UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 7 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 Digital platforms have transformed the way people access information, conduct business, and engage in social interaction. Online marketplaces, social media networks, and remote working tools have expanded opportunities for entrepreneurship and collaboration. At the same time, these platforms concentrate vast amounts of data and influence in the hands of a few large corporations. Such concentration raises concerns regarding privacy, market competition, and the autonomy of users. Algorithmic control over content visibility and commercial transactions can shape public opinion and consumer behaviour in subtle ways. In societies with limited digital literacy, these effects may become more pronounced, increasing vulnerability to misinformation and economic exploitation. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Digital platforms mainly promote economic growth and innovation. (b) Regulation of digital platforms should restrict technological development. (c) Digital platforms create opportunities but also generate structural risks. (d) Online communication has replaced traditional social interaction. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: The passage presents both positive and negative aspects of digital platforms. It acknowledges expanded opportunities while highlighting concerns related to data concentration, influence, and vulnerability. Option (c) captures this balanced and critical perspective by recognising both benefits and risks. The other options focus only on one aspect or introduce claims not supported by the passage. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: The passage presents both positive and negative aspects of digital platforms. It acknowledges expanded opportunities while highlighting concerns related to data concentration, influence, and vulnerability. Option (c) captures this balanced and critical perspective by recognising both benefits and risks. The other options focus only on one aspect or introduce claims not supported by the passage.

#### 1. Question

Digital platforms have transformed the way people access information, conduct business, and engage in social interaction. Online marketplaces, social media networks, and remote working tools have expanded opportunities for entrepreneurship and collaboration. At the same time, these platforms concentrate vast amounts of data and influence in the hands of a few large corporations.

Such concentration raises concerns regarding privacy, market competition, and the autonomy of users. Algorithmic control over content visibility and commercial transactions can shape public opinion and consumer behaviour in subtle ways. In societies with limited digital literacy, these effects may become more pronounced, increasing vulnerability to misinformation and economic exploitation.

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

• (a) Digital platforms mainly promote economic growth and innovation.

• (b) Regulation of digital platforms should restrict technological development.

• (c) Digital platforms create opportunities but also generate structural risks.

• (d) Online communication has replaced traditional social interaction.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The passage presents both positive and negative aspects of digital platforms. It acknowledges expanded opportunities while highlighting concerns related to data concentration, influence, and vulnerability. Option (c) captures this balanced and critical perspective by recognising both benefits and risks. The other options focus only on one aspect or introduce claims not supported by the passage.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: The impact of digital platforms is influenced by the level of users’ digital awareness. Algorithmic systems always manipulate public opinion deliberately. 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 supported by the reference to “limited digital literacy,” which implies that awareness levels affect vulnerability and impact. Assumption II is incorrect because the passage mentions influence “in subtle ways” but does not claim deliberate or universal manipulation. Hence, only assumption I is valid. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is supported by the reference to “limited digital literacy,” which implies that awareness levels affect vulnerability and impact. Assumption II is incorrect because the passage mentions influence “in subtle ways” but does not claim deliberate or universal manipulation. Hence, only assumption I is valid.

#### 2. Question

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

• The impact of digital platforms is influenced by the level of users’ digital awareness.

• Algorithmic systems always manipulate public opinion deliberately.

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 supported by the reference to “limited digital literacy,” which implies that awareness levels affect vulnerability and impact. Assumption II is incorrect because the passage mentions influence “in subtle ways” but does not claim deliberate or universal manipulation. Hence, only assumption I is valid.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question In recent decades, urbanisation has accelerated rapidly across many developing countries. Expanding cities have attracted large populations seeking employment, education, and improved living standards. This process has stimulated economic activity and infrastructure growth. However, unplanned expansion has also placed severe pressure on housing, transport systems, water supply, and waste management. Informal settlements often emerge where regulatory frameworks are weak or inadequately enforced. These areas tend to lack basic services and are more vulnerable to health risks and environmental hazards. At the same time, urban governance structures frequently struggle to balance growth objectives with social inclusion and ecological sustainability. The long-term consequences of neglecting this balance may undermine the very benefits that urbanisation initially promises. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Rapid urban growth inevitably improves the quality of life of city residents. (b) Informal settlements are the primary cause of urban environmental problems. (c) Urbanisation generates economic opportunities but also creates governance and sustainability challenges. (d) Strict regulation can completely eliminate the negative effects of urban expansion. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: The passage presents urbanisation as a process that brings economic benefits while simultaneously generating pressure on infrastructure, services, and governance systems. It highlights the difficulty of balancing growth with inclusion and sustainability. Option (c) captures this balanced and critical perspective. The other options either exaggerate benefits, assign exclusive blame, or suggest absolute solutions not supported by the passage. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: The passage presents urbanisation as a process that brings economic benefits while simultaneously generating pressure on infrastructure, services, and governance systems. It highlights the difficulty of balancing growth with inclusion and sustainability. Option (c) captures this balanced and critical perspective. The other options either exaggerate benefits, assign exclusive blame, or suggest absolute solutions not supported by the passage.

