UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2025 with Solutions: CSAT Paper 2 | CSAT Preparation PDF Download

 Page 1


 
1                                                                                                                              
 
 
How	to	Assess	Your	CSAT	Performance	
Assessing	your	performance	in	the	CSAT	can	provide	critical	insights	into	your	preparation	levels	
and	identify	areas	for	improvement.	Here’s	a	step-by-step	guide	to	effectively	evaluate	your	
results:	
1. Match	Your	Answers	with	the	Answer	Key:	Obtain	the	CSAT	answer	key	from	sources	
you	trust	post	the	exam.	
2. Count	Your	Correct	and	Incorrect	Answers:	Tally	your	correct	and	incorrect	responses.	
3. Calculate	Your	Marks	Based	on	The	Pre	Decided	Rules:	Each	correct	answer	scores	
2.5	marks	and	each	incorrect	answer	incurs	a	penalty	of	0.83	marks.	
4. Calculate	Net	Score:	Subtract	the	penalty	from	your	total	correct	answer	marks.	
An	example	of	the	aforementioned	calculation	method:	
? Attempted	Questions:	80	
? Correct	Answers:	60	
? Incorrect	Answers:	20	
? Marks	for	Correct	Answers:	150	(60	*	2.5)	
? Penalty	for	Incorrect	Answers:	16.6	(20	*	0.83)	
? Net	Score:	133.4	(150	-	16.6)	
Preparing	for	UPSC	Mains	
With	the	prelims	behind,	successful	candidates	must	now	pivot	towards	the	Mains	examination,	
which	demands	an	in-depth	understanding	of	various	subjects.	Here’s	how	candidates	can	
prepare	effectively:	
1. Comprehensive	Revision:	This	involves	thoroughly	reviewing	all	notes	and	preparatory	
materials,	 focusing	 on	 deep	 understanding	 of	 concepts	 rather	 than	 surface-level	
memorisation.	
 
UPSC	PRELIMS	2025	–	PAPER	II	(CSAT)	ANSWER	EXPLANATIONS	
Page 2


 
1                                                                                                                              
 
 
How	to	Assess	Your	CSAT	Performance	
Assessing	your	performance	in	the	CSAT	can	provide	critical	insights	into	your	preparation	levels	
and	identify	areas	for	improvement.	Here’s	a	step-by-step	guide	to	effectively	evaluate	your	
results:	
1. Match	Your	Answers	with	the	Answer	Key:	Obtain	the	CSAT	answer	key	from	sources	
you	trust	post	the	exam.	
2. Count	Your	Correct	and	Incorrect	Answers:	Tally	your	correct	and	incorrect	responses.	
3. Calculate	Your	Marks	Based	on	The	Pre	Decided	Rules:	Each	correct	answer	scores	
2.5	marks	and	each	incorrect	answer	incurs	a	penalty	of	0.83	marks.	
4. Calculate	Net	Score:	Subtract	the	penalty	from	your	total	correct	answer	marks.	
An	example	of	the	aforementioned	calculation	method:	
? Attempted	Questions:	80	
? Correct	Answers:	60	
? Incorrect	Answers:	20	
? Marks	for	Correct	Answers:	150	(60	*	2.5)	
? Penalty	for	Incorrect	Answers:	16.6	(20	*	0.83)	
? Net	Score:	133.4	(150	-	16.6)	
Preparing	for	UPSC	Mains	
With	the	prelims	behind,	successful	candidates	must	now	pivot	towards	the	Mains	examination,	
which	demands	an	in-depth	understanding	of	various	subjects.	Here’s	how	candidates	can	
prepare	effectively:	
1. Comprehensive	Revision:	This	involves	thoroughly	reviewing	all	notes	and	preparatory	
materials,	 focusing	 on	 deep	 understanding	 of	 concepts	 rather	 than	 surface-level	
memorisation.	
 
