Percentage PYQs for UPSC (2011-2024) | Solved Questions & PDF Download

Master Percentage Concepts for UPSC with solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from 2011 to 2024. This page provides detailed solutions, shortcut methods, and a free downloadable PDF to boost your CSAT preparation.

Why Percentage Matters in UPSC CSAT?

Percentage problems appear every year in UPSC CSAT (Paper II) to test:

➡️ Your ability to interpret data and statistics
➡️ Quantitative reasoning skills
➡️ Real-world application of percentages (GDP, inflation, demographics)

This page covers all percentage PYQs with smart calculation techniques.

Year-Wise Percentage PYQs (2011-2024)

Q1. In a group of persons, 70% of the persons are male and 30% of the persons are married. If two-sevenths of the males are married, what fraction of the females is single? [CSAT 2011]

(a) 2/7

(b) 1/3

(d) 2/3

Solution:

Given that,

In a group of persons, 70% of the persons are male and 30% of the persons are married.

Two-sevenths of the males are married.

Now,

Considering total number of persons = 100

Male is 70% = 70

Female = 30

Total married = 30

Total unmarried = 100 - 30 = 70

Married male = 70 x (2/7) = 20

Married female = 30 - 20 = 10

Unmarried female = 30 - 10 = 20

Fraction = 20/30 = 2/3

Hence option (d) is correct

Q2. The tank-full petrol in Arun's motor-cycle lasts for 10 days. If he starts using 25% more every day, how many days will the tank-full petrol last? [CSAT 2013]

(a) 5

(b) 6

(d) 8

Solution:

Given that,

The tank-full petrol in Arun's motor-cycle lasts for 10 days.

He starts using 25% more every day.

Now,

Let the Arun uses 100 liters of petrol every day

Petrol used in 10 days= 10 x 100 = 1000 litres

If Arun starts using 25% more every day

So, Petrol uses in one day = 100 x (125/100) = 125

Thus number of days= 1000/125 = 8 days

The tank-full petrol lasts for 8 days.

Hence option (d) is correct

Q3. As per agreement with a bank, a businessman had to refund a loan in some equal installments without interest. After paying 18 installments he found that 60 percent of his loan was refunded. How many installments were there in the agreement? [CSAT 2014]

(a) 22

(b) 24

(d) 33

Solution:

Given that,

Businessman had to refund a loan in some equal installments without interest.

After paying 18 installments he found that 60 percent of his loan was refunded.

Now,

Let the amount in each installment = A

Let the total amount be B

Number of installment = 18 x A = (60/100) x B

So, B / A = (18 x 100) / 60 = 30

Number of installments = 30.

Hence option (c) is correct

Q4. A and B decide to travel from place X to place Y by bus. A has Rs. 10 with him and he finds that it is 80% of the bus fare for two persons. B finds that he has Rs. 3 with him and hands it over to A. In this context, which one of the following statements is correct? [CSAT 2014]

(a) Now the money A has just enough to buy two tickers.

(b) A still needs Rs. 2 for buying the tickets.

(d) The money A now has is still not sufficient to buy two tickets.

Solution:

Given that,

A and B decide to travel from place X to place Y by bus.

A has Rs. 10 with him and he finds that it is 80% of the bus fare for two persons.

B finds that he has Rs. 3 with him and hands it over to A.

Now,

Let total fare of two persons be Rs. A

80% of Rs. A = Rs 10.

A = (10 x 100) / 80 = Rs 12.5

So, the total money of A and B = 10 + 3 = Rs 13

Required amount for ticket = 12.5

Money left = Rs. (13 - 12.5) = Rs. 0.5 = 50 paise

Hence option (c) is correct

Q5. A gardener increased the area of his rectangular garden by increasing its length by 40% and decreasing its width by 20%. The area of the new garden [CSAT 2014]

(a) Has increased by 20%.

(b) Has increased by 12%.

(d) Is exactly the same as the old area.

Solution:

Given that,

A gardener increased the area of his rectangular garden by increasing its length by 40% and decreasing its width by 20%.

