Prelims CSAT 2025

Paragraph: 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,

Paragraph: In our country, regrettably, teaching and learning for the examination have been our forte but..

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.

Q1. 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 needs to be re-invented.

Q2. 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

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Q1. Correct Option: (d) Classroom needs to be reimagined and teaching needs to be re-invented.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes that the traditional method of teaching and learning, which focuses primarily on examinations, is inadequate for meeting the demands of modern society and the future workplace. It argues for a shift towards critical thinking, independent thought, practical learning, interdisciplinary questioning, evidence-based reasoning, and reflective articulation. The author explicitly states that “Teaching has to be re-invented,” clearly indicating that the central idea is about reimagining classrooms and reinventing teaching methods. Thus, option (d) best captures the central idea conveyed by the passage.

Other options explained: (a) Incorrect – The passage does not discuss resources or funding issues explicitly. (b) Incorrect – The passage does not argue explicitly against government control; rather, it suggests higher education should not merely serve government policy or public mood passively. (c) Incorrect – The passage does not suggest completely doing away with classroom teaching, but rather rethinking and reinventing it.

Hence, option (d) is correct.


Q2. Correct Option: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “Higher education is a constantly evolving subject that needs to align towards new developments in all spheres of society.” This assumption is valid because the passage clearly indicates that the traditional methods of teaching and learning are insufficient for contemporary societal demands. It emphasizes the need for higher education to adapt to new societal and workplace requirements, thus implicitly assuming that higher education must evolve continuously.

Assumption II: “In our country, sufficient funds are not allocated for promoting higher education.” This assumption is invalid because the passage does not mention or imply anything about funding or financial resources. The passage focuses on the quality and approach of teaching rather than financial constraints.

Thus, only assumption I is valid.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Paragraph: 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, Read More »

Paragraph: In our country, handlooms are equated with a culture that ensures a continuity of tradition.

Paragraph: In our country, handlooms are equated with a culture that ensures a continuity of tradition.

In our country, handlooms are equated with a culture that ensures a continuity of tradition. This idea has become part of the public policy-framing and provides a legitimate basis for the State to support the sector. But the notion of tradition as a single, linear entity is being strongly contested today. The narratives dominant in defining culture/tradition in a particular way are seen to have emerged as the identities and histories of large sections. The discounted and, at times, forcibly stifled identities are fighting for their rightful place in history. Against this backdrop, when we promote handloom as a traditional industry, it is not surprising that large sections of our population choose to ignore it.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?
(a) We need to free the handloom industry from the limited narrative linked to preserving cultural heritage.
(b) Continued State support to the handloom industry ensures the preservation of some of our glorious art forms and old traditions.
(c) Household units of the handloom sector should be modernized and made an economically viable organized industry.
(d) Handloom products need to be converted to machine-made designer products so as to make more popular.

Q2. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
I. There is no need for the State to be involved in any manner in the handloom sector.
II. Handloom products are no longer appealing and attractive in the rapidly changing modern world.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Q1. Correct Option: (a) We need to free the handloom industry from the limited narrative linked to preserving cultural heritage.

Explanation:
The passage clearly argues that the current narrative equating handlooms solely with tradition and cultural heritage is problematic. It states that the notion of tradition as a single, linear entity is being contested, and that this limited narrative has led large sections of the population to ignore handlooms. Thus, the author logically suggests that we must move beyond this narrow definition and free the handloom industry from being exclusively associated with preserving cultural heritage. Hence, option (a) best captures the author’s intended message.

Option (b) contradicts the author’s viewpoint by supporting continued state support based on tradition alone. Option (c) and (d) introduce ideas (modernization, machine-made products) not discussed or implied in the passage.

Q2. Correct Option: (d) Neither I nor II

Explanation:
The assumptions given are:

I. “There is no need for the State to be involved in any manner in the handloom sector.”
The passage does not suggest or imply that the State should completely withdraw from supporting the handloom sector. It only criticizes the narrow cultural narrative used as a basis for state support, not the involvement itself.

