UPSC CSE Prelims CSAT (Paper II) previous year questions on Deductive Reasoning (Logical Reasoning), asked from 2011–2026, with answers. There are 48 questions in this post. Attempt each question, then click Show Answer to check.
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1] Seven cubes are identical in shape. Out of these, the weight of each of the six cubes is equal and the weight of the remaining cube is less than the weight of any other cube. A balance is used to identify the lightest cube. What is the minimum number of attempts required to distinguish the odd cube with certainty? [2026/51]
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 1
Show Answer
Ans: (a) 2
2] A mobile phone has been stolen. There are 3 suspects P, Q and R. They were questioned knowing that only one of them is guilty. Their responses are as follows:
P: I did not steal. Q stole it.
Q: R did not steal. I did not steal.
R: I did not steal. I do not know who did it.
Who stole the mobile phone? [2025/49]
(a) P
(b) Q
(c) R
(d) Cannot be concluded
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Cannot be concluded
3] Three teams P, Q, R participated in a tournament in which the teams play with one another exactly once. A win fetches a team 2 points and a draw 1 point. A team gets no point for a loss. Each team scored exactly one goal in the tournament. The team P got 3 points, Q got 2 points and R got 1 point.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
I. The result of the match between P and Q is a draw with the score 0 – 0.
II. The number of goals scored by R against Q is 1.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [2025/50]
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
Show Answer
Ans: (c) Both I and II
4] “Rights are certain advantageous conditions of social well-being indispensable to the true development of the citizen.”
In the light of this statement, which one of the following is the correct understanding of rights? [2017/17]
(a) Rights aim at individual good only.
(b) Rights aim at social good only.
(c) Rights aim at both individual and social good.
(d) Rights aim at individual good devoid of social well-being.
Show Answer
Ans: (c) Rights aim at both individual and social good.
5] A ate grapes and pineapple; B ate grapes and oranges; C ate oranges, pineapple, and apple; D ate grapes, apple, and pineapple. After taking fruits, B and C fell sick. In the light of the above facts, it can be said that the cause of sickness was: [2016/7]
(a) Apple
(b) Pineapple
(c) Grapes
(d) Oranges
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Oranges
6] Consider the following statements.
1. The rate of population growth is increasing in the country.
2. The death rate is declining faster in the country compared to birth rate.
3. The birth rate is declining faster in the country compared to death rate.
4. Rural-urban migration is taking place regularly in the country.
Which one of the following conclusions may be true in the light of the above facts? [2016/8]
(a) The rate of population growth is increasing due to rural-urban migration.
(b) The rate of population growth is increasing due to decline in death rate only
(c) The rate of population growth is increasing due to increase in birth rate only
(d) The rate of population growth is increasing due to faster decline in death rate than in birth rate
Show Answer
Ans: (d) The rate of population growth is increasing due to faster decline in death rate than in birth rate
7] Consider the following statement:
‘We shall go either for a picnic or for trekking”.
Which of the following, if true, would falsify this claim? [2016/10]
(a) We go for a picnic but not for trekking
(b) Activities such as picnic and trekking are encouraged by the health authorities
(c) We go for trekking and not for picnic
(d) We do not go either for picnic or for trekking
Show Answer
Ans: (d) We do not go either for picnic or for trekking
8] There were 50 faculty members comprising 30 males and the rest females. No male faculty member knew music, but many of the female faculty members did. The Head of the institution invited six faculty members to a tea party by draw of lots. At the party it was discovered that no members knew music. The conclusion is that: [2016/11]
(a) the party comprised male faculty members only
(b) the party comprised only those female faculty members who could not give renderings in music
(c) the party comprised both male and female faculty members
(d) nothing can be said about the gender composition of the party
Show Answer
Ans: (d) nothing can be said about the gender composition of the party
9] There are some nectar-filled flowers on a tree and some bees are hovering on it. If one bee lands on each flower, one bee will be left out. If two bees land on each flower, one flower will be left out. The number of flowers and bees respectively are: [2016/14]
(a) 2 and 4
(b) 3 and 2
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 4 and 3
Show Answer
Ans: (c) 3 and 4
10] Consider the following statements:
1. A man had a wife, two sons and two daughters in his family.
2. The daughters were invited to a feast and the male members of the family went out to take part in a picnic.
3. The man’s father did not return from his work.
Which of the following statements is true? [2015/18]
(a) Only the man’s wife was left at home.
