UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 24 Feb 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 In recent decades, several countries have reported impressive and sustained increases in their national income. Yet, in many such cases, these gains have been accompanied by modest improvements in school completion rates, uneven access to healthcare, and persistent underemployment. Much of the expansion has been driven by a narrow set of capital-intensive industries that contribute substantially to output but absorb relatively little labour. At the same time, rising regional imbalances and widening income differentials have become more visible in official statistics. Interestingly, despite higher aggregate growth, consumption demand in large sections of the population has remained subdued. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage? (a) Broad-based improvements in human welfare do not necessarily follow from high aggregate economic growth. (b) Capital-intensive industries should be discouraged in favour of labour-intensive ones. (c) Rising income inequality is the main cause of economic slowdowns. (d) Higher GDP growth always leads to better social outcomes. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct. The passage does not directly state any conclusion but presents a pattern: high growth coexists with weak social indicators, limited employment absorption, inequality, and subdued demand. The logical corollary is that aggregate growth does not automatically translate into broad welfare gains. Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not prescribe policy or argue against any sector. Option (c) is incorrect. Inequality is mentioned as a feature, not as the single causal explanation. Option (d) is incorrect. This is directly contradicted by the evidence pattern described in the passage. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct. The passage does not directly state any conclusion but presents a pattern: high growth coexists with weak social indicators, limited employment absorption, inequality, and subdued demand. The logical corollary is that aggregate growth does not automatically translate into broad welfare gains. Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not prescribe policy or argue against any sector. Option (c) is incorrect. Inequality is mentioned as a feature, not as the single causal explanation. Option (d) is incorrect. This is directly contradicted by the evidence pattern described in the passage.
#### 1. Question
In recent decades, several countries have reported impressive and sustained increases in their national income. Yet, in many such cases, these gains have been accompanied by modest improvements in school completion rates, uneven access to healthcare, and persistent underemployment. Much of the expansion has been driven by a narrow set of capital-intensive industries that contribute substantially to output but absorb relatively little labour. At the same time, rising regional imbalances and widening income differentials have become more visible in official statistics. Interestingly, despite higher aggregate growth, consumption demand in large sections of the population has remained subdued.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage?
• (a) Broad-based improvements in human welfare do not necessarily follow from high aggregate economic growth.
• (b) Capital-intensive industries should be discouraged in favour of labour-intensive ones.
• (c) Rising income inequality is the main cause of economic slowdowns.
• (d) Higher GDP growth always leads to better social outcomes.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Option (a) is correct. The passage does not directly state any conclusion but presents a pattern: high growth coexists with weak social indicators, limited employment absorption, inequality, and subdued demand. The logical corollary is that aggregate growth does not automatically translate into broad welfare gains.
• Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not prescribe policy or argue against any sector.
• Option (c) is incorrect. Inequality is mentioned as a feature, not as the single causal explanation.
• Option (d) is incorrect. This is directly contradicted by the evidence pattern described in the passage.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Option (a) is correct. The passage does not directly state any conclusion but presents a pattern: high growth coexists with weak social indicators, limited employment absorption, inequality, and subdued demand. The logical corollary is that aggregate growth does not automatically translate into broad welfare gains.
• Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not prescribe policy or argue against any sector.
• Option (c) is incorrect. Inequality is mentioned as a feature, not as the single causal explanation.
• Option (d) is incorrect. This is directly contradicted by the evidence pattern described in the passage.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: The composition and pattern of growth matter for its social outcomes. Employment generation is an important channel through which growth affects living standards. Aggregate income statistics alone are sufficient to judge economic progress. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) I and II only (c) II and III only (d) All three Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid. The contrast between capital-intensive growth and weak social outcomes implies that how growth occurs matters. Assumption II is valid. The emphasis on underemployment and low labour absorption implicitly treats employment as a key link between growth and welfare. Assumption III is invalid. The entire passage questions reliance on aggregate income numbers by showing their disconnect from social indicators. Hence, option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid. The contrast between capital-intensive growth and weak social outcomes implies that how growth occurs matters. Assumption II is valid. The emphasis on underemployment and low labour absorption implicitly treats employment as a key link between growth and welfare. Assumption III is invalid. The entire passage questions reliance on aggregate income numbers by showing their disconnect from social indicators. Hence, option (b) is correct.
