UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 20 Jan 2026
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 Public trust is one of the most essential yet fragile pillars of democratic governance. Institutions—whether courts, legislatures, or regulatory bodies—derive their legitimacy not only from constitutional authority but from citizens’ perception of fairness and integrity. When decisions appear opaque, biased, or influenced by special interests, trust begins to erode. This erosion is rarely sudden; it accumulates through repeated small breaches that weaken the social contract over time. However, rebuilding trust is more complex than enforcing compliance or increasing surveillance. It requires transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen engagement. Democracies function best when people feel their voices matter, when institutions demonstrate moral consistency, and when errors are acknowledged rather than concealed. Trust is thus not a passive expectation but an active relationship between the state and society. Without it, even well-designed policies struggle to gain acceptance, and collective action becomes far more difficult. Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage? (a) Strong laws and strict punishment are sufficient to maintain trust in democratic institutions. (b) Public trust depends primarily on citizens’ attitudes rather than institutional behaviour. (c) Democratic institutions must demonstrate transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to sustain trust. (d) Loss of public trust is inevitable in large and diverse democracies. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct: The passage stresses that trust is built through transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement by institutions. Option (a) is incorrect: The passage argues that compliance alone cannot rebuild trust. Option (b) reverses the relationship; the passage emphasises institutional integrity, not merely citizen attitudes. Option (d) is not supported; the passage describes causes of mistrust, not inevitability. Thus, (c) captures the essential message. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct: The passage stresses that trust is built through transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement by institutions. Option (a) is incorrect: The passage argues that compliance alone cannot rebuild trust. Option (b) reverses the relationship; the passage emphasises institutional integrity, not merely citizen attitudes. Option (d) is not supported; the passage describes causes of mistrust, not inevitability. Thus, (c) captures the essential message.
#### 1. Question
Public trust is one of the most essential yet fragile pillars of democratic governance. Institutions—whether courts, legislatures, or regulatory bodies—derive their legitimacy not only from constitutional authority but from citizens’ perception of fairness and integrity. When decisions appear opaque, biased, or influenced by special interests, trust begins to erode. This erosion is rarely sudden; it accumulates through repeated small breaches that weaken the social contract over time.
However, rebuilding trust is more complex than enforcing compliance or increasing surveillance. It requires transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen engagement. Democracies function best when people feel their voices matter, when institutions demonstrate moral consistency, and when errors are acknowledged rather than concealed. Trust is thus not a passive expectation but an active relationship between the state and society. Without it, even well-designed policies struggle to gain acceptance, and collective action becomes far more difficult.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage?
• (a) Strong laws and strict punishment are sufficient to maintain trust in democratic institutions.
• (b) Public trust depends primarily on citizens’ attitudes rather than institutional behaviour.
• (c) Democratic institutions must demonstrate transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to sustain trust.
• (d) Loss of public trust is inevitable in large and diverse democracies.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: The passage stresses that trust is built through transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement by institutions.
• Option (a) is incorrect: The passage argues that compliance alone cannot rebuild trust.
• Option (b) reverses the relationship; the passage emphasises institutional integrity, not merely citizen attitudes.
• Option (d) is not supported; the passage describes causes of mistrust, not inevitability.
Thus, (c) captures the essential message.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: The passage stresses that trust is built through transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement by institutions.
• Option (a) is incorrect: The passage argues that compliance alone cannot rebuild trust.
• Option (b) reverses the relationship; the passage emphasises institutional integrity, not merely citizen attitudes.
• Option (d) is not supported; the passage describes causes of mistrust, not inevitability.
Thus, (c) captures the essential message.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the above passage, consider the following assumptions: Public trust is maintained when institutions act consistently with democratic values. People are more likely to support policies when they trust the decision-making process. Institutional errors should be concealed to prevent public criticism and preserve trust. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption 1: Valid — the passage stresses fairness, integrity, and moral consistency as foundations of trust. Assumption 2: Valid — it states that without trust, even well-designed policies fail to gain acceptance. Assumption 3: Invalid — the passage argues the opposite: errors must be acknowledged, not concealed. Thus, the correct answer is (b). Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption 1: Valid — the passage stresses fairness, integrity, and moral consistency as foundations of trust. Assumption 2: Valid — it states that without trust, even well-designed policies fail to gain acceptance. Assumption 3: Invalid — the passage argues the opposite: errors must be acknowledged, not concealed. Thus, the correct answer is (b).
