← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: I rarely eat rice these days as I have to lose some weight.
A)
Adverb
B)
Preposition
C)
Adjective
D)
Conjunction
In the given sentence, the underlined word is 'as'. Here is the breakdown of why 'Conjunction' is the correct part of speech:
1. **Why 'Conjunction' is correct:** The word 'as' is used here to connect two clauses: 'I rarely eat rice these days' and 'I have to lose some weight'. It functions as a subordinating conjunction meaning 'because' or 'since', introducing the reason for the action in the main clause.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Adverb:** An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., 'rarely' is an adverb modifying 'eat'). 'As' does not perform this function in this context.
- **Preposition:** A preposition is followed by a noun or pronoun object (e.g., 'as a friend'). Here, 'as' is followed by a complete clause (subject + verb).
- **Adjective:** An adjective describes or modifies a noun (e.g., 'some' modifying 'weight'). 'As' does not modify any noun in this sentence.
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 conjunction that means 'except if' or 'if... not', which perfectly fits the conditional requirement of the sentence: the band will not play except on the condition that you pay the advance. The other options are incorrect because: 'for' is a preposition/conjunction that does not fit the conditional context; 'whether' is used to express a choice between alternatives (e.g., 'whether or not') and makes the sentence logically contradictory; and 'under' is a preposition that is grammatically incorrect before a clause.
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.
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.
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):** 'However' is a conjunctive adverb. Although it is used to connect two independent clauses and show contrast, grammatically it is classified as an **adverb** (specifically, a conjunctive adverb or transitional adverb) rather than a pure conjunction. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, it requires a semicolon or a period before it when connecting two independent clauses.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Conjunction (a):** While 'however' performs a connective function, it is not a true coordinating conjunction (like 'but' or 'yet').
- **Preposition (c):** Prepositions (like 'in', 'on', 'at') show spatial, temporal, or logical relationships between a noun/pronoun and other words, which does not apply here.
- **Adjective (d):** Adjectives modify or describe nouns or pronouns, whereas 'however' modifies the entire clause.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: You saw the way she looked at the car.
A)
Adjective
B)
Verb
C)
Adverb
D)
Noun
In the standard version of this exam question, the underlined word is 'way'. In the phrase 'the way', 'way' is preceded by the definite article 'the', which functions as a noun marker. Here, 'way' refers to the manner or fashion in which she looked, making it a Noun.
- **Adjective (a)** is incorrect because 'way' does not describe or modify another noun in this context.
- **Verb (b)** is incorrect because 'way' does not express an action or state (the verbs in this sentence are 'saw' and 'looked').
- **Adverb (c)** is incorrect because 'way' does not modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb here.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: The head of the department informed her team that she would return _______ a week.
A)
For
B)
On
C)
within
D)
with
The correct preposition to fill in the blank is 'within'. 'Within a week' means before a week has passed, which perfectly fits the context of indicating the timeframe of her return. 'On' (option b) is incorrect because it is used for specific days or dates (e.g., 'on Monday'). 'With' (option d) is semantically incorrect as it denotes accompaniment. 'For' (option a) is incorrect because 'return for a week' would imply the duration of her stay after returning, whereas 'within' correctly specifies the deadline by which she will be back.
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: This is not the best use of your time. (Change to an Interrogative Sentence)
A)
Is this how you use your time?
B)
Is this the best use of your time?
C)
Will you use your time best?
D)
Is this the best time to use this?
To transform a negative assertive sentence into an interrogative sentence without changing its meaning, we remove the negative word ('not') and place the auxiliary verb ('Is') at the beginning of the sentence to form a rhetorical question. Thus, 'This is not the best use of your time' becomes 'Is this the best use of your time?', which implies the same meaning. Option 'a' changes the core meaning of the sentence. Option 'c' changes the tense to the future ('Will you...'). Option 'd' alters the meaning by focusing on 'the best time' rather than 'the best use of time'.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: Mr. Johnson is a ________ as he has abandoned his country and joined the other side.
A)
oppressor
B)
panacea
C)
defector
D)
palmist
Option C is correct: defector.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: May I sit _______ you two?
A)
among
B)
between
C)
across
The preposition 'between' is used when referring to relations involving two distinct people or things. Since the phrase 'you two' specifies exactly two people, 'between' is the grammatically correct choice. 'Among' is incorrect because it is used for three or more people or a collective group. 'Across' is incorrect because it means on the opposite side of, which does not fit the context of sitting in the middle of two individuals.
