UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 19 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).

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Human impulses, if left unchecked by either external law or internal morality, are detrimental to social order. The existence of individual liberty is dependent on the collective willingness to adhere to shared ethical principles. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage states that the license to act on every impulse “inevitably devolves into the tyranny of the strongest” and that without constraints, the social contract “disintegrates into chaos.” This clearly assumes that unchecked impulses are harmful (detrimental) to order. Assumption II is valid: The text argues that freedom requires “voluntary acceptance of constraints” and “self-imposed” obligations. It concludes that without this, freedom is “rendered impossible for all.” This implies that individual liberty depends on the collective adhering to these duties (ethical principles). Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage states that the license to act on every impulse “inevitably devolves into the tyranny of the strongest” and that without constraints, the social contract “disintegrates into chaos.” This clearly assumes that unchecked impulses are harmful (detrimental) to order. Assumption II is valid: The text argues that freedom requires “voluntary acceptance of constraints” and “self-imposed” obligations. It concludes that without this, freedom is “rendered impossible for all.” This implies that individual liberty depends on the collective adhering to these duties (ethical principles).

#### 1. Question

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

• Human impulses, if left unchecked by either external law or internal morality, are detrimental to social order.

• The existence of individual liberty is dependent on the collective willingness to adhere to shared ethical principles.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) I only

• (b) II only

• (c) Both I and II

• (d) Neither I nor II

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage states that the license to act on every impulse “inevitably devolves into the tyranny of the strongest” and that without constraints, the social contract “disintegrates into chaos.” This clearly assumes that unchecked impulses are harmful (detrimental) to order.

• Assumption II is valid: The text argues that freedom requires “voluntary acceptance of constraints” and “self-imposed” obligations. It concludes that without this, freedom is “rendered impossible for all.” This implies that individual liberty depends on the collective adhering to these duties (ethical principles).

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The pursuit of scientific truth is often conflated with the acquisition of wisdom, yet the two are fundamentally distinct. Science dissects the world to understand its mechanics, breaking the whole into parts to analyze function and causality. Wisdom, conversely, seeks to integrate these parts into a meaningful whole, understanding the relationship between the observer and the observed. While science can tell us how to split the atom or edit the genome, it is silent on the moral imperatives of doing so. Consequently, a civilization that masters the mechanics of existence without contemplating its meaning is like a ship with powerful engines but no compass, destined to move fast but potentially in the wrong direction. Which one of the following statements best captures the central distinction drawn in the passage? (a) Science focuses on the 'how' of existence, while wisdom guides the 'why' and the ethical application of knowledge. (b) Scientific progress is inherently dangerous and leads to moral decay in society. (c) Wisdom is an outdated concept that slows down the rapid pace of technological advancement. (d) The disintegration of the whole into parts makes science an inferior tool compared to philosophy. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation Option (a) is correct: The passage states that science deals with “mechanics” and “how to split the atom” (the ‘how’), while wisdom integrates parts into a whole and deals with “moral imperatives” and “meaning” (the ‘why’). This perfectly captures the distinction. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage describes a civilization without wisdom as a “ship… potentially in the wrong direction,” but it does not claim that scientific progress itself is inherently dangerous or the cause of decay; rather, the lack of wisdom accompanying it is the risk. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage does not suggest wisdom is outdated or that it slows down progress; it suggests wisdom is the “compass” necessary for direction. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage distinguishes the methods (dissecting vs. integrating) but does not label science as “inferior.” It emphasizes that science is silent on morals, not that it is a useless tool. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation Option (a) is correct: The passage states that science deals with “mechanics” and “how to split the atom” (the ‘how’), while wisdom integrates parts into a whole and deals with “moral imperatives” and “meaning” (the ‘why’). This perfectly captures the distinction. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage describes a civilization without wisdom as a “ship… potentially in the wrong direction,” but it does not claim that scientific progress itself is inherently dangerous or the cause of decay; rather, the lack of wisdom accompanying it is the risk. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage does not suggest wisdom is outdated or that it slows down progress; it suggests wisdom is the “compass” necessary for direction. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage distinguishes the methods (dissecting vs. integrating) but does not label science as “inferior.” It emphasizes that science is silent on morals, not that it is a useless tool.