#### 2. Question
With reference to the above passage, consider the following assumptions:
• Public trust is maintained when institutions act consistently with democratic values.
• People are more likely to support policies when they trust the decision-making process.
• Institutional errors should be concealed to prevent public criticism and preserve trust.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 1 and 2 only
• (c) 2 and 3 only
• (d) All three
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Assumption 1: Valid — the passage stresses fairness, integrity, and moral consistency as foundations of trust.
• Assumption 2: Valid — it states that without trust, even well-designed policies fail to gain acceptance.
• Assumption 3: Invalid — the passage argues the opposite: errors must be acknowledged, not concealed.
Thus, the correct answer is (b).
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Assumption 1: Valid — the passage stresses fairness, integrity, and moral consistency as foundations of trust.
• Assumption 2: Valid — it states that without trust, even well-designed policies fail to gain acceptance.
• Assumption 3: Invalid — the passage argues the opposite: errors must be acknowledged, not concealed.
Thus, the correct answer is (b).
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Human freedom is often imagined as the absence of constraints—a life where one can choose without limitation. Yet philosophers have long argued that true freedom is not found in limitless options, but in the conscious alignment of choice with purpose. A person overwhelmed by infinite possibilities may feel not liberated but scattered, unable to discern what truly matters. Likewise, external freedom without inner clarity can lead to impulsivity rather than autonomy. Self-discipline, reflection, and responsibility are therefore not opposites of freedom but its foundations. They enable individuals to act intentionally rather than reactively, shaping a life guided by values rather than circumstance. Freedom without direction can become a form of drift; direction without freedom becomes coercion. The challenge of human existence is to hold both together—to cultivate an inner compass that turns choice into meaning. Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage? (a) Freedom is maximised when individuals have unlimited choices without restrictions. (b) True freedom arises when personal choices are guided by purpose, discipline, and inner clarity. (c) External constraints are the only barriers to human autonomy. (d) Responsibility limits freedom and should therefore be avoided. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (b) is correct: The passage repeatedly emphasises that genuine freedom comes from purposeful, reflective choice—not limitless options. Option (a) contradicts the passage, which argues that endless choice can cause confusion rather than freedom. Option (c) is incomplete—the passage stresses internal clarity, not just external constraints. Option (d) is the opposite of the passage’s argument, which treats responsibility as essential to freedom. Thus, (b) captures the philosophical core of the passage. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (b) is correct: The passage repeatedly emphasises that genuine freedom comes from purposeful, reflective choice—not limitless options. Option (a) contradicts the passage, which argues that endless choice can cause confusion rather than freedom. Option (c) is incomplete—the passage stresses internal clarity, not just external constraints. Option (d) is the opposite of the passage’s argument, which treats responsibility as essential to freedom. Thus, (b) captures the philosophical core of the passage.
#### 3. Question
Human freedom is often imagined as the absence of constraints—a life where one can choose without limitation. Yet philosophers have long argued that true freedom is not found in limitless options, but in the conscious alignment of choice with purpose. A person overwhelmed by infinite possibilities may feel not liberated but scattered, unable to discern what truly matters. Likewise, external freedom without inner clarity can lead to impulsivity rather than autonomy.
Self-discipline, reflection, and responsibility are therefore not opposites of freedom but its foundations. They enable individuals to act intentionally rather than reactively, shaping a life guided by values rather than circumstance. Freedom without direction can become a form of drift; direction without freedom becomes coercion. The challenge of human existence is to hold both together—to cultivate an inner compass that turns choice into meaning.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage?
• (a) Freedom is maximised when individuals have unlimited choices without restrictions.
• (b) True freedom arises when personal choices are guided by purpose, discipline, and inner clarity.
• (c) External constraints are the only barriers to human autonomy.
• (d) Responsibility limits freedom and should therefore be avoided.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Option (b) is correct: The passage repeatedly emphasises that genuine freedom comes from purposeful, reflective choice—not limitless options.
• Option (a) contradicts the passage, which argues that endless choice can cause confusion rather than freedom.
• Option (c) is incomplete—the passage stresses internal clarity, not just external constraints.
