UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 4 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 Consider the following statements: I. The selling price of 40 articles is equal to the cost price of 32 articles, so the profit is 25%. II. The cost price of 12 articles is equal to the selling price of 9 articles, so the profit is 33.33%. Which of the statements are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct Answer: (b) Explanation Let the cost price (C.P.) of one article be ₹1. Statement I: Selling price (S.P.) of 40 articles = C.P. of 32 articles ⇒ 40 × S.P. = 32 × 1 ⇒ S.P. per article = 32/40 = ₹0.8 Since the cost price is ₹1 and selling price is ₹0.8, there is a loss, not a profit. Loss % = (1 − 0.8)/1 × 100 = 20% loss, not 25% profit. → Statement I is incorrect. Statement II: C.P. of 12 articles = S.P. of 9 articles ⇒ 12 × 1 = 9 × S.P. ⇒ S.P. per article = 12/9 = ₹1.333… Profit % = (1.333 − 1)/1 × 100 = 33.33% profit. → Statement II is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation Let the cost price (C.P.) of one article be ₹1. Statement I: Selling price (S.P.) of 40 articles = C.P. of 32 articles ⇒ 40 × S.P. = 32 × 1 ⇒ S.P. per article = 32/40 = ₹0.8 Since the cost price is ₹1 and selling price is ₹0.8, there is a loss, not a profit. Loss % = (1 − 0.8)/1 × 100 = 20% loss, not 25% profit. → Statement I is incorrect. Statement II: C.P. of 12 articles = S.P. of 9 articles ⇒ 12 × 1 = 9 × S.P. ⇒ S.P. per article = 12/9 = ₹1.333… Profit % = (1.333 − 1)/1 × 100 = 33.33% profit. → Statement II is correct.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements: I. The selling price of 40 articles is equal to the cost price of 32 articles, so the profit is 25%. II. The cost price of 12 articles is equal to the selling price of 9 articles, so the profit is 33.33%.

Which of the statements are correct?

• (a) I only

• (b) II only

• (c) Both I and II

• (d) Neither I nor II

Answer: (b)

Explanation

Let the cost price (C.P.) of one article be ₹1.

Statement I: Selling price (S.P.) of 40 articles = C.P. of 32 articles ⇒ 40 × S.P. = 32 × 1 ⇒ S.P. per article = 32/40 = ₹0.8

Since the cost price is ₹1 and selling price is ₹0.8, there is a loss, not a profit. Loss % = (1 − 0.8)/1 × 100 = 20% loss, not 25% profit. → Statement I is incorrect.

Statement II: C.P. of 12 articles = S.P. of 9 articles ⇒ 12 × 1 = 9 × S.P. ⇒ S.P. per article = 12/9 = ₹1.333…

Profit % = (1.333 − 1)/1 × 100 = 33.33% profit. → Statement II is correct.

Answer: (b)

Explanation

Let the cost price (C.P.) of one article be ₹1.

Statement I: Selling price (S.P.) of 40 articles = C.P. of 32 articles ⇒ 40 × S.P. = 32 × 1 ⇒ S.P. per article = 32/40 = ₹0.8

Since the cost price is ₹1 and selling price is ₹0.8, there is a loss, not a profit. Loss % = (1 − 0.8)/1 × 100 = 20% loss, not 25% profit. → Statement I is incorrect.

Statement II: C.P. of 12 articles = S.P. of 9 articles ⇒ 12 × 1 = 9 × S.P. ⇒ S.P. per article = 12/9 = ₹1.333…

