UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 28 Jan 2026

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 There are some plates and some apples. If one apple is placed on each plate, two apples are left out. If two apples are placed on each plate, one plate is left out. The number of plates and apples respectively is: (a) 3 and 5 (b) 4 and 6 (c) 5 and 7 (d) 6 and 8 Correct Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, If one apple is placed on each plate, two apples are left out. If two apples are placed on each plate, one plate is left out. Now, Number of apples > number of plates Let apples be A and plates be P A = P + 2 ……(I) A/2 = P − 1 ……(II) Solving equations: From (I), substitute in (II): (P + 2)/2 = P − 1 P + 2 = 2P − 2 P = 4 Then, A = 6 Hence, option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, If one apple is placed on each plate, two apples are left out. If two apples are placed on each plate, one plate is left out. Now, Number of apples > number of plates Let apples be A and plates be P A = P + 2 ……(I) A/2 = P − 1 ……(II) Solving equations: From (I), substitute in (II): (P + 2)/2 = P − 1 P + 2 = 2P − 2 P = 4 Then, A = 6 Hence, option (b) is correct.

#### 1. Question

There are some plates and some apples. If one apple is placed on each plate, two apples are left out. If two apples are placed on each plate, one plate is left out. The number of plates and apples respectively is:

• (a) 3 and 5

• (b) 4 and 6

• (c) 5 and 7

• (d) 6 and 8

Answer: (b)

Solution:

Given that,

If one apple is placed on each plate, two apples are left out. If two apples are placed on each plate, one plate is left out.

Number of apples > number of plates

Let apples be A and plates be P

A = P + 2 ……(I)

A/2 = P − 1 ……(II)

Solving equations:

From (I), substitute in (II):

(P + 2)/2 = P − 1 P + 2 = 2P − 2 P = 4

Then, A = 6

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: (b)

Solution:

Given that,

If one apple is placed on each plate, two apples are left out. If two apples are placed on each plate, one plate is left out.

Number of apples > number of plates

Let apples be A and plates be P

A = P + 2 ……(I)

A/2 = P − 1 ……(II)

Solving equations:

From (I), substitute in (II):

(P + 2)/2 = P − 1 P + 2 = 2P − 2 P = 4

Then, A = 6

Hence, option (b) is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Three walls P, Q and R are of different heights. Three ants A, B and C start climbing them simultaneously. In one chance, A climbs 5 cm but slips down 1 cm. B climbs 6 cm but slips down 2 cm. C climbs 4.5 cm but slips down 0.5 cm. If each of them requires 30 chances to reach the top of their respective walls, what is the height of the shortest wall? (a) 118 cm (b) 120.5 cm (c) 122 cm (d) 125.5 cm Correct Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, In one chance, A climbs 5 cm but slips down 1 cm. B climbs 6 cm but slips down 2 cm. C climbs 4.5 cm but slips down 0.5 cm. Total chances = 30 Now, For A: Net climb in one chance = 5 − 1 = 4 cm Height of wall P = 29 × 4 + 5 = 121 cm For B: Net climb in one chance = 6 − 2 = 4 cm Height of wall Q = 29 × 4 + 6 = 122 cm For C: Net climb in one chance = 4.5 − 0.5 = 4 cm Height of wall R = 29 × 4 + 4.5 = 120.5 cm Incorrect Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, In one chance, A climbs 5 cm but slips down 1 cm. B climbs 6 cm but slips down 2 cm. C climbs 4.5 cm but slips down 0.5 cm. Total chances = 30 Now, For A: Net climb in one chance = 5 − 1 = 4 cm Height of wall P = 29 × 4 + 5 = 121 cm For B: Net climb in one chance = 6 − 2 = 4 cm Height of wall Q = 29 × 4 + 6 = 122 cm For C: Net climb in one chance = 4.5 − 0.5 = 4 cm Height of wall R = 29 × 4 + 4.5 = 120.5 cm

#### 2. Question

Three walls P, Q and R are of different heights. Three ants A, B and C start climbing them simultaneously. In one chance, A climbs 5 cm but slips down 1 cm. B climbs 6 cm but slips down 2 cm. C climbs 4.5 cm but slips down 0.5 cm. If each of them requires 30 chances to reach the top of their respective walls, what is the height of the shortest wall?

• (a) 118 cm

• (b) 120.5 cm

• (c) 122 cm

• (d) 125.5 cm

Answer: (b)

Given that,

In one chance, A climbs 5 cm but slips down 1 cm. B climbs 6 cm but slips down 2 cm. C climbs 4.5 cm but slips down 0.5 cm.

Total chances = 30

Net climb in one chance = 5 − 1 = 4 cm

Height of wall P = 29 × 4 + 5 = 121 cm

Net climb in one chance = 6 − 2 = 4 cm

Height of wall Q = 29 × 4 + 6 = 122 cm

Net climb in one chance = 4.5 − 0.5 = 4 cm

Height of wall R = 29 × 4 + 4.5 = 120.5 cm

Answer: (b)

Given that,

In one chance, A climbs 5 cm but slips down 1 cm. B climbs 6 cm but slips down 2 cm. C climbs 4.5 cm but slips down 0.5 cm.

