Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements. Statements: All apples are mangoes. All mangoes are lemons. All lemons are kiwis. Conclusions: (I) All apples are lemons. (II) All mangoes are kiwis.

Both conclusions I and II follow.

Neither conclusion I nor II follow.

Three statements are followed by three conclusions numbered I, II and III. You have to consider these statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts. Decide which of the given conclusions logically follow/s from the given statements. Statements: All pens are pages. Some pages are pins. Some pins are boards. Conclusions: (I) Some pins are pens. (II) Some boards are pages. (III) Some pens are boards.

None of the conclusions follow.

Either conclusion I or conclusion III follows.

As in July 2021,The NIPUN Bharat Scheme was launched by which of the following Ministries?

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Which of the following pairs is INCORRECTLY matched?

Mitochondria: Power house of the cell

In the context of water bodies, Neap Tides occur:

when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other

when the earth, moon and sun line up in a straight line

when the sun and moon are on the opposite sides

when there is so much interference by continents

The idols of which three Gods are installed in Jagannath Temple, Puri?

Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra

If 0.4x + 0.16y = 1.7 and 0.3x + 0.12y = 3.4, then which of the following is correct?

The system has infinitely many solutions.

The system has unique solution.

The system has finitely many solutions but not unique.

All SSC CGL previous year papers

SSC CGL Tier I 2024 – 11 Sep, Shift 2 Question Paper with Answers

SSC CGL 2024 Tier I, held on 11 September 2024, Shift 2 (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM). 80 questions in SSC's order across Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English. Try each question first, then open “Answer and explanation”.

Questions and answers from SSC's official answer key (ssc.gov.in), as marked in SSC's provisional key for this shift. Explanations are by NextGenPSC. 20 figure-based questions are not reproduced because the official figure is not available.

Attempt this shift as a free mock (60 min)

Attempt as mock

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General Intelligence and Reasoning
General Awareness
Quantitative Aptitude
English Comprehension

General Intelligence and Reasoning

Question 1: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 2 · Reasoning · Analogies
Select the triad in which the numbers are related to each other in the same way as the numbers in the following triads.
8-17-35
23-47-95
(NOTE : Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits. E.g. 13 – Operations on 13 such as adding /deleting /multiplying etc., to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.)
1. (a) 12-25-51
2. (b) 9-20-41
3. (c) 13-29-55
4. (d) 16-32-62
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) 12-25-51
In each triad, every number is twice the previous number plus 1: 8×2+1=17, 17×2+1=35; 23×2+1=47, 47×2+1=95.
Check: 12×2+1=25 and 25×2+1=51. The other triads break the rule (e.g. 9×2+1=19, not 20).
Answer: 12-25-51
Read the notes: Analogies
Question 3 · Reasoning · Relationships and ordering
In a certain code language,
A + B means ‘A is the wife of B’.
A − B means ‘A is the son of B’.
A × B means ‘A is the husband of B’.
A ÷ B means ‘A is the father of B’.
Based on the above, how is P related to T if ‘P − Q + R ÷ S × T’?
1. (a) Father-in-law
2. (b) Husband’s brother
3. (c) Son’s son
4. (d) Father
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Husband’s brother
P − Q: P is the son of Q. Q + R: Q is the wife of R, so R is P's father. R ÷ S: R is the father of S, so S is P's brother. S × T: S is the husband of T.
So P is the brother of T's husband.
Answer: Husband’s brother
Read the notes: Relationships and ordering
Question 4 · Reasoning · Analogies
‘Lavish’ is related to ‘Austere’ in the same way as ‘Prejudiced’ is related to ‘________’.
(The words must be considered as meaningful English words and must not be related to each other based on the number of letters/number of consonants/vowels in the word.)
1. (a) Compromised
2. (b) Careful
3. (c) Thoughtful
4. (d) Impartial
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Impartial
Lavish (extravagant) and austere (plain, simple) are opposites. The opposite of prejudiced (biased) is impartial (fair, unbiased).
Answer: Impartial
Read the notes: Analogies
Question 5 · Reasoning · Logical inference
Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.
Statements:
All apples are mangoes.
All mangoes are lemons.
All lemons are kiwis.
Conclusions:
(I) All apples are lemons.
(II) All mangoes are kiwis.
1. (a) Both conclusions I and II follow.
2. (b) Only conclusion I follows.
3. (c) Neither conclusion I nor II follow.
4. (d) Only conclusion II follows.
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Both conclusions I and II follow.
Apples ⊂ mangoes ⊂ lemons ⊂ kiwis. So every apple is a lemon (I follows) and every mango is a kiwi (II follows).
Answer: Both conclusions I and II follow.
Read the notes: Logical inference
Question 6: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 7 · Reasoning · Symbolic calculations
What will come in the place of ‘?’ in the following equation, if ‘÷’ and ‘–‘ are interchanged and ‘×’ and ‘+’ are interchanged?

