SSC MTS 2024 Question Paper 9 October Shift 3 with Answers
- Exam date
- 9 October 2024
- Shift
- Shift 34:00 PM
SSC uploaded the final answer keys with candidates' response sheets for MTS (Non-Technical) and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) Examination 2024 (CBE held 30.09.2024 to 14.11.2024) on 26.03.2025. Each paper here is one shift's response sheet, keyed to SSC's marked answers.
Tip: attempt the paper first, then come back here to check every answer and solution.
Numerical and Mathematical Ability (Q1–20)
- Official paper: SSC Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) Examination 2024, held on 9 October 2024, Shift 3 (4:00 PM to 5:30 PM). Questions and the answer key are as on the SSC candidate response sheet (final answer keys uploaded 26.03.2025). Explanations are written by BookOfExams. Pattern (MTS 2024 notice, para 14.6): Session I = Numerical and Mathematical Ability 20 + Reasoning 20 (45 minutes, no negative marking); Session II = General Awareness 25 + English 25 (45 minutes, −1 per wrong answer); 3 marks per question.
Q1.For 8 innings, a cricketer has an average of 68 runs. In the ninth inning, he scores 220 runs. His average score increased by (rounded off to the nearest whole number):
- A61
- B17
- C23
- D85
Answer: (B) 17
Old total 8 × 68 = 544; new total 544 + 220 = 764; new average 764 ÷ 9 = 84.89. Increase = 84.89 − 68 = 16.89 ≈ 17.
Q2.Find the simple interest (in ₹) on ₹3000 as a sum borrowed at 9% per year rate of interest for 6 years.
- A1660
- B1580
- C1620
- D1560
Answer: (C) 1620
SI = P × R × T ÷ 100 = 3000 × 9 × 6 ÷ 100 = ₹1,620.
Q3.Find the simple interest (in ₹) on ₹2000 as a sum borrowed at 8% per year rate of interest for 2 years.
- A260
- B320
- C280
- D360
Answer: (B) 320
SI = 2000 × 8 × 2 ÷ 100 = ₹320.
Q4.Study the following table and answer the question that follows. Centre and post-wise number of candidates (Centre: Clerk, Officer, Field Officer, Supervisor, Field Supervisor) Delhi: 50, 20, 50, 20, 70 Mumbai: 170, 15, 25, 30, 60 Kolkata: 195, 17, 70, 50, 80 Chennai: 200, 13, 30, 60, 90 Lucknow: 153, 14, 40, 20, 40 Patna: 110, 11, 20, 40, 30 Which centre has the least number of candidates?
- APatna
- BDelhi
- CMumbai
- DLucknow
Answer: (B) Delhi
Centre totals: Delhi 50+20+50+20+70 = 210, Mumbai 300, Kolkata 412, Chennai 393, Lucknow 267, Patna 211. The least is Delhi (210).
Q5.A dozen oranges cost ₹96, 2 dozen apples cost ₹240 and 4 pineapples costs ₹180. What is the average cost (in ₹) per piece?
- A12.9
- B12.6
- C16.2
- D19.2
Answer: (A) 12.9
Total cost = 96 + 240 + 180 = ₹516 for 12 + 24 + 4 = 40 pieces. Average = 516 ÷ 40 = ₹12.9.
Q6.Arrange the following ratios in descending order: 3 : 2, 4 : 3, 5 : 6, 1 : 5
- A1 : 5 > 5 : 6 > 4 : 3 > 3 : 2
- B6 : 5 > 4 : 3 > 3 : 2 > 1 : 5
- C3 : 2 > 4 : 3 > 5 : 6 > 1 : 5
- D5 : 6 > 4 : 3 > 3 : 2 > 1 : 5
Answer: (C) 3 : 2 > 4 : 3 > 5 : 6 > 1 : 5
As decimals: 3:2 = 1.5, 4:3 = 1.33, 5:6 = 0.83, 1:5 = 0.2. Descending: 3:2 > 4:3 > 5:6 > 1:5. (Option 2 is printed on the sheet as “6 : 5 > …”.)
Q7.A specific amount of money is loaned out at a simple interest rate, resulting in ₹15,000 in 2 years and ₹20,000 in 4 years. The rate percentage per annum is:
- A25%
- B20%
- C15%
- D18%
Answer: (A) 25%
Interest for 2 years = 20,000 − 15,000 = ₹5,000, so 1 year = ₹2,500 and principal = 15,000 − 5,000 = ₹10,000. Rate = 2500 ÷ 10000 × 100 = 25%.
