Syllogisms, statements and conclusions, assumptions and arguments: previous-year questions
88 real UPSC Prelims questions (2011–2026) with the official answer and a clear explanation. 17 of them came in the last five papers.
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| List-I (Barrier to communication) | List-II (Example) |
|---|---|
| A. Semantic | 1. Lack of feedback |
| B. Cognitive | 2. Misunderstanding the meaning of a word |
| C. Organisational | 3. Fear of social stigma |
| D. Affective | 4. Information overload |
Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
Answer (d) & explanation
The match is A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 (d). Step 1: semantic barriers concern the meaning of words, so misunderstanding a word (A-2). Step 2: cognitive barriers concern the mind's ability to process, so information overload (B-4). Step 3: organisational barriers come from the system, like lack of feedback channels (C-1). Affective barriers come from feelings, such as fear of social stigma (D-3). Options (a), (b) and (c) mismatch.
Tip: link each word to its root: semantic = meaning, cognitive = thinking, affective = emotion, organisational = structure. This quickly solves communication-barrier matching.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
You are required to design a 'questionnaire' to be filled on-location by visitors, based on the following objective while writing a report :
"To determine the feasibility of setting up a family-oriented vacation resort in the vicinity of a lake destination in the mountains"
Which of the following heads would you include in the questionnaire to make it most appropriate for your purpose?
- 1. Size of family
- 2. Budget
- 3. Number of earners in the family
- 4. Food allergies and dietary restrictions
Select the answer using the code given below.
Answer (c) & explanation
Heads 1 and 2 only should be included (c). Step 1: the goal is to test the feasibility of a family resort: will there be demand, and at what price? Step 2: family size (1) shows the kind of rooms needed. Budget (2) shows what visitors will spend, which sets pricing. Both bear directly on feasibility. Step 3: number of earners (3) is personal, and its effect already shows in the budget. Food allergies (4) matter for running the resort later, not for deciding whether to build it. So options (a), (b) and (d) fail.
Tip: include only questions that serve the stated objective. Extra personal questions also reduce response rates in surveys.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
With reference to 'circular letters', which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1. Circular letters are usually addressed to a group of people.
- 2. Non-standard and customized content is typical of circular letters.
- 3. Circular letters are used to intimate appraisals and increments of employees within organisations.
- 4. Circular letters are less cost-effective than personalised and specific recipient-directed letters.
Select the answer using the code given below.
Answer (d) & explanation
Only statement 1 is correct (d). Step 1: a circular letter sends the same message to many people, so it is addressed to a group (1 correct). Step 2: statement 2 is wrong: circular content is standard, not customised. Statement 3 is wrong: appraisals and increments are personal, so they go in individual letters. Step 3: statement 4 is wrong: circulars are more cost-effective, since one text serves everyone. So options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: think of a school circular about a holiday: one message, many readers, low cost. Anything personal or private does not go by circular.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
There are four statements X, Y, Z and W. Their relations are as follows :
If X is incorrect, then so is Z; if Y is incorrect, then W is correct; if W is correct, then X is incorrect.
Which of the following is/are correct?
- I. If X is correct, then so is Y.
- II. If Z is correct, then it is not necessary that Y is correct.
Select the answer using the code given below.
Answer (a) & explanation
Only statement I is correct (a). Step 1: turn each rule around (the contrapositive, which is always equally true): "X incorrect → Z incorrect" becomes Z correct → X correct. "Y incorrect → W correct" becomes W incorrect → Y correct. "W correct → X incorrect" becomes X correct → W incorrect. Step 2: statement I: X correct → W incorrect → Y correct. So I is true. Step 3: statement II: Z correct → X correct → W incorrect → Y correct. So Y must be correct; II says it is not necessary, which is false. Options (b), (c) and (d) fail.