(b) It is likely that the man’s wife was left at home.
(c) None was left at home,
(d) More than one person was left at home.
Show Answer
Ans: (b) It is likely that the man’s wife was left at home.
11] Geeta: Naresh has become a better boxer since he started meditation.
Radha: Impossible. A boxer’s most important asset is his aggressiveness.
Radha’s statement reflects her belief that [2015/19]
(a) meditation tends to make a person less aggressive.
(b) meditation has little or no effect on the person who practises it.
(c) Naresh was a poor boxer earlier because he was not aggressive enough.
(d) Naresh would not have taken to meditation as he was a boxer.
Show Answer
Ans: (a) meditation tends to make a person less aggressive.
12] The mangroves can shed tons of leaves per acre every year; fungi and bacteria break down this leaf litter and consume it. they then are consumed by tiny worms and crustaceans, which in turn feed small fish, which feed larger fish and birds and crocodiles.
Which among the following is the most logical inference of the above statement? [2015/39]
(a) Coastal areas cannot have food chains without mangroves.
(b) Mangroves are an essential component of all marine ecosystems.
(c) Mangroves have a crucial role in some of the coastal food chains.
(d) The composition of marine flora and fauna is largely determined by mangroves.
Show Answer
Ans: (c) Mangroves have a crucial role in some of the coastal food chains.
13] “By liberty I mean the eager maintenance of that atmosphere in which men have the opportunity to be their best selves.”
Which one of the following expresses the view implied in the above statement? [2015/40]
(a) Liberty is the absence of restraint on human action.
(b) Liberty is what law permits people to perform.
(c) Liberty is the ability to do what one desires.
(d) Liberty is the maintenance of conditions for the growth of human personality.
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Liberty is the maintenance of conditions for the growth of human personality.
14] Consider the following statements: [2015/56]
1. Some claim to have seen UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects).
2. Life on other heavenly bodies is considered to be a possibility.
3. Voyage to space is now an established fact.
From the above statements, it may be concluded that
(a) UFOs are heavenly bodies
(b) UFOs are sent from other heavenly bodies
(c) Some living species in other heavenly bodies are more intelligent than man
(d) Nothing definite can be said about the UFOs
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Nothing definite can be said about the UFOs
15] “Price is not the same thing as value. Suppose that on a day the price of everything viz., coal, bread, postage stamps, a day’s labour, the rent of houses, etc. were to double. Prices then would certainly rise, but values of all things except one would not.”
The writer wants to say that if prices of all things were doubled [2014/47]
(a) the values of all things would remain constant.
(b) the values of the things sold would be doubled.
(c) the values of the things bought would be halved.
(d) the value of money only would be halved.
Show Answer
Ans: (d) the value of money only would be halved.
16] “Liberty, therefore, is never real unless the Government can be called to account when it invades rights.”
Which one of the following is the best justification of the above statement? [2014/51]
(a) In the realisation that the government can be brought to book in a court of law
(b) In identifying a man as a political unit in a way which distinguishes him from other citizens
(c) In a decentralized society wherein the basic needs of men can find satisfaction
(d) In the understanding that liberty and restraints are complementary
Show Answer
Ans: (d) In the understanding that liberty and restraints are complementary
17] The number of deaths among the army personnel is 8 in 1000, but among the civilian population it is 20 per 1000. Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from this statement? [2014/62]
(a) It is better to join the army.
(b) The relationship is fortuitous.
(c) Quality of Life Index is very high within the armed forces.
(d) The groups cannot be compared due to their heterogeneity.
Show Answer
Ans: (d) The groups cannot be compared due to their heterogeneity.
