Analytical Reasoning PYQs for UPSC (2011-2024) | Solved Questions & PDF Download

Master Analytical Reasoning for UPSC with solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from 2011 to 2024. This page provides detailed solutions, practice questions, and a free downloadable PDF to help you ace your UPSC preparation.

Overview of Analytical Reasoning

Analytical Reasoning is a critical topic in the UPSC exam, especially for the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) paper. It tests your ability to analyze information, solve complex problems, and make logical decisions. Key concepts include:

· Logical Puzzles
· Seating Arrangements
· Syllogisms
· Data Interpretation
· Venn Diagrams

Practicing PYQs helps you understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into the year-wise questions!

Year-Wise Analytical Reasoning PYQs (2011-2024)

Q1. Consider the figure given below and answer the item that follows: [CSAT 2011]

In the figure shown above, OP₁, and OP₂ are two plane mirrors kept perpendicular to each other. S is the direction of a beam of light falling on the mirror OP₁. The direction of the reflected beam of light from the mirror OP₂ will be

(a) Perpendicular to the direction S.

(b) At 45° to the direction S.

(d) At 60° to the direction S.

Solution:

Given that,

OP₁ and OP₂ are two plane mirrors kept perpendicular to each other.

S is the direction of a beam of light falling on the mirror OP₁.

Using the laws of reflection, the direction of the reflected beam of light from the mirror OP₂ can be solved.

Laws of reflection:

· The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal lie on the same plane at the point of incidence.

· The angle of Incidence and angle of reflection are equal.

With the given figure the incident ray SN₁ will reflect on the mirror OP₁ with reflected ray N₁N₂However, the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection so angle of SN₁ and N₁N₂ are equal Similarly N₂S' is also equal. Thus the direction of the reflected beam of light from the mirror OP₂ will be opposite and parallel to the direction S.

Hence statement (c) is correct

Q2. Consider the following figure and answer the item that follows:

What is the minimum number of different colours required to paint the figure given above such that no two adjacent regions have the same colour? [CSAT 2011]

(a) 3

(b) 4

(d) 6

Solution:

Thus from the given figure it can be concluded that minimum 3 colours are required to paint : V, Y and O

Hence statement (a) is correct

Q3. There are some balls of red, green and yellow colour lying on a table. There are as many red balls as there are yellow balls. There are twice as many yellow balls as there are green ones. The number of red balls [CSAT 2013]

(a) is equal to the sum of yellow and green balls.

(b) is double the number of green balls.

(d) cannot be ascertained.

Solution:

Given that,

Colour of balls - Red, green and yellow

There are as many red balls as there are yellow balls.

So, Red balls = Yellow balls

There are twice as many yellow balls as there are green ones.

2 x (Green balls) = Yellow balls

As yellow balls and red balls are equal

Thus, 2 x (Green balls) = Red balls

Hence option (b) is correct

Q4. Six identical cards are placed on a table. Each card has number '1' marked on one side and number '2' marked on its other side. All the six cards are placed in such a manner that the number '1' is on the upper side. In one try, exactly four (neither more nor less) cards are turned upside down. In how many least number of tries can the cards be turned upside down such that all the six cards show number '2' on the upper side? [CSAT 2014]

(a) 3

(b) 5

(d) This cannot be achieved

Solution:

Given that,

Each card has number '1' marked on one side and number '2' marked on its other side.

All the six cards are placed in such a manner that the number '1' is on the upper side.

Initial numbers visible on cards

111111

Now, In one try, exactly four (neither more nor less) cards are turned upside down.

So in first turn, 111111 is turned into 112222

In second turn, Turn over three of 2’s card and one of 1’s card

121112 and in third turn the four 1's will be turned so the card becomes 222222

Thus only 3 turns are required

Hence option (a) is correct

Q5. There are seven persons up on a ladder, A, B, C, D, E, F and G (not in that order). A is further up than E but is lower than C. B is in the middle. G is between A and B. E is between B and F. If F is between E and D, the person on the bottom step of the ladder will be [CSAT 2014]

(a) B

(b) F

(d) E

Solution:

Given that,

A, B, C, D, E, F and G (not in that order).

