← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions — 2026
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' (which is the standard underlined word for this exam question).
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** 'Among' is a **preposition** because it is used to show the relationship between the verb 'divided' and the noun phrase 'the seven sons', indicating distribution or sharing between more than two people.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Conjunction (a):** Conjunctions (like 'and' or 'that' in this sentence) connect clauses, phrases, or words, which is not the function of 'among'.
- **Adjective (c):** Adjectives (like 'seven') modify or describe nouns, whereas 'among' governs a noun phrase.
- **Interjection (b):** Interjections express sudden emotions or feelings (e.g., 'Alas!', 'Oh!'), which does not apply here.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: The phone tower ______ (shake) when the worker climbed it this evening.
A)
has shaken
B)
shakes
C)
is shaking
D)
was shaking
The sentence describes an action that was in progress in the past when another action occurred, indicated by the simple past verb 'climbed' in the clause 'when the worker climbed it this evening'. To express a continuous background action in the past, we use the Past Continuous tense ('was/were + verb-ing'). Therefore, 'was shaking' is the correct form. Option 'b' (shakes) is in the simple present tense, Option 'c' (is shaking) is in the present continuous tense, and Option 'a' (has shaken) is in the present perfect tense; none of these are grammatically correct for a past-time context.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: A wide berth
A)
keep away from
B)
publicly condemn
C)
give publicity to
D)
not sympathise with
The idiom 'to give a wide berth' means to keep a safe distance from someone or something, or to avoid them entirely. This phrase originates from nautical terminology, where ships are given plenty of space (a wide berth) to navigate safely and avoid collisions. Therefore, 'keep away from' is the correct meaning. The other options—'publicly condemn' (b), 'give publicity to' (c), and 'not sympathise with' (d)—do not relate to the concept of maintaining distance or avoiding contact.
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 phrase that means 'to die'. Therefore, option 'a' is the correct answer. Options 'b' (to be lazy), 'c' (to be angry), and 'd' (to be argumentative) are incorrect as they do not represent the meaning of this idiom.
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 option is 'c' (efficient). The sentence describes someone who 'will get the job done,' which implies a positive and capable work ethic. 'Efficient' means working in a well-organized and competent way, making it the most appropriate fit. The other options are incorrect because: 'unaware' (option a) means lacking knowledge or realization; 'ineffective' (option b) means failing to produce the desired effect, which directly contradicts getting the job done; and 'inappropriate' (option d) means unsuitable or improper, which does not fit the positive context of the sentence.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: Mean managers mean nothing to me.
A)
Preposition
B)
Verb
C)
Adverb
D)
Adjective
In the sentence "Mean managers mean nothing to me," the first word "Mean" is an Adjective because it describes the noun "managers" (implying they are unkind or unpleasant).
- **Why Option D is correct:** An adjective modifies or describes a noun. Here, "Mean" describes the type of "managers."
- **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Verb (Option b):** While the second "mean" in the sentence is indeed a verb (meaning to signify or have importance), the initial "Mean" functions as an adjective.
- **Adverb (Option c):** Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, which does not apply to the word describing "managers."
- **Preposition (Option a):** Prepositions show spatial, temporal, or logical relationships (like "to" in "to me"), which "mean" does not do.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: Moriarty found many shoes under the house.
A)
Adverb
B)
Verb
C)
Adjective
D)
Preposition
In the sentence 'Moriarty found many shoes under the house', the underlined word 'under' is a preposition. A preposition is a word that shows the relationship (often spatial, temporal, or logical) between a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition, which is 'the house' here) and other words in the sentence.
- Option 'a' (Adverb) is incorrect because 'under' is functioning as a preposition introducing the prepositional phrase 'under the house', rather than modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb directly without an object.
- Option 'b' (Verb) is incorrect because the action/verb in this sentence is 'found'.
- Option 'c' (Adjective) is incorrect because 'under' does not describe or modify a noun directly as an adjective in this context.
Choose the correct alternative to change the speech: The poor examinee said, “O God take pity on me.”
A)
The poor examinee prayed to God to take pity on him.
B)
The poor examinee, invoking God, implored him to take pity on him.
C)
The poor examinee exclaimed that God take pity on him.
D)
The poor examinee asked God to take pity on him.
The direct speech "O God, take pity on me" is a classic example of an invocation and an earnest plea. According to standard English grammar rules (such as those in Wren & Martin), the address 'O God' is best translated into indirect speech using the participle phrase 'invoking God', and the plea 'take pity on me' is reported using the reporting verb 'implored'. Therefore, option (b) is the most grammatically precise and appropriate choice. Option (a) is too simplified and misses the nuance of the invocation. Option (c) incorrectly uses 'exclaimed that', and option (d) uses 'asked', which is too casual for a solemn prayer.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: We admired the landscape of the country and decided to return annually.
A)
Adjective
B)
Conjunction
C)
Adverb
D)
Verb
The underlined word in the sentence is 'annually'. In this context, 'annually' describes how often the action of 'returning' (a verb) will take place. Since it modifies a verb, it functions as an adverb (specifically, an adverb of frequency).