Now,

Let the length be A and width be B

Area of rectangle = Length × width

New Area = A x (140/100) x B x (80/100) = (28/25) x A x B

% increase = [(28/25) AB - AB]/AB x (100) = 3 x 4 = 12%

Hence option (b) is correct

Q6. Candidates in a competitive examination consisted of 60% men and 40% women. 70% men and 75% women cleared the qualifying test and entered the final test where 80% men and 70% women were successful. Which of the following statements is correct? [CSAT 2015]

(a) Success rate is higher for women.

(b) Overall success rate in below 50%.

(d) Both (a) and (b) above are correct.

Solution:

Given that,

Candidates in a competitive examination consisted of 60% men and 40% women.

70% men and 75% women cleared the qualifying test and entered the final test where 80% men and 70% women were successful.

Now,

Let us assume that there were 1000 candidates appeared

So,

Men = 600

Women= 400

Number of men qualifying test= 600 x (70/100) = 420

Similarly,

Number of women qualifying test = 400 x (75/100) = 300

Men in the final test= 420 x 80% = 336

Successful women in the final test = 300 x 70/100 =210

Success rate of men = (336/600) x 100 = 56% and success rate of women = (210/400) x 100 = 52.4%

So, statement (a) is incorrect

Overall success rate = (336+210/100) x 100 = 54.6%

So, statement (b) is incorrect

Hence option (c) is correct

Q7. An automobile owner reduced his monthly petrol consumption when the prices went up. The price-consumption relationship is as follows: [CSAT 2015]

Price (in Rs. per litre)	40	50	60	75
Monthly consumption (in litres)	60	48	40	32

If the price goes up to Rs. 80 per litre, his expected consumption (in litres) will be

(a) 30

(b) 28

(d) 24

Solution:

Given that,

Price (in Rs. per litre)	40	50	60	75
Monthly consumption (in litres)	60	48	40	32

Now,

Analyzing the table

Expenditure per month

First column = 40 x 60 =Rs 2400

2nd column = 50 x 48 = R 2400

3rd column = 60 x 40 =Rs 2400

4th column = 75 x 32 =Rs 2400

If price goes up to Rs 80 per litre

So, expenditure =

let consumption of petrol be P

80P = 2400

P = 30 litres

Hence option (a) is correct

Q8. In a test, a candidate attempted only 8 questions and secured 50% marks in each of the questions. If he obtained a total of 40% in the test and all questions in the test carried equal marks, how many questions were there in the test? [CSAT 2015]

(a) 8

(b) 10

(d) 16

Solution:

Given that,

In a test, a candidate attempted only 8 questions and secured 50% marks in each of the questions.

He obtained a total of 40% in the test and all questions in the test carried equal marks

Now,

Let the marks of each question is 10

Total marks candidate obtained = 8 x 5 = 40 marks

Thus on 40% he obtained 40 marks

So total test marks = 100

Total number of questions = 100/10 = 10

Hence option (b) is correct

Q9. There is an order of 19000 quantity of a particular product from a customer. The firm produces 1000 quantity of that product per day out of which 5% are unfit for sale. In how many days will the order be completed? [CSAT 2016]

(a) 18

(b) 19

(d) 22

Solution:

Given that,

There is an order of 19000 quantity of a particular product from a customer.

The firm produces 1000 quantity of that product per day out of which 5% are unfit for sale.

Now,

Quantity of product need to be completed = 19000

Actual production per day = 1000 - (5% of 1000) = 950

Total number of days required = 19000/950 = 20 days

Hence option (c) is correct

Q10. The total emoluments of two persons are the same, but one gets allowances to the extent of 65% of his basic pay and the other gets allowances to the extent of 80% of his basic pay. The ratio of the basic pay of the former to the basic pay of the latter is [CSAT 2016]

(a) 16: 13

(b) 5:4

(d) 12: 11

Solution:

Given that,

The total emoluments of two persons are the same, but one gets allowances to the extent of 65% of his basic pay and the other gets allowances to the extent of 80% of his basic pay.

Now,

Total emoluments = Basic pay + Allowances

Let the basic pay of first and second person be a and b

So, a + 65% of a = b + 80% of b

165a = 180b

a/b = 180/165 = 12/11

Ratio = 12 : 11

Hence option (d) is correct

Q11. Two numbers X and Y are respectively 20% and 28% less than a third number Z. By what percentage is the number Y less than the numbers X? [CSAT 2016]

(a) 12%

(b) 10%

(d) 8%

Solution:

Given that,

Two numbers X and Y are respectively 20% and 28% less than a third number Z.

