HCS 2024 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

HCS 2024 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 20 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 · General Science

   Consider the following statements regarding the human circulatory system: 1. Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium through the superior and inferior vena cava. 2. The pulmonary artery carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. 3. The left ventricle has thicker muscular walls than the right ventricle. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

   Answer: A

   Statement 1 is correct: Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium via vena cava. Statement 2 is incorrect: Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Statement 3 is correct: The left ventricle pumps blood to the entire body and thus has thicker walls.

2. Q2 · Indian Polity and Governance

   Consider the following statements regarding the 'Advocate General' of a State: 1. The Advocate General is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Governor. 2. He/she must possess the qualifications required for appointment as a Judge of the High Court. 3. The Advocate General holds office during the pleasure of the Governor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

   Answer: A

   Statement 1 is incorrect: The Advocate General is appointed by the Governor, not the President. Statements 2 and 3 are correct: As per Article 165, the Advocate General must have qualifications to be a High Court judge and holds office during the Governor's pleasure.

3. Q3 · Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

   In a code language, if 'CLOUD' is written as 'DMPVE' and 'STORM' is written as 'TUPSN', how is 'HEAVY' written in that code?

   • A. IFBWZ
   • B. GDZUX
   • C. IFCWZ
   • D. HFBWZ
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Each letter is replaced by the next letter in the alphabetical sequence (shift of +1). H→I, E→F, A→B, V→W, Y→Z, giving IFBWZ.

4. Q4 · English Language Comprehension

   Read the passage: 'Sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Ignoring ecological constraints in pursuit of short-term gains undermines long-term prosperity.' What is the central idea of the passage?

   • A. Economic growth must be prioritized over environmental concerns
   • B. Short-term economic gains are essential for development
   • C. True development integrates economic and environmental considerations
   • D. Environmental protection should replace economic activities
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The passage emphasizes balancing economic growth with environmental protection for sustainable development, which is best captured in option C.

5. Q5 · History of India and Indian National Movement

   The Quit India Movement was launched in which year?

   • A. 1940
   • B. 1942
   • C. 1944
   • D. 1946
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942 during World War II, demanding an end to British rule in India.

6. Q6 · Haryana — History, Geography, Economy and Society

   Which of the following rivers does NOT flow through Haryana?

   • A. Yamuna
   • B. Ghaggar
   • C. Saraswati
   • D. Narmada
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   The Narmada River flows through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, not Haryana. Rivers like Yamuna, Ghaggar, and the ancient Saraswati are associated with Haryana.

7. Q7 · Decision Making and Problem Solving

   A project manager has to allocate three tasks (A, B, and C) among three team members (P, Q, and R). Task A requires technical skills, Task B requires creative skills, and Task C requires analytical skills. P is strong in technical and analytical skills but weak in creative skills. Q is strong in creative skills but weak in technical skills. R is average in all three. Which allocation ensures maximum efficiency?

   • A. P-A, Q-B, R-C
   • B. P-C, Q-A, R-B
   • C. P-B, Q-C, R-A
   • D. P-A, Q-C, R-B
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   P should handle Task A (technical strength), Q should handle Task B (creative strength), and R should handle Task C (average analytical ability), ensuring maximum efficiency.

8. Q8 · Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

   Five friends – A, B, C, D, and E – are sitting in a row facing North. A is not at either end. B is to the immediate right of C. D is second to the left of E. C is not adjacent to E. Who is sitting at the extreme right?

   • A. A
   • B. B
   • C. D
   • D. E
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   From the conditions: D is second left of E means E is at position 3, 4, or 5. B is immediate right of C. Given constraints, arrangement is C-B-D-A-E, so E sits at extreme right.

9. Q9 · History of India and Indian National Movement

   Which of the following statements about the Subsidiary Alliance system introduced by Lord Wellesley is/are correct? 1. Indian rulers had to accept British troops in their territory and pay for their maintenance. 2. The system was first accepted by the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1798. 3. Indian rulers were prohibited from negotiating with any other power without British consent. 4. The system allowed Indian rulers to maintain their own foreign policy. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

   Answer: A

   Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct features of the Subsidiary Alliance. Statement 4 is incorrect because rulers under this system lost their independent foreign policy and could not negotiate with other powers without British approval.

10. Q10 · Haryana — History, Geography, Economy and Society

    With reference to Haryana, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Haryana was carved out of Punjab on 1st November 1966. 2. The state shares its boundary with Himachal Pradesh in the north. 3. Chandigarh serves as the capital of Haryana and is located entirely within the state. 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: B

    Statements 1 and 2 are correct—Haryana was formed on 1st November 1966 and shares its northern boundary with Himachal Pradesh. Statement 3 is incorrect because Chandigarh is a Union Territory and serves as the joint capital of both Haryana and Punjab, not located entirely within Haryana.