Total Questions: 100
Topics: Grammar Error Correction, Synonyms, Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Tests and Para Jumbles

Section A: Grammar Error Correction

Directions for Questions 1–20

Each sentence is divided into parts (A), (B), and (C). Identify the part containing the grammatical error. Choose (D) No error when the sentence is correct.

1.

Neither of the two explanations (A) / were convincing enough (B) / to justify the continuous monitoring. (C) / No error (D)

2.

No sooner had the march begun (A) / when the police erected barricades (B) / across the proposed route. (C) / No error (D)

3.

The committee was constituted (A) / to examining the mismatch (B) / between available seats and eligible applicants. (C) / No error (D)

4.

This is one of the gravest administrative lapses (A) / that has been reported (B) / during the monsoon season. (C) / No error (D)

5.

Despite the university had issued several notices, (A) / many students remained uncertain (B) / about the revised admission procedure. (C) / No error (D)

6.

Each of the arrested seafarers (A) / were given an opportunity (B) / to make a legal submission before the court. (C) / No error (D)

7.

The regulations prevent institutions (A) / to alter admission documents (B) / without proper authorisation. (C) / No error (D)

8.

The figures released by the university (A) / indicates a severe shortage of seats (B) / in the one-year postgraduate programmes. (C) / No error (D)

9.

The court directed that all medical reports (A) / are placed on record (B) / before the next hearing. (C) / No error (D)

10.

Hardly had Parliament assembled (A) / than repeated disruptions (B) / forced the Speaker to adjourn the House. (C) / No error (D)

11.

The police denied having conducted intrusive surveillance (A) / and maintained that videography was used (B) / solely for maintaining law and order. (C) / No error (D)

12.

The number of applicants seeking one-year postgraduate seats (A) / remain far higher (B) / than the available capacity. (C) / No error (D)

13.

Either the faculty members or the Registrar (A) / were expected to clarify (B) / the revised admission criteria. (C) / No error (D)

14.

The scheme not only offered tax exemptions (A) / but also providing incentives (B) / for replacing old commercial vehicles. (C) / No error (D)

15.

Highly polluting buses should be replaced (A) / with cleaner one (B) / to reduce vehicular emissions. (C) / No error (D)

16.

The Opposition accused the authorities (A) / for ignoring repeated warnings (B) / about examination irregularities. (C) / No error (D)

17.

If the authorities had acted earlier, (A) / the damage to public property (B) / would be prevented. (C) / No error (D)

18.

Many students are accustomed (A) / to compete for a limited number of seats (B) / under highly uncertain conditions. (C) / No error (D)

19.

A group of human-rights campaigners (A) / have demanded an impartial inquiry (B) / into the alleged incident. (C) / No error (D)

20.

The policy aims to incentivise vehicle owners (A) / to scrap obsolete vehicles and purchase (B) / cleaner alternatives. (C) / No error (D)

Section B: Synonyms

Directions for Questions 21–35

Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the given word or phrase.

21. Crackdown

A) Severe official action
B) Peaceful negotiation
C) Financial assistance
D) Public celebration

22. Discontent

A) Satisfaction
B) Confusion
C) Dissatisfaction
D) Excitement

23. Deplorable

A) Deserving strong condemnation
B) Worthy of admiration
C) Difficult to notice
D) Legally compulsory

24. Intrusive

A) Respecting privacy
B) Invading personal privacy
C) Providing protection
D) Offering cooperation

25. Indiscriminate

A) Carried out without careful distinction
B) Conducted after detailed scrutiny
C) Intended only for officials
D) Limited by strict rules

26. Deterrence

A) Encouragement through reward
B) Discouragement through fear of consequences
C) Complete forgiveness
D) Public recognition

27. Pervasive

A) Temporary
B) Restricted
C) Widespread
D) Invisible

28. Impugned

A) Praised officially
B) Challenged or questioned
C) Implemented immediately
D) Forgotten completely

29. Outlay

A) Total expenditure
B) Legal prohibition
C) Public protest
D) Financial profit

30. Leniency

A) Severe punishment
B) Merciful treatment
C) Complete indifference
D) Judicial delay

