UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 26 Sep 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).

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of Luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question A clock strikes once at 1 o’clock, twice at 2 o’clock and thrice at 3 o’clock, and so on. If it takes 12 seconds to strike at 5 o’clock, what is the time taken by it to strike at 10 o’clock? (a) 24 seconds (b) 27 seconds (c) 30 seconds (d) 33 seconds Correct Answer: B Solution: Given that, It takes 12 seconds to strike 5 o’clock. Now, At 5 o’clock there are 5 strikes and hence 4 intervals between first and last strike. Time per interval = 12 divided by 4 = 3 seconds. At 10 o’clock there are 10 strikes and hence 9 intervals. Time taken = 9 multiplied by 3 = 27 seconds. Hence option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: B Solution: Given that, It takes 12 seconds to strike 5 o’clock. Now, At 5 o’clock there are 5 strikes and hence 4 intervals between first and last strike. Time per interval = 12 divided by 4 = 3 seconds. At 10 o’clock there are 10 strikes and hence 9 intervals. Time taken = 9 multiplied by 3 = 27 seconds. Hence option (b) is correct.

#### 1. Question

A clock strikes once at 1 o’clock, twice at 2 o’clock and thrice at 3 o’clock, and so on. If it takes 12 seconds to strike at 5 o’clock, what is the time taken by it to strike at 10 o’clock?

• (a) 24 seconds

• (b) 27 seconds

• (c) 30 seconds

• (d) 33 seconds

Given that,

It takes 12 seconds to strike 5 o’clock.

At 5 o’clock there are 5 strikes and hence 4 intervals between first and last strike. Time per interval = 12 divided by 4 = 3 seconds. At 10 o’clock there are 10 strikes and hence 9 intervals. Time taken = 9 multiplied by 3 = 27 seconds.

Hence option (b) is correct.

Given that,

It takes 12 seconds to strike 5 o’clock.

Hence option (b) is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question How many seconds in total are there in x weeks, x hours, x minutes and x seconds? (a) 608460x (b) 608461x (c) 608401x (d) 608361x Correct Answer: B Solution: As we know: Seconds in a minute = 60 sec Seconds in an hour = 60 x 60 = 3600 sec Seconds in a week = 60 x 60 x 24 x 7 = 604800 sec Thus seconds in total are there in x weeks, x hours, x minutes and x seconds = 604800x + 3600x + 60x + 1x = 608461x Hence option (b) is correct Incorrect Answer: B Solution: As we know: Seconds in a minute = 60 sec Seconds in an hour = 60 x 60 = 3600 sec Seconds in a week = 60 x 60 x 24 x 7 = 604800 sec Thus seconds in total are there in x weeks, x hours, x minutes and x seconds = 604800x + 3600x + 60x + 1x = 608461x Hence option (b) is correct

#### 2. Question

How many seconds in total are there in x weeks, x hours, x minutes and x seconds?

• (a) 608460x

• (b) 608461x

• (c) 608401x

• (d) 608361x

As we know:

Seconds in a minute = 60 sec Seconds in an hour = 60 x 60 = 3600 sec Seconds in a week = 60 x 60 x 24 x 7 = 604800 sec

Thus seconds in total are there in x weeks, x hours, x minutes and x seconds =

604800x + 3600x + 60x + 1x = 608461x

Hence option (b) is correct

As we know:

Seconds in a minute = 60 sec Seconds in an hour = 60 x 60 = 3600 sec Seconds in a week = 60 x 60 x 24 x 7 = 604800 sec

Thus seconds in total are there in x weeks, x hours, x minutes and x seconds =

604800x + 3600x + 60x + 1x = 608461x

Hence option (b) is correct

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question History has shown that unchecked concentration of power, whether in an individual or an institution, often leads to abuse and decline. A democracy thrives not by granting absolute authority to its rulers but by ensuring accountability through institutional checks and balances. The judiciary, legislature, and media are not meant to weaken the executive but to keep it aligned with constitutional principles. Citizens too must remain vigilant, for the strength of a democracy lies not only in its institutions but in the active participation of its people. Without this balance, governance risks sliding into arbitrariness, and freedom risks being traded for efficiency. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Absolute concentration of power ensures efficiency in democratic governance. (b) Institutions and citizens must work together to keep democracy accountable and balanced. (c) The executive is inherently weak and must be protected by other organs of the State. (d) Media and judiciary often obstruct governance by imposing unnecessary limits. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage explicitly warns against unchecked concentration of power leading to abuse. Option (c) is incorrect: It does not portray the executive as weak; rather, it stresses balance through checks and accountability. Option (d) is incorrect: The author affirms that media and judiciary align governance with constitutional principles, not obstruct it. Option (b) is correct: The passage repeatedly highlights the role of institutions (“judiciary, legislature, and media”) and citizens (“active participation”) in keeping democracy accountable and balanced. This captures the author’s central message. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage explicitly warns against unchecked concentration of power leading to abuse. Option (c) is incorrect: It does not portray the executive as weak; rather, it stresses balance through checks and accountability. Option (d) is incorrect: The author affirms that media and judiciary align governance with constitutional principles, not obstruct it. Option (b) is correct: The passage repeatedly highlights the role of institutions (“judiciary, legislature, and media”) and citizens (“active participation”) in keeping democracy accountable and balanced. This captures the author’s central message.