• Option (d) is the opposite of the passage’s argument, which treats responsibility as essential to freedom.
Thus, (b) captures the philosophical core of the passage.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Option (b) is correct: The passage repeatedly emphasises that genuine freedom comes from purposeful, reflective choice—not limitless options.
• Option (a) contradicts the passage, which argues that endless choice can cause confusion rather than freedom.
• Option (c) is incomplete—the passage stresses internal clarity, not just external constraints.
• Option (d) is the opposite of the passage’s argument, which treats responsibility as essential to freedom.
Thus, (b) captures the philosophical core of the passage.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements: Unlimited choices may diminish rather than enhance an individual’s sense of freedom. Self-discipline and reflection strengthen one’s capacity for meaningful autonomy. Freedom and responsibility are fundamentally incompatible. Which of the above statements can be inferred from the passage? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1: Supported — the passage states that limitless possibilities can make people feel “scattered” rather than liberated. Statement 2: Supported — the text argues that discipline and reflection are foundations of freedom. Statement 3: Not supported — the passage argues the opposite: freedom and responsibility complement each other. Hence, (a) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1: Supported — the passage states that limitless possibilities can make people feel “scattered” rather than liberated. Statement 2: Supported — the text argues that discipline and reflection are foundations of freedom. Statement 3: Not supported — the passage argues the opposite: freedom and responsibility complement each other. Hence, (a) is correct.
#### 4. Question
Consider the following statements:
• Unlimited choices may diminish rather than enhance an individual’s sense of freedom.
• Self-discipline and reflection strengthen one’s capacity for meaningful autonomy.
• Freedom and responsibility are fundamentally incompatible.
Which of the above statements can be inferred from the passage?
• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1 and 3 only
• (c) 2 and 3 only
• (d) All three
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Statement 1: Supported — the passage states that limitless possibilities can make people feel “scattered” rather than liberated.
• Statement 2: Supported — the text argues that discipline and reflection are foundations of freedom.
• Statement 3: Not supported — the passage argues the opposite: freedom and responsibility complement each other.
Hence, (a) is correct.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Statement 1: Supported — the passage states that limitless possibilities can make people feel “scattered” rather than liberated.
• Statement 2: Supported — the text argues that discipline and reflection are foundations of freedom.
• Statement 3: Not supported — the passage argues the opposite: freedom and responsibility complement each other.
Hence, (a) is correct.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question For an event, ticket prices for Category A, B, and C are in the ratio 9 : 6 : 3, and the number of tickets sold are in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7 respectively. If total revenue = ₹3,78,000, what is the revenue from Category B? (a) ₹84,000 (b) ₹90,000 (c) ₹1,08,000 (d) ₹1,26,000 Correct Answer: (c) Solution: Revenue parts: A = 9 × 3 = 27 B = 6 × 5 = 30 C = 3 × 7 = 21 Total parts = 27 + 30 + 21 = 78 Revenue from Category B = (30/78) × 3,78,000 = (5/13) × 3,78,000 = ₹1,08,000 Incorrect Answer: (c) Solution: Revenue parts: A = 9 × 3 = 27 B = 6 × 5 = 30 C = 3 × 7 = 21 Total parts = 27 + 30 + 21 = 78 Revenue from Category B = (30/78) × 3,78,000 = (5/13) × 3,78,000 = ₹1,08,000
#### 5. Question
For an event, ticket prices for Category A, B, and C are in the ratio 9 : 6 : 3, and the number of tickets sold are in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7 respectively. If total revenue = ₹3,78,000, what is the revenue from Category B?
• (a) ₹84,000
• (b) ₹90,000
• (c) ₹1,08,000
• (d) ₹1,26,000
Answer: (c)
Solution:
Revenue parts:
• A = 9 × 3 = 27
• B = 6 × 5 = 30
• C = 3 × 7 = 21
Total parts = 27 + 30 + 21 = 78
Revenue from Category B = (30/78) × 3,78,000 = (5/13) × 3,78,000 = ₹1,08,000
Answer: (c)
Solution:
Revenue parts:
• A = 9 × 3 = 27
• B = 6 × 5 = 30
• C = 3 × 7 = 21
Total parts = 27 + 30 + 21 = 78
Revenue from Category B = (30/78) × 3,78,000 = (5/13) × 3,78,000 = ₹1,08,000
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