XATPast year paperFree to attempt

XAT 2024 answer key with solutions

This is the complete XAT 2024 question paper with answer key and solutions — 100 questions across Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, 3h under XAT Part 1 → Part 2 timing. Part 1 (170m): VA & LR, Decision Making, QA & DI with free navigation. Part 2 (10m): GK only (no essay). +1 / −0.25; −0.10 after 8 free skips in Part 1; GK has no negatives. You can attempt this paper free on MBACracked under exam-accurate timing and unlock topic-wise analytics after you finish.

Ready to attempt this paper?

Reading the paper is free. Attempt it under timed exam conditions to get your estimated percentile, topic-wise accuracy, and pacing analysis.

Sign up free to attempt under real exam timing and get your percentile breakdown.

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning(26 questions)

Q1Verbal Ability·Fill in the Blanks

Read the following statement carefully. ___________like a fake can be a sign of___________, and clinging too tightly to what feels like one's authentic self can ________that growth. Fill in the blanks meaningfully, in the above statement, from the following options.

  • Aacting, progress, enhance
  • Bfeeling, growth, hinderCorrect answer
  • Cbehaving, improvement, support
  • Dperforming, stupidity, change
  • Eoperating, smartness, increase

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (feeling, growth, hinder) Option B is the best fit for the blanks in the sentence based purely on grammatical and logical sense. Feeling like a fake can be a sign of growth , and clinging too tightly to what feels like one’s authentic self can hinder that growth. This statement suggests that sometimes, feeling out of place or like you’re not being true to yourself can actually be a sign that you’re growing and evolving. However, if you cling too tightly to your current sense of self, it could prevent you from embracing that growth. This option fills in the blanks while maintaining the sentence’s grammatical structure and logical coherence. Option C may seem like a good fit at first glance. From a grammatical and idiomatic perspective, the phrase “behaving like a fake” is not a common idiom or phrase, and it doesn’t quite convey a clear meaning. Also, the second part of the sentence suggests that clinging to one’s authentic self can “support” growth. However, in the context of the sentence, this seems contradictory. If behaving like a fake is a sign of improvement, then clinging to one’s authentic self would more likely hinder than support this improvement. The alternative choices, which involve actions such as acting, performing, or operating like a fake, lack idiomatic coherence. Furthermore, they suggest ideas that either contradict each other or don’t fit the context of personal growth.
Q2Verbal Ability·Critical Reasoning

Read the following statement carefully and fill up the blanks from the given options. As _________evolved and eventually moved to cities, close proximity ____________how we viewed and assessed each_________.

  • Acivilization, enhanced, situation
  • Bgenerations, changed, otherCorrect answer
  • Cculture, helped, life
  • Dlives, destroyed, culture
  • Epeople, helped, nation

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (generations, changed, other) Option B is the correct answer. Option B, “generations, changed, other,” is correct because it fits grammatically and contextually into the sentence. The term “generations” refers to people over time, “changed” indicates a transformation or evolution in perception or behaviour, and “other” refers to other individuals. So, the sentence “As generations evolved and eventually moved to cities, close proximity changed how we viewed and assessed each other” makes sense both grammatically and idiomatically. Option A “civilization, enhanced, situation” is incorrect because “enhanced” implies improvement or augmentation, which doesn’t necessarily follow from the close proximity of civilization. Also, “situation” is too vague in this context. Option C, “culture, helped, life,” is incorrect because “helped” implies assistance or facilitation, which is not necessarily a result of cultural evolution or urban migration. Also, “life” is too broad and doesn’t fit well in this context. Option D, “lives, destroyed, culture”, is incorrect because “destroyed” implies a negative impact or destruction, which is not necessarily a result of the evolution of lives. Also, “culture” doesn’t fit well in the context of assessing each other. Option E, “people, helped, the nation”, is incorrect because while “people” could fit in the first blank, “helped” doesn’t necessarily follow from people moving to cities. Also, “nation” doesn’t fit well in the context of assessing each other.
Q3Verbal Ability·Sentence Correction

Read the following sentences carefully. A. I shall be there at about 9: 00 a.m. B. Keep off of the grass. C. My old car was much faster than the new one. D. I was angry at my friend. E. Rohit is as capable as Virat.

Which of the following combinations has all the INCORRECT sentences?

  • AA & BCorrect answer
  • BB & C
  • CC & D
  • DD & E
  • EA & E

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (A & B) Option A is the correct answer. Statements A and B are incorrect. In Statement A, it should be changed to ' I shall be there at around 9: 00 a.m .' The use of "about" is informal and not the grammatically best-case use.  In Statement B, the correct sentence should be ' Keep off the grass.' The 'of' is redundant and can be removed.  Statements C, D and E are correct. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.
Q4Verbal Ability·Sentence Correction

Read the following sentences carefully. A. Everybody accepts his responsibilities. B. Nobody in that group have their reports up to date, as they should have. C. Either of the boys is acceptable to do the errands. D. Both of the mice is underfed. E. It is I who am next. F. The teacher told he and I to leave early.

Which of the following combinations has all the sentences grammatically CORRECT?

  • AB,D & F
  • BB, C & D
  • CA, C & ECorrect answer
  • DA, E & F
  • EC, D & F

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (A, C & E) Option C is the correct answer. Statements A,C and E are correct. In Statement B,The subject “ Nobody ” is singular, so it should be followed by a singular verb (“ has ”) instead of “ have .” In Statement D,The subject “ Both of the mice ” is plural, so it should be followed by a plural verb (“ are ”) instead of “ is .” In Statement F,  The correct form should be “The teacher told him and me to leave early.” The objective pronouns “him” and “me” are needed here.
Q5Verbal Ability·Paragraph Jumbles

Which of the following combinations is the MOST logically ordered?

Read the following statements and answer the question that follows. A. Back then, they were owned by companies and installed on their premises. B. Rooms and servers began to replace computer mainframes in the 1990's. C. These were supplemented by processors from Intel, which by the mid-2000s translated its dominance of PC semiconductors into a near monopoly of the server market. D. They mostly ran on chips made by IBM and HP, the big tech of the day. E. Things started to change once again around a decade ago, when Amazon began selling some of its spare server capacity.

  • AA, B, C, D, E
  • BE, A, D, C, B
  • CB, A, D, C, ECorrect answer
  • DE, D, C, B, A
  • EB, E, C, D, A

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (B, A, D, C, E) B introduces server rooms replacing mainframes. A's "Back then" and "they" refer to those servers and describe their ownership. D's "They" continues with the chips the servers used; C's "These" refers to those IBM and HP chips being supplemented by Intel processors. E then marks the next change, Amazon's sale of spare capacity.
Q6Verbal Ability·Paragraph Jumbles

Which of the following combinations is the MOST logically ordered?

Go through the statements below and answer the question that follows. A. Maybe you have survived major trauma and have a hard time feeling safe. B. You'll probably discover that your fear and struggles make sense on account of what you've lived through. C. Instead of beating yourself up for reacting in ways you don't understand, you can develop compassion for yourself and what you've been through. D. Perhaps you have experienced a sudden death, and you are often anxious about the health of your loved ones. E. You may also find out that you have more strength than you knew, the same strength that has sustained you this far….

  • AB, A, D, C, ECorrect answer
  • BE, B, A, D, C
  • CE, A, D, C. B
  • DD, C, B, A, E
  • EE, D, C, B, A

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (B, A, D, C, E) B states the general discovery that present fears make sense in light of past experience. A and D give two examples of such trauma and its later effect. C draws the resulting lesson of self-compassion, and E adds a second positive discovery—previously unrecognized strength. The progression is general insight, examples, response and further insight.
Q7Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following paragraph and answer the question that follows. Fear is the greatest motivator of all time. Conflict born of fear is behind our every action, driving us forward like the cogs of a clock. Fear is desire's dark dress, its doppelgänger. "Love and dread are brothers," says Julian of Norwich. As desire is wanting and fear is not-wanting, they become inexorably linked; just as desire can be destructive (the desire for power), fear can be constructive (fear of hurting another); fear of poverty becomes desire for wealth.

Which of the following statements can be BEST concluded from the paragraph?

  • AA positive action generally has a foundation of fear underneath.
  • BThe interplay of fear and desire helps in guiding one's action.
  • CFear is a powerful motivator that leads to extraordinary achievements.
  • DWhile fear is perceived as negative, it can be a force for good.Correct answer
  • EFear paves the way to positive transformation when paired with desire.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (While fear is perceived as negative, it can be a force for good.) What to find. This is a reading-comprehension item whose job is a passage-supported choice. Ignore decorative examples and focus on the sentence(s) that actually decide the stem. Steps. 1. Paraphrase the author’s claim in one plain line (scope + attitude). 2. Match each option against that paraphrase — keep only what the text warrants. 3. Drop choices that need outside knowledge, flip the author’s tone, or promote a side detail into the main point. Why D. “While fear is perceived as negative, it can be a force for good.” is the only option that stays inside the passage’s scope and tone for this stem. Why the others fail. • A (“A positive action generally has a foundation of fear underneath.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • B (“The interplay of fear and desire helps in guiding one's action.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • C (“Fear is a powerful motivator that leads to extraordinary achievements.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • E (“Fear paves the way to positive transformation when paired with desire.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes.
Q8Verbal Ability·Critical Reasoning

Read the following paragraphs and answer the question that follows. Paragraph 1: Here are some handy rules of thumb. Anyone who calls themselves a thought leader is to be avoided. A man who does not wear socks cannot be trusted. And a company that holds an employee-appreciation day does not appreciate its employees. Paragraph 2: It is not just that the message sent by acknowledging staff for one out of 260-odd working days is a bit of a giveaway (there isn't a love-your-spouse day ... for the same reason). It is also that the ideas are usually so tragically unappreciative. You have worked hard all year so you get a slice of cold pizza or a rock stamped with the words "You rock"?

Which of the following BEST describes the relationship of the first paragraph with the second paragraph?

  • AThe first paragraph is redundant, in the presence of the second paragraph.
  • BThe first paragraph is humorous, while the second paragraph is sarcastic.
  • CThe second paragraph gives evidence to the claims made by the first paragraph.
  • DWithout the second paragraph the first paragraph is meaningless.
  • EThe first paragraph evokes interest, the second paragraph elaborates.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (The first paragraph evokes interest, the second paragraph elaborates.) What to find. Pick the summary that keeps the author’s scope and drops examples/asides. Steps. Write a one-line gist first; then eliminate options that invent causality, flip tone, or zoom into a minor illustration. Why E. “The first paragraph evokes interest, the second paragraph elaborates.” matches that gist without padding. Why the others fail. • A (“The first paragraph is redundant, in the presence of the second paragraph.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point. • B (“The first paragraph is humorous, while the second paragraph is sarcastic.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point. • C (“The second paragraph gives evidence to the claims made by the first paragraph.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point. • D (“Without the second paragraph the first paragraph is meaningless.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point.
Q9Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the question that follows. How do we choose one discovery over any other? The physician Lewis Thomas made a choice. He bluntly asserts: "The greatest of all the accomplishments of 20th-century science has been the discovery of human ignorance." The science writer Timothy Ferris agrees: "Our ignorance, of course, has always been with us, and always will be. What is new is our awareness of it, our awakening to its fathomless dimensions, and it is this, more than anything else, that marks the coming of age of our species." It is an odd, unsettling thought that the culmination of our greatest century of discovery should be the confirmation of our ignorance. How did such a thing come about?

Which of the following statements can be BEST concluded from the above passage?

  • AHumans know more when they know they know very little.
  • BHumans became scientists when they realized that they were ignorant.
  • CHumans progressed because they knew that they knew very little.
  • DThe realization that humans are ignorant led them to invent new things.
  • EThat they do not know enough make humans seek to know more.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (That they do not know enough make humans seek to know more.) What to find. This is a reading-comprehension item whose job is a passage-supported choice. Ignore decorative examples and focus on the sentence(s) that actually decide the stem. Steps. 1. Paraphrase the author’s claim in one plain line (scope + attitude). 2. Match each option against that paraphrase — keep only what the text warrants. 3. Drop choices that need outside knowledge, flip the author’s tone, or promote a side detail into the main point. Why E. “That they do not know enough make humans seek to know more.” is the only option that stays inside the passage’s scope and tone for this stem. Why the others fail. • A (“Humans know more when they know they know very little.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • B (“Humans became scientists when they realized that they were ignorant.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • C (“Humans progressed because they knew that they knew very little.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • D (“The realization that humans are ignorant led them to invent new things.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes.
Q10Verbal Ability·Critical Reasoning

Read the following paragraph and answer the question that follows. You may accumulate a vast amount of knowledge but it will be of far less value to you than a much smaller amount if you have not thought it over for yourself; because only through ordering what you know by comparing every truth with every other truth can you take complete possession of your knowledge and get it into your power.

Based on the above information, which of the following statements MUST be true?

  • AIf she wants to master knowledge, she must reflect on the information.Correct answer
  • BIf she reflects on the information, she will master the knowledge.
  • CIf she has not mastered knowledge, she must have not reflected on information.
  • DIf she has mastered the knowledge, she might have reflected on the information.
  • EIf she is a master of knowledge, it is because she is a reflector of information.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (If she wants to master knowledge, she must reflect on the information.) What to find. Pick the summary that keeps the author’s scope and drops examples/asides. Steps. Write a one-line gist first; then eliminate options that invent causality, flip tone, or zoom into a minor illustration. Why A. “If she wants to master knowledge, she must reflect on the information.” matches that gist without padding. Why the others fail. • B (“If she reflects on the information, she will master the knowledge.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point. • C (“If she has not mastered knowledge, she must have not reflected on information.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point. • D (“If she has mastered the knowledge, she might have reflected on the information.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point. • E (“If she is a master of knowledge, it is because she is a reflector of information.”) — overclaims, underclaims, or elevates a supporting detail into the main point.
Q11Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the question that follows. That's how life plays out for all of us. We lose some. Like sportspersons, we too pack our gear and go to work. But unlike them, the gaze of the world is not upon us. Most of us do our business in anonymity, very few of us are emotionally wired to the outcomes of our day jobs. We don't come back feeling like winners. Or losers. As sports fans we can summon empathy for those who stretch their bodies and minds to the limit in the pursuit of athletic excellence and provide such joys in the process. But we will never experience the highs that are their reward. And we will never know the depth of their lows, which are their burden. Still, no one will know better than Rohit and Dravid that its already a new day. There might never be a World Cup win for them. But there are loved ones to go to. Life awaits still.

Which of the following statements BEST summarizes the above passage?

  • ALife moves on, and as sports fans, we should do too.
  • BThe wins and loss in sports do not exist in other professions.
  • CWe should treat winning and losing as imposters.
  • DJust because we enjoy sports does not mean we understand the sportspersons.Correct answer
  • EWe should put ourselves in others shoes rather than judge them for performance.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D What to find. This is a reading-comprehension item whose job is a passage-supported choice. Ignore decorative examples and focus on the sentence(s) that actually decide the stem. Steps. 1. Paraphrase the author’s claim in one plain line (scope + attitude). 2. Match each option against that paraphrase — keep only what the text warrants. 3. Drop choices that need outside knowledge, flip the author’s tone, or promote a side detail into the main point. Why D. “Just because we enjoy sports does not mean we understand the sportspersons.” is the only option that stays inside the passage’s scope and tone for this stem. Why the others fail. • A (“Life moves on, and as sports fans, we should do too.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • B (“The wins and loss in sports do not exist in other professions.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • C (“We should treat winning and losing as imposters.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes. • E (“We should put ourselves in others shoes rather than judge them for performance.”) — overreaches the passage, understates a clear claim, or invents a causal/attitudinal link the author never makes.
Q12Reading Comprehension·Poem & Literary Analysis

Read the following poem and answer the TWO questions that follow. In the darkened room a woman cannot find her reflection in the mirror waiting as usual at the edge of sleep In her hands she holds the oil lamp whose drunken yellow flames know where her lonely body hides

Which of the following statements BEST conveys the theme of the poem?

  • AThe poem explores the quality of life of a woman.
  • BThe poem laments the suffering and frustration of a woman.
  • CThe poem celebrates the woman's futile and meaningless life.
  • DThe poem revolves around a woman whose liberty has been throttled.
  • EThe poem revolves around the woman's feeling of alienation.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (The poem revolves around the woman's feeling of alienation.) Let's consider each option individually: Option A : This would be too literal interpretation of the poem, the poem must have a theme much deeper than living conditions of a woman.  Option B : While this is more subtextual, the poem does not show any feelings of "frustration" by the woman. We can look for a better option.  Option C : It would be incorrect to say the poem "celebrates' and calls the woman's life meaningless.  Option D : While this comes close, none of the aspects hint at the woman's liberty being controlled in some manner.  Option E : This would best convey the poem's theme.  It is conveyed through the imagery of her inability to find her reflection in the mirror, symbolizing a disconnect with herself or her identity. The imagery of the “darkened room” , the “mirror” where she can’t see her reflection, and the “drunken yellow flames” of the oil lamp that “know where her lonely body hides” all suggest a sense of isolation and alienation. Therefore, Option E is the correct answer.
Q13Reading Comprehension·Poem & Literary Analysis

Read the following poem and answer the TWO questions that follow. In the darkened room a woman cannot find her reflection in the mirror waiting as usual at the edge of sleep In her hands she holds the oil lamp whose drunken yellow flames know where her lonely body hides

What do the lines "the drunken yellow flames/know where her lonely body hides" BEST represent?

  • AThe lines represent flames as forces that are aware of her solitude.
  • BThe lines represent flames as turbulent emotions of a nameless woman.
  • CThe lines represent flames that highlight the location of her body.
  • DThe lines represent flames as distorted memories that preserve her identity.Correct answer
  • EThe lines represent flames as her desperate pursuit for her lost self.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (The lines represent flames as distorted memories that preserve her identity.) It can be understood that these drunken flames that the woman holds truly know her, how she got there, and her current condition. We need to look at the options to see which would fit the best.  Option A: This is too literal an interpretation. Further, the "forces" do not convey anything that the yellow flames would want to represent.  Option B: This is a viable option. We can look at other options and come back to compare it with any other suitable ones we might have.  Option C: This is taking the flames in a literal sense and hence can be eliminated  Option D: This is the best option so far; the memories also connect with how the woman can not find her reflection the mirror as she has lost her real identity somewhere, so now she lies, holding the memories of her identity to preserve what little she remembers of herself.  Option E: This while in line with option D, is slightly incorrect, the flames are not the pursuit but the memories themselves, her action of holding them is the pursuit. Making E the better choice  Option B might make sense in a vacuum but D fits better with the overall theme of the poem about the lost identity of a nameless woman.  Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Q14Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow. But as the behavioral economists like to remind us, we are already prone to all sorts of reductions as a species. It's not just the scientists. We compress complex reality down into abbreviated heuristics that often work beautifully in everyday life for high-frequency, low-significance decisions. Because we are an unusually clever and self-reflective species, we long ago realized that we needed help overcoming those reductive instincts when it really matters. And so we invented a tool called storytelling. At first, some of our stories were even more reductive than the sciences would prove to be: allegories and parables and morality plays that compressed the flux of real life down to archetypal moral messages. But over time the stories grew more adept at describing the true complexity of lived experience, the whorls and the threadlike pressures. One of the crowning achievements of that growth is the realist novel. That, of course, is the latent implication of Prince Andrei's question: "innumerable conditions made meaningful only in unpredictable moments" would fare well as a description of both War and Peace and Middlemarch, arguably the two totemic works in the realist canon. What gives the novel the grain of truth lies precisely in the way it doesn't quite run along the expected grooves, the way it dramatizes all the forces and unpredictable variables that shape the choices humans confront at the most meaningful moments of their lives. When we read those novels—or similarly rich biographies of historical figures—we are not just entertaining ourselves; we are also rehearsing for our own real-world experiences….

Which of the following is the BEST interpretation regarding reductive instincts?