#### 2. Question
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
• The composition and pattern of growth matter for its social outcomes.
• Employment generation is an important channel through which growth affects living standards.
• Aggregate income statistics alone are sufficient to judge economic progress.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
• (a) I only
• (b) I and II only
• (c) II and III only
• (d) All three
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid. The contrast between capital-intensive growth and weak social outcomes implies that how growth occurs matters.
• Assumption II is valid. The emphasis on underemployment and low labour absorption implicitly treats employment as a key link between growth and welfare.
• Assumption III is invalid. The entire passage questions reliance on aggregate income numbers by showing their disconnect from social indicators.
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid. The contrast between capital-intensive growth and weak social outcomes implies that how growth occurs matters.
• Assumption II is valid. The emphasis on underemployment and low labour absorption implicitly treats employment as a key link between growth and welfare.
• Assumption III is invalid. The entire passage questions reliance on aggregate income numbers by showing their disconnect from social indicators.
Hence, option (b) is correct.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question In many spheres today, decisions are expected to be made quickly and revised just as rapidly. Digital platforms reward immediacy, and institutions increasingly measure efficiency by the time taken to respond rather than by the durability of outcomes. At the same time, a growing number of public policies, corporate strategies, and technological deployments are being reconsidered or reversed within short spans, often after unforeseen consequences come to light. Review committees, regulatory corrections, and judicial interventions have become routine features of governance and administration. Curiously, despite faster processes and quicker turnarounds, uncertainty in long-term outcomes appears to have increased rather than diminished. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage? (a) Faster decision-making always improves institutional performance. (b) Reversals in policy are inevitable in complex societies. (c) Speed in decision-making does not necessarily ensure sound or lasting outcomes. (d) Institutions should avoid using digital platforms for governance. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct. The passage shows a pattern: faster decisions, frequent reversals, constant corrections, and persistent uncertainty. The logical corollary is that speed alone does not guarantee quality, stability, or wisdom in outcomes. Option (a) is incorrect. This is exactly what the passage indirectly questions. Option (b) is too general and not the central implication. The passage is not making a philosophical claim about inevitability, but about the limits of speed. Option (d) is not supported. Digital platforms are mentioned descriptively, not condemned. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct. The passage shows a pattern: faster decisions, frequent reversals, constant corrections, and persistent uncertainty. The logical corollary is that speed alone does not guarantee quality, stability, or wisdom in outcomes. Option (a) is incorrect. This is exactly what the passage indirectly questions. Option (b) is too general and not the central implication. The passage is not making a philosophical claim about inevitability, but about the limits of speed. Option (d) is not supported. Digital platforms are mentioned descriptively, not condemned.
#### 3. Question
In many spheres today, decisions are expected to be made quickly and revised just as rapidly. Digital platforms reward immediacy, and institutions increasingly measure efficiency by the time taken to respond rather than by the durability of outcomes. At the same time, a growing number of public policies, corporate strategies, and technological deployments are being reconsidered or reversed within short spans, often after unforeseen consequences come to light. Review committees, regulatory corrections, and judicial interventions have become routine features of governance and administration. Curiously, despite faster processes and quicker turnarounds, uncertainty in long-term outcomes appears to have increased rather than diminished.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage?
• (a) Faster decision-making always improves institutional performance.
• (b) Reversals in policy are inevitable in complex societies.
• (c) Speed in decision-making does not necessarily ensure sound or lasting outcomes.
• (d) Institutions should avoid using digital platforms for governance.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct. The passage shows a pattern: faster decisions, frequent reversals, constant corrections, and persistent uncertainty. The logical corollary is that speed alone does not guarantee quality, stability, or wisdom in outcomes.
• Option (a) is incorrect. This is exactly what the passage indirectly questions.
• Option (b) is too general and not the central implication. The passage is not making a philosophical claim about inevitability, but about the limits of speed.
• Option (d) is not supported. Digital platforms are mentioned descriptively, not condemned.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct. The passage shows a pattern: faster decisions, frequent reversals, constant corrections, and persistent uncertainty. The logical corollary is that speed alone does not guarantee quality, stability, or wisdom in outcomes.
• Option (a) is incorrect. This is exactly what the passage indirectly questions.
