Search Previous Year Questions

Find real questions from previous competitive exam papers with answers and solutions.

Browse complete papers
120 matching questions · Page 4
Clear

Question 31

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

A shopkeeper offers a trade discount of 15% on the marked price of an item. If the marked price of this product is ₹6500, what is its selling price (in ₹)?

  1. AOption (a)

    5200

  2. BOption (b)

    5525

  3. COption (c)

    5255

  4. DOption (d)

    5552

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

5525

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Since the discount is 15%, the Selling Price (SP) will be (100 − 15)% = 85% of the Marked Price.

SP = 85% of &inr;6500

SP = (85 ÷ 100) × 6500

SP = 85 × 65 = &inr;5525

∴ The correct answer is &inr;5525.

Alternate Method

Given:

Marked Price (MP) = &inr;6500

Trade Discount = 15%

Formula Used:

Discount = (Discount % ÷ 100) × MP

Selling Price (SP) = MP − Discount

MP: &inr;6500 Discount: 15% −&inr;975 SP: &inr;5525 Selling Price = MP − Discount

Calculations:

⇒ Discount = (15 ÷ 100) × 6500

⇒ Discount = 15 × 65 = &inr;975

⇒ Selling Price (SP) = 6500 − 975

⇒ SP = &inr;5525

∴ The correct answer is &inr;5525.

Additional Information

Marked Price (MP)

It is the price printed on the label of an article. Any trade discount or promotional discount is always calculated strictly on the Marked Price.

Successive Discounts

If two successive discounts of a% and b% are offered, the equivalent single discount can be calculated directly using the formula: (a + b − ab ÷ 100)%.

Profit and Loss Baseline

While discounts are calculated on Marked Price, the Profit or Loss percentage is always calculated on the Cost Price (CP) unless specifically mentioned otherwise.

Question 32

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati, and Kabini are the main tributaries of which of the following rivers?

  1. AOption (a)

    Indus

  2. BOption (b)

    Kaveri

  3. COption (c)

    Tapi

  4. DOption (d)

    Brahmatputra

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Kaveri

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Kaveri.

Key Points

  • Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati, and Kabini are the main tributaries of the Kaveri River, which is one of the major rivers of southern India.
  • The Kaveri River originates from the Brahmagiri Hills of the Western Ghats in Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka.
  • It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, covering a total length of approximately 800 kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
  • The Kaveri River is significant for agriculture and is often referred to as the "Ganga of the South" due to its importance in irrigation and water supply in southern India.
  • The river's basin is shared by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, and its waters are the subject of disputes regarding allocation among these states.
  • The main tributaries like Amravati and Bhavani are located in Tamil Nadu, while Hemavati and Kabini are situated in Karnataka, making these tributaries vital for agriculture and water resources in their respective regions.

Additional Information

  • About Kaveri River:
  • The Kaveri River originates at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats, located in the Coorg district of Karnataka.
  • It has a basin area of approximately 81,155 square kilometers, spread across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
  • The river is known for its series of waterfalls, including the famous Shivanasamudra Falls, which is also a site for one of the first hydroelectric power plants in Asia.
  • The river has several dams and reservoirs, including Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) in Karnataka and Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu, which are crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply.
  • The delta of the Kaveri River is one of the most fertile regions in India and is often referred to as the Granary of South India.
  • Tributaries of Kaveri River:
  • Amravati River: Originates from the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu and is an important tributary for agriculture in the state.
  • Bhavani River: Flows through Tamil Nadu and Kerala; originates from the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala.
  • Hemavati River: Originates from the Western Ghats in Karnataka and joins the Kaveri near Krishnarajasagara.
  • Kabini River: Originates from the Wayanad district in Kerala and flows into Karnataka before joining the Kaveri.
  • Other Rivers for Comparison:
  • Indus River: Originates in Tibet and flows through India and Pakistan; its tributaries include Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
  • Tapi River: Originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through Maharashtra and Gujarat into the Arabian Sea; its tributaries include Purna, Girna, and Panjhra.
  • Brahmaputra River: Originates in Tibet, where it is called the Tsangpo, and flows through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh; its tributaries include Dibang, Lohit, and Subansiri.
  • Importance of Kaveri:
  • The Kaveri River is a lifeline for millions of farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as its water is extensively used for irrigation.
  • It supports numerous ecosystems and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Mahseer fish.
  • The river is also a source of cultural and religious significance, with several temples and pilgrimage sites located along its course.

