UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 4 Mar 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 15 identical taps can fill a tank in 40 minutes. If 5 taps go out of order, how long will the remaining taps take to fill the tank? (a) 60 min. (b) 75 min. (c) 100 min. (d) 120 min. Correct Answer: (a) Solution Given: 15 taps can fill the tank in 40 minutes. 5 taps go out of order ⇒ remaining = 15 − 5 = 10 taps. Time is inversely proportional to the number of taps. Let required time = x minutes. ⇒ 15 × 40 = 10 × x ⇒ x = (15 × 40)/10 = 60 minutes. ∴ The correct answer is option (a) Incorrect Answer: (a) Solution Given: 15 taps can fill the tank in 40 minutes. 5 taps go out of order ⇒ remaining = 15 − 5 = 10 taps. Time is inversely proportional to the number of taps. Let required time = x minutes. ⇒ 15 × 40 = 10 × x ⇒ x = (15 × 40)/10 = 60 minutes. ∴ The correct answer is option (a)

#### 1. Question

15 identical taps can fill a tank in 40 minutes. If 5 taps go out of order, how long will the remaining taps take to fill the tank?

• (a) 60 min.

• (b) 75 min.

• (c) 100 min.

• (d) 120 min.

Answer: (a)

Solution Given: 15 taps can fill the tank in 40 minutes. 5 taps go out of order ⇒ remaining = 15 − 5 = 10 taps. Time is inversely proportional to the number of taps. Let required time = x minutes. ⇒ 15 × 40 = 10 × x ⇒ x = (15 × 40)/10 = 60 minutes. ∴ The correct answer is option (a)

Answer: (a)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Money plays a central role in modern society, often seen as a symbol of success, security, and power. However, money itself has no intrinsic value; it is merely a social construct agreed upon by people to facilitate exchange. A piece of paper or a digital number has worth only because society collectively believes in it. In reality, human happiness, relationships, and purpose cannot be measured or guaranteed by wealth. Yet, people frequently spend their lives chasing money as if it were an end in itself rather than a means to live meaningfully. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: The author believes that money has value only because humans collectively assign value to it. The author believes that wealth is the most reliable source of human happiness. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption 1 is valid. The passage clearly states that money “has no intrinsic value” and is “a social construct agreed upon by people.” This directly supports the assumption that money’s value exists only because humans collectively believe in it. Assumption 2 is invalid. The passage explicitly argues the opposite by stating that “human happiness, relationships, and purpose cannot be measured or guaranteed by wealth” and criticises the tendency to treat money as an end in itself. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption 1 is valid. The passage clearly states that money “has no intrinsic value” and is “a social construct agreed upon by people.” This directly supports the assumption that money’s value exists only because humans collectively believe in it. Assumption 2 is invalid. The passage explicitly argues the opposite by stating that “human happiness, relationships, and purpose cannot be measured or guaranteed by wealth” and criticises the tendency to treat money as an end in itself. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

#### 2. Question

Money plays a central role in modern society, often seen as a symbol of success, security, and power. However, money itself has no intrinsic value; it is merely a social construct agreed upon by people to facilitate exchange. A piece of paper or a digital number has worth only because society collectively believes in it. In reality, human happiness, relationships, and purpose cannot be measured or guaranteed by wealth. Yet, people frequently spend their lives chasing money as if it were an end in itself rather than a means to live meaningfully.

Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

• The author believes that money has value only because humans collectively assign value to it.

• The author believes that wealth is the most reliable source of human happiness.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Assumption 1 is valid. The passage clearly states that money “has no intrinsic value” and is “a social construct agreed upon by people.” This directly supports the assumption that money’s value exists only because humans collectively believe in it.

• Assumption 2 is invalid. The passage explicitly argues the opposite by stating that “human happiness, relationships, and purpose cannot be measured or guaranteed by wealth” and criticises the tendency to treat money as an end in itself.

Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Modern life is increasingly measured in deadlines, metrics, and constant activity. Rest is often tolerated only when it serves the purpose of improving future performance. However, genuine rest is not merely a tool for greater efficiency; it is a state in which the mind is freed from targets, comparisons, and expectations. In such moments, thinking becomes unforced and perception becomes deeper. A society that values people only for what they produce gradually forgets how to value stillness, contemplation, and inner life. In this sense, rest is not a weakness but a quiet assertion of human dignity against a culture of perpetual acceleration. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the above passage? (a) Rest should be taken only when it helps improve future productivity. (b) A fast-paced society has no place for rest or contemplation. (c) Rest has an intrinsic human value beyond its usefulness for efficiency. (d) People should avoid ambition and live a life of complete inactivity. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct. The passage argues that rest should not be seen merely as a means to improve performance, but as something valuable in itself. It presents rest as a form of preserving “human dignity” and inner life in a culture obsessed with speed and output. Option (a) is incorrect. This is precisely the mindset the passage criticises — treating rest only as a tool for future productivity. Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not claim rest has no place; rather, it argues that society is forgetting its value. Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not promote abandoning ambition or embracing total inactivity. It argues for the intrinsic value of rest, not for rejecting purposeful action altogether. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct. The passage argues that rest should not be seen merely as a means to improve performance, but as something valuable in itself. It presents rest as a form of preserving “human dignity” and inner life in a culture obsessed with speed and output. Option (a) is incorrect. This is precisely the mindset the passage criticises — treating rest only as a tool for future productivity. Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not claim rest has no place; rather, it argues that society is forgetting its value. Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not promote abandoning ambition or embracing total inactivity. It argues for the intrinsic value of rest, not for rejecting purposeful action altogether.

#### 3. Question

Modern life is increasingly measured in deadlines, metrics, and constant activity. Rest is often tolerated only when it serves the purpose of improving future performance. However, genuine rest is not merely a tool for greater efficiency; it is a state in which the mind is freed from targets, comparisons, and expectations. In such moments, thinking becomes unforced and perception becomes deeper. A society that values people only for what they produce gradually forgets how to value stillness, contemplation, and inner life. In this sense, rest is not a weakness but a quiet assertion of human dignity against a culture of perpetual acceleration.

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

• (a) Rest should be taken only when it helps improve future productivity.

• (b) A fast-paced society has no place for rest or contemplation.

• (c) Rest has an intrinsic human value beyond its usefulness for efficiency.

• (d) People should avoid ambition and live a life of complete inactivity.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (c) is correct. The passage argues that rest should not be seen merely as a means to improve performance, but as something valuable in itself. It presents rest as a form of preserving “human dignity” and inner life in a culture obsessed with speed and output.

• Option (a) is incorrect. This is precisely the mindset the passage criticises — treating rest only as a tool for future productivity.

• Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not claim rest has no place; rather, it argues that society is forgetting its value.

• Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not promote abandoning ambition or embracing total inactivity. It argues for the intrinsic value of rest, not for rejecting purposeful action altogether.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect. This is precisely the mindset the passage criticises — treating rest only as a tool for future productivity.

• Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not claim rest has no place; rather, it argues that society is forgetting its value.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question In contemporary life, activity is often mistaken for importance. A crowded schedule is treated as evidence of purpose, and constant motion is confused with meaningful progress. Yet, this culture of busyness frequently leaves little room for depth—for sustained attention, careful thought, or genuine understanding. When life becomes a series of tasks to be checked off, experiences are skimmed rather than lived. Depth requires time, silence, and the willingness to stay with a question longer than is immediately useful. Busyness, by contrast, thrives on speed and surface. A society that glorifies constant activity may appear energetic, but it risks becoming intellectually restless and emotionally shallow. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the above passage? (a) A busy schedule is the best indicator of a successful and meaningful life. (b) Busyness is necessary for progress, while depth is a luxury few can afford. (c) Constant activity often comes at the cost of deeper understanding and reflection. (d) Modern society should eliminate busyness entirely and focus only on contemplation. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct. The passage criticises the confusion of activity with importance and argues that excessive busyness leaves little room for depth, sustained attention, and genuine understanding. It directly supports the idea that constant activity often undermines deeper reflection. Option (a) is incorrect. This reflects exactly the mistaken belief the passage challenges. Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not say depth is a luxury; rather, it suggests depth is essential and is being crowded out by busyness. Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not argue for eliminating all activity; it argues against the uncritical glorification of constant busyness. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) is correct. The passage criticises the confusion of activity with importance and argues that excessive busyness leaves little room for depth, sustained attention, and genuine understanding. It directly supports the idea that constant activity often undermines deeper reflection. Option (a) is incorrect. This reflects exactly the mistaken belief the passage challenges. Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not say depth is a luxury; rather, it suggests depth is essential and is being crowded out by busyness. Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not argue for eliminating all activity; it argues against the uncritical glorification of constant busyness.