18] Given the statement: “Buses are the cause of more accidents than cars, and trucks cause fewer accidents than buses”, which of the following conclusions can we draw? [2014/63]
(a) There are more buses on the road than trucks.
(b) Car drivers are more careful than bus drivers
(c) Truck drivers are more skilled than either car or bus drivers.
(d) None of the above
Show Answer
Ans: (d) None of the above
19] “If political leadership fails to emerge, there is likelihood of military taking over power in developing countries. Radical student groups or labour may try to raise revolution but they are not likely to compete with the military. Military intervention, rule, and withdrawal from politics is closely related to a society’s level of political development.” In the context of political development, the assumption in the above passage is that [2014/64]
(a) political leadership is not an effective instrument.
(b) military fills in political vacuum.
(c) military intervention is inevitable for development.
(d) None of the above
Show Answer
Ans: (b) military fills in political vacuum.
20] Consider the following statements:
(i) A primary group is relatively smaller in size.
(ii) Intimacy is an essential characteristic of a primary group.
(iii) A family may be an example of a primary group.
In the light of the above statements, which one of the following is true? [2013/9]
(a) All families are primary groups.
(b) All primary groups are families.
(c) A group of smaller size is always a primary group.
(d) Members of a primary group know each other intimately.
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Members of a primary group know each other intimately.
21] Geeta is older than her cousin Meena. Meena’s brother Bipin is older than Geeta. When Meena and Bipin visit Geeta, they like to play chess. Meena wins the game more often than Geeta. Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above? [2013/23]
(a) While playing chess with Geeta and Meena, Bipin often loses.
(b) Geeta is the oldest among the three.
(c) Geeta hates to lose the game.
(d) Meena is the youngest of the three.
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Meena is the youngest of the three.
Directions for the following 6 (six) items:
Given below are six items. Each item describes a situation and is followed by four possible responses. Indicate the response you find most appropriate. Choose only one response for each item. The responses will be evaluated based on the level of appropriateness for the given situation.
Please attempt all the items. There is no penalty for wrong answers for these six items.
22] You are the head of your office. There are certain houses reserved for the allotment to the office staff and you have been given the discretion to do so. A set of rules for the allotment of the houses has been laid down by you and has been made public. Your personal secretary, who is very close to you, comes to you and pleads that as his father is seriously ill, he should be given priority in allotment of a house. The office secretariat that examined the request as per the rules turns down the request and recommends the procedure to be followed according to the rules. You do not want to annoy your personal secretary.
In such circumstances, what would you do? [2013/75]
(a) Call him over to your room and personally explain why the allotment cannot be done.
(b) Allot the house to him to win his loyalty.
(c) Agree with the office note to show that you are not biased and that you do not indulge in favouritism.
(d) Keep the file with you and not pass any orders.
Show Answer
Ans: (ac)
23] While travelling in a Delhi-registered commercial taxi from Delhi to an adjacent city (another State), your taxi driver informs you that as he has no permit for running the taxi in that city, he will stop at its Transport Office and pay the prescribed fee of forty for a day. While paying the fee at the counter you find that the transport clerk is taking an extra fifty rupees for which no receipt is being given. You are in a hurry for your meeting. In such circumstances, what would you do? [2013/76]
(a) Go up to the counter and ask the clerk to give back the money which he has illegally taken.
(b) Do not interfere at all as this is a matter between the taxi driver and the tax authorities.
(c) Take note of the incident and subsequently report the matter to the concerned authorities.
(d) Treat it as a normal affair and simply forget about it.
Show Answer
Ans: (ac)
24] A person lives in a far-off village which is almost two hours by bus. The villager’s neighbour is a very powerful landlord who is trying to occupy the poor villager’s land by force. You are the District Magistrate and busy in a meeting called by a local Minister. The villager has come all the way, by bus and on foot, to see you and give an application seeking protection from the powerful landlord. The villager keeps on waiting outside the meeting hall for an hour. You come out of the meeting and are rushing to another meeting. The villager follows you to submit his application. What would you do? [2013/77]
(a) Tell him to wait for another two hours till you come back from your next meeting.