8 + 6 ÷ 51 – 17 × 13 = ?
1. (a) 71
2. (b) 32
3. (c) 58
4. (d) 63
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 58
After swapping ÷ with − and × with +, the expression becomes 8 × 6 − 51 ÷ 17 + 13.
= 48 − 3 + 13 = 58.
Answer: 58
Read the notes: Symbolic calculations
Question 8: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 9 · Reasoning · Relationships and ordering
The position of how many letters will remain unchanged if each of the letters in the word ‘JEALOUS’ is arranged in the English alphabetical order?
1. (a) Four
2. (b) Two
3. (c) Three
4. (d) One
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) Three
JEALOUS in alphabetical order is A E J L O S U. Comparing with J E A L O U S position by position, E (2nd), L (4th) and O (5th) stay in place — three letters.
Answer: Three
Read the notes: Relationships and ordering
Question 10 · Reasoning · Symbolic calculations
Select the number that will come in the place of the question mark(?), if ‘+’ and ‘ – ‘ are interchanged and ‘×’ and ‘÷’ are interchanged
41 – 54 × 6 ÷ 9 + 7 = ?
1. (a) 119
2. (b) 104
3. (c) 115
4. (d) 108
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 115
After swapping + with − and × with ÷, the expression becomes 41 + 54 ÷ 6 × 9 − 7.
= 41 + 9 × 9 − 7 = 41 + 81 − 7 = 115.
Answer: 115
Read the notes: Symbolic calculations
Question 11 · Reasoning · Coding and decoding
In a certain code language, 'VAIN' is written as 'OKBY’ and 'VAST' is written as 'UUBY'. How will 'VERB’ be written in that language?
1. (a) CTFY
2. (b) CTYF
3. (c) CFTY
4. (d) CFYT
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) CTFY
The word is reversed and then the letters are shifted by +1, +2, +1, +3: VAIN → N I A V → O K B Y; VAST → T S A V → U U B Y.
VERB → B R E V → C T F Y.
Answer: CTFY
Read the notes: Coding and decoding
Question 12 · Reasoning · Classification
Four letter-clusters have been given out of which three are alike in some manner and one is different. Select the one that is different.
Note: The odd one out is not based on the number of consonants/vowels or their position in the letter cluster
1. (a) GDI
2. (b) XUZ
3. (c) SPU
4. (d) LKP
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) LKP
In GDI, XUZ and SPU the second letter is 3 places before the first and the third letter is 5 places after the second (G−3=D, D+5=I). In LKP, K is only 1 place before L, so it is the odd one.
Answer: LKP
Read the notes: Classification
Question 13 · Reasoning · Analogies
Select the option in which the numbers share the same relationship as that shared by the given pair of numbers.
(NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits. E.g. 13 – Operations on 13 such as adding/deleting/multiplying etc. to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.)

186 : 103
156 : 73
1. (a) 119 : 35
2. (b) 208 : 127
3. (c) 83 : 1
4. (d) 95 : 12
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) 95 : 12
In both pairs the first number minus the second is 83: 186 − 103 = 83 and 156 − 73 = 83.
Among the options only 95 − 12 = 83.
Answer: 95 : 12
Read the notes: Analogies
Question 14: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 15 · Reasoning · Coding and decoding
In a certain code language, ‘BUZZY’ is coded as ‘10’ and ‘KING’ is coded as ‘8’. How will ‘ABROAD’ be coded in that language?
1. (a) 9
2. (b) 12
3. (c) 10
4. (d) 7
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) 12
The code is twice the number of letters: BUZZY has 5 letters → 10; KING has 4 → 8.
ABROAD has 6 letters → 12.
Answer: 12
Read the notes: Coding and decoding
Question 16: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 17: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 18 · Reasoning · Analogies
Select the option that is related to the fifth term in the same way as the second term is related to the first term and fourth term is related to third term.
TRAINER : VTCIQHU :: RADIANT : TCFIDQW :: CUSHION : ?
1. (a) EWUHLRQ
2. (b) FXUHLRQ
3. (c) EXUHLRQ
4. (d) FWUHLRQ
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) EWUHLRQ
The first three letters move +2, the 4th letter stays, and the last three move +3: TRAINER → VTC I QHU, RADIANT → TCF I DQW.
CUSHION → C+2=E, U+2=W, S+2=U, H, I+3=L, O+3=R, N+3=Q → EWUHLRQ.
Answer: EWUHLRQ
Read the notes: Analogies
Question 19 · Reasoning · Sequences
Select the number from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.
3, 20, 121, 604, 2417, ?
1. (a) 7300
2. (b) 7200
3. (c) 7250
4. (d) 7275
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 7250
The pattern is ×7 −1, ×6 +1, ×5 −1, ×4 +1, …: 3×7−1=20, 20×6+1=121, 121×5−1=604, 604×4+1=2417.
Next: 2417×3 − 1 = 7250.
Answer: 7250
Read the notes: Sequences
Question 20 · Reasoning · Classification
Three of the following numbers are alike in a certain way and one is different. Pick the odd one out.
(NOTE : Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits. E.g. 13 – Operations on 13 such as adding /deleting /multiplying etc., to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.)
1. (a) 75 – 120
2. (b) 90 – 144
3. (c) 65 – 104
4. (d) 45 – 70
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) 45 – 70
In 75–120, 90–144 and 65–104 the second number is 1.6 times the first (75×1.6=120, 90×1.6=144, 65×1.6=104). 45×1.6 = 72, not 70, so 45–70 is the odd one.
Answer: 45 – 70
Read the notes: Classification
Question 21 · Reasoning · Analogies
Select the set in which the numbers are related in the same way as are the numbers of the following set.
(34, 15, 64)
(29, 17, 63)
(NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits. E.g. 13 – Operations on 13 such as adding/deleting/multiplying etc. to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.)
1. (a) (24, 28, 76)
2. (b) (31, 23, 54)
3. (c) (25, 14, 53)
4. (d) (44, 32, 98)
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) (25, 14, 53)
Rule: first number + 2 × second number = third number. 34 + 2×15 = 64; 29 + 2×17 = 63.
Check: 25 + 2×14 = 53. The others fail (24+56=80, 31+46=77, 44+64=108).
Answer: (25, 14, 53)
Read the notes: Analogies
Question 22: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 23 · Reasoning · Sequences
Select the option that represents the letters that when sequentially placed from left to right in the blanks below will complete the letter series.