II. “Handloom products are no longer appealing and attractive in the rapidly changing modern world.”
The passage does not imply that handloom products lack appeal or attractiveness. Rather, it suggests that the limited narrative of tradition is causing large sections of people to ignore handlooms, not necessarily because the products themselves are unattractive or outdated.

Thus, neither assumption I nor assumption II is valid based on the given passage. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Paragraph: In our country, handlooms are equated with a culture that ensures a continuity of tradition. Read More »

Paragraph: One of the dismal realities of the agricultural sector in independent India has been that it never experienced a high-growth phase, unlike the non-agricultural economy.

Paragraph: One of the dismal realities of the agricultural sector in independent India…

One of the dismal realities of the agricultural sector in independent India has been that it never experienced a high-growth phase, unlike the non-agricultural economy. The highest decadal growth (compound annual growth rate or CAGR) for agriculture has been just 3.5% in the 1980s. Also, after experiencing a spurt in decadal growth during the 1980s, agricultural growth suffered relative stagnation thereafter. This is in sharp contrast to non-agricultural growth, which consistently increased from the 1980s to 2000s.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage?
(a) The benefit of economic reforms percolates down more slowly to the agriculture sector than in other sectors of the economy.
(b) For India, the green revolution was not as useful as it was expected to be.
(c) India lagged behind other countries in adapting mechanized and modern farming.
(d) Rural-to-urban migration resulted in the stagnant agriculture sector.

Q2. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:
The growing divergence between the fortunes of the agricultural and non-agricultural economy in India could have been reduced/contained by:
I. adapting large-scale cultivation of commercial crops and viable corporate farming.
II. providing free insurance for all crops and heavily subsidizing seeds, fertilizers, electricity and farm machinery at par with developed countries.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Explanation : 

Q1. Correct Option: (a) The benefit of economic reforms percolates down more slowly to the agriculture sector than in other sectors of the economy.

Explanation: The passage clearly highlights the disparity between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors in terms of growth rates. It specifically mentions that agriculture never experienced a high-growth phase, unlike the non-agricultural economy. After a brief growth spurt in the 1980s, agriculture growth stagnated, whereas non-agricultural growth consistently increased. Thus, the logical inference (corollary) is that economic reforms and growth benefits have reached agriculture more slowly compared to other sectors. Hence, option (a) correctly reflects the corollary.

Other options (b), (c), and (d) introduce ideas (Green Revolution effectiveness, mechanization compared to other countries, rural-to-urban migration) that are not directly supported or implied by the passage.

Q2. Correct Option: (d) Neither I nor II

Explanation: The passage describes the stagnation and slow growth of India’s agricultural sector compared to the non-agricultural sector. However, it does not suggest or imply any specific measures or solutions to address this divergence. The given assumptions:

I. “Adapting large-scale cultivation of commercial crops and viable corporate farming.” II. “Providing free insurance for all crops and heavily subsidizing seeds, fertilizers, electricity and farm machinery at par with developed countries.”

are not mentioned or implied in the passage. The passage neither explicitly nor implicitly supports these assumptions as valid solutions to reduce or contain the divergence between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

Thus, neither assumption I nor assumption II is valid based on the given passage. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Paragraph: One of the dismal realities of the agricultural sector in independent India has been that it never experienced a high-growth phase, unlike the non-agricultural economy. Read More »

Paragraph: If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem.

Paragraph: If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India…

If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. Besides those below the official poverty line, even those just over the poverty line are subject to multiple economic insecurities of various kinds (due to wealth and/or health risks, market fluctuations, job-related uncertainties). Many Government policies are actually intended towards mitigating these insecurities.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage?
(a) India’s political executive should be aware that poverty and social inequality and the consequent sense of insecurity is the main social problem.
(b) In India, poverty is the primary reason for social inequality and insecurity.
(c) Poverty and social inequality are so intricately linked that they pose an unmanageable crisis for India.
(d) Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.