Question 33

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

Based on the English alphabetical order, three of the following four letter-cluster pairs are alike in a certain way and thus form a group. Which letter-cluster pair DOES NOT belong to that group? (

Note:

The odd one out is not based on the number of consonants/vowels or their position in the letter-cluster.)

  1. AOption (a)

    AB - GH

  2. BOption (b)

    IJ - OP

  3. COption (c)

    MN - SV

  4. DOption (d)

    QR - WX

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

MN - SV

Why this answer is correct

The logic followed here is:

Option 1) AB - GH

 

Option 2) IJ - OP

 

Option 3) MN - SV

The logic is not followed here as the shifts are +6 and +8.

Option 4) QR - WX

 

Thus, MN - SV is the odd one out as it does not follow the logic.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Question 34

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

A trader lost 5% by selling a shirt for ₹850. He will gain x% by selling it for ₹1,530. The value of x is:

  1. AOption (a)

    71

  2. BOption (b)

    61

  3. COption (c)

    86

  4. DOption (d)

    81

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

71

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Ratio of Selling Prices = Ratio of corresponding Percentages based on CP

SP1 ÷ (100 − L%) = SP2 ÷ (100 + P%)

850 ÷ 95 = 1530 ÷ (100 + x)

170 ÷ 19 = 1530 ÷ (100 + x)

100 + x = (1530 × 19) ÷ 170 = 9 × 19 = 171

∴ The correct answer is x = 71.

Alternate Method

Given:

Selling Price 1 (SP1) = ₹850, Loss = 5%

Selling Price 2 (SP2) = ₹1530, Gain = x%

Formula Used:

Cost Price (CP) = (SP × 100) ÷ (100 − Loss%)

Gain% = [(SP − CP) ÷ CP] × 100

   SP1 = ₹850 -5% (Loss)  CP  SP2 = ₹1530 +x% (Gain)   95% (100+x)% CP = 850 × (100 ÷ 95)

Calculation:

⇒ CP = (850 × 100) ÷ (100 − 5)

⇒ CP = 85000 ÷ 95 = ₹17000/19

⇒ Gain = SP2 − CP = 1530 − 17000/19

⇒ Gain = (29070 − 17000) ÷ 19 = ₹12070/19

⇒ x% = (Gain ÷ CP) × 100

⇒ x% = [(12070/19) ÷ (17000/19)] × 100

⇒ x% = (12070 ÷ 17000) × 100 = (1207 ÷ 17)% = 71%

⇒ x = 71

∴ The correct answer is x = 71.

Additional Information

Marked Price and Cost Price Relation

The direct ratio between Marked Price (MP) and Cost Price (CP) when profit and discount percentages are given is: MP ÷ CP = (100 + Profit%) ÷ (100 − Discount%).

Successive Profit/Loss Formula

When two successive percentage changes of a% and b% occur, the net effective percentage change is given by: Effective Change = a + b + (a × b) ÷ 100.

Dishonest Dealer Problem

If a trader claims to sell goods at cost price but uses false weights, the profit percentage is always calculated based on the actual weight given: Gain% = [Error ÷ (True Weight − Error)] × 100.

Question 35

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

Who among the following was the leader of 1857 Revolt at Delhi?

  1. AOption (a)

    Mangal Pandey

  2. BOption (b)

    Begum Hazrat Mahal

  3. COption (c)

    Bahadur Shah II

  4. DOption (d)

    Nana Sahib

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Bahadur Shah II

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Bahadur Shah II.

Key Points

  • Bahadur Shah II, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar, was the last Mughal emperor of India and served as the symbolic leader of the 1857 Revolt at Delhi.
  • He was proclaimed the emperor of Hindustan by the sepoys (Indian soldiers) who led the revolt, although his power was largely ceremonial.
  • The revolt in Delhi was initiated by Indian soldiers of the British East India Company, and they sought Bahadur Shah II's leadership to legitimize their rebellion against British rule.
  • Bahadur Shah Zafar provided a unifying figure for the rebels, but he did not have the political or military control to direct the revolt effectively.
  • After the suppression of the revolt, Bahadur Shah II was captured by the British, exiled to Rangoon (modern-day Yangon in Myanmar), and the Mughal Empire was officially abolished in 1858.

