WBCS 2023 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

WBCS 2023 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 15 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 · Indian Geography

   The river Teesta, which flows through West Bengal, is a tributary of which major river?

   • A. Ganga
   • B. Brahmaputra
   • C. Mahananda
   • D. Hooghly
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Teesta river, which flows through Sikkim and West Bengal (particularly the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts), is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra river.

2. Q2 · Logical Reasoning

   If 'PENCIL' is coded as 'QFodmm', then 'ERASER' will be coded as:

   • A. FSBTFS
   • B. DQZRDO
   • C. FSBTFR
   • D. FQBSFS
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Each letter is shifted one position forward in the alphabet (P→Q, E→F, etc.). Applying the same pattern to ERASER: E→F, R→S, A→B, S→T, E→F, R→S.

3. Q3 · Non-Verbal Reasoning

   In a certain pattern, squares are arranged with dots inside them. The first figure has 1 square with 3 dots, the second has 2 squares with 5 dots, the third has 3 squares with 7 dots. Following this pattern, how many dots will be there in the 8th figure?

   • A. 15
   • B. 16
   • C. 17
   • D. 18
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The pattern shows dots increase by 2 each time: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17. The 8th figure will have 17 dots.

4. Q4 · Profit and Loss

   A trader sold two articles for Rs. 1200 each. On one he gained 20% and on the other he lost 20%. What is his overall gain or loss percentage?

   • A. No profit no loss
   • B. 2% loss
   • C. 4% loss
   • D. 4% profit
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   When SP is same and profit/loss percentages are equal, there is always a loss of (common %/10)² = (20/10)² = 4% loss.

5. Q5 · Time and Work

   Three workers A, B, and C can complete a task in 15 days, 20 days, and 30 days respectively. If all three start working together, but A leaves 5 days before the work is completed, in how many days will the work be finished?

   • A. 8 days
   • B. 9 days
   • C. 10 days
   • D. 11 days
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   In units per day (LCM 60): A=4, B=3, C=2, total work=60. A leaves 5 days early: 4(D-5)+3D+2D=60 → 9D-20=60 → 9D=80 → D≈8.9 days, closest to 9 days.

6. Q6 · Bengali Grammar

   নিম্নলিখিত শব্দগুলির মধ্যে কোনটি 'তৎসম' শব্দ নয়?

   • A. হস্ত
   • B. চন্দ্র
   • C. হাত
   • D. সূর্য
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   'হাত' is a তদ্ভব (tadbhava) word derived from Sanskrit 'হস্ত'. The rest are তৎসম (tatsama) words directly borrowed from Sanskrit.

7. Q7 · Bengali Literature

   রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুরের কোন রচনাটি একটি উপন্যাস?

   • A. সোনার তরী
   • B. গোরা
   • C. চিত্রাঙ্গদা
   • D. বলাকা
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   গোরা is one of Rabindranath Tagore's famous novels. সোনার তরী and বলাকা are poetry collections, while চিত্রাঙ্গদা is a dance drama.

8. Q8 · Composition

   Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct use of punctuation?

   • A. The minister announced; that new policies would be implemented soon.
   • B. After the meeting concluded, the participants discussed the outcomes briefly.
   • C. She asked, 'what time does the train arrive'?
   • D. The report included three sections, introduction methodology and conclusion.
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Option B correctly uses a comma after an introductory clause. Option A misuses semicolon, C has incorrect quotation mark placement and capitalization, and D lacks commas in a series.

9. Q9 · Indian Geography

   Which of the following rivers does NOT flow through West Bengal?

   • A. Teesta
   • B. Mahananda
   • C. Gandak
   • D. Damodar
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Gandak river flows through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh but does not pass through West Bengal. Teesta, Mahananda, and Damodar all flow through West Bengal.

10. Q10 · Logical Reasoning

    In a certain code language, TIGER is written as SHFDQ. How is HORSE written in that code?

    • A. GNQRD
    • B. GNQSD
    • C. IPSTF
    • D. HOTRF
    Answer and solution

    Answer: A

    Each letter is shifted one position backward in the alphabet: T→S, I→H, G→F, E→D, R→Q. Applying the same rule to HORSE: H→G, O→N, R→Q, S→R, E→D gives GNQRD.