_ C _ W _ _ _ C _ W _ _
1. (a) WCCWWWCC
2. (b) CWCWWCCW
3. (c) WWCWWWCW
4. (d) CCWWCCWW
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) WWCWWWCW
Filling the blanks with W, W, C, W, W, W, C, W gives W C W W C W W C W W C W, i.e. the block "WCW" repeated four times.
Answer: WWCWWWCW
Read the notes: Sequences
Question 24 · Reasoning · Sequences
Which of the following terms will replace the question mark (?) in the given series?
DBOI, FEQL, ?, JKUR, LNWU
1. (a) HHSO
2. (b) IHSP
3. (c) HISO
4. (d) HISP
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) HHSO
Position-wise: 1st letters D, F, H, J, L (+2); 2nd letters B, E, H, K, N (+3); 3rd letters O, Q, S, U, W (+2); 4th letters I, L, O, R, U (+3).
So the missing term is HHSO.
Answer: HHSO
Read the notes: Sequences
Question 25 · Reasoning · Logical inference
Three statements are followed by three conclusions numbered I, II and III. You have to consider these statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts. Decide which of the given conclusions logically follow/s from the given statements.

Statements:
All pens are pages.
Some pages are pins.
Some pins are boards.

Conclusions:
(I) Some pins are pens.
(II) Some boards are pages.
(III) Some pens are boards.
1. (a) Either conclusion I or conclusion III follows.
2. (b) Only conclusion I follows.
3. (c) Only conclusion II follows.
4. (d) None of the conclusions follow.
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) None of the conclusions follow.
All pens are pages, but the pages that are pins need not be pens, so I does not follow. The boards linked to some pins need not be pages or pens, so II and III do not follow either. I and III do not form a complementary pair, so "either I or III" is also invalid.
Answer: None of the conclusions follow.
Read the notes: Logical inference