UPSC	PRELIMS	2025	–	PAPER	II	(CSAT)	ANSWER	EXPLANATIONS	
 
2                                                                                                                              
2. Practice	Rigorous	Answer	Writing:	Given	the	descriptive	nature	of	the	Mains,	practising	
answer	 writing	 is	 crucial.	 You	 should	 exhibit	 clarity,	 coherence,	 and	 conciseness,	
reflecting	a	well-rounded	understanding	of	issues.	
3. Enhance	Current	Affairs	Knowledge:	The	main	examination	significantly	emphasises	
current	 affairs.	 Candidates	 should	 broaden	 their	 understanding	 by	 reading	 diverse	
sources	and	analysing	current	events	from	multiple	perspectives.	
4. Focus	on	Optional	Subjects:	Deep	dive	into	the	chosen	optional	subject,	as	it	can	
significantly	influence	the	final	score.	Thorough	preparation	and	regular	testing	in	this	
subject	are	advisable.	
5. Simulate	Exam	Conditions:	Regular	mock	tests	under	timed	conditions	can	help	adapt	
to	the	pressure	of	the	actual	exam	and	fine-tune	time	management	and	writing	speed.	
	
6. Physical	and	Mental	Well-being:	It	is	crucial	to	maintain	physical	health	through	regular	
exercise	 and	 a	 balanced	 diet	 and	 mental	 health	 through	 adequate	 rest	 and	 stress	
management	techniques.		
The	CSAT	2025	examined	a	diverse	range	of	skills,	encompassing	numerical	ability,	critical	
reading,	and	logical	thinking.	As	candidates	gear	up	for	the	demanding	UPSC	Mains,	adopting	a	
focused,	structured,	and	intensive	study	strategy	will	be	crucial	for	success.	Wishing	you	all	the	
very	best	in	your	preparations!	
	
 
  
Page 3


 
1                                                                                                                              
 
 
How	to	Assess	Your	CSAT	Performance	
Assessing	your	performance	in	the	CSAT	can	provide	critical	insights	into	your	preparation	levels	
and	identify	areas	for	improvement.	Here’s	a	step-by-step	guide	to	effectively	evaluate	your	
results:	
1. Match	Your	Answers	with	the	Answer	Key:	Obtain	the	CSAT	answer	key	from	sources	
you	trust	post	the	exam.	
2. Count	Your	Correct	and	Incorrect	Answers:	Tally	your	correct	and	incorrect	responses.	
3. Calculate	Your	Marks	Based	on	The	Pre	Decided	Rules:	Each	correct	answer	scores	
2.5	marks	and	each	incorrect	answer	incurs	a	penalty	of	0.83	marks.	
4. Calculate	Net	Score:	Subtract	the	penalty	from	your	total	correct	answer	marks.	
An	example	of	the	aforementioned	calculation	method:	
? Attempted	Questions:	80	
? Correct	Answers:	60	
? Incorrect	Answers:	20	
? Marks	for	Correct	Answers:	150	(60	*	2.5)	
? Penalty	for	Incorrect	Answers:	16.6	(20	*	0.83)	
? Net	Score:	133.4	(150	-	16.6)	
Preparing	for	UPSC	Mains	
With	the	prelims	behind,	successful	candidates	must	now	pivot	towards	the	Mains	examination,	
which	demands	an	in-depth	understanding	of	various	subjects.	Here’s	how	candidates	can	
prepare	effectively:	
1. Comprehensive	Revision:	This	involves	thoroughly	reviewing	all	notes	and	preparatory	
materials,	 focusing	 on	 deep	 understanding	 of	 concepts	 rather	 than	 surface-level	
memorisation.	
 