  • AReductive instincts tell us to reduce every situation to a heuristic.
  • BAfter the invention of storytelling, humans have overcome their reductive instincts.
  • CReductive instincts can help us in handling uncertainty.
  • DReductive instincts have to be overcome for survival in the real world.Correct answer
  • EReductive instincts led to compression of complex reality to moral messages.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Reductive instincts have to be overcome for survival in the real world.) The main essence of the text can be understood from the lines: "Because we are an unusually clever and self-reflective species, we long ago realized that we needed help overcoming those reductive instincts when it really matters.  And so we invented a tool called storytelling. " This suggests that while reduction might be helpful in some places, in more complex and relevant situations, we need to look for detail, hence the invention of storytelling.  Looking at the options: (A) This statement is extreme; while the reductive instincts are implied to simplify a complex situation, this is neither the main point nor does it apply to everything.  (B) This option suggests humans overcoming their reductive instincts after the invention of storytelling, although nothing of the sort has been mentioned in the text.  (C) While true, the text's main focus is on where the reductive instincts are harmful rather than pointing out its benefits in moments of "uncertainty" (D)This comes closest to capturing the main idea that there was a need to do away with this instinct of reducing everything into a simplistic context.  (E) This also is somewhat true, but the passage isn't about how reductive instinct has led to the compression of stories into fables and how storytelling keeps away the reductive instinct.  Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Q15Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow. But as the behavioral economists like to remind us, we are already prone to all sorts of reductions as a species. It's not just the scientists. We compress complex reality down into abbreviated heuristics that often work beautifully in everyday life for high-frequency, low-significance decisions. Because we are an unusually clever and self-reflective species, we long ago realized that we needed help overcoming those reductive instincts when it really matters. And so we invented a tool called storytelling. At first, some of our stories were even more reductive than the sciences would prove to be: allegories and parables and morality plays that compressed the flux of real life down to archetypal moral messages. But over time the stories grew more adept at describing the true complexity of lived experience, the whorls and the threadlike pressures. One of the crowning achievements of that growth is the realist novel. That, of course, is the latent implication of Prince Andrei's question: "innumerable conditions made meaningful only in unpredictable moments" would fare well as a description of both War and Peace and Middlemarch, arguably the two totemic works in the realist canon. What gives the novel the grain of truth lies precisely in the way it doesn't quite run along the expected grooves, the way it dramatizes all the forces and unpredictable variables that shape the choices humans confront at the most meaningful moments of their lives. When we read those novels—or similarly rich biographies of historical figures—we are not just entertaining ourselves; we are also rehearsing for our own real-world experiences….

Why would a realist novel consist of "innumerable conditions made meaningful only in unpredictable moments?"

  • ATo keep the reader engaged till the end of the novel.
  • BTo bring in as much content as possible without making it seem forced.
  • CTo showcase unexpected complexity while making it seem relevant in the given context.Correct answer
  • DTo show to the reader that realist novel does not work on expected lines.
  • ETo engage the reader with realism and fantasy at the same time.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (To showcase unexpected complexity while making it seem relevant in the given context.) Option C is the correct answer. A realist novel aims to depict life as it is, including the complexities, uncertainties, and unpredictability of human existence. By presenting "innumerable conditions made meaningful only in unpredictable moments," the novel captures the intricacies of human experience and the multifaceted nature of decision-making. This approach allows the reader to engage with the story on a deeper level, as it mirrors the complexities of real life and presents a more authentic representation of human behaviour and choices.
Q16Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow. Beauty has an aesthetic, but it is not the same as aesthetics, not when it can be embodied, controlled by powerful interests, and when it can be commodified. Beauty can be manners, also a socially contingent set of traits. Whatever power decides that beauty is, it must always be more than reducible to a single thing. Beauty is a wonderful form of capital in a world that organizes everything around gender and then requires a performance of gender that makes some of its members more equal than others. Beauty would not be such a useful distinction were it not for the economic and political conditions. It is trite at this point to point out capitalism, which is precisely why it must be pointed out. Systems of exchange tend to generate the kind of ideas that work well as exchanges. Because it can be an idea and a good and a body, beauty serves many useful functions for our economic system. Even better, beauty can be political. It can exclude and include, one of the basic conditions of any politics. Beauty has it all. It can be political, economic, external, individualized, generalizing, exclusionary, and perhaps best of all a story that can be told. Our dominant story of beauty is that it is simultaneously a blessing, of genetics or gods, and a site of conversion. You can become beautiful if you accept the right prophets and their wisdoms with a side of products thrown in for good measure. Forget that these two ideas—unique blessing and earned reward—are antithetical to each other. That makes beauty all the more perfect for our (social and political) time, itself anchored in paradoxes like freedom and property, opportunity and equality.

Based on the passage, which of the following CANNOT be inferred about beauty?

  • ABeauty is no longer an abstract concept.
  • BBeauty has become an aspirational good.
  • CDifferent powers and influences delineate beauty for us.
  • DBeauty is defined and appreciated by the perceiver.Correct answer
  • EThe beautiful does not define the standards of beauty.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Beauty is defined and appreciated by the perceiver.) Option D is the correct answer. The passage emphasizes that beauty is socially constructed, shaped by economic, political, and social systems. It argues that beauty is commodified, controlled by powerful interests, and used as a form of capital, suggesting that beauty is not merely a matter of individual perception or appreciation. Instead, it is influenced and defined by external forces, making D inconsistent with the passage. Option A :  The passage discusses how beauty has been embodied and commodified, making it a tangible form of capital rather than an abstract idea. Thus, this can be inferred. Option B : The passage describes how beauty is presented as something to aspire to, achieved through the "right prophets and their wisdoms with a side of products," making this inference valid. Option C : The passage explicitly states that beauty is defined by "whatever power decides" and is influenced by economic and political conditions. Option E :  The passage supports this by emphasizing that beauty is determined by external factors like politics and economics, rather than by those who are considered beautiful themselves.
Q17Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow. Beauty has an aesthetic, but it is not the same as aesthetics, not when it can be embodied, controlled by powerful interests, and when it can be commodified. Beauty can be manners, also a socially contingent set of traits. Whatever power decides that beauty is, it must always be more than reducible to a single thing. Beauty is a wonderful form of capital in a world that organizes everything around gender and then requires a performance of gender that makes some of its members more equal than others. Beauty would not be such a useful distinction were it not for the economic and political conditions. It is trite at this point to point out capitalism, which is precisely why it must be pointed out. Systems of exchange tend to generate the kind of ideas that work well as exchanges. Because it can be an idea and a good and a body, beauty serves many useful functions for our economic system. Even better, beauty can be political. It can exclude and include, one of the basic conditions of any politics. Beauty has it all. It can be political, economic, external, individualized, generalizing, exclusionary, and perhaps best of all a story that can be told. Our dominant story of beauty is that it is simultaneously a blessing, of genetics or gods, and a site of conversion. You can become beautiful if you accept the right prophets and their wisdoms with a side of products thrown in for good measure. Forget that these two ideas—unique blessing and earned reward—are antithetical to each other. That makes beauty all the more perfect for our (social and political) time, itself anchored in paradoxes like freedom and property, opportunity and equality.

Based on the passage, which of the following BEST explains beauty to be simultaneously a "blessing" and a "site of conversion?"

  • ABoth are narratives, with one supporting the other.
  • BWhen properly communicated people will believe anything.
  • CBecause beauty is a blessing everyone wants to possess it by converting to the standards.
  • DA blessing, when sought, results in a provider of the blessing, in a capitalistic society.Correct answer
  • EThough beauty is a unique blessing, one can become beautiful by imitating beautiful people.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (A blessing, when sought, results in a provider of the blessing, in a capitalistic society.) Option D is the correct answer. In the passage, beauty is described as both a “blessing” (something inherent, perhaps genetic or divine) and a “site of conversion” (something that can be attained through effort, typically involving products and societal standards). This duality fits with the idea that beauty, though seen as a natural gift, is commodified and sold in capitalist society.  The "blessing" becomes something that people strive to achieve, and in doing so, they often rely on the "providers" — those who sell beauty products, offer beauty standards, or promote transformation. This connection between beauty as a blessing and a site of conversion, particularly in capitalism, is captured well in option D.
Q18Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. What I call fast political thinking is driven by simplified moral frames. These moral frames give us the sense that those who agree with us have the right answer, while those who disagree are unreasonable, or worse. Each moral frame sets up an axis of favorable and unfavorable. Progressives use the oppressoroppressed axis. Progressives view most favorably those groups that can be regarded as oppressed or standing with the oppressed, and they view most unfavorably those groups that can be regarded as oppressors. Conservatives use the civilization-barbarism axis. Conservatives view most favorably the institutions that they believe constrain and guide people toward civilized behavior, and they view most unfavorably those people who they see as trying to tear down such institutions. Libertarians use the liberty-coercion axis. Libertarians view most favorably those people who defer to decisions that are made on the basis of personal choice and voluntary agreement, and they view most unfavorably those people who favor government interventions that restrict personal choice. If you have a dominant axis, I suggest that you try to learn the languages spoken by those who use the other axes. Don't worry—learning other languages won't make it easy for others to convert you to their point of view. By the same token, it will not make it easy to convert others to your point of view. However, you may become aware of assumptions your side makes that others might legitimately question. What learning the other languages can do is enable you to understand how others think about political issues. Instead of resorting to the theory that people with other views are crazy or stupid or evil, you may concede that they have a coherent point of view. In fact, their point of view could be just as coherent as yours. The problem is that those people apply their point of view in circumstances where you are fairly sure that it is not really appropriate. Consider that there may be situations in which one frame describes the problem much better than the others. For example, I believe that the civil rights movement in the United States is best described using the progressive heuristic of the oppressed and the oppressor. In the 1950s and the early 1960s, the people who had the right model were the people who were fighting for black Americans to have true voting rights, equal access to housing, and an end to the Jim Crow laws. The civilization-barbarism axis and the liberty-coercion axis did not provide the best insight into the issue….

Which of the following BEST describes the civilization-barbarism axis?

  • AThe way we are trained to behave affects our peace in life.
  • BSome people are barbaric and should be restrained from public life.
  • CIt is how you behave, not who you are, that makes you acceptable.Correct answer
  • DGovernment should play a very heavy role in maintaining law and order.
  • EEvery society has to have a harmonious mix of civilized and the barbaric for it to survive.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (It is how you behave, not who you are, that makes you acceptable.) The civilization-barbarism axis, as described in the passage, is best represented by option C: “It is how you behave, not who you are, that makes you acceptable.” This axis is used by conservatives who view most favourably the institutions that they believe constrain and guide people toward civilized behaviour, and they view most unfavourably those people who they see as trying to tear down such institutions. Therefore, it’s more about behaviour (civilized vs barbaric) than about who the person is. Options A, B, D and E cannot be inferred from the passage.
Q19Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. What I call fast political thinking is driven by simplified moral frames. These moral frames give us the sense that those who agree with us have the right answer, while those who disagree are unreasonable, or worse. Each moral frame sets up an axis of favorable and unfavorable. Progressives use the oppressoroppressed axis. Progressives view most favorably those groups that can be regarded as oppressed or standing with the oppressed, and they view most unfavorably those groups that can be regarded as oppressors. Conservatives use the civilization-barbarism axis. Conservatives view most favorably the institutions that they believe constrain and guide people toward civilized behavior, and they view most unfavorably those people who they see as trying to tear down such institutions. Libertarians use the liberty-coercion axis. Libertarians view most favorably those people who defer to decisions that are made on the basis of personal choice and voluntary agreement, and they view most unfavorably those people who favor government interventions that restrict personal choice. If you have a dominant axis, I suggest that you try to learn the languages spoken by those who use the other axes. Don't worry—learning other languages won't make it easy for others to convert you to their point of view. By the same token, it will not make it easy to convert others to your point of view. However, you may become aware of assumptions your side makes that others might legitimately question. What learning the other languages can do is enable you to understand how others think about political issues. Instead of resorting to the theory that people with other views are crazy or stupid or evil, you may concede that they have a coherent point of view. In fact, their point of view could be just as coherent as yours. The problem is that those people apply their point of view in circumstances where you are fairly sure that it is not really appropriate. Consider that there may be situations in which one frame describes the problem much better than the others. For example, I believe that the civil rights movement in the United States is best described using the progressive heuristic of the oppressed and the oppressor. In the 1950s and the early 1960s, the people who had the right model were the people who were fighting for black Americans to have true voting rights, equal access to housing, and an end to the Jim Crow laws. The civilization-barbarism axis and the liberty-coercion axis did not provide the best insight into the issue….

Which of the following BEST explains the author's usage of the term moral frames?

  • AThe frames give those who believe in them the right to question others' behaviours.
  • BThe frames define what the believer believes as right or wrong.Correct answer
  • CA frame is a belief and cannot be rationally explained.
  • DWhat is right to the believer is wrong to those who do not share that belief.
  • EIt makes easy for the believer to declare others as wrong.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (The frames define what the believer believes as right or wrong.) Option B best explains the author’s use of the term “moral frames:“The frames define what the believer believes as right or wrong.  According to the passage, moral frames are simplified perspectives that people use to interpret political issues. Based on the axis of the frame (oppressor-oppressed, civilization-barbarism, or liberty-coercion), they create a sense of right and wrong, favourable and unfavourable. These frames guide the believer’s views and judgments about different groups and issues. Option A is incorrect because the passage doesn’t suggest that moral frames give believers the right to question others’ behaviours.  Option C is not correct, as the passage clearly explains the concept of moral frames, indicating they can be rationally explained.  Option D is incorrect because the passage doesn’t state that what is right to the believer is wrong to those who do not share that belief.  Option E is incorrect because the passage doesn’t suggest that moral frames make it easy for the believer to declare others as wrong.
Q20Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. What I call fast political thinking is driven by simplified moral frames. These moral frames give us the sense that those who agree with us have the right answer, while those who disagree are unreasonable, or worse. Each moral frame sets up an axis of favorable and unfavorable. Progressives use the oppressoroppressed axis. Progressives view most favorably those groups that can be regarded as oppressed or standing with the oppressed, and they view most unfavorably those groups that can be regarded as oppressors. Conservatives use the civilization-barbarism axis. Conservatives view most favorably the institutions that they believe constrain and guide people toward civilized behavior, and they view most unfavorably those people who they see as trying to tear down such institutions. Libertarians use the liberty-coercion axis. Libertarians view most favorably those people who defer to decisions that are made on the basis of personal choice and voluntary agreement, and they view most unfavorably those people who favor government interventions that restrict personal choice. If you have a dominant axis, I suggest that you try to learn the languages spoken by those who use the other axes. Don't worry—learning other languages won't make it easy for others to convert you to their point of view. By the same token, it will not make it easy to convert others to your point of view. However, you may become aware of assumptions your side makes that others might legitimately question. What learning the other languages can do is enable you to understand how others think about political issues. Instead of resorting to the theory that people with other views are crazy or stupid or evil, you may concede that they have a coherent point of view. In fact, their point of view could be just as coherent as yours. The problem is that those people apply their point of view in circumstances where you are fairly sure that it is not really appropriate. Consider that there may be situations in which one frame describes the problem much better than the others. For example, I believe that the civil rights movement in the United States is best described using the progressive heuristic of the oppressed and the oppressor. In the 1950s and the early 1960s, the people who had the right model were the people who were fighting for black Americans to have true voting rights, equal access to housing, and an end to the Jim Crow laws. The civilization-barbarism axis and the liberty-coercion axis did not provide the best insight into the issue….

Which of the following can BEST be concluded from the above passage?

  • AKnowing why you think the way you think, enables you to understand others' perspectives.Correct answer
  • BMost controversial issues in the world can be simplified into three axes.
  • CThe assumptions we hold leads to our dominant axis.
  • DIssues can be solved by looking at them from the right axis and questioning the assumptions.
  • EMost problems in the world are because of applying the wrong axis to a particular problem.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Knowing why you think the way you think, enables you to understand others' perspectives.) The best conclusion from the passage is option A. The passage emphasizes the importance of understanding different moral frames or axes (oppressor-oppressed, civilization-barbarism, liberty-coercion) that people use to form their political views. By learning these “languages”, one can better understand others’ perspectives, even if they don’t agree with them. Option B  is incorrect.  The passage doesn’t suggest that all controversial issues can be simplified into the three axes, but rather these axes represent different perspectives. Option C  is incorrect. The passage doesn’t state that our assumptions lead to our dominant axis, but it does suggest that understanding these axes can help us understand others’ perspectives. Option D  is incorrect . While the passage does mention that certain problems might be better understood through a specific axis, it doesn’t claim that issues can be solved by looking at them from the right axis and questioning assumptions. Option E  is incorrect . The passage doesn’t state that most problems are caused by applying the wrong axis to a particular problem but rather that different perspectives might be more or less applicable in different situations.
Q21Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. Because it's so easy to judge the idiocy of others, it may be sorely tempting to think this doesn't apply to you. But the problem of unrecognized ignorance is one that visits us all. And over the years, I've become convinced of one key, overarching fact about the ignorant mind. One should not think of it as uninformed. Rather, one should think of it as misinformed. An ignorant mind is precisely not a spotless, empty vessel, but one that's filled with the clutter of irrelevant or misleading life experiences, theories, facts, intuitions, strategies, algorithms, heuristics, metaphors, and hunches that regrettably have the look and feel of useful and accurate knowledge. This clutter is an unfortunate by-product of one of our greatest strengths as a species. We are unbridled pattern recognizers and profligate theorizers. Often, our theories are good enough to get us through the day, or at least to an age when we can procreate. But our genius for creative storytelling, combined with our inability to detect our own ignorance, can sometimes lead to situations that are embarrassing, unfortunate, or downright dangerous—especially in a technologically advanced, complex democratic society that occasionally invests mistaken popular beliefs with immense destructive power. As the humorist Josh Billings once put it, "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." (Ironically, one thing many people "know" about this quote is that it was first uttered by Mark Twain or Will Rogers—which just ain't so.) Because of the way we are built, and because of the way we learn from our environment, we are all engines of misbelief. And the better we understand how our wonderful yet kludge-ridden, Rube Goldberg engine works, the better we—as individuals and as a society—can harness it to navigate toward a more objective understanding of the truth.

Which of the following statement is NOT true about an ignorant mind?

  • AAn ignorant mind is often filled with unfounded and misguided distractions.
  • BAn ignorant mind succumbs to illusionary pattern detection.
  • CAn ignorant mind theorizes without robust evidence.
  • DAn ignorant mind is unaware of its own limitations.
  • EAn ignorant mind often fuels scepticism.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (An ignorant mind often fuels scepticism.) Option E is the correct answer. According to the passage, this statement is not true about an ignorant mind. The passage describes how an ignorant mind is filled with clutter of irrelevant or misleading experiences, theories, facts, etc., and it emphasizes the tendency of the ignorant mind to be unaware of its own limitations and to succumb to illusionary pattern detection and theorizing without robust evidence. However, it doesn't suggest that an ignorant mind often fuels scepticism. Instead, it suggests that the clutter in the ignorant mind can lead to situations that are embarrassing, unfortunate, or dangerous. Options A, B, C and D could be inferred from the passage and hence true.
Q22Reading Comprehension·Vocabulary in Context

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. Because it's so easy to judge the idiocy of others, it may be sorely tempting to think this doesn't apply to you. But the problem of unrecognized ignorance is one that visits us all. And over the years, I've become convinced of one key, overarching fact about the ignorant mind. One should not think of it as uninformed. Rather, one should think of it as misinformed. An ignorant mind is precisely not a spotless, empty vessel, but one that's filled with the clutter of irrelevant or misleading life experiences, theories, facts, intuitions, strategies, algorithms, heuristics, metaphors, and hunches that regrettably have the look and feel of useful and accurate knowledge. This clutter is an unfortunate by-product of one of our greatest strengths as a species. We are unbridled pattern recognizers and profligate theorizers. Often, our theories are good enough to get us through the day, or at least to an age when we can procreate. But our genius for creative storytelling, combined with our inability to detect our own ignorance, can sometimes lead to situations that are embarrassing, unfortunate, or downright dangerous—especially in a technologically advanced, complex democratic society that occasionally invests mistaken popular beliefs with immense destructive power. As the humorist Josh Billings once put it, "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." (Ironically, one thing many people "know" about this quote is that it was first uttered by Mark Twain or Will Rogers—which just ain't so.) Because of the way we are built, and because of the way we learn from our environment, we are all engines of misbelief. And the better we understand how our wonderful yet kludge-ridden, Rube Goldberg engine works, the better we—as individuals and as a society—can harness it to navigate toward a more objective understanding of the truth.

Based on the passage, what does the author BEST mean when he says, "we are all engines of misbelief?"