Q8.A shopkeeper bought 10 dozen eggs at the rate of ₹5 per egg. 12 eggs broke in transit. He sold the remaining eggs at the rate of ₹6 per egg. Find his profit percentage.
- A15%
- B10%
- C8%
- D20%
Answer: (C) 8%
CP = 120 × 5 = ₹600. Eggs left = 120 − 12 = 108; SP = 108 × 6 = ₹648. Profit = 48, profit % = 48 ÷ 600 × 100 = 8%.
Q9.The speed of a boat in still water is 8 km/h, while it takes 2 hours for the boat to cover a distance of 20 km downstream. What is the speed (in km/h) of the stream?
- A2
- B1.5
- C2.5
- D1.75
Answer: (A) 2
Downstream speed = 20 ÷ 2 = 10 km/h = 8 + stream, so stream = 2 km/h.
Q10.A merchant gives 800 g instead of 1000 g to a customer. What is the merchant’s percentage profit?
- A15%
- B20%
- C10%
- D25%
Answer: (D) 25%
He charges for 1000 g but gives 800 g: profit = 200 on 800, i.e. 200 ÷ 800 × 100 = 25%.
Q11.A rectangular sheet of length 28 cm and breadth 16 cm is folded to meet the edges so that it is made into a cylindrical pipe in two possible ways – one along the length and the other along the breadth. The larger volume is how much percentage of smaller volume?
- A185%
- B175%
- C180%
- D165%
Answer: (B) 175%
Rolled along the length: circumference 28, height 16, r = 14/π, V₁ = π(14/π)² × 16 = 3136/π. Along the breadth: circumference 16, height 28, r = 8/π, V₂ = 1792/π. V₁ ÷ V₂ = 3136 ÷ 1792 = 1.75 = 175%.
Q12.A train is moving in from north to south direction. It overtakes Raj and Madhur who are walking in the same direction at the rate of 2 km/h and 4 km/h in 9 sec and 10 sec, respectively. If the train is x metres long, find the value of x.
- A70
- B90
- C30
- D50
Answer: (D) 50
Relative speeds (km/h → m/s ×5/18): x = (v − 2) × 5/18 × 9 = (v − 4) × 5/18 × 10 ⇒ 9v − 18 = 10v − 40 ⇒ v = 22 km/h. x = 20 × 5/18 × 9 = 50 m.
Q13.The average weight of a family of five members (in kg) whose weights are 40 kg, 49 kg, 56 kg, 65 kg and 37 kg is:
- A51.4
- B50.4
- C48.4
- D49.4
Answer: (D) 49.4
Sum = 40 + 49 + 56 + 65 + 37 = 247; average = 247 ÷ 5 = 49.4 kg.
Q14.Calculate the amount of liquid (in litres) that can be filled into a hemispherical pot having radius 21 cm. (Take π = 22/7)
- A20.500
- B21.404
- C22.500
- D19.404
Answer: (D) 19.404
Volume = (2/3)πr³ = (2/3) × (22/7) × 21³ = 19,404 cm³ = 19.404 litres (1 litre = 1000 cm³).
Q15.A solution of phenyl and water is 28 litres, with phenyl and water in ratio 4 : 3. 21 litres phenyl-water solution which has phenyl to water ratio as 2 : 1 is added to the 28 litres phenyl-water solution. Again 51 litres phenyl-water solution that has phenyl to water ratio as 9 : 8 is added to this. What is ratio of water to phenyl in the final mixture?
- A57 : 43
- B43 : 57
- C41 : 59
- D59 : 41
Answer: (B) 43 : 57
Phenyl: 16 + 14 + 27 = 57 L; water: 12 + 7 + 24 = 43 L (28 L at 4:3, 21 L at 2:1, 51 L at 9:8). Water : phenyl = 43 : 57.
Q16.The dimensions of a room are 1650 cm × 1350 cm × 900 cm. What should be the size of the longest tape with which the three dimensions can be measured exactly?
- A250 cm
- B200 cm
- C150 cm
- D300 cm
Answer: (C) 150 cm
Longest tape = HCF(1650, 1350, 900) = 150 cm.