UPSC	PRELIMS	2025	–	PAPER	II	(CSAT)	ANSWER	EXPLANATIONS	
 
2                                                                                                                              
2. Practice	Rigorous	Answer	Writing:	Given	the	descriptive	nature	of	the	Mains,	practising	
answer	 writing	 is	 crucial.	 You	 should	 exhibit	 clarity,	 coherence,	 and	 conciseness,	
reflecting	a	well-rounded	understanding	of	issues.	
3. Enhance	Current	Affairs	Knowledge:	The	main	examination	significantly	emphasises	
current	 affairs.	 Candidates	 should	 broaden	 their	 understanding	 by	 reading	 diverse	
sources	and	analysing	current	events	from	multiple	perspectives.	
4. Focus	on	Optional	Subjects:	Deep	dive	into	the	chosen	optional	subject,	as	it	can	
significantly	influence	the	final	score.	Thorough	preparation	and	regular	testing	in	this	
subject	are	advisable.	
5. Simulate	Exam	Conditions:	Regular	mock	tests	under	timed	conditions	can	help	adapt	
to	the	pressure	of	the	actual	exam	and	fine-tune	time	management	and	writing	speed.	
	
6. Physical	and	Mental	Well-being:	It	is	crucial	to	maintain	physical	health	through	regular	
exercise	 and	 a	 balanced	 diet	 and	 mental	 health	 through	 adequate	 rest	 and	 stress	
management	techniques.		
The	CSAT	2025	examined	a	diverse	range	of	skills,	encompassing	numerical	ability,	critical	
reading,	and	logical	thinking.	As	candidates	gear	up	for	the	demanding	UPSC	Mains,	adopting	a	
focused,	structured,	and	intensive	study	strategy	will	be	crucial	for	success.	Wishing	you	all	the	
very	best	in	your	preparations!	
	
 
  
 
3                                                                                                                              
ANSWER	KEY	AND	EXPLANATIONS	
 
Directions for the following 4 (Four) items : 
Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answer to these 
items should be based on the passages only. 
Passage -1 
In our country, regrettably, teaching and learning for the examination have been our forte but the new 
demands of society and the future of work require critical and independent thinking, learning through 
doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives on the same issue, using evidence for 
building arguments, and reflecting and articulation. Higher education should not "either be a mere 
servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood." Higher learning is all about 
how to think rather than what to think. Teaching has to be re-invented. 
 
1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? 
(a) India does not have enough resources for promoting quality education in its universities. 
(b) The institutions of higher learning in the country should not be under the control of the 
Government. 
(c) Classroom approach to higher education should be done away with. 
(d) Classroom needs to be reimagined and teaching to be re-invented. 
Answer:(d) 
Option (a) is incorrect: This option introduces the idea of resource scarcity, which the passage 
does not mention at all. The critique in the passage is qualitative, not quantitative—it focuses 
on how teaching is done, not on resources available. There is no reference to funding, 
infrastructure, or faculty numbers. Hence, option (a) is not correct. 
Option (b) is incorrect:  The author emphasises the need to move from rote learning to 
reflective thinking. While the passage does contain the line, "Higher education should not 
either be a mere servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood," the 
focus here is not on removing government control, but rather on ensuring that higher education 
maintains intellectual independence and academic freedom. The phrase "mere servant" implies 
a concern about subservience, not about formal control structures. Therefore, option (b) 
misrepresents the passage’s more nuanced stance. 
Option (c) is incorrect: This is an extreme conclusion not supported by the passage. Nowhere 
does the passage argue that classroom learning should be abolished. Instead, it proposes a 
transformation in teaching methodology: "Teaching has to be re-invented" and "Learning 
through doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives, using evidence for 
building arguments, and reflecting and articulation." These phrases indicate the need for a re-
imagined classroom experience, not its elimination. Therefore, option (c) is incorrect. 
Option (d) is correct: This statement aligns with the broader message of the passage, 
emphasising the need to shift away from rote, exam-focused education towards creative, 
independent, and interdisciplinary thinking. The use of terms like “re-imagined” and “re-
invented” captures the spirit of transformation advocated in the passage. Therefore, option (d) 
is correct. 
 
2. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 
I. Higher education is a constantly evolving subject that needs to align towards new 
developments in all spheres of society. 
II. In our country, sufficient funds are not allocated for promoting higher education. 
 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) 
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1                                                                                                                              
 
 
How	to	Assess	Your	CSAT	Performance	
Assessing	your	performance	in	the	CSAT	can	provide	critical	insights	into	your	preparation	levels	
and	identify	areas	for	improvement.	Here’s	a	step-by-step	guide	to	effectively	evaluate	your	
results:	
1. Match	Your	Answers	with	the	Answer	Key:	Obtain	the	CSAT	answer	key	from	sources	
you	trust	post	the	exam.	
2. Count	Your	Correct	and	Incorrect	Answers:	Tally	your	correct	and	incorrect	responses.	
3. Calculate	Your	Marks	Based	on	The	Pre	Decided	Rules:	Each	correct	answer	scores	
2.5	marks	and	each	incorrect	answer	incurs	a	penalty	of	0.83	marks.	
4. Calculate	Net	Score:	Subtract	the	penalty	from	your	total	correct	answer	marks.	
An	example	of	the	aforementioned	calculation	method:	
? Attempted	Questions:	80	
? Correct	Answers:	60	
? Incorrect	Answers:	20	
? Marks	for	Correct	Answers:	150	(60	*	2.5)	
? Penalty	for	Incorrect	Answers:	16.6	(20	*	0.83)	
? Net	Score:	133.4	(150	-	16.6)	
Preparing	for	UPSC	Mains	
With	the	prelims	behind,	successful	candidates	must	now	pivot	towards	the	Mains	examination,	
which	demands	an	in-depth	understanding	of	various	subjects.	Here’s	how	candidates	can	
prepare	effectively:	
1. Comprehensive	Revision:	This	involves	thoroughly	reviewing	all	notes	and	preparatory	
materials,	 focusing	 on	 deep	 understanding	 of	 concepts	 rather	 than	 surface-level	
memorisation.	
 
UPSC	PRELIMS	2025	–	PAPER	II	(CSAT)	ANSWER	EXPLANATIONS	
 
2                                                                                                                              
2. Practice	Rigorous	Answer	Writing:	Given	the	descriptive	nature	of	the	Mains,	practising	
answer	 writing	 is	 crucial.	 You	 should	 exhibit	 clarity,	 coherence,	 and	 conciseness,	
reflecting	a	well-rounded	understanding	of	issues.	
3. Enhance	Current	Affairs	Knowledge:	The	main	examination	significantly	emphasises	
current	 affairs.	 Candidates	 should	 broaden	 their	 understanding	 by	 reading	 diverse	
sources	and	analysing	current	events	from	multiple	perspectives.	
4. Focus	on	Optional	Subjects:	Deep	dive	into	the	chosen	optional	subject,	as	it	can	
significantly	influence	the	final	score.	Thorough	preparation	and	regular	testing	in	this	
subject	are	advisable.	
5. Simulate	Exam	Conditions:	Regular	mock	tests	under	timed	conditions	can	help	adapt	
to	the	pressure	of	the	actual	exam	and	fine-tune	time	management	and	writing	speed.	
	
6. Physical	and	Mental	Well-being:	It	is	crucial	to	maintain	physical	health	through	regular	
exercise	 and	 a	 balanced	 diet	 and	 mental	 health	 through	 adequate	 rest	 and	 stress	
management	techniques.		
The	CSAT	2025	examined	a	diverse	range	of	skills,	encompassing	numerical	ability,	critical	
reading,	and	logical	thinking.	As	candidates	gear	up	for	the	demanding	UPSC	Mains,	adopting	a	
focused,	structured,	and	intensive	study	strategy	will	be	crucial	for	success.	Wishing	you	all	the	
very	best	in	your	preparations!	
	
 
  
 
3                                                                                                                              
ANSWER	KEY	AND	EXPLANATIONS	
 
Directions for the following 4 (Four) items : 
Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answer to these 
items should be based on the passages only. 
Passage -1 
In our country, regrettably, teaching and learning for the examination have been our forte but the new 
demands of society and the future of work require critical and independent thinking, learning through 
doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives on the same issue, using evidence for 
building arguments, and reflecting and articulation. Higher education should not "either be a mere 
servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood." Higher learning is all about 
how to think rather than what to think. Teaching has to be re-invented. 
 
