UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 17 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 Two passenger trains each 400 m long are running in opposite directions on parallel tracks at 54 km/h and 36 km/h. Find the time taken by the faster train to pass the driver of the slower one. (a) 12 sec (b) 16 sec (c) 18 sec (d) 24 sec Correct Answer: B Solution: Speed of faster train = 54 km/h = (54 × 1000) / 3600 = 15 m/s Speed of slower train = 36 km/h = (36 × 1000) / 3600 = 10 m/s Relative speed (opposite directions) = 15 + 10 = 25 m/s The faster train must cover its own length = 400 m. Time = Distance / Speed = 400 / 25 = 16 seconds Hence, the correct answer is (b) 16 sec. Incorrect Answer: B Solution: Speed of faster train = 54 km/h = (54 × 1000) / 3600 = 15 m/s Speed of slower train = 36 km/h = (36 × 1000) / 3600 = 10 m/s Relative speed (opposite directions) = 15 + 10 = 25 m/s The faster train must cover its own length = 400 m. Time = Distance / Speed = 400 / 25 = 16 seconds Hence, the correct answer is (b) 16 sec.

#### 1. Question

Two passenger trains each 400 m long are running in opposite directions on parallel tracks at 54 km/h and 36 km/h. Find the time taken by the faster train to pass the driver of the slower one.

• (a) 12 sec

• (b) 16 sec

• (c) 18 sec

• (d) 24 sec

Answer: B

Solution: Speed of faster train = 54 km/h = (54 × 1000) / 3600 = 15 m/s Speed of slower train = 36 km/h = (36 × 1000) / 3600 = 10 m/s

Relative speed (opposite directions) = 15 + 10 = 25 m/s

The faster train must cover its own length = 400 m.

Time = Distance / Speed = 400 / 25 = 16 seconds

Hence, the correct answer is (b) 16 sec.

Answer: B

Solution: Speed of faster train = 54 km/h = (54 × 1000) / 3600 = 15 m/s Speed of slower train = 36 km/h = (36 × 1000) / 3600 = 10 m/s

Relative speed (opposite directions) = 15 + 10 = 25 m/s

The faster train must cover its own length = 400 m.

Time = Distance / Speed = 400 / 25 = 16 seconds

Hence, the correct answer is (b) 16 sec.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question A train overtakes two persons walking along a railway track. The first one walks at 4.5 km/h, and the other walks at 5.4 km/h. The train needs 8.4 seconds and 8.5 seconds respectively to overtake them. What is the speed of the train if both the persons are walking in the same direction as the train? (a) 66 km/h (b) 72 km/h (c) 78 km/h (d) 81 km/h Correct Answer: D Solution: Let the speed of the train = T km/h, and its length = L metres. Speed of first person = 4.5 km/h = (4.5 × 1000)/3600 = 1.25 m/s Speed of second person = 5.4 km/h = (5.4 × 1000)/3600 = 1.5 m/s Time to overtake first person = 8.4 s Time to overtake second person = 8.5 s When the train overtakes, Length of train = Relative speed × Time So, L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 …(1) L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 …(2) Equating (1) and (2): ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 ) = ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 ) Simplify: 8.4T/3.6 − 10.5 = 8.5T/3.6 − 12.75 (8.5T − 8.4T)/3.6 = 12.75 − 10.5 0.1T/3.6 = 2.25 T = 2.25 × 3.6 / 0.1 = 81 km/h Hence, the correct answer is (d) 81 km/h. Incorrect Answer: D Solution: Let the speed of the train = T km/h, and its length = L metres. Speed of first person = 4.5 km/h = (4.5 × 1000)/3600 = 1.25 m/s Speed of second person = 5.4 km/h = (5.4 × 1000)/3600 = 1.5 m/s Time to overtake first person = 8.4 s Time to overtake second person = 8.5 s When the train overtakes, Length of train = Relative speed × Time So, L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 …(1) L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 …(2) Equating (1) and (2): ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 ) = ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 ) Simplify: 8.4T/3.6 − 10.5 = 8.5T/3.6 − 12.75 (8.5T − 8.4T)/3.6 = 12.75 − 10.5 0.1T/3.6 = 2.25 T = 2.25 × 3.6 / 0.1 = 81 km/h Hence, the correct answer is (d) 81 km/h.

#### 2. Question

A train overtakes two persons walking along a railway track. The first one walks at 4.5 km/h, and the other walks at 5.4 km/h. The train needs 8.4 seconds and 8.5 seconds respectively to overtake them. What is the speed of the train if both the persons are walking in the same direction as the train?

• (a) 66 km/h

• (b) 72 km/h

• (c) 78 km/h

• (d) 81 km/h

Answer: D

Solution: Let the speed of the train = T km/h, and its length = L metres.