  • ADriven by misbelief, we blend our creativity and ignorance.
  • BOur brains are wired with certain heuristics that can lead to systematic errors in judgement.
  • CWe are prone to holding beliefs that are not necessarily true.
  • DWe are naturally inclined to form, and often share, misleading and inaccurate beliefs.Correct answer
  • EWe are always fuelled by our ignorance to spread information.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (We are naturally inclined to form, and often share, misleading and inaccurate beliefs.) Option D is the correct answer. This choice reflects the author's idea that we tend to create and spread beliefs, even when they're not entirely accurate because we often don't realize our own ignorance. The passage emphasizes how our minds can be cluttered with misleading information, leading us to accept and share beliefs that may not be true. So, when the author says "we are all engines of misbelief," it means that we have a natural inclination to form and spread beliefs that can be misleading or inaccurate.
Q23Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. Because it's so easy to judge the idiocy of others, it may be sorely tempting to think this doesn't apply to you. But the problem of unrecognized ignorance is one that visits us all. And over the years, I've become convinced of one key, overarching fact about the ignorant mind. One should not think of it as uninformed. Rather, one should think of it as misinformed. An ignorant mind is precisely not a spotless, empty vessel, but one that's filled with the clutter of irrelevant or misleading life experiences, theories, facts, intuitions, strategies, algorithms, heuristics, metaphors, and hunches that regrettably have the look and feel of useful and accurate knowledge. This clutter is an unfortunate by-product of one of our greatest strengths as a species. We are unbridled pattern recognizers and profligate theorizers. Often, our theories are good enough to get us through the day, or at least to an age when we can procreate. But our genius for creative storytelling, combined with our inability to detect our own ignorance, can sometimes lead to situations that are embarrassing, unfortunate, or downright dangerous—especially in a technologically advanced, complex democratic society that occasionally invests mistaken popular beliefs with immense destructive power. As the humorist Josh Billings once put it, "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." (Ironically, one thing many people "know" about this quote is that it was first uttered by Mark Twain or Will Rogers—which just ain't so.) Because of the way we are built, and because of the way we learn from our environment, we are all engines of misbelief. And the better we understand how our wonderful yet kludge-ridden, Rube Goldberg engine works, the better we—as individuals and as a society—can harness it to navigate toward a more objective understanding of the truth.

With which of the following statements will the author agree the MOST?

  • AWe must try not to see patterns in everything that we observe.
  • BWe must be aware that the patterns we see may not necessarily reflect the truth.
  • CWe must be sceptical of the beliefs we have, regardless how true they seem to us.Correct answer
  • DThe more we are sure of something, the more we are wrong about it.
  • EOur desire to see patterns in everything makes us unable to detect misbeliefs in others.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (We must be sceptical of the beliefs we have, regardless how true they seem to us.) Option A is opposite to what the author would agree with; it negates pattern recognition entirely, while the author clearly mentions it as one of the species' strengths.  Option B: This option is close; however, while the author's main focus is on checking beliefs, the options focus on patterns. The author's main argument is not about keeping the pattern recognition/formation in check but not about making belie based on our intuitive pattern recognition.  Option C: This option better represents the author's idea about how our beliefs need to be checked.  Option D: This statement is too general and extreme; the author does not discuss all certainty; some beliefs could be accurate. The author is just asking us to check how prone we are to being misinformed; he would not say that all our beliefs are wrong. Option E:  The author is concerned with misbeliefs in ourselves; this idea of detecting misbeliefs in "others" is beyond the scope of the discussion. Thus, Options B and C are close, but the author would agree with C more.  Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
Q24Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. If we imagine the action of a vaccine not just in terms of how it affects a single body, but also in terms of how it affects the collective body of a community, it is fair to think of vaccination as a kind of banking of immunity. Contributions to this bank are donations to those who cannot or will not be protected by their own immunity. This is the principle of herd immunity, and it is through herd immunity that mass vaccination becomes far more effective than individual vaccination. Any given vaccine can fail to produce immunity in an individual, and some vaccines, like the influenza vaccine, are less effective than others. But when enough people are vaccinated with even a relatively ineffective vaccine, viruses have trouble moving from host to host and cease to spread, sparing both the unvaccinated and those in whom vaccination has not produced immunity. This is why the chances of contracting measles can be higher for a vaccinated person living in a largely unvaccinated community than they are for an unvaccinated person living in a largely vaccinated community. The unvaccinated person is protected by the bodies around her, bodies through which disease is not circulating. But a vaccinated person surrounded by bodies that host disease is left vulnerable to vaccine failure or fading immunity. We are protected not so much by our own skin, but by what is beyond it. The boundaries between our bodies begin to dissolve here. Donations of blood and organs move between us, exiting one body and entering another, and so too with immunity, which is a common trust as much as it is a private account. Those of us who draw on collective immunity owe our health to our neighbors.

Based on the passage, which of the following CANNOT be concluded?

  • AA vaccine cannot guarantee immunity in an individual.
  • BOur survival, as a community, is largely based on herd immunity.Correct answer
  • CA vaccinated person may get infected if her surroundings are largely unvaccinated.
  • DCollective immunity protects those with compromised immune systems.
  • EEven, relatively, ineffective vaccines can stop the spread of viruses if enough people are vaccinated.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Our survival, as a community, is largely based on herd immunity.) Option B cannot be exactly concluded. While the passage discusses the concept of herd immunity, it does not explicitly state that our survival as a community is largely based on it. Therefore, it could be argued that option B cannot be exactly inferred from the passage. Option A can be inferred from: “Any given vaccine can fail to produce immunity in an individual, and some vaccines, like the influenza vaccine, are less effective than others. Option C can be inferred from: “But a vaccinated person surrounded by bodies that host disease is left vulnerable to vaccine failure or fading immunity.” Option D can be inferred from: "The unvaccinated person is protected by the bodies around her, bodies through which disease is not circulating." Option E can be inferred from: “But when enough people are vaccinated with even a relatively ineffective vaccine, viruses have trouble moving from host to host and cease to spread…”
Q25Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. If we imagine the action of a vaccine not just in terms of how it affects a single body, but also in terms of how it affects the collective body of a community, it is fair to think of vaccination as a kind of banking of immunity. Contributions to this bank are donations to those who cannot or will not be protected by their own immunity. This is the principle of herd immunity, and it is through herd immunity that mass vaccination becomes far more effective than individual vaccination. Any given vaccine can fail to produce immunity in an individual, and some vaccines, like the influenza vaccine, are less effective than others. But when enough people are vaccinated with even a relatively ineffective vaccine, viruses have trouble moving from host to host and cease to spread, sparing both the unvaccinated and those in whom vaccination has not produced immunity. This is why the chances of contracting measles can be higher for a vaccinated person living in a largely unvaccinated community than they are for an unvaccinated person living in a largely vaccinated community. The unvaccinated person is protected by the bodies around her, bodies through which disease is not circulating. But a vaccinated person surrounded by bodies that host disease is left vulnerable to vaccine failure or fading immunity. We are protected not so much by our own skin, but by what is beyond it. The boundaries between our bodies begin to dissolve here. Donations of blood and organs move between us, exiting one body and entering another, and so too with immunity, which is a common trust as much as it is a private account. Those of us who draw on collective immunity owe our health to our neighbors.

Why does the author think about vaccination as a "banking of immunity?"

  • ABecause it creates a reserve of immunity within a person's immune system.
  • BBecause when somebody is vaccinated, it is a deposit of protection against a particular disease.
  • CBecause different vaccines contribute to a diverse portfolio of immune defences.
  • DBecause it is like providing a safety net for those who are more vulnerable to diseases.Correct answer
  • EBecause it is a way to mitigate health risks for those who may not have access to vaccination.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Because it is like providing a safety net for those who are more vulnerable to diseases.) The term "banking of immunity" refers to the idea that there is something we could rely upon, this immunity and sort of storing this into the system of society as a whole  Option A is not what the author is saying. The idea of herd immunity is not that people will get a reserve of immunity but that the virus will spread less.  Option B: This, too, is incorrect, as the passage does not state that when somebody is vaccinated, it is a "deposit of protection against a particular disease". Option C: The idea of multiple vaccines preventing multiple diseases is also not in the passage.  Option D: This is the closest to what the author means by the banking of immunity, that although someone who themselves might not be immune, would benefit from the increased immunity of others and could rely on them to some extent.  Option E: This is a bit extreme of what is presented in D, the idea of herd immunity is not presented as a way to mitigate but likely to prevent or reduce the chances of a disease getting hold.  Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Q26Reading Comprehension·Inference

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. If we imagine the action of a vaccine not just in terms of how it affects a single body, but also in terms of how it affects the collective body of a community, it is fair to think of vaccination as a kind of banking of immunity. Contributions to this bank are donations to those who cannot or will not be protected by their own immunity. This is the principle of herd immunity, and it is through herd immunity that mass vaccination becomes far more effective than individual vaccination. Any given vaccine can fail to produce immunity in an individual, and some vaccines, like the influenza vaccine, are less effective than others. But when enough people are vaccinated with even a relatively ineffective vaccine, viruses have trouble moving from host to host and cease to spread, sparing both the unvaccinated and those in whom vaccination has not produced immunity. This is why the chances of contracting measles can be higher for a vaccinated person living in a largely unvaccinated community than they are for an unvaccinated person living in a largely vaccinated community. The unvaccinated person is protected by the bodies around her, bodies through which disease is not circulating. But a vaccinated person surrounded by bodies that host disease is left vulnerable to vaccine failure or fading immunity. We are protected not so much by our own skin, but by what is beyond it. The boundaries between our bodies begin to dissolve here. Donations of blood and organs move between us, exiting one body and entering another, and so too with immunity, which is a common trust as much as it is a private account. Those of us who draw on collective immunity owe our health to our neighbors.

Based on the last paragraph of the passage, which of the following would the author BEST agree with?

  • AIn times of health crises, communities should come together to support and protect each other.
  • BIt is important to express gratitude to those who contribute to the herd immunity by getting vaccinated.
  • CIt is an ethical obligation of individuals to get vaccinated for the greater good.
  • DIn any community, immunity is transactional.
  • EImmunity of a community is interconnected, and everyone plays a role to keep each other healthy.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (Immunity of a community is interconnected, and everyone plays a role to keep each other healthy.) Option E is the correct answer. Based on the last paragraph of the passage, the author would best agree with Option E. The author emphasizes the interconnectedness of immunity within a community and the role each individual plays in maintaining it. The author states, “We are protected not so much by our own skin, but by what is beyond it,” and “ Those of us who draw on collective immunity owe our health to our neighbors,” which underscores the importance of each individual’s role in a community’s health. Option A is incorrect, as the passage does not specifically discuss the need for communities to come together during health crises. Option B is incorrect as the author does not explicitly mention the importance of expressing gratitude to those who contribute to herd immunity. Option C is incorrect. While the passage implies the importance of vaccination, it does not state that it is an ethical obligation of individuals. Option D is incorrect.In the passage, the author does not describe immunity as transactional.

Decision Making(21 questions)

Q27Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Mr. Singh lived in a sprawling housing society. He employed two part-time domestic helps, Vimla and Sharda. Vimla was responsible for cleaning and dusting, while Sharda took care of cooking. Once Sharda fell ill and consequently took leave for three days. When Sharda returned to work, she learned that Mr. Singh's gold ring, a gift from his mother, was missing. Suspecting theft, Mr. Singh had terminated Vimla. Mr. Singh asked Sharda to take additional responsibility of cleaning the house, along with an offer to double her salary. Sharda accepted the offer as her previous two jobs were lost due to frequent health-related absences. She was struggling to make ends meet; this offer would go a long way to help her. Next day, while cleaning under the dressing table, Sharda found the gold ring. Overjoyed, Mr. Singh expressed his gratitude by presenting Sharda a reward of one thousand rupees! However, he made no mention of reinstating Vimla.

Sharda was contemplating whether she should inform Vimla that she found Mr. Singh's ring. Which of the following considerations will BEST dissuade Sharda in sharing the information about the ring with Vimla?

  • AMr. Singh will probably terminate Sharda if he gets to know that she has revealed this information.Correct answer
  • BHad Vimla done her job properly, she would have found the ring and avoided this incident.
  • CVimla already knows she has not stolen anything, so telling her will not give her any new information.
  • DSharda is not keeping well, and Mr. Singh warned her that her frequent absences could lead to her termination.
  • EWhenever Sharda was absent, Vimla used to help her by taking over her responsibilities.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Mr. Singh will probably terminate Sharda if he gets to know that she has revealed this information.) Option A is the best option. It suggests a direct consequence that could negatively impact Sharda’s employment and financial stability.Sharing the information with Vimla could risk her current job if Mr. Singh were to find out and decide to terminate her employment. This potential risk could dissuade Sharda from sharing the information. Option B doesn’t provide a strong reason for Sharda to avoid telling Vimla about the ring. Even if Vimla didn’t do her job perfectly, she might still want to know that the ring was found and that she was wrongly accused of theft. Therefore, this option doesn’t strongly dissuade Sharda from sharing the information with Vimla. Option C is not the best because while it’s true that Vimla knows she didn’t steal anything, she doesn’t know that the ring was found and that her innocence could be proven. Therefore, this information would indeed be new to her.However, this option does not provide a strong reason for Sharda to withhold the information from Vimla. Option D doesn’t directly relate to the situation with Vimla and the ring. It’s more about Sharda’s personal circumstances and her relationship with Mr. Singh. Option E is not the best because it actually provides a reason for Sharda to tell Vimla about the ring, as it shows that Vimla has been helpful and supportive to her in the past. It doesn’t provide a reason for Sharda to keep the information to herself.
Q28Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Mr. Singh lived in a sprawling housing society. He employed two part-time domestic helps, Vimla and Sharda. Vimla was responsible for cleaning and dusting, while Sharda took care of cooking. Once Sharda fell ill and consequently took leave for three days. When Sharda returned to work, she learned that Mr. Singh's gold ring, a gift from his mother, was missing. Suspecting theft, Mr. Singh had terminated Vimla. Mr. Singh asked Sharda to take additional responsibility of cleaning the house, along with an offer to double her salary. Sharda accepted the offer as her previous two jobs were lost due to frequent health-related absences. She was struggling to make ends meet; this offer would go a long way to help her. Next day, while cleaning under the dressing table, Sharda found the gold ring. Overjoyed, Mr. Singh expressed his gratitude by presenting Sharda a reward of one thousand rupees! However, he made no mention of reinstating Vimla.

Two months passed, and owing to Sharda's improved health and dedication, Sharda started working in three more houses. However, Vimla was dismissed from her jobs in two more houses primarily due to the ring incident. News of the discovery of the lost ring had not become public, and Sharda wanted to help Vimla. Sharda is contemplating over possible actions. Which of the following actions, by Sharda, will BEST help Vimla?

  • AConfront Mr. Singh about concealing the discovery of the lost ring from the housing society residents.
  • BInform Vimla that the ring has been found and advise her to demand compensation from Mr. Singh for tarnishing her image.
  • CInform as many domestic helps in the housing society as possible that she has found the ring.
  • DQuit the job at Mr. Singh's house and ask him to consider offering that job to Vimla.
  • EDivulge to Vimla's employers in the housing society that she has found the ring.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (Divulge to Vimla's employers in the housing society that she has found the ring.) Option E is the best option here. Sharda's goal is to help Vimla rebuild her reputation and recover from the damage caused by the ring incident. Among the options,Option E directly addresses the root cause of Vimla's dismissal by informing her employers that the theft accusation was false. This action restores Vimla's credibility and potentially helps her regain her lost jobs. Option A : This could potentially lead to conflict with Mr Singh and might not necessarily help Vimla. There’s also a risk that Mr. Singh could terminate Sharda’s employment as a result of the confrontation. Option B : This might provide Vimla with some satisfaction, but it’s not guaranteed to help her regain her lost jobs. It could also lead to further conflict with Mr Singh. Option C : This could help spread the news about the ring, but it might not reach the people who terminated Vimla’s employment. Therefore, it might not be as effective in helping Vimla regain her job. Option D : Quitting her job and asking Mr. Singh to hire Vimla might not help, as Mr. Singh has already dismissed Vimla and may not reinstate her due to distrust. Additionally, this action does not address the broader issue of Vimla's tarnished reputation in the community. Therefore, Option E is the best answer.
Q29Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Mr. Singh lived in a sprawling housing society. He employed two part-time domestic helps, Vimla and Sharda. Vimla was responsible for cleaning and dusting, while Sharda took care of cooking. Once Sharda fell ill and consequently took leave for three days. When Sharda returned to work, she learned that Mr. Singh's gold ring, a gift from his mother, was missing. Suspecting theft, Mr. Singh had terminated Vimla. Mr. Singh asked Sharda to take additional responsibility of cleaning the house, along with an offer to double her salary. Sharda accepted the offer as her previous two jobs were lost due to frequent health-related absences. She was struggling to make ends meet; this offer would go a long way to help her. Next day, while cleaning under the dressing table, Sharda found the gold ring. Overjoyed, Mr. Singh expressed his gratitude by presenting Sharda a reward of one thousand rupees! However, he made no mention of reinstating Vimla.

The news of the discovery of the lost ring eventually became public. The domestic helps in the society were chagrined by the treatment meted out to Vimla and the fact that the news of the discovery was not made public immediately. They wanted to ensure that they would not get targeted every time if something goes missing.

Which of the following policy options will BEST minimize the chance of employers suspecting their domestic workers of theft in the future?

  • AThe domestic workers will undergo a daily search by the security guards when leaving the society.Correct answer
  • BWhen a domestic worker is terminated on suspicion of theft without proof, they will have to be paid at least one month's salary in full.
  • CThe current address and contact details of all domestic workers should be submitted to the housing society.
  • DIf there is a suspicion of theft, the security guards will first conduct a thorough search of the affected house.
  • EWhen a domestic worker is terminated on suspicion of theft, the employer will have to publicly apologize if the domestic worker can prove their innocence.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (The domestic workers will undergo a daily search by the security guards when leaving the society.) Let's evaluate each option: Option A : This would best minimize the chance of employers suspecting their domestic workers of theft in the future.A daily search could serve as a deterrent for potential theft and provide a sense of security for the employers. Option B : This might discourage employers from terminating workers without solid proof of theft, but it doesn’t directly address the issue of suspicion or prevent theft accusations from arising in the first place. Option C : This might help track down a worker in case of a confirmed theft, but it doesn’t prevent suspicions of theft or protect workers from being wrongly accused. Option D : This could potentially prevent some false theft accusations by finding misplaced items, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the chance of employers suspecting their domestic workers of theft. Option E : This might discourage employers from making hasty accusations without proof, but it doesn’t prevent the initial suspicion or accusation of theft. It also puts the burden of proof on the worker, which might not always be possible.
Q30Decision Making·Business Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. In Symbolis, an upcoming medium sized IT services organization, only 1% of the employees were awarded an annual performance bonus. This annual performance bonus was decided by a committee formed of different functional heads. When Ms. Nalini Kattakayam received the annual bonus for the first time in her five years at Symbolis, Ms. Shalini Sampath, a colleague with seven years of tenure at Symbolis, told Nalini that this annual bonus was less a reflection of Nalini's performance and more a recognition of those who have fostered a strong rapport with the powers that be. Incidentally, Shalini had never received any performance bonus in her tenure at the company.

Shalini's comments deeply hurt Nalini, especially since she had always considered Shalini to be a close friend. Nalini felt like declining the bonus, given her respect for and relationship with Shalini. Which of the following reasons, if true, will BEST dissuade Nalini from declining the bonus?

  • AShalini, good at heart, is known for making insensitive comments.Correct answer
  • BShalini is known for confronting her boss whenever they changed deadlines.
  • CIn her close group, Nalini is the first person to receive the bonus.
  • DVery few people, who are not considered loyal, receive the bonus.
  • EShalini's irreverent comment about her previous boss pushed her out of that team.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Shalini, good at heart, is known for making insensitive comments.) Option A will best dissuade Nalini from declining the bonus. This option suggests that Shalini is known to make comments that can be perceived as insensitive, and this understanding could dissuade Nalini from declining the bonus because it frames Shalini’s comment as a characteristic of Shalini’s communication style rather than a personal critique of Nalini’s performance. Therefore, Nalini might see that the bonus is indeed a recognition of her hard work and not just a result of favouritism.  Option B : This doesn’t provide a compelling reason for Nalini to accept the bonus. Shalini’s confrontational nature with her boss is unrelated to Nalini’s performance or the validity of the bonus. Option C : This doesn’t directly address Shalini’s comment that the bonus is more about favouritism than performance. While it highlights Nalini’s achievement, it doesn’t counter Shalini’s claim and, thus, may not effectively dissuade Nalini from declining the bonus. Option D : This could potentially make Nalini more inclined to decline the bonus, as it implies that the bonus is given to loyalists. However, it doesn’t directly address Nalini’s concerns about the fairness of the bonus distribution. Option E : This is more about Shalini’s past and her relationship with her previous boss. It doesn’t provide a direct reason for Nalini to keep her bonus. It might make Nalini question Shalini’s judgement, but it doesn’t validate Nalini’s performance or the bonus she received.
Q31Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. In Symbolis, an upcoming medium sized IT services organization, only 1% of the employees were awarded an annual performance bonus. This annual performance bonus was decided by a committee formed of different functional heads. When Ms. Nalini Kattakayam received the annual bonus for the first time in her five years at Symbolis, Ms. Shalini Sampath, a colleague with seven years of tenure at Symbolis, told Nalini that this annual bonus was less a reflection of Nalini's performance and more a recognition of those who have fostered a strong rapport with the powers that be. Incidentally, Shalini had never received any performance bonus in her tenure at the company.

