UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 31 Dec 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 Aman borrowed a total of Rs. 50,000 from Rohan and Sakshi. Rohan charges 10% per annum compound interest and Sakshi charges 6% per annum compound interest. At the end of one year Aman paid Rs. 4,000 as interest in total. Find the sum borrowed from Sakshi. (a) Rs. 20,000 (b) Rs. 25,000 (c) Rs. 30,000 (d) Rs. 35,000 Correct Answer: (b) Aman borrowed Rs. 50,000 from Rohan and Sakshi. At the end of one year he paid Rs. 4,000 as interest. Average rate of interest paid = (4000 × 100) / (50000 × 1) = 8% Rohan charges 10% and Sakshi charges 6% per annum compound interest. By allegation method, High rate (10%), low rate (6%), mean (8): Ratio of sums (10% : 6%) = (8 − 6) : (10 − 8) = 2 : 2 = 1 : 1 So the total amount is divided equally between them. Sum borrowed from Sakshi = (1 / (1 + 1)) × 50000 = (1/2) × 50000 = Rs. 25,000 Hence, option (b) is the right answer. Incorrect Answer: (b) Aman borrowed Rs. 50,000 from Rohan and Sakshi. At the end of one year he paid Rs. 4,000 as interest. Average rate of interest paid = (4000 × 100) / (50000 × 1) = 8% Rohan charges 10% and Sakshi charges 6% per annum compound interest. By allegation method, High rate (10%), low rate (6%), mean (8): Ratio of sums (10% : 6%) = (8 − 6) : (10 − 8) = 2 : 2 = 1 : 1 So the total amount is divided equally between them. Sum borrowed from Sakshi = (1 / (1 + 1)) × 50000 = (1/2) × 50000 = Rs. 25,000 Hence, option (b) is the right answer.

#### 1. Question

Aman borrowed a total of Rs. 50,000 from Rohan and Sakshi. Rohan charges 10% per annum compound interest and Sakshi charges 6% per annum compound interest. At the end of one year Aman paid Rs. 4,000 as interest in total. Find the sum borrowed from Sakshi.

• (a) Rs. 20,000

• (b) Rs. 25,000

• (c) Rs. 30,000

• (d) Rs. 35,000

Answer: (b)

Aman borrowed Rs. 50,000 from Rohan and Sakshi. At the end of one year he paid Rs. 4,000 as interest.

Average rate of interest paid = (4000 × 100) / (50000 × 1) = 8%

Rohan charges 10% and Sakshi charges 6% per annum compound interest. By allegation method,

High rate (10%), low rate (6%), mean (8):

Ratio of sums (10% : 6%) = (8 − 6) : (10 − 8) = 2 : 2 = 1 : 1

So the total amount is divided equally between them.

Sum borrowed from Sakshi = (1 / (1 + 1)) × 50000 = (1/2) × 50000 = Rs. 25,000

Hence, option (b) is the right answer.

Answer: (b)

Aman borrowed Rs. 50,000 from Rohan and Sakshi. At the end of one year he paid Rs. 4,000 as interest.

Average rate of interest paid = (4000 × 100) / (50000 × 1) = 8%

Rohan charges 10% and Sakshi charges 6% per annum compound interest. By allegation method,

High rate (10%), low rate (6%), mean (8):

Ratio of sums (10% : 6%) = (8 − 6) : (10 − 8) = 2 : 2 = 1 : 1

So the total amount is divided equally between them.

