← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions — 2026
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: When you enter the office, please mention the _______ of your visit.
A)
process
B)
precipitation
C)
purpose
D)
whereabouts
The correct word to complete the sentence is 'purpose'. 'Purpose' means the reason for which something is done or created. In an office setting, visitors are commonly asked to state the reason or 'purpose' of their visit. The other options are incorrect because: 'process' refers to a series of actions or steps; 'precipitation' refers to rain, snow, or a chemical reaction; and 'whereabouts' refers to the location of a person or object. None of these fit the context of the sentence.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: Mr. Phillips is an ________ man who will get the job done.
A)
unaware
B)
ineffective
C)
efficient
D)
inappropriate
The correct answer is 'c' (efficient). The sentence describes someone who is capable of successfully completing a task ('will get the job done'), which requires a positive adjective. 'Efficient' means working in a well-organized and competent way, making it the perfect fit. The other options are incorrect because: 'ineffective' (b) means failing to produce the desired effect, which contradicts the sentence; 'unaware' (a) means lacking knowledge, which is irrelevant to capability; and 'inappropriate' (d) means unsuitable, which carries a negative connotation unsuitable for this context.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: We _____ (study) last night, but we went to the concert instead.
A)
must have studied
B)
might study
C)
should have studied
D)
would study
The correct option is 'c' ('should have studied'). The structure 'should have + past participle' is used to express a past obligation, recommendation, or desirable action that did not actually happen. Here, the speakers were supposed to study last night but chose to go to the concert instead. Option 'a' ('must have studied') is incorrect because it expresses a strong logical deduction about a past event (which contradicts the fact that they did not study). Option 'b' ('might study') is incorrect because it refers to present or future possibility, whereas the sentence is in the past. Option 'd' ('would study') is incorrect as it does not express the unfulfilled past obligation required by the context.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: To kick the bucket
A)
To die
B)
To be lazy
C)
To be angry
D)
To be argumentative
The idiom 'To kick the bucket' is an informal English euphemism that means 'to die'. Therefore, option 'a' is the correct meaning. The other options—'To be lazy' (option b), 'To be angry' (option c), and 'To be argumentative' (option d)—do not represent the meaning of this idiom.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: The judge made a decision and ruled that the estate be divided among the seven sons.
A)
Conjunction
B)
Interjection
C)
Adjective
D)
Preposition
In the given sentence, the underlined word is 'among'.
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** 'Among' is a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition, here 'the seven sons') and other words in a sentence. Here, 'among' indicates the distribution of the estate.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Conjunction (a):** Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'that' in this sentence).
- **Interjection (b):** Interjections express sudden or strong emotions (e.g., 'Alas!', 'Wow!').
- **Adjective (c):** Adjectives modify or describe nouns (e.g., 'seven' is an adjective modifying 'sons').
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: My father is a ___________ who does not like to be around people.
A)
philanthropist
B)
philosphist
C)
misanthropist
D)
pedestrian
The correct option is 'c' (misanthropist). A 'misanthropist' (or misanthrope) is a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society, which perfectly fits the description of someone who 'does not like to be around people'.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- 'philanthropist' (a) is the exact opposite; it refers to a person who loves humanity and promotes the welfare of others, often through charitable donations.
- 'philosphist' (b) is a non-standard term (likely a misspelling of philosopher) and does not relate to avoiding people.
- 'pedestrian' (d) refers to a person walking along a road or street, which is irrelevant to the context of social behavior.
Choose the correct alternative to change the speech: Aragon said that he did not enjoy the movie.
A)
Aragon said,” I have not enjoyed the movie”.
B)
Aragon said, “I am not enjoying the movie”.
C)
Aragon said, “I did not enjoy the movie”.
D)
Aragon said, “I am not enjoyed the movie”.
