UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 24 Nov 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 If every year 2/5th of a community’s population migrates to another region, find the leftover population after the 3rd year, assuming no growth during this period. (a) 27/125 part of the population. (b) 64/125 part of the population. (c) 8/25 part of the population. (d) 16/25 part of the population. Correct Answer: (a) Solution: Given that, there is a policy that 2/5th of the population migrates every year to another region. There is no further growth in the population within three years. Now, Let the population be p. Leftover population after one year = p − (2/5)×p = (3/5)p. After every passing year population will become 3/5th of previous population. Population after 2nd year = (3/5)(3/5)×p = (9/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (27/125)p. Hence option (a) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Solution: Given that, there is a policy that 2/5th of the population migrates every year to another region. There is no further growth in the population within three years. Now, Let the population be p. Leftover population after one year = p − (2/5)×p = (3/5)p. After every passing year population will become 3/5th of previous population. Population after 2nd year = (3/5)(3/5)×p = (9/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (27/125)p. Hence option (a) is correct.

#### 1. Question

If every year 2/5th of a community’s population migrates to another region, find the leftover population after the 3rd year, assuming no growth during this period.

• (a) 27/125 part of the population.

• (b) 64/125 part of the population.

• (c) 8/25 part of the population.

• (d) 16/25 part of the population.

Answer: (a)

Solution:

Given that,

there is a policy that 2/5th of the population migrates every year to another region. There is no further growth in the population within three years.

Let the population be p.

Leftover population after one year = p − (2/5)×p = (3/5)p.

After every passing year population will become 3/5th of previous population.

Population after 2nd year = (3/5)(3/5)×p = (9/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (27/125)p.

Hence option (a) is correct.

Answer: (a)

Solution:

Given that,

there is a policy that 2/5th of the population migrates every year to another region. There is no further growth in the population within three years.

Let the population be p.

Leftover population after one year = p − (2/5)×p = (3/5)p.

After every passing year population will become 3/5th of previous population.

Population after 2nd year = (3/5)(3/5)×p = (9/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (27/125)p.

Hence option (a) is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question How many 3-digit numbers divisible by 5 can be formed using digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (repetition allowed)? (a) 84 (b) 96 (c) 108 (d) 112 Correct Answer: (a) Short Solution: Divisible by 5 ⇒ last digit = 0 or 5 If last = 0 ⇒ 1st digit ≠ 0 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42 If last = 5 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42 ⇒ Total = 42 + 42 = 84 Incorrect Answer: (a) Short Solution: Divisible by 5 ⇒ last digit = 0 or 5 If last = 0 ⇒ 1st digit ≠ 0 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42 If last = 5 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42 ⇒ Total = 42 + 42 = 84

#### 2. Question

How many 3-digit numbers divisible by 5 can be formed using digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (repetition allowed)?

Answer: (a)

Short Solution: Divisible by 5 ⇒ last digit = 0 or 5

• If last = 0 ⇒ 1st digit ≠ 0 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42

• If last = 5 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42 ⇒ Total = 42 + 42 = 84

Answer: (a)

Short Solution: Divisible by 5 ⇒ last digit = 0 or 5

• If last = 0 ⇒ 1st digit ≠ 0 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42