Profit % = (1.333 − 1)/1 × 100 = 33.33% profit. → Statement II is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The difference between compound interest and simple interest on a sum for two years at 10% per annum, where the interest is compounded annually, is Rs.36. If the interest were compounded half-yearly, the difference in the two interests would be nearly? (a) Rs.50.15 (b) Rs.55.80 (c) Rs.42.20 (d) Rs.58.00 Correct Answer: (b) The difference between compound interest and simple interest on a sum for two years at 10% per annum compounded annually is given as ₹36. For 2 years, the difference between compound interest (CI) and simple interest (SI) is given by the formula: CI – SI = P × (r/100)² 36 = P × (10/100)² 36 = P × (1/100) P = ₹3600 Now, if interest is compounded half-yearly, Rate per half-year = 5% Number of half-years = 4 CI = P × [(1 + 0.05)⁴ – 1] = 3600 × (1.21550625 – 1) = 3600 × 0.21550625 = ₹775.82 SI for 2 years = P × r × t = 3600 × 10 × 2 / 100 = ₹720 Difference = CI – SI = 775.82 – 720 = ₹55.82 ≈ ₹56 Hence, the difference in the two interests when compounded half-yearly is nearly ₹56. Incorrect Answer: (b) The difference between compound interest and simple interest on a sum for two years at 10% per annum compounded annually is given as ₹36. For 2 years, the difference between compound interest (CI) and simple interest (SI) is given by the formula: CI – SI = P × (r/100)² 36 = P × (10/100)² 36 = P × (1/100) P = ₹3600 Now, if interest is compounded half-yearly, Rate per half-year = 5% Number of half-years = 4 CI = P × [(1 + 0.05)⁴ – 1] = 3600 × (1.21550625 – 1) = 3600 × 0.21550625 = ₹775.82 SI for 2 years = P × r × t = 3600 × 10 × 2 / 100 = ₹720 Difference = CI – SI = 775.82 – 720 = ₹55.82 ≈ ₹56 Hence, the difference in the two interests when compounded half-yearly is nearly ₹56.

#### 2. Question

The difference between compound interest and simple interest on a sum for two years at 10% per annum, where the interest is compounded annually, is Rs.36. If the interest were compounded half-yearly, the difference in the two interests would be nearly?

• (a) Rs.50.15

• (b) Rs.55.80

• (c) Rs.42.20

• (d) Rs.58.00

Answer: (b)

The difference between compound interest and simple interest on a sum for two years at 10% per annum compounded annually is given as ₹36.

For 2 years, the difference between compound interest (CI) and simple interest (SI) is given by the formula: CI – SI = P × (r/100)² 36 = P × (10/100)² 36 = P × (1/100) P = ₹3600

Now, if interest is compounded half-yearly, Rate per half-year = 5% Number of half-years = 4

CI = P × [(1 + 0.05)⁴ – 1] = 3600 × (1.21550625 – 1) = 3600 × 0.21550625 = ₹775.82

SI for 2 years = P × r × t = 3600 × 10 × 2 / 100 = ₹720

Difference = CI – SI = 775.82 – 720 = ₹55.82 ≈ ₹56

Hence, the difference in the two interests when compounded half-yearly is nearly ₹56.

Answer: (b)

The difference between compound interest and simple interest on a sum for two years at 10% per annum compounded annually is given as ₹36.

For 2 years, the difference between compound interest (CI) and simple interest (SI) is given by the formula: CI – SI = P × (r/100)² 36 = P × (10/100)² 36 = P × (1/100) P = ₹3600

Now, if interest is compounded half-yearly, Rate per half-year = 5% Number of half-years = 4