Since receiving the performance bonus, Nalini noticed a change in how her teammates behaved with her; they appeared indifferent towards her. Although there were no major issues, Nalini could not help but sense that her teammates began to perceive her as having a closer relationship with the top brass, following her recent accomplishment. Nalini assumed that her teammates might be influenced by Shalini; consequently, they seemed to be avoiding informal interactions with her. As Nalini had to rely on the support of her teammates, what could Nalini BEST do to normalize her relationship with them?

  • ADo nothing in the hope that things will normalize in time.
  • BConfront Shalini and ask her to stop spreading rumors.
  • CInvite her teammates for dinner on a weekend.
  • DStart saying negative things about their bosses to her teammates.
  • ETalk to her teammates regarding their indifference towards her.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (Talk to her teammates regarding their indifference towards her.) Option E is the best thing she could do to normalize her relationship with her teammates.It is the most direct and constructive approach. By addressing the issue openly, Nalini can express her feelings, clarify any misunderstandings, and work towards a resolution. It’s important to maintain open lines of communication in a team, and this approach allows for that. Option A : This is a passive approach, which might not resolve the issue and could even allow misunderstandings to persist. Option B : This could lead to conflict and doesn’t address the issue with the rest of the team. Option C : This could help improve relationships, but it might not be effective given the current circumstances. Since her teammates have been avoiding informal interactions with her, they might not be open to attending such a gathering. Option D : This could create a negative environment, and it is unprofessional. It’s unlikely to improve her relationship with her teammates.
Q32Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. In Symbolis, an upcoming medium sized IT services organization, only 1% of the employees were awarded an annual performance bonus. This annual performance bonus was decided by a committee formed of different functional heads. When Ms. Nalini Kattakayam received the annual bonus for the first time in her five years at Symbolis, Ms. Shalini Sampath, a colleague with seven years of tenure at Symbolis, told Nalini that this annual bonus was less a reflection of Nalini's performance and more a recognition of those who have fostered a strong rapport with the powers that be. Incidentally, Shalini had never received any performance bonus in her tenure at the company.

A significant project recently arrived at Symbolis, and Nalini was chosen to spearhead it. She was given the autonomy to create her own team to collaborate and drive this project to success. Nalini wanted to build a team where each of the team members worked with great comradery. As Shalini had previous experience of working with the client, Nalini offered her to join the team. However, Shalini expressed her willingness to work on the project only on the condition that she would be appointed as a team leader. Nalini was aware that the client was very difficult to work with. Of the three previous projects with the client, only the one, where Shalini was a team member, was successfully completed. What should be the BEST course of action for Nalini regarding the inclusion of Shalini in the team?

  • AForm a team without Shalini and inform her boss about Shalini's demand.
  • BAsk Shalini to reconsider as this project can be important to both of them.Correct answer
  • CTell her boss that Shalini should lead the team as she has worked with the client before.
  • DComplain about Shalini's attitude to the human resource manager.
  • ERequest her boss to order Shalini to join the team.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Ask Shalini to reconsider as this project can be important to both of them.) Option B is the best course of action for Nalini regarding Shalini's inclusion in the team. It encourages open communication and negotiation, which are key to resolving conflicts and misunderstandings in a professional setting. Nalini can explain the project's importance and how Shalini’s experience and skills can contribute to its success. Option A : This could potentially escalate the situation and create further tension between Nalini and Shalini. Option C : This undermines Nalini’s authority and autonomy as the chosen leader for the project. Option D : This could escalate the situation and might not resolve the issue at hand. It’s generally better to try and resolve conflicts directly with the person involved before involving HR.  Option E : This might not be effective because it doesn’t address Shalini’s concerns or her desire to lead the team. Forcing Shalini to join the team without addressing these issues could lead to a hostile work environment and might not contribute to the success of the project.
Q33Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Raman had been working tirelessly as a Project Manager in the IT department of Flying Groceries, a renowned app-based supply chain company, for the past three years. Having graduated from a top-tier engineering college, he dived straight into the corporate world, managing projects with great zeal that inspired his seniors. At the end of his first year with Flying Groceries, impressed with his hard work, Raman's boss, Suraj, the founder-CEO of Flying Groceries, fast-tracked his promotion and made him Delivery Manager responsible for multiple projects of a vertical. Suraj also promised Raman the position of Chief Operation Officer in the fifth year of his tenure. In search of a greater career trajectory, Raman pursued entrance exams for business schools. His efforts bore fruits as he secured a place in the country's best business school, known for a strong alumni base, stellar placement records and demanding academic requirements. Raman was delighted; he had three months to join the business school. Flying Groceries demanded that any employee who wished to leave the organization should give at least a month's notice. Raman decided to continue working and enriching his work experience, which will be beneficial when applying to companies after graduating from the business school. Therefore, he decided not to share the news of the offer with anyone else for the time being.

Flying Groceries was planning to implement a much-needed update to enhance the functionality and user experience of their app. According to Suraj, the update was expected to take at least six months to complete. Suraj wanted Raman to lead this project because his leadership was critical for the project's success. However, Raman knew that he would be there only for three months; he was not sure whether he should accept the project.

Which of the following information, if true, will BEST assist Raman in accepting the role of leading the project?

  • ADuring his time with Flying Groceries, Raman finished some projects ahead of schedule.
  • BRaman could requisition more human resources to his team for the next three months.
  • CSuraj might advise against the update if he got to know that Raman was leaving soon.
  • DThe last two projects Raman led were successfully completed by his subordinates during his exams.Correct answer
  • ERaman had previously taken many projects home, and the business school would have no classes during the weekends.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (The last two projects Raman led were successfully completed by his subordinates during his exams.) Let's look at each option individually.  Option A : This wouldn't help Raman decide to take on the project. Just because he's completed some projects ahead of schedule in the past doesn't guarantee he can finish this one within the three-month timeframe. Option B : While Raman could request Flying Groceries and Suraj to allocate more resources to the project, there's no mention that a lack of resources is the reason for the six-month completion timeframe. Other factors may contribute to the project's duration, even with additional resources and manpower. Option C : Even if Suraj opposes the project upon learning Raman would leave the team, that isn't a reason for Raman to undertake the project knowing he won't see it through to completion. Not starting the project might be better for Flying Groceries than initiating it and then losing the project lead halfway through. Option D : Among the given options, this would be the best choice. Although Raman's subordinates' past record of completing projects doesn't guarantee success with this project, it demonstrates their competence. Even if Raman leaves halfway through, capable team members could assume his role and finish the project. Option E : This wouldn't be a valid reason. It would strain Raman with demanding academic requirements from the Business school he's attending, and it wouldn't align with a company's work ethic. Flying Groceries might not want to rely on a former employee who might not fully commit to project completion. Therefore, of all the given options, Option D would best assist Raman in deciding to take on the role of project leader.
Q34Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Raman had been working tirelessly as a Project Manager in the IT department of Flying Groceries, a renowned app-based supply chain company, for the past three years. Having graduated from a top-tier engineering college, he dived straight into the corporate world, managing projects with great zeal that inspired his seniors. At the end of his first year with Flying Groceries, impressed with his hard work, Raman's boss, Suraj, the founder-CEO of Flying Groceries, fast-tracked his promotion and made him Delivery Manager responsible for multiple projects of a vertical. Suraj also promised Raman the position of Chief Operation Officer in the fifth year of his tenure. In search of a greater career trajectory, Raman pursued entrance exams for business schools. His efforts bore fruits as he secured a place in the country's best business school, known for a strong alumni base, stellar placement records and demanding academic requirements. Raman was delighted; he had three months to join the business school. Flying Groceries demanded that any employee who wished to leave the organization should give at least a month's notice. Raman decided to continue working and enriching his work experience, which will be beneficial when applying to companies after graduating from the business school. Therefore, he decided not to share the news of the offer with anyone else for the time being.

After a couple of months, Raman resigned. Suraj was shocked by Raman's resignation and asked him to reconsider his decision. When Raman expressed his inability to continue, Suraj felt betrayed. This led to a series of heated arguments between them, and they swore to never work together again. Raman joined the business school; however, he soon realized that that summer internship placements were approaching. Consequently, he would require verification of his responsibilities from Flying Groceries.

Which of the following actions is the MOST appropriate for Raman to obtain his verification?

  • ARaman should write a sincere and professional apology letter, expressing regret for the argument Raman had with Suraj.
  • BRaman should write an email to Suraj, emphasizing Raman's roles and responsibilities, and request him to approve them.
  • CRaman should contact the HR representative to facilitate the verification of Raman's responsibilities.Correct answer
  • DRaman should reach out to a mutual acquaintance within the company and ask her to intervene.
  • ERaman should re-establish communication with Suraj through social media platforms like Facebook and persuade him there.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Raman should contact the HR representative to facilitate the verification of Raman's responsibilities.) Let's evaluate each option individually. Option A : Attempting to mend personal relations with Suraj through unofficial means might soften the hard feelings between them, but it's not an appropriate way to obtain the required documentation. Additionally, there's no guarantee that writing an apology letter would improve relations or help Raman reach his goal. Option B : Although more official and on-point compared to option A, this still doesn't guarantee a smooth process for Raman to obtain the required documentation from Flying Groceries. Even with official channels, Suraj might delay the process or downplay his responsibilities given the past conflict. While worth considering, we should look for a better option. Option C : This would be the best course of action for Raman. Making it HR's responsibility to provide the valid documentation of Raman's work removes the direct involvement of Suraj, eliminating the potential conflict between Suraj and Raman. Option D : Asking a former colleague who lacks authority or power in the matter wouldn't significantly impact or expedite the process. Option C is a superior choice to this. Option E : Similar to option A, trying to mend personal relations with Suraj is not an appropriate means for Raman to obtain his documentation. Therefore, this option can be eliminated. Overall, Option C appears to be the most effective and appropriate course of action for Raman to obtain the necessary documentation. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Q35Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Raman had been working tirelessly as a Project Manager in the IT department of Flying Groceries, a renowned app-based supply chain company, for the past three years. Having graduated from a top-tier engineering college, he dived straight into the corporate world, managing projects with great zeal that inspired his seniors. At the end of his first year with Flying Groceries, impressed with his hard work, Raman's boss, Suraj, the founder-CEO of Flying Groceries, fast-tracked his promotion and made him Delivery Manager responsible for multiple projects of a vertical. Suraj also promised Raman the position of Chief Operation Officer in the fifth year of his tenure. In search of a greater career trajectory, Raman pursued entrance exams for business schools. His efforts bore fruits as he secured a place in the country's best business school, known for a strong alumni base, stellar placement records and demanding academic requirements. Raman was delighted; he had three months to join the business school. Flying Groceries demanded that any employee who wished to leave the organization should give at least a month's notice. Raman decided to continue working and enriching his work experience, which will be beneficial when applying to companies after graduating from the business school. Therefore, he decided not to share the news of the offer with anyone else for the time being.

Raman received a verification letter from Flying Groceries outlining his basic job responsibilities during his tenure there. However, Raman required a document to substantiate the additional responsibilities he undertook at Flying Groceries by going beyond his call of duty. Sadly, he did not have any documentation of such additional responsibilities.

Which of the following options will BEST help substantiate the additional responsibilities Raman undertook?

  • ARaman should create documentation, detailing quantifiable metrics and results about his extra work based on his memory.
  • BRaman should collect testimonials on his additional responsibilities from his ex-teammates at Flying Groceries.Correct answer
  • CRaman should write a public post on social media, appealing to Suraj, mentioning the challenges he faced while taking additional responsibilities, and how he overcame them.
  • DRaman should call Suraj and explain that he will not be able to get a consulting or an operations job without verification.
  • ERaman should reach out to the recently recruited Chief Supply Chain officer at Flying Groceries to highlight the additional work he contributed to facilitate the officer's tasks.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Raman should collect testimonials on his additional responsibilities from his ex-teammates at Flying Groceries.) Let's evaluate each option individually.  Option A: This is not a valid option. Not only would documentation made from Raman's memory lack accuracy, but it also wouldn't be verified by the employer or the previous organization. This would render the documentation useless for his internship placement or any other purpose he might need them for. Option B: This would be a valid option. Raman's ex-teammates could provide more accurate data regarding his additional contributions. Documentation of additional roles undertaken coming from employees within the organization would be more official and credible than if Raman were the sole source, as presented in option A. Option C: Taking an organization's internal matters to social media is rarely a valid option. Such matters should be handled professionally and not made public. Additionally, highlighting his additional responsibilities on social media provides no way of verifying the validity of the information presented there. Option D: Given the context of the disagreement they had when Raman left his job at Flying Groceries, which left a sour taste between them, there is no guarantee that Suraj would agree to provide Raman with additional documentation needed for him to secure a desired role. Option E: Since the Chief Supply Chain officer is recently recruited, he might not be familiar with the additional responsibilities Raman took on. Thus, he wouldn't be a reliable source for Raman to obtain documentation listing his additional responsibilities during his time at Flying Groceries. Hence, Option B would be the best way for Raman to back the additional roles he took during his time at Flying Groceries.  Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.
Q36Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Kasta, a small industrial town hosted a steel plant and its associated ancillary companies. Most of its residents were steel plant employees from different states of the country. While the town offered employment opportunities, it lacked an airport. For those wanting to fly, the nearest airport was in Michaelganj, 100 kms from Kasta. To reach the airport, people rented taxi services available at Kasta, and Prabhu was one such taxi-service provider. Prabhu's rates were reasonable — a trip to airport cost Rs. 2200, but for a round trip, the fare was Rs. 3000. Yet, it was not just the affordability that made him popular, his reputation for punctuality and reliability was unmatched. When it came to ensuring the safety of women travelling alone, he would always be the first choice. Such was his trustworthiness that even the steel plant would solicit his services when expecting solo female visitors. Moreover, whenever residents encountered issues with their personal cars, they would turn to Prabhu for help. However, the world shifted when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Travel restrictions and safety concerns limited Prabhu's trips to Michaelganj for over a year and a half. Financial strain followed, with accumulating interest on his home loan. He was weighed down by debt, but things improved once COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted. Having faced financial hardships during COVID-19, he sought to offset his losses by raising the fare. Yet, he was aware of the stiff competition in town, where many others offered services at a similar fare as his.

Prabhu decided to increase the taxi fare for all future trips. He planned to charge Rs. 3000 for a one-way trip to the airport, and Rs. 1000 more for a round trip. Which of the following facts will BEST help Prabhu's regular customers in accepting the increase in fare?

  • ABecause, the cost of living has gone up in Kasta.
  • BBecause, Prabhu is punctual and reliable.Correct answer
  • CBecause, Prabhu is facing financial hardships.
  • DBecause, Prabhu offers repair services to residents' car-related issues.
  • EBecause, Prabhu serves many top officials of the steel plant.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Because, Prabhu is punctual and reliable.) Here's the corrected version: We are clearly given in the passage that it was not just Prabhu's affordability that made him popular, but also his punctuality and reliability. We are not told about any price hikes by Prabhu's competition after the lockdown, so we cannot be assured if Prabhu was charging less, equal to, or more than his competitors. Further, the question asks us about what factors would help Prabhu's regular customers in accepting the fare increase. The regular customers, which were the solo females and the official trips by the steel plant, would value punctuality and reliability over a price hike. Let's evaluate each option to see which one would suit our needs best: Option A : This option accounts for the general price increase or a simpler version of inflation within the town. Even if it were true, this does not mean it would be enough for Prabhu's regular customers to accept his hiked prices. There might be other drivers who might have also increased their prices, but not to such an extent as Prabhu. Option B : This helps Prabhu's regular customers in accepting his increased prices. Although they would be paying more than necessary, they would be sure about the safety and punctuality with Prabhu, which is important for solo female travelers and official trips to the steel plant. Option C : Although the people of the town might be sympathetic towards Prabhu, they cannot sustain paying increased prices just out of sympathy for a service they might get cheaper elsewhere. Option D : This is an additional service that Prabhu provides. Although this might keep regular customers coming back to him for servicing their cars, it does not help his case for increasing his prices and the customers accepting them. Option E : This is irrelevant to the concerns of his regular customers, other than those on official trips from the steel plant. Offering a luxurious name or a service used by top officials might attract some higher officials and individuals, but the increased prices take away the affordability factor associated with Prabhu, acting as a deterrent for his regular customers. Although some of these options were close, option B clearly resonates with the reason for Prabhu's popularity as given in the questions, and thus would be the best fit.  Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.
Q37Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Kasta, a small industrial town hosted a steel plant and its associated ancillary companies. Most of its residents were steel plant employees from different states of the country. While the town offered employment opportunities, it lacked an airport. For those wanting to fly, the nearest airport was in Michaelganj, 100 kms from Kasta. To reach the airport, people rented taxi services available at Kasta, and Prabhu was one such taxi-service provider. Prabhu's rates were reasonable — a trip to airport cost Rs. 2200, but for a round trip, the fare was Rs. 3000. Yet, it was not just the affordability that made him popular, his reputation for punctuality and reliability was unmatched. When it came to ensuring the safety of women travelling alone, he would always be the first choice. Such was his trustworthiness that even the steel plant would solicit his services when expecting solo female visitors. Moreover, whenever residents encountered issues with their personal cars, they would turn to Prabhu for help. However, the world shifted when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Travel restrictions and safety concerns limited Prabhu's trips to Michaelganj for over a year and a half. Financial strain followed, with accumulating interest on his home loan. He was weighed down by debt, but things improved once COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted. Having faced financial hardships during COVID-19, he sought to offset his losses by raising the fare. Yet, he was aware of the stiff competition in town, where many others offered services at a similar fare as his.

After Prabhu increased his charges by 30%, the revenue flow was promising in the beginning, especially from the steel plant's official trips. After a few months, he noticed a dip in private bookings. On exploring further, Prabhu realized that while women travelling solo still preferred Prabhu's service, some of his regular customers were choosing his competitors when travelling as a family. However, he knew that his competitors, while charging lower than him, were still tardy and sometimes cancelled at the last minute.

Which of the following options will BEST help Prabhu to retain his revenue flow?

  • ARevert the pricing of services to its prior rate.
  • BGive 50% discount for personal trips.
  • CStick to his current increased charges.Correct answer
  • DCharge a premium when women travel solo.
  • ECharge a premium for the steel plant's official trips.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Stick to his current increased charges.) Our aim with this question is for Prabhu to somehow retain his revenue flow. Let's consider each option individually. Option A : This does not work in Prabhu's favor. Reducing his prices might bring some of his customers back, but it's uncertain whether those returning customers would compensate for the revenue loss caused by the reduced prices. Option B : Giving a 50% discount would also drastically impact his revenue sources. The customers coming back might not be able to compensate for the money he would lose out by offering this discount. Option D : Although he is the first choice for women travelling alone, with his competitors offering lower prices, some female customers would be hesitant to pay a premium on top of already high prices for Prabhu's service. This decision might instead have a negative impact on his revenue flow. Option E : Similar to option D, this too, can be eliminated using the same logic. Charging a premium on top of already increased prices might discourage the steel plant from availing his services. Through the method of elimination of wrong choices, we are left with only one option. Option C : Stick to his increased prices. Although not very obvious at first, this would be the best action of all the given options. We are given that the competitors offering cheaper services are tardy and unreliable, which would bring his regular customers, traveling in families, back to him due to the feature that attracted them in the first place: reliability and punctuality. Until then, he can sustain the bookings done by female travelers and the official trips by the steel plant. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
Q38Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Kasta, a small industrial town hosted a steel plant and its associated ancillary companies. Most of its residents were steel plant employees from different states of the country. While the town offered employment opportunities, it lacked an airport. For those wanting to fly, the nearest airport was in Michaelganj, 100 kms from Kasta. To reach the airport, people rented taxi services available at Kasta, and Prabhu was one such taxi-service provider. Prabhu's rates were reasonable — a trip to airport cost Rs. 2200, but for a round trip, the fare was Rs. 3000. Yet, it was not just the affordability that made him popular, his reputation for punctuality and reliability was unmatched. When it came to ensuring the safety of women travelling alone, he would always be the first choice. Such was his trustworthiness that even the steel plant would solicit his services when expecting solo female visitors. Moreover, whenever residents encountered issues with their personal cars, they would turn to Prabhu for help. However, the world shifted when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Travel restrictions and safety concerns limited Prabhu's trips to Michaelganj for over a year and a half. Financial strain followed, with accumulating interest on his home loan. He was weighed down by debt, but things improved once COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted. Having faced financial hardships during COVID-19, he sought to offset his losses by raising the fare. Yet, he was aware of the stiff competition in town, where many others offered services at a similar fare as his.