#### 4. Question

In contemporary life, activity is often mistaken for importance. A crowded schedule is treated as evidence of purpose, and constant motion is confused with meaningful progress. Yet, this culture of busyness frequently leaves little room for depth—for sustained attention, careful thought, or genuine understanding. When life becomes a series of tasks to be checked off, experiences are skimmed rather than lived. Depth requires time, silence, and the willingness to stay with a question longer than is immediately useful. Busyness, by contrast, thrives on speed and surface. A society that glorifies constant activity may appear energetic, but it risks becoming intellectually restless and emotionally shallow.

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

• (a) A busy schedule is the best indicator of a successful and meaningful life.

• (b) Busyness is necessary for progress, while depth is a luxury few can afford.

• (c) Constant activity often comes at the cost of deeper understanding and reflection.

• (d) Modern society should eliminate busyness entirely and focus only on contemplation.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (c) is correct. The passage criticises the confusion of activity with importance and argues that excessive busyness leaves little room for depth, sustained attention, and genuine understanding. It directly supports the idea that constant activity often undermines deeper reflection.

• Option (a) is incorrect. This reflects exactly the mistaken belief the passage challenges.

• Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not say depth is a luxury; rather, it suggests depth is essential and is being crowded out by busyness.

• Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not argue for eliminating all activity; it argues against the uncritical glorification of constant busyness.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect. This reflects exactly the mistaken belief the passage challenges.

• Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not say depth is a luxury; rather, it suggests depth is essential and is being crowded out by busyness.

• Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not argue for eliminating all activity; it argues against the uncritical glorification of constant busyness.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question A tank can be filled by a pipe in 15 hours and by another pipe in 20 hours. A third pipe can empty the tank in 30 hours. If all the three pipes are opened together, in how many hours will the tank be completely filled? (a) 10 hours (b) 12 hours (c) 15 hours (d) 18 hours Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Work per hour: Pipe 1 = 1/15, Pipe 2 = 1/20, Pipe 3 = –1/30. Net work/hour = 1/15 + 1/20 – 1/30. LCM = 60 → (4 + 3 – 2)/60 = 5/60 = 1/12. So, they fill 1/12 of the tank per hour. Therefore, total time = 12 hours. Hence option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Work per hour: Pipe 1 = 1/15, Pipe 2 = 1/20, Pipe 3 = –1/30. Net work/hour = 1/15 + 1/20 – 1/30. LCM = 60 → (4 + 3 – 2)/60 = 5/60 = 1/12. So, they fill 1/12 of the tank per hour. Therefore, total time = 12 hours. Hence option (b) is correct.

#### 5. Question

A tank can be filled by a pipe in 15 hours and by another pipe in 20 hours. A third pipe can empty the tank in 30 hours. If all the three pipes are opened together, in how many hours will the tank be completely filled?

• (a) 10 hours

• (b) 12 hours

• (c) 15 hours

• (d) 18 hours

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Work per hour: Pipe 1 = 1/15, Pipe 2 = 1/20, Pipe 3 = –1/30. Net work/hour = 1/15 + 1/20 – 1/30. LCM = 60 → (4 + 3 – 2)/60 = 5/60 = 1/12. So, they fill 1/12 of the tank per hour. Therefore, total time = 12 hours. Hence option (b) is correct.

Answer: (b)

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