Q2. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
I. People above the poverty line also are prone to suffer from anxiety about economic insecurity.
II. Eradication of poverty can result in peace and social equality in the country.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Q1. Correct Option: (d) Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.

Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes that while social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem, insecurity (rather than poverty itself) is the most acutely felt economic problem. It explicitly states that even those who are just above the poverty line face multiple economic insecurities. The passage also mentions that many government policies are aimed at mitigating these insecurities. Thus, option (d) accurately captures the critical message conveyed by the passage.

Options (a), (b), and (c) either incorrectly emphasize poverty as the primary issue or incorrectly link poverty and social inequality as the main crisis. The passage specifically highlights insecurity as the key economic issue, making option (d) the correct choice.


Q2. Correct Option: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “People above the poverty line also are prone to suffer from anxiety about economic insecurity.” This assumption is clearly valid, as the passage explicitly states that even those just above the poverty line face multiple economic insecurities. Thus, assumption I is correct.

Assumption II: “Eradication of poverty can result in peace and social equality in the country.” This assumption is not supported by the passage. The passage does not suggest or imply that removing poverty alone would automatically lead to peace and social equality. It rather emphasizes insecurity as a separate and significant issue beyond poverty itself. Thus, assumption II is invalid.

Therefore, only assumption I is valid, making option (a) the correct choice.

Paragraph: If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. Read More »

Paragraph: Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges regarding the impact of warming, but also offers its own set of opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources.

Paragraph: Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges….

Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges regarding the impact of warming, but also offers its own set of opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources. For example, coastal States need to take action to protect their shores from sea level rise, districts that are drier need to prepare for variable monsoon precipitation. Himalayan regions have their own unique challenges, and selected parts of peninsular India and offshore areas offer great opportunities for harnessing wind power. These various aspects need to be considered for developing clear and sustainable goals for the future.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the author of the passage?
(a) The mitigation and adaptation strategies to address/tackle the climate change is essentially the responsibility of each State.
(b) India is too diverse to implement any effective strategy or programme to address/tackle the climate change.
(c) It is basically the responsibility of the Union Government to implement the climate action plans and ensure net zero emissions.
(d) India needs to formulate effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the State/region level.

Q2. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:
I. Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
II. Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Q1. Correct Answer: (d) India needs to formulate effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the State/region level.

Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes that each state in India faces unique challenges and opportunities related to climate change. It highlights examples such as coastal states needing protection from sea-level rise, dry districts preparing for variable monsoon precipitation, Himalayan regions facing unique challenges, and certain peninsular and offshore areas having potential for wind power. Thus, the author logically suggests that India should develop climate strategies tailored specifically to the needs and resources of each state or region. Option (d) best captures this pragmatic and rational message.

Option-wise analysis: (a) Incorrect. The passage does not imply that climate change mitigation and adaptation are solely the responsibility of each state. Rather, it suggests region-specific strategies. (b) Incorrect. The passage does not suggest that India’s diversity makes it impossible to implement effective strategies. Instead, it emphasizes the need for region-specific approaches. (c) Incorrect. The passage does not explicitly state that climate action is primarily the Union Government’s responsibility. (d) Correct. This option aligns closely with the author’s message of developing region-specific strategies.

Hence, option (d) is correct.


Q2. Correct Answer: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.”

  • Valid assumption. The passage explicitly mentions that certain regions in peninsular India and offshore areas offer opportunities for harnessing wind power, clearly indicating that renewable energy (green energy) can be integrated into climate change mitigation strategies.

Assumption II: “Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions.”

  • Invalid assumption. The passage mentions coastal and Himalayan regions as examples of areas facing unique challenges, but it does not explicitly state or imply that these regions face “much more severe” effects compared to other regions. It simply highlights their distinctive challenges.

Thus, only assumption I is valid.

Hence, option (a) “I only” is correct.

Paragraph: Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges regarding the impact of warming, but also offers its own set of opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources. Read More »

Paragraph: The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing.

