UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 20 Oct 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 A person buys three articles P, Q and R for Rs. 9,200. If P costs 40% more than R and R costs 50% more than Q, then what is the cost of P? (a) Rs. 3,600 (b) Rs. 3,900 (c) Rs. 4,200 (d) Rs. 4,500 Correct Answer: (c) Solution: Total cost of articles = Rs. 9200 R = 150% of Q = (3/2)Q P = 140% of R = (7/5)R So, P = (7/5) × (3/2)Q = (21/10)Q Now P + Q + R = 9200 (21/10)Q + Q + (3/2)Q = 9200 (46Q/10) = 9200 → 46Q = 92000 → Q = 2000 R = (3/2)Q = 3000 P = (21/10)Q = 4200 Hence, the cost of P is Rs. 4,200 Incorrect Answer: (c) Solution: Total cost of articles = Rs. 9200 R = 150% of Q = (3/2)Q P = 140% of R = (7/5)R So, P = (7/5) × (3/2)Q = (21/10)Q Now P + Q + R = 9200 (21/10)Q + Q + (3/2)Q = 9200 (46Q/10) = 9200 → 46Q = 92000 → Q = 2000 R = (3/2)Q = 3000 P = (21/10)Q = 4200 Hence, the cost of P is Rs. 4,200

#### 1. Question

A person buys three articles P, Q and R for Rs. 9,200. If P costs 40% more than R and R costs 50% more than Q, then what is the cost of P?

• (a) Rs. 3,600

• (b) Rs. 3,900

• (c) Rs. 4,200

• (d) Rs. 4,500

Answer: (c) Solution: Total cost of articles = Rs. 9200 R = 150% of Q = (3/2)Q P = 140% of R = (7/5)R So, P = (7/5) × (3/2)Q = (21/10)Q Now P + Q + R = 9200 (21/10)Q + Q + (3/2)Q = 9200 (46Q/10) = 9200 → 46Q = 92000 → Q = 2000 R = (3/2)Q = 3000 P = (21/10)Q = 4200 Hence, the cost of P is Rs. 4,200

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Despite being the largest employer in India, agriculture has consistently contributed a shrinking share to the GDP. While services and manufacturing have diversified and absorbed new technologies, the agricultural sector has largely remained dependent on small holdings, monsoon cycles, and low-value crops. Although policies like minimum support prices and subsidies have provided some relief, they have not been able to generate sustained high growth or reduce rural distress. The contrast between the steady rise of industrial output and the stagnation in agricultural productivity highlights a structural imbalance in India’s development trajectory. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage? (a) The imbalance between agricultural and non-agricultural growth stems from the failure to modernize Indian agriculture. (b) The agricultural sector in India has benefitted equally from technological advancements as services and manufacturing. (c) India’s GDP growth has been consistently driven by agriculture rather than by services and industries. (d) Subsidies and MSPs have been sufficient to ensure long-term rural prosperity. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct because the passage directly points to agriculture’s dependence on monsoons, small holdings, and low-value crops, contrasting this with services and manufacturing that adopted technology and diversified. This implies that the lack of modernization is at the root of the imbalance. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states the opposite—that agriculture lagged in technology adoption. Option (c) is incorrect: Services and industries, not agriculture, are described as the key GDP drivers. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly notes that subsidies and MSPs have not secured long-term prosperity. Thus, (a) is the most reasonable corollary. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct because the passage directly points to agriculture’s dependence on monsoons, small holdings, and low-value crops, contrasting this with services and manufacturing that adopted technology and diversified. This implies that the lack of modernization is at the root of the imbalance. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states the opposite—that agriculture lagged in technology adoption. Option (c) is incorrect: Services and industries, not agriculture, are described as the key GDP drivers. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly notes that subsidies and MSPs have not secured long-term prosperity. Thus, (a) is the most reasonable corollary.

#### 2. Question

Despite being the largest employer in India, agriculture has consistently contributed a shrinking share to the GDP. While services and manufacturing have diversified and absorbed new technologies, the agricultural sector has largely remained dependent on small holdings, monsoon cycles, and low-value crops. Although policies like minimum support prices and subsidies have provided some relief, they have not been able to generate sustained high growth or reduce rural distress. The contrast between the steady rise of industrial output and the stagnation in agricultural productivity highlights a structural imbalance in India’s development trajectory.