General Awareness

Question 26 · General Awareness · Environment and society
Taxus wallichiana Zucc (Himalayan yew) is a medicinal plant found in which of the following states?
1. (a) Goa
2. (b) Jharkhand
3. (c) Himachal Pradesh
4. (d) Bihar
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) Himachal Pradesh
The Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana) grows in temperate Himalayan forests such as those of Himachal Pradesh. Its bark and leaves are a source of taxol, used in cancer drugs.
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
Read the notes: Environment and society
Question 27 · General Awareness · Culture
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was associated with which of the following dances?
1. (a) Huttari dance
2. (b) Yakshagana dance
3. (c) Chappeli dance
4. (d) Chhau dance
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Yakshagana dance
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was a celebrated Yakshagana artist from Karnataka; he received the Padma Shri in 2012.
Answer: Yakshagana dance
Read the notes: Culture
Question 28 · General Awareness · History
Who among the following was the last sultan of Delhi sultanate?
1. (a) Sikandar Lodi
2. (b) Ibrahim Lodi
3. (c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
4. (d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Ibrahim Lodi
Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan of Delhi. Babur defeated and killed him at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, ending the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: Ibrahim Lodi
Read the notes: History
Question 29 · General Awareness · Indian polity
As in July 2021,The NIPUN Bharat Scheme was launched by which of the following Ministries?
1. (a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
2. (b) Ministry of Education
3. (c) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
4. (d) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Ministry of Education
NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) was launched by the Ministry of Education on 5 July 2021 to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3.
Answer: Ministry of Education
Read the notes: Indian polity
Question 30 · General Awareness · Everyday science
How many chambers are there in the heart of fishes?
1. (a) 2
2. (b) 1
3. (c) 4
4. (d) 3
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) 2
Fish have a two-chambered heart — one atrium and one ventricle — with single circulation.
Answer: 2
Read the notes: Everyday science
Question 31 · General Awareness · Indian polity
Who among the following, while praising the amending feature of the Indian Constitution said that ‘This variety in the amending process is wise but is rarely found’?
1. (a) Ivor Jennings
2. (b) HM Seervai
3. (c) Granville Austin
4. (d) K C Wheare
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) K C Wheare
K. C. Wheare praised the variety in the amending procedures of the Indian Constitution, remarking that such variety is wise but rarely found.
Answer: K C Wheare
Read the notes: Indian polity
Question 32 · General Awareness · Everyday science
When haloalkanes and aryl and vinyl halides react with magnesium metal they yield which reagent?
1. (a) Tollens’ reagent
2. (b) Fehling reagent
3. (c) Hinsberg reagent
4. (d) Grignard reagent
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Grignard reagent
Alkyl, aryl and vinyl halides react with magnesium in dry ether to form organomagnesium halides (RMgX), known as Grignard reagents.
Answer: Grignard reagent
Read the notes: Everyday science
Question 33 · General Awareness · Static GK
Tabla player, Ustad Zakir Hussain was awarded which of the following awards by the Government of India in 2023?
1. (a) Padma Bhushan
2. (b) Padma Shri
3. (c) Bharat Ratna
4. (d) Padma Vibhushan
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Padma Vibhushan
Ustad Zakir Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2023. He had earlier received the Padma Shri (1988) and the Padma Bhushan (2002).
Answer: Padma Vibhushan
Read the notes: Static GK
Question 34 · General Awareness · Culture
Gangu bai Hangal and Prabha Atre were exponents of the ___________ Gharana.
1. (a) Jaipur
2. (b) Kirana
3. (c) Rampur
4. (d) Mewati
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Kirana
Gangubai Hangal and Prabha Atre are vocalists of the Kirana Gharana of Hindustani classical music.
Answer: Kirana
Read the notes: Culture
Question 35 · General Awareness · Economic awareness
As per the report of the NITI Aayog in 2023, which among the following states in India has the lowest percentage of the total population that is multidimensionally poor?
1. (a) Sikkim
2. (b) Kerala
3. (c) Goa
4. (d) Uttarakhand
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Kerala
NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023 placed Kerala lowest, with only about 0.55% of its population multidimensionally poor.
Answer: Kerala
Read the notes: Economic awareness
Question 36 · General Awareness · History
Which of the following battles is considered the formal beginning of the British Raj in India?
1. (a) Battle of Plassey
2. (b) Battle of Buxar
3. (c) First Carnatic War
4. (d) Battle of Wandiwash
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Battle of Plassey
The Battle of Plassey (1757), in which Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, is regarded as the beginning of British political power in India.
Answer: Battle of Plassey
Read the notes: History
Question 37 · General Awareness · Static GK
Anna Chandy, the first Indian woman to serve as a judge at a high court was oppointed in which High Court?
1. (a) Kerala
2. (b) West Bengal
3. (c) Andhra Pradesh
4. (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Kerala
Anna Chandy became the first woman judge of a High Court in India when she was appointed to the Kerala High Court in 1959.
Answer: Kerala
Read the notes: Static GK
Question 38 · General Awareness · Static GK
Which of the following cups/trophies is NOT related to the Indian domestic cricket?
