UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 13 Oct 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
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 young student once asked her teacher: “If every answer only leads to another question, will we ever reach the truth?” The teacher smiled and replied: “Perhaps truth is not a destination, but the very act of questioning.” From Socrates in the Athenian marketplace to modern philosophers debating consciousness, the tradition of philosophy has often emphasized inquiry over certainty. While science seeks measurable facts and religion seeks faith, philosophy dwells in the space between — asking what facts mean, or why faith matters. Yet, critics argue that endless questioning risks paralysis, offering no concrete solutions to real problems. The paradox lies in philosophy’s promise: it deepens our understanding of existence while admitting that complete certainty may forever remain out of reach. In the context of the above passage, what is the central paradox that the passage highlights? (a) Philosophy seeks truth but insists that truth may never be fully attainable. (b) Philosophy gives definite solutions, yet encourages endless questioning. (c) Philosophy rejects both science and religion, yet depends on them for meaning. (d) Philosophy solves practical problems, yet denies their importance. Correct Solution: (a) Explanation: The paradox emphasized is that philosophy, while devoted to the pursuit of truth, simultaneously acknowledges the impossibility of absolute certainty. Option (b) misstates — it does not claim definite solutions. Options (c) and (d) are distortions. Hence, (a) is correct. Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: The paradox emphasized is that philosophy, while devoted to the pursuit of truth, simultaneously acknowledges the impossibility of absolute certainty. Option (b) misstates — it does not claim definite solutions. Options (c) and (d) are distortions. Hence, (a) is correct.
#### 1. Question
A young student once asked her teacher: “If every answer only leads to another question, will we ever reach the truth?” The teacher smiled and replied: “Perhaps truth is not a destination, but the very act of questioning.” From Socrates in the Athenian marketplace to modern philosophers debating consciousness, the tradition of philosophy has often emphasized inquiry over certainty. While science seeks measurable facts and religion seeks faith, philosophy dwells in the space between — asking what facts mean, or why faith matters. Yet, critics argue that endless questioning risks paralysis, offering no concrete solutions to real problems. The paradox lies in philosophy’s promise: it deepens our understanding of existence while admitting that complete certainty may forever remain out of reach.
In the context of the above passage, what is the central paradox that the passage highlights?
• (a) Philosophy seeks truth but insists that truth may never be fully attainable.
• (b) Philosophy gives definite solutions, yet encourages endless questioning.
• (c) Philosophy rejects both science and religion, yet depends on them for meaning.
• (d) Philosophy solves practical problems, yet denies their importance.
Solution: (a)
Explanation: The paradox emphasized is that philosophy, while devoted to the pursuit of truth, simultaneously acknowledges the impossibility of absolute certainty. Option (b) misstates — it does not claim definite solutions. Options (c) and (d) are distortions. Hence, (a) is correct.
Solution: (a)
Explanation: The paradox emphasized is that philosophy, while devoted to the pursuit of truth, simultaneously acknowledges the impossibility of absolute certainty. Option (b) misstates — it does not claim definite solutions. Options (c) and (d) are distortions. Hence, (a) is correct.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: The value of philosophy lies as much in the process of questioning as in the search for answers. A discipline without final certainty can still enrich human understanding. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: (c) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the teacher’s response and Socratic method stress the importance of questioning itself. • Statement 2 is valid — the passage asserts philosophy deepens understanding even without final certainty. Thus, both assumptions logically follow. Incorrect Solution: (c) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the teacher’s response and Socratic method stress the importance of questioning itself. • Statement 2 is valid — the passage asserts philosophy deepens understanding even without final certainty. Thus, both assumptions logically follow.
#### 2. Question
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
• The value of philosophy lies as much in the process of questioning as in the search for answers.
• A discipline without final certainty can still enrich human understanding.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Both 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: (c)
Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the teacher’s response and Socratic method stress the importance of questioning itself. • Statement 2 is valid — the passage asserts philosophy deepens understanding even without final certainty. Thus, both assumptions logically follow.
Solution: (c)
Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the teacher’s response and Socratic method stress the importance of questioning itself. • Statement 2 is valid — the passage asserts philosophy deepens understanding even without final certainty. Thus, both assumptions logically follow.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question A principal P becomes Q in 1 year when compounded annually with R% annual rate of interest. If the same principal P becomes Q in 1 year when compounded half-yearly with S% annual rate of interest, then which one of the following is correct? (a) R = S (b) R > S (c) R < S (d) Cannot be determined Correct Answer – B Solution: Given that, Annual at R%: Q = P(1 + R/100) Half-yearly at S%: Q = P(1 + S/200)^2 Equating: 1 + R/100 = (1 + S/200)^2 = 1 + S/100 + (S/200)^2 Thus 1 + R/100 > 1 + S/100 ⇒ R > S Hence option (b) is correct Incorrect Answer – B Solution: Given that, Annual at R%: Q = P(1 + R/100) Half-yearly at S%: Q = P(1 + S/200)^2 Equating: 1 + R/100 = (1 + S/200)^2 = 1 + S/100 + (S/200)^2 Thus 1 + R/100 > 1 + S/100 ⇒ R > S Hence option (b) is correct
#### 3. Question
A principal P becomes Q in 1 year when compounded annually with R% annual rate of interest. If the same principal P becomes Q in 1 year when compounded half-yearly with S% annual rate of interest, then which one of the following is correct?