- **Adjective (Option a):** Incorrect because adjectives modify nouns (e.g., 'an annual trip'), whereas 'annually' modifies a verb.
- **Conjunction (Option b):** Incorrect because conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and').
- **Verb (Option d):** Incorrect because verbs express actions or states (e.g., 'admired', 'decided', 'return').
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: Mr. Dasgupta _____ (monitor) this patch of land since 2000.
A)
will monitor
B)
will have been monitoring
C)
has been monitoring
D)
monitor
The correct option is 'c' (has been monitoring). The preposition 'since' followed by a specific point in time ('2000') indicates an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present. This requires the Present Perfect Continuous tense, which is formed as 'has/have been + verb-ing'. Since 'Mr. Dasgupta' is a singular subject, 'has been monitoring' is the correct form. Option 'a' (will monitor) is simple future tense, Option 'b' (will have been monitoring) is future perfect continuous tense, and Option 'd' (monitor) is the base form; none of these can be used to describe an action continuing from a past point to the present.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: I have been learning driving_____ eight hours.
A)
since
B)
for
C)
from
D)
in
The correct option is 'b' ('for'). In English grammar, we use 'for' to indicate a duration or period of time (e.g., 'eight hours', 'three days'). In contrast, 'since' (option 'a') is used to refer to a specific starting point in time (e.g., 'since 9 AM'). 'From' (option 'c') and 'in' (option 'd') are grammatically incorrect here because they do not denote a continuous duration of time in the present perfect continuous tense.
Transform the following sentence as directed without changing the meaning: You are forbidden to drink. (Change to an Imperative sentence)
A)
Don’t drink.
B)
Please drink.
C)
Do drink.
D)
Drink instantly.
1. **Why 'a' is correct**: The original sentence 'You are forbidden to drink' expresses a prohibition (not being allowed to drink). To transform this into an imperative sentence while preserving the meaning, we use the negative imperative form 'Don't' followed by the base verb. Therefore, 'Don’t drink' is the correct transformation.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**: Options 'b' ('Please drink'), 'c' ('Do drink'), and 'd' ('Drink instantly') are positive imperatives that command or request the person to drink, which directly contradicts the original meaning of prohibition.
Transform the following sentence as directed without changing the meaning: Search his backpack and you will find the missing wallet. (Change to a Complex sentence)
A)
If you search his backpack, you will find the missing wallet.
B)
If you search his bag therefore you will find the missing wallet.
C)
If his backpack is searched the missing wallet will probably be there.
D)
If people search his backpack wherefore will the missing wallet be found.
Option A is correct: If you search his backpack, you will find the missing wallet..
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 two contrasting ideas: being famous (which often carries a stereotype of being aloof or arrogant) and being down-to-earth (humble and approachable). The conjunctive adverb 'however' is used to introduce a contrast between two independent clauses separated by a semicolon. 'So' is incorrect because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. 'Meanwhile' is incorrect as it denotes simultaneous events. 'While' is a subordinating conjunction and is grammatically incorrect immediately following a semicolon to connect these two independent clauses.
Transform the following sentence as directed without changing the meaning: Martin finished his lesson and put away his textbooks. (Change to a Simple Sentence)
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.
To transform the sentence without changing its meaning, we must analyze the relationship between the two actions: finishing the lesson and putting away the textbooks. The original sentence implies a sequential or consequential relationship (he put them away because he finished).
1. **Why Option A is correct**: 'Hence' means 'as a consequence' or 'therefore'. It correctly maintains the logical cause-and-effect relationship of the original sentence (finishing the lesson led to putting the books away) without altering the core meaning.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Option B** uses 'however', which introduces contrast or opposition, completely changing the meaning of the sentence.
- **Option C** uses 'then and there', which adds an emphatic sense of immediacy and location ('at that very time and place') that is not present in the original sentence.
- **Option D** is a comma splice (joining two independent clauses with only a comma), which is grammatically incorrect.
Transform the following sentence as directed without changing the meaning: I was doubtful whether it was you. (Change to a Negative Sentence)
A)
I was not sure that it was you.
B)
I was unsure that it was going to be you.
C)
I am rather unsure if it was you.
D)
I was very not sure if that was you or not.
To transform an affirmative sentence into a negative sentence without changing its meaning, we typically use the negative particle 'not' combined with the antonym of the key word. Here, the antonym of 'doubtful' is 'sure', so 'was doubtful' becomes 'was not sure'. Option (a) correctly applies this rule while maintaining the original past tense and meaning. Option (b) incorrectly changes the meaning by adding 'going to be'. Option (c) changes the tense from past ('was') to present ('am'). Option (d) is grammatically incorrect ('very not sure').
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: Please help me cut the yarn ______ a scissor.