Sum borrowed from Sakshi = (1 / (1 + 1)) × 50000 = (1/2) × 50000 = Rs. 25,000

Hence, option (b) is the right answer.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question A cuboid of dimensions 8 cm × 5 cm × 3 cm is painted on opposite faces as follows: 8×5 cm → yellow 5×3 cm → blue 8×3 cm → orange The cuboid is sliced into 1 cm³ cubes. Which of the following statements is/are correct? There are 30 cubes with no paint on any face. There are 12 cubes with exactly two faces painted—one yellow and one blue. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: (d) Solution: Total cubes = 8 × 5 × 3 = 120 Statement 1: Interior (not on surface) = (8−2) × (5−2) × (3−2) = 6 × 3 × 1 = 18 So, only 18 unpainted cubes → Statement 1 is incorrect Statement 2: Edges shared by yellow (8×5) and blue (5×3) = edges of length 5 cm → (5 − 2) = 3 such inner cubes per edge → Two such edges exist → 3 × 2 = 6 cubes with yellow and blue → Statement 2 is also incorrect Incorrect Answer: (d) Solution: Total cubes = 8 × 5 × 3 = 120 Statement 1: Interior (not on surface) = (8−2) × (5−2) × (3−2) = 6 × 3 × 1 = 18 So, only 18 unpainted cubes → Statement 1 is incorrect Statement 2: Edges shared by yellow (8×5) and blue (5×3) = edges of length 5 cm → (5 − 2) = 3 such inner cubes per edge → Two such edges exist → 3 × 2 = 6 cubes with yellow and blue → Statement 2 is also incorrect

#### 2. Question

A cuboid of dimensions 8 cm × 5 cm × 3 cm is painted on opposite faces as follows:

• 8×5 cm → yellow

• 5×3 cm → blue

• 8×3 cm → orange

The cuboid is sliced into 1 cm³ cubes. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

• There are 30 cubes with no paint on any face.

• There are 12 cubes with exactly two faces painted—one yellow and one blue.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)

Solution:

Total cubes = 8 × 5 × 3 = 120

Statement 1: Interior (not on surface) = (8−2) × (5−2) × (3−2) = 6 × 3 × 1 = 18

So, only 18 unpainted cubes

→ Statement 1 is incorrect

Statement 2: Edges shared by yellow (8×5) and blue (5×3) = edges of length 5 cm → (5 − 2) = 3 such inner cubes per edge

→ Two such edges exist → 3 × 2 = 6 cubes with yellow and blue

→ Statement 2 is also incorrect

Answer: (d)

Solution:

Total cubes = 8 × 5 × 3 = 120

Statement 1: Interior (not on surface) = (8−2) × (5−2) × (3−2) = 6 × 3 × 1 = 18

So, only 18 unpainted cubes

→ Statement 1 is incorrect

Statement 2: Edges shared by yellow (8×5) and blue (5×3) = edges of length 5 cm → (5 − 2) = 3 such inner cubes per edge

→ Two such edges exist → 3 × 2 = 6 cubes with yellow and blue

→ Statement 2 is also incorrect

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question The compound interest on a sum at 8% per annum for 2 years is Rs. 166.40. What is the simple interest on the same sum at the same rate for 2 years? (a) Rs. 160 (b) Rs. 155 (c) Rs. 150 (d) Rs. 165 Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: CI for 2 years at 8% is given: CI = P[(1.08)² – 1] = P(1.1664 – 1) = 0.1664P So, 0.1664P = 166.40 → P = 1000 Now SI for 2 years = P × R × T / 100 = 1000 × 8 × 2 ÷ 100 = 160 Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: CI for 2 years at 8% is given: CI = P[(1.08)² – 1] = P(1.1664 – 1) = 0.1664P So, 0.1664P = 166.40 → P = 1000 Now SI for 2 years = P × R × T / 100 = 1000 × 8 × 2 ÷ 100 = 160

#### 3. Question

The compound interest on a sum at 8% per annum for 2 years is Rs. 166.40. What is the simple interest on the same sum at the same rate for 2 years?

• (a) Rs. 160

• (b) Rs. 155

• (c) Rs. 150

• (d) Rs. 165

Answer: (a)

Explanation: CI for 2 years at 8% is given: CI = P[(1.08)² – 1] = P(1.1664 – 1) = 0.1664P So, 0.1664P = 166.40 → P = 1000

Now SI for 2 years = P × R × T / 100 = 1000 × 8 × 2 ÷ 100 = 160

Answer: (a)

Explanation: CI for 2 years at 8% is given: CI = P[(1.08)² – 1] = P(1.1664 – 1) = 0.1664P So, 0.1664P = 166.40 → P = 1000