Additional Information

  • Role of Bahadur Shah II:
  • Bahadur Shah II was initially hesitant to join the revolt but eventually accepted the role of the symbolic leader due to pressure from the sepoys.
  • Although he was a figurehead, his involvement gave the rebellion a sense of unity and legitimacy as it was fought in the name of the Mughal Empire.
  • 1857 Revolt:
  • The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, was a widespread but ultimately unsuccessful uprising against the British East India Company's rule.
  • It began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, and quickly spread to other parts of North and Central India, including Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi.
  • End of the Mughal Empire:
  • Following the defeat of the rebels, the British captured Bahadur Shah Zafar and conducted a trial in Delhi, accusing him of treason.
  • He was exiled to Rangoon, where he died in 1862, marking the end of the Mughal dynasty.
  • Other Key Leaders of the 1857 Revolt:
  • Mangal Pandey: A sepoy in the British East India Company army, he is remembered for initiating the rebellion by attacking British officers.
  • Begum Hazrat Mahal: She played a prominent role in the revolt in Lucknow, leading the resistance against British forces.
  • Nana Sahib: He led the revolt in Kanpur and is known for his leadership and strategic planning during the rebellion.

Important Points

  • Reasons for the Revolt:
  • The revolt was triggered by the introduction of the Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim sentiments.
  • It was also fueled by grievances related to unfair economic policies, land annexations (like the Doctrine of Lapse), and social reforms imposed by the British.
  • Outcome of the Revolt:
  • The revolt was suppressed by the British, leading to the end of the East India Company's rule and the establishment of direct British Crown rule in India through the Government of India Act 1858.
  • It also led to significant changes in British military, administrative, and economic policies in India.

Question 36

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

What should come in place of the question mark (?) in the given series based on the English alphabetical order?

EDG, CBE, AZC, YXA, WVY, ?

  1. AOption (a)

    UTW

  2. BOption (b)

    VSW

  3. COption (c)

    VTU

  4. DOption (d)

    USW

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

UTW

Why this answer is correct

The logic followed here is:

Thus, the missing letter cluster in the series is UTW.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

Question 37

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution deals with the Directive Principles of State Policies?

  1. AOption (a)

    Articles 66 to 51

  2. BOption (b)

    Articles 56 to 51

  3. COption (c)

    Articles 36 to 51

  4. DOption (d)

    Articles 46 to 51

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Articles 36 to 51

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Articles 36 to 51.

Key Points

  • The Directive Principles of State Policy are enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution and encompass Articles 36 to 51.
  • They serve as guidelines to the central and state governments of India to frame laws and policies aimed at establishing a just society.
  • Article 36 defines the term "State" for the purposes of Part IV, the same as it is defined in Article 12 under Part III (Fundamental Rights).
  • Article 37 clarifies that the Directive Principles are fundamental in the governance of the country, but they are not enforceable by any court. However, it is the duty of the State to apply these principles while making laws.
  • The Directive Principles are broadly classified into three categories: Socialistic principles (e.g., Article 38), Gandhian principles (e.g., Article 40), and Liberal-intellectual principles (e.g., Article 50).
  • The aim of these principles is to ensure socio-economic justice and to establish India as a welfare state.

Additional Information

  • Key Articles under Directive Principles:
  • Article 38: Directs the state to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people.
  • Article 39: Advocates for equal rights to adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work, and protection of children and youth from exploitation.
  • Article 40: Directs the state to organize village panchayats and endow them with powers and authority to function as units of self-government.
  • Article 44: Promotes the establishment of a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.
  • Article 50: Directs the state to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the state.
  • Importance of Directive Principles:
  • They reflect the ideals and aspirations of the framers of the Constitution.
  • They aim to provide a framework for achieving economic and social democracy.
  • While not enforceable in courts, they act as a moral obligation for governments to implement them.
  • Enforceability: Unlike Fundamental Rights, the Directive Principles are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced through legal action. However, they are fundamental in the governance of the country.
  • Amendments and Implementation: Several amendments and laws have been passed to implement the Directive Principles, such as the Right to Education Act, the Minimum Wages Act, and the establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
  • Comparison with Fundamental Rights:
  • Fundamental Rights are enforceable by law, whereas Directive Principles are not.
  • While Fundamental Rights provide political freedom, Directive Principles aim at socio-economic welfare.