#### 2. Question

The pursuit of scientific truth is often conflated with the acquisition of wisdom, yet the two are fundamentally distinct. Science dissects the world to understand its mechanics, breaking the whole into parts to analyze function and causality. Wisdom, conversely, seeks to integrate these parts into a meaningful whole, understanding the relationship between the observer and the observed. While science can tell us how to split the atom or edit the genome, it is silent on the moral imperatives of doing so. Consequently, a civilization that masters the mechanics of existence without contemplating its meaning is like a ship with powerful engines but no compass, destined to move fast but potentially in the wrong direction.

Which one of the following statements best captures the central distinction drawn in the passage?

• (a) Science focuses on the 'how' of existence, while wisdom guides the 'why' and the ethical application of knowledge.

• (b) Scientific progress is inherently dangerous and leads to moral decay in society.

• (c) Wisdom is an outdated concept that slows down the rapid pace of technological advancement.

• (d) The disintegration of the whole into parts makes science an inferior tool compared to philosophy.

Answer: (a)

Explanation

• Option (a) is correct: The passage states that science deals with “mechanics” and “how to split the atom” (the ‘how’), while wisdom integrates parts into a whole and deals with “moral imperatives” and “meaning” (the ‘why’). This perfectly captures the distinction.

• Option (b) is incorrect: The passage describes a civilization without wisdom as a “ship… potentially in the wrong direction,” but it does not claim that scientific progress itself is inherently dangerous or the cause of decay; rather, the lack of wisdom accompanying it is the risk.

• Option (c) is incorrect: The passage does not suggest wisdom is outdated or that it slows down progress; it suggests wisdom is the “compass” necessary for direction.

• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage distinguishes the methods (dissecting vs. integrating) but does not label science as “inferior.” It emphasizes that science is silent on morals, not that it is a useless tool.

Answer: (a)

Explanation

• Option (c) is incorrect: The passage does not suggest wisdom is outdated or that it slows down progress; it suggests wisdom is the “compass” necessary for direction.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Technical proficiency does not automatically result in moral maturity. Science and wisdom are opposing forces that cannot coexist in a modern society. Ethical direction is necessary to ensure that scientific power is used beneficially. Which of the assumptions given above are valid? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: (c) Explanation Assumption 1 is valid: The passage argues that a civilization can “master the mechanics” (technical proficiency) yet have “no compass” (moral immaturity/lack of meaning). This implies that having one does not guarantee the other. Assumption 2 is invalid: The passage distinguishes them, but does not claim they are “opposing forces” or cannot coexist. It actually implies they should coexist (the ship needs both engines and a compass). Assumption 3 is valid: The metaphor of the “compass” being needed to avoid moving in the “wrong direction” implies that ethical direction (wisdom) is necessary to ensure the power (engines/science) leads to a desirable or beneficial outcome. Therefore, option (c) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation Assumption 1 is valid: The passage argues that a civilization can “master the mechanics” (technical proficiency) yet have “no compass” (moral immaturity/lack of meaning). This implies that having one does not guarantee the other. Assumption 2 is invalid: The passage distinguishes them, but does not claim they are “opposing forces” or cannot coexist. It actually implies they should coexist (the ship needs both engines and a compass). Assumption 3 is valid: The metaphor of the “compass” being needed to avoid moving in the “wrong direction” implies that ethical direction (wisdom) is necessary to ensure the power (engines/science) leads to a desirable or beneficial outcome. Therefore, option (c) is correct.

#### 3. Question

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

• Technical proficiency does not automatically result in moral maturity.

• Science and wisdom are opposing forces that cannot coexist in a modern society.

• Ethical direction is necessary to ensure that scientific power is used beneficially.

Which of the assumptions given above are valid?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation

• Assumption 1 is valid: The passage argues that a civilization can “master the mechanics” (technical proficiency) yet have “no compass” (moral immaturity/lack of meaning). This implies that having one does not guarantee the other.

• Assumption 2 is invalid: The passage distinguishes them, but does not claim they are “opposing forces” or cannot coexist. It actually implies they should coexist (the ship needs both engines and a compass).

