HCS 2021 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

HCS 2021 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 18 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Economic and Social Development

   Which of the following best describes 'Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)'?

   • A. A strategy by multinational corporations to shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions to reduce their overall tax burden
   • B. A method used by governments to increase their tax base by reducing exemptions
   • C. A fiscal policy tool to control inflation by shifting government spending priorities
   • D. An accounting practice to depreciate assets at an accelerated rate
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   BEPS refers to tax planning strategies used by multinational corporations to exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to artificially shift profits to low or no-tax locations where there is little or no economic activity, resulting in minimal overall corporate tax being paid.

2. Q2 · Reading Comprehension

   Read the passage and answer the question: 'Digital literacy is not merely about knowing how to operate a computer or smartphone. It encompasses the ability to critically evaluate online information, understand digital rights and responsibilities, and navigate the digital world safely. In an age of misinformation, digital literacy has become as fundamental as traditional literacy.' Which of the following best captures the essence of the passage?

   • A. Digital literacy is synonymous with the ability to use electronic devices efficiently
   • B. Digital literacy involves critical thinking and safe navigation in the digital environment beyond technical skills
   • C. Traditional literacy is being replaced by digital literacy in modern education
   • D. Misinformation can only be combated through advanced digital skills training
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The passage emphasizes that digital literacy goes beyond technical operation of devices and includes critical evaluation of information, understanding digital responsibilities, and safe navigation. Option B best captures this comprehensive understanding presented in the passage.

3. Q3 · Basic Numeracy (Class X level)

   A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above the cost price and allows a discount of 25% on the marked price. What is his gain or loss percentage?

   • A. 5% gain
   • B. 10% loss
   • C. 5% loss
   • D. No gain, no loss
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Let CP = 100. MP = 140. After 25% discount, SP = 140 × 0.75 = 105. Gain = 105 - 100 = 5, so 5% gain.

4. Q4 · Interpersonal Skills

   During a meeting, your colleague presents an idea that you believe has significant flaws. What is the most appropriate response?

   • A. Immediately point out all the flaws in front of everyone to save time
   • B. Stay silent to avoid confrontation and discuss it privately later
   • C. Acknowledge the positive aspects first, then constructively raise concerns with alternative suggestions
   • D. Dismiss the idea entirely and propose your own solution instead
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Constructive feedback that acknowledges positives before raising concerns maintains professional relationships while ensuring quality decision-making.

5. Q5 · Economic and Social Development

   Which of the following measures is used to calculate the depth of poverty in a population?

   • A. Poverty Line
   • B. Head Count Ratio
   • C. Poverty Gap Index
   • D. Human Development Index
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Poverty Gap Index measures the depth or intensity of poverty by calculating the average shortfall of the poor from the poverty line.

6. Q6 · Current Events of National and International Importance

   The Global Innovation Index (GII) is jointly published by which of the following organizations? 1. World Intellectual Property Organization 2. Cornell University 3. INSEAD Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • A. 1 only
   • B. 1 and 2 only
   • C. 2 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   The Global Innovation Index is co-published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University, and INSEAD business school.

7. Q7 · Data Interpretation

   The following table shows the number of books sold by a bookstore over four months: Month | Fiction | Non-Fiction Jan | 240 | 180 Feb | 300 | 210 Mar | 270 | 240 Apr | 330 | 270 What is the percentage increase in total books sold from January to April?

   • A. 28.57%
   • B. 30%
   • C. 42.86%
   • D. 45%
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Total books in January = 240 + 180 = 420; April = 330 + 270 = 600. Percentage increase = [(600 - 420)/420] × 100 = 42.86%.

8. Q8 · Interpersonal Skills

   You are working on an important project with a tight deadline. A colleague who is supposed to contribute has not submitted their part despite repeated reminders. The delay is affecting the entire team's progress. What would be the most appropriate course of action?

   • A. Report the colleague to senior management immediately without further discussion
   • B. Have a private conversation with the colleague to understand any difficulties and offer assistance if needed
   • C. Complete the colleague's portion yourself to avoid confrontation
   • D. Complain about the colleague to other team members to build pressure
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Option B demonstrates effective interpersonal skills by addressing the issue directly but supportively. Understanding the colleague's challenges and offering help shows professionalism and team spirit, which is more likely to resolve the problem constructively than the other options.

9. Q9 · History of India and Indian National Movement

   Which of the following statements about the Indian National Congress Session of 1929 held in Lahore is/are correct? 1. Jawaharlal Nehru presided over this session. 2. The Congress adopted the resolution of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence). 3. It was decided to celebrate 26th January 1930 as Independence Day. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • A. 1 only
   • B. 1 and 2 only
   • C. 2 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   All three statements are correct. Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the historic Lahore Session of 1929, where the Congress adopted the Purna Swaraj resolution and decided to celebrate 26th January 1930 as Independence Day, which later became Republic Day.

10. Q10 · English Language Comprehension

    Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to the word given in capital letters: AMELIORATE

    • A. Improve
    • B. Worsen
    • C. Maintain
    • D. Enhance
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    Ameliorate means to make something better or improve it. The opposite would be to worsen or make something worse.