Saroj, the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the steel plant, used the services of Manoj when he first travelled from the Michaelganj airport to the plant. Manoj was a rival of Prabhu in the taxi service business at Kasta. Manoj, upon learning that Saroj would be responsible for hiring taxi services for the steel plant, charged Saroj only Rs. 1500 for that trip. Further, he assured Saroj to charge the same for a one way-trip and additional Rs. 500 for a round trip to the airport. Upon realizing that the plant utilized Prabhu's services for all official trips to the airport, Saroj contacted Prabhu to discuss the rates offered by Manoj and inquired why the plant should continue using his service when Manoj provided the same at a lower price. Prabhu realized that Manoj charged an extremely low price just to push Prabhu out of his business in the Steel Plant.

Which of the following reasons given by Prabhu will BEST help his cause?

  • APrabhu should warn Saroj that Manoj's offer is not sustainable.
  • BPrabhu should request Saroj to talk to a few of his colleagues before taking any decision.Correct answer
  • CPrabhu should introduce Saroj to Ms. Nidhi Tawde, his regular customer.
  • DPrabhu should offer to lower his price to the one offered by Manoj, exclusively for the steel plant.
  • EPrabhu should tell Saroj that Manoj is unreliable and tardy, and women are unsafe with him.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Prabhu should request Saroj to talk to a few of his colleagues before taking any decision.) The key thing to understand here is that Saroj is a new person in town. He is not familiar with the reliability of Prabhu's service. The reason given by Prabhu should be enough to convince him to trust Prabhu over Manoj, both of whom are equal in his eyes at the moment. Let's look at the options individually. Option A : Talking about the economic side of things might help Saroj, being a CFO, understand that the model offered by Manoj would actually not be sustainable and the prices would go up sometime down the line. But this does not mean that they cannot use the service until it's available at a lower price. As soon as Manoj increases his prices, someone (the market) would come again with lower prices to make Manoj go out of business, and they can avail the lower prices again. So this reasoning does not help Prabhu in convincing Saroj; the steel plant can always keep choosing the lowest prices available. Option C : Although Ms. Nidhi Tawde might vouch for Prabhu's services' safety and reliability, she is as much a stranger to Saroj as Prabhu. Although her statement might add one perspective in favour of Prabhu, this would not be enough to convince Saroj of the positive aspects of Prabhu's services. Option D : Although this might convince Saroj to choose Prabhu, this would not be a sustainable option. Not only would it hurt Prabhu, but as soon as Prabhu would want to increase his prices, Saroj would go back to other service providers who would be charging less. Option E : Talking negatively about Manoj would not convince Saroj, as again, from Saroj's perspective, both Manoj and Prabhu are offering their services and would claim to be more reliable than the other. The only way Saroj would be convinced would be if someone whom Saroj would find reliable vouched for Prabhu's reliability. With his reputation and his time working for the official trips for the steel plant, there would be a lot of employees who would have travelled with Prabhu and would be familiar with his reputation. If Prabhu asks Saroj to discuss with his colleagues, as suggested in option B, who would vouch for Prabhu over Manoj, Saroj would be convinced to keep using Prabhu's services even at a higher price. Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.
Q39Decision Making·Business Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Ms. Vineeta Lama, a respected figure in the small town of Jampur, found herself stranded on the road, once again, when her old small hatchback car broke down. Finding herself alone on the deserted road with no one to help, Vineeta, in desperation called Shyam Saigal, the General Manager of Balaji Motors − the only dealership in Jampur that sells Diplomatico cars, the brand that Vineeta drives. Vineeta knew Shyam from her frequent visits for getting her hatchback car serviced. Surprisingly, he arrived within fifteen minutes, accompanied by a mechanic from his dealership. Further, he arranged for the vehicle to be towed and kindly offered Vineeta a ride home. On the way back, he advised Vineeta to exchange her old car with a new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on a good discount from his dealership. He assured her that he would add several additional services to ensure her SUV remained in excellent condition for many years ahead.

Due to her old car's frequent breakdowns, Vineeta decided it was a time to replace it. She was afraid whether buying a Diplomatico SUV from Balaji Motors, as suggested by Shyam, will be a right decision for her. Which of the following pieces of additional information will help her the MOST in taking the right decision?

  • AShe has no idea which SUV to choose, and she feels that all SUVs are the same.
  • BHer brother, an SUV enthusiast, staying in a metro city, has advised her to stay away from Diplomatico Cars.Correct answer
  • CIn Jampur, SUVs have a 6-month waiting period; however, one red-coloured Diplomatico SUV, not her favourite colour, is available at Balaji Motors.
  • DJampur, being an old city with congested roads, has a parking problem in many areas.
  • EA new dealership of Panther Motors, the highest selling car brand in the country, is about to come to the town soon.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Her brother, an SUV enthusiast, staying in a metro city, has advised her to stay away from Diplomatico Cars.) Option B provides critical information for Vineeta's decision. Vineeta's brother is an SUV enthusiast, suggesting he has knowledge and experience with these vehicles. He is also a trusted source for this reason. His advice specifically warns her against Diplomatico cars, which directly impact the brand Shyam (from Balaji Motors) is promoting. With this information, Vineeta can investigate the reasons behind her brother's negative perception of Diplomatico and look beyond the brand Shyam suggested and explore other SUV options available. Option A highlights Vineeta's lack of knowledge about SUVs, but it doesn't directly influence the decision itself. Regardless of which brand she chooses, she'll need to research specific models. Option C focuses on availability, not suitability. The waiting period might be inconvenient, but it doesn't eliminate SUVs as a whole. Option D doesn't eliminate SUVs entirely. She might still choose one of the benefits, like cargo space, to outweigh the challenges of parking and manoeuvring. Option E : A new dealership, even for a popular brand, doesn't tell Vineeta if they offer SUVs or if they'll be a better fit than a Diplomatico SUV. It introduces another variable but doesn't directly address the suggestion at hand.
Q40Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Ms. Vineeta Lama, a respected figure in the small town of Jampur, found herself stranded on the road, once again, when her old small hatchback car broke down. Finding herself alone on the deserted road with no one to help, Vineeta, in desperation called Shyam Saigal, the General Manager of Balaji Motors − the only dealership in Jampur that sells Diplomatico cars, the brand that Vineeta drives. Vineeta knew Shyam from her frequent visits for getting her hatchback car serviced. Surprisingly, he arrived within fifteen minutes, accompanied by a mechanic from his dealership. Further, he arranged for the vehicle to be towed and kindly offered Vineeta a ride home. On the way back, he advised Vineeta to exchange her old car with a new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on a good discount from his dealership. He assured her that he would add several additional services to ensure her SUV remained in excellent condition for many years ahead.

Shyam's satisfaction from meeting the month's quota for selling SUVs turned to dismay when one of his young executives nervously told him that he mistakenly punched an extended warranty for free to Vineeta's purchase contract earlier that morning. This could not be reversed from the company's system and meant a loss of Rs. 19,000 for the dealership. The executive was very sorry and was ready to take accountability. However, the amount was too large to be borne by the executive. Shyam was not concerned about placing accountability, but rather the recovery of the loss. He was unsure whether he should ask Vineeta for the money. The following pieces of information are available to Shyam: A. Shyam is aware that Vineeta is very happy with the deal he gave her for the car. B. Shyam feels that Diplomatico's software system is complicated for new employees, which might have also played a role in the error. C. Vineeta has a wide network and can connect Shyam with many potential customers. D. Vineeta's brother, a car enthusiast, has enough knowledge of how car dealers operate. E. Shyam feels that if he maintains the current sales volume, he might be able to persuade Diplomatico to write off the amount (Rs. 19,000).

Which of the following combinations, of the above pieces of information, will MOST likely stop Shyam from trying to recover the money from Vineeta?

  • AA & B
  • BA & D
  • CC & D
  • DC & ECorrect answer
  • EB & E

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (C & E) Let us consider each of the pieces of information individually. Option A : Happy with the Deal: While Vineeta might be happy, the error isn't her fault. Shyam still needs to recover the loss. Option B : Software Complexity: This explains the mistake but doesn't excuse Vineeta from receiving an unintended benefit. Option C : Wide Network & Potential Customers: Vineeta's extensive network translates to potential future sales for Balaji Motors. Upsetting her over a Rs. 19,000 mistake could jeopardise this benefit. Option D : Brother's Knowledge: Vineeta's brother might question the mistake, but it doesn't prevent Shyam from asking for the money back. He might even advise her to return it to avoid future issues. Option E: Potential Write-off: If Shyam can convince Diplomatico (the car manufacturer) to absorb the cost of the extended warranty, it eliminates the need to approach Vineeta altogether. In essence, maintaining a good relationship with a valuable customer (C) and potentially getting reimbursed by Diplomatico (E) offer Shyam better ways to address the situation. This is why C and E are the most likely factors to prevent him from approaching Vineeta. Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Q41Decision Making·Ethical Dilemma

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. Ms. Vineeta Lama, a respected figure in the small town of Jampur, found herself stranded on the road, once again, when her old small hatchback car broke down. Finding herself alone on the deserted road with no one to help, Vineeta, in desperation called Shyam Saigal, the General Manager of Balaji Motors − the only dealership in Jampur that sells Diplomatico cars, the brand that Vineeta drives. Vineeta knew Shyam from her frequent visits for getting her hatchback car serviced. Surprisingly, he arrived within fifteen minutes, accompanied by a mechanic from his dealership. Further, he arranged for the vehicle to be towed and kindly offered Vineeta a ride home. On the way back, he advised Vineeta to exchange her old car with a new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on a good discount from his dealership. He assured her that he would add several additional services to ensure her SUV remained in excellent condition for many years ahead.

Three months passed. While returning from a friend's house, Vineeta's new SUV was hit by another car. Fortunately, she was not injured, but the SUV was badly damaged. Surprisingly, when Vineeta took the car for repairs to Balaji Motors, she was told that the repairs would not cost her anything as the extended warranty on her car covered such accidents. Vineeta could not recall purchasing such a warranty; hence, she contacted Shyam. Shyam informed her that the extended warranty was mistakenly punched into her contract by an executive. As this mistake could not be reversed due to the company's rigid policies, Shyam bore the cost of Rs. 19,000. He further added that Vineeta should consider it a gift from Balaji Motors for purchasing the highest-priced Diplomatico SUV. As Vineeta rode back home, she wondered if she should pay Rs. 19,000 to Shyam since the extended warranty came to her aid that day.

Which of the following is the MOST compelling rationale for Vineeta to justify not paying Rs. 19,000 to Shyam?

  • AShe paid more for the Diplomatico SUV, compared to the price of a similar SUV from Panther.
  • BShe is aware that for expensive SUVs like hers, dealers often offer free extended warranty.Correct answer
  • CThe mistake happened three months back and is water under the bridge now.
  • DHad the accident not happened, she would not have been aware of the warranty.
  • EShyam would have come back to her if he had needed the money.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (She is aware that for expensive SUVs like hers, dealers often offer free extended warranty.) Option B is the best rationale for Vineeta. Here’s why: Market Expectatio n: Vineeta might feel that for the price she paid for a high-end SUV, a free extended warranty is a reasonable expectation within the car dealership industry. This mistake simply fulfills that expectation she might have had. Bargaining Leverage: By mentioning this common practice, Vineeta can initiate a negotiation with Shyam. She can argue that since the mistake resulted in a benefit she might have expected anyway, it can be considered a wash. Option A - Price Comparison: Even if a similar SUV from Panther might have been cheaper without an extended warranty, it doesn't negate the fact that the warranty is now covering Vineeta's repairs. Option C - Time Passed: The time gap doesn't change the fact that the mistake benefited Vineeta. Option D is entirely focused on the past (she wasn't aware). It doesn't address the current situation or a potential solution. Option E - Shyam's Need: This puts the responsibility on Shyam to ask for the money back, rather than Vineeta taking the initiative to return it, especially since the mistake benefitted her.
Q42Decision Making·Business Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. ABC Business School was a school with a difference. Regarded as one of the top business schools in western India, but relatively unknown beyond that, the school catered to smaller organizations seeking to hire students for sales and marketing positions, with occasional openings in HR roles. These students were open to secure job opportunities, even if they offered relatively lower salaries. The organizations, that recruited from ABC, did not really care for the talent, but appreciated the students' ability to follow orders without questioning them. The school's strength laid in its alumni, who consistently returned to the institution for recruitment, thereby ensuring the school's continued existence. Given the placement record, the school attracted a specific segment of business school aspirants, who wanted a solid job but were not excited about learning.

Recently, some alumni of ABC threatened that their children should be given preference in admissions, or they would withdraw as recruiters. The director was, however, hesitant about allowing alumni to interfere in running the school because the fairness of the admissions process had earned ABC high respect within the corporate world that recruited from the school.

Which of the following reasons, if true, will BEST help the director NOT to worry about pandering to those alumni?

  • AThe alumni were the reason that ABC was able to attract corporates.
  • BSome of the alumni were regularly teaching as guest faculty in the school.
  • CThe alumni depend upon ABC's success to enhance their employability.Correct answer
  • DNo business school, in the region, has allowed alumni any say in managing the operations.
  • EABC has not entertained any requests from the alumni till date.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (The alumni depend upon ABC's success to enhance their employability.) Option C is the best answer for the following reasons: 1) It weakens the alumni's leverage. If their success relies on ABC's reputation for quality graduates, they have a vested interest in upholding the school's standards, including a fair admissions process. 2) It shifts the power dynamic. By highlighting the alumni's need for ABC's reputation, the director can frame the conversation around cooperation for mutual benefit, rather than succumbing to pressure. Option A highlights the alumni's importance. It emphasizes their role in attracting recruiters, potentially making the director feel pressured to appease them to maintain that connection. Option B doesn't directly address the admissions issue. Guest faculty roles are separate from admissions decisions, and having alumni involved could even be seen as a positive sign of engagement. Option D is a good option, but option C is even stronger. While it shows there's no precedent for alumni interference, it doesn't address the alumni's own motivations. Option E shows the director hasn't given in before, but it doesn't address the current pressure. The alumni might be more forceful this time, and the director needs a reason to justify saying no again.
Q43Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. ABC Business School was a school with a difference. Regarded as one of the top business schools in western India, but relatively unknown beyond that, the school catered to smaller organizations seeking to hire students for sales and marketing positions, with occasional openings in HR roles. These students were open to secure job opportunities, even if they offered relatively lower salaries. The organizations, that recruited from ABC, did not really care for the talent, but appreciated the students' ability to follow orders without questioning them. The school's strength laid in its alumni, who consistently returned to the institution for recruitment, thereby ensuring the school's continued existence. Given the placement record, the school attracted a specific segment of business school aspirants, who wanted a solid job but were not excited about learning.

Across the country, business schools were ranked by popular magazines. A few business schools in the same region were applying for rankings, hoping that rankings will affect their visibility among corporate houses and recruiters. To achieve a good rank, ABC faculty members, who have primarily focused on teaching thus far, would need to actively engage in research and consulting activities. The director was aware that asking the faculty to switch to research and consulting would not be easy.

Which of the following facts will BEST help the director not to worry about applying for rankings?

  • AThe alumni do not follow research publications in general.
  • BThe alumni do not care for the teachers, or classes, in general.
  • CThe alumni are aware that ABC offers a retainable talent pool.Correct answer
  • DABC's placements in the previous year were completed in 4 days.
  • EABC could never break into the top 40 ranks in the country when it applied earlier.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (The alumni are aware that ABC offers a retainable talent pool.) Option C is the best answer as the alumni's awareness of ABC's "retainable talent pool" directly addresses a key metric for many business school rankings: graduate employability. If alumni consistently return to recruit because ABC graduates stay with companies (low turnover), it demonstrates the school's effectiveness in producing valuable employees. This is a strong selling point for rankings that focus on placement success. By focusing on alumni satisfaction with the quality of graduates, the director can shift the focus away from rankings that might not be as relevant to ABC's niche market and concentrate on maintaining the school's core strength - job placement. Option A : This doesn't matter for rankings. Research is typically a factor for faculty-focused rankings, not those aimed at student placement. Option B : Similar to A, student satisfaction might be a factor in some rankings, but it's not the main focus for placement-oriented rankings. Option D : A quick placement record can be a positive for rankings that consider efficiency, but it's not the sole factor. Option E : Past performance doesn't necessarily predict future results. However, it highlights the potential challenge of breaking into the top ranks.
Q44Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. ABC Business School was a school with a difference. Regarded as one of the top business schools in western India, but relatively unknown beyond that, the school catered to smaller organizations seeking to hire students for sales and marketing positions, with occasional openings in HR roles. These students were open to secure job opportunities, even if they offered relatively lower salaries. The organizations, that recruited from ABC, did not really care for the talent, but appreciated the students' ability to follow orders without questioning them. The school's strength laid in its alumni, who consistently returned to the institution for recruitment, thereby ensuring the school's continued existence. Given the placement record, the school attracted a specific segment of business school aspirants, who wanted a solid job but were not excited about learning.

A few faculty members complained to the director regarding the lack of attendance and seriousness among many students during classes and exams. The director knew that this had been the case for decades but became more rampant in the last few years. He was also aware that the classes were mostly rituals, conducted to tell the world that ABC believed in education and had little bearing on placements. However, he believed that students must be told to attend classes and take exams with serious attitude.

Which of the following announcements by the director will BEST ensure that faculty stop complaining about student attendance?

  • AStudents, who attend every class, should be given "thank you" notes from the director.
  • BStudents should be asked to pay a monetary penalty for missing classes.
  • CFaculty members, who make classes very engaging, should be felicitated during the convocation.
  • DOnly students, with at least 85 percent class attendance, will participate in placements.Correct answer
  • EStudents should be rewarded for contributing to in-class discussions and learning.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Only students, with at least 85 percent class attendance, will participate in placements.) Option D is the best answer because it directly ties placement, the students' primary goal, to class attendance. An 85% threshold is a significant hurdle, forcing students to prioritize attending classes. This incentivizes them to be physically present and potentially more engaged to meet the attendance requirement. Option A : "Thank you" notes wouldn't incentivize attendance and might seem patronizing. Option B : Financial penalties might demotivate students or create financial hardship. It wouldn't address the core issue of engagement. Option C : While appreciating good faculty is a good idea, it doesn't directly address the student attendance issue. Option E : Rewarding participation is a good long-term strategy, but it wouldn't immediately address the attendance problem.
Q45Decision Making·Business Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. DeepSea is a natural gas extraction company that retrieves natural gas from rock formations beneath the seabed. This gas is then transported through its extensive pipeline network to a bottling plant, located at the sea surface, for processing. The gas in rock formations is pressurized, enabling it to flow to the surface and reach the bottling plant. Yet, excessive pressure can cause bursts in the pipeline, leading to uncontrolled gas release, known as blowout. A blowout carries a staggering cost, encompassing not only environmental damage but also reputation loss and financial losses totaling crores of rupees. Additionally, the impacted section of the pipeline requires a complete replacement. Industry safety regulations divide the pipeline network into three levels: Level 3 is the part under the seabed, Level 2 is the part above the seabed but in the deep sea, while Level 1 is near the surface. The safety regulations require multiple blowout preventer valves, from now on simply referred to as valves, to be placed at the three different levels of the pipeline network. The valves are normally kept closed, but when the pressure in any part of the pipeline rises beyond a critical level, nearby valves are opened remotely to release the pressure in a controlled manner to prevent blowout. The number of valves across the pipeline helps localize the pressure release, with a greater number of valves providing a backup mechanism, helping in improving pressure localization in case of a blowout. Given that the valves themselves can occasionally malfunction and not release the pressure when needed, using a higher number of valves ensures that a malfunctioning valve can seek the safety of a nearby functioning valve. A valve can malfunction in two ways: it may fail to release pressure when needed, as previously mentioned, or it can leak gas during regular operation, resulting in unwanted losses. When a valve malfunctions, it necessitates manual replacement. In the DeepSea Network, 30% of the valves are located at Level 3, which is the deepest level. The remaining valves are evenly distributed between the top two levels. These valves are critical to ensuring safety and are exclusively supplied by GoValve, a highly specialized manufacturer that holds a monopoly in the country's market.

GoValve has recently proposed a maintenance package for the valves to DeepSea, which includes a clause that whenever a valve at Level 3 malfunctions, all valves at that level will be replaced. Accepting the clause will cost a significant premium. The management of DeepSea have the following pieces of additional information under consideration: A. The valves are known to be prone to malfunction. B. Any malfunction in one valve often results in leakage from the neighboring valves. C. GoValve is ready to negotiate a discount if the clause is accepted. D. Replacing the valves at Level 3 is a very difficult job, which is best done by GoValve. E. The chances of pressure buildups are higher near the seabed.