(b) Tell him that the matter is actually to be dealt by a junior officer and that he should give the application to him.
(c) Call one of your senior subordinate officers and ask him to solve the villager’s problem.
(d) Quickly take the application from him, ask him a few relevant questions regarding his problem and then proceed to the meeting.
Show Answer
Ans: (cd)
25] There is a shortage of sugar in your District where you are the District Magistrate. The Government has ordered that only a maximum amount of 30 kg sugar is to be released for wedding celebrations. A son of your close friend is getting married and your friend requests you to release at least 50 kg sugar for his ‘son’s wedding. He expresses annoyance when you tell him about the Government’s restrictions on this matter. He feels that since you are the District Magistrate you can release any amount. You do not want to spoil your friendship with him. In such circumstances. how would you deal with the situation? [2013/78]
(a) Release the extra amount of sugar which your friend has requested for.
(b) Refuse your friend the extra amount and strictly follow the rules.
(c) Show your friend the copy of the Government instructions and then persuade him to accept the lower amount as prescribed in the rules.
(d) Advise him to directly apply to the allotting authority and inform him that you do not interfere in this matter.
Show Answer
Ans: (bc)
26] You are in-charge of implementing the Family Planning programme in an area where there is a strong opposition to the present policy. You want to convince the residents of the need for keeping small families. What would be the best way of communicating this message? [2013/79]
(a) By logically explaining to the residents the need for family planning to improve the health and living standards.
(b) By encouraging late marriages and proper spacing of children.
(c) By offering incentives for adopting family planning devices.
(d) By asking people who have been sterilized or are using contraceptives to directly talk to the residents.
Show Answer
Ans: (ac)
27] You are a teacher in a university and are setting a question paper on a particular subject. One of your colleagues, whose son is preparing for the examination on that subject, comes to you and informs you that it is his son’s last chance to pass that examination and whether you could help him by indicating what questions are going to be in the examination. In the past. your colleague had helped you in another matter. Your colleague informs you that his son will suffer from depression if he fails in this examination. In such circumstances, what would you do? [2013/80]
(a) In view of the help, he had given you, extend your help to him.
(b) Regret that you cannot be of any help to him.
(c) Explain to your colleague that this would be violating the trust of the University authorities and you are not in a position to help him.
(d) Report the conduct of your colleague to the higher authorities.
Show Answer
Ans: (bc)
28] During the summer vacation Ankit went to a summer camp where he took part in hiking, swimming and boating. This summer, he is looking forward to a music camp where he hopes to sing, dance and learn to play the guitar.
Based on the above information four conclusions as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above? [2012/19]
(a) Ankit’s parents want him to play guitar.
(b) Ankit prefers music to outdoor activities.
(c) Ankit goes to some type of camp every summer.
(d) Ankit likes to sing and dance
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Ankit likes to sing and dance
29] Ten new TV shows started in January- 5 sitcoms, 3 drama and 2 news magazines. By April, only seven of the new shows were still on, five of them being sitcoms.
Based on the above information, four conclusions as given below, have been made. Which of these logically follows from the information given above? [2012/21]
(a) Only one news magazine show is still on.
(b) Only one of the drama show is still on.
(c) At least one discontinued show was a drama.
(d) Viewers prefer sitcoms over drama.
Show Answer
Ans: (c) At least one discontinued show was a drama.
30] Read the passage given below and the two statements that follow (given on the basis of the passage):
Four men are waiting at Delhi airport for Mumbai flight. Two are doctors and other two are businessman. Two speak Gujarati and two speak Tamil. No two of the same profession speak the same language. Two are Muslims and two are Christians. No two of the same religion are of the same profession, nor do they speak same language. The Tamil speaking doctor is Christian.
1. The Christian-Businessman speaks Gujarati.
2. The Gujarati-speaking doctor is a Muslim.
Which of the above statements is/are correct conclusion/conclusions? [2012/22]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 &2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Ans: (c) Both 1 &2
31] Consider the following statement:
“Though quite expensive, television is not a luxury item, as one can learn many things through television”.