31. Overshadowed

A) Made less prominent
B) Examined carefully
C) Supported financially
D) Repeated frequently

32. Cognisance

A) Official notice or awareness
B) Physical custody
C) Financial liability
D) Public disagreement

33. Progression

A) Decline
B) Advancement
C) Interruption
D) Resistance

34. Retroactive

A) Taking effect from a past date
B) Applicable only in the future
C) Valid for one day
D) Withdrawn before introduction

35. Derogatory

A) Respectful
B) Insulting or disrespectful
C) Uncertain
D) Indirectly beneficial

Section C: Antonyms

Directions for Questions 36–50

Choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the given word.

36. Impede

A) Obstruct
B) Delay
C) Facilitate
D) Hinder

37. Critical

A) Serious
B) Stable
C) Dangerous
D) Grave

38. Indiscriminate

A) Random
B) Careless
C) Universal
D) Selective

39. Authoritarian

A) Democratic
B) Dictatorial
C) Oppressive
D) Autocratic

40. Deter

A) Discourage
B) Prevent
C) Encourage
D) Restrain

41. Alleged

A) Suspected
B) Claimed
C) Unverified
D) Proven

42. Uproot

A) Establish
B) Remove
C) Displace
D) Eliminate

43. Accelerate

A) Intensify
B) Expedite
C) Decelerate
D) Advance

44. Compliant

A) Obedient
B) Defiant
C) Cooperative
D) Conforming

45. Restoration

A) Revival
B) Recovery
C) Reinstatement
D) Abolition

46. Lenient

A) Merciful
B) Tolerant
C) Stringent
D) Mild

47. Inaugural

A) Opening
B) Initial
C) Concluding
D) Introductory

48. Conventional

A) Traditional
B) Unconventional
C) Established
D) Customary

49. Merit

A) Excellence
B) Worth
C) Advantage
D) Demerit

50. Retroactive

A) Retrospective
B) Backdated
C) Prospective
D) Previous

Section D: Reading Comprehension

Passage 1

Safe footpaths are frequently treated as secondary features of urban development, even though they influence public health, road safety and equality. When pavements are broken, obstructed or occupied by parked vehicles, pedestrians are forced onto roads designed mainly for motorised traffic. This exposes children, older people and persons with disabilities to serious danger.

Walking is one of the simplest forms of physical activity. It can improve blood pressure, weight control, sleep and mental well-being. However, citizens cannot be expected to adopt active lifestyles when the built environment makes walking unsafe. Poor urban design effectively encourages sedentary living.

Footpaths must therefore be continuous, well-lit, barrier-free and connected to schools, hospitals, markets and public-transport stations. Benches, tree cover, ramps and public toilets are not merely embellishments. They determine whether vulnerable citizens can move independently and with dignity. Urban success should be measured not only by the number of flyovers built but also by the number of safe walking kilometres created.

51. What is the central argument of the passage?

A) Flyovers should replace all existing footpaths.
B) Safe footpaths are essential for health, safety and equal mobility.
C) Citizens should avoid public transportation.
D) Walking is suitable only for physically fit adults.

52. The word “sedentary” most nearly means:

A) Highly energetic
B) Socially responsible
C) Physically inactive
D) Financially secure

53. Why can responsibility for increasing walking not be placed only on citizens?

A) The built environment may make walking difficult and unsafe.
B) Most citizens are unwilling to exercise under any circumstances.
C) Walking always requires medical supervision.
D) Public transport makes walking unnecessary.

54. Why are benches, lighting and ramps described as more than embellishments?

A) They increase property prices.
B) They make roads more attractive to motorists.
C) They reduce the cost of constructing flyovers.
D) They affect the safety and accessibility of public spaces.

55. Which inference is best supported by the passage?

A) Urban design has little connection with public health.
B) Better urban planning can encourage healthier behaviour.
C) Parking on pavements benefits pedestrians.
D) Road safety depends entirely on individual willpower.

Passage 2

A new academic pathway allowed students completing a four-year undergraduate degree to pursue a master’s degree in one year rather than the conventional two years. Many students opted for the additional undergraduate year partly because of this opportunity.