A)
with
B)
for
C)
by
D)
on
1. **Why 'with' is correct:** The preposition 'with' is used to denote the instrument or tool used to perform an action. Since 'a scissor' is the tool being used to cut the yarn, 'with' is the grammatically correct preposition.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **'by'** is used to indicate the agent performing the action (e.g., 'by a person') or the means of transport/method, not the physical tool itself.
- **'for'** indicates purpose, reason, or recipient, which does not fit the context of using a tool.
- **'on'** indicates position or surface contact, which is contextually irrelevant here.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: Wrangled over an ass’s shadow
A)
quarrel over trifles
B)
to quarrel like fools
C)
to fight unnecessary battle
D)
to do unnecessary works
The idiom 'to wrangle over an ass’s shadow' means to argue or quarrel over petty, insignificant, or trivial matters. This originates from an ancient Greek tale where a traveler and a donkey owner argued over who had the right to sit in the shadow of the rented donkey. Therefore, option 'a' ('quarrel over trifles') is the correct meaning. Option 'b' is incorrect because it describes the foolishness of the people rather than the triviality of the topic. Option 'c' refers to fighting battles rather than verbal disputes, and option 'd' refers to doing work rather than arguing.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: Mr. Walsh saw the gardener sitting ________ his sister.
A)
along
B)
besides
C)
beside
D)
in
The correct option is 'c' (beside). 'Beside' is a preposition meaning 'at the side of' or 'next to', which perfectly fits the spatial context of the gardener sitting next to the sister. In contrast, 'besides' (option b) means 'in addition to' or 'apart from'; 'along' (option a) means 'moving in a constant direction on' or requires 'with' to mean 'together with'; and 'in' (option d) is grammatically and logically incorrect in this context.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: Gravity ________ (pull) objects towards the Earth.
A)
pulls
B)
does pull
C)
pulled
D)
has pulled
The sentence states a scientific fact and a universal truth. Universal truths and scientific laws are always expressed in the Simple Present Tense. Since 'Gravity' is a singular noun, it takes the singular verb form 'pulls'. Option 'b' ('does pull') is used for emphatic sentences and is unnecessary here. Option 'c' ('pulled') is in the past tense, which incorrectly implies that gravity no longer pulls objects. Option 'd' ('has pulled') is in the present perfect tense, which is incorrect for stating a continuous, timeless natural law.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: Between the devil and the deep sea
A)
To be tempted to do evil
B)
Between two dangers
C)
To be devoid of feelings and emotions
D)
To lash out at someone violently
The idiom 'Between the devil and the deep sea' refers to a situation where one is caught between two equally difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous choices (represented by the 'devil' on one side and the 'deep sea' on the other). Therefore, 'Between two dangers' is the correct meaning. Option 'a' is incorrect because the idiom does not refer to temptation. Option 'c' is incorrect as it describes apathy or lack of emotion. Option 'd' is incorrect because it refers to an aggressive outburst, which is unrelated to facing a dilemma.
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 the sentence 'Harvey wished to meet his estranged parents at the event', the underlined word is 'wished' (or 'meet'), which functions as a Verb.
1. **Why the correct option is correct:**
- **Verb (Option a):** 'wished' is the main verb of the sentence, indicating the action or state of desire performed by the subject 'Harvey'. 'meet' is also a verb in its infinitive form ('to meet').
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Interjection (Option b):** Interjections express sudden emotions (e.g., 'Wow!', 'Alas!') and are not present in this sentence.
- **Noun (Option c):** Nouns in this sentence are 'Harvey', 'parents', and 'event'.
- **Pronoun (Option d):** The pronoun in this sentence is 'his' (possessive determiner/pronoun).
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: The last species of the mammal was born _____ April this year.
A)
at
B)
in
C)
by
D)
on
The correct preposition to use before a month (without a specific date) is 'in'. Therefore, 'in April' is the correct usage. 'At' is incorrect because it is used for specific times of the day (e.g., at 5 PM). 'On' is incorrect because it is used for specific days and dates (e.g., on April 15th). 'By' is incorrect as it means 'not later than', which does not fit the context of a birth occurring within the month.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: An undercover police has to ______ himself to the changing situation in order to survive.
A)
adapt
B)
adopt
C)
adept
D)
adorn
The correct word to fill in the blank is 'adapt'. 'Adapt' is a verb that means to adjust or modify oneself to suit new conditions or environments, which perfectly fits the context of an undercover police officer adjusting to a changing situation.
- 'adopt' (option b) means to legally take up another's child as one's own or to choose to follow a course of action.
- 'adept' (option c) is an adjective meaning highly skilled or proficient, not a verb.
- 'adorn' (option d) means to decorate or make something more beautiful.
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 conjunction 'or' is used to connect two clauses where the second clause represents a negative consequence or alternative if the first action (the imperative 'Pick up the pace') is not performed. The other options are incorrect because: 'only' does not fit grammatically to show consequence; 'but' is used to express contrast; and 'while' is used to indicate simultaneous actions or contrast, none of which fit the logical flow of the sentence.