UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 2 Jan 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 Art does not imitate life as much as it interprets it. A painting may not reproduce reality with photographic precision, yet it can illuminate emotions, tensions, and desires that everyday observation overlooks. Through colour, symbolism, and abstraction, art reveals inner landscapes that statistics or factual narratives cannot capture. While rational inquiry explains how the world works, artistic expression explores why it matters. Dismissing art as mere decoration impoverishes human understanding, for creativity offers insight into the subtleties of experience—those quiet truths that lie beneath surface events. In this sense, art expands our grasp of reality by inviting us to feel as deeply as we think. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage? (a) Artistic expression provides access to layers of truth that cannot be conveyed through purely factual analysis. (b) Art should be valued only for its aesthetic beauty, not for its intellectual depth. (c) Rational inquiry is the only reliable method for understanding reality. (d) A painting must accurately depict real-life objects to be meaningful. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct because the passage consistently argues that art—through symbolism, colour, and emotion—reveals truths beyond what rational or factual analysis can capture. Option (b) is incorrect: the passage explicitly rejects treating art as mere decoration. Option (c) is incorrect: the passage emphasizes that rational inquiry explains how the world works but not its deeper meanings. Option (d) is incorrect: the passage praises abstraction and emotional interpretation, not literal accuracy. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct because the passage consistently argues that art—through symbolism, colour, and emotion—reveals truths beyond what rational or factual analysis can capture. Option (b) is incorrect: the passage explicitly rejects treating art as mere decoration. Option (c) is incorrect: the passage emphasizes that rational inquiry explains how the world works but not its deeper meanings. Option (d) is incorrect: the passage praises abstraction and emotional interpretation, not literal accuracy.

#### 1. Question

Art does not imitate life as much as it interprets it. A painting may not reproduce reality with photographic precision, yet it can illuminate emotions, tensions, and desires that everyday observation overlooks. Through colour, symbolism, and abstraction, art reveals inner landscapes that statistics or factual narratives cannot capture. While rational inquiry explains how the world works, artistic expression explores why it matters. Dismissing art as mere decoration impoverishes human understanding, for creativity offers insight into the subtleties of experience—those quiet truths that lie beneath surface events. In this sense, art expands our grasp of reality by inviting us to feel as deeply as we think.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage?

• (a) Artistic expression provides access to layers of truth that cannot be conveyed through purely factual analysis.

• (b) Art should be valued only for its aesthetic beauty, not for its intellectual depth.

• (c) Rational inquiry is the only reliable method for understanding reality.

• (d) A painting must accurately depict real-life objects to be meaningful.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Option (a) is correct because the passage consistently argues that art—through symbolism, colour, and emotion—reveals truths beyond what rational or factual analysis can capture. Option (b) is incorrect: the passage explicitly rejects treating art as mere decoration. Option (c) is incorrect: the passage emphasizes that rational inquiry explains how the world works but not its deeper meanings. Option (d) is incorrect: the passage praises abstraction and emotional interpretation, not literal accuracy.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The simple interest on a certain sum of money for 4 years at 6% per annum is one-third the compound interest on ₹6,000 for 2 years at 10% per annum. What is the sum placed on simple interest? (a) ₹1,500 (b) ₹1,600 (c) ₹1,750 (d) ₹1,800 Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: First calculate CI on ₹6,000 at 10% for 2 years: CI = ₹6,000 × (1.1² − 1) = ₹6,000 × 0.21 = ₹1,260 Simple Interest = ⅓ of ₹1,260 = ₹420 Now using SI formula: 420 = (P × 6 × 4)/100 ⇒ P = (420 × 100)/(6 × 4) = ₹1,750 The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) scheme is a voluntary initiative by the Ramsar Convention aimed at recognizing cities that value and promote the conservation and wise use of their natural or human-made wetlands. This accreditation provides international recognition and positive publicity for the cities’ efforts in sustainable wetland management. About Wetland Accredited Cities: What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)? Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is a voluntary initiative under the Ramsar Convention that recognizes cities for wetland conservation efforts. Established in COP12 (2015): WCA was introduced during the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Ramsar Convention held in Uruguay in 2015. Validity and Renewal: Accreditation is valid for 6 years and can be renewed if cities continue to meet the prescribed international criteria. Aim: To promote conservation and wise use of wetlands in urban and peri-urban areas. To ensure socio-economic benefits for local populations while safeguarding ecological balance. To encourage cities near Ramsar-designated wetlands to maintain positive relationships with these ecosystems. Criteria for Accreditation: Cities must satisfy six international criteria, including: Adopting measures for wetland conservation and wise use. Promoting ecosystem services provided by wetlands. Maintaining sustainable socio-economic practices linked to wetlands. Engaging local communities in conservation. Addressing concerns related to wetland degradation. Protecting both natural and human-made wetlands. Features: Provides international recognition and positive publicity for cities. Encourages wetland conservation policies in urban planning. Helps implement India’s Amrit Dharohar initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Promotes sustainable urban development while ensuring ecological preservation. Recent Addition from India: Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Recognized for Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site developed as a bird sanctuary and water bird congregation zone. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Known for its interconnected wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, which support biodiversity and eco-tourism. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: First calculate CI on ₹6,000 at 10% for 2 years: CI = ₹6,000 × (1.1² − 1) = ₹6,000 × 0.21 = ₹1,260 Simple Interest = ⅓ of ₹1,260 = ₹420 Now using SI formula: 420 = (P × 6 × 4)/100 ⇒ P = (420 × 100)/(6 × 4) = ₹1,750

