UPSC Reasoning Questions for CSAT 2026, Practice Now

UPSC Reasoning Questions: Reasoning Ability forms a crucial part of the UPSC CSAT (General Studies Paper 2) and plays a decisive role in clearing the UPSC Prelims. Every year, a significant number of UPSC reasoning questions are asked to assess candidates’ logical reasoning, analytical thinking, decision-making ability, and problem-solving skills. Topics such as statement–conclusion, logical puzzles, data interpretation reasoning UPSC, and analytical reasoning questions UPSC are frequently tested.

A clear understanding of UPSC CSAT logical reasoning syllabus and regular practice of UPSC reasoning PYQs are essential to develop speed and accuracy.

How Many UPSC Reasoning Questions Are Asked in CSAT?

In the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, CSAT (General Studies Paper 2) includes a significant portion of Reasoning and Analytical Ability. Although the exact number varies each year, the overall trend has remained largely consistent.

Average Trend (Based on Previous Year Papers)

• On average, 15 to 25 questions in the CSAT paper are based on reasoning and analytical skills.
• These questions are drawn from different areas of the UPSC CSAT reasoning syllabus.
  

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Types of UPSC Reasoning Questions Asked in CSAT

Reasoning questions in CSAT appear in multiple formats, including:

• Logical Reasoning Questions
  (Seating arrangement, family tree, order and ranking)
• Statement–Conclusion / Data Sufficiency Questions
  (Testing logical judgment and analytical thinking)
• Decision-Making Questions (UPSC CSAT)
  (Situation-based questions assessing practical decision-making)
• Data Interpretation with Reasoning
  (Logical analysis based on tables, charts, and graphs)

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CSAT Reasoning Practice Questions

This section provides important UPSC reasoning questions. These questions cover various topics frequently asked in the UPSC CSAT exam, helping you practice and refine your logical abilities.

Question 1

Six lectures A, B, C, D, E and F, each of one-hour duration, are scheduled between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Question: Which lecture is in the third period?

Statement 1 Lecture F is preceded by A and followed by C
Statement 2 No lecture is scheduled after lecture B

Which of the following is correct?

A Statement 1 alone is sufficient
B Statement 2 alone is sufficient
C Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are sufficient
D Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are not sufficient

Question 2

Statement
Some cats are almirahs
Some almirahs are chairs
All chairs are tables

Conclusions
Conclusion I Certainly some almirahs are tables
Conclusion II Some cats may not be chairs

Which of the following is correct?

A Only Conclusion I
B Only Conclusion II
C Both Conclusion I and Conclusion II
D Neither Conclusion I nor Conclusion II

Question 3

What is the minimum number of different colours required to paint a given figure such that no two adjacent regions have the same colour?

A 3
B 4
C 5
D 6

Question 4

A sequence of figures follows a particular pattern. Based on the same pattern, which option should appear as the fifth figure?

A Option 1
B Option 2
C Option 3
D Option 4

Question 5

A, B, C, D and E belong to five different cities P, Q, R, S and T.
Given conditions relate to their city placements.

Which of the following statements is NOT correct?

A C belongs to P
B D belongs to R
C A belongs to Q
D B belongs to S

Question 6

Four friends A, B, C and D distribute money such that
A gets one less than B
D gets three more than B
C gets five more than D

Who gets the smallest amount?

A A
B B
C C
D D

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Question 7

Four tests Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology are conducted on four consecutive days.
Chemistry is conducted exactly after two tests are held.
Physics is held before the test conducted after Biology.

Which is the last test held?

A Physics
B Biology
C Mathematics
D Chemistry

Question 8

The number of people who read magazine X only is thrice the number who read magazine Y.
The number of people who read magazine Y only is thrice the number who read magazine X.

Which conclusions follow?

i The number of people who read both magazines is twice those who read only X
ii The total number of readers is twice those who read both magazines

A i only
B ii only
C Both i and ii
D Neither i nor ii

Question 9

Six family members A, B, C, D, E and F have different professions.
Given multiple relations and professions.

What is the profession of D?

A Judge
B Stenographer
C Doctor
D Cannot be determined

Question 10

In a group of six women with different skills including dancing, singing, acting and violin playing, one woman is an actress.

Who is certainly both a dancer and a violinist?

A Jalaja
B Pooja
C Shailaja
D Tanuja

Question 11

A sequence of bead arrangements follows a specific positional pattern.

Which figure should appear as the fifth figure?

A Option 1
B Option 2
C Option 3
D Option 4

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Question 12

A joint family consists of seven members with three females.
Based on given relationships, who is E?

1 Wife of F
2 Grandmother of A
3 Aunt of C

A 1 and 2 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3

Question 13

In a group of 15 people
7 can read French
8 can read English
3 can read neither language

How many can read exactly one language?

A 10
B 9
C 5
D 4

Question 14

Statements
S1 C is younger than D but older than A and B
S2 D is the oldest
S3 A is older than B

Who is the youngest?

A S1 alone is sufficient
B S1 and S2 together are sufficient
C S2 and S3 together are sufficient
D S1 and S3 together are sufficient

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How to Practice UPSC Reasoning Questions?

Use these important questions and solutions to prepare effectively for your competitive exams. Follow these steps for optimal results:

• Understand Concepts First: Before attempting questions, understand the core concepts of each reasoning topic. For instance, grasp principles of logical puzzles, syllogisms, and coding-decoding.
• Practice Solved Examples: Study the provided detailed solutions. Pay attention to the logic and steps used to arrive at the correct answer for each analytical reasoning questions UPSC.
• Attempt Questions Independently: After reviewing solutions, try solving the questions on your own. This helps solidify your understanding and improves your problem-solving speed.
• Analyze Mistakes: If you make an error, review the solution again to identify where your reasoning went wrong. Learn from these mistakes to avoid repeating them.
• Time Management Practice: Solve questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy. This prepares you for the exam environment.
• Regular Revision: Regularly revisit these important questions to keep the concepts fresh. Consistent practice is crucial for mastering UPSC CSAT reasoning questions.

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