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

• (a) The imbalance between agricultural and non-agricultural growth stems from the failure to modernize Indian agriculture.

• (b) The agricultural sector in India has benefitted equally from technological advancements as services and manufacturing.

• (c) India’s GDP growth has been consistently driven by agriculture rather than by services and industries.

• (d) Subsidies and MSPs have been sufficient to ensure long-term rural prosperity.

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Option (a) is correct because the passage directly points to agriculture’s dependence on monsoons, small holdings, and low-value crops, contrasting this with services and manufacturing that adopted technology and diversified. This implies that the lack of modernization is at the root of the imbalance.

• Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states the opposite—that agriculture lagged in technology adoption.

• Option (c) is incorrect: Services and industries, not agriculture, are described as the key GDP drivers.

• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly notes that subsidies and MSPs have not secured long-term prosperity. Thus, (a) is the most reasonable corollary.

Answer: (a)

• Option (b) is incorrect: The passage states the opposite—that agriculture lagged in technology adoption.

• Option (c) is incorrect: Services and industries, not agriculture, are described as the key GDP drivers.

• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly notes that subsidies and MSPs have not secured long-term prosperity. Thus, (a) is the most reasonable corollary.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Structural reforms and technology adoption in agriculture could reduce the imbalance between agriculture and other sectors. II. India’s economic growth model has undervalued the potential of the agricultural workforce. 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 emphasizes agriculture’s stagnation due to reliance on small holdings and monsoon cycles, in contrast to other sectors that adopted technology. This supports the assumption that structural reforms and technology adoption could narrow the gap. Assumption II is valid: The passage highlights that agriculture is India’s largest employer but contributes less to GDP, showing a mismatch in recognition and investment—implying undervaluation of the agricultural workforce. Therefore, both assumptions are valid, making option (c) correct. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage emphasizes agriculture’s stagnation due to reliance on small holdings and monsoon cycles, in contrast to other sectors that adopted technology. This supports the assumption that structural reforms and technology adoption could narrow the gap. Assumption II is valid: The passage highlights that agriculture is India’s largest employer but contributes less to GDP, showing a mismatch in recognition and investment—implying undervaluation of the agricultural workforce. Therefore, both assumptions are valid, making option (c) correct.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Structural reforms and technology adoption in agriculture could reduce the imbalance between agriculture and other sectors. II. India’s economic growth model has undervalued the potential of the agricultural workforce.

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 emphasizes agriculture’s stagnation due to reliance on small holdings and monsoon cycles, in contrast to other sectors that adopted technology. This supports the assumption that structural reforms and technology adoption could narrow the gap.

• Assumption II is valid: The passage highlights that agriculture is India’s largest employer but contributes less to GDP, showing a mismatch in recognition and investment—implying undervaluation of the agricultural workforce. Therefore, both assumptions are valid, making option (c) correct.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question For decades, the small-scale and cottage industries of India have been celebrated as symbols of self-reliance and local ingenuity. They have been framed as carriers of tradition and heritage, rather than as engines of innovation or growth. This narrative has ensured some state patronage, but it has also confined these industries to the margins of the modern economy. While global markets demand adaptability, quality, and competitiveness, the discourse around small-scale industries continues to highlight nostalgia over efficiency. As a result, many of these industries struggle to survive, not because of a lack of skill, but because they are locked in an identity that limits their transformation. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) The survival of small-scale industries depends on freeing them from the narrow cultural framing of tradition and reimagining them as dynamic economic actors. (b) Continued State subsidies to small-scale industries are essential to preserve national pride and cultural symbols. (c) Small-scale industries must confine themselves to heritage-based products to remain unique in a globalized economy. (d) The competitiveness of small-scale industries depends only on technological advancement and nothing else. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The passage stresses that small-scale industries are currently framed mainly as “symbols of tradition and heritage” and that this narrative confines them. It argues they must be reimagined beyond nostalgia to survive as relevant, dynamic sectors. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage critiques the heritage-based framing, even if supported by the State. Mere subsidies without reframing will not ensure survival. Option (c) is incorrect: This is precisely what the passage critiques — confinement to heritage-based identity. Option (d) is incorrect: While technology matters, the passage emphasizes narratives and framing as the core issue, not just technology. Hence, (a) captures the logical and rational message. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The passage stresses that small-scale industries are currently framed mainly as “symbols of tradition and heritage” and that this narrative confines them. It argues they must be reimagined beyond nostalgia to survive as relevant, dynamic sectors. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage critiques the heritage-based framing, even if supported by the State. Mere subsidies without reframing will not ensure survival. Option (c) is incorrect: This is precisely what the passage critiques — confinement to heritage-based identity. Option (d) is incorrect: While technology matters, the passage emphasizes narratives and framing as the core issue, not just technology. Hence, (a) captures the logical and rational message.