1. (a) Ranji Trophy
2. (b) Durand Cup
3. (c) Deodhar Trophy
4. (d) Duleep Trophy
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Durand Cup
The Durand Cup is a football tournament, first held in 1888. The Ranji, Deodhar and Duleep Trophies are domestic cricket competitions.
Answer: Durand Cup
Read the notes: Static GK
Question 39 · General Awareness · Everyday science
Which of the following pairs is INCORRECTLY matched?
1. (a) Lysosomes: Suicidal bags
2. (b) Ribosomes: Protein factory
3. (c) Mitochondria: Power house of the cell
4. (d) Nucleus: Lipid metabolism
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Nucleus: Lipid metabolism
Lysosomes (suicidal bags), ribosomes (protein factories) and mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) are correctly matched. The nucleus controls cell activities and holds DNA; lipid synthesis takes place in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Answer: Nucleus: Lipid metabolism
Read the notes: Everyday science
Question 40 · General Awareness · Everyday science
What is the unit of measurement for optical power of the lens?
1. (a) Yotta
2. (b) Diopter
3. (c) Katal
4. (d) Radian
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Diopter
The power of a lens is the reciprocal of its focal length in metres; its unit is the dioptre (D).
Answer: Diopter
Read the notes: Everyday science
Question 41 · General Awareness · Geography
Which of the following Indian states has the least number of operational airports as of 2022?
1. (a) Mizoram
2. (b) Karnataka
3. (c) Maharashtra
4. (d) Bihar
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Mizoram
Mizoram has only one operational airport (Lengpui, near Aizawl), the fewest among the options; Karnataka, Maharashtra and Bihar each have several.
Answer: Mizoram
Read the notes: Geography
Question 42: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 43 · General Awareness · Economic awareness
The Government of India allowed automatic approval of _____% of FDI by Reserve Bank of India in nine categories of industries.
1. (a) Up to 74
2. (b) Up to 51
3. (c) Up to 60
4. (d) Up to 41
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Up to 74
In 1997 the government extended automatic approval by the RBI to foreign direct investment of up to 74% in nine categories of industries (such as mining services and power).
Answer: Up to 74
Read the notes: Economic awareness
Question 44 · General Awareness · Static GK
Which of the following Table Tennis World Championship events was held in India?
1. (a) 17th World Championships, 1950
2. (b) 18th World Championships, 1951
3. (c) 20th World Championships, 1953
4. (d) 19th World Championships, 1952
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) 19th World Championships, 1952
India hosted the 19th World Table Tennis Championships in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1952.
Answer: 19th World Championships, 1952
Read the notes: Static GK
Question 45 · General Awareness · Geography
In the context of water bodies, Neap Tides occur:
1. (a) when the earth, moon and sun line up in a straight line
2. (b) when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other
3. (c) when the sun and moon are on the opposite sides
4. (d) when there is so much interference by continents
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other
Neap tides are the weakest tides. They occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles with respect to the Earth (first and last quarter), so their pulls partly cancel out.
Answer: when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other
Read the notes: Geography
Question 46 · General Awareness · History
According to the Ashrama system of Vedic life, which of the following was the third stage of life?
1. (a) Sanyasa
2. (b) Brahmacharya
3. (c) Grihastha
4. (d) Vanaprastha
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Vanaprastha
The four ashramas are Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retreat to the forest) and Sanyasa (renunciation). The third is Vanaprastha.
Answer: Vanaprastha
Read the notes: History
Question 47 · General Awareness · Current affairs
Which of the following famous Indian athletes won the Zurich Diamond League final 2022 in September 2022?
1. (a) Mirabai Chanu
2. (b) Neeraj Chopra
3. (c) PT Usha
4. (d) Bajrang Punia
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra won the Diamond League Final in Zurich on 8 September 2022 with a throw of 88.44 m, becoming the first Indian to win the Diamond League title.
Answer: Neeraj Chopra
Read the notes: SSC CGL current affairs
Question 48 · General Awareness · History
In which of the following cities did Mahatma Gandhi lead the peasant movement against the imposed indigo cultivation by the British planters?
1. (a) Champaran
2. (b) Gorakhpur
3. (c) Kheda
4. (d) Bardoli
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Champaran
In 1917 Gandhi led the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar against the forced tinkathia system of indigo cultivation.
Answer: Champaran
Read the notes: History
Question 49 · General Awareness · Indian polity
Which Article of the Constitution of India expressly provides that the President is eligible for re-election?
1. (a) Article 59
2. (b) Article 58
3. (c) Article 56
4. (d) Article 57
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Article 57
Article 57 states that a person who holds or has held the office of President is eligible for re-election. Article 58 lists the qualifications and Article 56 the term of office.
Answer: Article 57
Read the notes: Indian polity
Question 50 · General Awareness · Culture
The idols of which three Gods are installed in Jagannath Temple, Puri?
1. (a) Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh
2. (b) Radha, Krishna and Balram
3. (c) Ram, Lakshman and Janaki
4. (d) Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra
The Jagannath Temple at Puri houses the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra.
Answer: Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra
Read the notes: Culture