Important Points

  • Historical Context: The Directive Principles were borrowed from the Irish Constitution, which in turn was influenced by the Directive Principles of Social Policy in Ireland.
  • Judicial Interpretation: Over the years, the judiciary has played a significant role in harmonizing the conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, emphasizing their complementary nature.
  • Examples of Implementation:
  • The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was enacted to implement the principle of providing adequate means of livelihood (Article 39).
  • The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was launched to promote the welfare of children and ensure their right to nutrition (Article 47).
  • 42nd Amendment (1976): This amendment added new Directive Principles, such as promoting the participation of workers in industrial management and protecting the environment.

Question 38

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

The Constitutional provisions enabling the establishment of tribunals in India were introduced through which Amendment Act?

  1. AOption (a)

    Forty-first Amendment Act, 1975

  2. BOption (b)

    Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976

  3. COption (c)

    Fifty-second Amendment Act, 1985

  4. DOption (d)

    Forty-fourth Amendment Act, 1978

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976.

Key Points

  • The Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976, also known as the "Mini Constitution," introduced a range of changes to the Indian Constitution, including provisions for the establishment of tribunals.
  • It added Part XIV-A to the Constitution, which specifically deals with Tribunals under Articles 323-A and 323-B.
  • Article 323-A empowers the Parliament to establish tribunals for administrative matters, particularly addressing disputes related to public services.
  • Article 323-B allows for the establishment of tribunals for other matters such as taxation, industrial disputes, land reforms, foreign exchange, labor, and tenancy.
  • The aim of introducing tribunals was to reduce the burden on regular courts by creating specialized bodies for quicker resolution of disputes.

Additional Information

  • Tribunals:
  • Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies created to handle specific disputes and cases in a faster and more specialized manner compared to traditional courts.
  • They operate under specific statutes and have powers similar to civil courts but are limited to the domain defined in their establishing legislation.
  • Their decisions can often be challenged in the High Court or Supreme Court unless specified otherwise by the statute.
  • Forty-second Amendment:
  • Enacted during the period of Emergency (1975-77), it made extensive changes to the Constitution, earning the title "Mini Constitution."
  • Some of its key features include the addition of words "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble, changes to the powers of the judiciary, and curtailment of Fundamental Rights.
  • Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985:
  • Following the Forty-second Amendment, the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, was enacted to provide for the establishment of tribunals for service matters of public employees.
  • The Act established the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which deals with disputes related to recruitment, conditions of service, and disciplinary matters of central government employees.
  • Key Features of Tribunals:
  • They are designed to reduce the workload of courts by addressing specialized legal issues.
  • Tribunals emphasize procedural simplicity and faster resolution of disputes.
  • Examples include the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, National Green Tribunal, and Securities Appellate Tribunal.

Important Points

  • Article 323-A:
  • Deals exclusively with tribunals for public service-related disputes.
  • Only Parliament has the power to establish tribunals under this Article.
  • Article 323-B:
  • Allows for the establishment of tribunals for various other matters, such as taxation, industrial disputes, and land reforms.
  • Both Parliament and State Legislatures can establish tribunals under this Article.
  • Judicial Review:
  • The Supreme Court in the L. Chandra Kumar case (1997) ruled that tribunals are subject to judicial review by the High Courts and Supreme Court under Articles 226 and 32, respectively.

Question 39

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

Divide ₹9,900 among three persons A, B and C. If the shares of A and C are in the ratio of 4 : 18 and B's share is 50% of the total shares of A and C, what is the share (in ₹) of B? 5120

  1. AOption (a)

    3300

  2. BOption (b)

    3302

  3. COption (c)

    3298

  4. DOption (d)

    3301

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

3300

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Given the ratio of shares of A and C is 4 : 18, sum of their parts = 4 + 18 = 22 units.