Q17.Each of the two merchants sell an article for ₹1,000. If Merchant A computes his profit on the cost price, while Merchant B computes his profit on the selling price, then they both end up making profits of 25%. By how much is the profit made by Merchant B more than that of Merchant A?
- A₹40
- B₹45
- C₹50
- D₹35
Answer: (C) ₹50
A: profit 25% on CP ⇒ CP = 1000 ÷ 1.25 = 800, profit ₹200. B: profit 25% of SP = ₹250. Difference = ₹50.
Q18.A conical tent is to accommodate 12 persons. Each person must have 5 m² of the space on the ground and 20 m³ of air to breathe. The height of the tent should be:
- A12.5 m
- B22 m
- C12 m
- D13 m
Answer: (C) 12 m
Base area = 12 × 5 = 60 m², volume = 12 × 20 = 240 m³. (1/3) × 60 × h = 240 ⇒ h = 12 m.
Q19.The bar-graph shows the number of students from different branches of an engineering college. Study the given bar-graph and answer the question that follows. Which branch has a minimum ratio of males to females?
- AComputer Science
- BMechanical
- CCivil
- DElectrical
Answer: (A) Computer Science
Male : female ratios (from the graph): Civil 100:60, Mechanical 80:20, Electrical 120:60, Electronics 180:150, Computer Science 150:200 = 0.75. Computer Science has the minimum.
Q20.The cost of a raw material increased with equal percentage in two years. The price increased to ₹145.20 from ₹120. What is the equal annual percentage increase?
- A11.5%
- B10.5%
- C11%
- D10%
Answer: (D) 10%
145.20 ÷ 120 = 1.21 = (1.1)², so the equal annual increase is 10%.
Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving (Q21–40)
Q21.What should come in place of the question mark (?) in the given series based on the English alphabetical order? CVF, GTJ, KRN, ?, SNV
- AROQ
- BOPS
- CPRO
- DOPR
Answer: (D) OPR
Letters: C→G→K→O→S (+4), V→T→R→P→N (−2), F→J→N→R→V (+4). Missing term: OPR.
Q22.Identify the figure given in the options that when put in place of the question mark (?) will logically complete the series.
- AFigure 1
- BFigure 2
- CFigure 3
- DFigure 4
Answer: (A) Figure 1
Each symbol moves one corner clockwise each step and the centre symbol changes in the order square → arrow → triangle → lightning → bar. After figure 4: lightning top-left, arrow top-right, bar in the centre, triangle bottom-left, rounded square bottom-right: option 1.
Q23.What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following equation if ‘+’ and ‘–’ are interchanged and ‘×’ and ‘÷’ are interchanged? 12 ÷ 2 × 6 – 11 + 12 = ?
- A9
- B3
- C6
- D5
Answer: (B) 3
After swapping: 12 × 2 ÷ 6 + 11 − 12 = 4 + 11 − 12 = 3.
Q24.In a certain code language, 'DEVICE' is coded as ‘EDWHDD’ and 'DENIAL' is coded as ‘EDOHBK’. How will 'DEMAND' be coded in the same language?
- AEDNZOC
- BEDNBOC
- CEDNBMC
- DEDLZMC
Answer: (A) EDNZOC
Letters are shifted +1, −1, +1, −1, +1, −1: DEVICE → EDWHDD, DENIAL → EDOHBK. DEMAND → D+1 = E, E−1 = D, M+1 = N, A−1 = Z, N+1 = O, D−1 = C: EDNZOC.
Q25.7 is related to 33 following a certain logic. Following the same logic, 9 is related to 41. To which of the following is 14 related following the same logic? (NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits. E.g. 13 – Operations on 13 such as adding /subtracting /multiplying etc. to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.)
- A56
- B61
- C65
- D67
Answer: (B) 61
7 × 4 + 5 = 33 and 9 × 4 + 5 = 41, so 14 × 4 + 5 = 61.
Q26.What will come in the place of ‘?’ in the following equation, if ‘×’ and ‘−‘ are interchanged and ‘+’ and ‘÷’ are interchanged? 16 – 66 + 6 × 26 ÷ 36 = ?
- A186
- B241
- C166
- D204
Answer: (A) 186
After swapping: 16 × 66 ÷ 6 − 26 + 36 = 176 − 26 + 36 = 186.