The given sentence is in indirect speech: 'Aragon said that he did not enjoy the movie.' To convert it into direct speech: 1. The conjunction 'that' is removed and replaced with a comma and quotation marks. 2. The pronoun 'he' changes back to the first-person pronoun 'I'. 3. The simple past tense 'did not enjoy' is retained as 'did not enjoy' in direct speech (Option C). Option A ('have not enjoyed') is incorrect because present perfect changes to past perfect ('had not enjoyed'). Option B ('am not enjoying') is incorrect because present continuous changes to past continuous ('was not enjoying'). Option D is grammatically incorrect.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: I have met with a horrible accident _______ we last met in your house.
A)
while
B)
whereas
C)
ever
D)
since
The correct option is 'd' ('since'). 'Since' is used as a conjunction of time to connect a main clause in the present perfect tense ('I have met...') with a subordinate clause in the simple past tense ('we last met...'), indicating that the event occurred in the period of time between that past point and the present. 'While' is incorrect because it denotes simultaneous actions, 'whereas' is used to show contrast, and 'ever' is an adverb that cannot connect two clauses on its own.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: The woman walked through the graveyard to get to her house.
A)
Verb
B)
Conjunction
C)
Preposition
D)
Adverb
In the given sentence, the underlined word is 'through'.
1. **Why 'Preposition' is correct:** A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. Here, 'through' is a preposition because it shows the spatial relationship between the action ('walked') and the noun phrase ('the graveyard'), which acts as its object.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Verb (a):** Verbs represent actions or states of being (e.g., 'walked' and 'get' are the verbs in this sentence).
- **Conjunction (b):** Conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'but', 'because').
- **Adverb (d):** Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, typically describing how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: He is a strange person.
A)
Adverb
B)
Adjective
C)
Noun
D)
Pronoun
In the sentence 'He is a strange person', the word 'strange' describes the noun 'person'. Words that modify or describe nouns are classified as adjectives, making 'Adjective' (Option b) the correct answer.
- Option a (Adverb) is incorrect because adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, not nouns.
- Option c (Noun) is incorrect because 'person' is the noun in this phrase, while 'strange' is the describing word.
- Option d (Pronoun) is incorrect because pronouns (like 'He') are used to replace nouns, not describe them.
Transform the following sentence into an Affirmative sentence without changing the meaning: None can escape death.
A)
Some must die.
B)
All must die.
C)
None must die.
D)
Few must die.
To transform a negative sentence into an affirmative one without changing its meaning, we must use an affirmative word that conveys the same universal truth. The original sentence 'None can escape death' means that death is inevitable for everyone. Option 'b' ('All must die.') is affirmative and perfectly preserves this meaning. Options 'a' ('Some must die') and 'd' ('Few must die') alter the meaning by suggesting that only a portion of people are subject to death. Option 'c' ('None must die') is still a negative sentence and contradicts the original statement.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: Ran in the same groove
A)
promote each other
B)
move in harmony
C)
clash with each other
D)
move in different directions
The idiom 'ran in the same groove' means to proceed, live, or act in perfect agreement, harmony, or in the same manner. Therefore, 'move in harmony' (option b) is the correct meaning. Option 'a' (promote each other) refers to mutual advancement, which is incorrect. Options 'c' (clash with each other) and 'd' (move in different directions) represent opposing concepts to running in the same groove.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: She is famous; ______ she is down-to-earth.
A)
so
B)
meanwhile
C)
while
D)
however
The correct option is 'd' (however). The sentence presents a contrast between two ideas: being 'famous' (which is often associated with being proud or distant) and being 'down-to-earth' (humble and realistic). 'However' is a conjunctive adverb used to show contrast and is grammatically appropriate to connect two independent clauses after a semicolon. Option 'a' (so) is incorrect because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. Option 'b' (meanwhile) is incorrect because it indicates simultaneous actions. Option 'c' (while) is a subordinating conjunction and is not grammatically suited to follow a semicolon in this structure.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: No boy or girl_____ (be) lucky.