However, more than 30,000 students graduated from the four-year programme, while only a little over 1,100 seats were offered across the one-year postgraduate courses. Students argued that the intake was disproportionately small and that the promise of academic progression had not been matched by adequate capacity.

Faculty members also raised concerns about frequent procedural changes and unclear communication. Important eligibility and admission criteria were reportedly communicated late, leaving students unable to make fully informed choices. Following campus protests, the university formed a committee to consider increasing the number of seats.

56. What is the main problem discussed in the passage?

A) Students were unwilling to pursue postgraduate education.
B) The number of one-year postgraduate seats was very low compared with demand.
C) Universities had abolished all two-year postgraduate courses.
D) Students were prevented from completing undergraduate degrees.

57. The expression “disproportionately small” means:

A) Unnecessarily expensive
B) Academically unsuitable
C) Too small in relation to the number of applicants
D) Equally divided among departments

58. Why did some students feel that the university had failed to fulfil its promise?

A) They had pursued an additional year expecting access to the shorter master’s pathway.
B) Their undergraduate degrees had been cancelled.
C) They were compelled to leave the university after three years.
D) They had been offered too many postgraduate choices.

59. What concern was raised by faculty members?

A) Excessive numbers of available seats
B) Frequent procedural changes and unclear communication
C) Complete absence of undergraduate programmes
D) Unwillingness of students to attend classes

60. Why was a committee constituted?

A) To close the one-year programmes permanently
B) To investigate criminal activity on campus
C) To reduce the number of eligible graduates
D) To consider expanding the postgraduate intake

Passage 3

Rapid advances in drones, autonomous systems, aerospace technology and space-based capabilities have altered the nature of national security. As a result, countries are attempting to diversify defence supply chains and reduce dependence on a small number of suppliers.

Canada and India possess complementary strengths. Canada has advanced aerospace research, space robotics and substantial reserves of critical minerals. India has a large manufacturing base, an expanding aviation industry and considerable experience in producing cost-effective technological platforms.

Critical minerals are especially important because they are essential components of advanced defence and aerospace systems. Stable supply chains involving trusted partners can therefore strengthen both national and economic security. Cooperation may include research, co-development, subsystem manufacturing, military education and joint exercises.

61. What is the primary argument of the passage?

A) Canada and India should end cooperation in aerospace technology.
B) Defence technology should be produced by one country alone.
C) Complementary capabilities can support stronger defence cooperation.
D) Critical minerals have no connection with national security.

62. The word “diversify” most nearly means:

A) Depend on a single source
B) Increase the variety of sources or activities
C) Reduce production completely
D) Avoid all foreign cooperation

63. Why are critical minerals important?

A) They are used mainly for agricultural decoration.
B) They eliminate the need for manufacturing.
C) They are essential components of advanced technologies.
D) They are available only in India.

64. Which strength of India is mentioned in the passage?

A) A large manufacturing base
B) Complete control of global mineral reserves
C) The world’s only aerospace industry
D) Absence of dependence on technology

65. What can stable defence supply chains strengthen?

A) Only private corporate profits
B) National and economic security
C) Dependence on a single supplier
D) Restrictions on scientific research

Section E: Cloze Tests

Cloze Test 1

The petitioner alleged that the continuous recording of demonstrators had created a (66) atmosphere of fear and acted as a (67) against participation. The police denied conducting (68) surveillance and maintained that videography was carried out in (69) with law-and-order requirements. The court nevertheless emphasised the (70) right to peaceful protest.

66.

A) Temporary
B) Pervasive
C) Cheerful
D) Voluntary

67.

A) Deterrent
B) Reward
C) Motivation
D) Celebration

68.

A) Transparent
B) Impartial
C) Intrusive
D) Conventional

69.

A) Conflict
B) Compliance
C) Opposition
D) Violation

70.

A) Commercial
B) Optional
C) Fundamental
D) Artificial

Cloze Test 2

The analysis argued that food-price pressures had been (71) by an (72) monsoon. It recommended greater investment in irrigation to (73) consumers against future shocks. For fuel prices, it proposed a (74) tax policy under which duties could be reduced when international crude prices were (75).