Tip: "If A then B" also means "if not B then not A". Chaining contrapositives solves most such puzzles.
only the contrapositive of an 'if … then' is safe. Here it links all four statements into one chain.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Consider the following statements :
Every red is blue. Every blue is green. Every green is yellow.
Which of the following statements denoted by P, Q and R are correct?
P. Every blue is yellow.
Q. Every red is green.
R. Every red is yellow.
Select the answer using the code given below.
Answer (d) & explanation
All three, P, Q and R, are correct (d). Step 1: "Every red is blue" means red is inside blue. Likewise blue is inside green, and green is inside yellow. So red ⊂ blue ⊂ green ⊂ yellow, like circles nested one inside another. Step 2: P: blue sits inside green, which sits inside yellow, so every blue is yellow ✓. Q: red ⊂ blue ⊂ green, so every red is green ✓. Step 3: R: red sits inside all the larger circles, so every red is yellow ✓. Options (a), (b) and (c) leave one out.
Tip: "every A is B" chains pass along: if A is inside B and B inside C, then A is inside C. Draw nested circles to check.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Consider the following three statements, namely S1, S2 and S3:
S1. Protecting the environment is an existential exigency for humans, given the impact of environmental degradation on climate change.
S2. Scientific consensus has not been achieved with regard to the extent of the contribution of human intervention to climate change.
S3. Environmental activism includes climate alarmism and other extremist points of view that often become the focus of climate change deniers.
Which of the following relationships based on the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1. S3 is a counterpoint to S1
- 2. S3 is unconnected to S1 and S2
- 3. S2 could be the reason for S3
Select the answer using the code given below.
Answer (d) & explanation
Only relationship 3 is correct (d). Step 1: relationship 1: S3 says some environmental activism is extreme and gets targeted by deniers. That does not argue against S1 (protecting the environment is vital). So S3 is not a counterpoint to S1. Step 2: relationship 2 says S3 is unconnected to S1 and S2. But S3 is linked to S2. Step 3: relationship 3: since scientists have not agreed on how much humans cause climate change (S2), there is room for both alarmism and denial (S3). So S2 could be a reason for S3. Options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: a counterpoint must oppose the main claim. A statement about how a debate is conducted is not opposition to the cause itself.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
| List-I (Relationship category) | List-II (Communication type) |
|---|---|
| A. Between cricket captain and team members | 1. Informal and firm |
| B. Between judge and lawyers in court | 2. Informal and open-ended |
| C. Between Vice Chancellor and Deputy Registrar | 3. Formal and open-ended |
| D. Between peers and coworkers | 4. Formal and firm |
Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
Answer (b) & explanation
The match is A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2 (b). Step 1: a court is the most formal and binding setting, so judge and lawyers = formal and firm (B-4). Peers and coworkers talk freely and loosely = informal and open-ended (D-2). Step 2: a cricket captain is friendly with players, but his decision is final = informal and firm (A-1). Step 3: a Vice Chancellor and Deputy Registrar work through official channels but discuss matters = formal and open-ended (C-3). Options (a), (c) and (d) mismatch these.
Tip: in matching questions, fix the clearest pairs first (here court and peers). The rest often fall into place.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
| List-I (Tool of communication) | List-II (Purpose) |
|---|---|
| A. Memorandum | 1. To record decisions |
| B. Flyer | 2. To inform confidentially |
| C. Bcc | 3. To intimate a directive |
| D. Minutes | 4. To disseminate non-targeted information |
Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
Answer (c) & explanation
The match is A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1 (c). Step 1: Minutes are the written record of a meeting, so they record decisions (D-1). Step 2: a memorandum (memo) is an internal office note that conveys an instruction, so it intimates a directive (A-3). Step 3: a flyer is handed out to anyone, so it spreads non-targeted information (B-4). Bcc (blind carbon copy) hides recipients from each other, so it informs confidentially (C-2). Options (a), (b) and (d) mismatch.