• If last = 5 ⇒ 6 × 7 = 42 ⇒ Total = 42 + 42 = 84

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Urban areas across India are witnessing unprecedented stress on water resources due to population growth, erratic rainfall, and poor management of groundwater. Many cities now depend heavily on distant rivers or desalination plants, while local aquifers continue to decline. Yet, the same cities receive enough annual rainfall to meet a large part of their needs if only it were effectively captured and reused. Traditional water-harvesting systems—once integral to community life—have either fallen into neglect or been replaced by unsustainable concrete infrastructure. The path to water security in the coming decades lies in combining traditional wisdom with modern technology and ensuring decentralized planning and citizen participation. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Water scarcity in Indian cities can be solved entirely through large-scale desalination and river-linking projects. (b) Reviving traditional water systems, supplemented by modern technology and community participation, is essential for sustainable urban water management. (c) Population control is the only long-term solution to India’s urban water crisis. (d) Groundwater exploitation must be banned completely to prevent water scarcity. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage criticizes dependence on distant rivers and desalination plants, calling them unsustainable, and instead promotes self-reliant urban solutions. Option (b) is correct: The author concludes that “the path to water security… lies in combining traditional wisdom with modern technology and ensuring decentralized planning and citizen participation.” This clearly advocates an integrated and participatory model of water management. Option (c) is incorrect: Although population pressure is acknowledged, it is not described as the only cause or solution. The emphasis is on management and revival of traditional practices. Option (d) is incorrect: The author does not call for a blanket ban on groundwater use but stresses responsible management and recharge through local systems. Hence, option (b) captures the central, pragmatic message. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage criticizes dependence on distant rivers and desalination plants, calling them unsustainable, and instead promotes self-reliant urban solutions. Option (b) is correct: The author concludes that “the path to water security… lies in combining traditional wisdom with modern technology and ensuring decentralized planning and citizen participation.” This clearly advocates an integrated and participatory model of water management. Option (c) is incorrect: Although population pressure is acknowledged, it is not described as the only cause or solution. The emphasis is on management and revival of traditional practices. Option (d) is incorrect: The author does not call for a blanket ban on groundwater use but stresses responsible management and recharge through local systems. Hence, option (b) captures the central, pragmatic message.

#### 3. Question

Urban areas across India are witnessing unprecedented stress on water resources due to population growth, erratic rainfall, and poor management of groundwater. Many cities now depend heavily on distant rivers or desalination plants, while local aquifers continue to decline. Yet, the same cities receive enough annual rainfall to meet a large part of their needs if only it were effectively captured and reused. Traditional water-harvesting systems—once integral to community life—have either fallen into neglect or been replaced by unsustainable concrete infrastructure. The path to water security in the coming decades lies in combining traditional wisdom with modern technology and ensuring decentralized planning and citizen participation.

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

• (a) Water scarcity in Indian cities can be solved entirely through large-scale desalination and river-linking projects.

• (b) Reviving traditional water systems, supplemented by modern technology and community participation, is essential for sustainable urban water management.

• (c) Population control is the only long-term solution to India’s urban water crisis.

• (d) Groundwater exploitation must be banned completely to prevent water scarcity.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage criticizes dependence on distant rivers and desalination plants, calling them unsustainable, and instead promotes self-reliant urban solutions. Option (b) is correct: The author concludes that “the path to water security… lies in combining traditional wisdom with modern technology and ensuring decentralized planning and citizen participation.” This clearly advocates an integrated and participatory model of water management. Option (c) is incorrect: Although population pressure is acknowledged, it is not described as the only cause or solution. The emphasis is on management and revival of traditional practices. Option (d) is incorrect: The author does not call for a blanket ban on groundwater use but stresses responsible management and recharge through local systems. Hence, option (b) captures the central, pragmatic message.

Answer: (b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Traditional knowledge systems still hold practical value for solving modern ecological challenges. II. Centralized urban water-supply projects are the most efficient way to ensure water security in India. 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 correct: The passage explicitly supports reviving “traditional water-harvesting systems” and combining them with modern technology, implying their continuing relevance in addressing current water stress. Assumption II is incorrect: The passage rejects over-reliance on centralized projects such as river diversions or desalination, describing them as unsustainable. It instead calls for decentralized and participatory approaches. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is correct: The passage explicitly supports reviving “traditional water-harvesting systems” and combining them with modern technology, implying their continuing relevance in addressing current water stress. Assumption II is incorrect: The passage rejects over-reliance on centralized projects such as river diversions or desalination, describing them as unsustainable. It instead calls for decentralized and participatory approaches. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) correct.

#### 4. Question

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

I. Traditional knowledge systems still hold practical value for solving modern ecological challenges. II. Centralized urban water-supply projects are the most efficient way to ensure water security in India.

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 correct: The passage explicitly supports reviving “traditional water-harvesting systems” and combining them with modern technology, implying their continuing relevance in addressing current water stress. Assumption II is incorrect: The passage rejects over-reliance on centralized projects such as river diversions or desalination, describing them as unsustainable. It instead calls for decentralized and participatory approaches. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) correct.