71.

A) Mitigated
B) Exacerbated
C) Concealed
D) Stabilised

72.

A) Abundant
B) Adequate
C) Inadequate
D) Predictable

73.

A) Expose
B) Punish
C) Cushion
D) Ignore

74.

A) Countercyclical
B) Decorative
C) Authoritarian
D) Retroactive

75.

A) Declining
B) Stable
C) Negligible
D) Soaring

Cloze Test 3

Spain’s victory was founded on (76) excellence rather than dependence on one star. Individual brilliance was skilfully (77) within the team’s broader structure. The title cemented Spain’s position as a (78) footballing force. In contrast, some of the opposing players behaved in a (79) manner, while the governing body was criticised for having (80) several organisational missteps.

76.

A) Collective
B) Isolated
C) Accidental
D) Superficial

77.

A) Exaggerated
B) Subsumed
C) Discarded
D) Opposed

78.

A) Obscure
B) Temporary
C) Pre-eminent
D) Inferior

79.

A) Gracious
B) Petulant
C) Disciplined
D) Mature

80.

A) Prevented
B) Exposed
C) Corrected
D) Condoned

Section F: Para Jumbles

Directions for Questions 81–100

Arrange the sentences marked P, Q, R, and S in the correct order.

81.

P. Police erected barricades along the route leading towards Parliament.
Q. Large numbers of students gathered to protest examination irregularities.
R. Some demonstrators subsequently attempted to move past the barriers.
S. Clashes followed, leaving protesters and police personnel injured.

A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) QRPS
D) RQSP

82.

P. The petitioner alleged that permanent cameras intimidated student participants.
Q. Police maintained that routine videography was necessary for law and order.
R. The High Court asked whether proper protest-related guidelines had been framed.
S. A dispute over the filming of demonstrators reached the High Court.

A) QSPR
B) SQPR
C) SPQR
D) PQRS

83.

P. Older buses and trucks contribute significantly to urban air pollution.
Q. A new scheme therefore offered benefits for replacing such vehicles.
R. Owners scrapping eligible vehicles could receive tax and registration exemptions.
S. The programme was expected to modernise the commercial vehicle fleet.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) PRQS
D) RSPQ

84.

P. A group of pirates hijacked a commercial vessel and held its crew hostage.
Q. Indian naval ships responded to the emergency alert.
R. The accused were apprehended during the anti-piracy operation.
S. A special court later sentenced them to life imprisonment.

A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) PRSQ
D) RQPS

85.

P. National Conference leaders gathered in Delhi to demand the restoration of Statehood.
Q. Heavy police deployment prevented the Chief Minister from reaching the original protest site.
R. He later staged a sit-in on a nearby road.
S. A rival party described the demonstration as deliberately understated.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) PRQS
D) SQPR

86.

P. A report alleged that schoolgirls had been searched, assaulted and humiliated.
Q. Their parents gathered at the school to protest the incident.
R. The human-rights commission took suo motu cognisance of the report.
S. It sought details of the incident and the action taken by the government.

A) PRQS
B) PQRS
C) QPRS
D) RSPQ

87.

P. Many fourth-year students expected access to a one-year master’s programme.
Q. They later discovered that only a small number of seats was available.
R. Student organisations staged protests demanding additional capacity.
S. The university formed a committee to examine the request.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) PRSQ
D) RQSP

88.

P. An amendment Bill relating to foreign contributions was scheduled for Parliament.
Q. Church representatives reiterated their apprehensions about some of its provisions.
R. They argued that existing laws already allowed the government to monitor foreign funds.
S. They urged Members of Parliament to oppose the Bill.

A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) PRQS
D) RSPQ

89.

P. The Supreme Court recognised safe walking on footpaths as a constitutional right.
Q. Broken and obstructed pavements frequently force pedestrians onto busy roads.
R. The judgment directed governments to frame policies for safe footways.
S. The next challenge is to convert the judgment into planning and enforcement.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) QRPS
D) RQSP

90.