Q27.A square sheet of paper is folded along the dotted line successively along the directions shown and is then punched in the last. How would the paper look when unfolded?
- AFigure 1
- BFigure 2
- CFigure 3
- DFigure 4
Answer: (D) Figure 4
The sheet is folded twice (into a quarter) and punched with two holes on a diagonal. Unfolding the two folds mirrors the holes across both fold lines, giving 8 holes symmetric about both centre lines: option 4.
Q28.In a code language, 'RAM' is written as ‘Q14’ and ‘CAR’ is written as ‘B19’. How will 'MARK' be written in that language?
- AL30
- BM29
- CM30
- DL26
Answer: (A) L30
First letter moves one back (R→Q, C→B); the number is the sum of the positions of the remaining letters (A+M = 1+13 = 14; A+R = 1+18 = 19). MARK: M→L, A+R+K = 1+18+11 = 30: L30.
Q29.Select the correct mirror image of the given figure when the mirror is placed at MN as shown below.
- AFigure 1
- BFigure 2
- CFigure 3
- DFigure 4
Answer: (C) Figure 3
With the mirror on the right (MN), the order of characters reverses and each character is flipped left–right: option 3.
Q30.Select the set in which the numbers are related in the same way as are the numbers of the given sets. (NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into their constituent digits. E.g. 13 – Operations on 13 such as adding/subtracting/multiplying to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.) (29, 77) (24, 62)
- A(19, 47)
- B(26, 88)
- C(31, 93)
- D(22, 86)
Answer: (A) (19, 47)
(29, 77): 29 × 3 − 10 = 77; (24, 62): 24 × 3 − 10 = 62. Only (19, 47) fits: 19 × 3 − 10 = 47.
Q31.What should come in place of the question mark (?) in the given series? 1, 2, 5, 12, ?, 58, 121
- A20
- B15
- C27
- D25
Answer: (C) 27
Each term = previous × 2 + n (n = 0, 1, 2, …): 1×2+0 = 2, 2×2+1 = 5, 5×2+2 = 12, 12×2+3 = 27, 27×2+4 = 58, 58×2+5 = 121.
Q32.A, B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting around a circular table facing the centre (but not necessarily in the same order) . Only two people sit between F and C when counted from the right of F. Only three people sit between B and G when counted from the right of G. C sits to the immediate right of G. D sits to the immediate right of A. Who sits fourth to the right of E?
- AG
- BA
- CD
- DF
Answer: (C) D
Facing the centre, clockwise: G, C, B, F, A, D, E (one valid arrangement; all conditions hold). Fourth to the right of E is D.
Q33.Select the figure that will come next in the following figure series.
- AFigure 1
- BFigure 2
- CFigure 3
- DFigure 4
Answer: (C) Figure 3
The small half-shaded circle and the trapezium move to new positions each step while the half-shaded circle rotates; continuing the pattern gives option 3 (SSC key).
Q34.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusion(s) logically follow(s) from the statement(s). Statements: All sharks are whales. No whale is a dolphin. Conclusions: (I) No shark is a dolphin. (II) No dolphin is a whale.
- AOnly conclusion II follows.
- BNeither conclusion I nor II follows.
- CBoth conclusions I and II follow.
- DOnly conclusion I follows.
Answer: (C) Both conclusions I and II follow.
All sharks are whales and no whale is a dolphin, so no shark is a dolphin (I follows). “No whale is a dolphin” converts to “No dolphin is a whale” (II follows). Both follow.
Q35.A, B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting around a circular table facing away from the centre (but not necessarily in the same order). Only 3 people sit between D and F when counted from the right of D. E and G are both immediate neighbours of A. B sits immediately to the left of C. Only 1 person sits between B and G when counted from the right of G. What is the position of E with respect to B?
- AThird to the right
- BSecond to the right
- CSecond to the left
- DThird to the left
Answer: (A) Third to the right
Facing away from the centre, the only arrangement that fits all conditions places E third to the right of B.
Q36.In a certain code language, ‘GIRL’ is coded as ‘3618’ and ‘ROAD’ is coded as ‘7462’.What is the code for ‘R’ in the given code language?
- A1
- B8
- C3
- D6
Answer: (D) 6
GIRL = 3618 and ROAD = 7462; the only common letter is R and the only common digit is 6, so R = 6.
