HCS 2023 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

HCS 2023 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 · History of India and Indian National Movement

   The 'Doctrine of Lapse' policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie resulted in the annexation of which of the following princely states? 1. Satara 2. Jhansi 3. Nagpur 4. Awadh Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
   • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
   • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
   • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Satara (1848), Jhansi (1854), and Nagpur (1854) were annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse. Awadh was annexed in 1856 on the grounds of maladministration, not under the Doctrine of Lapse.

2. Q2 · Haryana — History, Geography, Economy and Society

   Which of the following pairs of rivers and their tributaries in Haryana is/are correctly matched? 1. Yamuna - Saraswati 2. Ghaggar - Tangri 3. Markanda - Sahibi Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

   Answer: B

   Only pair 2 is correct: Tangri is a tributary of Ghaggar. Saraswati is not a tributary of Yamuna; it is a seasonal river. Markanda is a tributary of Ghaggar, while Sahibi is a separate river, not a tributary of Markanda.

3. Q3 · Decision Making and Problem Solving

   You are a District Collector and receive credible information that a natural calamity is likely to strike a remote area within 48 hours. However, moving people will cause economic disruption and there is a 30% chance the prediction may be inaccurate. What is your best course of action?

   • A. Wait for further confirmation before taking any action to avoid unnecessary panic
   • B. Immediately initiate evacuation procedures and mobilize relief resources, prioritizing human safety over economic concerns
   • C. Issue a general warning but leave the decision to evacuate to individual families
   • D. Consult higher authorities and delay action until a consensus is reached
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   In disaster management, human life is paramount. Proactive evacuation despite economic costs and uncertainty is the responsible decision-making approach.

4. Q4 · Indian and World Geography

   Which of the following mountain passes connects Himachal Pradesh with Tibet?

   • A. Zoji La
   • B. Shipki La
   • C. Nathu La
   • D. Rohtang Pass
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Shipki La is a mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh on the Indo-Tibetan border, serving as an important route connecting India with Tibet.

5. Q5 · Reading Comprehension

   Passage: Economic inequality has been a persistent challenge in developing nations. While growth rates have improved, the distribution of wealth remains skewed, with a small percentage of the population controlling a large share of resources. This disparity undermines social cohesion and can lead to political instability. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

   • A. Economic growth automatically leads to equitable distribution of wealth
   • B. Inequality can have social and political consequences
   • C. Developing nations have no economic growth
   • D. Wealth distribution is uniform in developed nations
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The passage clearly states that economic disparity undermines social cohesion and can lead to political instability, indicating social and political consequences.

6. Q6 · General Mental Ability

   A person starts walking from Point X, goes 5 km North, then turns right and walks 3 km, then turns right again and walks 5 km. How far is the person from Point X?

   • A. 3 km
   • B. 5 km
   • C. 8 km
   • D. 13 km
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The person walks North 5 km, then East 3 km, then South 5 km, ending up 3 km East of the starting point.

7. Q7 · Indian and World Geography

   Consider the following statements regarding the Western Ghats: 1. The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India. 2. They are older than the Himalayas. 3. The average elevation of the Western Ghats is higher than that of the Eastern Ghats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

   Answer: D

   All three statements are correct. The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast, are part of the older Peninsular Block (older than the Himalayas), and have a higher average elevation compared to the Eastern Ghats.

8. Q8 · Reading Comprehension

   Passage: The concept of sustainable development has gained prominence in recent decades. It emphasizes meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This requires a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. However, achieving this balance remains a challenge as economic priorities often overshadow environmental concerns. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

   • A. Sustainable development is impossible to achieve in modern economies
   • B. Economic growth must be sacrificed to protect the environment
   • C. Sustainable development seeks to balance present needs with future well-being, though challenges persist
   • D. Environmental protection is more important than economic development
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Option C correctly captures the essence of the passage—sustainable development aims to balance current and future needs across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, while acknowledging the challenges in achieving this balance.

9. Q9 · Basic Numeracy (Class X level)

   A sum of money amounts to ₹6,760 in 2 years and ₹7,240 in 3 years at simple interest. What is the principal amount?

   • A. ₹5,800
   • B. ₹6,000
   • C. ₹6,200
   • D. ₹6,280
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   SI per year = 7240 - 6760 = 480. After 2 years, interest = 2×480 = 960, so P = 6760 - 960 = 5800.

10. Q10 · General Mental Ability

    In a certain code language, 'MENTOR' is written as 'OGPVQT'. How will 'LEADER' be written in that code?

    • A. NGCFGT
    • B. NFCFGT
    • C. NGCGGR
    • D. NFCGGR
    Answer and solution

    Answer: A

    Each letter is shifted by +2, +1, +2, +1, +2, +1 alternately. L→N(+2), E→F(+1), A→C(+2), D→E(+1), E→G(+2), R→T(+1), giving NFCEGT. Rechecking: Actually MENTOR: M→O(+2), E→G(+2), N→P(+2), T→V(+2), O→Q(+2), R→T(+2), all +2. So LEADER: L→N, E→G, A→C, D→F, E→G, R→T = NGCFGT.