Paragraph: The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing.

The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing. The firms’ green innovation is path-dependent: the more a firm does, the more it is likely to do in the future. The strongest evidence for this is the collapse in the price of solar energy, which became about 90% cheaper during the 2010s, repeatedly beating forecasts. Moving early and gradually gives economies more time to adjust, allowing them to reap the benefits of path-dependent green investment without much disruption. A late, more chaotic transition is costlier.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage?
(a) Economies of scale is essential for transition to green growth.
(b) Modern technological progress is intensely linked to path-dependent innovations.
(c) Countries with large economies are in a better position to adopt green technologies.
(d) Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development.

Q2. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
I. Path-dependent green investments will eventually most likely benefit growth as well as public finances in a country like India.
II. If other green technologies follow the same pattern as that of solar energy, there will most likely be an easy green transition.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Q1. Correct Option: (d) Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes the importance of timing in adopting green technologies. It clearly states that moving early and gradually allows economies to adjust smoothly, reaping benefits from path-dependent green investments. Conversely, a late and chaotic transition is described as costlier. Thus, the central idea revolves around the significance of timing in green technology development.

Option (a) is incorrect because, although economies of scale are mentioned, they are not presented as the central idea. Option (b) is incorrect because the passage specifically discusses green technology rather than modern technological progress in general. Option (c) is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the size of economies as a factor in adopting green technologies.

Hence, option (d) is correct.


Q2. Correct Option: (c) Both I and II

Explanation: Assumption I: “Path-dependent green investments will eventually most likely benefit growth as well as public finances in a country like India.” This assumption is valid because the passage clearly suggests that path-dependent green investments lead to falling costs and economic benefits. Although India is not explicitly mentioned, the logic presented in the passage about economies of scale, learning by doing, and falling costs strongly implies that countries like India would benefit economically and financially from such investments.

Assumption II: “If other green technologies follow the same pattern as that of solar energy, there will most likely be an easy green transition.” This assumption is also valid. The passage explicitly mentions solar energy as an example of a successful green technology whose costs fell dramatically due to economies of scale and learning by doing. It implies that if other green technologies follow a similar trajectory, the transition to green energy would be smoother and easier.

Thus, both assumptions I and II are valid.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Paragraph: The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing. Read More »

Paragraph: Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem.

Paragraph: Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem.

Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem. There is also a conflict between using an ecosystem only for livelihoods, for commercial exploitation, or strictly for conservation. Deforestation caused due to commercial exploitation will lead to indirect harm like floods, siltation problems and microclimatic instability, apart from adversely affecting livelihoods dependent on forests. These conflicts are particularly acute in developing countries where the dependence of people on the ecosystem is significant, and commercial exploitation has the potential to boost national income.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?
(a) Conservation of biodiversity is not an issue to be worried about when some people depend on ecosystems for their livelihoods.
(b) Commercial exploitation of forests goes against the fundamental rights of the people dependent on forests for food and shelter.
(c) Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance.
(d) Commercial exploitation of ecosystems should be completely stopped.

Q2. With reference to above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
I. No country needs to depend on ecosystems to boost national income.
II. Resource-rich countries need to share their resources with those of scant resources so as to prevent the degradation of ecosystems.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Q1. Correct Option: (c) Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance.

Explanation: The passage clearly highlights the conflict between conservation, livelihoods, and commercial exploitation. It emphasizes that maintaining ecosystems solely for biodiversity conservation can negatively impact livelihoods and commercial potential. Conversely, commercial exploitation can lead to environmental degradation, indirectly harming livelihoods through floods, siltation, and climate instability. Thus, the critical message conveyed is that livelihood sustenance and ecosystem degradation are interconnected and intensify each other’s negative impacts, causing conflicts and imbalance. Option (c) accurately captures this central idea.

Option (a) is incorrect because the author does not dismiss biodiversity conservation as unimportant. Option (b) is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly mention fundamental rights violations. Option (d) is incorrect because the author does not advocate completely stopping commercial exploitation but rather highlights the conflicts arising from it.