#### 3. Question

In recent decades, urbanisation has accelerated rapidly across many developing countries. Expanding cities have attracted large populations seeking employment, education, and improved living standards. This process has stimulated economic activity and infrastructure growth. However, unplanned expansion has also placed severe pressure on housing, transport systems, water supply, and waste management.

Informal settlements often emerge where regulatory frameworks are weak or inadequately enforced. These areas tend to lack basic services and are more vulnerable to health risks and environmental hazards. At the same time, urban governance structures frequently struggle to balance growth objectives with social inclusion and ecological sustainability. The long-term consequences of neglecting this balance may undermine the very benefits that urbanisation initially promises.

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

• (a) Rapid urban growth inevitably improves the quality of life of city residents.

• (b) Informal settlements are the primary cause of urban environmental problems.

• (c) Urbanisation generates economic opportunities but also creates governance and sustainability challenges.

• (d) Strict regulation can completely eliminate the negative effects of urban expansion.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The passage presents urbanisation as a process that brings economic benefits while simultaneously generating pressure on infrastructure, services, and governance systems. It highlights the difficulty of balancing growth with inclusion and sustainability. Option (c) captures this balanced and critical perspective. The other options either exaggerate benefits, assign exclusive blame, or suggest absolute solutions not supported by the passage.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Weak institutional capacity contributes to the growth of poorly serviced urban areas. Long-term urban welfare depends on integrating economic, social, and environmental concerns. 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 supported by the reference to weak regulatory frameworks leading to informal settlements lacking basic services. Assumption II is supported by the emphasis on balancing growth with inclusion and sustainability to preserve long-term benefits. Both assumptions logically follow from the passage. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is supported by the reference to weak regulatory frameworks leading to informal settlements lacking basic services. Assumption II is supported by the emphasis on balancing growth with inclusion and sustainability to preserve long-term benefits. Both assumptions logically follow from the passage.

#### 4. Question

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

• Weak institutional capacity contributes to the growth of poorly serviced urban areas.

• Long-term urban welfare depends on integrating economic, social, and environmental concerns.

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 supported by the reference to weak regulatory frameworks leading to informal settlements lacking basic services. Assumption II is supported by the emphasis on balancing growth with inclusion and sustainability to preserve long-term benefits. Both assumptions logically follow from the passage.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question How many 3-digit numbers can be formed using the digits {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} such that the digits are distinct and the number is divisible by 3? (a) 12 (b) 24 (c) 30 (d) 36 Correct Answer: (b) Solution A 3-digit number is divisible by 3 iff the sum of its digits is divisible by 3. Digits: {1,2,3,4,5} Mod 3 classification: {1,4} ≡ 1 {2,5} ≡ 2 {3} ≡ 0 For 3 digits to sum to a multiple of 3, we need the pattern (0,1,2). So the number must include 3, plus: one digit from {1,4} → 2 ways one digit from {2,5} → 2 ways Valid sets of digits = Each set can be arranged in ways (digits distinct, no zero issue). Total numbers = Incorrect Answer: (b) Solution A 3-digit number is divisible by 3 iff the sum of its digits is divisible by 3. Digits: {1,2,3,4,5} Mod 3 classification: {1,4} ≡ 1 {2,5} ≡ 2 {3} ≡ 0 For 3 digits to sum to a multiple of 3, we need the pattern (0,1,2). So the number must include 3, plus: one digit from {1,4} → 2 ways one digit from {2,5} → 2 ways Valid sets of digits = Each set can be arranged in ways (digits distinct, no zero issue). Total numbers =

#### 5. Question

How many 3-digit numbers can be formed using the digits {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} such that the digits are distinct and the number is divisible by 3?

Answer: (b)

A 3-digit number is divisible by 3 iff the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.

Digits: {1,2,3,4,5} Mod 3 classification:

For 3 digits to sum to a multiple of 3, we need the pattern (0,1,2). So the number must include 3, plus:

• one digit from {1,4} → 2 ways

• one digit from {2,5} → 2 ways

Valid sets of digits =

Each set can be arranged in ways (digits distinct, no zero issue).

Total numbers =

Answer: (b)

A 3-digit number is divisible by 3 iff the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.

Digits: {1,2,3,4,5} Mod 3 classification:

For 3 digits to sum to a multiple of 3, we need the pattern (0,1,2). So the number must include 3, plus:

• one digit from {1,4} → 2 ways

• one digit from {2,5} → 2 ways

Valid sets of digits =

Each set can be arranged in ways (digits distinct, no zero issue).

Total numbers =

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