UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 16 Feb 2026

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).

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of Luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question The debate surrounding automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) often oscillates between dystopian fears of mass unemployment and utopian visions of a leisure society. However, the immediate reality is likely to be a “hollowing out” of the labor market. Routine cognitive and manual tasks—the historical domain of the middle class—are the most susceptible to automation, while high-skill strategic roles and low-skill service jobs remain relatively insulated. This polarization threatens to sever the traditional link between productivity growth and wage increases for the median worker. Consequently, the challenge for policymakers is not merely to foster innovation, but to construct a new social contract that decouples livelihood security from the volatility of a transforming labor market. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central premise of the passage? (a) The rapid advancement of AI will inevitably lead to a total collapse of the traditional employment structure. (b) Policymaking should focus on slowing down technological innovation to protect middle-class jobs. (c) The primary concern regarding automation is the widening inequality caused by the erosion of middle-skill employment. (d) High-skill and low-skill workers are equally vulnerable to the disruptions caused by automation. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage describes a specific shift (“hollowing out” and “polarization”) rather than a “total collapse.” It suggests a restructuring rather than an end to employment. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states the challenge is “not merely to foster innovation” (implying innovation should continue) but to “construct a new social contract.” It does not advocate for slowing down technology. Option (c) is correct: The text explicitly describes the “hollowing out” of the middle class and the “polarization” of the market, warning that this threatens to sever the link between productivity and wages. This highlights inequality and the erosion of middle-skill jobs as the core issue. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage specifically states that high-skill and low-skill jobs “remain relatively insulated,” meaning they are less vulnerable than middle-skill jobs, not equally vulnerable. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage describes a specific shift (“hollowing out” and “polarization”) rather than a “total collapse.” It suggests a restructuring rather than an end to employment. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states the challenge is “not merely to foster innovation” (implying innovation should continue) but to “construct a new social contract.” It does not advocate for slowing down technology. Option (c) is correct: The text explicitly describes the “hollowing out” of the middle class and the “polarization” of the market, warning that this threatens to sever the link between productivity and wages. This highlights inequality and the erosion of middle-skill jobs as the core issue. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage specifically states that high-skill and low-skill jobs “remain relatively insulated,” meaning they are less vulnerable than middle-skill jobs, not equally vulnerable.

#### 1. Question

The debate surrounding automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) often oscillates between dystopian fears of mass unemployment and utopian visions of a leisure society. However, the immediate reality is likely to be a “hollowing out” of the labor market. Routine cognitive and manual tasks—the historical domain of the middle class—are the most susceptible to automation, while high-skill strategic roles and low-skill service jobs remain relatively insulated. This polarization threatens to sever the traditional link between productivity growth and wage increases for the median worker. Consequently, the challenge for policymakers is not merely to foster innovation, but to construct a new social contract that decouples livelihood security from the volatility of a transforming labor market.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central premise of the passage?

• (a) The rapid advancement of AI will inevitably lead to a total collapse of the traditional employment structure.

• (b) Policymaking should focus on slowing down technological innovation to protect middle-class jobs.

• (c) The primary concern regarding automation is the widening inequality caused by the erosion of middle-skill employment.

• (d) High-skill and low-skill workers are equally vulnerable to the disruptions caused by automation.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: The passage describes a specific shift (“hollowing out” and “polarization”) rather than a “total collapse.” It suggests a restructuring rather than an end to employment.

• Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states the challenge is “not merely to foster innovation” (implying innovation should continue) but to “construct a new social contract.” It does not advocate for slowing down technology.

• Option (c) is correct: The text explicitly describes the “hollowing out” of the middle class and the “polarization” of the market, warning that this threatens to sever the link between productivity and wages. This highlights inequality and the erosion of middle-skill jobs as the core issue.

• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage specifically states that high-skill and low-skill jobs “remain relatively insulated,” meaning they are less vulnerable than middle-skill jobs, not equally vulnerable.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question If p is less than or equal to 60 and q is greater than or equal to 45, then which one of the following is always correct? (a) p is greater than q (b) (p − q) is less than or equal to 15 (c) (q − p) is greater than 20 (d) (p + q) is less than or equal to 90 Correct Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, p ≤ 60 and q ≥ 45 Now, the maximum possible value of (p − q) is when p = 60 and q = 45 So, p − q = 15 Hence, (p − q) can never be more than 15 Option (a) is incorrect as p = 50 and q = 55 is possible Option (c) is incorrect as q − p may be small or even negative Option (d) is incorrect as 60 + 50 = 110 which is greater than 90 Hence, option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, p ≤ 60 and q ≥ 45 Now, the maximum possible value of (p − q) is when p = 60 and q = 45 So, p − q = 15 Hence, (p − q) can never be more than 15 Option (a) is incorrect as p = 50 and q = 55 is possible Option (c) is incorrect as q − p may be small or even negative Option (d) is incorrect as 60 + 50 = 110 which is greater than 90 Hence, option (b) is correct.

#### 2. Question

If p is less than or equal to 60 and q is greater than or equal to 45, then which one of the following is always correct?

• (a) p is greater than q

• (b) (p − q) is less than or equal to 15

• (c) (q − p) is greater than 20

• (d) (p + q) is less than or equal to 90

Answer: (b)

Given that,

p ≤ 60 and q ≥ 45

Now, the maximum possible value of (p − q) is when p = 60 and q = 45

So, p − q = 15

Hence, (p − q) can never be more than 15

Option (a) is incorrect as p = 50 and q = 55 is possible Option (c) is incorrect as q − p may be small or even negative Option (d) is incorrect as 60 + 50 = 110 which is greater than 90

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: (b)

Given that,

p ≤ 60 and q ≥ 45

Now, the maximum possible value of (p − q) is when p = 60 and q = 45

So, p − q = 15

Hence, (p − q) can never be more than 15

Option (a) is incorrect as p = 50 and q = 55 is possible Option (c) is incorrect as q − p may be small or even negative Option (d) is incorrect as 60 + 50 = 110 which is greater than 90

Hence, option (b) is correct.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question In an organization, employees are given ID numbers from 1 to 120. An employee is considered senior if the ID number is divisible by 8, and technical if the ID number is divisible by 12. How many employees are both senior and technical? (a) 5 (b) 6 (c) 8 (d) 10 Correct Answer: (a) Solution: Given that, Senior → ID divisible by 8 Technical → ID divisible by 12 Now, Employees who are both senior and technical must have ID numbers divisible by LCM of 8 and 12 LCM of 8 and 12 = 24 Number of multiples of 24 from 1 to 120: 120 ÷ 24 = 5 Hence, option (a) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Solution: Given that, Senior → ID divisible by 8 Technical → ID divisible by 12 Now, Employees who are both senior and technical must have ID numbers divisible by LCM of 8 and 12 LCM of 8 and 12 = 24 Number of multiples of 24 from 1 to 120: 120 ÷ 24 = 5 Hence, option (a) is correct.

#### 3. Question

In an organization, employees are given ID numbers from 1 to 120. An employee is considered senior if the ID number is divisible by 8, and technical if the ID number is divisible by 12. How many employees are both senior and technical?

Answer: (a)

Given that,

Senior → ID divisible by 8 Technical → ID divisible by 12

Employees who are both senior and technical must have ID numbers divisible by LCM of 8 and 12

LCM of 8 and 12 = 24

Number of multiples of 24 from 1 to 120:

120 ÷ 24 = 5

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: (a)

Given that,

Senior → ID divisible by 8 Technical → ID divisible by 12

Employees who are both senior and technical must have ID numbers divisible by LCM of 8 and 12

LCM of 8 and 12 = 24

Number of multiples of 24 from 1 to 120:

120 ÷ 24 = 5

Hence, option (a) is correct.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Using the digits 1, 3, 3, 7, 7, how many distinct 5-digit numbers greater than 70000 can be formed? (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 8 (d) 12 Correct Answer: (d) Solution: Given that, Digits are 1, 3, 3, 7 and 7. To form a number greater than 70000, the first digit must be 7. Fix first digit as 7. Remaining digits: 1, 3, 3, 7 Number of distinct arrangements = 4! / 2! = 12 Hence, option (d) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (d) Solution: Given that, Digits are 1, 3, 3, 7 and 7. To form a number greater than 70000, the first digit must be 7. Fix first digit as 7. Remaining digits: 1, 3, 3, 7 Number of distinct arrangements = 4! / 2! = 12 Hence, option (d) is correct.

#### 4. Question

Using the digits 1, 3, 3, 7, 7, how many distinct 5-digit numbers greater than 70000 can be formed?

