Q. Walking at the rate of 4 km/h a man covers a certain distance in 2 hours 45 min. Running at a speed of 16.5 km/h, the man will cover the same distance in
a) 40 min. b) 55 min. 15 sec. c) 45 min. d) 50 min. 15 sec. Correct Answer: a) 40 min.
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Walking time = 2 h 45 min = 2.75 h = 11/4 h. Distance = speed × time = 4 × 11/4 = 11 km.
Running time = distance/speed = 11/16.5 h = (11)/(33/2) = 22/33 h = 2/3 h = 40 minutes.
Therefore, the man will cover the distance in 40 minutes.
Q. Which number will come in the place of question mark ? 143, 275, 495, ?
a) 243 b) 683 c) 561 d) 927 Correct Answer: c) 561
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Observe the digit pattern in each term: the middle digit equals the sum of the first and last digits. – 143: 1 + 3 = 4 – 275: 2 + 5 = 7 – 495: 4 + 5 = 9 Hence the next number must be of the form abc with b = a + c. Among the options, only 561 satisfies this (5 + 1 = 6). Cross-check: All given terms are multiples of 11 (alternating sum a + c – b = 0). Only 561 is divisible by 11 among the options. Therefore, the next number is 561.
a) It is related to individual’s attraction b) It is a method of measurement c) It is used for good communication d) It is a creative thinking and brainstorming technique Correct Answer: d) It is a creative thinking and brainstorming technique
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Starbursting is a structured creative-thinking and brainstorming technique that focuses on generating comprehensive questions about a topic rather than immediate answers. It typically uses a six-point star labeled with Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How (5W1H) to explore all dimensions of an idea, product, or problem. This makes it a divergent thinking tool used in ideation, planning, and problem framing. It is not a method of measurement (Option 2), not primarily a communication tool (Option 3), and not related to individual attraction (Option 1). Hence, Option 4 is correct.
Q. In reference to Problem-Solving, who said, “to act is easy, to think is hard.”?
a) Thompson b) E. M. Forster c) Jean Paul d) Goethe Correct Answer: d) Goethe
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
The quote is attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The original German aphorism is: ‘Denken ist leicht, Handeln ist schwer; nach dem Gedanken handeln ist das allerschwerste,’ commonly translated as ‘Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to act in accordance with one’s thinking is the most difficult.’ In problem-solving literature it is often paraphrased as ‘to act is easy, to think is hard,’ retaining the core message about the challenge of thoughtful action. The other options (Thompson, E. M. Forster, Jean Paul) are not associated with this saying.
Q. A number is divided by 84 and leaves remainder 37. If this number is divided by 12, then the remainder will be
a) 0 b) 3 c) 1 d) 2 Correct Answer: c) 1
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Let the number be N = 84k + 37. Since 84 is divisible by 12, N ≡ 37 (mod 12). Now, 37 = 12×3 + 1, so the remainder when N is divided by 12 is 1. Hence, option 3.
a) Intellectual process b) Somatic process c) Social process d) Psychological process Correct Answer: a) Intellectual process
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Decision-making is the conscious selection of one option from among alternatives by using reasoning, judgment, and evaluation. These are cognitive (mental) operations, so decision-making is fundamentally an intellectual process. – Not somatic: Somatic refers to bodily/physiological functions, whereas decision-making is mental. – Not primarily social: Decisions can be made in groups, but the act of choosing is cognitive, not inherently social. – While it falls within the domain of psychology broadly, the standard characterization in management/administrative theory describes it specifically as an intellectual (mental/cognitive) process.
Q. Find the odd one out from the given alternatives.
a) Sphinx b) Pyramids c) Swastik d) Mummy Correct Answer: c) Swastik
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Sphinx, Pyramids, and Mummy are iconic elements of ancient Egyptian civilization—the Great Sphinx of Giza, the pyramidal tombs, and the practice of mummification, all tied to Egyptian funerary culture. Swastik (swastika), however, is an auspicious symbol primarily associated with South Asian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) and various other cultures, not specifically with ancient Egypt. Hence, option 3 is the odd one out.