Tip: know basic office communication terms: memo, circular, minutes, notice and agenda. "Cc" shows all recipients; "Bcc" hides them.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Which among the following actions would constitute the most appropriate directive(s) in resolving interpersonal conflict in an office with culturally diverse personnel?
- 1. Direct personnel to practise activities that are the cultural markers of diverse groups
- 2. Allow conflicts to resolve naturally over time to set an appropriate precedent of leadership
- 3. Encourage personnel to seek each other's perspectives
Select the answer using the code given below.
Answer (c) & explanation
Only action 3 is appropriate (c). Step 1: action 1, forcing staff to practise other groups' cultural customs, can make people uncomfortable or offended. Respect cannot be imposed. Step 2: action 2, letting conflicts resolve on their own, is not leadership. Unresolved conflict usually grows and hurts teamwork. Step 3: action 3, encouraging staff to seek each other's perspectives, builds understanding and respect, the root of resolving cultural conflict. So options (a), (b) and (d) fail.
Tip: in workplace-ethics questions, prefer options that build dialogue and empathy. Avoid options that force behaviour or ignore problems.
in decision items, an option that forces people or does nothing is rarely the best one.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Consider the following statements:
- I. If A ≤ B > C < D > E > F ≥ G = H; then B is always greater than E.
- II. If P > Q = R ≥ S = T ≤ U = V > W; then S is always less than V.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer (d) & explanation
Neither statement is correct (d). Step 1: statement I: A ≤ B > C < D > E. The chain breaks at B > C < D: B and D are not linked, so B and E cannot be compared. B need not be greater than E. Step 2: statement II: S = T ≤ U = V gives S ≤ V. S could be equal to V, so "always less than V" fails. Step 3: both claims are not guaranteed. Options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: a conclusion holds only if all signs between the two letters point the same way. A "≤" in the chain means the result can be "equal", so "always less" is wrong.
a chain proves something only if every sign between the two letters points the same way.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
A mobile phone has been stolen. There are 3 suspects P, Q and R. They were questioned knowing that only one of them is guilty. Their responses are as follows :
P : I did not steal. Q stole it.
Q : R did not steal. I did not steal.
R : I did not steal. I do not know who did it.
Who stole the mobile phone?
Answer (d) & explanation
The thief cannot be concluded (d). Step 1: we know only one is guilty, but we are not told who speaks the truth or how many lie. Step 2: test each case. If P stole it, P lies, and Q and R can both be telling the truth. If Q stole it, Q lies, and P and R can be truthful. If R stole it, R lies, and Q's "R did not steal" is false, while P's "Q stole it" is false too. Step 3: without a rule like "only one lies", several cases fit. So no one can be named. Options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: in truth-teller puzzles, look for a rule about who lies. If none is given, the answer is often "cannot be concluded".
don't assume the innocent always tell the truth unless the question says so.
UPSC repeats traps like this year after year. The PYQ Book gathers every trap in one place, so you see them coming. Try the free sample
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
A Statement is given followed by two Conclusions numbered I and II. Consider the Statement and the Conclusions.
Statement : India is the world's largest producer of milk.
Conclusion-I : India is the world's largest exporter of milk.
Conclusion-II : India does not import milk.
Which one of the following is correct?
Answer (d) & explanation
Neither conclusion follows (d). Step 1: the statement only says India produces the most milk. Step 2: conclusion 1, largest exporter, does not follow. A country can be the biggest producer and also the biggest consumer, exporting very little. That is actually India's case. Step 3: conclusion 2, India does not import milk, does not follow either. A big producer may still import some milk products. Production says nothing about trade either way. So options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: producing, consuming, exporting and importing are four different things; do not jump from one to another. India has been the world's top milk producer since 1998, thanks to the White Revolution (Operation Flood).
don't bring in outside facts; judge only from the statement.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
A Main Statement is followed by four Statements labelled P, Q, R and S. Choose the ordered pair of the Statements where the first Statement implies the second, and the two Statements are logically consistent with the Main Statement.