Speed of first person = 4.5 km/h = (4.5 × 1000)/3600 = 1.25 m/s Speed of second person = 5.4 km/h = (5.4 × 1000)/3600 = 1.5 m/s

Time to overtake first person = 8.4 s Time to overtake second person = 8.5 s

When the train overtakes, Length of train = Relative speed × Time

So, L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 …(1) L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 …(2)

Equating (1) and (2): ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 ) = ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 )

Simplify: 8.4T/3.6 − 10.5 = 8.5T/3.6 − 12.75

(8.5T − 8.4T)/3.6 = 12.75 − 10.5 0.1T/3.6 = 2.25 T = 2.25 × 3.6 / 0.1 = 81 km/h

Hence, the correct answer is (d) 81 km/h.

Answer: D

Solution: Let the speed of the train = T km/h, and its length = L metres.

Speed of first person = 4.5 km/h = (4.5 × 1000)/3600 = 1.25 m/s Speed of second person = 5.4 km/h = (5.4 × 1000)/3600 = 1.5 m/s

Time to overtake first person = 8.4 s Time to overtake second person = 8.5 s

When the train overtakes, Length of train = Relative speed × Time

So, L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 …(1) L = (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 …(2)

Equating (1) and (2): ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.25) × 8.4 ) = ( (T × 1000 / 3600 − 1.5) × 8.5 )

Simplify: 8.4T/3.6 − 10.5 = 8.5T/3.6 − 12.75

(8.5T − 8.4T)/3.6 = 12.75 − 10.5 0.1T/3.6 = 2.25 T = 2.25 × 3.6 / 0.1 = 81 km/h

Hence, the correct answer is (d) 81 km/h.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Three friends, Ramesh, Suresh and Mahesh run on a circular track of 3000 metres at speeds of 15 km/hr, 20 km/hr and 30 km/hr respectively. If they start together from the same point in the same direction, after how much time will they all be together again at the starting point? (a) 18 minutes (b) 24 minutes (c) 30 minutes (d) 36 minutes Correct Answer: D Solution: Length of track = 3000 m = 3 km Time taken for 1 round = Distance / Speed Ramesh: 3/15 hr = 1/5 hr = 12 minutes Suresh: 3/20 hr = 3/20 × 60 = 9 minutes Mahesh: 3/30 hr = 1/10 hr = 6 minutes They will meet again when all three complete exact number of rounds, i.e. at LCM of 12 min, 9 min and 6 min. LCM of 12, 9, 6 = 36 minutes. So, they will meet again at the starting point after 36 minutes. Hence, option (d) is correct. Incorrect Answer: D Solution: Length of track = 3000 m = 3 km Time taken for 1 round = Distance / Speed Ramesh: 3/15 hr = 1/5 hr = 12 minutes Suresh: 3/20 hr = 3/20 × 60 = 9 minutes Mahesh: 3/30 hr = 1/10 hr = 6 minutes They will meet again when all three complete exact number of rounds, i.e. at LCM of 12 min, 9 min and 6 min. LCM of 12, 9, 6 = 36 minutes. So, they will meet again at the starting point after 36 minutes. Hence, option (d) is correct.

#### 3. Question

Three friends, Ramesh, Suresh and Mahesh run on a circular track of 3000 metres at speeds of 15 km/hr, 20 km/hr and 30 km/hr respectively. If they start together from the same point in the same direction, after how much time will they all be together again at the starting point?

• (a) 18 minutes

• (b) 24 minutes

• (c) 30 minutes

• (d) 36 minutes

Solution: Length of track = 3000 m = 3 km Time taken for 1 round = Distance / Speed

Ramesh: 3/15 hr = 1/5 hr = 12 minutes Suresh: 3/20 hr = 3/20 × 60 = 9 minutes Mahesh: 3/30 hr = 1/10 hr = 6 minutes

They will meet again when all three complete exact number of rounds, i.e. at LCM of 12 min, 9 min and 6 min. LCM of 12, 9, 6 = 36 minutes.

So, they will meet again at the starting point after 36 minutes. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Solution: Length of track = 3000 m = 3 km Time taken for 1 round = Distance / Speed

Ramesh: 3/15 hr = 1/5 hr = 12 minutes Suresh: 3/20 hr = 3/20 × 60 = 9 minutes Mahesh: 3/30 hr = 1/10 hr = 6 minutes

They will meet again when all three complete exact number of rounds, i.e. at LCM of 12 min, 9 min and 6 min. LCM of 12, 9, 6 = 36 minutes.

