UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT Paper 2 · Set DLogical ReasoningQ 14 / 80

UPSC Prelims 2026 CSAT Paper 2 — Question 14

Question

Two identical straight rods are painted in five distinct colours so that each of them gets divided into five equal parts along the length. In one of them, the portions are marked P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 (not necessarily in that order) whereas in the other, they are marked Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5 (not necessarily in that order). When the rods are kept parallel to each other side by side, P1 and Q3 match, P4 matches Q1 or Q2, and Q4 matches P3 or P5. If Q3 and Q5 are adjacent, then which of the following is/are possible? I. Q3 is marked at the middle portion of the straight rod. II. P2 is marked at one of the extreme portions of the straight rod. Select the answer using the code given below.

(a)I only
(b)II only
(c)Both I and II
(d)Neither I nor II

UnlockIAS answer: (c)Both I and II

Solution

Placing the five positions under the matching constraints (P1↔Q3, P4↔Q1/Q2, Q4↔P3/P5) with Q3 and Q5 adjacent admits arrangements in which Q3 sits at the middle (I) and others in which P2 sits at an end (II). Both are possible.

UnlockIAS expert key, prepared 24 May 2026 and cross-verified by re-deriving the answer — this is our key, not the official UPSC provisional key (awaited).

Section

Logical Reasoning

Topic Reference

Logical Reasoning — Arrangement

Official UPSC key still awaited

UPSC has announced (PIB Release 2262441, 18 May 2026) that the provisional answer key for CSE Prelims 2026 will be released “soon after Exam”. Until then, use the CSAT score calculator for your qualifying-status estimate, and join the per-question discussion below.

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Official Notification

PIB Release 2262441

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