1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? 
(a) India does not have enough resources for promoting quality education in its universities. 
(b) The institutions of higher learning in the country should not be under the control of the 
Government. 
(c) Classroom approach to higher education should be done away with. 
(d) Classroom needs to be reimagined and teaching to be re-invented. 
Answer:(d) 
Option (a) is incorrect: This option introduces the idea of resource scarcity, which the passage 
does not mention at all. The critique in the passage is qualitative, not quantitative—it focuses 
on how teaching is done, not on resources available. There is no reference to funding, 
infrastructure, or faculty numbers. Hence, option (a) is not correct. 
Option (b) is incorrect:  The author emphasises the need to move from rote learning to 
reflective thinking. While the passage does contain the line, "Higher education should not 
either be a mere servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood," the 
focus here is not on removing government control, but rather on ensuring that higher education 
maintains intellectual independence and academic freedom. The phrase "mere servant" implies 
a concern about subservience, not about formal control structures. Therefore, option (b) 
misrepresents the passage’s more nuanced stance. 
Option (c) is incorrect: This is an extreme conclusion not supported by the passage. Nowhere 
does the passage argue that classroom learning should be abolished. Instead, it proposes a 
transformation in teaching methodology: "Teaching has to be re-invented" and "Learning 
through doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives, using evidence for 
building arguments, and reflecting and articulation." These phrases indicate the need for a re-
imagined classroom experience, not its elimination. Therefore, option (c) is incorrect. 
Option (d) is correct: This statement aligns with the broader message of the passage, 
emphasising the need to shift away from rote, exam-focused education towards creative, 
independent, and interdisciplinary thinking. The use of terms like “re-imagined” and “re-
invented” captures the spirit of transformation advocated in the passage. Therefore, option (d) 
is correct. 
 
2. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 
I. Higher education is a constantly evolving subject that needs to align towards new 
developments in all spheres of society. 
II. In our country, sufficient funds are not allocated for promoting higher education. 
 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) 
 
4                                                                                                                              
Assumption I is correct: The passage emphasises that teaching and learning need to adapt to 
the "new demands of society and the future of work," calling for "critical and independent 
thinking, learning through doing," and using "multiple disciplinary perspectives." These lines 
indicate that higher education must evolve to meet societal changes and new challenges. Hence, 
assumption I is correct. 
Assumption II is incorrect: This statement is not supported by the passage. There is no 
reference to financial constraints or insufficient funding. The critique is about the approach and 
methodology of teaching, specifically, the exam-oriented system and the need to "re-imagine 
the classroom" and "re-invent" teaching. Therefore, the assumption that insufficient funds are 
the problem is not found in the text. Hence, assumption II is not correct. 
 
Passage-2 
If there is inequality in the pattern of population growth, there is greater inequality in food production 
and utilization. As societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases. This 
means that a greater proportion of such basic foodstuff as grains and legumes that could feed humans 
directly is instead being converted into feed for poultry and large farm animals. Yet this conversion of 
plant-based food into animal food for humans is far from efficient. Only 16% of the calories fed to 
chickens are recovered by us when we eat them. This conversion rate goes down to five to seven per 
cent in large animals that are fed grain to add fat and some protein before slaughter. 
 
3. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage? 
 (a) There is an urgent need for a public policy to promote the consumption of cereal-based 
foods in wealthier societies. 
 (b) Animal-based food is far less efficient than grain/plant-based food in terms of production 
and utilization. 
 (c) Plant-based protein should replace the animal-based protein in our daily diets. 
 (d) Inequality in food production and consumption is inevitable in any fast chancing society. 
Answer:(b) 
Option (a) is incorrect: While the passage discusses the inefficiency of diverting plant-based 
foods to animal feed in wealthy societies, it does not advocate for any specific policy measures. 
The focus is on highlighting inefficiency in food conversion and inequality, not policy 
recommendations. Therefore, the suggestion of public policy action goes beyond what the 
passage states. Hence, option (a) is not correct. 
Option (b) is correct: The passage clearly states that “only 16% of the calories fed to chickens 
are recovered by us” and that this “conversion rate goes down to five to seven per cent in large 
animals.” This shows that converting grains and legumes into animal-based foods results in a 
significant loss of calories. Therefore, the passage emphasises the inefficiency of animal-based 
food compared to grain/plant-based food in terms of production and utilisation. Hence, option 
(b) is correct. 
Option (c) is incorrect: Although the passage highlights the inefficiency of animal-based food, 
it does not explicitly suggest if plant-based proteins should replace animal-based proteins in 
our daily diets. As the question asks for the crux of the passage (rather than an inference), option 
(c) is not correct as it is suggestive and goes beyond the scope of the passage. 
Option (d) is incorrect: The passage mentions inequality in population growth and food 
production and utilisation, but this is presented as an observable trend, rather than an inevitable 
idea. Further, the main focus of the passage is actually on the inefficiency in food conversion 
from plant to animal products. Hence, option (d) is not correct. 
 
 
 
 
Page 5


 
1                                                                                                                              
 
 
How	to	Assess	Your	CSAT	Performance	
Assessing	your	performance	in	the	CSAT	can	provide	critical	insights	into	your	preparation	levels	
and	identify	areas	for	improvement.	Here’s	a	step-by-step	guide	to	effectively	evaluate	your	
results:	
1. Match	Your	Answers	with	the	Answer	Key:	Obtain	the	CSAT	answer	key	from	sources	
you	trust	post	the	exam.	
2. Count	Your	Correct	and	Incorrect	Answers:	Tally	your	correct	and	incorrect	responses.	
3. Calculate	Your	Marks	Based	on	The	Pre	Decided	Rules:	Each	correct	answer	scores	
2.5	marks	and	each	incorrect	answer	incurs	a	penalty	of	0.83	marks.	
4. Calculate	Net	Score:	Subtract	the	penalty	from	your	total	correct	answer	marks.	
An	example	of	the	aforementioned	calculation	method:	
? Attempted	Questions:	80	
? Correct	Answers:	60	
? Incorrect	Answers:	20	
? Marks	for	Correct	Answers:	150	(60	*	2.5)	
? Penalty	for	Incorrect	Answers:	16.6	(20	*	0.83)	
? Net	Score:	133.4	(150	-	16.6)	
Preparing	for	UPSC	Mains	
With	the	prelims	behind,	successful	candidates	must	now	pivot	towards	the	Mains	examination,	
which	demands	an	in-depth	understanding	of	various	subjects.	Here’s	how	candidates	can	
prepare	effectively:	
1. Comprehensive	Revision:	This	involves	thoroughly	reviewing	all	notes	and	preparatory	
materials,	 focusing	 on	 deep	 understanding	 of	 concepts	 rather	 than	 surface-level	
memorisation.	
 
UPSC	PRELIMS	2025	–	PAPER	II	(CSAT)	ANSWER	EXPLANATIONS	
 
2                                                                                                                              
2. Practice	Rigorous	Answer	Writing:	Given	the	descriptive	nature	of	the	Mains,	practising	
answer	 writing	 is	 crucial.	 You	 should	 exhibit	 clarity,	 coherence,	 and	 conciseness,	
reflecting	a	well-rounded	understanding	of	issues.	
3. Enhance	Current	Affairs	Knowledge:	The	main	examination	significantly	emphasises	
current	 affairs.	 Candidates	 should	 broaden	 their	 understanding	 by	 reading	 diverse	
sources	and	analysing	current	events	from	multiple	perspectives.	
4. Focus	on	Optional	Subjects:	Deep	dive	into	the	chosen	optional	subject,	as	it	can	
significantly	influence	the	final	score.	Thorough	preparation	and	regular	testing	in	this	
subject	are	advisable.	
5. Simulate	Exam	Conditions:	Regular	mock	tests	under	timed	conditions	can	help	adapt	
to	the	pressure	of	the	actual	exam	and	fine-tune	time	management	and	writing	speed.	
	