Answer: (d)

Given that,

Digits are 1, 3, 3, 7 and 7.

To form a number greater than 70000, the first digit must be 7.

Fix first digit as 7.

Remaining digits: 1, 3, 3, 7

Number of distinct arrangements = 4! / 2! = 12

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (d)

Given that,

Digits are 1, 3, 3, 7 and 7.

To form a number greater than 70000, the first digit must be 7.

Fix first digit as 7.

Remaining digits: 1, 3, 3, 7

Number of distinct arrangements = 4! / 2! = 12

Hence, option (d) is correct.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The commodification of nature has been a central tenet of modern economic thought, where natural resources are valued primarily for their utility in production rather than their intrinsic worth. This extractive mindset treats the environment as an infinite reservoir of inputs and a limitless sink for waste. However, as ecological boundaries are breached, this model is proving increasingly untenable. True sustainability requires a paradigm shift from an “economy of extraction” to an “economy of care,” where the regeneration of natural systems is integrated into the definition of value. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) Modern economic growth is impossible without the extensive extraction of natural resources. (b) Environmental protection should be prioritized only when it does not hinder economic development. (c) A fundamental shift in economic valuation is needed to prioritize the regeneration of natural systems. (d) The current economic model is flawless but requires better waste management strategies. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage argues that the current “extractive mindset” is “untenable” (unsustainable), contradicting the idea that growth requires extensive extraction. It advocates for a shift away from this, not its necessity. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states that the biosphere is the “foundational capital upon which all human prosperity rests,” implying that environmental health is a prerequisite for prosperity, not something to be prioritized only if it doesn’t hinder development. Option (c) is correct: The passage explicitly calls for a “paradigm shift” from extraction to an “economy of care” and argues that the “regeneration of natural systems” must be “integrated into the definition of value.” This aligns perfectly with option (c). Option (d) is incorrect: The passage describes the current model as “increasingly untenable” and criticizes the “extractive mindset.” It clearly suggests the model is not flawless. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage argues that the current “extractive mindset” is “untenable” (unsustainable), contradicting the idea that growth requires extensive extraction. It advocates for a shift away from this, not its necessity. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states that the biosphere is the “foundational capital upon which all human prosperity rests,” implying that environmental health is a prerequisite for prosperity, not something to be prioritized only if it doesn’t hinder development. Option (c) is correct: The passage explicitly calls for a “paradigm shift” from extraction to an “economy of care” and argues that the “regeneration of natural systems” must be “integrated into the definition of value.” This aligns perfectly with option (c). Option (d) is incorrect: The passage describes the current model as “increasingly untenable” and criticizes the “extractive mindset.” It clearly suggests the model is not flawless.

#### 5. Question

The commodification of nature has been a central tenet of modern economic thought, where natural resources are valued primarily for their utility in production rather than their intrinsic worth. This extractive mindset treats the environment as an infinite reservoir of inputs and a limitless sink for waste. However, as ecological boundaries are breached, this model is proving increasingly untenable. True sustainability requires a paradigm shift from an “economy of extraction” to an “economy of care,” where the regeneration of natural systems is integrated into the definition of value.

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

• (a) Modern economic growth is impossible without the extensive extraction of natural resources.

• (b) Environmental protection should be prioritized only when it does not hinder economic development.

• (c) A fundamental shift in economic valuation is needed to prioritize the regeneration of natural systems.

• (d) The current economic model is flawless but requires better waste management strategies.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: The passage argues that the current “extractive mindset” is “untenable” (unsustainable), contradicting the idea that growth requires extensive extraction. It advocates for a shift away from this, not its necessity.

• Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states that the biosphere is the “foundational capital upon which all human prosperity rests,” implying that environmental health is a prerequisite for prosperity, not something to be prioritized only if it doesn’t hinder development.

• Option (c) is correct: The passage explicitly calls for a “paradigm shift” from extraction to an “economy of care” and argues that the “regeneration of natural systems” must be “integrated into the definition of value.” This aligns perfectly with option (c).

• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage describes the current model as “increasingly untenable” and criticizes the “extractive mindset.” It clearly suggests the model is not flawless.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage describes the current model as “increasingly untenable” and criticizes the “extractive mindset.” It clearly suggests the model is not flawless.

• Official Facebook Page HERE

• Follow our Twitter Account HERE