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.
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
The underlined word 'through' is a preposition. It is used to show the spatial relationship between the action of walking ('walked') and the noun phrase ('the graveyard'), introducing the prepositional phrase 'through the graveyard'.
- Option A (Verb) is incorrect because the main verb in the sentence is 'walked'.
- Option B (Conjunction) is incorrect because conjunctions connect clauses or words (e.g., 'and', 'but'), whereas 'through' connects a noun to the rest of the sentence.
- Option D (Adverb) is incorrect because 'through' is followed directly by its object ('the graveyard'), making it function as a preposition rather than an adverb.
Choose the correct alternative to change the speech: The planner said that the next meeting would be on Friday.
A)
The planner said, “The next meeting will be on Friday”.
B)
The planner said, “The next meeting would be on Friday”.
C)
The planner said, “The next meeting must be on Friday”.
D)
The planner says, “The next meeting will be on Friday”.
To convert the given indirect speech sentence ('The planner said that the next meeting would be on Friday') into direct speech, we reverse the standard rules of tense change:
1. The modal verb 'would' in indirect speech changes back to 'will' in direct speech.
2. The reporting verb 'said' (past tense) must remain unchanged.
- **Option a** is correct because it correctly uses 'said' and changes 'would' back to 'will'.
- **Option b** is incorrect because it fails to change 'would' back to 'will'.
- **Option c** is incorrect because it introduces 'must', which alters the original meaning.
- **Option d** is incorrect because it changes the reporting verb 'said' (past tense) to 'says' (present tense).
Transform the following sentence as directed without changing the meaning: I wish I were a millionaire (Change to an Exclamatory Sentence)
A)
If I was only a rich man!
B)
How to be a millionaire!
C)
If only I were a millionaire!
D)
If only I could have been a millionaire!
To transform an assertive sentence expressing a wish (starting with 'I wish I were...') into an exclamatory sentence, the standard structure 'If only I were...!' is used. Option 'c' perfectly maintains the subjunctive mood ('were') and preserves the exact meaning of the original sentence. Option 'a' incorrectly changes 'millionaire' to 'rich man' and uses 'was' instead of 'were'. Option 'b' alters the meaning entirely. Option 'd' changes the tense to the past ('could have been'), which shifts the meaning from a present wish to a past regret.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: We waited until she arrived.
A)
Adjective
B)
Adverb
C)
Noun
D)
Conjunction
In the sentence 'We waited until she arrived', the word 'until' connects the main clause ('We waited') with the subordinate clause ('she arrived'). Therefore, it functions as a subordinating conjunction. Option (a) is incorrect because adjectives modify nouns or pronouns. Option (b) is incorrect because, although 'until' can sometimes act as a preposition, here it introduces a full clause (subject + verb), making it a conjunction rather than an adverb. Option (c) is incorrect because 'until' does not represent a person, place, thing, or idea.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: We live ______ the fourth floor.
A)
on
B)
in
C)
at
D)
by
The correct preposition to use with floors of a building is 'on'. Therefore, 'on the fourth floor' is the grammatically correct phrase. 'In' is incorrect because it is used for enclosed spaces (e.g., 'in the room'). 'At' is incorrect because it is used for specific addresses or points (e.g., 'at 12 Main Street'). 'By' is incorrect as it means near or next to, which does not fit the context of residing on a specific level of a building.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: Like a shag on a rock
A)
completely alone
B)
completely idle
C)
completely silent
D)
completely happy
The idiom 'like a shag on a rock' is an Australian and New Zealand colloquialism meaning to be completely alone, isolated, or exposed. It refers to a shag (a type of cormorant bird) perched solitary on a rock in the water. Therefore, option 'a' is correct. Options 'b' (completely idle), 'c' (completely silent), and 'd' (completely happy) do not represent the meaning of isolation or being solitary associated with this idiom.
Select the idiom that means: 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, immediately, or without any hesitation.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- 'At sixes and sevens' (Option a) means to be in a state of confusion, disorder, or disagreement.
- 'A mare’s nest' (Option d) refers to a discovery that turns out to be worthless or a hoax, or a highly cluttered/confusing situation.
- 'A damp squib' (Option b) refers to something that is disappointing or fails to live up to expectations.
Choose the correct alternative to change the speech: Jim said, “I work here every day.”
A)
Jim said that he worked here yesterday.”
B)
Jim said that he worked there everyday.”
C)
Jim said that he worked here everyday.”