Now,

let the value of Z = 100

X is 20% less than Z = 100 x (100 - 20)/100 = 80

Y is 28% less than Z = 72

[(X - Y)/X ] x 100 = 10%

Hence option (b) is correct

Q12. If there is a policy that 1/3rd of a population of a community has migrated every year from one place to some other place, what is the leftover population of that community after the sixth year, if there is no further growth in the population during this period? [CSAT 2017]

(a) 16/243rd part of the population.

(b) 32/243rd part of the population.

(d) 64/729th part of the population.

Solution:

Given that,

there is a policy that 1/3rd of a population of a community has migrated every year from one place to some other place

There is no further growth in the population within six years

Now,

Let the population be p

Leftover population after one year = p - (1/3) x p = (2/3)p

After every passing year population will become 2/3rd of previous population

Population after 2nd year= (2/3)(2/3) x p = (4/9) x p

Population after 3rd year= (8/27) p

Population after 4th year= (16/81)p

Population after 5th year (32/243) p

Population after 6th year= (64/729) p

Hence option (d) is correct

Q13. In a city, 12% of households earn less than Rs. 30,000 per year, 6% households earn more than Rs. 2,00,000 per year, 22% households earn more than Rs. 1,00,000 per year and 990 households earn between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 per year. How many households earn between Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 2,00,000 per year? [CSAT 2017]

(a) 250

(b) 240

(d) 225

Solution:

Given that,

In a city, 12% of households earn less than Rs. 30,000 per year

6% households earn more than Rs. 2,00,000 per year

22% households earn more than Rs. 1,00,000 per year

990 households earn between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 per year.

Now,

Income group from Rs. 0 to Rs. 30000 = 12%

Income group from Rs. 30000 to Rs. 100000 = 990

Income group from Rs. 100000 to Rs. 200000 = 16%

As, 22% above Rs. 100000 and 6% above 200000

Income group from Rs. 200000 and more = 6%

Percentage of people from Rs. 30000 to Rs. 100000 = 100 - (12 + 16 + 6) = 66%

Total people = 990 x (100/66) = 1500

So, total people from Rs. 100000 to Rs. 20000

16% of 1500 = 240

Hence option (b) is correct

Q14. P = (40% of A) + (65% of B) and Q = (50% of A) + (50% of B), where A is greater than B. In this context, which of the following statements is correct? [CSAT 2017]

(a) P is greater than Q.

(b) Q is greater than P.

(d) None of the above can be concluded with certainty.

Solution:

Given that,

P = (40% of A) + (65% of B) and Q = (50% of A) + (50% of B), where A is greater than B.

Now,

The value of A and B are unknown, thus it cannot be concluded with certainty.

Hence option (d) is correct

Q15. A student has to get 40% marks to pass in an examination. Suppose he gets 30 marks and fails by 30 marks, then what are the maximum marks in the examination? [CSAT 2018]

(a) 100

(b) 120

(d) 300

Solution:

Given that,

A student has to get 40% marks to pass in an examination.

Suppose he gets 30 marks and fails by 30 marks

Now,

Let total marks of examination be E

E x (40/100) = 60 (he gets 30 marks and fails by 30 marks)

E = 150 marks

Hence option (c) is correct

Q16. A person bought a refrigerator worth Rs. 22,800 with 12.5% interest compounded yearly. At the end of first year he paid Rs. 8,650 and at the end of second year Rs. 9,125. How much will he have to pay at the end of third year to clear the debt? [CSAT 2018]

(a) Rs. 9,990

(b) Rs. 10,000

(d) Rs. 11,250

Solution:

Given that,

A person bought a refrigerator worth Rs. 22800 with 12.5% interest compounded yearly.

At the end of first year he paid Rs. 8650 and at the end of second year Rs. 9,125.