6. Physical	and	Mental	Well-being:	It	is	crucial	to	maintain	physical	health	through	regular	
exercise	 and	 a	 balanced	 diet	 and	 mental	 health	 through	 adequate	 rest	 and	 stress	
management	techniques.		
The	CSAT	2025	examined	a	diverse	range	of	skills,	encompassing	numerical	ability,	critical	
reading,	and	logical	thinking.	As	candidates	gear	up	for	the	demanding	UPSC	Mains,	adopting	a	
focused,	structured,	and	intensive	study	strategy	will	be	crucial	for	success.	Wishing	you	all	the	
very	best	in	your	preparations!	
	
 
  
 
3                                                                                                                              
ANSWER	KEY	AND	EXPLANATIONS	
 
Directions for the following 4 (Four) items : 
Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answer to these 
items should be based on the passages only. 
Passage -1 
In our country, regrettably, teaching and learning for the examination have been our forte but the new 
demands of society and the future of work require critical and independent thinking, learning through 
doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives on the same issue, using evidence for 
building arguments, and reflecting and articulation. Higher education should not "either be a mere 
servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood." Higher learning is all about 
how to think rather than what to think. Teaching has to be re-invented. 
 
1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? 
(a) India does not have enough resources for promoting quality education in its universities. 
(b) The institutions of higher learning in the country should not be under the control of the 
Government. 
(c) Classroom approach to higher education should be done away with. 
(d) Classroom needs to be reimagined and teaching to be re-invented. 
Answer:(d) 
Option (a) is incorrect: This option introduces the idea of resource scarcity, which the passage 
does not mention at all. The critique in the passage is qualitative, not quantitative—it focuses 
on how teaching is done, not on resources available. There is no reference to funding, 
infrastructure, or faculty numbers. Hence, option (a) is not correct. 
Option (b) is incorrect:  The author emphasises the need to move from rote learning to 
reflective thinking. While the passage does contain the line, "Higher education should not 
either be a mere servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood," the 
focus here is not on removing government control, but rather on ensuring that higher education 
maintains intellectual independence and academic freedom. The phrase "mere servant" implies 
a concern about subservience, not about formal control structures. Therefore, option (b) 
misrepresents the passage’s more nuanced stance. 
Option (c) is incorrect: This is an extreme conclusion not supported by the passage. Nowhere 
does the passage argue that classroom learning should be abolished. Instead, it proposes a 
transformation in teaching methodology: "Teaching has to be re-invented" and "Learning 
through doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives, using evidence for 
building arguments, and reflecting and articulation." These phrases indicate the need for a re-
imagined classroom experience, not its elimination. Therefore, option (c) is incorrect. 
Option (d) is correct: This statement aligns with the broader message of the passage, 
emphasising the need to shift away from rote, exam-focused education towards creative, 
independent, and interdisciplinary thinking. The use of terms like “re-imagined” and “re-
invented” captures the spirit of transformation advocated in the passage. Therefore, option (d) 
is correct. 
 
2. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 
I. Higher education is a constantly evolving subject that needs to align towards new 
developments in all spheres of society. 
II. In our country, sufficient funds are not allocated for promoting higher education. 
 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) 
 
4                                                                                                                              
Assumption I is correct: The passage emphasises that teaching and learning need to adapt to 
the "new demands of society and the future of work," calling for "critical and independent 
thinking, learning through doing," and using "multiple disciplinary perspectives." These lines 
indicate that higher education must evolve to meet societal changes and new challenges. Hence, 
assumption I is correct. 
Assumption II is incorrect: This statement is not supported by the passage. There is no 
reference to financial constraints or insufficient funding. The critique is about the approach and 
methodology of teaching, specifically, the exam-oriented system and the need to "re-imagine 
the classroom" and "re-invent" teaching. Therefore, the assumption that insufficient funds are 
the problem is not found in the text. Hence, assumption II is not correct. 
 