D)
Jim said that he worked everyday.”
To convert the direct speech "Jim said, 'I work here every day.'" into indirect speech, we apply the following rules:
1. **Tense Change**: Since the reporting verb ('said') is in the past tense, the simple present verb 'work' changes to the simple past 'worked'.
2. **Pronoun Change**: The first-person pronoun 'I' changes to the third-person pronoun 'he' to agree with the subject 'Jim'.
3. **Adverb Change**: The adverb of place 'here' changes to 'there'.
Applying these rules, we get: "Jim said that he worked there everyday."
* **Option c** is incorrect because 'here' is not changed to 'there'.
* **Option a** is incorrect because 'here' is not changed to 'there' and 'every day' is incorrectly changed to 'yesterday'.
* **Option d** is incorrect because it completely omits the adverb of place ('there').
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' (option a) is the opposite; it refers to a person who loves humanity and promotes the welfare of others, often through charitable donations.
- 'philosophist' (option b) refers to a person who practices philosophy in a shallow, deceptive, or pretentious manner.
- 'pedestrian' (option d) is a person walking along a road or in a developed area.
The Inner Line Regulation of Mizoram is enforced following which of the following?
A)
The Assam Reorganisation Act, 1973
B)
The Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873
C)
The Mizoram Inner Line Regulation Act, 1951
D)
The North Eastern Region Reorganisation Regulation, 1971
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Mizoram is enforced under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 (referred to in the options as The Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873). Originally enacted by the British to protect their commercial interests, it is now used to safeguard the indigenous tribal populations, their culture, and land from exploitation and demographic changes. The other options are incorrect because the Assam Reorganisation Act and the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, deal with the political reorganization and creation of states in Northeast India, and there is no such legislation as the Mizoram Inner Line Regulation Act, 1951.
Who amongst the following was the first MP (Rajya Sabha) from Mizoram?
A)
Dr. C. Silvera
B)
Pu Lalbuaia
C)
Pu Hiphei
D)
Pu C.L. Ruala
Pu Lalbuaia was the first Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Mizoram, serving a full term from July 17, 1972, to July 16, 1978, shortly after Mizoram was elevated to a Union Territory. Dr. C. Silvera served as a Rajya Sabha MP later from 1984 to 1990. Pu Hiphei represented Mizoram in the Rajya Sabha for two consecutive terms from 1990 to 2002. Pu C.L. Ruala was a prominent leader who served as a Lok Sabha MP from Mizoram from 2009 to 2019.
The policy shift in British approach towards the Lushai Hills, moving from punitive expeditions to establishing permanent military presence, was significantly influenced by which major geopolitical event?
A)
The raids in 1849 leading to an expedition.
B)
The attack on Lieutenant John Stewart’s Survey Party in March 1888.
C)
The annexation of Upper Burma.
D)
The Chin-Lushai Expedition of 1889-90.
The annexation of Upper Burma in 1885–86 was the major geopolitical event that fundamentally transformed British policy towards the Lushai Hills. Prior to this, the British followed a policy of non-interference punctuated by temporary punitive expeditions. However, the annexation of Upper Burma brought British territories in India (Assam and Bengal) and Burma into direct contact, making the Lushai Hills a crucial link. To secure communication lines and establish administrative control between India and Burma, the British shifted to a policy of permanent military occupation.
- Option a is incorrect because the 1849 raids only led to early, temporary retaliatory measures without changing the long-term policy of non-interference.
- Option b is incorrect because the attack on Lieutenant John Stewart’s Survey Party in 1888 was a local provocation that served as an immediate trigger for military action, not the overarching geopolitical driver.
- Option d is incorrect because the Chin-Lushai Expedition of 1889-90 was the military execution of the policy shift, rather than the geopolitical event that caused it.
This is a flagship programme of MeitY for startups acceleration under National Policy on Software Products – 2019.
A)
Digital India BHASHINI
B)
SAMRIDH
C)
DigiLocker
D)
YUVAi
The SAMRIDH (Startup Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development and Growth) programme was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to support and accelerate software product startups under the National Policy on Software Products – 2019. It aims to provide funding, mentorship, and market access to early-stage startups.
- Option 'a' (Digital India BHASHINI) is an AI-led language translation platform aimed at breaking language barriers in digital services.
- Option 'c' (DigiLocker) is a cloud-based platform for the issuance, storage, and verification of documents and certificates.
- Option 'd' (YUVAi) is a national program designed to equip school students with AI skills and readiness.