A is further up than E but is lower than C. B is in the middle. G is between A and B. E is between B and F. F is between E and D

Case (i): If A is above B

C A E _ _ _ _

C A G B _ _ _

C A G B E F D, where A is on 6th step and D is on the bottom step

Case (ii): If A is below B,

Then A will be on 2nd step but the position of E cannot be determined in accordance with given statements.

Thus case (i) is only possible.

Hence option (c) is correct

Q6. A daily train is to be introduced between station A and station B starting from each end at 6 am and the journey is to be completed in 42 hours. What is the number of trains needed in order to maintain the shuttle service? [CSAT 2016]

(a) 2

(b) 3

(d) 7

Solution:

Given that,

From station A the trains leaves at 6am and From station B the train leaves at 6 am

Both the trains after 24 hours have not completed the journey thus the next day which will be second day two more trains are required at station A and B. However the initial trains will reach their destination and can again start the journey

Thus only 4 trains are required to maintain the shuttle service.

Hence option (c) is correct

Q7. The sum of income of A and B is more than that of C and D taken together. The sum of income of A and C is the same as that of B and D taken together. Moreover, A earns half as much as the sum of the income of B and D. whose income is the highest? [CSAT 2017]

(a) A

(b) B

(d) D

Solution:

Given that,

The sum of income of A and B is more than that of C and D taken together.

A + B > C + D......(i)

The sum of income of A and C is the same as that of B and D taken together.

A + C = B + D....(ii)

A earns half as much as the sum of the income of B and D.

2 x A = (B + D) .....(iii)

From equation (ii) and (iii)

C = A ....(iv)

So now B and D

From equation (i)

C + B > C + D or B > D

Hence option (b) is correct

Q8. Four tests Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology are to be conducted on four consecutive days, not necessarily in the same order. The Physics test is held before the test which is conducted after Biology. Chemistry is conducted exactly after two tests are held. Which is the last test held? [CSAT 2017]

(a) Physics

(b) Biology

(d) Chemistry

Solution:

Given that,

Chemistry is conducted exactly after two tests are held.

Tests	Day
	1st
	2nd
Chemistry	3rd
	4th

The Physics test is held before the test which is conducted after Biology. Therefore Mathematics test is conducted on 4th Day as Physics and Biology is not conducted on 4th day

Tests	Day
	1st
	2nd
Chemistry	3rd
Mathematics	4th

Hence option (c) is correct

Q9. The digits 1 to 9 are arranged in three rows in such a way that each row contains three digits, and the number formed in the second row is twice the number formed in the first row; and the number formed in the third row is thrice the number formed in the first row. Repetition of digits is not allowed. If only three of the four digits 2, 3, 7 and 9 are allowed to use in the first row, how many such combinations are possible to be arranged in the three rows? [CSAT 2022]

(a) 4

(b) 3

(d) 1

Solution:

So according to the question

First row can use 2, 3, 7 and 9 numbers

The possible numbers are 237, 273, 239, 293, 279, 297, 327, 372, 329, 392, 379, 397, 723, 732, 729, 792, 739, 793, 923, 932, 937, 973, 927 and 972

Out this total two cases are possible satisfying the conditions

The number formed in the second row is twice the number formed in the first row; and the number formed in the third row is thrice the number formed in the first row. Repetition of digits is not allowed.

273 x 2 = 546 and 273 x 3 = 819

327 x 2 = 654 and 327 x 3 = 981

Hence option (c) is correct

Q10. A Question is given followed by two Statements I and II.

Consider the Question and the Statements.

Question: What is the time required to download the software?

Statement-I: The size of the software is 12 megabytes.