Q37.AB10 is related to CD29 in a certain way. In the same way, KL65 is related to MN84. To which of the following is UV25 related, following the same logic?
- AZX45
- BWX45
- CWX44
- DZX44
Answer: (C) WX44
Letters move +2 (A→C, B→D; K→M, L→N) and the number increases by 19 (10→29, 65→84). UV25 → WX44.
Q38.SK −1 is related to OO 3 in a certain way. In the same way, IA 2 is related to EE 6. To which of the following is EO 5 related, following the same logic?
- AAS −1
- BAS 1
- CAS 9
- DAT 9
Answer: (C) AS 9
First letter −4 (S→O, I→E), second letter +4 (K→O, A→E), number +4 (−1→3, 2→6). EO5 → A, S, 9: AS 9.
Q39.In a certain code language, ‘can you swim’ is coded as ‘MQ TO LO’ and ‘He can drive’ is coded as ‘LO AB PQ’. How is ‘can’ coded in that code language?
- AMQ
- BLO
- CTO
- DAB
Answer: (B) LO
“can” appears in both sentences, and the only common code word is LO.
Q40.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements. Statements: Some herbs are trees. Some trees are plants. Conclusions: (I) Some herbs are plants. (II) At least some trees are herbs.
- ANeither conclusion I nor II follows
- BOnly conclusion II follows
- COnly conclusion I follows
- DBoth conclusion I and II follow
Answer: (B) Only conclusion II follows
“Some herbs are trees” converts to “Some trees are herbs”, so II follows. Herbs and plants have no definite link, so I does not follow. Only II follows.
General Awareness (Q41–65)
Q41.As of February 2024, who among the following is the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
- ADharmendra Pradhan
- BJagat Prakash Nadda
- CHarivansh Narayan Singh
- DPrakash Javadekar
Answer: (C) Harivansh Narayan Singh
Harivansh Narayan Singh has been Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha since 2018 (re-elected in 2020).
Q42.Select the INCORRECT statement.
- AThe chromatin material gets organised into rod-shaped chromosomes only when the cell is about to divide.
- BChromosomes are composed of DNA and carbohydrates.
- CDNA molecules contain the information necessary for constructing and organising cells.
- DFunctional segments of DNA are called genes.
Answer: (B) Chromosomes are composed of DNA and carbohydrates.
Chromosomes are made of DNA and proteins (histones), not carbohydrates, so that statement is incorrect.
Q43.Which Fundamental Right guarantees protection of interests of the minorities in the matter of their language, script or culture?
- ARight to Freedom
- BRight to Equality
- CRight against Exploitation
- DCultural and Educational Rights
Answer: (D) Cultural and Educational Rights
Article 29 (part of Cultural and Educational Rights, Articles 29–30) protects the language, script and culture of minorities.
Q44.The Irani Cup is a first-class cricket competition played between the winner of the Ranji Trophy and which other team?
- ABoard President's XI
- BRest of India
- CIndia B
- DIndia A
Answer: (B) Rest of India
The Irani Cup is played between the Ranji Trophy champions and a Rest of India team.
Q45.Which of the following is the National waterway no. 4 in India?
- AMahanadi and Brahmani rivers and East Coast Canal
- BGodavari and Krishna rivers along with Kakinada Puducherry
- CThe Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri
- DThe Ganga River between Allahabad-Haldia
Answer: (B) Godavari and Krishna rivers along with Kakinada Puducherry
National Waterway 4 covers the Godavari and Krishna rivers with the Kakinada–Puducherry canal stretch.
Q46.Vinod Mankara’s documentary 'Mohinyattathinte Amma' is based on which of the following world renowned Mohiniyattam dancers?
- AKalamandalam Kalyanikutty
- BSunanda Nair
- CP Madhuri
- DJayaprabha Menon
Answer: (A) Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty
“Mohiniyattathinte Amma” is about Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, called the mother of Mohiniyattam.
Q47.According to Newland’s Law of Octaves, every eighth element has properties similar to those of the first element. Which of the following elements has properties similar to those of N?
- AS
- BB
- CAl
- DP
Answer: (D) P
In Newlands' octaves, nitrogen (N) falls in the same column as phosphorus (P), which is the eighth element from it in his order.
Q48.Which state finished second in the first edition of the Khelo India Para Games?