P. Rapid changes in warfare have encouraged countries to reassess defence preparedness.
Q. Canada consequently announced plans to rebuild and reinvest in its armed forces.
R. Cooperation with India could combine advanced research with large-scale manufacturing.
S. Aerospace technology and critical minerals offer important areas of partnership.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) PRSQ
D) RQPS

91.

P. International crude-oil prices increased sharply.
Q. Domestic fuel and transportation costs consequently rose.
R. Higher input costs then contributed to inflation in manufactured goods.
S. Temporary reductions in indirect taxes could help cushion the impact.

A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) PRQS
D) RSPQ

92.

P. Spain conceded only one goal during the entire tournament.
Q. Seven different players contributed to its total number of goals.
R. Individual brilliance remained integrated within the collective system.
S. The team eventually secured the world title.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) PRSQ
D) RPQS

93.

P. The Monsoon Session of Parliament began amid high political expectations.
Q. The Prime Minister appealed for informed and respectful debate.
R. Opposition members raised several contentious issues.
S. Repeated disruptions eventually led to adjournments.

A) PQRS
B) PSQR
C) QRPS
D) PRQS

94.

P. A merchant vessel departed from the Ukrainian port of Odessa.
Q. It was attacked while travelling through the maritime corridor.
R. Four Indian seafarers were reported killed in the incident.
S. India condemned attacks that endangered civilian shipping.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) PRSQ
D) RQSP

95.

P. The activist had continued his hunger strike for several weeks.
Q. His declining health resulted in his admission to a government hospital.
R. His wife sought permission to transfer him to a hospital of his choice.
S. The High Court called for complete medical reports before deciding the matter.

A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) PRQS
D) RSPQ

96.

P. Repeated examination paper leaks initially triggered the protest movement.
Q. Broader dissatisfaction with governance gradually surfaced during the demonstrations.
R. Participants spoke about unemployment, inflation and poor public services.
S. The agitation consequently grew beyond the original examination-related demands.

A) PRQS
B) PQRS
C) QPRS
D) RSPQ

97.

P. The central bank announced concessional foreign-currency swap facilities.
Q. Authorised banks then mobilised foreign exchange from several channels.
R. Total inflows through the facility exceeded $20 billion.
S. The measure was intended to strengthen the balance of payments.

A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) PRSQ
D) RQPS

98.

P. A major private bank reported modest growth in quarterly profit.
Q. Its net interest margin, however, declined substantially.
R. Investors reacted negatively to the weaker performance indicators.
S. The bank’s market capitalisation consequently fell sharply.

A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) PRQS
D) RSPQ

99.

P. An inexperienced bowling attack struggled under pressure in England.
Q. The absence of seasoned fast bowlers exposed a serious weakness.
R. Selectors had continued to overlook several experienced alternatives.
S. The situation strengthened calls for a major course correction.

A) PRQS
B) QPRS
C) PQRS
D) RQSP

100.

P. The world champion’s recent faltering form attracted considerable attention.
Q. An important title defence was approaching.
R. A former champion nevertheless expressed confidence in the young player.
S. He believed that the player could recover before the major contest.

A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) PRSQ
D) RQPS

Detailed Explanations :

Section A: Grammar Error Correction

1. Answer: B

The pronoun neither is singular and requires a singular verb.

Incorrect: Neither of the two explanations were convincing.
Correct: Neither of the two explanations was convincing.

2. Answer: B

The correct correlative construction is:

No sooner…than

Incorrect: No sooner had the march begun when…
Correct: No sooner had the march begun than…

3. Answer: B

The infinitive marker to must be followed by the base form of a verb.

Incorrect: to examining
Correct: to examine

Correct sentence:

The committee was constituted to examine the mismatch between available seats and eligible applicants.

4. Answer: B

The relative pronoun that refers to the plural noun administrative lapses. Therefore, a plural verb is required.

Incorrect: lapses that has been reported
Correct: lapses that have been reported

5. Answer: A

Despite is followed by a noun, pronoun or gerund, not by a complete clause.