#### 2. Question

The simple interest on a certain sum of money for 4 years at 6% per annum is one-third the compound interest on ₹6,000 for 2 years at 10% per annum. What is the sum placed on simple interest?

• (a) ₹1,500

• (b) ₹1,600

• (c) ₹1,750

• (d) ₹1,800

Answer: (c)

Explanation: First calculate CI on ₹6,000 at 10% for 2 years: CI = ₹6,000 × (1.1² − 1) = ₹6,000 × 0.21 = ₹1,260

Simple Interest = ⅓ of ₹1,260 = ₹420

Now using SI formula: 420 = (P × 6 × 4)/100 ⇒ P = (420 × 100)/(6 × 4) = ₹1,750

The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) scheme is a voluntary initiative by the Ramsar Convention aimed at recognizing cities that value and promote the conservation and wise use of their natural or human-made wetlands. This accreditation provides international recognition and positive publicity for the cities’ efforts in sustainable wetland management.

About Wetland Accredited Cities:

• What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)? Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is a voluntary initiative under the Ramsar Convention that recognizes cities for wetland conservation efforts. Established in COP12 (2015): WCA was introduced during the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Ramsar Convention held in Uruguay in 2015. Validity and Renewal: Accreditation is valid for 6 years and can be renewed if cities continue to meet the prescribed international criteria.

• Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is a voluntary initiative under the Ramsar Convention that recognizes cities for wetland conservation efforts.

• Established in COP12 (2015): WCA was introduced during the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Ramsar Convention held in Uruguay in 2015.

• Validity and Renewal: Accreditation is valid for 6 years and can be renewed if cities continue to meet the prescribed international criteria.

• To promote conservation and wise use of wetlands in urban and peri-urban areas. To ensure socio-economic benefits for local populations while safeguarding ecological balance. To encourage cities near Ramsar-designated wetlands to maintain positive relationships with these ecosystems.

• To promote conservation and wise use of wetlands in urban and peri-urban areas.

• To ensure socio-economic benefits for local populations while safeguarding ecological balance.

• To encourage cities near Ramsar-designated wetlands to maintain positive relationships with these ecosystems.

Criteria for Accreditation:

Cities must satisfy six international criteria, including:

• Adopting measures for wetland conservation and wise use.

• Promoting ecosystem services provided by wetlands.

• Maintaining sustainable socio-economic practices linked to wetlands.

• Engaging local communities in conservation.

• Addressing concerns related to wetland degradation.

• Protecting both natural and human-made wetlands.

Features:

• Provides international recognition and positive publicity for cities.