#### 4. Question

For decades, the small-scale and cottage industries of India have been celebrated as symbols of self-reliance and local ingenuity. They have been framed as carriers of tradition and heritage, rather than as engines of innovation or growth. This narrative has ensured some state patronage, but it has also confined these industries to the margins of the modern economy. While global markets demand adaptability, quality, and competitiveness, the discourse around small-scale industries continues to highlight nostalgia over efficiency. As a result, many of these industries struggle to survive, not because of a lack of skill, but because they are locked in an identity that limits their transformation.

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

• (a) The survival of small-scale industries depends on freeing them from the narrow cultural framing of tradition and reimagining them as dynamic economic actors.

• (b) Continued State subsidies to small-scale industries are essential to preserve national pride and cultural symbols.

• (c) Small-scale industries must confine themselves to heritage-based products to remain unique in a globalized economy.

• (d) The competitiveness of small-scale industries depends only on technological advancement and nothing else.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is correct: The passage stresses that small-scale industries are currently framed mainly as “symbols of tradition and heritage” and that this narrative confines them. It argues they must be reimagined beyond nostalgia to survive as relevant, dynamic sectors.

• Option (b) is incorrect: The passage critiques the heritage-based framing, even if supported by the State. Mere subsidies without reframing will not ensure survival.

• Option (c) is incorrect: This is precisely what the passage critiques — confinement to heritage-based identity.

• Option (d) is incorrect: While technology matters, the passage emphasizes narratives and framing as the core issue, not just technology.

Hence, (a) captures the logical and rational message.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Option (b) is incorrect: The passage critiques the heritage-based framing, even if supported by the State. Mere subsidies without reframing will not ensure survival.

• Option (c) is incorrect: This is precisely what the passage critiques — confinement to heritage-based identity.

• Option (d) is incorrect: While technology matters, the passage emphasizes narratives and framing as the core issue, not just technology.

Hence, (a) captures the logical and rational message.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Viewing small-scale industries merely as heritage symbols reduces their ability to compete in modern markets. II. Skill shortage is the primary reason why small-scale industries are unable to grow. 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: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly states that these industries struggle because they are “locked in an identity that limits their transformation,” making it clear that their heritage-only framing reduces competitiveness. Assumption II is invalid: The passage directly rejects this by stating that they do not fail “because of a lack of skill, but because they are locked in an identity.” Hence, the issue is not skills but restrictive framing. Therefore, only Assumption I is correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly states that these industries struggle because they are “locked in an identity that limits their transformation,” making it clear that their heritage-only framing reduces competitiveness. Assumption II is invalid: The passage directly rejects this by stating that they do not fail “because of a lack of skill, but because they are locked in an identity.” Hence, the issue is not skills but restrictive framing. Therefore, only Assumption I is correct.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Viewing small-scale industries merely as heritage symbols reduces their ability to compete in modern markets. II. Skill shortage is the primary reason why small-scale industries are unable to grow.

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: (a)

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly states that these industries struggle because they are “locked in an identity that limits their transformation,” making it clear that their heritage-only framing reduces competitiveness.

• Assumption II is invalid: The passage directly rejects this by stating that they do not fail “because of a lack of skill, but because they are locked in an identity.” Hence, the issue is not skills but restrictive framing.

Therefore, only Assumption I is correct.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Therefore, only Assumption I is correct.

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