Incorrect: Despite the university had issued several notices
Correct: Although the university had issued several notices

Another possible correction:

Despite the university’s issuing several notices…

6. Answer: B

The subject each is singular.

Incorrect: Each…were given
Correct: Each…was given

7. Answer: B

The correct construction is:

Prevent someone from doing something

Incorrect: prevent institutions to alter
Correct: prevent institutions from altering

8. Answer: B

The subject figures is plural and requires a plural verb.

Incorrect: figures…indicates
Correct: figures…indicate

9. Answer: B

After verbs such as direct, order, recommend, demand and suggest, the formal subjunctive structure may be used:

that + subject + base verb

Incorrect: directed that all reports are placed
Correct: directed that all reports be placed

10. Answer: B

The correct pair is:

Hardly…when

Incorrect: Hardly had Parliament assembled than…
Correct: Hardly had Parliament assembled when…

11. Answer: D — No error

The sentence is grammatically correct.

Deny having conducted is the correct structure because deny is followed by a gerund.

The phrase solely for maintaining law and order is also acceptable.

12. Answer: B

The expression the number of takes a singular verb.

Incorrect: The number…remain
Correct: The number…remains

Compare:

The number of applicants is increasing.
A number of applicants are waiting.

13. Answer: B

With either…or, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

The nearest subject is the Registrar, which is singular.

Incorrect: Registrar were expected
Correct: Registrar was expected

14. Answer: B

The structure not only…but also requires parallel grammatical forms.

Incorrect: not only offered…but also providing
Correct: not only offered…but also provided

15. Answer: B

The noun buses is plural. The replacement pronoun must also be plural.

Incorrect: cleaner one
Correct: cleaner ones

16. Answer: B

The verb accuse takes the preposition of.

Incorrect: accused the authorities for ignoring
Correct: accused the authorities of ignoring

17. Answer: C

The sentence describes an unreal past situation and therefore requires the third conditional.

Structure:

If + past perfect, would have + past participle

Incorrect: would be prevented
Correct: would have been prevented

18. Answer: B

In the expression be accustomed to, the word to is a preposition and must be followed by a noun or gerund.

Incorrect: accustomed to compete
Correct: accustomed to competing

19. Answer: B

In standard competitive-exam grammar, the collective noun a group is treated as singular.

Incorrect: A group…have demanded
Correct: A group…has demanded

20. Answer: D — No error

The sentence is correct.

The structure is parallel:

to scrap obsolete vehicles
and purchase cleaner alternatives

The word to applies to both verbs.

Section B: Synonyms

21. Answer: A — Severe official action

A crackdown is strong or severe action taken by authorities to stop illegal activity, unrest or opposition.

Example:

The police launched a crackdown on unlawful activities.

22. Answer: C — Dissatisfaction

Discontent means unhappiness or dissatisfaction with a situation.

Example:

The examination irregularities caused widespread discontent.

23. Answer: A — Deserving strong condemnation

Deplorable means extremely bad, unacceptable or deserving criticism.

Example:

Attacks on civilian ships were described as deplorable.

24. Answer: B — Invading personal privacy

Intrusive describes an action that enters someone’s personal life or privacy in an unwelcome manner.

Example:

The petition challenged intrusive surveillance.

25. Answer: A — Carried out without careful distinction

Indiscriminate means done randomly without carefully selecting or distinguishing between people or things.

Example:

The organisation criticised the indiscriminate use of force.

26. Answer: B — Discouragement through fear of consequences

Deterrence means preventing or discouraging an action by creating fear of punishment or consequences.

Example:

Strict penalties may act as a deterrence against violations.

27. Answer: C — Widespread

Pervasive means spreading throughout an area, group or situation.

Example:

A pervasive atmosphere of fear affected the participants.

28. Answer: B — Challenged or questioned

Impugned means disputed, criticised or legally challenged.

Example:

The Supreme Court stayed the impugned order.

29. Answer: A — Total expenditure

An outlay is the amount of money allocated or spent on a project or scheme.

Example:

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹9,585 crore.

30. Answer: B — Merciful treatment

Leniency means kindness or reduced severity in punishment.