B's share is 50% of the sum of A and C = 50% of 22 = 11 units.

Total units for A, B, and C combined = 4 + 11 + 18 = 33 units.

33 units correspond to ₹9,900 ⇒ 1 unit = 9900 ÷ 33 = 300.

B's share = 11 units × 300 = ₹3,300.

∴ The correct answer is ₹3300.

Alternate Method

Given:

Total amount to be divided = ₹9,900

Ratio of shares of A and C = 4 : 18

B's share = 50% of the total shares of A and C

Concept Used:

Total parts in a ratio represents the total sum divided among the respective entities.

  A B C  4x 11x 18x   Total = 33x = ₹9,900   B's Share = ?

Calculations:

⇒ Let the share of A be 4x and the share of C be 18x.

⇒ Total share of A and C = 4x + 18x = 22x

⇒ Share of B = 50% of (share of A + share of C)

⇒ Share of B = (50 ÷ 100) × 22x = 11x

⇒ Total amount distributed among A, B, and C = 4x + 11x + 18x = 33x

⇒ We are given that the total amount is ₹9,900.

⇒ 33x = 9900

⇒ x = 9900 ÷ 33 = 300

⇒ Share of B = 11x = 11 × 300 = ₹3300

∴ The correct answer is ₹3300.

Additional Information

Compound Ratio

When two or more ratios are multiplied term-wise, it forms a compound ratio. For a:b and c:d, the compound ratio is ac:bd.

Continued Proportion

Three non-zero quantities a, b, and c are in continued proportion if a:b = b:c. Here, b is the mean proportional, where b2 = ac.

Componendo and Dividendo

It is a theorem on proportions. If a/b = c/d, then (a+b)/(a−b) = (c+d)/(c−d), provided a is not equal to b and c is not equal to d.

Question 40

GPSSB Tracer 2025• Full Test

What is the term used for alternative forms of a gene?

  1. AOption (a)

    Genome

  2. BOption (b)

    Chromosome

  3. COption (c)

    Allele

  4. DOption (d)

    Locus

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Allele

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Allele.

Key Points

  • Allele refers to alternative forms of a gene that occur at the same locus on homologous chromosomes. These variations arise due to mutations and result in genetic diversity.
  • An individual inherits two alleles for each gene—one from each parent. These alleles can be identical (homozygous) or different (heterozygous).
  • Alleles can be classified as dominant or recessive, determining the expression of traits. A dominant allele masks the effect of a recessive allele when paired together.
  • The concept of alleles was first described by Gregor Mendel during his experiments on pea plants, forming the basis of modern genetics.
  • Examples of alleles include the genes responsible for eye color, where variations like blue, brown, or green result from different alleles.

Additional Information

  • Genome:
  • The genome represents the complete set of genetic material present in an organism, including all its genes and non-coding regions.
  • It is organized into chromosomes and varies widely between organisms in terms of size and number of genes.
  • The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, mapped the entire human genome, consisting of approximately 3 billion base pairs.
  • Chromosome:
  • Chromosomes are thread-like structures made up of DNA and proteins (histones), found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
  • Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY).
  • They carry genetic material that is crucial for inheritance, cellular functions, and development.
  • Locus:
  • A locus refers to the specific physical location of a gene or genetic marker on a chromosome.
  • It is a fixed position, and alleles of a gene are found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.
  • Loci are often used in genetic mapping and studies to identify traits and diseases associated with particular genes.
  • Importance of Alleles in Genetics:
  • Alleles are fundamental to understanding heredity and genetic variation, as they determine traits such as height, color, and susceptibility to diseases.
  • Genetic disorders like Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis result from mutations in alleles.
  • Research on alleles contributes to advancements in personalized medicine and genetic engineering.

Important Points

  • Gregor Mendel's Laws:
  • Law of Segregation: States that each individual has two alleles for a trait, and these alleles separate during gamete formation.
  • Law of Independent Assortment: States that alleles of different genes assort independently during gamete formation, contributing to genetic diversity.
  • Applications of Allele Research:
  • Allele study aids in identifying genetic predispositions to diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
  • Allele-specific techniques are used in CRISPR gene editing for correcting genetic mutations.
  • Population genetics studies use allele frequencies to understand evolutionary processes and migration patterns.