• Encourages wetland conservation policies in urban planning.

• Helps implement India’s Amrit Dharohar initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

• Promotes sustainable urban development while ensuring ecological preservation.

Recent Addition from India:

• Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Recognized for Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site developed as a bird sanctuary and water bird congregation zone.

• Recognized for Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site developed as a bird sanctuary and water bird congregation zone.

• Udaipur, Rajasthan: Known for its interconnected wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, which support biodiversity and eco-tourism.

• Known for its interconnected wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, which support biodiversity and eco-tourism.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: First calculate CI on ₹6,000 at 10% for 2 years: CI = ₹6,000 × (1.1² − 1) = ₹6,000 × 0.21 = ₹1,260

Simple Interest = ⅓ of ₹1,260 = ₹420

Now using SI formula: 420 = (P × 6 × 4)/100 ⇒ P = (420 × 100)/(6 × 4) = ₹1,750

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question The compound interest on a certain sum for 2 years at 10% per annum is ₹525. What is the simple interest on the same sum for double the time at half the rate? (a) ₹400 (b) ₹500 (c) ₹600 (d) ₹800 Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Let the principal be ₹P. We know that for 2 years CI = ₹525 Compound Interest formula: CI = P × [(1 + R/100)² − 1] At 10%, 525 = P × [(1.1)² − 1] = P × (1.21 − 1) = P × 0.21 ⇒ P = 525 / 0.21 = ₹2,500 Now calculate SI on ₹2,500 at 5% p.a. for 4 years: SI = (P × R × T)/100 = (2500 × 5 × 4)/100 = ₹500 Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Let the principal be ₹P. We know that for 2 years CI = ₹525 Compound Interest formula: CI = P × [(1 + R/100)² − 1] At 10%, 525 = P × [(1.1)² − 1] = P × (1.21 − 1) = P × 0.21 ⇒ P = 525 / 0.21 = ₹2,500 Now calculate SI on ₹2,500 at 5% p.a. for 4 years: SI = (P × R × T)/100 = (2500 × 5 × 4)/100 = ₹500

#### 3. Question

The compound interest on a certain sum for 2 years at 10% per annum is ₹525. What is the simple interest on the same sum for double the time at half the rate?

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Let the principal be ₹P.

We know that for 2 years CI = ₹525 Compound Interest formula: CI = P × [(1 + R/100)² − 1] At 10%, 525 = P × [(1.1)² − 1] = P × (1.21 − 1) = P × 0.21 ⇒ P = 525 / 0.21 = ₹2,500

Now calculate SI on ₹2,500 at 5% p.a. for 4 years: SI = (P × R × T)/100 = (2500 × 5 × 4)/100 = ₹500

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Let the principal be ₹P.

We know that for 2 years CI = ₹525 Compound Interest formula: CI = P × [(1 + R/100)² − 1] At 10%, 525 = P × [(1.1)² − 1] = P × (1.21 − 1) = P × 0.21 ⇒ P = 525 / 0.21 = ₹2,500

Now calculate SI on ₹2,500 at 5% p.a. for 4 years: SI = (P × R × T)/100 = (2500 × 5 × 4)/100 = ₹500

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question A shopkeeper marks an item 60% above the cost price and offers a discount of 25% on the marked price. What is his profit percentage? (a) 20% (b) 25% (c) 30% (d) 35% Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Let cost price (CP) = ₹100 Marked Price (MP) = 160% of 100 = ₹160 Discount = 25% → SP = 75% of MP = 0.75 × 160 = ₹120 Profit = SP − CP = ₹120 − ₹100 = ₹20 Profit % = (20 / 100) × 100 = 20% Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Let cost price (CP) = ₹100 Marked Price (MP) = 160% of 100 = ₹160 Discount = 25% → SP = 75% of MP = 0.75 × 160 = ₹120 Profit = SP − CP = ₹120 − ₹100 = ₹20 Profit % = (20 / 100) × 100 = 20%

#### 4. Question

A shopkeeper marks an item 60% above the cost price and offers a discount of 25% on the marked price. What is his profit percentage?