Now,

Principal amount of refrigerator = Rs.22800

Interest rate = 12.5%

First year, interest = 12.5 % of Rs.22800 = Rs 2850

Principal amount remaining = Original Principal amount + Interest of first year - amount paid

Amount remaining = 22800 + 2850 - 8650 = Rs.17000

Second year interest = 12.5% of 17000 = Rs 2125

Principal amount remaining = Original Principal amount + Interest of second year - amount paid

17000 + 2125 - 9125 = Rs. 10,000

After third year, interest = 12.5% of Rs.10000 = Rs.1250

To clear the debt = 10000 + 1250 = Rs 11250

Hence option (d) is correct

Q17. When a runner was crossing the 12 km mark, she was informed that she had completed only 80% of the race. How many kilometers was the runner supposed to run in this event? [CSAT 2019]

(a) 14

(b) 15

(d) 16.5

Solution:

Given that,

Runner crosses = 12 km mark

Total distance covered = 80%

Now,

Let total distance be 'd'

So,

12 = 80% of d

12 = 0.8 x d

d = 15 km

Hence option (b) is correct

Q18. A and B are two heavy steel blocks. If B is placed on the top of A, the weight increases by 60%. How much weight will reduce with respect to the total weight of A and B, if B is removed from the top of A? [CSAT 2019]

(a) 60%

(b) 45.5%

(d) 37.5%

Solution:

Given that,

A and B are two heavy steel blocks.

B is placed on the top of A, the weight increases by 60%.

Now,

Weight of box A = 100W

If Box B is placed on top of A, then weight will increase by 60%

Total weight = Box A + Box B = 100W + 60% of box A

Total weight = 160W, weight of Box B = 60W

If Box B is removed, then % of weight reduced = (60W/160W) x 100 = 37.5%

Hence option (d) is correct

Q19. In an examination, A has scored 20 marks more than B. If B has scored 5% less marks than A, how much has B scored? [CSAT 2019]

(a) 360

(b) 380

(d) 420

Solution:

Given that,

A has scored 20 marks more than B

B has scored 5% less marks than A

Now,

Let A obtained marks = 100M

So, B obtained = 95M

Thus,

100M = 95M + 20

M = 4

Therefore A scored = 400 marks and B scored = 380 marks

Hence option (b) is correct

Q20. Rakesh had money to buy 8 mobile handsets of a specific company. But the retailer offered very good discount on that particular handset. Rakesh could buy 10 mobile handsets with the amount he had. What was the discount the retailer offered? [CSAT 2019]

(a) 15%

(b) 20%

(d) 30%

Solution:

Given that,

Rakesh had money to buy 8 mobile handsets of a specific company.

Rakesh could buy 10 mobile handsets with the amount he had after discount.

Now,

Let Rakesh has R rupees

Price of each phone before discount = R/8

Price of each phone after discount = R/10

Thus, % of discount = {[(R/8) - (R/10)]/(R/8)} x 100 = 20% discount

Hence option (b) is correct

Q21. Raju has Rs. 9000 with him and he wants to buy a mobile handset; but he finds that he has only 75% of the amount required to buy the handset. Therefore, he borrows Rs. 2000 from a friend. Then [CSAT 2019]

(a) Raju still does not have enough amount to buy the handset.

(b) Raju has exactly the same amount as required to buy the handset.

(d) Raju has enough amount to buy the handset and he will have 1000 with him after buying the handset.

Solution:

Given that,

Amount with Raju = Rs. 9000

Total percentage of amount = 75% of headset

Amount borrowed = Rs.2000

Now,

Let Price of headset be H

9000 = 75 % of H

H = Rs. 12000

Raju borrows = Rs.2000

Total amount with Raju = 9000 + 2000 = 11000

Amount required for headset = 12000 - 11000 = Rs. 1000

Hence, Raju still does not have enough amount to buy the handset.

Q22. All members of a club went to Mumbai and stayed in a hotel. On the first day, 80% went for shopping and 50% went for sightseeing, whereas 10% took rest in the hotel. Which of the following conclusion(s) can be drawn from the above data? [CSAT 2019]

1. 40% members went for shopping as well as sightseeing.

2. 20% members went for only shopping.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Given that,

All members of a club went to Mumbai and stayed in a hotel.