- ARajasthan
- BUttar Pradesh
- CHaryana
- DMadhya Pradesh
Answer: (B) Uttar Pradesh
At the first Khelo India Para Games (Delhi, December 2023) Haryana topped the table and Uttar Pradesh finished second with 62 medals (SAI press release, 17 Dec 2023).
Q49.Who among the following was the founder of Indian Association in Bengal?
- ASurendra Nath Banerjee
- BRash Behari Bose
- CP Ananda Charlu
- DChittaranjan Das
Answer: (A) Surendra Nath Banerjee
Surendranath Banerjee founded the Indian Association in Calcutta in 1876 with Ananda Mohan Bose.
Q50.Tax, known as bhaga, was levied on which of the following during Mahajanapada period of Ancient India?
- ATax on cattle breeders
- BTax on merchants
- CTax on cultivators
- DTax on artisans
Answer: (C) Tax on cultivators
Bhaga was the king's share of the produce, a tax on cultivators (usually one-sixth).
Q51.A 5% decrease in poverty by 2007 was one of main objectives of the ________ plan.
- AFourth Five-Year Plan (1966-1974)
- BTenth Year Plan (2002-2007)
- CNinth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002)
- DSeventh Five-Year Plan (1985-90)
Answer: (B) Tenth Year Plan (2002-2007)
The Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002–07) aimed to reduce the poverty ratio by 5 percentage points by 2007.
Q52.Identify the INCORRECT pair (State and Iron-ore producing region) from the following.
- AMadhya Pradesh - Ratnagiri
- BOdisha - Badampahar
- CChhattisgarh - Bailadila
- DKarnataka - Kudremukh
Answer: (A) Madhya Pradesh - Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is in Maharashtra (known for bauxite), not an iron-ore region of Madhya Pradesh. The other pairs are correct.
Q53.Usain Bolt shared the journey of his life in which of the following autobiographies?
- AFaster Than Lightning
- BLet Your Mind Run
- CRace of My Life
- DRunning for My Life
Answer: (A) Faster Than Lightning
Usain Bolt's autobiography is “Faster than Lightning” (2013).
Q54.The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was constructed in around 1197 AD by the sultan of which of the following dynasties of Delhi Sultanate?
- ATughlaq
- BLodhi
- CMamluk
- DKhalji
Answer: (C) Mamluk
Qutb-ud-din Aibak of the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty built the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque around 1197.
Q55.Select the odd one from the following saltwater lakes on the basis of their formation?
- AChilika lake
- BKolleru lake
- CSambhar lake
- DPulicat lake
Answer: (C) Sambhar lake
Chilika, Kolleru and Pulicat are coastal lagoon/coastal lakes; Sambhar is an inland salt lake in Rajasthan, so it is the odd one.
Q56.In 2022, Arjun Singh Dhurve was honoured with the Padma Shri Award for his contribution in which of the following Indian folk-dance forms?
- ABihu
- BLaho
- CBaiga
- DChhau
Answer: (C) Baiga
Arjun Singh Dhurve received the Padma Shri in 2022 for the Baiga tribal folk dance of Madhya Pradesh.
Q57.Who among the following was sent by Akbar to lead the Mughal army in the Battle of Haldighati which was fought in 1576?
- ARaja Man Singh
- BRaja Maharana Pratap
- CRaja Medini Rai
- DRaja Todarmal
Answer: (A) Raja Man Singh
Akbar sent Raja Man Singh of Amber to lead the Mughal army at Haldighati (1576) against Maharana Pratap.
Q58.In October 2023, Indrasena Reddy Nallu has been appointed the Governor of which of the following states in India?
- AGoa
- BKerala
- CTripura
- DAssam
Answer: (C) Tripura
Indrasena Reddy Nallu was appointed Governor of Tripura in October 2023.
Q59.Which executive system is present in India?
- ACollegiate System
- BBoth Parliamentary and Presidential System
- CParliamentary System
- DPresidential System
Answer: (C) Parliamentary System
India has a parliamentary system: the executive (Council of Ministers) is responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Q60.If the tax rate increases with the taxable base, then this type of taxation is called:
- Aprogressive
- Bregressive
- Cproportional
- Ddigressive
Answer: (A) progressive
A tax whose rate rises as the taxable base rises is progressive.