• (d) Cannot be determined
Answer – B Solution:
Given that,
Annual at R%: Q = P(1 + R/100) Half-yearly at S%: Q = P(1 + S/200)^2
1 + R/100 = (1 + S/200)^2 = 1 + S/100 + (S/200)^2
Thus 1 + R/100 > 1 + S/100 ⇒ R > S
Hence option (b) is correct
Answer – B Solution:
Given that,
Annual at R%: Q = P(1 + R/100) Half-yearly at S%: Q = P(1 + S/200)^2
1 + R/100 = (1 + S/200)^2 = 1 + S/100 + (S/200)^2
Thus 1 + R/100 > 1 + S/100 ⇒ R > S
Hence option (b) is correct
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Assume that The hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking. The clock shows a time between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The two hands of the clock are one above the other. After how many minutes with the two hands will be again lying one above the other, which following option is closest? (a) 60 (b) 63 (c) 65 (d) 68 Correct Answer – C Solution: Given that, The hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking. The clock shows a time between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The two hands of the clock are one above the other. Now, In 60 minutes the hour hand shifts 5 minute marks. Relative speed = 60 − 5 = 55 minute marks per hour. For the next overlap, the gain needed is 60 minute marks. So, time = 60 divided by 55 hours = 12 divided by 11 hours. 12 divided by 11 hours = 65.45 minutes. Approximately they would meet again after 65 minutes. Hence option (c) is correct. Incorrect Answer – C Solution: Given that, The hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking. The clock shows a time between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The two hands of the clock are one above the other. Now, In 60 minutes the hour hand shifts 5 minute marks. Relative speed = 60 − 5 = 55 minute marks per hour. For the next overlap, the gain needed is 60 minute marks. So, time = 60 divided by 55 hours = 12 divided by 11 hours. 12 divided by 11 hours = 65.45 minutes. Approximately they would meet again after 65 minutes. Hence option (c) is correct.
#### 4. Question
Assume that
• The hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking.
• The clock shows a time between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock.
• The two hands of the clock are one above the other.
After how many minutes with the two hands will be again lying one above the other, which following option is closest?
Answer – C
Given that,
• The hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking.
• The clock shows a time between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock.
• The two hands of the clock are one above the other.
In 60 minutes the hour hand shifts 5 minute marks. Relative speed = 60 − 5 = 55 minute marks per hour. For the next overlap, the gain needed is 60 minute marks. So, time = 60 divided by 55 hours = 12 divided by 11 hours. 12 divided by 11 hours = 65.45 minutes.
Approximately they would meet again after 65 minutes.
Hence option (c) is correct.
Answer – C
Given that,
• The hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking.
• The clock shows a time between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock.
• The two hands of the clock are one above the other.
In 60 minutes the hour hand shifts 5 minute marks. Relative speed = 60 − 5 = 55 minute marks per hour. For the next overlap, the gain needed is 60 minute marks. So, time = 60 divided by 55 hours = 12 divided by 11 hours. 12 divided by 11 hours = 65.45 minutes.
Approximately they would meet again after 65 minutes.
Hence option (c) is correct.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Suppose the average weight of 13 persons is 70 kg. The average weight of the first 7 persons is 66 kg, whereas the average weight of the last 7 persons is 74 kg. Then the weight of the 7th person will be (a) 66 kg (b) 70 kg (c) 72 kg (d) 74 kg Correct Answer – B Solution: Given that, Average weight of 13 persons = 70 kg Sum of total weight of 13 persons = 13 x 70 = 910 kg Total weight of first seven persons = 7 x 66 = 462 kg Total weight of last seven persons = 7 x 74 = 518 kg Total of first seven and last seven persons = 462 + 518 = 980 kg Weight of the 7th person = 980 − 910 = 70 kg Hence option (b) is correct Incorrect Answer – B Solution: Given that, Average weight of 13 persons = 70 kg Sum of total weight of 13 persons = 13 x 70 = 910 kg Total weight of first seven persons = 7 x 66 = 462 kg Total weight of last seven persons = 7 x 74 = 518 kg Total of first seven and last seven persons = 462 + 518 = 980 kg Weight of the 7th person = 980 − 910 = 70 kg Hence option (b) is correct
#### 5. Question
Suppose the average weight of 13 persons is 70 kg. The average weight of the first 7 persons is 66 kg, whereas the average weight of the last 7 persons is 74 kg. Then the weight of the 7th person will be
Answer – B Solution:
Given that,
Average weight of 13 persons = 70 kg Sum of total weight of 13 persons = 13 x 70 = 910 kg
Total weight of first seven persons = 7 x 66 = 462 kg Total weight of last seven persons = 7 x 74 = 518 kg
Total of first seven and last seven persons = 462 + 518 = 980 kg
Weight of the 7th person = 980 − 910 = 70 kg
Hence option (b) is correct
Answer – B Solution:
Given that,
Average weight of 13 persons = 70 kg Sum of total weight of 13 persons = 13 x 70 = 910 kg
Total weight of first seven persons = 7 x 66 = 462 kg Total weight of last seven persons = 7 x 74 = 518 kg
Total of first seven and last seven persons = 462 + 518 = 980 kg
Weight of the 7th person = 980 − 910 = 70 kg
Hence option (b) is correct
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