CI = P × [(1 + 0.05)⁴ – 1] = 3600 × (1.21550625 – 1) = 3600 × 0.21550625 = ₹775.82

SI for 2 years = P × r × t = 3600 × 10 × 2 / 100 = ₹720

Difference = CI – SI = 775.82 – 720 = ₹55.82 ≈ ₹56

Hence, the difference in the two interests when compounded half-yearly is nearly ₹56.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Two statements S1 and S2 are given below followed by a question. S1. The area of a square is 144 square units. S2. The perimeter of the square is 48 units. Question: What is the side length of the square? (a) Question can be answered by one of the statements alone, but cannot be answered by using the other statement alone. (b) Question can be answered by using either statement alone. (c) Question can be answered by using both the statements together, but cannot be answered by using either statement alone. (d) Question cannot be answered even by using both statements together. Correct Answer: Option (b) Explanation: Statement 1: Area = 144 ⇒ Side² = 144 ⇒ Side = √144 = 12 → So, side length = 12 (Answerable) Statement 2: Perimeter = 4 × side = 48 ⇒ Side = 12 → So again, side = 12 (Answerable) Since each statement alone gives the answer, the correct option is (b) Incorrect Answer: Option (b) Explanation: Statement 1: Area = 144 ⇒ Side² = 144 ⇒ Side = √144 = 12 → So, side length = 12 (Answerable) Statement 2: Perimeter = 4 × side = 48 ⇒ Side = 12 → So again, side = 12 (Answerable) Since each statement alone gives the answer, the correct option is (b)

#### 3. Question

Two statements S1 and S2 are given below followed by a question.

S1. The area of a square is 144 square units. S2. The perimeter of the square is 48 units.

Question: What is the side length of the square?

• (a) Question can be answered by one of the statements alone, but cannot be answered by using the other statement alone.

• (b) Question can be answered by using either statement alone.

• (c) Question can be answered by using both the statements together, but cannot be answered by using either statement alone.

• (d) Question cannot be answered even by using both statements together.

Answer: Option (b)

Explanation: Statement 1: Area = 144 ⇒ Side² = 144 ⇒ Side = √144 = 12 → So, side length = 12 (Answerable)

Statement 2: Perimeter = 4 × side = 48 ⇒ Side = 12 → So again, side = 12 (Answerable)

Since each statement alone gives the answer, the correct option is (b)

Answer: Option (b)

Explanation: Statement 1: Area = 144 ⇒ Side² = 144 ⇒ Side = √144 = 12 → So, side length = 12 (Answerable)

Statement 2: Perimeter = 4 × side = 48 ⇒ Side = 12 → So again, side = 12 (Answerable)

Since each statement alone gives the answer, the correct option is (b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question A bag contains 9 black, 11 white, 13 orange, and 15 purple balls. Consider the following statements: The smallest number n such that any n balls drawn must include at least one full set of one colour is 46. The smallest number m such that any m balls drawn must include at least one ball of each colour is 40. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: (d) Explanation: To guarantee at least one full set of a colour (i.e., all balls of some one colour are included), in the worst case you can draw up to one less than each colour without completing any: 8 black + 10 white + 12 orange + 14 purple = 44. The next draw (45th) must complete one colour. So the smallest such is 45, not 46. → Statement 1 is false. To guarantee at least one ball of each colour, the worst case is to avoid one colour entirely and draw all of the others. To maximize this, avoid the colour with the largest count (purple = 15). You could draw all black, white, and orange: 9 + 11 + 13 = 33 without getting purple. The next draw (34th) must be purple. So the smallest such is 34, not 40. → Statement 2 is false. Incorrect Answer: (d) Explanation: To guarantee at least one full set of a colour (i.e., all balls of some one colour are included), in the worst case you can draw up to one less than each colour without completing any: 8 black + 10 white + 12 orange + 14 purple = 44. The next draw (45th) must complete one colour. So the smallest such is 45, not 46. → Statement 1 is false. To guarantee at least one ball of each colour, the worst case is to avoid one colour entirely and draw all of the others. To maximize this, avoid the colour with the largest count (purple = 15). You could draw all black, white, and orange: 9 + 11 + 13 = 33 without getting purple. The next draw (34th) must be purple. So the smallest such is 34, not 40. → Statement 2 is false.

#### 4. Question

A bag contains 9 black, 11 white, 13 orange, and 15 purple balls. Consider the following statements:

• The smallest number n such that any n balls drawn must include at least one full set of one colour is 46.

• The smallest number m such that any m balls drawn must include at least one ball of each colour is 40.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

To guarantee at least one full set of a colour (i.e., all balls of some one colour are included), in the worst case you can draw up to one less than each colour without completing any: 8 black + 10 white + 12 orange + 14 purple = 44. The next draw (45th) must complete one colour. So the smallest such is 45, not 46. → Statement 1 is false.