A)
is
B)
am
C)
are
D)
were
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** When two singular nouns ('boy' and 'girl') are joined by the conjunction 'or' (or 'nor'), they take a singular verb. Therefore, the singular present tense form of the verb 'be', which is 'is', is the correct choice.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **'are' (Option c)** and **'were' (Option d)** are plural verb forms and cannot be used with singular subjects joined by 'or'.
- **'am' (Option b)** is only used with the first-person singular pronoun 'I'.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: The culprit was beaten ______ a cane.
A)
by
B)
with
C)
in
D)
at
The correct preposition to use here is 'with'. In English grammar, 'with' is used to indicate the instrument or tool used to perform an action (e.g., 'beaten with a cane', 'written with a pen'). In contrast, 'by' (option a) is used to indicate the agent or doer of the action (e.g., 'beaten by the guard'). The prepositions 'in' (option c) and 'at' (option d) are incorrect as they are used to denote time or location and do not fit the context of an instrument.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: Pick up the pace ____ you will be late for church.
A)
only
B)
or
C)
but
D)
while
The correct option is 'or'. In this sentence, 'or' is used as a coordinating conjunction to connect an imperative clause ('Pick up the pace') with a clause showing the negative consequence of not doing so ('you will be late for church'). The other options are incorrect because: 'only' does not fit grammatically to show consequence; 'but' is used to show contrast, which does not fit the context; and 'while' is used to indicate simultaneous actions, which is semantically incorrect here.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: She tried her best _____ could not win the settlement.
A)
within
B)
in
C)
but
D)
on
The sentence presents two contrasting ideas: making a great effort ('She tried her best') and failing to achieve the desired outcome ('could not win the settlement'). The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect these contrasting clauses. The other options ('on', 'in', and 'within') are prepositions that denote position, time, or location, and cannot be used to connect clauses in this context.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: Harvey wished to meet his estranged parents at the event .
A)
Verb
B)
Interjection
C)
Noun
D)
Pronoun
In this standard exam question, the underlined word is 'wished' (or 'meet'). 'Wished' is a Verb because it expresses the main action or state of desire performed by the subject ('Harvey') in the past tense.
- Noun (Option c) is incorrect because nouns are naming words for people, places, or things (e.g., 'Harvey', 'parents', 'event').
- Pronoun (Option d) is incorrect because pronouns replace nouns (e.g., 'his').
- Interjection (Option b) is incorrect because interjections express sudden emotions or reactions (e.g., 'Oh!', 'Wow!').
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: You might feel despair however there is always hope as long as one is alive.
A)
Conjunction
B)
Adverb
C)
Preposition
D)
Adjective
The underlined word in the sentence is 'however'.
1. **Why the correct option is correct (b - Adverb):** 'However' is a conjunctive adverb (also known as a transition word). It is used to show contrast between two independent clauses. Grammatically, it functions as an adverb rather than a true conjunction.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **a (Conjunction):** Although 'however' connects ideas like a conjunction, it is grammatically an adverb because it cannot join two independent clauses with only a comma (doing so results in a run-on sentence/comma splice; it requires a semicolon or a period).
- **c (Preposition):** Prepositions (like 'in', 'at', 'under') show spatial, temporal, or logical relationships between a noun/pronoun and other words. 'However' does not serve this function.
- **d (Adjective):** Adjectives modify or describe nouns or pronouns. 'However' does not modify any noun in the sentence.
Transform the following sentence into a Simple Sentence without changing the meaning: Martin finished his lesson and put away his textbooks.
A)
Martin finished his lesson hence he put away his books.
B)
Martin finished his lesson however he put away his textbooks.
C)
Martin finished his lesson then and there he put his textbooks away.
D)
Martin finished his lesson, he put away his textbooks.
In standard English grammar, a simple sentence contains only one independent clause (one subject and one finite verb). The grammatically precise way to convert the given sentence into a simple sentence is: 'Having finished his lesson, Martin put away his textbooks.'