Quantitative Aptitude

Question 51: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 52: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 53: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 54: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 55 · Quant · Algebra
If 0.4x + 0.16y = 1.7 and 0.3x + 0.12y = 3.4, then which of the following is correct?
1. (a) The system has no solution.
2. (b) The system has infinitely many solutions.
3. (c) The system has unique solution.
4. (d) The system has finitely many solutions but not unique.
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) The system has no solution.
Compare coefficients: 0.4/0.3 = 4/3 and 0.16/0.12 = 4/3, but 1.7/3.4 = 1/2.
The left sides are proportional but the constants are not, so the two lines are parallel and the system has no solution.
Answer: The system has no solution.
Read the notes: Algebra
Question 56 · Quant · Number foundations
Which of the following numbers is divisible by both 2 and 5?
1. (a) 63840
2. (b) 37915
3. (c) 20792
4. (d) 37254
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) 63840
A number divisible by both 2 and 5 must end in 0. Only 63840 ends in 0.
Answer: 63840
Read the notes: Number foundations
Question 57: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 58 · Quant · Percentage
The salary of a worker is first increased by 25%, then it is decreased by 12%. The percentage change in his salary is:
1. (a) 13% decrease
2. (b) 10% decrease
3. (c) 13% increase
4. (d) 10% increase
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) 10% increase
Net factor = 1.25 × 0.88 = 1.10.
So the salary rises by 10%.
Answer: 10% increase
Read the notes: Percentage
Question 59: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 60: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 61 · Quant · Averages
Find the average of the prime numbers lying between 50 and 76.
1. (a) 66
2. (b) 60
3. (c) 64
4. (d) 62
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 64
Primes between 50 and 76: 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73. Their sum is 384.
Average = 384 ÷ 6 = 64.
Answer: 64
Read the notes: Averages
Question 62 · Quant · Motion problems
A thief is noticed by a policeman from a distance of 200 m. The thief starts running and the policeman chases him. The thief and the policeman run at the rate of 10 km/h and 11 km/h, respectively. What is the distance (in metres) between them after 9 minutes?
1. (a) 40
2. (b) 30
3. (c) 50
4. (d) 60
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 50
Relative speed = 11 − 10 = 1 km/h = 1000/60 m per minute. In 9 minutes the policeman gains 9 × 1000/60 = 150 m.
Remaining gap = 200 − 150 = 50 m.
Answer: 50
Read the notes: Motion problems
Question 63 · Quant · Work rates
Pipe A usually fills a tank in 6 hours. But due to a leak at the bottom of the tank, it takes extra 2 hours to fill the tank. If the tank is full, then how much time will it take to get emptied due to the leak?
1. (a) 12 hours
2. (b) 20 hours
3. (c) 24 hours
4. (d) 16 hours
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 24 hours
With the leak the tank fills in 8 hours. Leak rate = 1/6 − 1/8 = 1/24 of the tank per hour.
So the leak alone empties a full tank in 24 hours.
Answer: 24 hours
Read the notes: Work rates
Question 64 · Quant · Plane geometry
In ∆ PQR, M, N, and S are the mid-points of sides PQ, PR and QR, respectively. If the area of the ∆ PQR is 46 cm², what is the area (in cm²) of the quadrilateral MNRQ?
1. (a) 27.6
2. (b) 34.5
3. (c) 23
4. (d) 39
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) 34.5
MN joins the mid-points of PQ and PR, so ∆PMN is similar to ∆PQR with ratio 1 : 2 and its area is ¼ × 46 = 11.5 cm².
Area of MNRQ = 46 − 11.5 = 34.5 cm².
Answer: 34.5
Read the notes: Plane geometry
Question 65 · Quant · Interest calculations
How many years will it take for ₹8,400 to amount to ₹11,928 at a simple interest rate of 7% per annum?
1. (a) 5
2. (b) 8
3. (c) 6
4. (d) 2
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 6
Interest = 11928 − 8400 = 3528. Interest for one year = 7% of 8400 = 588.
Time = 3528 ÷ 588 = 6 years.
Answer: 6
Read the notes: Interest calculations
Question 66: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 67: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 68 · Quant · Plane geometry
In a triangle ∆ABC, AB = AC and ∠A = 80°, then find ∠B.
1. (a) 40°
2. (b) 80°
3. (c) 50°
4. (d) 45°
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 50°
AB = AC, so ∠B = ∠C. Then ∠B = (180° − 80°) ÷ 2 = 50°.
Answer: 50°
Read the notes: Plane geometry
Question 69: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 70: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 71: Figure-based question; the official figure is not available in the archived response sheet.
Question 72 · Quant · Percentage
S borrowed some amount from R and promised to pay him 8% interest. Then S invested the borrowed amount in a scheme, upon which he earned a profit of 5% after paying R, the principal amount with interest. How much percentage R would have gained, if he would have invested in the scheme directly?
1. (a) 13%
2. (b) 13.4%
3. (c) 14.4%
4. (d) 14%
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) 13%
Take the borrowed amount as 100. S repays R 108 and is still left with a profit of 5 (5% of the amount), so the scheme returned 113 on 100.
Had R invested directly, he would have gained 13%.
Answer: 13%
Read the notes: Percentage
Question 73 · Quant · Plane geometry
△ABC and △RPQ are congruent, then the side of △ABC that corresponds to PQ is:
1. (a) BC
2. (b) AR
3. (c) AB
4. (d) CA
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) BC
∆ABC ≅ ∆RPQ means A ↔ R, B ↔ P and C ↔ Q. So PQ corresponds to BC.
Answer: BC
Read the notes: Plane geometry
Question 74 · Quant · Trigonometry
Evaluate the value of (cosec 56° cos 34° − cos 59° cosec 31°).
1. (a) 2
2. (b) 0
3. (c) 1
4. (d) -1
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) 0
cos 34° = sin 56°, so cosec 56° cos 34° = 1. cos 59° = sin 31°, so cos 59° cosec 31° = 1.
Value = 1 − 1 = 0.
Answer: 0
Read the notes: Trigonometry
Question 75 · Quant · Plane geometry
If the ratio of the areas of two similar triangles is 25 : 144, the ratio of their corresponding sides is:
1. (a) 25 : 12
2. (b) 12 : 5
3. (c) 5 : 144
4. (d) 5 : 12
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) 5 : 12
For similar triangles, ratio of areas = (ratio of sides)². Side ratio = √25 : √144 = 5 : 12.
Answer: 5 : 12
Read the notes: Plane geometry