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Let cost price (CP) = ₹100 Marked Price (MP) = 160% of 100 = ₹160 Discount = 25% → SP = 75% of MP = 0.75 × 160 = ₹120

Profit = SP − CP = ₹120 − ₹100 = ₹20 Profit % = (20 / 100) × 100 = 20%

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Let cost price (CP) = ₹100 Marked Price (MP) = 160% of 100 = ₹160 Discount = 25% → SP = 75% of MP = 0.75 × 160 = ₹120

Profit = SP − CP = ₹120 − ₹100 = ₹20 Profit % = (20 / 100) × 100 = 20%

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Ramesh bought some articles at a price which was 10% lower than its marked price. He then sold 50% of the articles at a price 10% above the marked price. After this, he sold the next 25% articles at a price which was 20% lower than the marked price. If Ramesh wants to earn a profit of 10% in the entire transaction, then at what price should he sell the remaining 25% articles? (a) 4% above the marked price (b) 4% below the marked price (c) 6% above the marked price (d) 6% below the marked price Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Let the marked price = ₹100 ⇒ Cost Price = 10% less = ₹90 per article Total number of articles = 100 Total cost = 100 × 90 = ₹9,000 → 50 articles sold at 10% above marked price = 110 ⇒ 50 × 110 = ₹5,500 → Next 25 articles at 20% below marked price = 80 ⇒ 25 × 80 = ₹2,000 → Let remaining 25 articles be sold at ₹x each Then total revenue = 5500 + 2000 + 25x = 7500 + 25x To earn 10% profit on ₹9000 → SP = 1.10 × 9000 = ₹9,900 So, 7500 + 25x = 9900 25x = 2400 ⇒ x = 96 Since marked price = ₹100, required SP = ₹96 i.e., 4% below the marked price Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Let the marked price = ₹100 ⇒ Cost Price = 10% less = ₹90 per article Total number of articles = 100 Total cost = 100 × 90 = ₹9,000 → 50 articles sold at 10% above marked price = 110 ⇒ 50 × 110 = ₹5,500 → Next 25 articles at 20% below marked price = 80 ⇒ 25 × 80 = ₹2,000 → Let remaining 25 articles be sold at ₹x each Then total revenue = 5500 + 2000 + 25x = 7500 + 25x To earn 10% profit on ₹9000 → SP = 1.10 × 9000 = ₹9,900 So, 7500 + 25x = 9900 25x = 2400 ⇒ x = 96 Since marked price = ₹100, required SP = ₹96 i.e., 4% below the marked price

#### 5. Question

Ramesh bought some articles at a price which was 10% lower than its marked price. He then sold 50% of the articles at a price 10% above the marked price. After this, he sold the next 25% articles at a price which was 20% lower than the marked price. If Ramesh wants to earn a profit of 10% in the entire transaction, then at what price should he sell the remaining 25% articles?

• (a) 4% above the marked price

• (b) 4% below the marked price

• (c) 6% above the marked price

• (d) 6% below the marked price

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Let the marked price = ₹100 ⇒ Cost Price = 10% less = ₹90 per article Total number of articles = 100 Total cost = 100 × 90 = ₹9,000

→ 50 articles sold at 10% above marked price = 110 ⇒ 50 × 110 = ₹5,500 → Next 25 articles at 20% below marked price = 80 ⇒ 25 × 80 = ₹2,000 → Let remaining 25 articles be sold at ₹x each Then total revenue = 5500 + 2000 + 25x = 7500 + 25x To earn 10% profit on ₹9000 → SP = 1.10 × 9000 = ₹9,900

So, 7500 + 25x = 9900 25x = 2400 ⇒ x = 96

Since marked price = ₹100, required SP = ₹96 i.e., 4% below the marked price

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Let the marked price = ₹100 ⇒ Cost Price = 10% less = ₹90 per article Total number of articles = 100 Total cost = 100 × 90 = ₹9,000

So, 7500 + 25x = 9900 25x = 2400 ⇒ x = 96

Since marked price = ₹100, required SP = ₹96 i.e., 4% below the marked price

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