Q61.Who among the following launched the Home Rule League in September 1916 at Madras?
- AAnnie Besant
- BRash Behari Bose
- CLokmanya Tilak
- DSucheta Kriplani
Answer: (A) Annie Besant
Annie Besant launched her All India Home Rule League at Madras in September 1916 (Tilak's league began in April 1916).
Q62.___________ is mainly celebrated by Maharashtrians as New Year's Day.
- AGudi Padwa
- BBihu
- CPongal
- DUgadi
Answer: (A) Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada).
Q63.Krishnarao Shankar Pandit belonged to which of the following music gharanas?
- AAgra gharana
- BMewati gharana
- CAtrauli gharana
- DGwalior gharana
Answer: (D) Gwalior gharana
Pandit Krishnarao Shankar Pandit was a leading vocalist of the Gwalior gharana.
Q64.According to the Census of India 2011, which states of India have population density more than 1000 persons per sq. km?
- AUttar Pradesh and Haryana
- BMadhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
- CBihar and West Bengal
- DKerala and Tamil Nadu
Answer: (C) Bihar and West Bengal
Census 2011: Bihar 1,106 and West Bengal 1,028 persons per sq km, both above 1,000 (Kerala 860, UP 829).
Q65.The microscopic channels, which traverse the cell walls of plant cells and some algal cells, enabling transport and communication between them is called:
- Adesmosomes
- Blysosomes
- Cplasmodesmata
- Dribosomes
Answer: (C) plasmodesmata
Plasmodesmata are channels through plant cell walls that connect neighbouring cells.
English Language and Comprehension (Q66–90)
Q66.Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select 'No substitution required'. The keys were “lies on the table”. (The underlined part on the official sheet is shown in quotes.)
- Alay on the table
- BNo substitution required
- Clie on the table
- Dlying on the table
Answer: (D) lying on the table
“The keys were lying on the table” (past continuous: were + -ing). “lies” cannot follow “were”.
Q67.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the given sentence. He is habituated to using words spoken with an unusual amount of “venom” when it comes to his in-laws. (The underlined part on the official sheet is shown in quotes.)
- Abenevolence
- Bambiguousness
- Csatire
- Dirony
Answer: (A) benevolence
“Venom” here means bitter, spiteful feeling; the opposite is benevolence (kindness).
Q68.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The pencil has a tip made of _______.
- Alewd
- Blead
- Cled
- Dsteal
Answer: (B) lead
A pencil “lead” is its graphite core; lewd, led and steal do not fit.
Q69.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The manager swiftly overtook him, ____________ effortlessly past the skinny Englishman, with a practiced ease.
- Adawdling
- Bsliding
- Crendering
- Dkindling
Answer: (B) sliding
“Sliding effortlessly past” fits the sense of smoothly overtaking; dawdling means moving slowly.
Q70.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Gracious
- AKeen
- BLonely
- CRude
- DMythical
Answer: (C) Rude
Gracious means courteous and kind; its antonym is rude.
Q71.Select the most appropriate verb form to fill in the blank in the given sentence. She ________ her keys on the kitchen counter.
- Alays
- Blying
- Clain
- Dlaid
Answer: (D) laid
Simple past “laid” (lay, laid, laid = to put something down) fits: She laid her keys on the counter.
Q72.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. The brave and courageous soldiers / of our motherland / fell into the enemy / and won the battle.
- Aof our motherland
- Band won the battle
- Cfell into the enemy
- DThe brave and courageous soldiers
Answer: (C) fell into the enemy
“Fell into the enemy” is wrong; the idiom is “fell upon the enemy” (attacked).
Q73.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blanks. Whenever addressed, she comes ____ and performs her ____ in a great way.
- Aforth, roll
- Bfourth, role
- Cfourth, roll
- Dforth, role
Answer: (D) forth, role
“comes forth” (comes forward) and “performs her role” (part or function).
Q74.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. All in the same boat
- AWhen everyone is dealing with the same situation
- BWhen everybody is travelling in the same vehicle
- CWhen everyone has to start all over again
- DWhen a task can be accomplished together
Answer: (A) When everyone is dealing with the same situation
“All in the same boat” means everyone is facing the same situation.
Q75.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. jeopardy
- Amighty
- Bsilence
- Csafety
- Dstrict
Answer: (C) safety
Jeopardy means danger; its antonym is safety.