English Comprehension

Question 76 · English · Vocabulary
Select the word OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word.
Deficient
1. (a) Ample
2. (b) Skimpy
3. (c) Terrible
4. (d) Broken
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Ample
Deficient means lacking or not enough. Its opposite is ample, meaning more than enough.
Answer: Ample
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 77 · English · Idioms and phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Jump the gun
1. (a) To do something too soon and too quickly
2. (b) To stop a process
3. (c) To start all over again
4. (d) Using a gun for sports
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) To do something too soon and too quickly
"Jump the gun" comes from a runner starting before the starting pistol; it means to act too soon or too hastily.
Answer: To do something too soon and too quickly
Read the notes: Idioms and phrases
Question 78 · English · Vocabulary
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the following sentence.
In Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Shylock's connivance aimed to jeopardise Antonio's life.
1. (a) Peril
2. (b) Safeguard
3. (c) Jape
4. (d) Risk
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Safeguard
Jeopardise means to put in danger. Its opposite is safeguard, meaning to protect. Peril and risk are close in meaning to jeopardise.
Answer: Safeguard
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 79 · English · Idioms and phrases
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

A person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft.
1. (a) Astronaut
2. (b) Curator
3. (c) Alchemist
4. (d) Anthropologist
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Astronaut
A person trained to travel in a spacecraft is an astronaut. A curator looks after a museum collection, an alchemist practised early chemistry and an anthropologist studies human societies.
Answer: Astronaut
Read the notes: Idioms and phrases
Question 80 · English · Vocabulary
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Merit
1. (a) Fatigue
2. (b) Virtue
3. (c) Residue
4. (d) Oblique
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Virtue
Merit means worth or a good quality. Virtue (a good quality) is the closest synonym.
Answer: Virtue
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 81 · English · Vocabulary
Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word in the given sentence.
Layla is the Sultan’s consort.
1. (a) Partner
2. (b) Foe
3. (c) Alcoholic
4. (d) Enemy
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Partner
A consort is the wife or husband of a ruler, i.e. a partner.
Answer: Partner
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 82 · English · Sentence organisation
Select the option that expresses the following sentence in active voice.
The car was repaired by the mechanic.
1. (a) The mechanic is repairing the car.
2. (b) The mechanic repaired the car.
3. (c) The mechanic has repaired the car.
4. (d) The mechanic repairs the car.
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) The mechanic repaired the car.
The passive sentence is in the simple past ("was repaired"), so the active form also uses the simple past: The mechanic repaired the car.
Answer: The mechanic repaired the car.
Read the notes: Sentence organisation
Question 83 · English · Sentence organisation
Parts of a sentence are given below in jumbled order. Select the option that arranges the parts in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence.
(P) kindness and empathy
(Q) in a world that can be
(O) bring light and positivity
(R) harsh and challenging
1. (a) QROP
2. (b) PORQ
3. (c) ROQP
4. (d) QRPO
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) QRPO
The sentence reads: "In a world that can be (Q) harsh and challenging (R), kindness and empathy (P) bring light and positivity (O)."
Answer: QRPO
Read the notes: Sentence organisation
Question 84 · English · Vocabulary
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Meander
1. (a) Confirm
2. (b) Ramble
3. (c) Deputise
4. (d) Direct
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Direct
Meander means to wander along a winding course. Its opposite is direct, meaning to go straight to a point. Ramble is a synonym.
Answer: Direct
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 85 · English · Grammar and error detection
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don’t find any error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer.
Neither my brother nor my brothers-in-law / attended the meeting / as his health is not more good.
1. (a) Neither my brother nor my brothers-in-law
2. (b) as his health is not more good
3. (c) No error
4. (d) attended the meeting
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) as his health is not more good
"Not more good" is incorrect; good has the comparative "better", so the part should read "as his health is not good" (or "no better").
Answer: as his health is not more good
Read the notes: Grammar and error detection
Question 86 · English · Vocabulary
Select the correctly spelt word.
1. (a) Conscencious
2. (b) Conscientous
3. (c) Conscientious
4. (d) Conscietious
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) Conscientious
The correct spelling is "conscientious" (careful and thorough).
Answer: Conscientious
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 87 · English · Grammar and error detection
Parts of the following sentence have been given as options. Select the option that contains an error.
Rahul thinks he is as smarter as his friends in the class.
1. (a) he is as smarter as
2. (b) in the class
3. (c) Rahul thinks
4. (d) his friends
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) he is as smarter as
The "as … as" comparison takes the positive degree of the adjective: "as smart as", not "as smarter as".
Answer: he is as smarter as
Read the notes: Grammar and error detection
Question 88 · English · Vocabulary
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Jovial
1. (a) Cheerful
2. (b) Solemnity
3. (c) Profane
4. (d) Miserable
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Cheerful
Jovial means cheerful and friendly. Miserable is its opposite, and solemnity and profane do not match.
Answer: Cheerful
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 89 · English · Sentence organisation
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
Each candidate was making tall promises.
1. (a) Tall promises were being made by each candidate.
2. (b) Tall promises are made by each candidate.
3. (c) Tall promises will be made by each candidate.
4. (d) Tall promises are being made by each candidate.
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Tall promises were being made by each candidate.
The active sentence is in the past continuous ("was making"), whose passive uses "were being made": Tall promises were being made by each candidate.
Answer: Tall promises were being made by each candidate.
Read the notes: Sentence organisation
Question 90 · English · Sentence completion
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Two of the fugitives managed to remain free by adeptly avoiding the____________ of the police.
1. (a) discovery
2. (b) repression
3. (c) pursuit
4. (d) following
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) pursuit
Fugitives stay free by avoiding the pursuit (chase) of the police. "Following" is weaker, and "discovery" and "repression" do not fit the idea of a chase.
Answer: pursuit
Read the notes: Sentence completion
Question 91 · English · Vocabulary
Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word from the given sentence .