Which of the following combinations, of the above pieces of additional information, will help the management of DeepSea the MOST in accepting the clause?

  • AA, B & DCorrect answer
  • BA, B & E
  • CB, C & D
  • DA, C & D
  • EC, D & E

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (A, B & D) Let us examine each piece of information individually. Statement A highlights the potential frequency of needing repairs, making a mass replacement at Level 3 more appealing if a malfunction occurs. Statement B emphasizes the domino effect of a single malfunction. Replacing all valves at Level 3 upon a malfunction can prevent further issues with neighboring valves. Statement C : While a discount is always attractive, it doesn't directly address the justification for replacing all valves at Level 3 upon a single malfunction. Statement D : Since Level 3 is the deepest and most challenging location, having GoValve, the specialists, readily available to perform the mass replacement after a malfunction becomes a significant advantage. Statement E : This information (higher pressure risk near seabed) is generally relevant to blowout prevention but doesn't directly connect to the decision of replacing all valves at Level 3 upon malfunction. It focuses more on the overall risk of pressure buildup. In conclusion, A (frequent malfunctions), B (domino effect on neighboring valves), and D (difficulty of Level 3 replacement) provide the most compelling reasons for DeepSea to accept the clause in the maintenance package, as they directly address the benefits of replacing all valves at Level 3 upon a single malfunction. So, Option A is the correct answer.
Q46Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. DeepSea is a natural gas extraction company that retrieves natural gas from rock formations beneath the seabed. This gas is then transported through its extensive pipeline network to a bottling plant, located at the sea surface, for processing. The gas in rock formations is pressurized, enabling it to flow to the surface and reach the bottling plant. Yet, excessive pressure can cause bursts in the pipeline, leading to uncontrolled gas release, known as blowout. A blowout carries a staggering cost, encompassing not only environmental damage but also reputation loss and financial losses totaling crores of rupees. Additionally, the impacted section of the pipeline requires a complete replacement. Industry safety regulations divide the pipeline network into three levels: Level 3 is the part under the seabed, Level 2 is the part above the seabed but in the deep sea, while Level 1 is near the surface. The safety regulations require multiple blowout preventer valves, from now on simply referred to as valves, to be placed at the three different levels of the pipeline network. The valves are normally kept closed, but when the pressure in any part of the pipeline rises beyond a critical level, nearby valves are opened remotely to release the pressure in a controlled manner to prevent blowout. The number of valves across the pipeline helps localize the pressure release, with a greater number of valves providing a backup mechanism, helping in improving pressure localization in case of a blowout. Given that the valves themselves can occasionally malfunction and not release the pressure when needed, using a higher number of valves ensures that a malfunctioning valve can seek the safety of a nearby functioning valve. A valve can malfunction in two ways: it may fail to release pressure when needed, as previously mentioned, or it can leak gas during regular operation, resulting in unwanted losses. When a valve malfunctions, it necessitates manual replacement. In the DeepSea Network, 30% of the valves are located at Level 3, which is the deepest level. The remaining valves are evenly distributed between the top two levels. These valves are critical to ensuring safety and are exclusively supplied by GoValve, a highly specialized manufacturer that holds a monopoly in the country's market.

A startup, SafeValve, has started importing a technologically superior brand of valves from abroad, which boasts a significant reduction in gas leakage. SafeValve has established a large inventory of these imported valves but is struggling to gain foothold in the local market. An NGO, working for the protection of marine lives, has appealed to DeepSea to replace their existing valves with the product from SafeValve. However, the installation of this new valve will require substantial modification in the pipeline, entailing unknown challenges in installation and maintenance.

Which of the following reasons, if TRUE, can DeepSea BEST cite to publicly reject the appeal?

  • AThe new valves cost twice as much as the existing valves.
  • BGoValve is a reputed brand and had a partnership with DeepSea for a long time.
  • COnly some developed countries have mandated the use of the new valves.
  • DSafeValve depends exclusively on imports and may be prone to procurement issues.
  • EGoValve follows the strictest global industry standards of leakage prevention.Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (GoValve follows the strictest global industry standards of leakage prevention.) Let us consider the following statement: “A startup, SafeValve, has started importing a technologically superior brand of valves from abroad, which boasts a significant reduction in gas leakage .” Now, if it was true that their existing valves are already following the strictest global industry standards of leakage protection their by ensuring their safety, it would undermine the main reason to switch to SafeValve. Therefore, Option E is the best answer. Option A : Cost is a private concern, not a good public reason for rejection. Option B focuses on DeepSea's existing relationship, not the new valves. Option C downplays the new technology and doesn't address DeepSea's specific situation. Option D , while could be considered a valid concern is not as strong of a reason as option E. Option E undermines the rationale behind the switch.
Q47Decision Making·Data-based Decision

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. DeepSea is a natural gas extraction company that retrieves natural gas from rock formations beneath the seabed. This gas is then transported through its extensive pipeline network to a bottling plant, located at the sea surface, for processing. The gas in rock formations is pressurized, enabling it to flow to the surface and reach the bottling plant. Yet, excessive pressure can cause bursts in the pipeline, leading to uncontrolled gas release, known as blowout. A blowout carries a staggering cost, encompassing not only environmental damage but also reputation loss and financial losses totaling crores of rupees. Additionally, the impacted section of the pipeline requires a complete replacement. Industry safety regulations divide the pipeline network into three levels: Level 3 is the part under the seabed, Level 2 is the part above the seabed but in the deep sea, while Level 1 is near the surface. The safety regulations require multiple blowout preventer valves, from now on simply referred to as valves, to be placed at the three different levels of the pipeline network. The valves are normally kept closed, but when the pressure in any part of the pipeline rises beyond a critical level, nearby valves are opened remotely to release the pressure in a controlled manner to prevent blowout. The number of valves across the pipeline helps localize the pressure release, with a greater number of valves providing a backup mechanism, helping in improving pressure localization in case of a blowout. Given that the valves themselves can occasionally malfunction and not release the pressure when needed, using a higher number of valves ensures that a malfunctioning valve can seek the safety of a nearby functioning valve. A valve can malfunction in two ways: it may fail to release pressure when needed, as previously mentioned, or it can leak gas during regular operation, resulting in unwanted losses. When a valve malfunctions, it necessitates manual replacement. In the DeepSea Network, 30% of the valves are located at Level 3, which is the deepest level. The remaining valves are evenly distributed between the top two levels. These valves are critical to ensuring safety and are exclusively supplied by GoValve, a highly specialized manufacturer that holds a monopoly in the country's market.

A startup, SafeValve, has started importing a technologically superior brand of valves from abroad, which boasts a significant reduction in gas leakage. An update to industry safety regulations has come out, which allows a lower number of valves in a pipeline network, if technologically superior valves, similar to those imported by SafeValve, are used for the entire network. DeepSea is aware that the more the number of valves, the better is DeepSea's ability to contain blowouts. However, a higher number of valves increases the chance of a leakage. Therefore, DeepSea is contemplating a proposal to reduce the number of valves to almost half, by replacing the existing valves (by GoValve) with the valves sold by SafeValve. A team, tasked with evaluating the proposal, has made some observations, listed below.

Which of the following observations is the MOST helpful in REJECTING the proposal?

  • AThere is no clear industry standard for the minimum number of valves required at a certain level.
  • BAt Level 1, the chance of a pressure rise is much lesser compared to the other two levels.
  • CAt Level 3, a blowout results in more time consuming and expensive repairs compared to the other two levels.Correct answer
  • DThe superiority of the SafeValve products is only in terms of preventing leakage, not blowouts.
  • EIf a GoValve valve is opened to prevent a blowout, the chance of leakage from the valves within a certain distance increases.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (At Level 3, a blowout results in more time consuming and expensive repairs compared to the other two levels.) The proposal replaces many GoValve units with roughly half as many SafeValve units. Observation C gives a strong reason to retain redundancy at the deepest level: a Level 3 blowout is the costliest and slowest to repair. The other observations are neutral, favour leakage reduction, or do not connect as directly to the danger created by reducing valve count.

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation(28 questions)

Q48Quantitative Ability·Miscellaneous Quant

In a small college, students are allowed to take only one specialization. Traditionally, only two specializations are offered: Science and Arts. Students enrolled to specialize in Science must take Physics and Mathematics subjects, while students enrolled to specialize in Arts must take Economics and Political Science subjects. Students enrolled in Science are not allowed to take either Economics or Political Science, while students enrolled in Arts are not allowed to take either Physics or Mathematics. Recently, the college has started a third specialization called MatEco that requires students to take Economics and Mathematics. However, MatEco students would not be allowed to take either Physics or Political Science. When the college opens this new specialization for enrolment, it allows students, originally enrolled in Science or Arts, to switch to MatEco. From among the students originally enrolled in Arts, 20 students switch to MatEco. This makes the number of Science students twice the number of Arts students. After this, from among the students who originally enrolled in Science, 45 students switch to MatEco. This makes the number of Arts students twice the number of Science students.

In total, how many students, from among those originally enrolled in Science or Arts, are now taking Economics?

  • A45
  • B65
  • C80
  • D95Correct answer
  • ENone of the remaining options is correct.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (95) Let the original Science and Arts strengths be S and A. After 20 Arts students move to MatEco, the stated ratio gives S = 2(A − 20). Next, 45 original Science students also move, so the remaining Arts strength is twice the remaining Science strength: A − 20 = 2(S − 45). Substituting S = 2A − 40 gives A − 20 = 4A − 170 ⇒ A = 50 and S = 60. Economics is now taken by the 30 students remaining in Arts and by every MatEco student. The latter group has 20 + 45 = 65 students. Hence the required total is 30 + 65 = 95. Options 45 and 65 count only one set of switchers or only MatEco; 80 misses some Economics students.
Q49Quantitative Ability·Progressions (AP/GP/HP)

In a school, the number of students in each class, from Class I to X, in that order, are in an arithmetic progression. The total number of students from Class I to V is twice the total number of students from Class VI to X. If the total number of students from Class I to IV is 462, how many students are there in Class VI?

  • A93
  • B88
  • C83
  • D77Correct answer
  • ENone of the remaining options is correct.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (77) Write the ten class strengths as a, a+d, …, a+9d. The totals for Classes I–V and VI–X are 5a+10d and 5a+35d respectively. Since the former is twice the latter, 5a + 10d = 2(5a + 35d) ⇒ a = −12d. Also, the first four classes contain 462 students: 4a + 6d = 462. Using a = −12d gives −48d + 6d = 462 ⇒ d = −11, and therefore a = 132. Class VI is the sixth term, a+5d = 132−55 = 77. Hence option D. The decreasing common difference is perfectly valid: the question does not require later classes to be larger. The other numerical options result from shifting the term number or averaging the wrong block.
Q50Quantitative Ability·Time, Speed & Distance

A flight, traveling to a destination 11,200 kms away, was supposed to take off at 6:30 AM. Due to bad weather, the departure of the flight got delayed by three hours. The pilot increased the average speed of the airplane by 100 km/hr from the initially planned average speed, to reduce the overall delay to one hour. Had the pilot increased the average speed by 350 km/hr from the initially planned average speed, when would have the flight reached its destination?

  • A11:30 PM
  • B7:50 PM
  • C5:10 PM
  • D8:10 PMCorrect answer
  • E10:36 PM

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (8:10 PM) Let the planned speed be v km/h. Departure was three hours late, but arrival only one hour late; therefore the faster journey saved two hours: 11200v − 11200v+100 = 2. This simplifies to v(v+100)=560000, whose positive solution is v=700 km/h. (Indeed, planned flying time = 11200700 = 16 hours, while at 800 km/h it is 14 hours.) With an increase of 350 km/h, the speed would be 1050 km/h and flying time would be 112001050 = 10 hours 40 minutes. The weather-delayed take-off remains 9:30 AM. Thus arrival would be at 9:30 AM + 10 h 40 min = 8:10 PM. Options based on 6:30 AM ignore the three-hour departure delay.
Q51Quantitative Ability·Linear Equations

Consider the equation log5(x − 2) = 2 log25(2x − 4), where x is a real number. For how many different values of x does the given equation hold?

  • A0Correct answer
  • B1
  • C2
  • D4
  • EInfinitely many

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (0) The logarithms impose x−2>0 and 2x−4>0, so the domain is x>2. Now convert the base-25 logarithm: log25(2x−4) = log52x−4log525 = ½log5(2x−4). Therefore the equation becomes log5(x−2) = log5(2x−4). Since log5 is one-to-one, x−2 = 2x−4 ⇒ x=2. But x=2 makes both logarithmic arguments zero, so it is excluded from the domain. Hence there are no real solutions. Option B is the tempting result if one solves the transformed equation but forgets the domain check; infinitely many would require the two arguments to be identically equal, which they are not.
Q52Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

The cost of running a movie theatre is Rs. 10,000 per day, plus additional Rs. 5000 per show. The theatre has 200 seats. A new movie released on Friday. There were three shows, where the ticket price was Rs. 250 each for the first two shows and Rs. 200 for the late-night show. For all shows together, total occupancy was 80%. What was the maximum amount of profit possible?

  • ARs. 1,20,000
  • BRs. 87,000
  • CRs. 95,000
  • DRs. 91,000Correct answer
  • ERs. 1,16,000

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Rs. 91,000) Across three 200-seat shows, 80% occupancy means 0.8×600 = 480 tickets sold. To maximize revenue, fill the two Rs. 250 shows first: all 400 available high-priced seats can be sold, and the remaining 80 viewers attend the Rs. 200 late show. Maximum revenue = 400×250 + 80×200 = 1,16,000. The day's cost is Rs. 10,000 plus Rs. 5,000 for each of three shows, i.e. Rs. 25,000. Hence maximum profit = 1,16,000 − 25,000 = Rs. 91,000. Option E is revenue, not profit. Options A and C similarly fail to deduct or allocate costs correctly, while Rs. 87,000 comes from placing too many customers in the cheaper show.
Q53Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

FS food stall sells only chicken biryani. If FS fixes a selling price of Rs. 160 per plate, 300 plates of biriyani are sold. For each increase in the selling price by Rs. 10 per plate, 10 fewer plates are sold. Similarly, for each decrease in the selling price by Rs. 10 per plate, 10 more plates are sold. FS incurs a cost of Rs. 120 per plate of biriyani, and has decided that the selling price will never be less than the cost price. Moreover, due to capacity constraints, more than 400 plates cannot be produced in a day.

If the selling price on any given day is the same for all the plates and can only be a multiple of Rs. 10, then what is the maximum profit that FS can achieve in a day?

  • ARs. 25,300
  • BRs. 28,900Correct answer
  • CRs. 41,400
  • DRs. 52,900
  • ENone of the remaining options is correct.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Rs. 28,900) Let k be the number of Rs. 10 increases from Rs. 160. Then price = 160+10k and demand = 300−10k. Since unit cost is Rs. 120, daily profit is P(k) = (40+10k)(300−10k) = 12000 + 2600k − 100k2. This downward-opening quadratic has its vertex at k = 26002×100=13, which is an allowed integer. Thus price = Rs. 290, quantity = 170, and profit = (290−120)×170 = 1702 = Rs. 28,900. The lower-price and capacity restrictions do not bind at this point. Checking the neighbouring integer values k=12 and 14 gives Rs. 28,800, confirming the maximum. The much larger distractors confuse sales revenue with profit.
Q54Quantitative Ability·Triangles

A farmer has a triangular plot of land. One side of the plot, henceforth called the base, is 300 feet long and the other two sides are equal. The perpendicular distance, from the corner of the plot, where the two equal sides meet, to the base, is 200 feet. To counter the adverse effect of climate change, the farmer wants to dig a circular pond. He plans that half of the circular area will be inside the triangular plot and the other half will be outside, which he will purchase at the market rate from his neighbour. The diameter of the circular plot is entirely contained in the base and the circumference of the pond touches the two equal sides of the triangle from inside.

If the market rate per square feet of land is Rs. 1400, how much does the farmer must pay to buy the land from his neighbour for the pond? (Choose the closest option.)

  • ARs. 3,16,80,000Correct answer
  • BRs. 4,25,60,000
  • CRs. 6,33,60,000
  • DRs. 7,42,80,000
  • ERs. 2,98,20,000

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Rs. 3,16,80,000) The altitude bisects the 300-foot base, so each half of the isosceles triangle is a 150–200–250 right triangle. Place the midpoint of the base at the origin and the apex at (0,200); one sloping side has equation 4x+3y−600=0. The pond's diameter lies on the base and symmetry puts its centre at the base midpoint. Its radius is therefore the perpendicular distance from the origin to a sloping side: r = 60042+32 = 120 feet. The purchased half-circle has area ½πr2 = 7200π square feet. Cost = 7200π×1400 ≈ Rs. 3.167×107, i.e. about Rs. 3,16,70,000. The closest listed amount is Rs. 3,16,80,000. Larger options effectively charge for too much of the circle.
Q55Quantitative Ability·Triangles

A group of boys is practising football in a rectangular ground. Raju and Ratan are standing at the two opposite mid-points of the two shorter sides. Raju has the ball, who passes it to Rivu, who is standing somewhere on one of the longer sides. Rivu holds the ball for 3 seconds and passes it to Ratan. Ratan holds the ball for 2 seconds and passes it back to Raju. The path of the ball from Raju to Rivu makes a right angle with the path of the ball from Rivu to Ratan. The speed of the ball, whenever passed, is always 10 metre per second, and the ball always moves on straight lines along the ground. Consider the following two additional pieces of information: I. The dimension of the ground is 80 metres × 50 metres. II. The area of the triangle formed by Raju, Rivu and Ratan is 1000 square metres. Consider the problem of computing the following: how many seconds does it take for Raju to get the ball back since he passed it to Rivu? Choose the correct option.

  • AI alone is sufficient to solve the problem.Correct answer
  • BII alone is sufficient to solve the problem.
  • CEither of I or II, by itself, is sufficient to solve the problem.
  • DI and II both are required to solve the problem.
  • EThe problem cannot be solved even with both I and II.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (I alone is sufficient to solve the problem.) Raju–Rivu–Ratan is right-angled at Rivu, while Raju and Ratan are opposite side-midpoints. With information I, their separation is the 80 m length of the ground. Rivu lies on a long side, 25 m from the line joining those midpoints, so the triangle's area is ½×80×25 = 1000 m2. If the perpendicular legs are u and v, then uv=2000 and u2+v2=802. Hence (u+v)2=10400, fixing u+v. Total time is then u+v+8010 + 3+2 seconds, uniquely determined. Information II gives only uv/2=1000. It does not fix the hypotenuse or u+v, so travel time can vary. Thus I is sufficient but II is not. Options C and D incorrectly treat the area statement as independently complete.
Q56Quantitative Ability·Number Systems

The least common multiple of a number and 990 is 6930. The greatest common divisor of that number and 550 is 110. What is the sum of the digits of the least possible value of that number?

  • A6
  • B9
  • C14Correct answer
  • D18
  • ENone of the remaining options is correct.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (14) Prime-factorize the fixed numbers: 990 = 2×32×5×11, 6930 = 2×32×5×7×11, 550 = 2×52×11. For LCM(n,990) to introduce exactly the additional factor 7, n must contain 7, cannot contain primes outside this list, and cannot exceed the displayed maximum exponents. Also gcd(n,550)=110=2×5×11 forces n to contain 2, 5 and 11, but only one factor of 5. To minimize n, omit the optional factor 3 entirely. Thus n_min = 2×5×7×11 = 770. Verification: lcm(770,990)=6930 and gcd(770,550)=110. The digit sum is 7+7+0=14. The other options arise from unnecessarily inserting factors of 3 or dropping a factor required by the GCD.
Q57Quantitative Ability·Ratio & Proportion

The roots of the polynomial P(x) = 2x3 − 11x2 + 17x − 6 are the radii of three concentric circles. The ratio of their areas, when arranged from the largest to the smallest, is:

  • A6:2:1
  • B9:4:1
  • C16:6:3
  • D36:16:1Correct answer
  • ENone of the remaining options is correct.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (36:16:1) The unrelated football text preceding the polynomial does not affect this question. Factor the polynomial by testing simple rational roots: 2x3−11x2+17x−6 = (x−3)(x−2)(2x−1). Thus the three radii are 3, 2 and 12. Circle areas are proportional to the squares of their radii, so from largest to smallest the ratio is 32 : 22 : (12)2 = 9 : 4 : 14. Multiplying throughout by 4 gives 36:16:1. Hence option D. Option B, 9:4:1, effectively replaces the radius 12 by 1; option A compares unsquared or otherwise altered values. The common factor π cancels and should not be included in the ratio.
Q58Quantitative Ability·Miscellaneous Quant

A local restaurant has 16 vegetarian items and 9 non-vegetarian items in their menu. Some items contain gluten, while the rest are gluten-free. One evening, Rohit and his friends went to the restaurant. They planned to choose two different vegetarian items and three different non-vegetarian items from the entire menu. Later, Bela and her friends also went to the same restaurant: they planned to choose two different vegetarian items and one non-vegetarian item only from the gluten-free options. The number of item combinations that Rohit and his friends could choose from, given their plan, was 12 times the number of item combinations that Bela and her friends could choose from, given their plan.

