These essential MCQ questions are selected from the most important topics in UPSC Civil Services Preliminary (CSAT) Paper 2 examinations 2026. Sections include Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Number Series, Data Interpretation and Decision Making. For truely unlimited daily MCQ practice, visit Vooo AI Education.
🧠 UPSC Logical Reasoning
1Find the next number: 2, 4, 8, 16, __
Answer: C — 32
This is a geometric progression where each term is multiplied by 2. 2×2=4, 4×2=8, 8×2=16, 16×2=32. Recognising the pattern (doubling) is key to solving such series.
This is a geometric progression where each term is multiplied by 2. 2×2=4, 4×2=8, 8×2=16, 16×2=32. Recognising the pattern (doubling) is key to solving such series.
2If A is the brother of B, and B is the sister of C, A is:
Answer: B — Brother of C
A is male (brother of B). B is female (sister of C). Since A and B are siblings, and B is C's sister, A is also a sibling of C. A being male makes A the brother of C.
A is male (brother of B). B is female (sister of C). Since A and B are siblings, and B is C's sister, A is also a sibling of C. A being male makes A the brother of C.
3Odd one out: Apple, Mango, Carrot, Banana
Answer: C — Carrot
Apple, Mango and Banana are all fruits. Carrot is a vegetable (root vegetable). The odd one out is Carrot as it belongs to a different food category from the other three items.
Apple, Mango and Banana are all fruits. Carrot is a vegetable (root vegetable). The odd one out is Carrot as it belongs to a different food category from the other three items.
4Find the missing: 1, 4, 9, 16, __, 36
Answer: C — 25
This series contains perfect squares: 1²=1, 2²=4, 3²=9, 4²=16, 5²=25, 6²=36. The missing number is 5² = 25. Recognising square number patterns is essential for UPSC CSAT.
This series contains perfect squares: 1²=1, 2²=4, 3²=9, 4²=16, 5²=25, 6²=36. The missing number is 5² = 25. Recognising square number patterns is essential for UPSC CSAT.
5If CAT = 3120, then DOG = ?
Answer: B — 41514
Using letter positions: C=3, A=1, T=20 → 3120. D=4, O=15, G=7 → 41514. Each letter is replaced by its position in the alphabet, then concatenated to form the code.
Using letter positions: C=3, A=1, T=20 → 3120. D=4, O=15, G=7 → 41514. Each letter is replaced by its position in the alphabet, then concatenated to form the code.
6A is taller than B. C is taller than A. Who is tallest?
Answer: B — C
From the given statements: C > A > B. Therefore C is the tallest among the three. Linear arrangement problems require ordering all elements based on the given comparative statements.
From the given statements: C > A > B. Therefore C is the tallest among the three. Linear arrangement problems require ordering all elements based on the given comparative statements.
7Complete the analogy: Book : Library :: Painting : ?
Answer: A — Museum
A Book is kept/displayed in a Library. Similarly, a Painting is kept/displayed in a Museum. This is a place-object analogy. The relationship is: item — place where it is stored or displayed.
A Book is kept/displayed in a Library. Similarly, a Painting is kept/displayed in a Museum. This is a place-object analogy. The relationship is: item — place where it is stored or displayed.
8Find next: MON, TUE, WED, THU, __
Answer: A — FRI
This is the sequence of days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. The next day after Thursday is Friday (FRI). Sequential day/month series are common in UPSC CSAT reasoning.
This is the sequence of days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. The next day after Thursday is Friday (FRI). Sequential day/month series are common in UPSC CSAT reasoning.
9If all roses are flowers and all flowers fade, then:
Answer: A — All roses fade
This is a syllogism. Premise 1: All roses are flowers. Premise 2: All flowers fade. Conclusion: All roses fade. Since roses are a subset of flowers, and all flowers fade, all roses must also fade.
This is a syllogism. Premise 1: All roses are flowers. Premise 2: All flowers fade. Conclusion: All roses fade. Since roses are a subset of flowers, and all flowers fade, all roses must also fade.
10Clock shows 3:00. Angle between hands is:
Answer: C — 90°
At 3:00, the minute hand points to 12 and the hour hand points to 3. The angle between them = 3 × 30° = 90°. Each hour mark on a clock represents 360°/12 = 30°.
At 3:00, the minute hand points to 12 and the hour hand points to 3. The angle between them = 3 × 30° = 90°. Each hour mark on a clock represents 360°/12 = 30°.
Ready to crack UPSC CSAT 2026?
Get free daily UPSC Reasoning MCQs. Unlimited practice starts from just ₹120/month.
See Plans — Starts at ₹120