Main Statement : Pradeep becomes either a Director or a Producer.
Statement P : Pradeep is a Director.
Statement Q : Pradeep is a Producer.
Statement R : Pradeep is not a Director.
Statement S : Pradeep is not a Producer.
Select the correct answer.
Answer (c) & explanation
Both SP and RQ are valid pairs (c). Step 1: the main statement says Pradeep becomes either a Director or a Producer. So if one is false, the other must be true. Step 2: S, "not a Producer", implies P, "a Director". So SP works. Step 3: R, "not a Director", implies Q, "a Producer". So RQ works too. Both pairs are consistent with the main statement. Options (a), (b) and (d) leave one out.
Tip: for "either A or B", the valid pairs are always "not A → B" and "not B → A". The pairs "A → not B" are not safe, because both might be true.
the pair must start with a negative (not X) and end with the other choice (Y), never the other way round.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Let P, Q, R, S and T be five statements such that :
- I. If P is true, then both Q and S are true.
- II. If R and S are true, then T is false.
Which of the following can be concluded ?
- 1. If T is true, then at least one of P and R must be false.
- 2. If Q is true, then P is true.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Answer (a) & explanation
Only conclusion 1 follows (a). Step 1: suppose T is true. By rule II, R and S cannot both be true. If S is false, then by rule I, P must be false (P true would make S true). If R is false, we are done. Either way, P or R is false. So conclusion 1 follows. Step 2: rule I says "if P then Q". This does not give "if Q then P". So conclusion 2 does not follow. Step 3: options (b), (c) and (d) fail.
Tip: "If A then B" also gives "if not B then not A". It never gives "if B then A".
reversing an 'if … then' (Q → P) is the classic mistake. Only the contrapositive (not Q → not P) is safe.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Consider the following statements in respect of five candidates P, Q, R, S and T. Two statements are true and one statement is false.
True Statement : One of P and Q was selected for the job.
False Statement : At least one of R and S was selected for the job.
True Statement : At most two of R, S and T were selected for the job.
Which of the following conclusions can be drawn ?
- 1. At least four were selected for the job.
- 2. S was selected for the job.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Answer (d) & explanation
Neither conclusion follows (d). Step 1: the false statement is "at least one of R and S was selected". If it is false, then neither R nor S was selected. So conclusion 2 (S was selected) is wrong. Step 2: only one of P and Q was selected, and T may or may not be. So at most 2 people were selected. Step 3: so conclusion 1 (at least four selected) is wrong too. Options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: the opposite of "at least one" is "none". Turning the false statement into its opposite is the key step.
the negation of 'at least one' is 'none', not 'only one'.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Two Statements followed by four Conclusions are given below. You have to take the Statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from the commonly known facts. Read all the Conclusions and then decide which of the given Conclusions logically follows/follow from the Statements, disregarding the commonly known facts :
Statement-1 : All pens are books.
Statement-2 : No chair is a pen.
Conclusion-I : All chairs are books.
Conclusion-II : Some chairs are pens.
Conclusion-III : All books are chairs.
Conclusion-IV : No chair is a book.
Which one of the following is correct?
Answer (d) & explanation
None of the conclusions follows (d). Step 1: draw pens inside books, and chairs outside pens. Step 2: chairs may overlap the part of books that is not pens, or may lie fully outside books. So "all chairs are books" (I) and "no chair is a book" (IV) are both only possible, not certain. Step 3: "some chairs are pens" (II) contradicts Statement-2. "All books are chairs" (III) cannot be true because pens are books but not chairs. So options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: draw the circles in more than one way. A conclusion follows only if it holds in every drawing.
'No chair is a pen' does not mean 'no chair is a book'. Books are bigger than pens.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Three Statements followed by three Conclusions are given below. You have to take the Statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from the commonly known facts. Read all the Conclusions and then decide which of the given Conclusions logically follows/follow from the Statements, disregarding the commonly known facts :
Statement-1 : Some doctors are teachers.