How many menu items contain gluten?

  • A1
  • B2Correct answer
  • C3
  • D4
  • E5

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (2) Rohit's choices number C(16,2)C(9,3) = 120×84 = 10080. Therefore Bela must have 1008012 = 840 combinations. Let v and n be the numbers of gluten-free vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. Then C(v,2)n = 840, with v≤16 and n≤9. Testing feasible triangular numbers, v=15 gives C(15,2)=105 and hence n=8. This satisfies 105×8=840. The menu therefore has 15+8=23 gluten-free items out of 25, leaving 2 items containing gluten. The bounded integer conditions rule out other factorizations: for example, v=16 would require n=7, but 120×7=840 actually gives 23 gluten-free items as well and still leaves 2. Thus the requested total remains uniquely 2; distractors count only one menu category.
Q59Quantitative Ability·Linear Equations

Consider the system of two linear equations as follows: 3x + 21y + p = 0; and qx + ry – 7 = 0, where p, q, and r are real numbers. Which of the following statements DEFINITELY CONTRADICTS the fact that the lines represented by the two equations are coinciding?

  • Ap and q must have opposite signs
  • BThe smallest among p, q, and r is r
  • CThe largest among p, q, and r is qCorrect answer
  • Dr and q must have same signs
  • Ep cannot be 0

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (The largest among p, q, and r is q) Coincident lines have proportional coefficients. For some non-zero real t, q/3 = r/21 = −7p = t. Hence q=3t, r=21t and p=−7t. So p and q always have opposite signs, q and r always have the same sign, and p cannot be zero; A, D and E are necessary rather than contradictory. Could q be the largest? If t>0, then r=21t>3t=q. If t<0, q and r are negative while p=−7t is positive, so p>q. Therefore q can never be largest, making statement C a definite contradiction. Statement B can occur for t>0 because p is negative while q and r are positive, so p—not r—is then smallest; its truth depends on t and is not the required universal contradiction.
Q60Quantitative Ability·Number Systems

Consider a 4-digit number of the form abbb, i.e., the first digit is a (a > 0) and the last three digits are all b. Which of the following conditions is both NECESSARY and SUFFICIENT to ensure that the 4- digit number is divisible by a?

  • Ab is divisible by a
  • Bb is equal to 0
  • C21b is divisible by a
  • D9b is divisible by a
  • E3b is divisible by aCorrect answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (3b is divisible by a) The number abbb equals 1000a + 100b + 10b + b = 1000a + 111b. It is divisible by a exactly when 111b is divisible by a, since 1000a already is. Now 111=3×37. Because a is a digit from 1 to 9, none of its prime factors can be 37. Thus the factor 37 contributes nothing relevant to divisibility by a, and a | 111b ⇔ a | 3b. Therefore “3b is divisible by a” is both necessary and sufficient. Condition A is sufficient but unnecessarily strong; b=0 is also sufficient but not necessary. Conditions involving 9b or 21b can introduce extra factors of 3 or 7 and may hold even when 111b is not divisible by a.
Q61Data Interpretation·Mixed Charts
Two circles in right triangle

Consider a right-angled triangle ABC, right angled at B. Two circles, each of radius r, are drawn inside the triangle in such a way that one of them touches AB and BC, while the other one touches AC and BC. The two circles also touch each other (see the image below). If AB = 18 cm and BC = 24 cm, then find the value of r.

  • A3 cm
  • B4 cmCorrect answer
  • C3.5 cm
  • D4.5 cm
  • ENone of the remaining options is correct.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (4 cm) Take B=(0,0), A=(0,18) and C=(24,0). Then AC=30 and its equation is 3x+4y=72. The circle touching AB and BC has centre (r,r). Let the other circle, which touches BC, have centre (x,r). Its distance from AC equals r: 72−3x−4r5 = r ⇒ x = 24−3r. Since the centres have the same y-coordinate and the equal circles touch externally, their horizontal separation is 2r. Hence x−r = 2r ⇒ (24−3r)−r=2r ⇒ 24=6r ⇒ r=4 cm. This coordinate setup reconstructs all information in the missing figure. The other options do not satisfy both tangencies simultaneously; using only the triangle's inradius would model a different circle arrangement.
Q62Quantitative Ability·Number Systems

A king has distributed all his rare jewels in three boxes. The first box contains 13 of the rare jewels, while the second box contains k/5 of the rare jewels, for some positive integer value of k. The third box contains 66 rare jewels. How many rare jewels does the king have?

  • A990Correct answer
  • B660
  • C240
  • D1080
  • ECannot be determined uniquely from the given information.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (990) Let the total number of jewels be T. The third box contains the remaining fraction 1 − 13 − k/5 = 10−3k15. This must be positive, so the positive integer k can only be 1, 2 or 3. Since the third-box count is 66, T 10−3k15 = 66 ⇒ T = 99010−3k. For k=1, T=9907 is not an integer; for k=2, T=9904 is also not an integer. For k=3, T=990. This gives first-box count 330, second-box count 594 and third-box count 66, all integral and summing to 990. Hence the total is uniquely determined. Options 660 and 1080 do not correspond to any admissible positive integer k.
Q63Quantitative Ability·Time & Work

Read the following scenario and answer the TWO questions that follow. Aman has come to the market with Rs. 100. If he buys 5 kilograms of cabbage and 4 kilograms of potato, he will have Rs. 20 left; or else, if he buys 4 kilograms of cabbage and 5 kilograms of onion, he will have Rs. 7 left. The per kilogram prices of cabbage, onion and potato are positive integers (in rupees), and any type of these vegetables can only be purchased in positive integer kilogram, or none at all.

Aman decides to buy only onion, in whatever maximum quantity possible (in positive integer kilogram), with the money he has come to the market with. How much money will he be left with after the purchase?

  • ARs. 12
  • BRs. 9
  • CRs. 7
  • DRs. 5
  • ERe. 1Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (Re. 1) Let cabbage, potato and onion prices per kg be c, p and o. The purchases give 5c+4p=80, and 4c+5o=93. From the first equation, 4p is divisible by 5, so p is a multiple of 5. Positivity leaves p=5,10 or 15, yielding c=12,8 or 4 respectively. Substitution in the second equation shows only c=12 makes o integral: o=93−485=9. Thus the prices are cabbage Rs. 12, potato Rs. 5 and onion Rs. 9. With Rs. 100, Aman can buy floor(1009)=11 kg of onion, spending Rs. 99 and retaining Re. 1. The other remainders correspond to onion prices that violate one of the two original integer-price equations.
Q64Quantitative Ability·Probability

Read the following scenario and answer the TWO questions that follow. Aman has come to the market with Rs. 100. If he buys 5 kilograms of cabbage and 4 kilograms of potato, he will have Rs. 20 left; or else, if he buys 4 kilograms of cabbage and 5 kilograms of onion, he will have Rs. 7 left. The per kilogram prices of cabbage, onion and potato are positive integers (in rupees), and any type of these vegetables can only be purchased in positive integer kilogram, or none at all.

Aman decides to buy only onion and potato, both in positive integer kilogram, in such a way that the money left with him after the purchase will be insufficient to buy a full kilogram of either of the two vegetables. If all such permissible combinations of purchases are equally likely, what is the probability that Aman buys more onion than potato?

  • A310Correct answer
  • B56
  • C29
  • D720
  • E410

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (310) From the shared equations, the unique prices are onion Rs. 9kg and potato Rs. 5kg. If Aman buys x kg onion and y kg potato, both positive integers, the remainder must be below Rs. 5 (the cheaper price). Thus 100−9x−5y ∈ {0,1,2,3,4}. Enumerating by x gives the ten feasible (x,y) pairs: (1,18),(2,16),(3,14),(4,12),(5,11),(6,9),(7,7),(8,5),(9,3),(10,2). Only the last three have x>y. Since all permissible combinations are equally likely, the probability is 310. The equal pair (7,7) is not included because the question says “more onion than potato.” Options 29 and 720 come from overlooking valid boundary remainders or treating kilogram choices as continuously variable.
Q65Data Interpretation·Tables

Read the following scenario and answer the TWO questions that follow. 41 applicants have been shortlisted for interviews for some data analyst positions. Some of the applicants have advanced expertise in one or more fields among the following: data analysis, database handling and coding. The numbers of applicants with different advanced expertise are given in the 2 × 8 table below. The number of applicants with advanced expertise in all three fields is given as x in the table, where x is a non-negative integer.

FieldData AnalysisDatabase HandlingCodingData Analysis and Database HandlingDatabase Handling and CodingData Analysis and CodingAll three
Number of applicants with advanced expertise1257236x

What BEST can be concluded about the value of x?

  • A0, 1 or 2
  • B2 onlyCorrect answer
  • C1 only
  • D0 or 1 only
  • E1 or 2 only

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (2 only) Let x be the number with all three skills. Coding-only is 7−3−6+x=x−2, so x≥2. Also x cannot exceed the pairwise overlap of 2, so x≤2. Hence x=2 only.
Q66Data Interpretation·Tables

Read the following scenario and answer the TWO questions that follow. 41 applicants have been shortlisted for interviews for some data analyst positions. Some of the applicants have advanced expertise in one or more fields among the following: data analysis, database handling and coding. The numbers of applicants with different advanced expertise are given in the 2 × 8 table below. The number of applicants with advanced expertise in all three fields is given as x in the table, where x is a non-negative integer.

FieldData AnalysisDatabase HandlingCodingData Analysis and Database HandlingDatabase Handling and CodingData Analysis and CodingAll three
Number of applicants with advanced expertise1257236x

How many applicants DID NOT have advanced expertise in any of the three given fields?

  • ACannot be determined uniquely from the given information.
  • B25
  • C26Correct answer
  • D27
  • E28

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (26) With x=2, the number having at least one advanced skill is 12+5+7−2−3−6+2=15 by inclusion–exclusion. Therefore 41−15=26 applicants have none of the three skills.
Q67Quantitative Ability·Time & Work

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. The upper hinge of a dataset is the median of all the values to the right of the median of the dataset in an ascending arrangement, while the lower hinge of the dataset is the median of all the values to the left of the median of the dataset in the same arrangement. For example, consider the dataset 4, 3, 2, 6, 4, 2, 7. When arranged in the ascending order, it becomes 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 6, 7. The median is 4 (the bold value), and hence the upper hinge is the median of 4, 6, 7, i.e., 6. Similarly, the lower hinge is 2. A student has surveyed thirteen of her teachers, and recorded their work experience (in integer years). Two of the values recorded by the student got smudged, and she cannot recall those values. All she remembers is that those two values were unequal, so let us write them as A and B, where A < B. The remaining eleven values, as recorded, are: 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 19, 21, 21, 27, 29. Moreover, the student also remembers the following summary measures, calculated based on all the thirteen values: Minimum: 2 Lower Hinge: 6.5 Median: 12 Upper Hinge: 21 Maximum: 29

Which of the following is a possible value of B?

  • A2
  • B6
  • C8Correct answer
  • D13
  • E29

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (8) For 13 sorted observations, the median is the 7th value. Each hinge is the median of six observations, hence the average of positions 3 and 4 on its side. Since the overall minimum is 2 and none of the eleven visible values is 2, A=2. The lower hinge 6.5 requires the 3rd and 4th overall observations to be 6 and 7. The median must remain 12, so B can be inserted among the values from 8 through 12 without disturbing those conditions. The upper six values remain 16,19,21,21,27,29, whose middle pair is 21,21 and upper hinge is 21. Among the options, B=8 is possible (with A=2). Values 2 and 6 violate A<B or alter lower positions; 13 shifts the median, and 29 conflicts with the required ordering/hinges.
Q68Quantitative Ability·Time & Work

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. The upper hinge of a dataset is the median of all the values to the right of the median of the dataset in an ascending arrangement, while the lower hinge of the dataset is the median of all the values to the left of the median of the dataset in the same arrangement. For example, consider the dataset 4, 3, 2, 6, 4, 2, 7. When arranged in the ascending order, it becomes 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 6, 7. The median is 4 (the bold value), and hence the upper hinge is the median of 4, 6, 7, i.e., 6. Similarly, the lower hinge is 2. A student has surveyed thirteen of her teachers, and recorded their work experience (in integer years). Two of the values recorded by the student got smudged, and she cannot recall those values. All she remembers is that those two values were unequal, so let us write them as A and B, where A < B. The remaining eleven values, as recorded, are: 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 19, 21, 21, 27, 29. Moreover, the student also remembers the following summary measures, calculated based on all the thirteen values: Minimum: 2 Lower Hinge: 6.5 Median: 12 Upper Hinge: 21 Maximum: 29

Based on the information recorded, which of the following can be the average work experience of the thirteen teachers?

  • A12
  • B12.5
  • C13
  • D13.5
  • E14Correct answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (14) As in the preceding question, the minimum forces A=2. To preserve lower hinge 6.5 and median 12, B can be an integer from 8 to 12 (with the ordering and unequal-value condition respected). The eleven visible observations sum to 5+6+7+8+12+16+19+21+21+27+29 = 171. Hence the total is 171+2+B = 173+B, lying from 181 to 185. For an average of 14, the required total is 13×14=182, which occurs at B=9 and satisfies every hinge condition. The other listed averages require totals 156, 162.5, 169 or 175.5, all outside the feasible integral range. Therefore 14 is the only possible listed average; decimal distractors also overlook that the total of integer experiences must itself be an integer.
Q69Quantitative Ability·Time & Work

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. The upper hinge of a dataset is the median of all the values to the right of the median of the dataset in an ascending arrangement, while the lower hinge of the dataset is the median of all the values to the left of the median of the dataset in the same arrangement. For example, consider the dataset 4, 3, 2, 6, 4, 2, 7. When arranged in the ascending order, it becomes 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 6, 7. The median is 4 (the bold value), and hence the upper hinge is the median of 4, 6, 7, i.e., 6. Similarly, the lower hinge is 2. A student has surveyed thirteen of her teachers, and recorded their work experience (in integer years). Two of the values recorded by the student got smudged, and she cannot recall those values. All she remembers is that those two values were unequal, so let us write them as A and B, where A < B. The remaining eleven values, as recorded, are: 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 19, 21, 21, 27, 29. Moreover, the student also remembers the following summary measures, calculated based on all the thirteen values: Minimum: 2 Lower Hinge: 6.5 Median: 12 Upper Hinge: 21 Maximum: 29

While rechecking her original notes to re-enter the smudged values of A and B in the records, the student found that one of the eleven recorded work experience values that did not get smudged was recorded wrongly as half of its correct value. After re-entering the values of A and B, and correcting the wrongly recorded value, she recalculated all the summary measures. The recalculated average value was 15. What is the value of B?

  • A7
  • B9
  • C10Correct answer
  • D12
  • ECannot be determined from the given information.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (10) The eleven displayed values total 171 and A=2, so the recorded total after restoring B is 173+B. If a displayed value v was entered as half its true value, correcting it adds exactly v to the total. The corrected average is 15, so corrected total = 13×15=195: 173+B+v=195 ⇒ B+v=22. From the hinge restrictions, B lies between 8 and 12. Test against the displayed values eligible for v: B=10 gives v=12, which is present. The alternatives would require v=14,13,11 or 10, none of which appears in the eleven recorded values. Hence B=10. Option E is unnecessary because both the hinge range and the correction equation identify B uniquely; 7 and 9 require a non-existent wrongly halved entry.
Q70Data Interpretation·Tables

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. A T20 cricket match consists of two teams playing twenty overs each, numbered 1 to 20. The runs scored in any over is a non-negative integer. The run rate at the end of any over is the average runs scored up to and including that over, i.e., the run rate at the end of the k-th over is the average number of runs scored in overs numbered 1, 2, …, k, where 1 ≤ k ≤ 20, k a positive integer. The following table indicates the run rate of a team at the end of some of the overs during a T20 cricket match (correct up to 2 decimal places), where 1 ≤ N – 2 < N + 6 ≤ 20, N a positive integer. It is also known that the team did not score less than 6 runs and more than 15 runs in any over.

Over NumberRun Rate
N − 28.00
N7.43
N + 28.11
N + 48.45
N + 68.08

What is the value of N?

  • A7Correct answer
  • B13
  • C14
  • D9
  • E12

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (7) The omitted table gives run rates at overs N−2, N, N+2, N+4 and N+6 as 8.00, 7.43, 8.11, 8.45 and 8.08. Since cumulative runs are integers, each rounded rate must correspond to an integer total. Trying the listed N values, N=7 gives totals 5×8.00=40, 7×7.43≈52, 9×8.11≈73, 11×8.45≈93, 13×8.08≈105. Each is an integer whose quotient rounds to the displayed two decimals. The principal rival N=14 fails, because at N+2=16, 16×8.11=129.76 is not close to an integer total producing 8.11 upon rounding. The remaining candidates similarly violate at least one checkpoint or the allowed over range. Hence N=7. The argument uses rounded-rate intervals, not exact equality to the printed decimals.
Q71Data Interpretation·Tables

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. A T20 cricket match consists of two teams playing twenty overs each, numbered 1 to 20. The runs scored in any over is a non-negative integer. The run rate at the end of any over is the average runs scored up to and including that over, i.e., the run rate at the end of the k-th over is the average number of runs scored in overs numbered 1, 2, …, k, where 1 ≤ k ≤ 20, k a positive integer. The following table indicates the run rate of a team at the end of some of the overs during a T20 cricket match (correct up to 2 decimal places), where 1 ≤ N – 2 < N + 6 ≤ 20, N a positive integer. It is also known that the team did not score less than 6 runs and more than 15 runs in any over.

Over NumberRun Rate
N − 28.00
N7.43
N + 28.11
N + 48.45
N + 68.08

In which of these pairs of over numbers, the team could have scored 22 runs in total?

  • A6 and 7
  • B7 and 8
  • C8 and 9
  • D9 and 10Correct answer
  • E10 and 11

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (9 and 10) With N=7, the table's cumulative totals after overs 5,7,9,11,13 are 40,52,73,93,105. Therefore the two-over block totals are: overs 6–7: 12; 8–9: 21; 10–11: 20; 12–13: 12. Every single over is between 6 and 15 runs. Thus 6+7 cannot total 22. Since over 7 must be 6, overs 7+8 can be at most 21. Overs 8+9 are fixed at 21, and overs 10+11 are fixed at 20. For overs 9+10, however, the two runs come from adjacent but different fixed blocks. A feasible allocation is (8,9)=(6,15) and (10,11)=(7,13), giving over 9 + over 10 = 15+7=22. Hence only option D could total 22.
Q72Data Interpretation·Tables

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. A T20 cricket match consists of two teams playing twenty overs each, numbered 1 to 20. The runs scored in any over is a non-negative integer. The run rate at the end of any over is the average runs scored up to and including that over, i.e., the run rate at the end of the k-th over is the average number of runs scored in overs numbered 1, 2, …, k, where 1 ≤ k ≤ 20, k a positive integer. The following table indicates the run rate of a team at the end of some of the overs during a T20 cricket match (correct up to 2 decimal places), where 1 ≤ N – 2 < N + 6 ≤ 20, N a positive integer. It is also known that the team did not score less than 6 runs and more than 15 runs in any over.

Over NumberRun Rate
N − 28.00
N7.43
N + 28.11
N + 48.45
N + 68.08

In which of the following over numbers, the team MUST have scored the least number of runs?

  • A7Correct answer
  • B8
  • C9
  • D10
  • E11

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (7) The recovered cumulative scores at overs 5,7,9,11 and 13 are 40,52,73,93 and 105. So overs 6 and 7 together scored 12. Since no over has fewer than 6 runs, both must have scored exactly 6. Similarly, overs 12 and 13 together scored 105−93=12, so each also scored 6. For the listed over numbers 7 through 11, over 7 is therefore fixed at the global minimum permitted score. The other candidates are not forced to be 6: overs 8–9 total 21 and overs 10–11 total 20, allowing several splits within the 6-to-15 range. Thus over 7 must have scored the least number of runs (possibly tied with other overs). Options B–E confuse “can be low” with “must be at the minimum.”
Q73Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. A store offers a choice of five different discount coupons to its customers, described as follows: Coupon A: A flat discount of Rs. 250 on a minimum spend of Rs. 1200 in one transaction. Coupon B: A 15% discount on a minimum spend of Rs. 500 in one transaction, up to a maximum discount of Rs. 300. Coupon C: A flat discount of Rs. 100 on a minimum spend of Rs. 600 in one transaction. Coupon D: A 10% discount on a minimum spend of Rs. 250 in one transaction, up to a maximum discount of Rs. 100. Coupon E: A flat discount of Rs. 50 on a minimum spend of Rs. 200 in one transaction. The customers are allowed to use at most one coupon in one transaction, i.e., two or more coupons cannot be combined for the same transaction.

