UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 13 Nov 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 Consider the following numbers: 4209, 1358, 7642, 5913, 8801 The digits of each number are arranged in descending order. Which of the following will be the 1st digit of the 3rd highest number thus formed? (a) 9 (b) 8 (c) 7 (d) 6 Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Arrange each number’s digits in descending order: • 4209 → 9420 • 1358 → 8531 • 7642 → 7642 • 5913 → 9531 • 8801 → 8810 Arrange the new numbers in descending order: • 9531 (Highest) • 9420 • 8810 (3rd highest) • 8531 • 7642 The 1st digit of the 3rd highest number (8810) is 8. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Arrange each number’s digits in descending order: • 4209 → 9420 • 1358 → 8531 • 7642 → 7642 • 5913 → 9531 • 8801 → 8810 Arrange the new numbers in descending order: • 9531 (Highest) • 9420 • 8810 (3rd highest) • 8531 • 7642 The 1st digit of the 3rd highest number (8810) is 8.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following numbers: 4209, 1358, 7642, 5913, 8801 The digits of each number are arranged in descending order. Which of the following will be the 1st digit of the 3rd highest number thus formed?

Answer: (b) Explanation:

Arrange each number’s digits in descending order: • 4209 → 9420 • 1358 → 8531 • 7642 → 7642 • 5913 → 9531 • 8801 → 8810

Arrange the new numbers in descending order: • 9531 (Highest) • 9420 • 8810 (3rd highest) • 8531 • 7642

The 1st digit of the 3rd highest number (8810) is 8.

Answer: (b) Explanation:

Arrange each number’s digits in descending order: • 4209 → 9420 • 1358 → 8531 • 7642 → 7642 • 5913 → 9531 • 8801 → 8810

Arrange the new numbers in descending order: • 9531 (Highest) • 9420 • 8810 (3rd highest) • 8531 • 7642

The 1st digit of the 3rd highest number (8810) is 8.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following sequence: 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, @, @ Find the missing numbers that should replace @. (a) 23, 24 (b) 22, 25 (c) 26, 28 (d) 27, 29 Correct Answer: A Explanation: Given sequence: 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, @, @ The given sequence is a combination of two alternating series: 1st series: 3, 8, 13, 18, @ Pattern: 3+5=8, 8+5=13, 13+5=18, @=18+5=23 2nd series: 5, 9, 14, 19, @ Pattern: 5+4=9, 9+5=14, 14+5=19, @=19+5=24, Incorrect Answer: A Explanation: Given sequence: 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, @, @ The given sequence is a combination of two alternating series: 1st series: 3, 8, 13, 18, @ Pattern: 3+5=8, 8+5=13, 13+5=18, @=18+5=23 2nd series: 5, 9, 14, 19, @ Pattern: 5+4=9, 9+5=14, 14+5=19, @=19+5=24,

#### 2. Question

Consider the following sequence: 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, @, @

Find the missing numbers that should replace @.

• (a) 23, 24

• (b) 22, 25

• (c) 26, 28

• (d) 27, 29

Answer: A

Explanation:

Given sequence: 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, @, @

The given sequence is a combination of two alternating series:

1st series: 3, 8, 13, 18, @

3+5=8, 8+5=13, 13+5=18, @=18+5=23

2nd series: 5, 9, 14, 19, @

5+4=9, 9+5=14, 14+5=19, @=19+5=24,

Answer: A

Explanation:

Given sequence: 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, @, @

The given sequence is a combination of two alternating series:

1st series: 3, 8, 13, 18, @

3+5=8, 8+5=13, 13+5=18, @=18+5=23

2nd series: 5, 9, 14, 19, @

5+4=9, 9+5=14, 14+5=19, @=19+5=24,

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question If X, Y, Z, and W are four workers, then consider the following statements and a question: Statement I: The total work done by X and Z in 12 days is the same as the total work done by Y and W in 10 days. Statement II: The average work done by Y and Z per day is 22 units. Statement III: The sum of the work done per day by X and W is equal to that of Y and Z. Question: What is the total work done by all four workers in one day? (a) Statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question. (b) Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question. (c) Statement III alone is sufficient to answer the question. (d) Statement II and Statement III together are sufficient to answer the question. Correct Answer: (d) Explanation: Statement I alone is insufficient as it only relates (X+Z) and (Y+W) with time multipliers. Statement II: Average of Y and Z is 22 ⇒ Y+Z = 44. Statement III: X+W = Y+Z ⇒ X+W = 44. Hence total per day = (X+W)+(Y+Z) = 44+44 = 88 units. Therefore, II and III together are sufficient. Incorrect Answer: (d) Explanation: Statement I alone is insufficient as it only relates (X+Z) and (Y+W) with time multipliers. Statement II: Average of Y and Z is 22 ⇒ Y+Z = 44. Statement III: X+W = Y+Z ⇒ X+W = 44. Hence total per day = (X+W)+(Y+Z) = 44+44 = 88 units. Therefore, II and III together are sufficient.

#### 3. Question

If X, Y, Z, and W are four workers, then consider the following statements and a question: Statement I: The total work done by X and Z in 12 days is the same as the total work done by Y and W in 10 days. Statement II: The average work done by Y and Z per day is 22 units. Statement III: The sum of the work done per day by X and W is equal to that of Y and Z. Question: What is the total work done by all four workers in one day?

• (a) Statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question.

• (b) Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question.

• (c) Statement III alone is sufficient to answer the question.

• (d) Statement II and Statement III together are sufficient to answer the question.

Answer: (d) Explanation: Statement I alone is insufficient as it only relates (X+Z) and (Y+W) with time multipliers. Statement II: Average of Y and Z is 22 ⇒ Y+Z = 44. Statement III: X+W = Y+Z ⇒ X+W = 44. Hence total per day = (X+W)+(Y+Z) = 44+44 = 88 units. Therefore, II and III together are sufficient.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question A set (X) of 24 pipes can fill 60% of a tank in 12 minutes. Another set (Y) of 12 pipes fills 3/8 of the tank in 9 minutes. A third set (Z) of 10 pipes can empty 1/4 of the tank in 10 minutes. If half of the pipes of set X are closed and only half of the pipes of set Y are open, and all pipes of the set (Z) are open, then how long will it take to fill 50% of the tank? (a) 12 minutes (b) 16 minutes (c) 20 minutes (d) 24 minutes Correct Answer: (d) 24 X pipes fill 60% in 12 min → full tank time = (12/60)×100 = 20 min. Half X open ⇒ time doubles = 40 min. 12 Y pipes fill 3/8 in 9 min → full tank time = 9 ÷ (3/8) = 24 min. Half Y open ⇒ time doubles = 48 min. 10 Z pipes empty 1/4 in 10 min → full empty time = 10 ÷ (1/4) = 40 min. X (half) fills in 40 min and Z empties in 40 min ⇒ they cancel. So only Y (half) remains: to fill 50% with a 48-min full time takes 24 minutes. Incorrect Answer: (d) 24 X pipes fill 60% in 12 min → full tank time = (12/60)×100 = 20 min. Half X open ⇒ time doubles = 40 min. 12 Y pipes fill 3/8 in 9 min → full tank time = 9 ÷ (3/8) = 24 min. Half Y open ⇒ time doubles = 48 min. 10 Z pipes empty 1/4 in 10 min → full empty time = 10 ÷ (1/4) = 40 min. X (half) fills in 40 min and Z empties in 40 min ⇒ they cancel. So only Y (half) remains: to fill 50% with a 48-min full time takes 24 minutes.

#### 4. Question

A set (X) of 24 pipes can fill 60% of a tank in 12 minutes. Another set (Y) of 12 pipes fills 3/8 of the tank in 9 minutes. A third set (Z) of 10 pipes can empty 1/4 of the tank in 10 minutes. If half of the pipes of set X are closed and only half of the pipes of set Y are open, and all pipes of the set (Z) are open, then how long will it take to fill 50% of the tank?

