UPSC CSAT Simplified | Prelims 2025 is just ahead, so boost your CSAT skills with Practice Set 8

UPSC CSAT Practice Set 8

—Mudit Gupta

QUESTION #1

The principles of non-alignment, strategic autonomy, and multilateralism have historically guided India’s foreign policy. In recent years, however, India has adopted a more pragmatic approach, balancing its traditional ties with Russia and its growing partnership with the United States. The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a focal point of India’s foreign policy, with an emphasis on ensuring a free, open, and inclusive regional order. India’s active participation in forums like the Quad (comprising the US, Japan, Australia, and India) and its engagement with ASEAN countries reflect its commitment to countering Chinese influence while promoting economic and security cooperation. At the same time, India continues to advocate for reforms in global institutions like the United Nations to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.

Which of the following statements best captures the most logical and practical implication of India’s evolving foreign policy as described in the passage?

(a) India’s foreign policy is shifting entirely towards Western alliances, abandoning its historical ties with Russia and non-alignment principles.

(b) India’s focus on the Indo-Pacific and participation in the Quad signifies a strategic pivot to counterbalance China’s influence while maintaining strategic autonomy.

(c) India’s primary foreign policy goal is to replace China as the dominant power in Asia by aligning exclusively with the United States.

(d) India’s engagement with ASEAN and the Quad is aimed at isolating Russia from global geopolitical affairs.

Explanation:

Option (a) is incorrect because the passage highlights India’s balancing act between Russia and the US, not a complete shift towards the West.

Option (b) is correct as it aligns with the passage’s emphasis on India’s pragmatic approach, strategic autonomy, and focus on countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Option (c) is exaggerated and incorrect because the passage does not suggest India aims to replace China as the dominant power or align exclusively with the US.

Option (d) is misleading because the passage does not indicate that India’s engagement with ASEAN or the Quad is aimed at isolating Russia.

Therefore, (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION #2

A person walks 100 m Westward, then turns left and walks 100 m. He then takes 225 turn clockwise. In which direction is he walking now?

(a) South-West

(b) South-East

(c) North-West

(d) North-East

Explanation:

Therefore, (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION #3

On January 1st, 2023, a person saved 1. On January 2nd, 2023, he saved 2 more than that on the previous day. On January 3rd, 2023, he saved 2 more than that on the previous day and so on. At the end of which date was his total savings a perfect square as well a perfect cube?

(a) 7th January, 2023

(b) 8th January, 2023

(c) 9th January, 2023

(d) Not possible

Explanation:

In this question, we have to find the date on which the total savings of the person will be 64 (because 64 is the only number which is a perfect square as well as a perfect cube).

Saving on 1^st January = 1

Saving on 2^nd January = 1+2 =3 (because the saving here is 2 more than the previous day)

Saving on 3^rd January = 3+2 = 5

And so on.

So, essentially, we have been given 1+3+5+7…. and we have to find out on which day the total savings will become 64.

Let us use the sum of the arithmetic progression formula to find the answer.

On the 8^th day, i.e. on 8^th January, the sum will become 64, i.e., a perfect square and a perfect cube.

Therefore, (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION #4

ABCD is a square. One point on each of AB and CD; and two distinct points on each of BC and DA are chosen. How many distinct triangles can be drawn using any three points as vertices out of these six points?

(a) 16

(b) 18

(c) 20

(d) 24

Explanation:

There are a total of 10 points on a square, and we need to select 3 points randomly to make a triangle. The order of selection of points is not important; only the selection is important, and hence, this is not a question of permutation but a question of combination.

Selecting 3 points out of 10 points can be done in 10C3 ways, i.e. 20 ways.

Therefore, (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION #5

Please note: In the question given below, x raised to the power of n is written as x^n

What is the remainder when (10+ 10^2+ 10^3+ 10^4 + 10^5)  is divided by 6?

(a) 0

(b) 1

(c) 2

(d) 6

Explanation:

To solve this question, we will use a very simple shortcut and that is:

Remember: Whenever any power of 10 i.e. 10^n is divided by 6, the remainder is always 4.

So, we can re-arrange the question as saying that we have to find the remainder when (4+4+4+4+4) is divided by 6. [Using the shortcut that we just learnt.]

So, we have to find the remainder when 20 is divided by 6 i.e. 2.

Therefore, (c) is the correct answer.

(About our Expert: Mudit Gupta has been a mentor and faculty for the UPSC Civil Services exam for 8 years with expertise in CSAT, Polity, International Relations, and Current Affairs. He is known to break complex concepts into simpler ones that allow UPSC aspirants to develop a grip over the subject matter.)

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