Example:

The accused requested leniency from the court.

31. Answer: A — Made less prominent

Overshadowed means made less noticeable or important because something else attracted greater attention.

Example:

The smaller protest was overshadowed by the larger march.

32. Answer: A — Official notice or awareness

Cognisance means awareness or formal recognition of a fact, especially by a court or authority.

Take cognisance of means to officially notice or consider something.

33. Answer: B — Advancement

Progression means movement or advancement from one stage to another.

Example:

Students expected smooth academic progression to postgraduate study.

34. Answer: A — Taking effect from a past date

Retroactive means applying to events or actions that occurred before a law or decision was introduced.

Example:

The government said the provision would not have retroactive effect.

35. Answer: B — Insulting or disrespectful

Derogatory means showing disrespect or expressing a low opinion of someone.

Example:

The politician was accused of making derogatory remarks.

Section C: Antonyms

36. Answer: C — Facilitate

Impede means to obstruct, hinder or delay.

Facilitate means to make something easier.

37. Answer: B — Stable

In the expression critical condition, critical means extremely serious or dangerous.

Its contextual opposite is stable.

38. Answer: D — Selective

Indiscriminate means random or without distinction.

Selective means carefully chosen or limited to particular people or things.

39. Answer: A — Democratic

Authoritarian describes a system that demands strict obedience and restricts freedom.

Its opposite is democratic, where people enjoy political participation and rights.

40. Answer: C — Encourage

Deter means to discourage someone from doing something.

Encourage means to motivate or support someone to do it.

41. Answer: D — Proven

Alleged means claimed but not yet proved.

Its opposite is proven, meaning established as true through evidence.

42. Answer: A — Establish

Uproot means to remove completely from an established position.

Establish means to set up or place firmly.

43. Answer: C — Decelerate

Accelerate means to increase speed or make progress faster.

Decelerate means to slow down.

44. Answer: B — Defiant

Compliant means willing to obey rules or instructions.

Defiant means openly resisting authority or refusing to obey.

45. Answer: D — Abolition

Restoration means bringing something back into existence.

Abolition means formally ending or removing it.

46. Answer: C — Stringent

Lenient means mild, tolerant or merciful.

Stringent means strict, severe or demanding.

47. Answer: C — Concluding

Inaugural means first or opening.

Concluding means final or occurring at the end.

48. Answer: B — Unconventional

Conventional means traditional or based on commonly accepted practices.

Unconventional means unusual or different from established methods.

49. Answer: D — Demerit

Merit means a positive quality, advantage or worth.

Demerit means a fault, disadvantage or negative quality.

50. Answer: C — Prospective

Retroactive means effective from a past date.

Prospective means applying from the present or a future date onward.

Section D: Reading Comprehension

Passage 1: Safe Footpaths and Urban Mobility

51. Answer: B

The passage argues that safe footpaths are not merely decorative urban structures. They are essential for:

public health;
pedestrian safety;
independent mobility;
equal access for vulnerable citizens.

Therefore, option B states the central idea.

52. Answer: C — Physically inactive

Sedentary describes a lifestyle involving little physical activity or movement.

Poor urban design may encourage people to remain physically inactive.

53. Answer: A

Citizens cannot walk safely when footpaths are:

broken;
obstructed;
poorly lit;
occupied by vehicles;
inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Therefore, increasing physical activity requires government action and better infrastructure, not merely personal determination.

54. Answer: D

Benches, ramps, lighting and tree cover affect whether:

older people can rest;
wheelchair users can move;
women can walk safely;
pedestrians can use public spaces comfortably.

They are therefore essential accessibility features, not mere decorations.

55. Answer: B

The passage connects urban design with citizens’ behaviour.

When cities provide safe and continuous footpaths, people are more likely to walk. Thus, better planning can encourage healthier lifestyles.

Passage 2: One-Year Postgraduate Programme

56. Answer: B

The main issue is the large difference between:

more than 30,000 graduates;
only a little over 1,100 postgraduate seats.

The available capacity was extremely low compared with student demand.

57. Answer: C

Disproportionately small means much smaller than what would be reasonable when compared with the number of eligible students.