To guarantee at least one ball of each colour, the worst case is to avoid one colour entirely and draw all of the others. To maximize this, avoid the colour with the largest count (purple = 15). You could draw all black, white, and orange: 9 + 11 + 13 = 33 without getting purple. The next draw (34th) must be purple. So the smallest such is 34, not 40. → Statement 2 is false.

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The stability of natural ecosystems depends on the diversity of species and their ability to adapt to environmental changes. When ecosystems lose variety—through deforestation, pollution, or monoculture farming—they also lose resilience. Climate change intensifies this loss by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, forcing species to migrate or perish. Ironically, many conservation and development strategies focus only on short-term productivity rather than long-term adaptability. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving species; it is about safeguarding the natural mechanisms that maintain soil fertility, pollination, and pest control. The less diverse an ecosystem becomes, the more vulnerable it is to sudden collapse under environmental stress. Q70. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) The decline of biodiversity undermines the long-term stability and resilience of ecosystems. (b) Climate change is the only cause of species extinction in the modern world. (c) Short-term productivity should always be prioritised over ecological diversity. (d) Human interference is necessary to maintain natural ecological balance. Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The passage explicitly argues that ecosystem stability depends on diversity and that “the less diverse an ecosystem becomes, the more vulnerable it is to sudden collapse.” This directly links biodiversity loss to reduced resilience and long-term instability. Option (b) is incorrect: While climate change is mentioned, the passage lists multiple causes—deforestation, pollution, and monoculture farming—so it is not the sole cause of species decline. Option (c) is incorrect: The author criticises focusing on “short-term productivity rather than long-term adaptability,” making this option contrary to the passage’s message. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage advocates protecting natural mechanisms, not increased human interference. Hence, option (a) best captures the central idea. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The passage explicitly argues that ecosystem stability depends on diversity and that “the less diverse an ecosystem becomes, the more vulnerable it is to sudden collapse.” This directly links biodiversity loss to reduced resilience and long-term instability. Option (b) is incorrect: While climate change is mentioned, the passage lists multiple causes—deforestation, pollution, and monoculture farming—so it is not the sole cause of species decline. Option (c) is incorrect: The author criticises focusing on “short-term productivity rather than long-term adaptability,” making this option contrary to the passage’s message. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage advocates protecting natural mechanisms, not increased human interference. Hence, option (a) best captures the central idea.

#### 5. Question

The stability of natural ecosystems depends on the diversity of species and their ability to adapt to environmental changes. When ecosystems lose variety—through deforestation, pollution, or monoculture farming—they also lose resilience. Climate change intensifies this loss by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, forcing species to migrate or perish. Ironically, many conservation and development strategies focus only on short-term productivity rather than long-term adaptability. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving species; it is about safeguarding the natural mechanisms that maintain soil fertility, pollination, and pest control. The less diverse an ecosystem becomes, the more vulnerable it is to sudden collapse under environmental stress.

Q70. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?

• (a) The decline of biodiversity undermines the long-term stability and resilience of ecosystems.

• (b) Climate change is the only cause of species extinction in the modern world.

• (c) Short-term productivity should always be prioritised over ecological diversity.

• (d) Human interference is necessary to maintain natural ecological balance.

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Option (a) is correct: The passage explicitly argues that ecosystem stability depends on diversity and that “the less diverse an ecosystem becomes, the more vulnerable it is to sudden collapse.” This directly links biodiversity loss to reduced resilience and long-term instability. Option (b) is incorrect: While climate change is mentioned, the passage lists multiple causes—deforestation, pollution, and monoculture farming—so it is not the sole cause of species decline. Option (c) is incorrect: The author criticises focusing on “short-term productivity rather than long-term adaptability,” making this option contrary to the passage’s message. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage advocates protecting natural mechanisms, not increased human interference. Hence, option (a) best captures the central idea.

Answer: (a)

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