Since this standard option is not present among the choices, we must evaluate the options based on semantic equivalence (preserving the original meaning) and logical relationship:
1. **Why Option A is correct**: Option (a) uses the conjunctive adverb 'hence' to correctly preserve the cause-and-effect relationship of the original sentence (finishing the lesson led to putting the books away).
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Option B** uses 'however', which introduces a contrast that completely changes the meaning of the original sentence.
- **Option C** uses 'then and there', which incorrectly alters the meaning by implying an immediate, dramatic action at a specific spot.
- **Option D** is a comma splice (joining two independent clauses with only a comma), which is a major grammatical error.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: The boy who stole the watch was caught.
A)
Adjective
B)
Adverb
C)
Relative pronoun
D)
Noun
In the sentence, the word 'who' is a relative pronoun. It refers back to the noun 'boy' (its antecedent) and connects the relative clause 'who stole the watch' to the main clause.
- Option 'c' is correct because 'who' functions as a relative pronoun that acts as the subject of the verb 'stole' in the relative clause.
- Option 'a' (Adjective) is incorrect because 'who' does not modify a noun directly, though the entire clause 'who stole the watch' acts adjectivally.
- Option 'b' (Adverb) is incorrect because 'who' does not modify a verb, adjective, or adverb.
- Option 'd' (Noun) is incorrect because 'who' is a pronoun that replaces a noun, not a noun itself.
Select the most appropriate idiom for: Willing to do something immediately
A)
At sixes and sevens
B)
A damp squib
C)
At the drop of a hat
D)
A mare’s nest
The idiom 'At the drop of a hat' means to do something instantly, without any hesitation or delay, which perfectly matches the definition 'willing to do something immediately'.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- 'At sixes and sevens' (a) means to be in a state of confusion, disorder, or disagreement.
- 'A damp squib' (b) refers to an event or situation that is highly anticipated but turns out to be disappointing or a failure.
- 'A mare’s nest' (d) refers to a complex, messy situation, or a discovery that turns out to be worthless or a hoax.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: The inmates ______ (fight) when the Chief of Police entered the prison yard.
A)
fight
B)
are fighting
C)
were fighting
D)
has been fighting
The sentence describes an ongoing action in the past that was interrupted by another action ('entered', which is in the simple past tense). To express an action that was in progress at a point in the past, we use the past continuous tense (was/were + verb-ing). Since the subject 'The inmates' is plural, 'were fighting' is the correct form. Option 'a' (fight) is in the simple present tense and Option 'b' (are fighting) is in the present continuous tense, both of which are grammatically inconsistent with the past tense 'entered'. Option 'd' (has been fighting) is incorrect because it uses a singular verb ('has') for a plural subject and is in the present perfect continuous tense, which does not fit the past context.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: The younger son of the Czar _______ his father last year.
A)
secluded
B)
succeeded
C)
sequestered
D)
surpasses
The correct word to complete the sentence is 'succeeded'. Here is why:
1. **Why 'succeeded' is correct**: 'Succeeded' means to take over a throne, office, title, or inheritance from someone. Since the sentence refers to the 'son of the Czar' and 'his father', 'succeeded' fits perfectly. Additionally, the past tense form 'succeeded' matches the past time marker 'last year'.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **'surpasses'** is in the present tense, which grammatically conflicts with the past time marker 'last year'.
- **'secluded'** means to isolate or keep apart from others, which does not make sense in this context.
- **'sequestered'** means to isolate, hide away, or confiscate, which is contextually inappropriate.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: The band will not play for the ceremony _____ you pay the advance they have charged.
A)
for
B)
whether
C)
under
D)
unless
The correct option is 'unless'. 'Unless' is a conditional conjunction meaning 'except if' or 'if... not'. In this sentence, it correctly establishes the condition required for the band to play: they will not play if you do not pay the advance. 'For' is used to show reason or purpose; 'whether' is used to express a choice between alternatives (usually with 'or'); and 'under' is a preposition of place or state. None of these other options grammatically or logically fit the conditional requirement of the sentence.