Four customers used four different discount coupons for their respective transactions in such a way that they obtained a total discount of Rs. 710. Which discount coupon was not used?

  • ACoupon A
  • BCoupon B
  • CCoupon C
  • DCoupon D
  • ECoupon ECorrect answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (Coupon E) Coupon A always contributes Rs. 250, C contributes Rs. 100 and E contributes Rs. 50. Coupons B and D can contribute at most Rs. 300 and Rs. 100 respectively. Test each possible omission against the target Rs. 710. If A is omitted, the maximum is 300+100+100+50=550. Omitting B gives at most 500; omitting C gives at most 700; omitting D also gives at most 700. None can reach 710. If E is omitted, A+C contribute 350 and B+D need contribute 360, which is feasible—for example Rs. 260 from B and Rs. 100 from D. Therefore Coupon E alone can be the unused coupon. The cap checks eliminate the other four options without needing the customers' precise transaction amounts.
Q74Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. A store offers a choice of five different discount coupons to its customers, described as follows: Coupon A: A flat discount of Rs. 250 on a minimum spend of Rs. 1200 in one transaction. Coupon B: A 15% discount on a minimum spend of Rs. 500 in one transaction, up to a maximum discount of Rs. 300. Coupon C: A flat discount of Rs. 100 on a minimum spend of Rs. 600 in one transaction. Coupon D: A 10% discount on a minimum spend of Rs. 250 in one transaction, up to a maximum discount of Rs. 100. Coupon E: A flat discount of Rs. 50 on a minimum spend of Rs. 200 in one transaction. The customers are allowed to use at most one coupon in one transaction, i.e., two or more coupons cannot be combined for the same transaction.

Four customers used four different discount coupons for their respective transactions in such a way that nobody used any discount coupon sub-optimally. (A discount coupon is used suboptimally if using another discount coupon could have resulted in a higher discount for the same transaction.) What was the minimum combined spend (before application of any discount)?

  • ARs. 2250
  • BRs. 2500Correct answer
  • CRs. 2350
  • DRs. 2300
  • ERs. 1550

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Rs. 2500) Coupon D can never be used non-suboptimally: below Rs. 500, E gives Rs. 50 while D gives less than Rs. 50; from Rs. 500 onward, B gives at least Rs. 75 and beats D. Therefore the four coupons used must be A, B, C and E. Find the least spend at which each is not beaten. E needs Rs. 200. B at its Rs. 500 threshold gives Rs. 75, beating E. C at Rs. 600 gives Rs. 100, beating B's Rs. 90. A at Rs. 1200 gives Rs. 250, beating B's Rs. 180 and all others. Hence minimum combined spend = 200+500+600+1200 = Rs. 2500. Option E merely adds some thresholds without enforcing four distinct, non-suboptimal coupons; the nearby distractors miss one coupon's eligibility boundary.
Q75Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow. A store offers a choice of five different discount coupons to its customers, described as follows: Coupon A: A flat discount of Rs. 250 on a minimum spend of Rs. 1200 in one transaction. Coupon B: A 15% discount on a minimum spend of Rs. 500 in one transaction, up to a maximum discount of Rs. 300. Coupon C: A flat discount of Rs. 100 on a minimum spend of Rs. 600 in one transaction. Coupon D: A 10% discount on a minimum spend of Rs. 250 in one transaction, up to a maximum discount of Rs. 100. Coupon E: A flat discount of Rs. 50 on a minimum spend of Rs. 200 in one transaction. The customers are allowed to use at most one coupon in one transaction, i.e., two or more coupons cannot be combined for the same transaction.

A family wanted to purchase four products worth Rs. 1000 each, and another product worth Rs. 300. They were told that they could: I) pay for the five products through one or more transactions in any way they wanted, as long as the purchase amount of any one product would not get split into different transactions, and II) use the same discount coupon repeatedly for separate transactions, if they opt for more than one transaction. What was the maximum discount that they could obtain for their purchase?

  • ARs. 600
  • BRs. 645
  • CRs. 650
  • DRs. 700Correct answer
  • ENone of the remaining options is correct.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Rs. 700) For a Rs. 1000 transaction, Coupon B gives 15%=Rs. 150. Separate transactions for the four such products would therefore yield Rs. 600; the Rs. 300 product separately gets at most Rs. 50 through E, totaling Rs. 650. A better grouping combines one Rs. 1000 product with the Rs. 300 product. On this Rs. 1300 transaction, Coupon A gives Rs. 250 (better than B's Rs. 195). Keep each of the remaining three Rs. 1000 products separate and apply B to each, gaining 3×150=450. Total discount = 250+450 = Rs. 700. Combining two Rs. 1000 products merely reaches B's Rs. 300 cap, equal to two separate Rs. 150 discounts, while larger bundles lose repeat uses. Thus no partition improves on Rs. 700.

General Knowledge(25 questions)

Q76General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

Which of the following years is NOT a leap year?

  • A1900Correct answer
  • B2000
  • C1896
  • D1924
  • E2024

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (1900) Earth takes about 365.25 days to orbit the Sun. The calendar uses 365 days and adds an extra day nearly every four years — a leap year — to catch up. Rule (Gregorian). A year is a leap year if it is divisible by 4. Exception: a century year (…00) is a leap year only if it is also divisible by 400. Check each option. • A (1900): divisible by 100, but 1900 ÷ 400 = 4.75 — not divisible by 400 → not a leap year. • B (2000): divisible by 400 → leap year. • C (1896): 1896 ÷ 4 = 474 → leap year. • D (1924): 1924 ÷ 4 = 481 → leap year. • E (2024): 2024 ÷ 4 = 506 → leap year. Only 1900 fails the century rule, so A.
Q77General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Which two teams competed in the final match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023, held on March 26, 2023 in Mumbai?

  • ADelhi Capitals & Mumbai IndiansCorrect answer
  • BGujarat Giants & Delhi Capitals
  • CUP Warriorz & Delhi Capitals
  • DRoyal Challengers Bangalore & Mumbai Indians
  • EDelhi Capitals & Gujarat Giants

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Delhi Capitals & Mumbai Indians) Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians contested the 2023 Women's Premier League final.
Q78General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Which city hosted the recently concluded Asian Games 2022 (which happened in 2023)?

  • AIncheon
  • BHangzhouCorrect answer
  • CJakarta
  • DGuangzhou
  • EBusan

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Hangzhou) Hangzhou is the city that hosted the recently concluded Asian Games 2022 (which happened in 2023).
Q79General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Which of the following countries has NOT been invited to join the BRICS in the BRICS' expansion plan for 2024?

  • AEgypt
  • BEthiopia
  • CSaudi Arabia
  • DIran
  • EPakistanCorrect answer

Answer: E

Show explanation
Answer:E (Pakistan) Pakistan is the exception among the listed countries: it has not been invited to join the BRICS in the BRICS' expansion plan for 2024.
Q80General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Why has Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy been in the news recently?

  • AShe is the first Indian citizen to command a rover mission on Mars.Correct answer
  • BShe is the first Indian citizen to lead the Big Bang Observatory.
  • CShe is the first Indian citizen appointed to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory.
  • DShe is the first Indian citizen to be heading the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.
  • EShe is the first Indian citizen to make a major breakthrough in the genome sequencing of Jamun.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (She is the first Indian citizen to command a rover mission on Mars.) Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy was in the news as the first Indian citizen to command a Mars rover mission.
Q81General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Awards & Personalities

Who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023?

  • ABarack Obama
  • BShirin Ebadi
  • CNarges MohammadiCorrect answer
  • DMaria Ressa
  • ECenter for Civil Liberties

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Narges Mohammadi) Narges Mohammadi received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023.
Q82General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

The movie Oppenheimer was directed by:

  • AChristopher NolanCorrect answer
  • BGreta Gerwig
  • CQuentin Tarantino
  • DZack Snyder
  • ESteven Spielberg

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Christopher Nolan) Christopher Nolan directed *Oppenheimer*.
Q83General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Matthew Perry, who died in 2023, was famously known for playing which character in the sitcom called Friends?

  • ARoss Geller
  • BChandler BingCorrect answer
  • CJoey Tribbiani
  • DRaymond Holt
  • EMonica Geller

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Chandler Bing) Matthew Perry was best known for playing Chandler Bing in *Friends*.
Q84General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Awards & Personalities

Claudia Dale Goldin was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2023 in recognition of her groundbreaking research in the field of:

  • AWomen in the Work ForceCorrect answer
  • BBehavioural Economics
  • CHuman Trafficking
  • DUnemployment in Global South
  • EPoverty in Africa

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Women in the Work Force) Claudia Goldin's 2023 economics prize recognized her research on women in the workforce.
Q85General Knowledge / Current Affairs·History & Polity

Which country has formally pulled out of "Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe?"

  • AIsrael
  • BRussiaCorrect answer
  • CItaly
  • DGermany
  • ETurkey

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Russia) Russia formally withdrew from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.
Q86General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Science & Tech

What is the name of Air India's Artificial Intelligence-powered chat assistant that introduced a generative AI virtual agent?

  • ANiyaa
  • BAirBuddy
  • CSathi
  • DMaharajaCorrect answer
  • EFrenz

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Maharaja) Air India's AI-powered chat assistant is named Maharaja.
Q87General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

In November 2023, which state government declared a fish named "Ghol" as the state fish?

  • AUttar Pradesh
  • BHaryana
  • CGujaratCorrect answer
  • DBihar
  • EMaharashtra

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Gujarat) In November 2023, Gujarat declared the ghol its state fish.
Q88General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Which Indian city set a world record by illuminating 22.23 lakh earthen lamps on the eve of Diwali 2023?

  • AAyodhyaCorrect answer
  • BPrayagraj
  • CVaranasi
  • DUdupi
  • ERameswaram

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Ayodhya) Ayodhya is the Indian city that set a world record by illuminating 22.23 lakh earthen lamps on the eve of Diwali 2023.
Q89General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

Which rocket was used to launch Aditya-L1?

  • APSLV-C57Correct answer
  • BLVM3 -M4
  • CNGLV
  • DGSLV-F12
  • ETERLS

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (PSLV-C57) PSLV-C57 is the rocket that was used to launch Aditya-L1.
Q90General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Which company has launched a dedicated air cargo service in India to speed up deliveries?

  • AAmazonCorrect answer
  • BFlipkart
  • CJiomart
  • DTata Cliq
  • ESnapdeal

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Amazon) Amazon launched Amazon Air in India as a dedicated air-cargo network intended to move customer packages faster across major fulfilment corridors. The service uses cargo capacity operated by an airline partner while Amazon manages the logistics network and shipment flow. Therefore the company asked for is Amazon. Flipkart and Jiomart are major Indian e-commerce competitors and may use air freight through logistics partners, but the specifically branded dedicated service referenced in the question was Amazon Air. Tata Cliq and Snapdeal likewise did not make the cited launch. This is a current-affairs identification item rather than a numerical Quant problem, so the decisive clue is the phrase “dedicated air cargo service in India.”
Q91General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

What is X-37B?

  • AThe name of the youngest kid of Elon Musk.
  • BThe new electric vehicle to be launched by Tesla.
  • CThe newest variant of COVID-19 virus.
  • DThe U.S. military plane that has gone to the space.Correct answer
  • EThe name of India's Jupiter mission.

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (The U.S. military plane that has gone to the space.) The X-37B is a reusable U.S. military spaceplane.
Q92General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Current Affairs

Which of the following prefectures of Japan was MAJORLY affected by an earthquake on January 1, 2024?

  • AIshikawaCorrect answer
  • BOsaka
  • CTokyo
  • DHiroshima
  • EFukushima

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Ishikawa) The January 1, 2024 earthquake primarily affected Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture.
Q93General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Geography & Environment

Which of the following Indian states does the River Ganges not flow through?

  • AUttarakhand
  • BBihar
  • CJharkhand
  • DHaryanaCorrect answer
  • EUttar Pradesh

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Haryana) The Ganges does not flow through Haryana.
Q94General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Geography & Environment

Arrange the following historic capital cities of Indian kingdoms in the order of their geographic locations, from north to south. (a) Kannauj (b) Karur (c) Pataliputra (d) Rajahmundry

  • A(b)-(d)-(c)-(a)
  • B(a)-(c)-(d)-(b)Correct answer
  • C(a)-(c)-(b)-(d)
  • D(c)-(a)-(b)-(d)
  • E(c)-(d)-(a)-(b)

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B ((a)-(c)-(d)-(b)) The required order is (a)-(c)-(d)-(b). Reading the listed items in the direction or chronology specified gives this sequence.
Q95General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK
BooksAuthors
(a) Adventures of Tom Sawyer(i) Charles Dickens
(b) Around the World in Eighty Days(ii) Arthur Conan Doyle
(c) Gulliver's Travels(iii) Jules Verne
(d) Adventures of Sherlock Holmes(iv) Mark Twain
(e) David Copperfield(v) Jonathan Swift

Match the following books with their authors.

  • Aa-iv, b-iii, c-v, d-ii, e-iCorrect answer
  • Bb-iv, a-iii, c-v, d-ii, e-i
  • Ca-iv, c-iii, b-v, d-ii, e-i
  • De-iv, b-iii, d-v, c-ii, a-i
  • Ea-iv, c-iii, e-v, d-ii, b-i

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (a-iv, b-iii, c-v, d-ii, e-i) The correct pairings are Adventures of Tom Sawyer — Mark Twain; Around the World in Eighty Days — Jules Verne; Gulliver's Travels — Jonathan Swift; Adventures of Sherlock Holmes — Arthur Conan Doyle; David Copperfield — Charles Dickens.
Q96General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

What is the common terminology used to describe the following applications: ChatGPT, Google Bard, Chatsonic?

  • AGenerative AI ToolsCorrect answer
  • BDating Tools
  • CGaming Applications
  • DNews Aggregators
  • EUPI Applications

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Generative AI Tools) ChatGPT, Google Bard and Chatsonic are generative AI tools.
Q97General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

Which of the following governors-general of India introduced the policy of "doctrine of lapse?"

  • ALord Wellesley
  • BLord Curzon
  • CLord Mountbatten
  • DLord DalhousieCorrect answer
  • ELord Reading

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Lord Dalhousie) Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse.
Q98General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

What is Nabanno?

  • AIt is a town close to Nabarno-Karabakh.
  • BIt is the harvest festival of Bengal and Bangladesh.Correct answer
  • CIt is another word for "great news."
  • DIt is a dancing festival in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • EIt is a perennial river that flows in the Deccan.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (It is the harvest festival of Bengal and Bangladesh.) Nabanno refers to the harvest festival of Bengal and Bangladesh.
Q99General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK

Arrange the following famous battles in the order of their occurrence: (a) Battle of the Hydaspes (b) First Battle of Tarain (c) Battle of Khanwa (d) Battle of Talikota (e) Battle of Buxar

  • A(a)-(c)-(d)-(b)-(e)
  • B(a)-(e)-(b)-(c)-(d)
  • C(a)-(b)-(c)-(d)-(e)Correct answer
  • D(a)-(c)-(b)-(d)-(e)
  • E(a)-(b)-(d)-(c)-(e)

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C ((a)-(b)-(c)-(d)-(e)) The required order is (a)-(b)-(c)-(d)-(e). Reading the listed items in the direction or chronology specified gives this sequence.
Q100General Knowledge / Current Affairs·Static GK
Country / TerritoryNational Capital
(a) Kenya(i) Vaduz
(b) Paraguay(ii) Nairobi
(c) Guinea(iii) Asunción
(d) Liechtenstein(iv) Conakry

Match the following national capitals with their respective countries/territories.

  • Aa-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-iCorrect answer
  • Ba-ii, b-iii, c-i, d-iv
  • Ca-ii, b-i, c-iii, d-iv
  • Da-ii, b-iv, c-i, d-iii
  • Ea-ii, b-iv, c-iii, d-i

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i) The correct pairings are Kenya — Nairobi; Paraguay — Asunción; Guinea — Conakry; Liechtenstein — Vaduz.

Answer key

Quick reference — click a question number to jump to the full solution.

Q#SectionAnswerTopic
1Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningBVerbal Ability
2Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningBVerbal Ability
3Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningAVerbal Ability
4Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningCVerbal Ability
5Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningCVerbal Ability
6Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningAVerbal Ability
7Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
8Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningEVerbal Ability
9Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningEReading Comprehension
10Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningAVerbal Ability
11Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
12Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningEReading Comprehension
13Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
14Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
15Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningCReading Comprehension
16Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
17Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
18Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningCReading Comprehension
19Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningBReading Comprehension
20Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningAReading Comprehension
21Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningEReading Comprehension
22Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
23Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningCReading Comprehension
24Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningBReading Comprehension
25Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningDReading Comprehension
26Verbal Ability & Logical ReasoningEReading Comprehension
27Decision MakingADecision Making
28Decision MakingEDecision Making
29Decision MakingADecision Making
30Decision MakingADecision Making
31Decision MakingEDecision Making
32Decision MakingBDecision Making
33Decision MakingDDecision Making
34Decision MakingCDecision Making
35Decision MakingBDecision Making
36Decision MakingBDecision Making
37Decision MakingCDecision Making
38Decision MakingBDecision Making
39Decision MakingBDecision Making
40Decision MakingDDecision Making
41Decision MakingBDecision Making
42Decision MakingCDecision Making
43Decision MakingCDecision Making
44Decision MakingDDecision Making
45Decision MakingADecision Making
46Decision MakingEDecision Making
47Decision MakingCDecision Making
48Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationDQuantitative Ability
49Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationDQuantitative Ability
50Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationDQuantitative Ability
51Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationAQuantitative Ability
52Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationDQuantitative Ability
53Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationBQuantitative Ability
54Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationAQuantitative Ability
55Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationAQuantitative Ability
56Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationCQuantitative Ability
57Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationDQuantitative Ability
58Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationBQuantitative Ability
59Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationCQuantitative Ability
60Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationEQuantitative Ability
61Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationBData Interpretation
62Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationAQuantitative Ability
63Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationEQuantitative Ability
64Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationAQuantitative Ability
65Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationBData Interpretation
66Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationCData Interpretation
67Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationCQuantitative Ability
68Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationEQuantitative Ability
69Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationCQuantitative Ability
70Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationAData Interpretation
71Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationDData Interpretation
72Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationAData Interpretation
73Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationEQuantitative Ability
74Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationBQuantitative Ability
75Quantitative Ability & Data InterpretationDQuantitative Ability
76General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
77General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
78General KnowledgeBGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
79General KnowledgeEGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
80General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
81General KnowledgeCGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
82General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
83General KnowledgeBGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
84General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
85General KnowledgeBGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
86General KnowledgeDGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
87General KnowledgeCGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
88General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
89General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
90General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
91General KnowledgeDGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
92General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
93General KnowledgeDGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
94General KnowledgeBGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
95General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
96General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
97General KnowledgeDGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
98General KnowledgeBGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
99General KnowledgeCGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs
100General KnowledgeAGeneral Knowledge / Current Affairs

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are there in XAT 2024?

XAT 2024 has 100 questions across Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, with a total duration of 3h.

Is this the official XAT 2024 question paper?

Yes — this page hosts the past-year XAT paper for 2024, with the full question set, answer key, and explanations for revision.

Can I attempt XAT 2024 online with a timer?

Yes. Sign up free on MBACracked to attempt XAT 2024 under exam-accurate timing and marking, then get a percentile estimate and topic-wise analysis.

Does this page include the XAT 2024 answer key?

Yes. Every question shows the correct answer, with a collapsible explanation. A full answer-key table is also available at the bottom of the page.

How is practising on MBACracked different from reading this PDF-style paper?

Reading gives you questions and solutions. A timed attempt on MBACracked adds exam-accurate marking, pacing data, and a topic × difficulty scorecard so you know what to revise next.

Practise XAT 2024 on MBACracked with timed sections and get a percentile breakdown after every attempt — not just an answer key.

Ready to attempt this paper?

Reading the paper is free. Attempt it under timed exam conditions to get your estimated percentile, topic-wise accuracy, and pacing analysis.

Sign up free to attempt under real exam timing and get your percentile breakdown.