Which of the following is the valid inference from the above statement? [2012/23]
(a) All expensive things are regarded as luxury.
(b) All essential things for learning are not luxury.
(c) Television is essential for learning.
(d) Television is not a luxury item.
Show Answer
Ans: (d) Television is not a luxury item.
32] Examine the following statements:
1) I watch TV only if I am bored
2) I am never bored when I have my brother’s company.
3) Whenever I go to the theatre, I take my brother along.
Which one of the following conclusions is valid in the context of the above statements? [2012/39]
(a) If I am bored, I watch TV
(b) If I am bored, I seek my brother’s company.
(c) If I am not with my brother, then I’ll watch TV.
(d) If I am not bored, I do not watch TV.
Show Answer
Ans: (d) If I am not bored, I do not watch TV.
33] Consider the following statement:
The Third World War, if it ever starts will end very quickly with possible end of civilization. It is only the misuse of nuclear power which will trigger it.
Based on the above statement which one of the following inferences is correct? [2012/44]
(a) Nuclear power will be used in Third World War.
(b) There will be no civilization left after the third world war.
(c) The growth of nuclear power will destroy civilization in the long run.
(d) The third world war will not take place.
Show Answer
Ans: (a) Nuclear power will be used in Third World War.
Directions for the following 7(seven) items:
Given below are the seven items. Each item describes a situation and is followed by four possible responses. Indicate the response that you find most appropriate. Choose only one response for each item. The responses will be evaluated based on the level of appropriateness for the given situation.
Please attempt all the items. There is no penalty for wrong Solutions for these seven items.
34] You have differences of the opinion regarding the final report prepared by your subordinate that is to be submitted urgently. The subordinate is justifying the information given in the report. You would… [2012/74]
(a) Convince the subordinate that he is wrong
(b) Tell him to reconsider the results
(c) Revise the report on your own
(d) Tell him not to justify the mistake
Show Answer
Ans: (ac)
35] You are competing with your batch-mate for the prestigious award to be decided based on an oral presentation. You have been asked by the committee to finish on time. Your friend however, is allowed more than the stipulated time period. [2012/75]
(a) Lodge a complaint to chairperson against the discrimination.
(b) Not listen to any justification from the committee
(c) Ask for withdrawal of your name
(d) Protest and leave the place
Show Answer
Ans: (ad)
36] You are handling a time bound project. During the project review meeting, you find that project is likely to get delayed due to lack of cooperation of the team members. You would… [2012/76]
(a) Warn the team members for their non-cooperation
(b) Look into the reasons for non-cooperation
(c) Ask for the replacement of the team members
(d) Ask for the extension of time citing reasons
Show Answer
Ans: (ab)
37] You are a chairperson of a state sports committee. You have received a complaint and later it was found that an athlete in junior age category who has won a medal has crossed the age criteria by 5 days. You would… [2012/77]
(a) Ask the screening committee for a clarification
(b) Ask the athlete to return the medal
(c) Ask the athlete to get an affidavit from the court declaring his/her age.
(d) Ask the members of the committee for their views
Show Answer
Ans: (ad)
38] You are handling a priority project and have been meeting all the deadlines and planning your leave during the project. Your immediate boss does not grant leave citing the urgency of the project. You would… [2012/78]
(a) Proceed on leave without waiting for the sanction
(b) Pretend to be sick and take leave
(c) Approach higher authority to reconsider the leave application.
(d) Tell the boss that it is not justified.
Show Answer
Ans: (cd)
39] You are involved in setting up a water supply project in remote area. Full recovery of cost is impossible in any case. The income levels in the area are low and 25% of the population is below poverty line (BPL). When a decision has to be taken on pricing you would…. [2012/79]
(a) Recommended that the supply of water be free of charge in all respects
(b) Recommended that the users pay a onetime fixed sum for installation of taps and the usage of water be free
(c) Recommended that a fixed monthly charge be levied on the non-BPL families and for BPL family’s water should be free
(d) Recommended that the users pay a charge based on the consumption of water with differentiated charges for Non-BPL and BPL families.