She recieved an award for her outstanding performance.
1. (a) performance
2. (b) outstanding
3. (c) recieved
4. (d) award
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) recieved
"Recieved" is misspelt; the correct form is "received" (e before i after c).
Answer: recieved
Read the notes: Vocabulary
Question 92 · English · Sentence improvement
Select the option that can replace the underlined phrase and make the sentence grammatically correct.
The programme on TV was now shown the blurring faces of the inmates of the rehabilitation centre .
1. (a) were now showing the blurred faces of the inmates of the rehabilitation centre.
2. (b) was now showing the blurred faces of the inmates upon the rehabilitation centre
3. (c) were now showing the blurring faces of the inmates from the rehabilitation centre
4. (d) was now showing the blurred faces of the inmates of the rehabilitation centre
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) was now showing the blurred faces of the inmates of the rehabilitation centre
The subject "the programme" is singular, so "was" is needed; "now" calls for the continuous "was now showing"; the faces are "blurred" (made blurry); and "inmates of the rehabilitation centre" is the right preposition.
Answer: was now showing the blurred faces of the inmates of the rehabilitation centre
Read the notes: Sentence improvement
Question 93 · English · Sentence organisation
Given below are four jumbled sentences. Select the option that gives their correct logical sequence.

A. It contains high levels of Vitamin A and D.
B. Cod liver oil is thus used to treat arthritis.
C. This supplement is made from the liver of cod fish.
D. Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement.
1. (a) DCAB
2. (b) ABCD
3. (c) BACD
4. (d) CBAD
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) DCAB
D introduces cod liver oil, C says where it comes from, A gives its contents, and B draws the conclusion with "thus": DCAB.
Answer: DCAB
Read the notes: Sentence organisation
Question 94 · English · Sentence organisation
In the given question, a statement divided into different segments is given. Rearrange all the segments to form a coherent statement.
O: population is expected to triple in
P: the next 50 years
Q: among the world’s poorest countries
R: population shrinkage in that period
S: whereas many rich countries will see
1. (a) RSOPQ
2. (b) POSQR
3. (c) SPORQ
4. (d) QOPSR
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) QOPSR
The statement reads: "Among the world's poorest countries (Q) population is expected to triple in (O) the next 50 years (P) whereas many rich countries will see (S) population shrinkage in that period (R)."
Answer: QOPSR
Read the notes: Sentence organisation
Question 95 · English · Idioms and phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To read between the lines
1. (a) To read aloud to public
2. (b) To underline some words
3. (c) To understand more than what the words suggest
4. (d) To read differently
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) To understand more than what the words suggest
To read between the lines means to understand a hidden or implied meaning beyond the literal words.
Answer: To understand more than what the words suggest
Read the notes: Idioms and phrases
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Appearances may not reveal the man. So, you shouldn't make (1) _________ about a man's character based on how he (2) _________ . People smile and smile, yet prove to be (3) _________ . On the other hand, people with rough exteriors prove to be the (4) _________ and most considerate people on earth. They are the people who are beautiful from (5) _________ .
Question 96 · English · Cloze passages
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
1. (a) assumptions
2. (b) deficient
3. (c) ascend
4. (d) derivations
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) assumptions
The passage warns against judging people by their appearance: one should not make assumptions (beliefs taken as true without proof) about a person's character.
Answer: assumptions
Read the notes: Cloze passages
Question 97 · English · Cloze passages
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
1. (a) shows
2. (b) glitters
3. (c) admits
4. (d) looks
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) looks
The judgement is "based on how he looks", i.e. his appearance, which matches the opening line "Appearances may not reveal the man".
Answer: looks
Read the notes: Cloze passages
Question 98 · English · Cloze passages
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
1. (a) grumpy
2. (b) sparkling
3. (c) joyful
4. (d) ecstatic
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) grumpy
"Yet" signals a contrast with smiling, so such people turn out to be grumpy (bad-tempered).
Answer: grumpy
Read the notes: Cloze passages
Question 99 · English · Cloze passages
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
1. (a) bitterest
2. (b) gloomiest
3. (c) strangest
4. (d) kindest
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) kindest
People with rough exteriors are contrasted as being good-natured; "kindest" pairs naturally with "most considerate".
Answer: kindest
Read the notes: Cloze passages
Question 100 · English · Cloze passages
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
1. (a) exterior
2. (b) style
3. (c) personality
4. (d) within
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) within
Such people are beautiful "from within", in their inner nature, as opposed to their rough exterior.
Answer: within
Read the notes: Cloze passages