Answer: (a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question In recent years, India’s rural economy has been transforming in unexpected ways. While agriculture continues to employ a large share of the population, non-farm activities—such as construction, trade, and services—have grown steadily and now contribute significantly to household incomes. This shift, however, has not been accompanied by adequate institutional support or skill training. As a result, many rural workers remain trapped in low-productivity, informal occupations with limited security. Rural development policies, therefore, need to focus not only on increasing agricultural productivity but also on improving the quality, stability, and dignity of non-farm employment opportunities. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage? (a) Rural India must continue to depend primarily on agriculture to sustain livelihoods. (b) The rise of non-farm employment requires strong policy and institutional support to ensure decent work and economic stability. (c) The Government should discourage rural migration towards non-agricultural occupations. (d) Skill training programmes are ineffective in improving rural employment quality. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage recognises the continuing importance of agriculture but stresses that the rural economy is diversifying toward non-farm activities. The author urges policies that address this transition rather than advocating a return to agriculture. Option (b) is correct: The author notes that “non-farm activities have grown steadily” yet “many workers remain trapped in low-productivity, informal occupations with limited security.” He concludes that “rural development policies must focus on improving the quality, stability, and dignity of non-farm employment.” Hence, the core message is the need for institutional and policy support to make non-farm work more secure and productive. Option (c) is incorrect: Nowhere does the passage advise discouraging non-agricultural employment. On the contrary, it acknowledges its growing role in rural livelihoods. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage says skill training is inadequate, not ineffective. It calls for strengthening such support, not dismissing it. Therefore, option (b) best captures the critical message of the passage. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage recognises the continuing importance of agriculture but stresses that the rural economy is diversifying toward non-farm activities. The author urges policies that address this transition rather than advocating a return to agriculture. Option (b) is correct: The author notes that “non-farm activities have grown steadily” yet “many workers remain trapped in low-productivity, informal occupations with limited security.” He concludes that “rural development policies must focus on improving the quality, stability, and dignity of non-farm employment.” Hence, the core message is the need for institutional and policy support to make non-farm work more secure and productive. Option (c) is incorrect: Nowhere does the passage advise discouraging non-agricultural employment. On the contrary, it acknowledges its growing role in rural livelihoods. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage says skill training is inadequate, not ineffective. It calls for strengthening such support, not dismissing it. Therefore, option (b) best captures the critical message of the passage.

#### 5. Question

In recent years, India’s rural economy has been transforming in unexpected ways. While agriculture continues to employ a large share of the population, non-farm activities—such as construction, trade, and services—have grown steadily and now contribute significantly to household incomes. This shift, however, has not been accompanied by adequate institutional support or skill training. As a result, many rural workers remain trapped in low-productivity, informal occupations with limited security. Rural development policies, therefore, need to focus not only on increasing agricultural productivity but also on improving the quality, stability, and dignity of non-farm employment opportunities.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage?

• (a) Rural India must continue to depend primarily on agriculture to sustain livelihoods.

• (b) The rise of non-farm employment requires strong policy and institutional support to ensure decent work and economic stability.

• (c) The Government should discourage rural migration towards non-agricultural occupations.

• (d) Skill training programmes are ineffective in improving rural employment quality.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage recognises the continuing importance of agriculture but stresses that the rural economy is diversifying toward non-farm activities. The author urges policies that address this transition rather than advocating a return to agriculture. Option (b) is correct: The author notes that “non-farm activities have grown steadily” yet “many workers remain trapped in low-productivity, informal occupations with limited security.” He concludes that “rural development policies must focus on improving the quality, stability, and dignity of non-farm employment.” Hence, the core message is the need for institutional and policy support to make non-farm work more secure and productive. Option (c) is incorrect: Nowhere does the passage advise discouraging non-agricultural employment. On the contrary, it acknowledges its growing role in rural livelihoods. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage says skill training is inadequate, not ineffective. It calls for strengthening such support, not dismissing it. Therefore, option (b) best captures the critical message of the passage.

Answer: (b)

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