• Option (b) is too general and not the central implication. The passage is not making a philosophical claim about inevitability, but about the limits of speed.
• Option (d) is not supported. Digital platforms are mentioned descriptively, not condemned.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: The quality of decisions cannot be judged only by how quickly they are made. Frequent policy reversals indicate possible shortcomings in initial decision-making. Slower processes always produce better and more reliable outcomes. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) I and II only (c) II and III only (d) All three Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid. The contrast between speed and uncertain outcomes implies that quickness is not a sufficient measure of quality. Assumption II is valid. The repeated need for corrections and reversals implies that initial decisions may have been insufficiently thought through. Assumption III is invalid. The passage does not glorify slowness or claim that slow decisions are always better — it only questions blind faith in speed. Thus, option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid. The contrast between speed and uncertain outcomes implies that quickness is not a sufficient measure of quality. Assumption II is valid. The repeated need for corrections and reversals implies that initial decisions may have been insufficiently thought through. Assumption III is invalid. The passage does not glorify slowness or claim that slow decisions are always better — it only questions blind faith in speed. Thus, option (b) is correct.
#### 4. Question
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
• The quality of decisions cannot be judged only by how quickly they are made.
• Frequent policy reversals indicate possible shortcomings in initial decision-making.
• Slower processes always produce better and more reliable outcomes.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
• (a) I only
• (b) I and II only
• (c) II and III only
• (d) All three
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid. The contrast between speed and uncertain outcomes implies that quickness is not a sufficient measure of quality.
• Assumption II is valid. The repeated need for corrections and reversals implies that initial decisions may have been insufficiently thought through.
• Assumption III is invalid. The passage does not glorify slowness or claim that slow decisions are always better — it only questions blind faith in speed.
Thus, option (b) is correct.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid. The contrast between speed and uncertain outcomes implies that quickness is not a sufficient measure of quality.
• Assumption II is valid. The repeated need for corrections and reversals implies that initial decisions may have been insufficiently thought through.
• Assumption III is invalid. The passage does not glorify slowness or claim that slow decisions are always better — it only questions blind faith in speed.
Thus, option (b) is correct.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Two pipes fill a cistern in 2 hours and 6 hours respectively, while a third pipe drains it in 3 hours. All three are opened together when the cistern is full. How long to make it completely full? (a) 2 hours (b) 2 hours 10 minutes (c) 2 hours 15 minutes (d) 2 hours 20 minutes Correct Answer : (c) Explanation Calculation: Let total work = LCM(2, 6, 3) = 6 units. Rate of pipe 1 = u/h. Rate of pipe 2 = u/h. Rate of drain = u/h. Net rate = u/h. Already full → remaining of 6 = 4.5 units. Time = hours hours 15 minutes. ∴ It takes 2 hours 15 minutes. Incorrect Answer : (c) Explanation Calculation: Let total work = LCM(2, 6, 3) = 6 units. Rate of pipe 1 = u/h. Rate of pipe 2 = u/h. Rate of drain = u/h. Net rate = u/h. Already full → remaining of 6 = 4.5 units. Time = hours hours 15 minutes. ∴ It takes 2 hours 15 minutes.
#### 5. Question
Two pipes fill a cistern in 2 hours and 6 hours respectively, while a third pipe drains it in 3 hours. All three are opened together when the cistern is full. How long to make it completely full?
• (a) 2 hours
• (b) 2 hours 10 minutes
• (c) 2 hours 15 minutes
• (d) 2 hours 20 minutes
Answer : (c)
Explanation
Calculation: Let total work = LCM(2, 6, 3) = 6 units. Rate of pipe 1 = u/h. Rate of pipe 2 = u/h. Rate of drain = u/h. Net rate = u/h.
Already full → remaining of 6 = 4.5 units. Time = hours hours 15 minutes.
∴ It takes 2 hours 15 minutes.
Answer : (c)
Explanation
Calculation: Let total work = LCM(2, 6, 3) = 6 units. Rate of pipe 1 = u/h. Rate of pipe 2 = u/h. Rate of drain = u/h. Net rate = u/h.
Already full → remaining of 6 = 4.5 units. Time = hours hours 15 minutes.
∴ It takes 2 hours 15 minutes.
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