Q2. Correct Option: (d) Neither I nor II

Explanation: Assumption I (“No country needs to depend on ecosystems to boost national income.”) is invalid because the passage explicitly states that commercial exploitation of ecosystems has the potential to boost national income, especially in developing countries. Thus, the passage acknowledges that countries do depend on ecosystems economically.

Assumption II (“Resource-rich countries need to share their resources with those of scant resources so as to prevent the degradation of ecosystems.”) is also invalid because the passage does not discuss or imply any international resource-sharing arrangement or cooperation between resource-rich and resource-poor countries.

Therefore, neither assumption I nor assumption II is valid based on the given passage.

Paragraph: Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem. Read More »

Q. The difference between any two natural numbers is 10. What can be said about the natural numbers which are divisible by 5 and lie between these two numbers?

Q. The difference between any two natural numbers is 10. What can be said about the natural numbers which are divisible by 5 and lie between these two numbers?

(a) There is only one such number.
(b) There are only two such numbers.
(c) There can be more than one such number.
(d) No such number exists.

Correct Answer : (c) There can be more than one such number.

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Explanation : 

1. Let the two natural numbers be n and n + 10.
2. Any number divisible by 5 has the form 5k. We want those 5k strictly between n and n + 10:
n < 5k < n + 10
Divide by 5:
n/5 < k < n/5 + 2
This is an interval of length 2 on the real line, so it can contain either one or two integers k.
3. Examples:
• If n = 5, then the numbers between 5 and 15 are 6,7,…,14. Only 10 = 5·2 lies between – that’s 1 multiple of 5.
• If n = 3, then the numbers between 3 and 13 are 4,5,…,12. Here 5 = 5·1 and 10 = 5·2 lie between – that’s 2 multiples of 5.
4. Conclusion: depending on n, there may be either 1 or 2 such numbers, so “only one” and “only two” are both false, and there is always at least one. Hence the correct statement is that you can have more than one such number.

Q. The difference between any two natural numbers is 10. What can be said about the natural numbers which are divisible by 5 and lie between these two numbers? Read More »

Q. Let x be a real number between 0 and 1. Which of the following statements is/are correct? I. x² > x³. II. x > √x.

Q. Let x be a real number between 0 and 1. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

I. x² > x³.
II. x > √x.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

Correct Answer : (a) I only

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Explanation : 

Let 0 < x < 1.

1. Check I: x² > x³
– Since x > 0, we can divide both sides of x² > x³ by x² to get
1 > x.
– And indeed 1 > x holds for all x in (0,1).
⇒ Statement I is true.

2. Check II: x > √x
– Since x > 0, divide both sides of x > √x by √x to get
√x > 1.
– That is equivalent to x > 1, which contradicts x < 1.
– In fact, for 0 < x < 1 we have √x > x, not the other way around.
⇒ Statement II is false.

Therefore, only statement I is correct.

Q. Let x be a real number between 0 and 1. Which of the following statements is/are correct? I. x² > x³. II. x > √x. Read More »

Q. The average of three numbers p, q and r is k. p is as much more than the average as q is less than the average. What is the value of r?

Q. The average of three numbers p, q and r is k. p is as much more than the average as q is less than the average. What is the value of r?

(a) k
(b) k-1
(c) k+1
(d) k/2

Correct Answer : (a) k

UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT

Explanation : 

1. Given that the average of p, q and r is k, so
(p + q + r)/3 = k
⇒ p + q + r = 3k.

2. We are also told that “p is as much more than the average as q is less than the average,” i.e.
p – k = k – q
⇒ p + q = 2k.

3. Substitute p + q = 2k into p + q + r = 3k:
2k + r = 3k
⇒ r = 3k – 2k = k.

Answer: (a) k.

Q. The average of three numbers p, q and r is k. p is as much more than the average as q is less than the average. What is the value of r? Read More »