80% went for shopping

50% went for sightseeing

10% took rest in the hotel

Now,

Let total members be 100

Total members for shopping = 80% of 100 = 80

Total members for sightseeing = 50% of 100 = 50

Total members at hotel = 10% of 100 = 10

Total members for both = 100 - 10 = 90

Thus,

Total members who went for both shopping and sightseeing = 80 + 50 - 90 = 40

Total members who went only for shopping = 80 - 40 = 40

Total members who went only for sightseeing = 50 - 40 = 10

Therefore,

1. 40% members went for shopping as well as sightseeing.

Total members who went for both shopping and sightseeing = 80 + 50 - 90 = 40

% of members = (40/100) x 100 = 40%

Hence statement 1 is correct

2. 20% members went for only shopping.

Total members who went only for shopping = 80 - 40 = 40

% of members = (40/100) x 100 = 40%

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

Q23. A shop owner offers the following discount options on an article to a customer: [CSAT 2020]

1. Successive discounts of 10% and 20%, and then pay a service tax of 10%.

2. Successive discounts of 20% and 10%, and then pay a service tax of 10%.

3. Pay a service tax of 10% first, then successive discounts of 20% and 10%.

Which one of the following is correct?

(a) 1 only is the best option for the customer.

(b) 2 only is the best option for the customer.

(d) All the options are equally good for the customer.

Solution:

Given that,

A shop owner offers the following discount options on an article to a customer.

Now,

Let the cost price be 100

1. Successive discounts of 10% and 20%, and then pay a service tax of 10%.

After successive discount cost price = 100 x (90/100) x (80/100) x (110 x 100) = 79.2

2. Successive discounts of 20% and 10%, and then pay a service tax of 10%.

After successive discount cost price = 100 x (80/100) x (90/100) x (110 x 100) = 79.2

3. Pay a service tax of 10% first, then successive discounts of 20% and 10%.

After successive discount cost price = 100 x (110/100) x (80/100) x (90 x 100) = 79.2

Hence option (d) is correct

Q24. In adult population of a city, 40% men and 30% women are married. What is the percentage of married adult population if no man marries more than one woman and no woman marries more than one man; and there are no widows and widowers? [CSAT 2020]

(a) 33 %

(b) 34%

(d) 35%

Solution:

Given that,

In adult population of a city, 40% men and 30% women are married.

No man marries more than one woman and no woman marries more than one man

There are no widows and widowers

Now,

It can be concluded that number of married men = number of married women

40% of men = 30% of women

So,

Men: Women = 3:4

Let male population be 600 and female population be 800

Then,

40% of 600 = 240

30% of 800 = 240

Thus,

Total married couples = 240

% of married population = (240/1400) x 100 = 17.14% or 34(2/7)%

Hence option (c) is correct

Q25. A bottle contains 20 litres of liquid A. 4 litres of liquid A is taken out of it and replaced by same quantity of liquid B. Again 4 litres of the mixture is taken out and replaced by same quantity of liquid B. What is the ratio of quantity of liquid A to that of liquid B in the final mixture? [CSAT 2020]

(a) 4:1

(b) 5:1

(d) 17:8

Solution:

Given that,

A bottle contains 20 litres of liquid A.

4 litres of liquid A is taken out of it and replaced by same quantity of liquid B.

Again 4 litres of the mixture is taken out and replaced by same quantity of liquid B.

Now,

As, 4 litres of liquid A is taken out of it and replaced by same quantity of liquid B.

Quantity of liquid A = 16 L, Quantity of liquid B = 4 L

Again 4 litres of the mixture is taken out and replaced by same quantity of liquid B.

Thus,

A : B = {16 - (16/20) x 4} : {4 - [(4/20) x 4] + 4}

Therefore by solving the equation

A : B = 16 : 9

Hence option (c) is correct

Q26. As a result of 25% hike in the price of rice per kg, a person is able to purchase 6 kg less rice for Rs. 1,200. What was the original price of rice per kg? [CSAT 2020]

(a) Rs. 30

(b) Rs. 40

(d) Rs. 60

Solution:

Given that,

25% hike in the price of rice per kg

A person is able to purchase 6 kg less rice for Rs. 1,200

Now,

Let the quantity of rice purchased by a person be R Kg

Hike in price = 25%

Hiked price = (125/100) x 1200 = Rs.1500

Reduce in purchase quantity = (R - 6)