Total chances = 30

Net climb in one chance = 5 − 1 = 4 cm

Height of wall P = 29 × 4 + 5 = 121 cm

Net climb in one chance = 6 − 2 = 4 cm

Height of wall Q = 29 × 4 + 6 = 122 cm

Net climb in one chance = 4.5 − 0.5 = 4 cm

Height of wall R = 29 × 4 + 4.5 = 120.5 cm

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question India’s transport infrastructure has expanded considerably over the past few decades, particularly in terms of highway construction and urban transit systems. However, this expansion has not been uniform across regions. While metropolitan areas have benefited from modern transport networks, many interior and hilly regions continue to face connectivity constraints. In such areas, difficult terrain, low population density, and limited fiscal capacity have slowed infrastructure development. At the same time, advances in engineering and alternative transport technologies have opened up possibilities for improving connectivity even in challenging geographical conditions. These developments coexist with region-specific economic and environmental constraints. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Transport infrastructure development should be concentrated mainly in metropolitan regions where demand is highest. (b) Regional disparities make it impractical to improve transport connectivity in remote and difficult terrains. (c) Transport planning in India must take into account regional challenges as well as emerging technological possibilities. (d) Fiscal limitations are the most important reason for uneven transport infrastructure development. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation Option (a) is incorrect: The passage acknowledges the benefits enjoyed by metropolitan areas but does not advocate concentrating development there. It highlights disparities without endorsing them. Option (b) is incorrect: Although the passage notes challenges in remote and hilly regions, it also mentions technological advancements that offer possibilities for improving connectivity. Hence, this pessimistic conclusion is not supported. Option (c) is correct: The passage juxtaposes regional constraints (terrain, population density, fiscal capacity) with new technological possibilities. This combination logically leads to the inference that transport planning should consider both regional challenges and technological opportunities, even though this is never stated explicitly. Option (d) is incorrect: Fiscal capacity is mentioned as one of several factors. Elevating it as the most important reason introduces an unwarranted hierarchy not implied in the passage. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation Option (a) is incorrect: The passage acknowledges the benefits enjoyed by metropolitan areas but does not advocate concentrating development there. It highlights disparities without endorsing them. Option (b) is incorrect: Although the passage notes challenges in remote and hilly regions, it also mentions technological advancements that offer possibilities for improving connectivity. Hence, this pessimistic conclusion is not supported. Option (c) is correct: The passage juxtaposes regional constraints (terrain, population density, fiscal capacity) with new technological possibilities. This combination logically leads to the inference that transport planning should consider both regional challenges and technological opportunities, even though this is never stated explicitly. Option (d) is incorrect: Fiscal capacity is mentioned as one of several factors. Elevating it as the most important reason introduces an unwarranted hierarchy not implied in the passage.

#### 3. Question

India’s transport infrastructure has expanded considerably over the past few decades, particularly in terms of highway construction and urban transit systems. However, this expansion has not been uniform across regions. While metropolitan areas have benefited from modern transport networks, many interior and hilly regions continue to face connectivity constraints. In such areas, difficult terrain, low population density, and limited fiscal capacity have slowed infrastructure development. At the same time, advances in engineering and alternative transport technologies have opened up possibilities for improving connectivity even in challenging geographical conditions. These developments coexist with region-specific economic and environmental constraints.

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

• (a) Transport infrastructure development should be concentrated mainly in metropolitan regions where demand is highest.

• (b) Regional disparities make it impractical to improve transport connectivity in remote and difficult terrains.

• (c) Transport planning in India must take into account regional challenges as well as emerging technological possibilities.

• (d) Fiscal limitations are the most important reason for uneven transport infrastructure development.

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: The passage acknowledges the benefits enjoyed by metropolitan areas but does not advocate concentrating development there. It highlights disparities without endorsing them.

Option (b) is incorrect: Although the passage notes challenges in remote and hilly regions, it also mentions technological advancements that offer possibilities for improving connectivity. Hence, this pessimistic conclusion is not supported.

Option (c) is correct: The passage juxtaposes regional constraints (terrain, population density, fiscal capacity) with new technological possibilities. This combination logically leads to the inference that transport planning should consider both regional challenges and technological opportunities, even though this is never stated explicitly.

Option (d) is incorrect: Fiscal capacity is mentioned as one of several factors. Elevating it as the most important reason introduces an unwarranted hierarchy not implied in the passage.