Q76.Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
- ACelebrate
- BOutburst
- CEntertenment
- DConscious
Answer: (C) Entertenment
The correct spelling is “Entertainment”.
Q77.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The success and achievements of a school mostly _________ on its experience and resourcefulness.
- Adepend
- Bbegin
- Cachieve
- Dcredit
Answer: (A) depend
“Depend on” fits: success mostly depends on experience and resourcefulness. Plural subject takes “depend”.
Q78.Select the option that rectifies the spelling error in the following sentence. The poet was able to compose the long poem in a tranquill atmosphere.
- Atrankwil
- Btranquil
- Ctrancuel
- Dtranquel
Answer: (B) tranquil
The correct spelling is “tranquil”.
Q79.Based on the situation in the given sentence, select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment. There are several people who find themselves “a dominating person in a group” (The underlined part on the official sheet is shown in quotes.)
- AA bone of contention
- BA white elephant
- CCock of the walk
- DA man of his words
Answer: (C) Cock of the walk
“Cock of the walk” means a person who dominates others in a group.
Q80.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. Manish has being applying / for colleges / ever since he passed / his entrance test in March.
- Amanish has being applying
- Bhis entrance test in March
- Cfor colleges
- Dever since he passed
Answer: (A) manish has being applying
“has being applying” should be “has been applying” (present perfect continuous).
Q81.Select the most appropriate degree of comparison to fill in the blank. The underground railway network, ‘The Tube’ in London is said to be __________ transport in London.
- Amore expensive
- Bthe expensive
- Cthe most expensive
- Dexpensive
Answer: (C) the most expensive
Comparing with all other transport in London needs the superlative: “the most expensive”.
Q82.Select the option with the correct spelling to replace the underlined word in the given sentence. Self-esteem is an important “aspekt” of one's self. (The underlined part on the official sheet is shown in quotes.)
- Aaspet
- Baspect
- Caspikt
- Daaspet
Answer: (B) aspect
The correct spelling is “aspect”.
Q83.Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined phrase. Jared “deliberately set fire to a property” and got arrested by the police. (The underlined part on the official sheet is shown in quotes.)
- AArson
- BDystrophy
- CDementia
- DInsomnia
Answer: (A) Arson
Deliberately setting fire to property is arson.
Q84.The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don’t find any error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer. He will be / waiting for me when / I reaches his home.
- ANo error
- BI reaches his home.
- CHe will be
- Dwaiting for me when
Answer: (B) I reaches his home.
“I reaches” should be “I reach”; the subject “I” takes the base verb.
Q85.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. The new/ smartphone is/absolutely best than/ the latest model.
- Aabsolutely best than
- BThe new
- Cthe latest model
- Dsmartphone is
Answer: (A) absolutely best than
“absolutely best than” mixes forms; a comparison with “than” needs the comparative: “much better than”.
- In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. He knew everyone on the island. Whenever his car stopped, half a dozen voices (1) ______ shout out his name. Policemen, agricultural labourers of low social status and priests waved and smiled (2) ______ he passed; everyone greeted him as a brother. They respected his honesty, and belligerence, and above all, they adored his typically Greek scorn and fearlessness when dealing with any (3) ______ of Governmental red tape. On arrival, two of our cases containing linen and other things had been (4) ______ by the Customs on the curious ground that they were merchandise. So, when we moved out to the villa and the problem of bed linen arose, Mother told Spiro (5) ______ our cases in the Customs and asked for his advice.
Q86.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
- Awould
- Bshould
- Ccould
- Dcan
Answer: (A) would
“would shout out his name” expresses habitual past action: whenever his car stopped, voices would shout.
Q87.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
- Aso
- Bas
- Cthus
- Dnor
Answer: (B) as
“as he passed” means at the time he passed.
Q88.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
- Aforum
- Bfrom
- Cfarm
- Dform
Answer: (D) form
“any form of Governmental red tape” (kind or type).
Q89.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
- Aconcealed
- Bcontributed
- Ccollected
- Dconfiscated
Answer: (D) confiscated
The Customs had “confiscated” (seized) the cases on the ground that they were merchandise.
Q90.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
- Aabout
- Bfrom
- Cbehind
- Dwithin
Answer: (A) about
“Mother told Spiro about our cases in the Customs.”
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