Difference between hiked and original price = 1500 - 1200 = Rs.300

So,

6kg = 300

1 kg = 50

Then,

125% = 50

Original price = Rs.40

Hence option (b) is correct

Q27. In a class, 60% of students are from India and 50% of the students are girls. If 30% of the Indian students are girls, then what percentage of foreign students are boys? [CSAT 2021]

(a) 45%

(b) 40%

(d) 20%

Solution:

Given that,

In a class, 60% of students are from India

50% of the students are girls

30% of the Indian students are girls

Now,

Let the total number of students be 100

Students from India = 60 , students from other countries = 40

Total girl students = 50 and Boys students = 50

Indian students girls = 60 x (30/100) = 18

Total Indian boys students = 60 - 18 = 42

Total foreign students girl = 50 - 18 = 32

Total foreign student boys = 50 - 42 = 8

% of foreign students = (8/40) x 100 = 20 %

Hence option (d) is correct

Q28. A student appeared in 6 papers. The maximum marks are the same for each paper. His marks in these papers are in the proportion of 5:6:7:8:9:10. Overall he scored 60%. In how many number of papers did he score less than 60% of the maximum marks? [CSAT 2021]

(a) 2

(b) 3

(d) 5

Solution:

Given that,

A student appeared in 6 papers.

The maximum marks are the same for each paper.

His marks in these papers are in the proportion of 5:6:7:8:9:10.

Overall he scored 60%.

Now,

Let the marks of each paper = 100

Total marks = 600

Proportion = 5a + 6a + 7a + 8a + 9a + 10a = 45a

% score = 60%

(45a/600) x 100 = 60

a = 8

Marks obtained = 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80

Minimum marks of 60% = (60/100) x 100 = 60

Less than 60 = 40, 48, and 56

Total 3 papers

Hence option (b) is correct

Q29. P scored 40 marks more than Q in an examination. If Q scored 10% less marks than P, then how much did Q score? [CSAT 2021]

(a) 360

(b) 380

(d) 420

Solution:

Given that,

P scored 40 marks more than Q in an examination.

Q scored 10% less marks than P.

Now,

Let Q score be S

P score = S + 40

Also, Q scored 10% less marks than P.

S = (90/100) x (S + 40)

0.1S = 36

S = 360

Thus,

Q score = 360

P score = 400

Hence option (a) is correct

Q30. If the price of an article is decreased by 20% and then the new price is increased by 25%, then what is the net change in the price? [CSAT 2021]

(a) 0%

(b) 5% increase

(d) Cannot be determined due to insufficient data.

Solution:

Given that,

Price of an article is decreased by 20%

The new price is increased by 25%

Now,

Let the price of article be 100

After decreasing the new price = (80/100) x 100 = 80

New price after increasing by 25 % = (125/100) x 80 = 100

Change in price = 100 - 100 = 0

Hence option (a) is correct

Q31. Two candidates X and Y contested an election. 80% of voters cast their vote and there were no invalid votes. There was no NOTA (None of the above) option. X got 56% of the votes cast and won by 1440 votes. What is the total number of voters in the voters list? [CSAT 2022]

(a) 15,000

(b) 12,000

(d) 5,000

Solution:

Given that,

Two candidates X and Y contested an election.

80% of voters cast their vote and there were no invalid votes.

There was no NOTA (None of the above) option.

X got 56% of the votes cast and won by 1440 votes.

Now,

By conclusion total % of votes of Y = 44 %

% difference = 56 - 44 = 12%

Total casted votes = (1440 x 100)/12 = 12000

Total number of voters in voters list = (12000 x 100)/80 = 15000

Hence option (a) is correct

Q32. The increase in the price of a certain item was 25%. Then the price was decreased by 20% and then again increased by 10%. What is the resultant increase in the price? [CSAT 2022]

(a) 5%

(b) 10%

(d) 15%

Solution:

Given that,

The increase in the price of a certain item was 25%.

Then the price was decreased by 20% and then again increased by 10%.

