HCS 2025 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

HCS 2025 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 17 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 · Current Events of National and International Importance

   Which of the following international organizations recently launched the 'Global Biofuels Alliance' with India as a founding member?

   • A. United Nations Environment Programme
   • B. G20
   • C. International Energy Agency
   • D. OPEC
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Global Biofuels Alliance was launched during the G20 Summit held in India in 2023, with India as one of the founding members to promote sustainable biofuels globally.

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

   The ancient city of 'Rakhigarhi', one of the largest Harappan civilization sites, is located in which district of Haryana?

   • A. Hisar
   • B. Jhajjar
   • C. Fatehabad
   • D. Rohtak
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Rakhigarhi is located in Hisar district of Haryana and is one of the five largest Harappan sites in the Indian subcontinent. Recent excavations and DNA studies have provided significant insights into the Indus Valley Civilization.

3. Q3 · Interpersonal Skills

   You are a team leader in a government office, and two of your team members have a conflict over the distribution of work responsibilities. One member feels overburdened while the other claims they are handling complex tasks. How should you handle this situation most effectively?

   • A. Immediately reassign all tasks equally without discussing with either member
   • B. Call both members together, listen to their concerns, and collaboratively redesign the work distribution based on skills and workload
   • C. Ignore the conflict as internal team matters usually resolve themselves over time
   • D. Support the member who has been with the team longer, regardless of the merit of the complaint
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Effective interpersonal communication requires active listening and collaborative problem-solving, making option B the best approach to resolve workplace conflicts fairly.

4. Q4 · Data Interpretation

   The table shows production of wheat (in thousand tonnes) in three states over three years: State | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 P | 120 | 135 | 150 Q | 95 | 110 | 125 R | 140 | 130 | 145 What is the percentage increase in total production from 2020 to 2022?

   • A. 15.5%
   • B. 18.3%
   • C. 20.2%
   • D. 22.5%
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Total 2020 = 355, Total 2022 = 420. Increase = 65. Percentage = (65/355) × 100 ≈ 18.3%.

5. Q5 · Haryana — History, Geography, Economy and Society

   The famous Kurukshetra War, as described in the Mahabharata, is believed to have been fought in which present-day district of Haryana?

   • A. Panipat
   • B. Kurukshetra
   • C. Karnal
   • D. Ambala
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Kurukshetra district in Haryana is the legendary site where the Mahabharata war is believed to have been fought, and it holds immense religious and historical significance.

6. Q6 · English Language Comprehension

   Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the word 'CANDID':

   • A. Frank
   • B. Sincere
   • C. Devious
   • D. Honest
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Candid means straightforward and honest. The opposite is devious, which means deceitful or dishonest.

7. Q7 · Indian Polity and Governance

   With reference to the Anti-Defection Law in India, consider the following statements: 1. It was inserted into the Constitution by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. 2. A member disqualified under this law is barred from holding any remunerative political post. 3. The decision of the Speaker/Chairman on disqualification is not subject to judicial review. 4. Voting against party directions on a confidence motion can lead to disqualification. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

   Answer: B

   Statements 1 and 4 are correct. The Anti-Defection Law was inserted by the 52nd Amendment in 1985, and voting against party directions on key matters like confidence motions leads to disqualification. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no such bar. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review as per Supreme Court rulings.

8. Q8 · Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

   In a certain code language: 'sky is blue' is written as 'la mi ro' 'blue and green' is written as 'ro pa ta' 'green is bright' is written as 'ta mi ka' What is the code for 'sky'?

   • A. la
   • B. mi
   • C. ro
   • D. Cannot be determined
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   From the statements: 'blue' = ro (appears in 1st and 2nd), 'green' = ta (appears in 2nd and 3rd), 'is' = mi (appears in 1st and 3rd). Therefore, in the first statement 'sky is blue' = 'la mi ro', since 'is' = mi and 'blue' = ro, 'sky' must be 'la'.

9. Q9 · Decision Making and Problem Solving

   You are a Block Development Officer. During a village visit, you discover that a contractor has used substandard materials in constructing a community hall, but the project has already been inaugurated by a senior minister. The contractor is well-connected politically. What should be your most appropriate course of action?

   • A. Ignore the issue to avoid political complications and focus on other projects
   • B. Immediately file a complaint with the vigilance department and order a technical audit of the structure
   • C. Inform your immediate superior privately and wait for their instructions
   • D. Confront the contractor directly and demand immediate rectification without involving authorities
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   As a civil servant, upholding public safety and transparency is paramount. Filing a complaint and ordering a technical audit ensures proper investigation while maintaining ethical standards and accountability.

10. Q10 · Basic Numeracy (Class X level)

    A mixture contains milk and water in the ratio 7:3. If 20 liters of water is added to the mixture, the ratio becomes 7:5. What was the initial quantity of milk in the mixture?

    • A. 56 liters
    • B. 63 liters
    • C. 70 liters
    • D. 77 liters
    Answer and solution

    Answer: C

    Let milk = 7x and water = 3x initially. After adding 20L water: 7x/(3x+20) = 7/5. Cross-multiplying: 35x = 21x + 140, so 14x = 140, x = 10. Initial milk = 7×10 = 70 liters.