So, they will meet again at the starting point after 36 minutes. Hence, option (d) is correct.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Scientific discovery has given humanity unprecedented power over nature — the ability to alter genes, manipulate ecosystems, and even change the planet’s climate. Yet this mastery has not always been matched by moral restraint. History shows that technological advancement, unaccompanied by ethical foresight, can deepen inequalities, devastate environments, and endanger human survival. The dilemma of modern science is therefore not one of knowledge, but of wisdom: how to use knowledge without undermining the very conditions of life it seeks to improve. The challenge lies in ensuring that curiosity and innovation remain guided by responsibility, lest human progress turn against humanity itself. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the passage? (a) Scientific progress is inherently dangerous and should be limited through strict global bans. (b) The moral responsibility of science lies in ensuring that innovation serves humanity without compromising ecological and ethical balance. (c) The pursuit of knowledge must remain unrestricted, regardless of its consequences. (d) Human curiosity is the root cause of environmental and ethical decline. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: • Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not condemn science itself but calls for ethical foresight and responsibility, not restriction or bans. • Option (b) is correct: The passage’s core message — “the dilemma of modern science is not one of knowledge, but of wisdom” — emphasises responsible use of scientific power to protect life and morality. • Option (c) is incorrect: The author explicitly warns against unrestrained pursuit of knowledge without responsibility, as it “can endanger human survival.” • Option (d) is incorrect: Curiosity itself is not criticised; rather, its misuse without moral guidance is. Hence, (b) precisely captures the passage’s essence: science must pair innovation with ethical responsibility. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: • Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not condemn science itself but calls for ethical foresight and responsibility, not restriction or bans. • Option (b) is correct: The passage’s core message — “the dilemma of modern science is not one of knowledge, but of wisdom” — emphasises responsible use of scientific power to protect life and morality. • Option (c) is incorrect: The author explicitly warns against unrestrained pursuit of knowledge without responsibility, as it “can endanger human survival.” • Option (d) is incorrect: Curiosity itself is not criticised; rather, its misuse without moral guidance is. Hence, (b) precisely captures the passage’s essence: science must pair innovation with ethical responsibility.

#### 4. Question

Scientific discovery has given humanity unprecedented power over nature — the ability to alter genes, manipulate ecosystems, and even change the planet’s climate. Yet this mastery has not always been matched by moral restraint. History shows that technological advancement, unaccompanied by ethical foresight, can deepen inequalities, devastate environments, and endanger human survival. The dilemma of modern science is therefore not one of knowledge, but of wisdom: how to use knowledge without undermining the very conditions of life it seeks to improve. The challenge lies in ensuring that curiosity and innovation remain guided by responsibility, lest human progress turn against humanity itself.

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

• (a) Scientific progress is inherently dangerous and should be limited through strict global bans.

• (b) The moral responsibility of science lies in ensuring that innovation serves humanity without compromising ecological and ethical balance.

• (c) The pursuit of knowledge must remain unrestricted, regardless of its consequences.

• (d) Human curiosity is the root cause of environmental and ethical decline.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: • Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not condemn science itself but calls for ethical foresight and responsibility, not restriction or bans. • Option (b) is correct: The passage’s core message — “the dilemma of modern science is not one of knowledge, but of wisdom” — emphasises responsible use of scientific power to protect life and morality. • Option (c) is incorrect: The author explicitly warns against unrestrained pursuit of knowledge without responsibility, as it “can endanger human survival.” • Option (d) is incorrect: Curiosity itself is not criticised; rather, its misuse without moral guidance is. Hence, (b) precisely captures the passage’s essence: science must pair innovation with ethical responsibility.

Answer: (b)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Ethical guidance is essential to prevent science from harming humanity and nature. II. Technological progress automatically leads to moral advancement. III. Scientific curiosity should be accompanied by awareness of its potential consequences. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) All three Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: • Assumption I is valid: The passage states that “technological advancement, unaccompanied by ethical foresight, can deepen inequalities and endanger human survival,” showing ethics are essential safeguards. • Assumption II is invalid: The author directly implies the opposite — that scientific progress does not necessarily produce moral progress. • Assumption III is valid: The line “curiosity and innovation must remain guided by responsibility” makes clear that awareness of consequences must accompany discovery. Therefore, only I and III are valid, making (b) the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: • Assumption I is valid: The passage states that “technological advancement, unaccompanied by ethical foresight, can deepen inequalities and endanger human survival,” showing ethics are essential safeguards. • Assumption II is invalid: The author directly implies the opposite — that scientific progress does not necessarily produce moral progress. • Assumption III is valid: The line “curiosity and innovation must remain guided by responsibility” makes clear that awareness of consequences must accompany discovery. Therefore, only I and III are valid, making (b) the correct answer.

#### 5. Question

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

I. Ethical guidance is essential to prevent science from harming humanity and nature. II. Technological progress automatically leads to moral advancement. III. Scientific curiosity should be accompanied by awareness of its potential consequences.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) I only

• (b) I and III only

• (c) II and III only

• (d) All three

Answer: (b)

Explanation: • Assumption I is valid: The passage states that “technological advancement, unaccompanied by ethical foresight, can deepen inequalities and endanger human survival,” showing ethics are essential safeguards. • Assumption II is invalid: The author directly implies the opposite — that scientific progress does not necessarily produce moral progress. • Assumption III is valid: The line “curiosity and innovation must remain guided by responsibility” makes clear that awareness of consequences must accompany discovery. Therefore, only I and III are valid, making (b) the correct answer.

Answer: (b)

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