Passage-2 
If there is inequality in the pattern of population growth, there is greater inequality in food production 
and utilization. As societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases. This 
means that a greater proportion of such basic foodstuff as grains and legumes that could feed humans 
directly is instead being converted into feed for poultry and large farm animals. Yet this conversion of 
plant-based food into animal food for humans is far from efficient. Only 16% of the calories fed to 
chickens are recovered by us when we eat them. This conversion rate goes down to five to seven per 
cent in large animals that are fed grain to add fat and some protein before slaughter. 
 
3. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage? 
 (a) There is an urgent need for a public policy to promote the consumption of cereal-based 
foods in wealthier societies. 
 (b) Animal-based food is far less efficient than grain/plant-based food in terms of production 
and utilization. 
 (c) Plant-based protein should replace the animal-based protein in our daily diets. 
 (d) Inequality in food production and consumption is inevitable in any fast chancing society. 
Answer:(b) 
Option (a) is incorrect: While the passage discusses the inefficiency of diverting plant-based 
foods to animal feed in wealthy societies, it does not advocate for any specific policy measures. 
The focus is on highlighting inefficiency in food conversion and inequality, not policy 
recommendations. Therefore, the suggestion of public policy action goes beyond what the 
passage states. Hence, option (a) is not correct. 
Option (b) is correct: The passage clearly states that “only 16% of the calories fed to chickens 
are recovered by us” and that this “conversion rate goes down to five to seven per cent in large 
animals.” This shows that converting grains and legumes into animal-based foods results in a 
significant loss of calories. Therefore, the passage emphasises the inefficiency of animal-based 
food compared to grain/plant-based food in terms of production and utilisation. Hence, option 
(b) is correct. 
Option (c) is incorrect: Although the passage highlights the inefficiency of animal-based food, 
it does not explicitly suggest if plant-based proteins should replace animal-based proteins in 
our daily diets. As the question asks for the crux of the passage (rather than an inference), option 
(c) is not correct as it is suggestive and goes beyond the scope of the passage. 
Option (d) is incorrect: The passage mentions inequality in population growth and food 
production and utilisation, but this is presented as an observable trend, rather than an inevitable 
idea. Further, the main focus of the passage is actually on the inefficiency in food conversion 
from plant to animal products. Hence, option (d) is not correct. 
 
 
 
 
 
5                                                                                                                              
4. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 
I. The food manufacturing and processing industries in every country should align their 
objectives and processes in accordance with the changing needs of the societies. 
II. Wealthier societies tend to incur great loss of calories of food materials due to indirect 
utilization of their agricultural produce. 
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:(b) 
Assumption I is incorrect: The passage implies that increased wealth leads to higher 
consumption of animal products, which is inefficient in terms of calorie availability. The author 
presents this as undesirable, suggesting that efforts should focus on countering such 
consumption patterns rather than accommodating them. Also, it is doubtful if the findings of 
the passage can be generalised to “every country”. Hence, assumption I is not correct. 
Assumption II is correct: The passage explicitly supports this assumption. It states that “as 
societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases,” leading to plant-
based food being used for animal feed. It further mentions that “only 16% of the calories fed to 
chickens are recovered by us,” and the conversion rate is even lower for large animals. This 
implies a substantial loss of calories due to indirect consumption. Hence, assumption II is 
correct. 
 
5. What is the maximum value of n such that 7 × 343 × 385 × 1000 × 2401 × 77777 is divisible 
by 35
n
? 
(a) 3 
(b) 4 
(c) 5 
(d) 7 
Answer:(b) 
35
n
 = 7
n 
× 5
n
 
The given expression: 7 × 343 × 385 × 1000 × 2401 × 77777 = 7 × 7
3 
× (5 × 7 × 11) × (2
3 
× 5
3
) 
× 7
4 
× (7 × 11111) = 7
10 
× 5
4
 × ……   
The lower power will determine the value of n, i.e. 5
4
. As the power of 5 in the expression is 4, 
the maximum value of n would also be 4.