Statement-II: The transfer rate is 2-4 kilobytes per second.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Question and the Statements? [CSAT 2024]

(a) The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone

(b) The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone

(c) The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone

(d) The Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together

Solution:

Given that,

Statement I: The size of software is 12 megabytes

Statement II: The transfer rate is 2.4 kilobytes per second

Now,

From Statement I:

The size of software = 12 megabytes

However, the time cannot be determined

Hence statement I is insufficient to answer the question

From Statement II:

Transfer rate = 2.4 kilobytes per second

However, size of the data is not given

Hence statement II is insufficient to answer the question

Combining both the statements

1 MB = 1000KB

12 MB = 12 x 10³ kb

Size = 12 x 10³ kb

Transfer rate = 2.4 kb/sec

Time = (12 x 10³)/2.4 = 5000 sec or 83 min and 20 seconds

Hence option (c) is correct

Q11. The total cost of 4 oranges, 6 mangoes and 8 apples is equal to twice the total cost of 1 orange, 2 mangoes and 5 apples.

Consider the following statements:

1. The total cost of 3 oranges, 5 mangoes and 9 apples is equal to the total cost of 4 oranges, 6 mangoes and 8 apples.

2. The total cost of one orange and one mango is equal to the cost of one apple.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [CSAT 2024]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Given that,

Cost of total 4 oranges, 6 mangoes and 8 apples = Twice of cost of 1 orange, 2 mangoes and 5 apples

Now,

Let oranges be O, Mangoes be M, Apple be A

4O + 6M + 8A = 2 x (O + 2M + 5A)

2 x (2O + 3M + 4A) = 2 x (O + 2M + 5A)

2O + 3M + 4A = O + 2M + 5A

O + M = A.....(i)

Statement 1:

3O + 5M + 9A = 4O + 6M + 8A

By solving the equation

A = O + M

Hence statement 1 is correct

Statement 2:

O + M = A

Hence statement 2 is correct

Hence option (c) is correct

Q12. If P means 'greater than (>)'; Q means 'less than (<)'; R means 'not greater than (≯)'; S means 'not less than (≮)' and T means 'equal to (=)', then consider the following statements:

1. If 2x(S)3y and 3x(T)4z then 9y(P)8z

2. If x(Q)2y and y(R)z then x(R)z

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [CSAT 2024]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Given that,

P means >

Q means <

R means not greater than and S means not less than

T means =

Now,

1. If 2x(S)3y and 3x(T)4z, then 9y(P)8z

2x ≥ 3y.....(i)

Multiplying 3 in equation (i)

6x ≥ 9y......(ii)

3x = 4z........(iii)

Multiplying 2 in equation (iii)

6x = 8z

So,

8z = 6x ≥ 9y

Thus, 8z ≥ 9y

9y(P)8z = 9y > 8z

Hence statement 1 is incorrect

2. If x(Q)2y and y(R)z, then x(R)z.

x(Q)2Y = x < 2y.....(iv)

y(R)z = y ≤ z.....(v)

x(R)z = x ≤ z,

From equation (iv) and (v) it cannot be determined that x ≤ z

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

Hence option (d) is correct

ANSWER KEY
1.	C	7.	B
2.	A	8.	C
3.	B	9.	C
4.	A	10.	C
5.	C	11.	C
6.	C	12.	D

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FAQs on Analytical Reasoning for UPSC

1. Is Analytical Reasoning important for UPSC?

Yes, Analytical Reasoning is a crucial topic for the UPSC CSAT paper. It tests your logical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

2. How to prepare for Analytical Reasoning in UPSC?

· Understand basic concepts like logical puzzles, seating arrangements, and syllogisms.
· Practice PYQs regularly.
· Use reliable resources like NCERT books and online platforms like iassetu.com.

3. What are the most frequently asked Analytical Reasoning questions in UPSC?

· Logical puzzles and seating arrangements
· Syllogisms and Venn diagrams
· Data interpretation and complex reasoning problems

Conclusion

Practicing Analytical Reasoning PYQs is essential for cracking the UPSC CSAT paper. This page provides year-wise solved questions, practice problems, and a free PDF download to help you prepare effectively. Bookmark this page and revisit it regularly for updates.

For more UPSC preparation resources, explore iassetu.com. Happy learning!