• Assumption 3 is valid: The metaphor of the “compass” being needed to avoid moving in the “wrong direction” implies that ethical direction (wisdom) is necessary to ensure the power (engines/science) leads to a desirable or beneficial outcome.

Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Therefore, option (c) is correct.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question A Question is given followed by two Statements I and II. Consider the Question and the Statements. There are three distinct prime numbers whose sum is a prime number. Question: What are those three numbers? Statement-1: Their sum is less than 23. Statement-II: One of the numbers is 5. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Question and the Statements? (a) The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone. (b) The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone. (c) The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone. (d) The Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together. Correct Answer: (a) Solution From Statement 1 alone Their sum is less than 23. Only one triplet of prime numbers satisfies this condition: (3, 5, 11). (3 + 5 + 11 = 19 < 23) Hence, statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question. From Statement II alone One of the numbers is 5. 5 + 7 + 11 = 23 (a prime number) 5 + 11 + 13 = 29 (a prime number) Using this statement alone, we cannot obtain a unique set of prime numbers. Hence, option A is correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Solution From Statement 1 alone Their sum is less than 23. Only one triplet of prime numbers satisfies this condition: (3, 5, 11). (3 + 5 + 11 = 19 < 23) Hence, statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question. From Statement II alone One of the numbers is 5. 5 + 7 + 11 = 23 (a prime number) 5 + 11 + 13 = 29 (a prime number) Using this statement alone, we cannot obtain a unique set of prime numbers. Hence, option A is correct.

#### 4. Question

A Question is given followed by two Statements I and II. Consider the Question and the Statements. There are three distinct prime numbers whose sum is a prime number.

Question: What are those three numbers?

Statement-1: Their sum is less than 23.

Statement-II: One of the numbers is 5.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Question and the Statements?

• (a) The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone.

• (b) The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone.

• (c) The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone.

• (d) The Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together.

Answer: (a)

Solution

From Statement 1 alone

Their sum is less than 23. Only one triplet of prime numbers satisfies this condition: (3, 5, 11). (3 + 5 + 11 = 19 < 23) Hence, statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question.

From Statement II alone One of the numbers is 5. 5 + 7 + 11 = 23 (a prime number) 5 + 11 + 13 = 29 (a prime number) Using this statement alone, we cannot obtain a unique set of prime numbers. Hence, option A is correct.

Answer: (a)

Solution

From Statement 1 alone

Their sum is less than 23. Only one triplet of prime numbers satisfies this condition: (3, 5, 11). (3 + 5 + 11 = 19 < 23) Hence, statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Three wooden planks of lengths 84 cm, 108 cm, and 156 cm are to be cut into smaller pieces of equal length. What is the maximum number of equal-length pieces that can be cut without any leftover? (a) 18 (b) 21 (c) 24 (d) 29 Correct Answer – (d) Solution – Find HCF of 84, 108, 156. HCF(84, 108) = 12 • HCF(12, 156) = 12 So, maximum length of each piece = 12 cm Total pieces: 84/12 + 108/12 + 156/12 = 7 + 9 + 13 = 29 Incorrect Answer – (d) Solution – Find HCF of 84, 108, 156. HCF(84, 108) = 12 • HCF(12, 156) = 12 So, maximum length of each piece = 12 cm Total pieces: 84/12 + 108/12 + 156/12 = 7 + 9 + 13 = 29

#### 5. Question

Three wooden planks of lengths 84 cm, 108 cm, and 156 cm are to be cut into smaller pieces of equal length. What is the maximum number of equal-length pieces that can be cut without any leftover?

Answer – (d)

Solution –

Find HCF of 84, 108, 156.

• HCF(84, 108) = 12 • HCF(12, 156) = 12

So, maximum length of each piece = 12 cm

Total pieces: 84/12 + 108/12 + 156/12 = 7 + 9 + 13 = 29

Answer – (d)

Solution –

Find HCF of 84, 108, 156.

• HCF(84, 108) = 12 • HCF(12, 156) = 12

So, maximum length of each piece = 12 cm

Total pieces: 84/12 + 108/12 + 156/12 = 7 + 9 + 13 = 29

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