Now,

Let the price be 100

Increase in certain item by 25% = 100 + 25 % of 100 = 125

Price decreased = (80/100) x 125 = 100

Again increased = (110/100) x 100 = 110

% increase in price = (110 - 100/100) x 100 = 10%

Hence option (b) is correct

Q33. When 70% of a number x is added to another number y, the sum becomes 165% of the value of y. When 60% of the number x is added to another number z, then the sum becomes 165% of the value of z. Which one of the following is correct? [CSAT 2022]

(a) z

(b) x

(d) z

Solution:

Given that,

70% of a number x is added to another number y, the sum becomes 165% of the value of y.

60% of the number x is added to another number z, then the sum becomes 165% of the value of z.

Now,

70% of x + y = 165% of y

70x + 100y = 165y.......(i)

x/y = 13/14........(ii)

60% of x + z = 165% of z

60x + 100z = 165z.....(iii)

x/z = 13/12.....(iv)

Thus combining equation (ii) and (iv), the values are

x = 13, y = 14, z = 12

So, z < x < y

Hence option (a) is correct

Q34. P's salary is 20% lower than Q's salary which is 20% lower than R's salary. By how much percent is R's salary more than P's salary? [CSAT 2024]

(a) 48.75%

(b) 56.25%

(d) 62.25%

Solution:

Given that,

P's salary = Q - 20% of Q or 80% of Q

Q's salary = 80% of R

Now,

Let salary of R be Rs.100

Q's salary = Rs. 80

Thus P's salary = 80% of Rs. 80 = Rs.64

Difference in salary between R and P = 100 - 64 = Rs.36

% of R's salary more than P = (36/64) x 100 = 56.25%

Hence option (b) is correct

Q35. A number is mistakenly divided by 4 instead of multiplying by 4. What is the percentage change in the result due to this mistake? [CSAT 2024]

(a) 25%

(b) 50%

(d) 93.75%

Solution:

Given that,

Number is mistakenly divided by 4 instead of multiplying it by 4

Now,

Let the number be 100

Wrong number = 100/4 = 25

Right number = 100 x 4 = 400

% = (25/400) x 100 = 6.25% of original number

% change = 100 - 6.25 = 93.75%

Hence option (d) is correct

Q36. In an examination, 80% of students passed in English, 70% of students passed in Hindi and 15% failed in both the subjects. What is the percentage of students who failed in only one subject? [CSAT 2024]

(a) 15%

(b) 20%

(d) 35%

Solution:

Given that,

English = 80% student passed

Hindi = 70% students passed

Failed = 15% in both the subjects

Now,

Failed in English = 100 - 80 = 20%

Failed in Hindi = 100 - 70 = 30%

Failed in both the subjects = 15%

So,

Students Failed only in English = 20 - 15 = 5%

Students failed only in Hindi = 30 - 15 = 15%

Total students failed only in one subject = 15% + 5% = 20%

Hence option (b) is correct

ANSWER KEY

1. D
2. D
3. C
4. C
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. B
9. C
10. D
11. B
12. D
13. B
14. D
15. C
16. D
17. B
18. D
19. B
20. B
21. A
22. A
23. D
24. C
25. C
26. B
27. D
28. B
29. A
30. A
31. A
32. B
33. A
34. B
35. D
36. B

Download Percentage PYQs PDF

➡️ Download the complete set of Percentage PYQs (2011-2024) with solutions in PDF format.
➡️ Click Here to Download PDF

FAQs on Percentage for UPSC

1. How many percentage questions appear in CSAT?

➡️ Typically 3-5 questions annually in CSAT Paper II.

2. What are the most common percentage topics?

➡️ Percentage increase/decrease
➡️ Discount and profit/loss
➡️ Data interpretation (charts/graphs)
➡️ Population growth

3. Any quick calculation tips?

➡️ For 10%: Move decimal one place left
➡️ For 5%: Calculate 10% and halve it
➡️ For 15%: Add 10% + 5% values

Conclusion

Mastering Percentage PYQs gives you 5-10 easy marks in CSAT. This page provides:
✅ All PYQs from 2011-2024
✅ PDF with 50+ solved problems
✅ Shortcut calculation methods

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Percentage PYQ's

Percentage PYQs for UPSC (2011-2024) | Solved Questions & PDF Download

Why Percentage Matters in UPSC CSAT?

Year-Wise Percentage PYQs (2011-2024)

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FAQs on Percentage for UPSC

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