• (a) 12 minutes

• (b) 16 minutes

• (c) 20 minutes

• (d) 24 minutes

Answer: (d) 24 X pipes fill 60% in 12 min → full tank time = (12/60)×100 = 20 min. Half X open ⇒ time doubles = 40 min. 12 Y pipes fill 3/8 in 9 min → full tank time = 9 ÷ (3/8) = 24 min. Half Y open ⇒ time doubles = 48 min. 10 Z pipes empty 1/4 in 10 min → full empty time = 10 ÷ (1/4) = 40 min. X (half) fills in 40 min and Z empties in 40 min ⇒ they cancel. So only Y (half) remains: to fill 50% with a 48-min full time takes 24 minutes.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The notion of moral leadership in global affairs often collides with the reality of selective practice. Many of the world’s most affluent nations proclaim the virtues of free trade, democratic governance and human rights. Yet a closer look at their own economic and institutional histories reveals deep-rooted contradictions. For instance, several countries that now champion open markets once relied heavily on tariffs and state subsidies to build their industrial base. These very nations demand intellectual property protection from others even while having historically withheld it themselves. The selective enforcement of rights and rules, especially when applied to weaker states, creates a double standard: one rule for the powerful, another for the less powerful. In this sense, hypocrisy is built into the structure of international relations and economic development rather than being an aberration. Recognising these legacy calls for a more honest appraisal of global governance: if moral claims are to hold, they must be backed by consistent past and present conduct, and not merely by aspirational rhetoric. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the passage? (a) The leading nations of the world are hypocritical and should renounce their moral leadership. (b) Historical inconsistencies in economic development undermine the moral credibility of global governance. (c) Free trade should be abandoned because it inherently carries double standards. (d) Developing countries should emulate the industrial strategies of now-rich nations without criticism. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is too strong and normative: the passage does condemn double standards, but it does not call for the complete renunciation of moral leadership; rather it calls for “honest appraisal.” Option (b) is correct: The passage argues that historical inconsistencies (tariffs, subsidies, selective IP enforcement) undermine the moral credibility of the powerful countries when they preach governance, rights and free trade. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage critiques hypocrisy in the implementation of free trade and governance, but does not argue that free trade itself should be abandoned. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage does not advise uncritical emulation; it points out the need for consistent conduct and historical accountability. Thus, (b) captures the essence of the passage: moral credibility in governance is threatened by historical hypocrisy. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is too strong and normative: the passage does condemn double standards, but it does not call for the complete renunciation of moral leadership; rather it calls for “honest appraisal.” Option (b) is correct: The passage argues that historical inconsistencies (tariffs, subsidies, selective IP enforcement) undermine the moral credibility of the powerful countries when they preach governance, rights and free trade. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage critiques hypocrisy in the implementation of free trade and governance, but does not argue that free trade itself should be abandoned. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage does not advise uncritical emulation; it points out the need for consistent conduct and historical accountability. Thus, (b) captures the essence of the passage: moral credibility in governance is threatened by historical hypocrisy.

#### 5. Question

The notion of moral leadership in global affairs often collides with the reality of selective practice. Many of the world’s most affluent nations proclaim the virtues of free trade, democratic governance and human rights. Yet a closer look at their own economic and institutional histories reveals deep-rooted contradictions. For instance, several countries that now champion open markets once relied heavily on tariffs and state subsidies to build their industrial base. These very nations demand intellectual property protection from others even while having historically withheld it themselves. The selective enforcement of rights and rules, especially when applied to weaker states, creates a double standard: one rule for the powerful, another for the less powerful. In this sense, hypocrisy is built into the structure of international relations and economic development rather than being an aberration. Recognising these legacy calls for a more honest appraisal of global governance: if moral claims are to hold, they must be backed by consistent past and present conduct, and not merely by aspirational rhetoric.

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

• (a) The leading nations of the world are hypocritical and should renounce their moral leadership.

• (b) Historical inconsistencies in economic development undermine the moral credibility of global governance.

• (c) Free trade should be abandoned because it inherently carries double standards.

• (d) Developing countries should emulate the industrial strategies of now-rich nations without criticism.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is too strong and normative: the passage does condemn double standards, but it does not call for the complete renunciation of moral leadership; rather it calls for “honest appraisal.”

• Option (b) is correct: The passage argues that historical inconsistencies (tariffs, subsidies, selective IP enforcement) undermine the moral credibility of the powerful countries when they preach governance, rights and free trade.

• Option (c) is incorrect: The passage critiques hypocrisy in the implementation of free trade and governance, but does not argue that free trade itself should be abandoned.

• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage does not advise uncritical emulation; it points out the need for consistent conduct and historical accountability. Thus, (b) captures the essence of the passage: moral credibility in governance is threatened by historical hypocrisy.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Option (c) is incorrect: The passage critiques hypocrisy in the implementation of free trade and governance, but does not argue that free trade itself should be abandoned.

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