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Option (d) is incorrect: Fiscal capacity is mentioned as one of several factors. Elevating it as the most important reason introduces an unwarranted hierarchy not implied in the passage.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: Technological advancements can potentially help overcome some region-specific transport challenges. Uniform transport infrastructure policies are equally suitable for all regions of the country. 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 mentions that “advances in engineering and alternative transport technologies have opened up possibilities” even in difficult geographical conditions. This supports the assumption that technology can help address region-specific challenges. Assumption II is incorrect: The passage emphasises uneven development and region-specific constraints. This directly contradicts the idea that uniform policies would be equally suitable everywhere. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation Assumption I is correct: The passage explicitly mentions that “advances in engineering and alternative transport technologies have opened up possibilities” even in difficult geographical conditions. This supports the assumption that technology can help address region-specific challenges. Assumption II is incorrect: The passage emphasises uneven development and region-specific constraints. This directly contradicts the idea that uniform policies would be equally suitable everywhere.

#### 4. Question

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

• Technological advancements can potentially help overcome some region-specific transport challenges.

• Uniform transport infrastructure policies are equally suitable for all regions of the country.

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 mentions that “advances in engineering and alternative transport technologies have opened up possibilities” even in difficult geographical conditions. This supports the assumption that technology can help address region-specific challenges.

Assumption II is incorrect: The passage emphasises uneven development and region-specific constraints. This directly contradicts the idea that uniform policies would be equally suitable everywhere.

Answer: (a)

Explanation

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Over the years, policy discourse in India has increasingly relied on quantitative indicators to assess development outcomes. Metrics related to income, consumption, enrolment, or asset ownership are often treated as reliable proxies for well-being. However, such indicators tend to capture outcomes at a particular point in time and may not adequately reflect the stability of those outcomes. Households exhibiting similar income or consumption levels may differ widely in their exposure to risks arising from health shocks, employment volatility, or environmental stress. As a result, improvements measured through conventional indicators may coexist with heightened uncertainty regarding future well-being. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage? (a) Quantitative indicators are misleading and should be replaced entirely by qualitative assessments. (b) Development assessments should distinguish between current outcomes and vulnerability to future risks. (c) Income and consumption data are insufficient to measure development across countries. (d) Policy discourse in India overemphasises economic growth at the cost of social development. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not reject quantitative indicators outright. It only points out their limitations, particularly their inability to capture stability and exposure to risk. Option (b) is correct: The passage contrasts measured outcomes (income, consumption, assets) with exposure to risks and uncertainty. The key idea is that similar outcomes today may mask very different future vulnerabilities. This implies that development assessment must distinguish between current well-being and resilience against future shocks, even though this is never explicitly stated. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage is confined to India’s policy discourse. Extending the argument to cross-country comparisons introduces an external dimension not discussed. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage does not criticise economic growth or argue that it comes at the cost of social development. It focuses narrowly on measurement and interpretation, not ideological priorities. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not reject quantitative indicators outright. It only points out their limitations, particularly their inability to capture stability and exposure to risk. Option (b) is correct: The passage contrasts measured outcomes (income, consumption, assets) with exposure to risks and uncertainty. The key idea is that similar outcomes today may mask very different future vulnerabilities. This implies that development assessment must distinguish between current well-being and resilience against future shocks, even though this is never explicitly stated. Option (c) is incorrect: The passage is confined to India’s policy discourse. Extending the argument to cross-country comparisons introduces an external dimension not discussed. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage does not criticise economic growth or argue that it comes at the cost of social development. It focuses narrowly on measurement and interpretation, not ideological priorities.

#### 5. Question

Over the years, policy discourse in India has increasingly relied on quantitative indicators to assess development outcomes. Metrics related to income, consumption, enrolment, or asset ownership are often treated as reliable proxies for well-being. However, such indicators tend to capture outcomes at a particular point in time and may not adequately reflect the stability of those outcomes. Households exhibiting similar income or consumption levels may differ widely in their exposure to risks arising from health shocks, employment volatility, or environmental stress. As a result, improvements measured through conventional indicators may coexist with heightened uncertainty regarding future well-being.

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

• (a) Quantitative indicators are misleading and should be replaced entirely by qualitative assessments.

• (b) Development assessments should distinguish between current outcomes and vulnerability to future risks.

• (c) Income and consumption data are insufficient to measure development across countries.

• (d) Policy discourse in India overemphasises economic growth at the cost of social development.

Answer: (b)

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not reject quantitative indicators outright. It only points out their limitations, particularly their inability to capture stability and exposure to risk.

Option (b) is correct: The passage contrasts measured outcomes (income, consumption, assets) with exposure to risks and uncertainty. The key idea is that similar outcomes today may mask very different future vulnerabilities. This implies that development assessment must distinguish between current well-being and resilience against future shocks, even though this is never explicitly stated.

Option (c) is incorrect: The passage is confined to India’s policy discourse. Extending the argument to cross-country comparisons introduces an external dimension not discussed.

Option (d) is incorrect: The passage does not criticise economic growth or argue that it comes at the cost of social development. It focuses narrowly on measurement and interpretation, not ideological priorities.

Answer: (b)

Explanation

Option (c) is incorrect: The passage is confined to India’s policy discourse. Extending the argument to cross-country comparisons introduces an external dimension not discussed.

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