It does not merely mean “small”; it means small in relation to demand.

58. Answer: A

Many students completed an additional undergraduate year because they expected to become eligible for the one-year master’s programme.

When very few seats were offered, they felt that the promised opportunity had not been properly implemented.

59. Answer: B

Faculty members complained about:

constantly changing procedures;
uncertain guidelines;
unclear communication;
late disclosure of eligibility conditions.

Therefore, option B is correct.

60. Answer: D

The committee was formed to examine requests for an increase in the number of one-year postgraduate seats.

Its purpose was to consider expanding the intake.

Passage 3: Canada–India Defence Cooperation

61. Answer: C

The passage argues that Canada and India possess complementary capabilities:

Canada has advanced research, aerospace expertise and minerals;
India has large-scale manufacturing and cost-effective platforms.

Combining these strengths could support defence cooperation.

62. Answer: B

Diversify means to increase variety and avoid depending on only one source.

In this passage, countries want defence equipment and materials to come from multiple reliable suppliers.

63. Answer: C

Critical minerals are important because they are used in:

aerospace systems;
defence electronics;
satellites;
advanced weapons;
emerging technologies.

Thus, they are essential components of modern technology.

64. Answer: A

The passage specifically identifies India’s large manufacturing base and growing aviation industry as major strengths.

65. Answer: B

Stable supply chains ensure that vital materials and technologies remain available during crises.

They therefore strengthen both:

national security;
economic security.

Section E: Cloze Tests

Cloze Test 1

66. Answer: B — Pervasive

A pervasive atmosphere of fear is one that spreads widely throughout the protest site or group.

67. Answer: A — Deterrent

A deterrent is something that discourages people from taking an action.

The petitioner argued that surveillance discouraged students from participating.

68. Answer: C — Intrusive

Intrusive surveillance means monitoring that unnecessarily invades privacy.

The police denied that its videography was intrusive.

69. Answer: B — Compliance

The correct expression is:

In compliance with

It means in accordance with rules or requirements.

70. Answer: C — Fundamental

The right to peaceful protest is described as a fundamental right, meaning a basic constitutional right.

Cloze Test 2

71. Answer: B — Exacerbated

Exacerbated means made worse or more severe.

The inadequate monsoon worsened food-price pressures.

72. Answer: C — Inadequate

An inadequate monsoon means rainfall was insufficient for agricultural requirements.

73. Answer: C — Cushion

To cushion someone against a shock means to protect them from its full harmful impact.

Investment in irrigation could reduce the effect of future food-price shocks.

74. Answer: A — Countercyclical

A countercyclical tax policy works against the direction of an economic cycle.

For example, the government may reduce fuel duties when global oil prices rise.

75. Answer: D — Soaring

Soaring prices are prices increasing rapidly and sharply.

The proposed tax reductions would apply when crude-oil prices were rising significantly.

Cloze Test 3

76. Answer: A — Collective

Spain’s success depended on contributions from the whole team.

Therefore, collective excellence is appropriate.

77. Answer: B — Subsumed

Subsumed means included or absorbed within a larger whole.

Individual talent was incorporated into the team’s overall system.

78. Answer: C — Pre-eminent

Pre-eminent means superior, leading or more important than others.

The victory established Spain as a leading footballing force.

79. Answer: B — Petulant

Petulant means behaving in an immature, impatient or bad-tempered manner.

It appropriately describes the criticised behaviour of some players.

80. Answer: D — Condoned

Condoned means accepted, tolerated or failed to condemn improper behaviour.

The governing body was criticised for tolerating organisational errors.

Section F: Para Jumbles

81. Answer: A — QPRS

Q introduces the protest and its reason.
P describes the police preparation through barricades.
R states that protesters attempted to cross them.
S gives the resulting clashes and injuries.

Correct sequence: Q → P → R → S

82. Corrected Answer: C — SPQR

S introduces the dispute and states that it reached the High Court.
P presents the petitioner’s allegation about intimidation.
Q gives the police response and justification.
R states the court’s question regarding guidelines.

Correct sequence: S → P → Q → R