Now SI for 2 years = P × R × T / 100 = 1000 × 8 × 2 ÷ 100 = 160

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The idea of procedural justice argues that fairness in decision-making processes is just as important as fairness in outcomes. According to this view, citizens are more likely to trust institutions when the rules are transparent, decisions are made impartially, and everyone has an equal opportunity to present their case. Even if the final decisions do not benefit every individual equally, people are more inclined to accept them when they believe the process was unbiased and inclusive. Critics argue that fair procedures alone cannot correct deep structural inequalities. Yet the principle remains central to democratic governance because it emphasizes the moral obligation of institutions to treat all stakeholders with dignity, respect, and equal consideration. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage? (a) Transparent and impartial procedures are essential for ensuring trust and fairness in institutions. (b) Institutions should prioritise outcomes over fairness in decision-making processes. (c) Citizens will accept decisions only if they personally benefit from them. (d) Structural inequalities cannot be addressed at all through democratic institutions. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct because the passage explicitly states that impartial, transparent, and inclusive procedures form the basis of procedural justice and help build trust in institutions. Option (b) is incorrect: the passage stresses the importance of fair procedures, not their insignificance. Option (c) is incorrect because the passage explains that people often accept decisions even when not personally benefitting, as long as they believe the process was fair. Option (d) is incorrect: while critics highlight limitations, the passage does not claim democratic institutions cannot address inequality. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct because the passage explicitly states that impartial, transparent, and inclusive procedures form the basis of procedural justice and help build trust in institutions. Option (b) is incorrect: the passage stresses the importance of fair procedures, not their insignificance. Option (c) is incorrect because the passage explains that people often accept decisions even when not personally benefitting, as long as they believe the process was fair. Option (d) is incorrect: while critics highlight limitations, the passage does not claim democratic institutions cannot address inequality.

#### 4. Question

The idea of procedural justice argues that fairness in decision-making processes is just as important as fairness in outcomes. According to this view, citizens are more likely to trust institutions when the rules are transparent, decisions are made impartially, and everyone has an equal opportunity to present their case. Even if the final decisions do not benefit every individual equally, people are more inclined to accept them when they believe the process was unbiased and inclusive. Critics argue that fair procedures alone cannot correct deep structural inequalities. Yet the principle remains central to democratic governance because it emphasizes the moral obligation of institutions to treat all stakeholders with dignity, respect, and equal consideration.

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

• (a) Transparent and impartial procedures are essential for ensuring trust and fairness in institutions.

• (b) Institutions should prioritise outcomes over fairness in decision-making processes.

• (c) Citizens will accept decisions only if they personally benefit from them.

• (d) Structural inequalities cannot be addressed at all through democratic institutions.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Option (a) is correct because the passage explicitly states that impartial, transparent, and inclusive procedures form the basis of procedural justice and help build trust in institutions. Option (b) is incorrect: the passage stresses the importance of fair procedures, not their insignificance. Option (c) is incorrect because the passage explains that people often accept decisions even when not personally benefitting, as long as they believe the process was fair. Option (d) is incorrect: while critics highlight limitations, the passage does not claim democratic institutions cannot address inequality.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Citizens value fairness in the decision-making process even if they do not gain from the final outcome. II. Institutional legitimacy depends in part on transparency and impartiality in procedures. 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 because the passage states that people are more willing to accept outcomes when the process is perceived as unbiased and inclusive. Assumption II is valid as well: the passage makes it clear that trust in institutions arises from fair, transparent, and impartial procedures, reflecting their legitimacy. Hence, both assumptions are valid. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid because the passage states that people are more willing to accept outcomes when the process is perceived as unbiased and inclusive. Assumption II is valid as well: the passage makes it clear that trust in institutions arises from fair, transparent, and impartial procedures, reflecting their legitimacy. Hence, both assumptions are valid.

#### 5. Question

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

I. Citizens value fairness in the decision-making process even if they do not gain from the final outcome. II. Institutional legitimacy depends in part on transparency and impartiality in procedures.

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 because the passage states that people are more willing to accept outcomes when the process is perceived as unbiased and inclusive. Assumption II is valid as well: the passage makes it clear that trust in institutions arises from fair, transparent, and impartial procedures, reflecting their legitimacy. Hence, both assumptions are valid.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

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