Show Answer
Ans: (cd)
40] As a citizen you have some work with a government department. The official calls you again and again; and without directly asking you, sends out feelers for a bribe. You want to get your work done. You would… [2012/80]
(a) Give a bribe
(b) Behave as if you have not understood the feelers and persist with your application
(c) Go to the higher officer for help verbally complaining about feelers.
(d) Send in a formal complaint
Show Answer
Ans: (bc)
41] You have been asked to give an explanation for not attending an important official meeting. Your immediate boss who has not informed you about the meeting is now putting pressure on you not to place an allegation against him / her. You would [2011/73]
(a) send a written reply explaining the fact.
(b) seek an appointment with the top boss to explain the situation.
(c) admit your fault to save the situation.
(d) put the responsibility on the coordinator of the meeting for not informing.
Show Answer
Ans: (ab)
42] A local thug (bad element) has started illegal construction on your vacant plot. He has refused your request to vacate and threatened you of dire consequences in case you do not sell the property at a cheap price to him. You would… [2011/74]
(a) sell the property at a cheap price to him.
(b) go to the police for necessary action.
(c) ask for help from your neighbours.
(d) negotiate with the goon to get a higher price.
Show Answer
Ans: (bd)
43] You have to accomplish a very important task for your headquarters within the next two days. Suddenly you meet with an accident. Your office insists that you complete the task. You would… [2011/75]
(a) ask for an extension of deadline.
(b) inform Headquarters of your inability to finish on time.
(c) Suggest alternate person to headquarters who may do the needful.
(d) stay away till you recover.
Show Answer
Ans: (ac)
44] You are an officer-in-charge for providing basic medical facilities to the survivors of an earthquake affected area. Despite your best possible effort, people put allegations against you for making money out of the funds given for relief. You would [2011/76]
(a) let an enquiry be set up to look into the matter.
(b) ask your senior to appoint some other person in your place.
(c) not pay attention to allegations.
(d) stop undertaking any initiative till the matter is resolved.
Show Answer
Ans: (ac)
45] You have been made responsible to hire boats at a short notice to be used for an area under flood. On seeing the price mentioned by the boat owners you found that the lowest price was approximately three times more than the approved rate of the Government. You would [2011/77]
(a) reject the proposal and call for a fresh price.
(b) accept the lowest price.
(c) refer the matter to the Government and wait.
(d) threaten the boat owners about a possible cancellation of the licence.
Show Answer
Ans: (bd)
46] You are the officer-in-charge of a village administering distribution of vaccine in an isolated epidemic hit village, and you are left with only one vaccine. There is a requirement of that vaccine from the Gram Pradhan and also a poor villager. You are being pressurised by the Gram Pradhan to issue the vaccine to him. You would [2011/78]
(a) initiate the procedure to expedite the next supply without issuing the vaccine to either.
(b) arrange vaccine for the poor villager from the distributor of another area.
(c) ask both to approach a doctor and get an input about the urgency.
(d) arrange vaccine for the Gram Pradhan from the distributor of another area.
Show Answer
Ans: (bd)
47] You have taken up a project to create night-shelters for homeless people during the winter season. Within a week of establishing the shelters, you have received complaints from the residents of the area about the increase in theft cases with a demand to remove the shelters. You would [2011/79]
(a) ask them to lodge a written complaint in the police station.
(b) assure residents of an enquiry into the matter.
(c) ask residents to consider the humanitarian effort made.
(d) continue with the project and ignore their complaint.
Show Answer
Ans: (bc)
48] You, as an administrative authority, have been approached, by the daughter-in-law of an influential person regarding harassment by her in-laws on account of insufficient dowry. Her parents are not able to approach you because of social pressures. You would… [2011/80]
(a) call the in-laws for an explanation.
(b) counsel the lady to adjust, given such a circumstance.
(c) take action after her parents approach you.
(d) ask her to lodge complaint with the police.
Show Answer
Ans: (ad)
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