#### 3. Question

History has shown that unchecked concentration of power, whether in an individual or an institution, often leads to abuse and decline. A democracy thrives not by granting absolute authority to its rulers but by ensuring accountability through institutional checks and balances. The judiciary, legislature, and media are not meant to weaken the executive but to keep it aligned with constitutional principles. Citizens too must remain vigilant, for the strength of a democracy lies not only in its institutions but in the active participation of its people. Without this balance, governance risks sliding into arbitrariness, and freedom risks being traded for efficiency.

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

• (a) Absolute concentration of power ensures efficiency in democratic governance.

• (b) Institutions and citizens must work together to keep democracy accountable and balanced.

• (c) The executive is inherently weak and must be protected by other organs of the State.

• (d) Media and judiciary often obstruct governance by imposing unnecessary limits.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage explicitly warns against unchecked concentration of power leading to abuse. Option (c) is incorrect: It does not portray the executive as weak; rather, it stresses balance through checks and accountability. Option (d) is incorrect: The author affirms that media and judiciary align governance with constitutional principles, not obstruct it. Option (b) is correct: The passage repeatedly highlights the role of institutions (“judiciary, legislature, and media”) and citizens (“active participation”) in keeping democracy accountable and balanced. This captures the author’s central message.

Answer: (b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Democracy cannot function effectively without active checks on the concentration of power. II. Citizens’ vigilance is as important as institutional oversight for sustaining democratic freedom. 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 argues that unchecked concentration of power leads to abuse, hence checks are necessary for effective democracy. Assumption II is valid: The passage stresses that “citizens too must remain vigilant” for democracy to thrive, making people’s role as crucial as institutions. Therefore, both assumptions are correct, and option (c) is the right answer. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage argues that unchecked concentration of power leads to abuse, hence checks are necessary for effective democracy. Assumption II is valid: The passage stresses that “citizens too must remain vigilant” for democracy to thrive, making people’s role as crucial as institutions. Therefore, both assumptions are correct, and option (c) is the right answer.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Democracy cannot function effectively without active checks on the concentration of power. II. Citizens’ vigilance is as important as institutional oversight for sustaining democratic freedom.

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 argues that unchecked concentration of power leads to abuse, hence checks are necessary for effective democracy. Assumption II is valid: The passage stresses that “citizens too must remain vigilant” for democracy to thrive, making people’s role as crucial as institutions. Therefore, both assumptions are correct, and option (c) is the right answer.

Answer: (c)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving efficiency. While this promises higher productivity and lower costs, it also raises concerns about employment. Routine and semi-skilled jobs in manufacturing, transport, and services are increasingly being replaced by algorithms and machines. At the same time, AI creates new opportunities in data science, robotics, and advanced services, but these often require skills that displaced workers may not possess. The real challenge for societies lies not in stopping technological change but in preparing the workforce through reskilling, education, and social safety nets. Without such measures, the benefits of AI could be concentrated in a few hands, widening inequality and social unrest. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) Artificial Intelligence should be banned to protect employment. (b) AI is beneficial only for highly skilled workers, not for society at large. (c) The challenge is to manage AI-driven changes through reskilling and inclusive policies. (d) Employment generation is impossible in an era of Artificial Intelligence. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not call for banning AI; it accepts technological change as inevitable. Option (b) is incorrect: While the passage warns that benefits may concentrate among skilled workers, it suggests policies can broaden gains. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage notes AI creates new opportunities, though they require new skills, so employment is possible. Option (c) is correct: The passage emphasizes that the real challenge is preparing the workforce through reskilling, education, and safety nets, making this the central idea. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not call for banning AI; it accepts technological change as inevitable. Option (b) is incorrect: While the passage warns that benefits may concentrate among skilled workers, it suggests policies can broaden gains. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage notes AI creates new opportunities, though they require new skills, so employment is possible. Option (c) is correct: The passage emphasizes that the real challenge is preparing the workforce through reskilling, education, and safety nets, making this the central idea.

#### 5. Question

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving efficiency. While this promises higher productivity and lower costs, it also raises concerns about employment. Routine and semi-skilled jobs in manufacturing, transport, and services are increasingly being replaced by algorithms and machines. At the same time, AI creates new opportunities in data science, robotics, and advanced services, but these often require skills that displaced workers may not possess. The real challenge for societies lies not in stopping technological change but in preparing the workforce through reskilling, education, and social safety nets. Without such measures, the benefits of AI could be concentrated in a few hands, widening inequality and social unrest.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?

• (a) Artificial Intelligence should be banned to protect employment.

• (b) AI is beneficial only for highly skilled workers, not for society at large.

• (c) The challenge is to manage AI-driven changes through reskilling and inclusive policies.

• (d) Employment generation is impossible in an era of Artificial Intelligence.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not call for banning AI; it accepts technological change as inevitable. Option (b) is incorrect: While the passage warns that benefits may concentrate among skilled workers, it suggests policies can broaden gains. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage notes AI creates new opportunities, though they require new skills, so employment is possible. Option (c) is correct: The passage emphasizes that the real challenge is preparing the workforce through reskilling, education, and safety nets, making this the central idea.

Answer: (c)

• Official Facebook Page HERE

• Follow our Twitter Account HERE