Statement-2 : All teachers are engineers.
Statement-3 : All engineers are scientists.
Conclusion-I : Some scientists are doctors.
Conclusion-II : All engineers are doctors.
Conclusion-III : Some engineers are doctors.
Which one of the following is correct?
Answer (c) & explanation
Conclusions I and III follow (c). Step 1: some doctors are teachers. All teachers are engineers, so those doctors are also engineers. Step 2: all engineers are scientists, so those doctors are also scientists. So "some engineers are doctors" (III) and "some scientists are doctors" (I) follow. Step 3: "all engineers are doctors" (II) does not follow; only some are. So options (a), (b) and (d) fail.
Tip: follow the small "some" group through each "all" statement. Wherever it goes, a "some" conclusion follows.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
A Statement followed by Conclusion-I and Conclusion-II is given below. You have to take the Statement to be true even if it seems to be at variance from the commonly known facts. Read all Conclusions and then decide which of the given Conclusion(s) logically follows/follow from the Statement, disregarding the commonly known facts.
Statement : Some radios are mobiles. All mobiles are computers. Some computers are watches.
Conclusion-I : Certainly some radios are watches.
Conclusion-II : Certainly some mobiles are watches.
Which one of the following is correct ?
Answer (d) & explanation
Neither conclusion follows (d). Step 1: some radios are mobiles, and all mobiles are computers. The watches are linked only to "some computers". Step 2: those computers may be ones that are not mobiles and not radios. So we cannot be sure any radio or mobile is a watch. Step 3: conclusions I and II both say "certainly", so neither follows. Options (a), (b) and (c) fail.
Tip: "some A are B" and "some B are C" give no sure link between A and C. Draw the circles so that the watches touch computers away from mobiles. If such a drawing is possible, the "certain" conclusion fails.
The word 'certainly' needs a sure link; a 'some' link through a big group (computers) is not sure.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
A Statement followed by Conclusion-I and Conclusion-II is given below. You have to take the Statement to be true even if it seems to be at variance from the commonly known facts. Read all Conclusions and then decide which of the given Conclusion(s) logically follows/follow from the Statement, disregarding the commonly known facts.
Statement : Some cats are almirahs. Some almirahs are chairs. All chairs are tables.
Conclusion-I : Certainly some almirahs are tables.
Conclusion-II : Some cats may not be chairs.
Which one of the following is correct ?
Answer (c) & explanation
Both conclusions follow (c). Step 1: some almirahs are chairs, and all chairs are tables. So those almirahs are also tables. Conclusion I, "certainly some almirahs are tables", is true. Step 2: nothing links cats to chairs directly. So it is possible that some cats are not chairs. Conclusion II uses "may not", which only claims a possibility. Step 3: so both follow. Options (a), (b) and (d) fail.
Tip: "may" or "may not" conclusions follow whenever the case is possible and not ruled out. "Certainly" conclusions need a firm chain, like "some A are B, all B are C".
a 'may' conclusion follows whenever the statements leave that case open.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Half of the villagers of a certain village have their own houses. One-fifth of the villagers cultivate paddy. One-third of the villagers are literate. Four-fifth of the villagers are under 25 years of age. Which one of the following statements is certainly correct ?
Answer (b) & explanation
The statement certainly correct is that some villagers under 25 are literate (b). Step 1: four-fifths are under 25 and one-third are literate. Add them: 4/5 + 1/3 = 17/15, which is more than the whole village. Step 2: two groups that together exceed the total must overlap. So some literate villagers must be under 25. That is (b). Step 3: options (a), (c) and (d) link houses, paddy and age in exact ways. The data give no such link, so none is certain.
Tip: if two fractions of the same group add up to more than 1, the groups must share members. The overlap is at least the excess (here 2/15).
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.