” Hence, freedom depends on deliberate self-limitation and awareness, not blind acceptance of convenience.

Answer: (b)

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